Celebrated West Bengal filmmaker Gautam Ghose is planning to make a biographical film on Jibanananda Das, one of the most influential poets of Bengali literature, in collaboration with Bangladeshi producer Habibur Rahman Khan.
The proposed film will explore the poet’s life, literary works and personal struggles, with the filmmakers planning to base the story on Shahaduzzaman’s novel Ekjon Komlalebu.
Ghose and Khan have previously collaborated on acclaimed films including Padma Nadir Majhi, Moner Manush and Shankhachil. They are now in discussions about bringing the life and inner conflicts of Jibanananda Das to the big screen.
Speaking in a recent lengthy interview with Radio Gagaa’s YouTube channel, Khan said discussions with Ghose about the project were continuing and that both were enthusiastic about the idea.
According to Khan, Ghose has been researching Jibanananda Das for a considerable period. The filmmaker has also met Shahaduzzaman, the author of Ekjon Komlalebu, in London.
The casting of the actor who will portray Jibanananda Das has not yet been finalized. Khan, however, said he wants a Bangladeshi actor to play the iconic poet, who was born in what is now Bangladesh.
Khan said Jibanananda had a relatively ordinary appearance and therefore finding a suitable actor should not be particularly difficult. Ghose has reportedly agreed to the producer’s condition.
Khan also expressed his desire to cast veteran Bangladeshi actor Afzal Hossain in another important role—that of Bhumendra Guha, a young admirer who remained close to Jibanananda during the poet’s final years.
After Jibanananda’s death, Guha reportedly played an important role in recovering and publishing many of the poet’s previously unpublished writings found in his trunk.
Khan, a veteran film producer, began his production career after Bangladesh’s independence with Ritwik Ghatak’s Titash Ekti Nadir Naam. He subsequently produced numerous films, including Mintu Amar Naam, Pratigya, Pran Sajani, Nat Bou, Bandhan Hara and Hothat Brishti.
Reflecting on the proposed Jibanananda film, Khan described it as a long-held dream.
“I am dreaming of making this film. I do not know whether I will be around until then. But even if I die after completing this film, I will have no regrets,” he said.
Khan said the film would also portray the hardships endured by Jibanananda and the way Bengali society treated the poet during his lifetime. He believes that presenting the poet’s life faithfully on screen could help fulfil, at least partially, a collective responsibility toward one of Bengal’s greatest literary figures.
The cast, shooting schedule and release date have yet to be finalized. If the project goes ahead, the film could offer audiences a new cinematic interpretation of the life and legacy of Jibanananda Das.
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