Veteran wears director's hat after 22 years

GUWAHATI: Though the film scenario in the state continues to be grim, the new year will bring with it a major visual treat for Assam's tea community, with veteran actor and filmmaker Abdul Mazid (83) all set to direct 'Saat Numbarer Shandhanat' after 22 years. The film will focus on the community and the superstitions which illiteracy breeds.
Produced by the Assam State Film (Finance and Development) Corporation (ASFFDC), the 'mahurat' was observed on the premises of Jyoti Chitraban studios on Thursday.
Mazid, who has directed films like 'Chameli Memsaahib', 'Bonjui', 'Azan Fakir', 'Morom Trishna', 'Bahadur Gaonbura' and acted in over forty films, was impressed by writer Zehirul Hussain's script and decided to render it on the big screen. "I was asked by a close friend from Jorhat to read the story and make a film. I read it and was touched. A tour of the tea gardens of upper Assam inspired me to direct this film. I have introduced a new actress to play a tea garden worker, the central protagonist. My interest in new faces had yielded George Baker years ago for 'Chameli Memsaahib'," he said.
ASFFDC chairperson Bobeeta Sharma said, "This is our third feature film after 'Nishidha Nodi' and 'Baandhon'. We are proud to have Mazid directing a film for us after 22 years. "
The film will be the first to be shot officially at Film City, Jyoti Chitraban studios.
Mitali Roy, the young actress from Biswanath Chariali, is excited to be facing the camera for the first time. Senior theater artists like Baharul Islam, Bhagirathi, actor Raag Oinitam, singer Zubeen Garg are part of the 50-member acting crew. Renowned art director Nurrudin Ahmad has also given his assent.
Mazid, who was close to Bhupen Hazarika and ensured that the legend composed music for all his films, missed him during the 'mahurat'. Anil Saikia, principal of Moran College, has been given charge of the film's music, and Suman Duwara will handle cinematography by working on the Arielexa camera, which is a very high definition camera. He said it is used by filmmakers across the globe. This is the first time that it will be used in a film from the northeast.
The dignitaries present on the occasion included principal secretary of culture Kumar Sanjay Krishna, secretary of cultural affairs Swapnanil Barua, filmmaker Pulak Gogoi, Manju Borah, veteran actor Indra Baniyaand.