‘I am waiting for Bonolota Express’: Mosharraf Karim

With the film slated for an Eid release, Mosharraf Karim recently spoke in an interview about the project, sharing his thoughts on the unusual setting of the story, his expectations from the film, and his typically packed schedule of Eid dramas and telefilms.

Despite his immense stardom and numerous accolades, Mosharraf Karim prefers to lead an extraordinarily simple life. Sometimes he can be seen drinking tea at a roadside stall, or casually walking alone along the footpaths of Dhaka. Such a lifestyle is rare among entertainment stars in the country. Simply put, he is extraordinary in his ordinariness.

In Bonolota Express, he will be seen as exactly that — an ordinary train passenger. Sporting a light moustache, cheap clothes, and a simple demeanour, Mosharraf Karim boards the Banalata Express just like anyone else. And much like the other passengers, this very train journey alters his fate.

He is highly enthusiastic about being part of this unconventional journey. "This is the first time in my life I am doing a project centred around a train journey," he said. "The entire story unfolds on a single train. I am very optimistic about the film."

Bangladesh has seen very few films based on train journeys, with Golapi Ekhon Traine being one of the most notable. However, Mosharraf Karim pointed out that there is a vast difference between that classic and his latest project.

"Golapi Ekhon Traine is about one person's life struggle. But the storytelling of Banalata Express is completely different. It deals with the changing fates of multiple people," he explained. "I am actually waiting for Bonolota Express. While acting in it, I felt like I was doing something distinctly different. The story has mystery and uncertainty at every turn. As an actor in this film, I am incredibly excited."

Mosharraf Karim's description itself hints at the film's potential. Naturally, the audience is also waiting to witness the versatile actor's brilliance in this story-driven film.

While Bonolota Express is his signature release this Eid, a host of his dramas and telefilms will also air on television and various YouTube channels. Preparations for these are already complete. Audiences will see him in multifaceted roles across these projects — ranging from comedies to serious and mystery-laden stories.

His characters vary significantly from one drama to another. "The workload is high during Eid. I get offers from many people, but it is impossible to do them all. Still, considering the stories and characters, I believe all the dramas and telefilms I have worked on will be well-received by the audience," he said.

"Since people are generally in a happy mood during Eid, there is an abundance of comedy. I have also acted in some serious comedy-type stories. I hope the audience will be entertained by these dramas and films during the holidays."

However, while entertaining the audience, the personal entertainment of stars often takes a backseat. Because top-tier actors face such heavy workloads, they barely get time to rest. The same applies to Mosharraf Karim, who remains busy shooting right up until Chaand Raat (the night before Eid). Only then does he return to his personal life, focusing on his family, Eid celebrations, and socialising.

When asked about his plans, he said, "I will be in Dhaka on Eid day this time. I will probably spend the time resting. Because of back-to-back shooting schedules, I hardly get any rest or free time. If I get the chance, I will try to watch some dramas or programmes on television. Shooting will resume right after Eid. I love being immersed in work. Work gives me joy, provided it is to my liking."

The talented actor gets very little leisure time amidst his acting career, but when he does, he leans towards reading books. He is also a music lover and occasionally sings with friends and relatives. This is how he creates beautiful moments in life, always looking forward to a beautiful tomorrow.