Masuma Rahman Nabila has never been an actress who appears in projects simply for the sake of staying visible. Her selective approach has made each new screen appearance an event for audiences, and her latest project marks an important step into the world of streaming.
Nabila is set to take the lead in Aka, her first web series in a leading role. Directed by Vicky Zahed, the series is scheduled to premiere on Hoichoi on September 4.
Nabila Excited to Work With Vicky Zahed
For Nabila, the opportunity to collaborate with Vicky Zahed came after she had already developed an appreciation for his filmmaking.
The actress said she had watched several of Zahed’s projects and was particularly impressed by his technical approach. She cited his web film Neel Sukh, released earlier this year, as a project she enjoyed enough to discuss publicly on Facebook.
Nabila said the offer for Aka came from production company Alpha-i. At the time, the team was reportedly unsure whether she would accept because she had not been particularly interested in OTT projects.
That changed after she read the story.
“I received the offer for Aka from the production company Alpha-I. They were a little hesitant, wondering if I’d agree, since I wasn’t very interested in OTT at the time. Later, I asked for the story and after reading it I realised it was a great one.”
After discussing the project with Zahed, Nabila prepared for the role and began filming.
‘Aka’ Character Has a Personal Connection
Nabila believes one of the reasons she connected so strongly with the character in Aka is that several of the character’s qualities are familiar to her.
She describes the role as an independent woman who runs a business while navigating emotional challenges. The character is confident, self-reliant and unwilling to accept injustice or wrongdoing.
According to Nabila, these qualities are not entirely unfamiliar to her own personality.
“They’ve seen me in this kind of character before: a normal girl, running a business, self-reliant, emotional and confident who doesn’t tolerate injustice or wrongdoing. I’m the same in real life, which is why I was able to relate to the character.”
That personal connection could give the performance an added dimension, particularly as Aka represents her first leading role in a web series.
Reuniting With Afran Nisho
Aka also brings Nabila back together with Afran Nisho, with whom she has worked previously.
Speaking about their reunion, Nabila said Nisho remains largely the same person she remembers from their earlier collaboration. She acknowledged that his growing popularity brings a different level of pressure but said his behaviour on set remains relaxed and friendly.
“He’s the same as before. Yes, there’s a different sort of pressure now, given his rising popularity. But he’s still cheerful on set, chatting with everyone and sharing his thoughts.”
Their reunion is likely to be one of the elements attracting attention to the Hoichoi series, particularly among viewers familiar with their previous work together.
Nabila’s Directors’ Wish List Keeps Coming True
Nabila considers herself fortunate to have worked with several directors whose films she admired before collaborating with them.
She recalled wanting to work with Raihan Rafi after watching Surongo. Rather than actively pursuing the filmmaker, she simply kept the thought to herself. Shortly afterward, Rafi invited her to meet him, eventually leading to her role in Toofan.
She said a similar experience occurred with Syed Ahmed Shawki, while her desire to collaborate with Vicky Zahed eventually led to Aka.
For Nabila, these opportunities have felt like unexpected turns in her career.
“I think I’m just very lucky. There are a few directors on my bucket list and somehow I’ve managed to work with them.”
From ‘Aynabaji’ to ‘Toofan’
Although Nabila has worked selectively, her filmography includes some prominent Bangladeshi productions.
She made her big-screen appearances in Aynabaji and later Toofan, while also establishing herself through television dramas, advertisements and presenting.
Her limited number of projects has arguably made audiences more curious about each new role. Aka now gives viewers an opportunity to see her take on a lead role in the increasingly important OTT space.
London Trip Changes Her Perspective
Away from acting, Nabila recently spent 16 days in London with friends. The trip had a personal significance because she had wanted to visit the city since childhood after hearing stories from an aunt who had moved there.
Once she finally travelled to London, meeting friends and acquaintances made the experience even more memorable. She also spoke warmly about the affection her child received during the visit.
The trip even prompted Nabila to reconsider something she had previously ruled out: living abroad.
She said she had once been firmly attached to the idea of remaining in Bangladesh because of the opportunities, affection and professional identity the country had given her.
“I always thought, this country has given me so much and its people have shown me so much love. How could I leave all that behind?”
Her connection to the entertainment industry was another reason she felt she could not easily settle elsewhere.
But her thinking has gradually changed, particularly when considering her child’s future.
“At least for my child’s future,” she said.
Nabila has not indicated that she is moving abroad, but her recent London experience appears to have made the possibility more conceivable than it was in the past.
‘Bonolata Sen’ Release Delay Frustrates Nabila
While Nabila is preparing for the release of Aka, another project remains a source of disappointment.
She previously completed work on Masud Hasan Ujjwal’s Bonolata Sen, but the film has yet to reach audiences. Nabila said she is frustrated by the prolonged delay, especially because of the effort she invested in the production.
“I’m quite disheartened. I worked so hard on that film, yet I don’t know what the obstacle is. It’s very frustrating to see the project being stuck.”
