Rangchhut draws to an end

Subarna and Pijush in Rangchhut

Amplifying on the theme, Selim explained, "ntv aired the play at 10pm which is considered the prime time. However, the serial had long commercials breaks. And during the pilot episodes, because of the news bulletins, the channel aired the concluding part of the episodes after a gap of almost two hours. Viewers tend to lose interest in watching a 25-minute episode with such an extended break. And having lost these viewers at the very beginning of the serial, it was quite hard to bring them back."

This serial introduced some promising artistes including Sheoti, Anisur Rahman Milon and Shahriar Shubho. The latter had no previous experience in acting.

Selim says that he had taken an innovative approach to the serial. Firstly, 30 to 40 percent dialogues were improvised. This was done so subtly that the audience thought that each and every dialogue has been painstakingly scripted. Secondly, there was a narrative style in characterisations, such as that of powerful actress Subarna Mustafa, which is more seen in the theatre. It was as if she was talking to the audience, not to the other characters. "The successful improvisation of the theatre actors and a new dimension in shot divisions were also the specialty of the serial," Selim said.

Selim added, "I don't agree with those who say there is a crisis of artistes in our entertainment world. Such newcomers have proved that it is not true." He thinks theatre is a rich breeding ground for talented new artistes. In his words, "If these artistes are properly guided by a good director, they can reveal their talent. These new artistes would play a vital role in infusing a new spirit to theatre. This would avoid the monotony of oft repeated artistes on the screen."