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Dhaka Day by Day

Aparna’s Brief Call

by Rahat Fahmida
Wc were all so prc-oecupied with the recent elections that many interesting events escaped our notice. Didn't we have a glimpse on our local TV screen, of one of our favourite personalities from the world of films — Aparna Sen? Yes we did, but that seemingly failed to register. Was It because she was looking different from her usual self . She was rather serious, in her crescent shaped glasses which added weight to her dignified appearance. Aparna did not come to Bangladesh in connection with any film or publication activity. She was here to see for herself one of the real life dramas of our country — 1991 elections. She came as a member of the non-governmental SAARC observer mission. This Is a Sri Lankan based institution, sponsored by International Centre for Ethnic Group.
This group has observed the last elections in Pakistan and will do the same in' Nepal. They usually choose the observers from eminent personalities of the country, such as — judges, writers. poets, editors, activists. There were 30 members on this SAARC observer .mission for our elections.
Aparna Sen. who is not Just a favourite actress to us, has reached millions in our county and abroad, through her film direction and also as the editor of one of the most popular women s jourrial In Bangla — Sananda' Daughter of a Indian intellectual giant. Chidananda Dasgupta, she is from Chittagong, but has never had the time or the right opportunity to visit her ancestral home. This was her first visit to Bangladesh.
During an exchistve interview accorded to The-Daily Star with Aparna, she was asked. "What was the compelling attraction here, that brought you here despite -a busy schedule'? Aparna came up with a forceful but one-word answer. 'Democracy'.
Knowing that on the election day she went around as many polling centres as it was humanly possible, her views on the goings on there had special value for us. So she was asked. 'Since you arc in the observers group what Is It about our elections that has impressed or de-
pressed you most'? Aparna shook her head in denial as she said. 'There is no question of being depressed. On the contrary, my spirits lifted seeing the enthusiasm of Bangladeshi people for democracy and the free, fair and peaceful way in which they conducted their election. The three things that impressed me most were the neutrality of the Interim government. the Bangladesh Muloto Nirbachan Andolan which expressed the desire of the citizens of Bangladesh for h democratic government, and last but not least the APSU (All Party Students Union), which showed Itself to be most Impres-sively united in their common goal of democracy In spite of different party affiliations.'
It was rather difficult to draw up the last question, as one felt tempted to continue the discussion with her not only to be lb her enlightened company, but to have a better understanding of her views. But one felt inquisitive to know about her idea of the shape of things in Bangladesh before she came here. "Does the whole show here match a rough picture you might be having In your mind before coming here'? And surprisingly she said. 'No. I could never imagine such a overwhelming response of people from all walks of life towards a popular election unless I had witnessed it at first hand.'
Through Aparna Sen's films, both as a director and actress, and also a Journalist, she speaks to Us in her very own and special language. And the same goes for her writing. Wc understand a great deal through her expressive eyes — her vision of life, which Is well conveyed through her calm phrases and sentences. It goes without saying that this was very much felt even during the brief encounter! We cannot resist what deepens pur sense of the values she portrays, any more thari wc can resist the deepening and widening of meanings that come through her looks and expressions. Through her we at times hear fresh meanings that revive and strengthen the values wc live by. And now wc are proud to have her views on a national Issue of Bangladesh — our democracy!