The early days of Farooki

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Mostafa Sarwar Farooki needs no introduction to the country's film and TV fans. He has created an identity as a filmmaker, and has brought home international acclaim with his works. The talented filmmaker recently talked to The Daily Star about his past endeavours in the field and golden childhood times.
“In my younger days in Nakhalpara, we spent our time playing pranks on local boys, introducing funny creative games and setting up stages for plays, I think that the seeds of filmmaking were sown in me at that time. The golden days at Nakhalpara still resonate in my mind.
“Although I'm not so talented, I am lucky to have secured a position in the film world. Actually I can't create anything new until I am pushed by someone. I always received huge acclaim from the audience for my insight into the very psyche of my characters. I would say that both the light and dark sides of the life clearly emerge in my films.    
“As Nakhalpara is a microcosm of people from different districts, I could easily mix with a wide range of residents. As such, it is easy for me to read ordinary people's minds even though I did not go to university. And I think such ability is far better than achieving fancy degrees from iniversities.
 “When I was a tenth grader, I hung out with the seniors in Shahbagh and after the SSC examinations I would spend a lot of time at Aziz Super Market. I met renowned personalities like Waheedul Haque and of course Belal Chowdhury, who is a father-figure to me. I am ever grateful to this man.
“I spent several nights in Public Library and at a tea stall in Suhrawardy Uddyan along with Badal, Zahid Bhai, Palash, Abdullah Rana, Pathik Nabi, Marzuk Russel and Tokon Thakur.
“The movie I first watched at Shahin Cinema Hall was “Sishnag”. When my projects “Third Person Singular Number” and “Television” were released at the theatre I felt the presence of little Sarwar when I watched the films.
“I presented my first love story on 'Television' that my wife knew very well about. She was the younger sister of one of my friends in Nakhalpara. But, finally she broke off the relationship. After the break up, I was determined to be a successful man one day so that she would realise what a great mistake she had made.
When I was younger, I failed at soccer and cricket despite repeated attempts. Finally, I started writing poems but fate betrayed me here too as Tokon Thakur and Marzuk Russel were already established poets. I definitely subscribe to the adage that failure is the pillar of success. It made me start working very hard.”

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