25th March, 20××
Calcutta.
It was a pleasure to meet that elderly gentleman named Patol Babu. My brotherin-law, Nishikanto Ghosh had recommended him for a small role in our film. It was the character of fiftyish, short and a bald-headed man. I went to Patol Babu’s house and found him more than eager to accept that small role. I explained that he was to play the role of a short-tempered pedestrian in a scene. I asked to come for shooting at Faraday House at 8:30 am next day.
Patol Babu was very punctual. He found me and pressed me to give him his “lines” for the role for rehearsals. I asked Sosanko to write down his lines and hand over to him. He did the same. I could see signs of unrest and dissatisfaction over his face. He felt cheated to know that he was to speak just a monosyllabic word ‘‘Oh!” in the role. Anyway, I left him there and was busy in the shooting again.
Oh God, what a performance it was! The collision scene was shot really well. I can recollect how Patol Babu’s forehead was hurt when he had collided with the hero. He worked with complete dedication and attained perfection. He seemed to be satisfied and so were we. I told him that in ten minutes they would arrange for his payment. After ten minutes or so I went to the paan shop and looked for him. He was not there. He went away home without being paid. I couldn’t believe it. I could only utter “What a strange fellow!”
