Nasir Uddin Khan, widely known for his diverse roles including Allen Swapan in the entertainment industry, recently found himself in a completely different setting — begging on the streets of Farmgate, Dhaka. The actor, who is renowned for his gripping portrayals of gangsters, serial killers, and powerful personalities, took on a new challenge for his role in the web film Naya Note. This time, his character was a beggar, and the experience turned out to be more eye-opening than he had anticipated.
During the filming of this scene, Khan’s makeup was so realistic that many passersby mistook him for a genuine beggar. Some avoided him, but many others, without a second thought, handed him money. What followed was a social experiment that revealed both the financial aspects and the human dignity struggles tied to begging. The actor, who has had his fair share of dramatic roles, was taken aback by the overwhelming reaction from the public. By the end of the scene, Khan had collected a surprising sum — 500 Taka.
“It was amazing to think that in such a short time, I could collect that much,” Khan said, reflecting on the surprising reality of begging. “But it also made me realize how degrading begging can be. It’s not just about asking for money; it’s about carrying a sense of disrespect.”
The film’s director, Anonya Pratik Chowdhury, explained that the guerrilla-style shooting involved hidden cameras in crowded locations, such as the bustling Farmgate area. With a limited budget, the team chose to use this approach to capture genuine reactions. As Khan walked around in character, he was tasked with portraying a beggar without any scripted dialogue, relying on his instincts to interact with the public.
“I was told to just act as I felt,” Khan recalled. “On the first day, I simply started reaching out to people, and many actually gave me money.”
Though the role was fictional, the experience gave Khan a deep sense of empathy for those who experience homelessness and begging on a daily basis. “There is a dignity loss when you beg. Reaching out to strangers for money is not something anyone would do willingly. It made me realize the invisible burden that beggars carry,” he said.
In fact, the money Khan received during the shoot has been kept as a souvenir by the Naya Note production team. The film explores a variety of life’s perceptions, from personal struggles to societal judgments, and this incident was used as a powerful narrative tool to show the societal complexities of poverty and the need for self-respect.
The cast of Naya Note also includes a talented group of actors such as AK Azad Setu, Samu Chowdhury, Deepa Khandaker, Partha Sheikh, and Nauba Tahiya. Together, they aim to offer an insightful perspective on human lives in the contemporary world.
For Nasir Uddin Khan, the experience was more than just a role; it became a moment of introspection, forcing him to confront the harsh realities faced by those often overlooked in society. The powerful lessons from this experience, combined with his skill as an actor, are sure to make Naya Note a series that resonates deeply with its audience.
Courtesy: Kaler Kantho
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
