Good stories suffer when budgets are cut: Intekhab Dinar
Intekhab Dinar has spent years earning the audience’s admiration through consistently strong performances across stage, television, film and OTT platforms.
Currently, Dinar is juggling three films alongside a television serial, and recently spoke to The Daily Star about his ongoing projects and the kind of work that still excites him.
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One of the most anticipated among his films is “Bonolota Express”, directed by Tanim Noor and based on Humayun Ahmed’s “Kichhukkhon”. Shot at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC), the film brings together a cast of acclaimed performers. Dinar plays an important role in the film, a character he describes as significant to the narrative.
“Honestly, ‘Bonolota Express’ has an ensemble of remarkable actors,” he says. “Being part of it has been a wonderful experience. The work itself was extraordinary.”
He speaks with particular enthusiasm about the production design. “An incredible set was built at BFDC. We shot inside a train, but everything was constructed on set to replicate one. The detailing was so beautiful; it truly impressed me.”
Asked about director Tanim Noor, the actor is confident about the film’s prospects. “After ‘Utshob’, which received so much praise, expectations are naturally high. I believe ‘Bonolota Express’ will also turn out to be something special.”
Beyond “Bonolota Express”, Dinar has wrapped shooting for “Haangor”, directed by Tanmoy Surjo, where he appears an antagonist. “I enjoyed playing the role,” he shares.
He has also acted in “Prince”, starring Shakib Khan and directed by Abu Hayat Mahmud, shot in Sri Lanka. “Working in this project was a great experience,” Dinar says. “The director is crafting something impressive—I think the film will truly captivate audiences.”
Reflecting on his cinematic journey, Dinar recalls that his first film was “Joyjatra”, a milestone that set the tone for a career built on thoughtful choices. After so many years in acting, what kind of roles still draw him in? He answers clearly, “Characters that challenge me and that feel new. I want to take on projects where there’s real scope to perform—where acting truly matters.”
Alongside films, Dinar has returned to television with the serial “Khushbu”, currently airing on Deepto TV. “I had stayed away from long-running serials for a while,” he admits. “But ‘Khushbu’ has been well received, which feels good.”
Another recent highlight is the much-discussed drama “Eta Amaderi Golpo”, which has struck a chord with viewers. “It’s a family drama,” he says. “The story, performances, and direction—all of it works together beautifully. That’s why audiences have embraced it so warmly.”
On the broader state of television drama today, Dinar points to a persistent issue, which is budget constraints. “Budget is the biggest problem,” he notes candidly. “With proper funding, much better dramas can be made. If you cut the budget from the outset and restrict the process, it inevitably affects the quality.”
As for audience response, the actor seems quietly pleased. “I’m getting an incredible reaction for ‘Eta Amaderi Golpo’,” he says. “People are praising it a lot. Audiences still love family-centric stories—and when they’re told well, they really connect,” he concludes.
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