Zahid Hossain Shovon on “Rupsha Nodir Baankey”

Renowned actor Zahid Hossain Shovon made his name in theatre, television and film over the years.

The actor will be featured in eminent filmmaker Tanvir Mokammel's "Rupsha Nodir Baankey (Quiet Flows the River Rupsha)", which will release on December 11.

In a conversation with The Daily Star, Shovon shared his experience of working in the film.

"I feel extremely honoured for the opportunity of being included in this film," expressed the actor.

The actor shared that the plot is set in the years of the undivided Indian subcontinent (1930s), and carries the vibrant stories of the most important turning points in subcontinental history.

"Rupsha Nodir Baankey" will portray some major highlights of the left-wing movement in the region, which is unknown to many.

"I am playing the role of Martyr Manab Ratan Mukhopadhyay, a leftist leader who was assassinated during the Liberation War of Bangladesh," says Shovon. "I did a lot of research to understand the character, before going in front of the camera."

Shovon mentions that he had quit his previous job in a television channel to fit the schedule for this film. "I felt like this was a lifetime opportunity for me. Acting is my true passion."

He joined Ekushey Television as the Head of Programmes, after the shoot was done.

"Rupsha Nodir Baankey" has been shot in various locations including Khulna, where Manab Ratan was born and river Rupsha is situated.

Manab Ratan had irrevocable contributions towards Bengal, from raising voice against the British rule to fighting against the oppressive Pakistan regime. His greatest achievement is considered to be regaining the farmers' land in Dakatia.

"We often forget about heroes like Manab Ratan," says Shovon. "Our effort behind this film will be successful if people come to see it."

Shovon, who is a member of the theatre group Theatre (Natok Shoroni), will be a part of more exciting projects in the future. While managing his job responsibilities, he plans to work in projects that touches his heart.

Manab Ratan's childhood and old age in the film will be portrayed by Tousif Sadman Turja and Khairul Alam Sabuj, respectively.

With a budget of BDT 96 lakh, the film is a government granted and crowdfunded project.

The film also features Ramendu Majumdar, Keramot Moula, Chitralekha Guha, Mili Basher and Naziba Basher, among others.

"Rupsha Nodir Baankey" was the last project by ten-time National Film Award winning legendary cinematographer, Mahfuzur Rahman Khan, before he passed away in 2019.