‘We narrowly avoided a major accident’: Apu Biswas after returning from Nepal

Dhallywood actress Apu Biswas and the entire team of her upcoming film "Shikar" narrowly escaped a major disaster while shooting in Nepal, after severe natural calamities and landslides hit areas along their planned route.

Considering the situation and for humanitarian reasons, the team suspended its Nepal shooting schedule and returned safely to Dhaka.

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On Friday (August 28), after returning to Bangladesh, Apu spoke to the media about her harrowing experience in Nepal.

According to the actress, a major natural disaster struck a mountainous area about two to three hours from Kathmandu on August 26. Coincidentally, the "Shikar" team had planned to travel along the same route the following day. The change in schedule meant the unit narrowly avoided what could have been a major accident.

“The disaster occurred very close to the route we were supposed to take to enter Kathmandu. By the grace of Allah, we were scheduled to travel on the 27th, not the 26th. However, the disaster was so severe that the road has been completely closed to traffic for the next 15 to 20 days,” she said.

Explaining the decision to halt the shoot, Apu said the team felt it would be insensitive to continue filming amid the devastation and suffering of local people.

“In such a devastating situation, shooting a song while people are suffering would seem extremely insensitive. So, after discussing the matter with the entire team, I decided to suspend the shoot, and we all returned home safely,” she added.

Apu also claimed that the disaster had reportedly been predicted months earlier.

“You may know that the disaster that occurred on August 26 had reportedly been warned about nine months ago, but perhaps it was not taken very seriously. And they are now receiving indications that another disaster of a similar nature could occur within this week,” she said.

Reports said tourists from around 27 countries were staying in the affected area. As severe flooding and landslides left the situation critical, the local administration advised people to return safely to their respective countries.

Asked about the concern among her fans following the incident, Apu expressed gratitude to them and members of the media for checking on her.

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“There is no reason to be upset. Not just my fans, but all of you as well! The way you checked on me that day made me realise that I have truly been able to connect with you through my work, and I saw how concerned you were. So, I am very grateful to my fans and to all of you, my journalist brothers and sisters, for your concern,” she said.