For over three decades, celebrated presenter and director Hanif Sanket has incorporated foreign participants into the iconic programme ‘Ityadi’, using their performances to highlight Bangladesh’s folk culture, rural sports and heritage, while also addressing social issues and superstitions.
This Eid, the special episode will once again feature foreign nationals in a dedicated segment. They take on the roles of ordinary villagers, performing in Bengali through acting, song and dance, to convey educational and socially relevant messages.
According to a press release from production house Fagun Audio Vision, this year’s episode explores the loss of humanity caused by selfishness and greed. Opportunistic and duplicitous characters are portrayed with humour and satire. The episode also features a theme-based song by Rajib and Tanzina Ruma, with music directed by Mehedi and choreography by Mamun.
Nearly 50 foreign nationals have participated, including representatives from embassies and international organisations in Japan, Italy, the Netherlands, Australia, France, Poland, Indonesia, Spain, Romania and the US.
Hanif Sanket praised their dedication and discipline, noting that although they are not trained performers, their commitment to learning Bengali phrases and immersing themselves in the roles rivalled that of seasoned artists.
The Eid special of Ityadi will be broadcast on Bangladesh Television immediately after the 8:00 pm Bangla news on the day following Eid.
Ityadi is written, directed and hosted by Hanif Sanket, with production handled by Fagun Audio Vision.
