Ashna Habib Bhabna is taking a more selective approach to her film career, and her latest project has required an unusually detailed transformation.
The actress has completed shooting for ‘Land of the Princess’, directed by Asif Aslam, in which she plays the lead character Princess Rosie. To fit the physical demands of the role, Bhabna gained nine kilograms and underwent specialised dance training.
The film brings together Bhabna and a group of Jatra artistes in a story centred on a traditional performing art that has struggled to retain its place in an increasingly commercial and glamorous entertainment landscape.
Bhabna Connects With the Film’s Message
Although Bhabna’s filmography is relatively selective, her performances have continued to attract attention. She said the philosophy behind ‘Land of the Princess’ was one of the main reasons she agreed to take on the project.
“The idea of this film aligns with my philosophy. We have lost a true art form in today’s glamorous world and the same is happening with Jatra. The director brought that story to the screen, and I trusted the director, the story and my character,” she said.
For Bhabna, the project was therefore not simply another acting opportunity. Its focus on the changing place of Jatra within contemporary culture gave her a personal connection to the material.
She Gained Nine Kilograms for Princess Rosie
Bhabna made a significant physical commitment to the character, gaining nine kilograms to portray Princess Rosie.
But the transformation went beyond her appearance. As a trained classical dancer, she already had extensive experience with dance, yet the film required her to learn a different movement vocabulary associated with the portrayal of Jatra princesses.
“I am a classical dancer, but for this film I had to master a completely different form,” she explained.
Working alongside experienced Jatra performers also became part of her preparation.
“Acting alongside Jatra artistes also helped me shape myself as a princess,” Bhabna added.
The combination of physical transformation, movement training and collaboration with Jatra performers allowed her to approach the character from several different angles.
‘Land of the Princess’ Explores a Changing Art Form
The film uses the story of Princess Rosie to explore the world of Jatra and the challenges facing a traditional art form in modern society.
Bhabna believes the finished film will offer audiences more than a conventional dramatic experience.
“I believe this film will stand out and give the audience food for thought. I’m very optimistic about it,” she said.
The project consequently carries both a character-driven narrative and a broader cultural theme, making the preservation and changing identity of Jatra an important part of its appeal.
Shooting Wrapped in Faridpur
‘Land of the Princess’ began filming in January in Gobindapur, Faridpur.
Production has now been completed, and the film has entered post-production.
The cast alongside Bhabna includes Arvindu Majumder, Mahmud Alam, AK Azad Setu, Jannatul Baker Khan and Salahuddin Sheikh. The presence of Jatra artistes is also central to the film’s distinctive production approach.
Director Asif Aslam has confirmed that the team plans to submit the film to several international film festivals later this year.
Following its festival journey, the film is expected to receive a release in Bangladesh in 2026.
A Selective Phase in Bhabna’s Career
Once a familiar face in television dramas, Bhabna has gradually become more selective about the projects she takes on.
Rather than appearing in a large number of productions, she has increasingly focused on roles that offer distinctive characters and ideas.
Her work in ‘Land of the Princess’ appears to fit that approach. From gaining nine kilograms to learning a new dance style, the actress has invested considerable preparation in bringing Princess Rosie to life.
