Apu aces as antagonist this Eid

Rashed Mamun Apu has carved a niche for himself in Bangladesh's entertainment industry with his compelling portrayals of negative characters in films like "Poran", "Damal", and "Prohelika". Known for his strong presence on both cinema and OTT platforms, Apu is set to captivate audiences once again with his upcoming web-series "Golam Mamun", premiering on June 13.

With several projects lined up for release after Eid-ul-Azha, including M Raahim's directorial "Jongli", his career shows no signs of slowing down. Fresh from an enriching trip to Bulgaria for the screening of his film "Kath Golap", Apu sat down with The Daily Star for an exclusive interview to discuss his recent experiences, upcoming projects, and future aspirations in the world of showbiz.

You recently visited Bulgaria. How was the experience?

I went to Bulgaria for a film festival, which featured my film "Kath Golap". It was an incredible experience– meeting directors, producers, and artistes from around the world. I received a lot of positive feedback about the film, which was very gratifying. I also had discussions about future projects with several directors. Overall, it was a fruitful trip.

You travelled to several European countries as well. How was the response from the Bangladeshi diaspora there?

I received an overwhelming amount of love from the expats. It was an unforgettable experience, and the affection from people is truly a treasured memory.

What are your expectations regarding your upcoming web-series 'Golam Mamun'?

I'm quite optimistic about the Shihab Shaheen directorial web-series. The director needs no introduction here. I play a negative character in this series as well. It was a challenging role that provided me with a lot of new experiences. We shot in various locations during an intense heatwave.

How frightening is your character in 'Golam Mamun'?

It's quite terrifying. Everyone in the cast performed exceptionally well, and my character, though appearing intermittently, is very menacing. There are moments where my expressions alone will scare the audience. I've had to portray various terrifying expressions throughout the series.

Is it true that your film 'Jongli' won't be released during Eid?

Yes, initially, I was told it would be released during the Eid festivities. However, now, it is slated for release a month after Eid. "Jongli" is a highly engaging film with a gripping plot. Viewers will see me in a very different role, and there is a big surprise in store for them.

Tell us more about your other upcoming film 'Writer'. When is the premiere?

In "Writer", I play the role of a dangerous murderer who is the overseer of a crocodile conservation project but is actually a killer. I tried to bring a different look and feel to this character. I always strive to immerse myself deeply in each role so that it leaves a lasting impression on the audience. Initially, "Writer" was scheduled for release during Eid, but apparently, it has been postponed as well.

What are your plans for this Eid?

I will be in Dhaka for this Eid. Having just returned from Europe, I haven't made any specific plans yet. Honestly, the joy of Eid is something I associate with my childhood. Nevertheless, I still look forward to it. I wish all my fans and everyone else a joyous Eid in advance. May the happiness of Eid bless everyone.

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