Ferdous and Popy in a scene from “Gongajatra”.Photo: STAR

Syed Ohiduzzaman Diamond, a film director and playwright, began his career as an anchor of a programme titled “Kollol” on Bangladesh Television in 1992. “The single episode TV play Chandni Ghore Koyekdin, aired on BTV, directed by me, received much acclaim. The play focused on varied archaeological and heritage sites in our country. After that I made Shashaner Golpo and Smritir Rekha. Diamond's first feature film Nacholer Rani was released in 2006. The film highlighted the Santal rebellion and the role of noted social activist and reformer Ila Mitra.
According to Diamond, he has so far made 40 single TV plays for various channels. Some of his prominent plays are Nisheethey Nongor, Golabari Station, Shankho Bish, Lodia and Antodha. “My subjects are varied and I feel comfortable to work with marginalised people in varied professions. Prostitutes, barbers, domars, blacksmiths, potters and other manual labourers' way of life are the theme of my TV plays and films. Santals and their difficult way of life also feature in my works. I specially want to focus on the underprivileged people in our society,” stated Diamond.
Diamond's feature film “Gongajatra” will be aired on Channel i at 2:20pm on Eid Day. The cast includes Popy, Ferdous, Simla, Shahidul Islam Sacchu and Sabrina.
In the film, Rupa is a beautiful girl. She is consigned to a brothel, being a victim of circumstances. She gives birth to a girl, and names her Nipa. Though she lives in such dire conditions, she wants to educate her child and often dreams of being rescued from her hell along with her daughter. Ratan is a shrewd man of the locality. He often visits Rupa and develops a warm relationship with her. Ratan promises to marry her and rescue her from the brothel. The gullible Rupa hands over all her savings to the devious Ratan.
Haripad is another interesting character in the film. He is an influential man in the Hindu community and visits Rupa as a customer regularly. Prakash, a dome in the locality, is another frequent visitor to Rupa. A silent competition often ensues as to who will ultimately rescue Rupa.