Bangladeshi contestants shine at Kolkata's Mirakkel

Four Bangladeshi contestants have captured the spotlight in the comedy reality show Mirakkel Akkel Challenger Season- 10 on Indian television channel Zee Bangla. They have achieved huge popularity among viewers both in Bangladesh and West Bengal with their performances.

The latest season of Mirakkel started late last year after a break of four years. Bangladeshi contestants had also appeared in the last few seasons. Some of them even reached the final and became champions.

This year, Bangladeshi contestants Afnan Ahmed Rashed, Abidul Islam Rimon, Jisan Ahmed and Tawfiq Elahi Ansari have already proved their talent on the stage of Mirakkel. In an online conversation with The Business Standard, the four contestants shared their experiences of going to Mirakkel.

Rashed, a student of Jagannath University, said, "We auditioned for Mirakkel in 2019. They came to Dhaka and auditioned us. After two consecutive days of auditions here, I received a green card to participate in the main competition."

"At the beginning of 2020, we were finalised for grooming. But unfortunately, we had to come back to Bangladesh due to Covid-19. Then started the period of waiting. At last, we went to Kolkata at the end of last year and got a chance to take part in the main competition," he said.
The story of Abidul Islam Rimon was more trying. He completed his graduation in 2016. "I have decided to take up my postgraduate studies only after taking part in Mirakkel. But unfortunately, the show had been stopped for the last four seasons. As a result, I also stopped my postgraduate studies."

Rimon said his family also supported his dreams. That's why he is on the stage of Mirakkel today. "It's because of everyone's love and enthusiasm that I've been able to take part in a big platform like Mirakkel," Rimon said, "I want to move forward now."

The story of the other two is the same. Jisan Ahmed also spoke about the experience of grooming. 'Everyone is very cooperative. The contestants and groomers from Kolkata are constantly trying to improve our performances. And I am also getting a lot of support from the country. Everyone's enthusiasm and inspiration is moving us forward."

Another contestant, Tawfiq Elahi Ansari, shared his experience of participating in the Mirakkel, "We have a lot of fun all day at our camp. Everything is in abundance here. We get whatever we want to eat. The only thing we have a scarcity of is jokes."

Recalling the memories of the camp, he said, "Everyone celebrated our Victory Day together. The flag of Bangladesh was flown outside the camp on that day. A cake was cut at night. They care for us more because we are from Bangladesh. We really enjoy it."

Kolkata actors Paran Bandyopadhyay, Srilekha Mitra and Rajtav Dutt were judges of Mirakkel for nine consecutive seasons, but this time the judges have changed. Now Paoli Dham, Rudranil Ghosh and Soham Chakraborty are in charge. Mir Afsar Ali, as usual, is the anchor.

The contestants of Bangladesh are progressing through the competition showcasing their talents. The inspiration of the judges and the anchor Mir have also been helping them. However, time will tell whether they reach the top, said the contestants.