Dhallywood actor, producer and director Bapparaj, who is preparing to contest the presidency of the Bangladesh Film Artistes’ Association, spoke in Dhaka about unity within the industry and criticised what he described as the growing trend of lesser-known figures appearing with bodyguards at film events.
Speaking at a recent press conference, the actor said he wanted the upcoming association election to take place in a positive and respectful atmosphere, without hostility between rival panels.
“We artists are one family. There should not be any division among us,” Bapparaj said. “I have spoken to members of both my panel and the opposing side and told them that we should avoid personal attacks and offensive remarks. I want this election to be celebrated in a festive spirit.”
Reflecting on previous tensions surrounding the association, he said he had no interest in revisiting old disputes and instead hoped to restore a healthier environment within the film community.
“There is a certain dignity and culture among artists,” he said. “I want us to regain that through this election if I get the opportunity.”
Bapparaj was also asked about the promises often made during Film Artistes’ Association elections, many of which, critics argue, fail to materialise afterwards.
In response, he said he preferred not to make commitments before fully understanding the organisation’s internal situation.
“I have not yet sat in that office,” he said. “First I want to understand what the actual problems are and what needs to be fixed. In the past, many people made promises but achieved very little. We want to move away from that culture.”
The actor also addressed recent discussions surrounding security arrangements for film personalities. According to him, artists traditionally did not rely on personal security and the current trend appears unnecessary.
“In the past, security personnel were perhaps brought in to display influence or power,” Bapparaj said. “Artists never really needed bodyguards. We never moved around with security.”
He then criticised what he sees as an increasing tendency among relatively unknown figures to travel with personal protection.
“Some people who have barely acted in films, who have no real craze around them, are walking around with two or three bodyguards,” he said. “We do not move around with bodyguards and we do not need them either.”
