Snigdha Chowdhury Makes Film Debut With Raihan Rafi’s ‘Pressure Cooker’

Model Snigdha Chowdhury is set to take her first step into cinema this Eid with ‘Pressure Cooker’, the upcoming film directed by Raihan Rafi.

Born in Rangpur, Snigdha has worked in the modelling industry since 2018, appearing in billboard campaigns, fashion shows, ramp events and international fashion programmes. Her transition to the big screen now marks a new phase in her career, with a film centred on the experiences and aspirations of four women.

How Snigdha Chowdhury Got ‘Pressure Cooker’

Snigdha revealed that her association with the project began well before filming started.

According to the actress, Raihan Rafi had discussed the story with her around a year and a half earlier, after which she auditioned for the project. When the director eventually decided to make the film, Snigdha happened to be in Umrah with her family.

Rafi then contacted her and explained that the story would revolve around four girls. Snigdha said she was delighted by the opportunity and accepted the role immediately.

She subsequently spent around a month training at Rafi’s office, preparing for the character with support from the director and the production team.

A Story About Four Women in Dhaka

‘Pressure Cooker’ follows four women who arrive in Dhaka from different parts of Bangladesh.

The film explores their experiences as they navigate professional challenges, relationships and personal struggles in the capital. For Snigdha, the story carries particular relevance for young women who leave their hometowns and move to Dhaka in pursuit of their ambitions.

She believes women who have made a similar journey from rural or smaller-town areas could identify strongly with the characters and their experiences.

The film’s focus on women’s lives and empowerment was also one of the reasons Snigdha felt especially enthusiastic about making it her first movie.

Snigdha Says She Is Proud of the Film’s Message

For a debut actress, an Eid release can be a significant opportunity. But Snigdha said she is equally excited about what the film represents.

She has expressed her support for women’s empowerment and said she is pleased that her first cinematic project carries a message she considers important.

Rather than viewing the absence of a conventional male hero as a disadvantage, Snigdha sees it as one of the film’s strengths.

She said she does not feel disappointed that ‘Pressure Cooker’ does not revolve around a traditional hero and is instead excited to be making her debut with a women-focused story during Eid.

From Eid Shopping to Preparing for a Film

Snigdha also reflected on how different this Eid feels compared with previous years.

Instead of spending most of her time preparing for Eid shopping, she said her attention is now focused on acting and promoting her debut film.

The model-turned-actress added that she followed Raihan Rafi’s direction closely and put in her best effort during the production. Ultimately, she believes the audience will determine how successfully she has made the transition from modelling to acting.

Snigdha Chowdhury on the Future of Bangladeshi Cinema

Snigdha also addressed the continuing conversation about the availability of new female talent in Bangladeshi cinema.

She argued that newcomers need opportunities to become regular performers if the industry wants to address concerns about a shortage of heroines.

The actress said she remains optimistic that established performers will welcome emerging talent and expressed her eagerness to see how audiences respond to her first film.

She also made it clear that ‘Pressure Cooker’ is intended to be the beginning of her acting journey rather than a one-off appearance, saying she hopes to work in more films in the future.

Bubly, Tushi and Mariya Shanta Also Star

‘Pressure Cooker’ features an ensemble cast that includes Shobnom Bubly, Nazifa Tushi and Mariya Shanta, alongside Snigdha Chowdhury.

The film is produced by Impress Telefilm and Kakon Films and is currently in post-production.

It is scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release in Bangladesh during Eid-ul-Fitr.