The air crackled with quiet intensity as AKM Itmam, the rising star of "Boli (The Wrestler)", settled into a chair at The Daily Star's premises. He was a whirlwind of energy, a man with a flight to catch in less than 24 hours, yet he exuded a calm focus that belied his hurried schedule.

"I have always aspired to be an actor," Itmam began, "after my father, who worked in the theatres for three decades." The story of his father, a college professor who used theatre to inject life into economics pedagogy, resonated deeply. Itmam, a Chatgaya by blood, carried that flame.

His journey began in his hometown, but the pull of the capital, with its vibrant cultural scene, proved irresistible. He pursued his passion alongside his studies, eventually graduating with a degree in Computer Science and Engineering. "To keep my mother happy," he admitted with a wry smile, "and to keep myself happy, I pursued what I love: acting."

The international success of "Boli", showcased at prestigious festivals like Busan, Shanghai, and Barcelona, didn't happen overnight. Itmam's path was paved with rejections, a testament to his unwavering spirit. "I was rejected many more times than I auditioned," he revealed, his eyes reflecting the resilience forged in those trials.

He also confronted the preconceptions that came with his background as a fashion model. "They might have thought I was nothing more than my brawn," he joked, acknowledging the challenge of being seen beyond his physical appearance. But Itmam was more than just a physique. He was a storyteller, a chameleon capable of inhabiting diverse roles.

His Chatgaya dialect may have provided a starting point for "Boli", but it was his complete immersion into the character that truly captivated audiences. "I broke myself for the role," he explained, "to become exactly what my director, Iqbal Chowdhury, envisioned." The transformation was radical. The model's sculpted physique, meticulously crafted for TVCs and ramp shows, had to go. He gained eight kilograms in two months, fuelled by a diet that would make any foodie envious – a dozen eggs, twenty dates, watermelon, peanut butter milkshakes, and cheeseburgers, all on top of his regular meals.

Beyond the physical transformation, Itmam delved into the psychological depths of his character. "Did you know I lived with an imaginary hedgehog and counted its thorns because my 'Boli' director demanded it?" he asked, a playful glint in his eyes. He embraced the absurdity and the unconventional methods that brought his character to life.

His journey has taken him beyond the borders of Bangladesh. He has graced the stages of the Czech Republic, playing the titular character in Shakespeare's "Macbeth". "What an exhilarating experience it was to be chosen among the many natives and then perform live on stage," he recalled, his voice filled with wonder.

The language barrier in Europe remains a challenge for him, but Itmam embraces the experience. He finds artistic inspiration in the streets of Brno, but he remains a wayfarer, ready to move on when the city loses its allure. "Every nook and cranny of this city is an artistic respite for me," he said, before adding, "but the moment I find it monotonous I will leave for someplace else."

His journey began with Prachyanat, where he learned by observing seasoned actors. Landing the role of Dewan Gazi in "Dewan Gazir Kissa", previously played by the legendary Aly Zaker, was a pivotal moment. "It boosted my confidence like never before," he said, "that meant I had something and I am on the right track."

AKM Itmam is a juggler, balancing his passion, profession, and higher studies with remarkable dexterity. He's a rising star, but he remains grounded, aware that his journey has just begun. As he prepared to leave, a sense of anticipation filled the room. We couldn't agree more: this is a star in the making, and the world is waiting to see what he does next.

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