This Bangladeshi director wants to cast Dev in her films…
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Chayanika Chowdhury debuted as a director with the telefilm Seshbelay in 200. She enjoys undisputed popularity in the Bangladesh television circuit. After 24 years of direction, she has three films and more than 400 telefilms in her filmography. The director will soon start shooting her fourth film, Sokha Soulmate.
In an interview with Anandabazar Online, Chayanika said, “I remember Tagore’s lines that tell us to simply accept everything, good or bad. From that feeling, I can say that I am fortunate. I witnessed two different eras and could accept the good of each of them. My family education, honest behavior, and values were inherent in it. Good behavior is essential to do good in life.” She further said that her student years were still on. She also did not forget her early years struggles. She was a new woman director. Hence no hero wanted to act in her drama. She did not hold to that feeling but learned from it. These things increased her grit.
Like India, Bangladeshi films also have a tradition of making parallel and commercial films. Which genre is Chayanika comfortable? She did not take the time to answer. “After 24 years, I would like to describe my path as the ‘mixed’ one,” she said. She thinks that one should be updated with time, but that does not mean going with the flow. Her films hence have a combination of the past and modernity. ‘I try to make films combining the family stories with this generation’s thinking.’
The change in society affected the films, thinks Chayanika. “At my time, Nayanmoni, Dumurer Ful, or Basundhara were at the peak of popularity. Now I am watching Toofan and Rajkumar. I don’t find them bad. We watch OTTs like Hoichoi, Hotstar, and Netflix. Hence the Bangladeshi films’ pace has also increased.’ As a director, she thinks that it is not necessary for every film to have a message. But people will not go to the theaters if a film has no story. She watches Indian movies, too. Shah Rukh Khan’s Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham... is her favorite. Kaushik Ganguly’s film Ardhangini made her weep.
Chayanika was asked if she would come to Tollywood and direct a Bengali film. If she does, who will play the lead?
Chayanika is amazed at Dev. “There are many people in Tollywood whom I like. Uttam-Suchitra’s movies are my all-time favorite. Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Rekha, Kajol, and Madhuri are also my favorites. But I like Dev the most. He has all the hero qualities and seems close to me. I dream of making a love story with Dev.” Previously, she was asked to jointly make a Tollywood film. She could not come due to her busy schedule. Now, she wants to make a film solo. Opposite Dev, she wants either Pori Moni or Bubli.
After a long journey, Chayanika realizes that some people can betray, but work will never. It stays on throughout life.
