Tawsif Mahbub embraces pilot look for new web film 'Cafe Umbrella'

Known for portraying a variety of characters on screen, actor Tawsif Mahbub is set to appear in a new avatar as he takes on the role of a pilot in Shihab Shaheen’s upcoming web film “Cafe Umbrella”.

For the role, Tawsif had to adopt the appearance of a professional pilot. Dressed in a white shirt, tie, black trousers, pilot cap, badge and sunglasses, the actor’s look was so realistic that people at the airport struggled to recognise him as an actor.

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Speaking about the experience of entering the airport in a pilot’s uniform while travelling from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar on Monday morning, Tawsif said he found himself in an amusing situation.

“Throughout my acting career, I have had the opportunity to step into many different characters. I cannot explain how much joy this opportunity brings,” he said.

Sharing his airport experience, Tawsif said, “When I entered the domestic airport wearing the pilot’s uniform, people around me could not understand that I was Tawsif Mahbub. I was receiving the same respect that a pilot receives. Even those who regularly watch my work were confused — whether I was a pilot or actor Tawsif Mahbub. Everyone was looking at me two or three times. I found the whole situation very amusing.”

The actor said he intentionally spent some time among people to enjoy the experience of being seen in the new look.

“I walked around among people intentionally to experience this fun moment. I had the outfit customised according to my measurements after observing how pilots in Bangladesh dress,” he added.

Talking about wearing the uniform, Tawsif said it helped him understand the respect and pride associated with the profession.

“After wearing this uniform, I realised how respected this profession is and how much pride it carries. Because of this outfit, I also received a certain level of respect,” he said.

“Cafe Umbrella” is centred on relationships, love and emotions. The web film features multiple interconnected stories, with three to four separate narratives coming together.

Despite having the word “cafe” in its title, the project is not based around a restaurant or food-related story. Instead, it explores different aspects of human relationships, feelings and emotions.

The final phase of shooting is currently underway at Cox’s Bazar airport and other locations. Actress Bidushi Bornita, a former Lux star, will be paired opposite Tawsif for the first time. The cast also includes Nazah Nawar, Amina Islam, Partho Sheikh and Arefin Zillani.

“Cafe Umbrella” is expected to be released soon on the OTT platform iScreen.