Veteran actor Abul Hayat has expressed deep disappointment over the diminishing presence of senior actors in the local film industry.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of the release of his latest film Dayamukti, he lamented that older actors are being sidelined by directors.
These days, we, the older actors and actresses, have been rejected. It feels as though we have been cast aside like dustbins, he said. But in foreign films, actors of our age continue to be given meaningful roles, with characters specifically created for them.
Dayamukti, a government-funded film directed by Badiul Alam Khokon, was released in theaters on February 7. The movie revolves around the struggles of the elderly in old-age homes, a theme that resonated deeply with Hayat.
Reflecting on past roles, he recalled how his characters were often given unnatural deaths. I used to play roles where my character would die, and then my photo would be hung on the wall while others spent the rest of the film mourning me, he said with a touch of humor.
Hayat revealed that during the making of Dayamukti, he was battling cancer. When Khokon offered me this role, I was sick. But he insisted, saying, Get well, Hayat bhai. If you dont do this film, I wont make it. He added that playing this role gave him mental strength and renewed his determination to keep fightingboth in life and in acting.
The film highlights the issue of neglecting parents in old age. Many people believe that simply providing financial support is enough, but this film shows the importance of being present and emotionally connected with our parents, Hayat explained.
Beyond acting, Abul Hayat is also a playwright, director, and author. His autobiography, Ravi Path, has been released at this years book fair under Suvarna Prakashani. He continues to contribute to the cultural landscape of the country, proving that his legacy is far from over.
