I Could Convert My Fear into My Strength - Anam Biswas

Star Showbiz: How did the year 2018 turn out for you?

Anam Biswas: It turned out to be extremely lucky. In fact, I would say that 2018 has been the turning point of my career. I honestly gave my one hundred percent and successfully managed to pull off my debut film project Debi in 2018. The year took me to achieve a dream milestone as a filmmaker.

Showbiz: Could you share your story behind coming up as a filmmaker?

Anam: I used to write lyrics and scripts. I wrote the scripts of Aynabaji and won awards for it as well. The will to do something creative, played a big role in my evolution as a filmmaker.

Showbiz: What was the secret behind the success of 'Debi'?

Anam: There was no secret, to be honest. Debi became successful because of the tremendous teamwork of the film's cast and production members. Everyone related to the film gave their utmost efforts. It was a collective consummation. I am honestly indebted to each and every member of the Debi family. And we believed that Humayun Ahmed himself has been with us throughout the journey with his blessings.

Showbiz: Making a debut film based on such a popular novel must have seemed like a daring challenge to you.

Anam: It did, to some extent. I was a little nervous, because working with Humayun Ahmed's creations is never a child's play. Then I could convert my fear into my strength. It was Humayun's novel, and so a perfect execution based on it had the possibility of resulting into something beyond expectations. So I took the risk, setting my eyes at a bigger prize. And it paid off!

Showbiz: What was your reaction after making such a big hit with your debut attempt?

Anam: It was incredible. I actually do not have the right words to express exactly how I felt. Such emotions can barely be expressed using typical words.  It was very satisfying that I could pursue my audience to attain their honest acceptance. The feedback I received from them was mostly positive. Almost everyone said that they enjoyed the film thoroughly. Some said they discovered newer dimensions of the story, too.

Showbiz: After your success with 'Debi', do you have any plan of bringing 'Himu' to the silver screens?

Anam: I would like to do that. Himu is a very interesting character with a unique sense of humor. Perhaps someday in the future we will see him in the big screens too.

Showbiz: Many complain that the audiences are now very reluctant about going to cinema halls. What do you think of this matter?

Anam: It is a fact that the enthusiasm is far lower than it used to be. But there has to be a reason for this too, and we ought to find out that reason. Maybe the audiences are not getting what they expect from the cinemas. Maybe they are not being well entertained. Recently some movies did see very good response from the viewers in the cinema halls. So it is certain that we have to present our audience with quality productions to keep them coming.

Showbiz: Do you think we are not seeing quality productions in our country?

Anam: No, we do see artistic masterpieces at regular intervals. But the number of films has to increase in order to elevate the industry from the crisis it faces.

Showbiz: What are your plans for the future?

Anam: Now that I myself have become one of the 'cinema-people', my plans also revolve around cinemas. I have not initiated any new project as of yet, but I have some interesting plans. Once I manage to get those underway, I am sure you will receive updates soon enough!

Interviewed by Robiul Kamal

Transcribed by Tasbir Iftekhar