"We were supposed to take that same Road in Nepal": Apu Biswas
Apu Biswas. Collected photo.
As the death toll from the devastating flash floods in Nepal is nearing 1,000, Bangladeshi film actress Apu Biswas said she was in Nepal and was supposed to use that disastrous road.
She had gone there primarily for a film shoot. Yesterday (Saturday), she suspended the shooting schedule and flew back to Dhaka safely.
Facing the media, Apu Biswas shared her terrifying experience in Nepal. She said that a major natural disaster struck Nepal on August 26. The incident occurred in a hilly area about two to three hours from Kathmandu. However, coincidentally, their plan was to travel through that very route on the 27th. Because their travel date was one day later, the shooting unit of the film Shikar miraculously escaped a major accident.
The film unit of Apu Biswas was scheduled to take the same road where the devastating flash flood occured. Apu said, "The accident took place around the very time we were supposed to enter Kathmandu via that road. It was Allah's infinite mercy that our move was scheduled for the 27th, not the 26th. However, the disaster was so severe that the road has been declared completely closed for the next 15 to 20 days."
Regarding the decision to halt the shoot due to the suddenness of the disaster, the actress said, "In such a horrific situation, it felt extremely inhumane to shoot a music video amidst people's suffering. So, after discussing with the entire team, I decided to suspend the shoot, and we all returned home safely."
She added, "You may know that the disaster occurred on the 26th. Apparently, they had received some warning about this nine months ago, but perhaps it wasn't taken very seriously. And they are also getting indications that another disaster might happen within this week."
It is learnt that tourists from about 27 countries were staying in the affected area. As the situation there became critical due to the intensity of the floods and landslides, the local administration directed everyone to return safely to their respective countries.
Apu Biswas said, "No, there's no reason to feel bad. Not just my fans, but all of you—the way you all checked on me, I felt that day that yes, I have truly worked hard and I saw your concern. So I am very grateful to my fans and to you journalist brothers and sisters."
