Setting new standards

Jaimy, on the camera, and his team at the shooting of Rajdhani on the river Buriganga

Soon after his HSC is 1985, the aspiring filmmaker went to America. Although at first he got himself admitted to Wichita State University for studying Aviation Management, he moved to Dallas at the first opportunity to study film. 'I've been a movie lover since my boyhood,' says Jaimy, explaining his knack for the medium.

In Dallas Jaimy started working as an amateur videographer. Finally, however, the young man went to his dream-place--Hollywood, where in 1993 he received his Bachelor degree in film. In Hollywood Jaimy enriched his skills by working as a production assistant and camera operator. Besides studies, at that time he directed a few music videos, commercials, short films and live shows.

After returning to Bangladesh, Jaimy first concentrated on making some dramas and telefilms for the television before founding his own production house--Kirtonkhola Productions Ltd. in 1998. Interestingly, all these plays and telefilms were written by Jaimy himself. Since 1996 he has made about 12 plays and two telefilms. Among his productions are crime thrillers like Daman and Lohar Churi. There are also romantic melodramas like Neel Monihar and Bhalobashar Jadu, and Eid special comedy Mobaroker Eid. These have been aired on BTV, the erstwhile Ekushey Television, Channel-i and ATN Bangla.

However, Jaimy's ultimate target has always been to make films. This ambition was fulfilled early this year with Rajdhani. Although the film reveals little innovation in its storyline, Jaimy's directorial skill has proven to be a success. 'First, I have made sure that the performers act naturally, which does not exist at all in the present trend of the mainstream films,' says Jaimy. 'Delivering dialogues in most films is almost similar to shouting--and I had to get tough on it. Popular actors are all used to it and I had to ask them repeatedly not to do so,' he says.

Most of the cast include big names of the tinseltown like Manna, Ahmed Sharif, Humayun Faridee, Misha Shaodagor, Shahnoor and Fardeen. Jaimy, however, casts a new face in the role of the heroine: Shumona Shoma. 'I didn't think it would be risky to cast a new comer as long as I could apply my own directorial methods,' Jaimy explains. 'Moreover, many directors have previously introduced new faces,' he says.

Whether he had to face any trouble whatsoever while shooting, especially with actors, Jaimy recollects some funny-situations. 'Manna would often undo a button or two of his shirt--a style he is habituated with from his long-term working with most of the directors. Every time I had to cut the scene and go button his shirt again' says Jaimy comically.

Has he found the Films Development Corporation (FDC) and the Censor Board working-friendly? Jaimy candidly comments, 'I haven't entertained any kind of illegitimacy regarding getting my film released "uncut". I knew my film is a clean movie, devoid of any obscenity and too much violence; so I was in a firm position,' says a confident Jaimy.

At present Jaimy is working on his new film.