Bijori Barkatullah, a name etched in the minds of audiences since her iconic role in the drama "Kothao Keu Nei", has spent years enthralling fans with her talent. From acting to dance, her journey has been adorned with accolades, admiration, and affection. In recent years, she has been making her mark on OTT platforms as well.  

This month, Bijori takes on a new cinematic journey with "840", directed by the renowned Mostofa Sarwar Farooki. In an exclusive interview with The Daily Star, she shared her thoughts about the film and her career.  

"I've worked with many directors, but this is my first time acting in a project helmed by Mostofa Sarwar Farooki. The film, '840', is set to release soon, and I play the character Soheli, the wife of a politician, portrayed by Nasir Uddin Khan," Bijori explained.  

Discussing her role, she said, "In this film, my husband is a mayor, and I am deeply supportive of his work, even enjoying it. Although this was my first time working with Nasir Uddin Khan, it never felt that way. It seemed like we had collaborated before. He is an incredible actor, and working with a skilled artist like him elevated my own performance."  

The movie was shot across various locations, including Rajshahi, Naogaon, and Dhaka, with a focus on outdoor settings. "The team included Fazlur Rahman Babu, Zakia Bari Mamo, Marzuk Russell, and Shahriar Nazim Joy, among others. While I've worked with Joy before, this was my first project with Marzuk Russell. Ashutosh Sujon is also part of the cast," she added.  

Praising the director, Bijori said, "Farooki bhai has a unique ability to breathe life into a character. Once he shares his vision, it becomes easier to internalise the role. Although I've worked on many projects with his production house, this was my first time being directed by him. It was an amazing experience."  

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Farooki reveals ‘840’ as satirical take on AL govt’s misrule

She continued, "Farooki bhai is pure magic. He's incredibly friendly and always kept the set lively with his laughter."  

Reflecting on her career, Bijori noted, "I haven't done many films, and there are reasons for that. There was a time when quality films became scarce. The kinds of movies being made didn't appeal to me. It's not that I didn't receive offers, but I only want to take on projects where everything aligns—the story, character, director, and overall quality must convince me."  

She emphasised the importance of storytelling in cinema, adding, "Cinema is a team effort. A film should explore diverse stories. Unfortunately, many local films limit women to roles like lovers, mothers, sisters, or aunts without delving into their personalities or individuality. It doesn't have to be female-centric, but the characters should have depth and uniqueness."  

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Bijori

Bijori concluded by describing "840" as a political satire, saying, "This film will leave the audience enthralled."