“I miss chitchatting with familiar faces in between shooting” – Fazlur Rahman Babu

From working in theatrical productions to playing memorable roles on television and the silver screen, National Film Award-winning actor Fazlur Rahman Babu has built a remarkable career over the years. In a candid chat with The Daily Star, he shares how he is coping with the coronavirus crisis.

What were the last projects that you were working on?

My last shoot was on March 21, for a short film on the Liberation War. The shooting took place at Keraniganj. I was also busy shooting for the film, Ural, backed by Bangladesh Shishu Academy. Several of my projects were set to take off in April. I was scheduled to work on the film, Raat Jaga Ful, from this month. I was supposed to work on several TV projects for Eid. But now, we are helpless.

What do you miss the most about shooting?

 I am someone who likes staying outdoors and enjoys the whole ambience of shooting sets. It was quite shocking for me when everything came to a halt. I miss chitchatting with familiar faces in between shooting. None of us expected the countrywide shutdown to last this long, and at times, it can get really frustrating. I miss going out, but we have to stay at home for our own sake.

How are you spending time at home?

I have been watching TV dramas and films and reading books. I also try to exercise every now and then. I have been spending a lot of time with my family lately, and helping out my wife in different household chores.

What are some books that you have read recently?

I read several articles from Ahmed Sofa's Essay Collection recently, alongside some Latin American stories. Jibanananda Das is my favourite poet and I read his poems almost every day. I have been re-reading my favourite short stories by Rabindranath. What I choose to read actually depends on my mood; there are no fixed genres.

Following up to that, what are the movies and television shows that you have watched recently?

I have been watching Ostodhatu, a television serial that I am in, regularly. I also watched my film Gohin Baluchor recently. In fact, I have been watching one movie every day since the shutdown began.

What are your thoughts on the current crisis we are going through?

This crisis has taught me that we can keep our lives simple, yet beautiful, if we control our negative emotions. Another lesson to take away from these difficult times is that we must do our part to help each other and other animals to coexist, without going against nature, for our survival. I hope that Bangladesh succeeds in battling the pandemic.