Of pledges, loyalty and artistry

Elections for two of the biggest associations of the entertainment industry -- the Film Artistes Association and Actor's Equity, were successfully held on Friday. The excitement was, however, not limited to the entertainment industry – by the end of the voting process, everyone wanted to know the results of arguably the biggest cultural election day to date.

While the results for the Actors' Equity came out before the stroke of midnight – 644 of the 752 voters showed up to vote, the Film Artistes' association took until early morning next day to announce the results of their 365 votes.

An unlikely pair- Ilias Kanchan and Zayed Khan emerged victorious in BFDC's hyped up scenario as the President and General Secretary respectively, even though they were from different panels. It is to be noted that Nipun, who accused Zayed of 'bribing voters', lost for the post of General Secretary by just 13 votes – she received 163 against Zayed's 176.

Rawnak Hasan and Ahsan Habib Nasim are the new General Secretary and President of Actors’ Equity Bangladesh. Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

Ilias Kanchan, on the other hand, won by a healthy margin, receiving 191 votes against Misha Sawdagor's 148.

"I am overwhelmed with the love and support that I have received," shares Kanchan. "I promise to work for the welfare of the artistes, and I will give it all for our film industry," he said ecstatically.

Zayed Khan, even though happy with his own triumph, stated that he would miss his former president, Misha Sawdagor. "We have worked side-by-side for four long years, I will definitely feel his absence," he said. "I am grateful to everyone who voted for me."

Veteran artistes Rubel and Dipjol have been elected as Vice Presidents of the Film Artistes' association, by beating Riaz and D A Tayeb. "I thank the Almighty for everything," shares Rubel. Now that I have got the opportunity to work in the welfare of the fraternity, I will do as much as I can," added Rubel.

Shahnoor has been elected as the organisational secretary. "I am grateful to everyone, but it would have been much more joyous if the entire panel won," shares the "Hajar Bochhor Dhore" famed actress.

Ferdous, who was elected as an executive panel member, was happier for Ilias Kanchan than himself. "We want to join hands to improve the film industry," said the "Hothat Brishti" famed actor.

Moushumi who was elected as an executive panel member, said that she was eager to work for the industry and her brethren here.

On the other hand, newly elected Actor's Equity president Ahsan Habib Nasim shared that he wants to complete the tasks that he could not finish in the last two terms as the General Secretary.

General Secretary Rawnak Hasan, Law and Welfare Secretary Urmila Srabanti Kar, have expressed their gratitude, and have promised to work even harder for everyone, regardless of who they voted for.

While Sazu Khadem, who won as the organisational secretary, dedicated his win to the late Dr Enamul Haque.