The popular television detective character ‘Chhotokaku’ is marking 15 years on screen with a two-day festival in Dhaka.
Based on Faridur Reza Sagar’s detective series of the same name, Afzal Hossain has played the title role and directed the series throughout its long run. The ‘Chhotokaku Utsab’ will be held on 28 and 29 September at Aloki in Tejgaon.
The two-day festival will feature activities for children and teenagers, along with programmes for adults, including adda, seminars and cultural events. Children will also be able to enjoy educational and entertainment programmes, drama and music. There will also be a special café adda and performances featuring artistes from the ‘Chhotokaku’ series.
The details were announced at a press conference at the Channel i auditorium on Saturday. Organiser Matra’s managing partner Sanaul Arefin said this is their first event centred specifically on children.
Afzal Hossain said reading literature and fairy tales during childhood once helped develop curiosity and imagination, but children now have fewer opportunities to engage with such activities. He said he became involved with ‘Chhotokaku’ out of a sense of responsibility towards children.
When he started working on the series, he had already completed 40 years in acting and was no longer finding acting equally appealing.
“I joined this series because I felt the need to do something for children. That sense of responsibility is what has kept me involved for 15 years,” Afzal said.
Actor Tariq Anam Khan said the tradition of adapting literature into television dramas and films has declined considerably.
He stressed the importance of art, literature and culture in children’s mental development. According to him, one of ‘Chhotokaku’s’ distinctive qualities is that it encourages intelligence, curiosity and creativity among children and teenagers.
Channel i Director and Head of News Shaikh Siraj said ‘Chhotokaku’ has developed into a distinct character over the past 15 years. He also highlighted how Faridur Reza Sagar’s stories introduce viewers to the names and characteristics of different districts across Bangladesh.
Faridur Reza Sagar said his own uncle, Dr Fazlul Alam, and rhymester Amirul Islam inspired the character of Chhotokaku. Both have since passed away.
“Afzal Hossain has become so closely associated with the character that many people call him ‘Chhotokaku’ directly. This two-day festival has been organised around that beloved character,” he said.
A special song has also been created for the festival. Its music video was shown at the press conference, while the song will be performed live during the festival on 28 and 29 September.
The festival will remain open to everyone, with the organisers particularly keeping children and teenagers in mind.
