Thousands flock to “Halda” sets to get a glimpse of stars

The Barua Para of Chittagong's Raujan has seen a huge enthusiastic crowd every day from early morning to late night, where people from all ages are flocking to get a glimpse of their favourite actors. Tauquir Ahmed's latest directorial venture, “Halda”, is being filmed by the banks of the river Halda in Chittagong, with a star-studded cast of Zahid Hasan, Mosharraf Karim, Tisha, Fazlur Rahman Babu, Momena Chowdhury and Shahed Ali, among others.

At the sets, in the crowds is Nipu Barua, an elderly woman probably past her nineties. Upon spotting her, Zahid Hasan leaves his set to touch her feet out of respect. Director Tauquir Ahmed repeatedly calls on his assistants to disperse the crowd to make way for filming the scenes. The crowd clears a bit, and shooting resumes. 

Adapted from a novel written by Azad Bulbul, Tauquir Ahmed has written the screenplay. Shooting commenced from September 26 and is predicted to wrap up by this week. About the film, Tauquir said, “The issues that we have tried to work with in the film are quite challenging to execute. It is also difficult to shoot a film on a river bank. Luck was on our side regarding the weather, which enabled us to work at a good pace. My cast members have dedicated themselves to shooting for this film, and after 'Oggatonama', this is my next big challenge.”

Zahid Hasan, who plays the character Nader, commented, “Tauquir is an excellent director and has tackled this tremendous task in a very level-headed manner. My character is quite challenging to portray as well, but I am satisfied with the work.” Co-star Mosharraf Karim also said, “Tauquir Ahmed addresses unique and serious themes in his work, and is very organised and meticulous in his approach. He is a perfectionist, and that is why his films always do well.”

Nusrat Imroz Tisha said, “'Halda' is a beautiful story, and is at the hands of an extremely talented director, and is being played out by a talented cast as well. I am quite excited for the film's release, and look forward to share this experience with viewers.” 

The director also stated that although the crowds on the river banks have made shooting difficult, they have been aided by the locals, which has helped them tremendously with their work. “Halda” also marks the first time Zahid Hasan and Tisha are working under Tauquir Ahmed's direction, and the first time that the pair will appear as a couple in a film.