TBT REPORT

Masuma Rahman Nabila—host, model, and actress—is set to return to the big screen this Eid with her new film Banalata Sen, her fourth feature film. Her most recent appearance was in Toofan, where she starred opposite Shakib Khan. However, she completed filming for Banalata Sen in late 2023—before shooting Toofan.

Speaking about the film’s long-awaited Eid release, Nabila said she feels “absolutely amazing.” Filming wrapped in November 2023, meaning the team has waited nearly two and a half years for audiences to finally see it. According to her, post-production delays in India and logistical challenges slowed the release, but the team recently watched the completed film together and she believes it turned out even better than she had expected.

Taking on the title role of Banalata Sen, one of Bengali literature’s most iconic and mysterious characters, was a major challenge, she said. The character created by legendary poet Jibanananda Das—has long existed in readers’ imaginations, often interpreted differently by each person.

“Every reader imagines Banalata Sen in their own way,” Nabila said. “Some believe she represents a woman from the poet’s life, while others think the name came from somewhere else entirely. Our film explores that mystery.”

She added that she spent a great deal of time discussing the role with director Masud Hasan Ujjal in order to understand the character’s emotional depth.

Interestingly, Nabila revealed that joining the film was not straightforward.

“Initially, I was given only a brief outline of the role and asked to read the full script. I was fascinated by the story, but I told the director I wasn’t interested in the role first offered to me. I said that if he considered me for Banalata Sen instead, I’d say yes immediately,” she said with a laugh.

That opportunity eventually came—but only after three auditions.

Looking ahead, Nabila hopes the film captures the same timeless allure as the original poem Banalata Sen, first published in 1935.

“It’s incredible that a nearly century-old poem still feels so relevant and modern,” she said. “The poem carries mystery and philosophy, and we hope the film leaves audiences equally mesmerized.”

She also described the shoot as creatively fulfilling. Director Masud Hasan Ujjal, she noted, loves working on a grand canvas and approaches filmmaking almost like writing poetry.

“The film blends historical and fictional characters, realism and metaphor. Every scene required hours of preparation—from costumes to sets to overall look—but it was a joyful and enriching experience,” she said.

Having previously acted in the poetry-inspired project Kotha Hobe To, Nabila admitted she feels a special connection to literary and poetic works.

“These projects have a poetic beauty that adds another dimension to creativity. They teach me how to explore characters more deeply and enrich my acting,” she said.

Currently, alongside promoting Banalata Sen, Nabila is also busy hosting several special Eid programs.