TBT REPORT

Singer Asif Akbar lent his voice to six songs for filmmaker Yamin Elan’s upcoming film Jhamela, a development first reported earlier this year. The film has now received its official announcement. At a press conference held at Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) on Monday, the makers announced that Jhamela will be released in cinemas during Eid-ul-Fitr in 2027.

Much like the film’s music, Asif Akbar was at the centre of attention at the press conference. The filmmaker, cast members and invited guests all spoke about the popular singer. Excerpts from three songs featured in the film were also screened. In the song Sadarghater Pan, Asif himself can be seen performing on screen to his own voice.

Asif was visibly excited while speaking about the film and shared how he became involved with both its music and acting. He first met director Yamin Elan around 14 years ago, and Elan went on to direct several of his music videos. Their professional association eventually developed into a close friendship.

“Six of my songs have been used in this film, three of which were written by Kabir Suman. The songs were released at different times in the past. One day, Yamin told me that he wanted to use them in Jhamela. His selection is very different. There are romantic songs as well as songs for children,” Asif said.

Speaking about acting, he said, “After Gohiner Gaan, this is the first time I have stood in front of a camera for another film. Initially, I was not interested because I do not consider myself an actor. So I turned down the director’s offer. Later, actress Tanzika Amin persuaded me to act. Eventually, I had to agree. Tanzika was also with me in Gohiner Gaan, and she helped me a lot with this film as well.”

Director Yamin Elan said, “The story of this film revolves around the various problems and incidents that occur in our families and society at different times. Above all, Jhamela is a family film that can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages together. The six songs used in the film will add a different dimension to it. Jhamela will be released during Eid-ul-Fitr in 2027.”

The film features Dolly Johur, Shyamol Mawla, Tanzika Amin, Rashed Mamunur Rahman Apu, Kazi Nawshaba Ahmed, Abu Huraira Tanvir, Abdullah Rana, Saberi Alam, Diya Rais, Saifur Rahman Evan, Rezmin Setu, Faisal Bappy, Farhana Yasmin Eva, child artists Jannah and Adrita, Naznin Shabnam, Israt Rahman, Shahed Osman Romel, Reshma Ahmed and others.

Jhamela is being produced under the banner of Diya Productions, with Diya Rais serving as the producer.