Ashna Habib Bhabna, a prominent name in contemporary Bangladeshi cinema and television, has long carved a niche for herself by defying conventional norms and prioritizing her artistic integrity. In a candid appearance on Times of Bangladesh’s special Eid programme, ‘Rhythm of Times,’ the actress delved into her career trajectory, personal philosophy, and the stark realities of the entertainment industry.
Hosted by Souro Bappa, the episode featuring Bhabna is scheduled to air on Times of Bangladesh’s Facebook page and YouTube channel on the second day of Eid (22 March) at 7pm.
During the interview, Bhabna revealed that she has always sought to build her career on her own terms. While many of her peers lean towards a high volume of projects for the sake of popularity, she has consciously steered clear of that path. Reflecting on a period of back-to-back projects, Bhabna realized that earning money was not her ultimate goal. Instead, she chose to focus on quality, deciding to take on fewer roles that allow her to immerse herself completely in the craft.
Her cinematic journey began with the film ‘Voyonkor Sundor,’ a project for which she underwent extensive preparation. Today, she views acting as a ‘mathematical’ and ‘technical’ process that demands constant practice and dedication.
However, Bhabna did not hold back when discussing the industry’s systemic challenges. She observed that the Bangladeshi entertainment landscape remains heavily male-dominated. According to her, decisions regarding which actress gets a role are often collectively made by male directors, producers, and lead actors.
‘For women, survival in this industry doesn’t just depend on talent; one has to navigate numerous invisible pressures and realities,’ she remarked.
She pointed out that factors like age, personal life, and societal perceptions impact a female actress’s career far more significantly than they do for her male counterparts.
Bhabna also addressed the toxic side of social media, condemning the trend of spreading fake news, offensive captions, and distorted information for the sake of ‘views’ or ‘virality.’ Terming this a ‘sick mentality,’ she shared that she stays away from reading comments or engaging in online controversies to protect her peace of mind.
On the personal front, the actress confirmed her current relationship status. ‘I am currently single,’ she stated. Drawing from past experiences, Bhabna noted that the wrong relationship can be detrimental to both one’s life and career. For now, she is content focusing entirely on her work and her creative world.
