Photo : Collected
Veteran actor Mahfuz Ahmed has shared his views on the cultural sector’s budget as proposed for the financial year 2023-2024 in parliament on June 1. In the new budget, an allocation of Tk 699 crore has been proposed for the cultural arena, which is Tk 62 crore more compared to the last financial year.
The actor was responding to questions by journalists at an event marking a film to be released soon, titled 'Prohelika', on Friday. He highlighted the lack of planning of those involved with the national budget. Expressing doubts over the budget planners with regard to their good intention meant for the country’s cultural sector, he said that he has no headache in this regard.
Mahfuz said, "We the artistes are not supposed to give this response. However, as the question has been raised, I think proper planning is needed before preparing budget."
Apart from this, the actor said, "Whatever budget you prepare, no matter how much you increase it – I don’t have a headache about it yet. Because I know that this budget will not bring results even if it is thousands of crores of Taka. We need a plan before preparing the budget. People who are waiting for these budgets or those who give plans for the film industry to move forward, I have doubts, how veritable are those people for the film industry? Do those people really want this film industry to survive? I have enough doubts, as long as they do not understand the development of this industry, nothing will happen even with a budget to the tune of crores of Taka.”
Citing an example, the actor said, “There are many countries in the world, where there is a ministry or an organisation just to supervise the film. You don’t have to go too far – Tamil Nadu has a separate Ministry to look after the film industry. They recruit the right people. Is there any person or organisation to look after our film industry? We are running around directionless. We all are trying to work independently with everyone's abilities and dreams.”
It should be noted that Mahfuz Ahmed is returning to the big screen after eight long years with the film 'Prohelika'. Actress Shabnam Bubli acted in the heroine’s role in this movie. Apart from Mahfuz-Bubli, the film also stars Nasir Uddin Khan, Rashed Mamun Apu, AK Azad Setu, Rahmat Ullah, and Sabiha Zaman.
The story, dialogue, and screenplay of the movie were written by Pantha Shahriar and produced by Jamal Hossain. The movie ‘Prohelika’ is directed by Chayanika Chowdhury.
TDM/SD
