The Actors’ Association of Bangladesh has urged its members to resolve professional disputes through institutional channels rather than turning to social media, following a controversy involving actresses Tanjin Tisha and Samia Athoi during the shooting of a drama in Manikganj.
The dispute came into public view after Athoi discussed the incident during a Facebook Live session on Tuesday, March 3. The issue subsequently generated considerable discussion online.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, March 4, the Actors’ Association said members are expected to follow its code of conduct when disagreements arise within the acting community.
Actors’ Association Calls for Institutional Resolution
According to the association, any dispute or complication between its members should first be brought to the organisation’s attention.
The statement said that publicising such matters through social media or the press without informing the association is contrary to its established code of conduct. It called for disagreements to be addressed through discussion and the association’s institutional procedures.
The organisation also expressed concern that presenting only one side of a dispute publicly could create confusion and negatively affect the reputation of the wider professional community.
Warning Over ‘Trial’ on Social Media
The association cautioned against turning professional disagreements into what it described as a “trial” in the court of public opinion.
It said members who are found to have breached the organisation’s code of conduct could face disciplinary measures.
The statement effectively shifts attention away from social-media debate and towards the association’s formal process for handling disputes between its members.
What Samia Athoi Alleged
The controversy began after Samia Athoi spoke about the incident during a Facebook Live session.
Athoi alleged that a scripted slap scene during the drama’s production did not unfold as originally agreed. According to her account, she had been instructed to slap Tanjin Tisha lightly as part of the scene.
Athoi claimed that Tisha subsequently struck her several times in return in front of members of the production unit.
Her account triggered discussion on social media, with viewers and industry observers debating what had occurred on the set.
Tanjin Tisha Gives a Different Account
Tanjin Tisha has presented a different explanation of the scene.
She said the actions were connected to her character, who has special needs and displays aggressive behaviour within the story. Tisha maintained that her reaction was part of what the role required.
She also suggested that audiences would better understand the context once the drama is released.
The conflicting accounts mean that the precise circumstances surrounding the scene remain disputed.
Director Confirms the Slap Scene Was Scripted
Director Rafat Majumder has confirmed that the slap sequence was included in the script.
According to the director, both actresses were expected to strike each other lightly as part of the scene. He indicated that the disagreement appears to have arisen from differing perceptions regarding the amount of force used during the performance.
His comments provide context for the dispute while leaving the competing accounts of the actresses separate.
Drama Features Several Familiar Faces
The drama also features Shahiduzzaman Selim, Momena Chowdhury and Mir Rabbi.
With the controversy now attracting attention beyond the production set, the Actors’ Association’s statement could lead the matter towards an internal discussion rather than continued public debate.
What Happens Next?
The association’s warning makes clear that it expects disputes between members to be handled through its established procedures.
Whether Tisha and Athoi will resolve their disagreement through formal discussions remains to be seen. For now, the two actresses have offered different accounts of the disputed scene, while the director has confirmed that the sequence itself was part of the script.
