PLAYING JIBANANANDA DAS WAS AN EMOTIONALAND DEEPLY PERSONAL JOURNEY: KHAIRUL BASAR

With his calm screen presence and melodious voice, Khairul Basar has become one of the talked-about faces following the release of the trailer of “Bonolata Sen”. The actor drew attention for his portrayal of Jibanananda Das in the film, which promises a visually rich and emotionally layered cinematic experience inspired by literature and poetry. Alongside the much-anticipated film, Khairul Basar is also set to appear in dozens of television fictions this Eid-ul-Azha, keeping him busy across both the big and small screens. In a conversation with Daily Sun, the actor spoke about his preparation for the film, his evolving career and the challenges of portraying complex characters. 

What was your reaction to being offered the role of Jibanananda Das?
Playing the role of Jibanananda Das in ‘Bonolata Sen’ was not just another acting assignment for me; it was an emotional and deeply personal journey. Jibanananda Das has always been one of my most beloved poets. His poetry carries a unique sense of solitude, beauty and melancholy that has fascinated me since my youth. So when I first learned that I would portray him on screen, I felt both excited and overwhelmed at the same time. It was a huge responsibility because he is not merely a literary figure; he is an emotion for countless Bengali readers.

Did the role require any special preparation mentally or physically?  
Mentally, the preparation was quite intense. I felt a constant pressure to do justice to a man whose writings I admire so profoundly. To prepare myself, I revisited many of his poems, letters and writings to better understand his inner world. The more I read about his life, the more I realised how much struggle, loneliness and uncertainty he carried within himself. I tried to absorb not only his literary brilliance but also his silence, his vulnerability and the quiet strength that shaped his personality.
Physically, the role also demanded serious preparation. We rehearsed regularly for nearly four months before filming began. Even though the production had several limitations, our director Masud Hasan Ujjal, never compromised when it came to preparation and authenticity. Every scene, gesture and expression was practiced repeatedly. That process helped me gradually step into Jibanananda Das’s world and understand how he might have spoken, moved or reacted in different situations.

What kind of audience do you think will connect most deeply with this film?  
We have already received a very positive response from audiences after the release of the poster and trailer. People appreciated the character posters, the visual tone and the unique concept of the film. ‘Bonolota Sen’ is definitely a different kind of work. It is experimental and deeply research-based, but at the same time, it is not a difficult or overly heavy film. I believe audiences who enjoy meaningful cinema, literature and emotionally rich storytelling will connect with it the most. However, the film has been made in a way that even general viewers can relate to the emotions, characters and journey. It is thoughtful, engaging and ultimately enjoyable to watch.

You previously appeared in ‘Unoponchash Batash’ and ‘Network er Baire’. How would you compare those films with ‘Bonolota Sen’?
All three of my films are completely different from one another, and that is what excites me most as an actor. ‘Unoponchash Batas’h, directed by Masud Hasan Ujjal, was my debut film and it told a very unique and emotional story about love and human connection. ‘Network er Baire’ explored friendship, relationships and the sense of belonging in today’s world. On the other hand, ‘Bonolota Sen’ is far more experimental and research-based. It dives into literature, emotions and the inner world of its characters. Each film challenged me differently and helped me grow both personally and professionally as an actor.

In an industry dominated by commercial cinema, why do you think art films remain important? 
Honestly, I do not like to divide films into ‘commercial’ and ‘art’ categories. Every film is an art form in its own way. What truly matters is the strength of the story and how honestly it connects with the audience. Today’s viewers are much more open to meaningful and content-driven cinema than before. If a film has emotional depth and a compelling narrative, audiences will definitely embrace it. In Bangladesh, films like ‘Monpura’, ‘Utshob’ and ‘Bonolota Express’ are good examples of how audiences appreciate thoughtful storytelling alongside entertainment.

Do you have any other projects coming this Eid?
Yes, I am currently busy shooting for the sequel to the popular Eid drama ‘Erar Poddo’. Alongside that, I will also appear in around 10 to 12 television fictions this upcoming Eid. Some of the notable projects include ‘Notebook’, ‘Amake Dukkho Dio Na’ and ‘Votvoti’. Each project has a different story and character, so I am excited for audiences to see the variety of work I am bringing this Eid.