Indian film director Shyam Benegal who will direct a bio-pic on the life of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, said that he was given all-out support by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Talking to Bangla Tribune over the phone, the acclaimed filmmaker said that more time would be needed to complete the film than was thought earlier.

A month ago, Shyam Benegal met Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her tour of Delhi and on Oct 6, they had a long conversation about the project.

Following is an excerpt from a telephone interview with Benegal.

How is the work proceeding?

Work is going on in full swing but there isn’t any significant development as yet; an epic work like this should never be rushed. We are analyzing different aspects of the film and work is underway to formulate and finalise a script.

The 100 year birthday of Mujib is almost here…..

Yes, we are aware of it; the celebration will begin from March next and the following year will be declared Mujib year. Our target is to finish the work between the celebration of the 100th birthday and the fifty-year anniversary of the birth of Bangladesh.

This means a time between March 2020 and December 2021?

Exactly, we hope the film will be released between two milestone events. We wanted to finish before but a little extra time will be needed.

What did the PM say about the movie?

She is very enthusiastic about the bio-pic and is constantly helping me and the research team. She has related to us in meticulous detail about his father and his political circle.

Have you finalised the actor to play the role of Bangabandhu?

No, the decision has not been taken as yet but we are thinking about it. Making any comment on it would be premature.