Actors who reinvented themselves through OTT
OTT platforms have taken the Bangladeshi entertainment industry by storm, redefining how stories are told and experienced. In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, these digital platforms emerged as beacons of creative freedom, offering an expansive universe of borderless content and thematic diversity. Even veteran actors, who had long thrived on traditional mediums like television and cinema, found a new avenue to showcase their talent and delve into uncharted narratives.
Here is our pick of stars whose foray into OTT narratives.
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He is known as the 'King of television'. However, his portrayal as OC Harun in Ashfaque Nipun's "Mohanagar" and "Mohanagar 2" was mindblowing, to say the least. He broke boundaries for what an actor can and cannot do in visual medium.
Chanchal Chowdhury
Chanchal Chowdhury, a renowned name in theatre, television, and cinema, has captivated audiences with his bold and versatile performances. After making his mark in various TV series and films through various outstanding projects, he embraced the opportunities that OTT platforms offered.
His career received a solid boost with Syed Ahmed Shawki's "Taqdeer," a critically acclaimed web series on Hoichoi. Since then, Chanchal has mesmerised viewers with exceptional performances in web series such as "Contract," "Unoloukik," "Boli," "Jaago Bahey," "Pett Kata Shaw," and "Karagar." His portrayal in "Karagar" left a lasting impression on the audience.
Afzal Hossain
Afzal Hossain, a prominent actor in television and film, broke free from his conventional romantic roles to embrace darker and mysterious characters in the web series "Ladies and Gentlemen." Since then, he has captivated audiences with his enigmatic performances in web series like "Pett Kata Shaw," "Refugee," and "Karagar," showcasing his versatility and adding a new dimension to his career.
Intekhab Dinar
Intekhab Dinar, a seasoned actor who rose to prominence with his role in the mega serial "Bondhon," found renewed success through OTT platforms. His portrayal of a notorious chairman in the critically acclaimed web series "Taqdeer" marked a remarkable resurgence in his career. Dinar continued to enthrall audiences with memorable performances in web series such as "Dwikhondito," "Khachar Bhitor Ochin Pakhi," "Lights, Camera... Objection," "Bilaap," "Nikhoj," "Sabrina," and "Dour." His appearance in the highly acclaimed web series "Karagar" solidified his position as an actor who continues to shine on the OTT platform.
Fazlur Rahman Babu
Noted actor Fazlur Rahman Babu, who has been an invaluable part of Bangladesh's silver screen, continues reinventing himself through compelling performances in OTT projects. Web series such as "Khachar Bhetor Ochin Paakhi", directed by Raihan Rafi and "Dui Diner Duniya", directed by Anam Biswas have provided Babu with new opportunities to showcase his acting prowess. Most recently, his memorable presence in "Mohanagar 2" left a lasting impression on the audience, reaffirming his position as a versatile and celebrated actor.
Farzana Chobi
Farzana Chobi, known for her television dramas, ventured into the world of OTT with the web film "Tan", released in Chorki. Her performances in "Tan", then "Niswas" and the recently released web film "Friday" have garnered significant attention from the audience.
FS Nayeem
FS Nayeem, has been a household name in the Bangladeshi television industry for years. But it was his comeback with the web series "Karagar" in 2022 that truly showcased his brilliance as an actor. Breaking free from his romantic roles, FS Nayeem rediscovered himself in the world of OTT, captivating audiences with projects like "Karagar" and "Overtrump." In the upcoming web series "Mission Huntdown," slated for release during Eid ul Azha, he will portray the role of an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), further cementing his place in the OTT landscape.
Rafiath Rashid Mithila
Rafiath Rashid Mithila is a multi-talented individual, excelling as an actor, writer, development professional, and even an occasional singer. Venturing into the world of OTT through the Hoichoi original web series "Ekattor" directed by Tanim Noor, she continued to mesmerise audiences with her exceptional performances in "Contract" and "Unoloukik." Mithila recently captured the audience's attention with her masterful portrayal of 'Shayla' in Chorki's original web series "Myself Allen Swapan," earning appreciation for her excellent on-screen performance.
Mostafa Monwar
Sometimes he is Sajjad from the film "Live from Dhaka", and sometimes, he is Arif from the series "Ladies & Gentleman." Mostafa Monwar possesses an uncanny ability to inhabit his characters on screen. Though not in leading roles, his unique portrayals in web series like "Ekattor," "Unoloukik," and "Jaago Bahey" set him apart from his peers, leaving a lasting impact on the audience's hearts and minds.
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