The Frenzy behind Bhoyal: Aisha’s latest antics

Aisha Khan, who first gained recognition through her work in dance, modeling, and television hosting, has successfully transitioned into a prominent actress in drama, OTT content, and films. 

Her latest web series, 'Frenzy', has garnered positive feedback from audiences, and she is now stepping into the spotlight with the release of her new film 'Bhoyal', premiering today. In a conversation with The Business Standard, Aisha opens up about her acting career and recent projects.

Directed by Biplob Haydar, 'Bhoyal' was shot in the remote Khasia Punji region of Sylhet, and dives into the narrative of a rural teenage girl. For the first time, a film is being certified as R -Rated in the Bangladeshi industry.

"Before the shoot, I was really nervous about how I'd portray a village girl. [in 'Bhoyal'] I've never lived in a village or had the opportunity to observe their lives up close."

Aisha Khan

The anticipation for 'Bhoyal' is palpable, with a ton of promotional activities having taken place leading up to the 29 November release of the film.

"I try not to expect too much. Ultimately, it all depends on how the audience responds. We're eagerly waiting to see how they feel about it," said a hopeful Aisha.

Aisha's character, Bakul, is a rural girl studying in her second year of higher secondary school. Despite being deeply devoted to her father, she suffers from neglect and craves the affection she never receives. 

"I didn't have much time to prepare for my role. But I believe the environment of the shooting location—the scenic village in Sylhet, the locals—everything contributed to my performance. By the end of the shoot, I felt I had given my absolute best," she added.

Adapting to the role was no walk in the park for Aisha. She struggled to connect with the simplicity and groundedness of village life. However, with the guidance of the director and the support of the team, she managed to deliver a natural and convincing performance. 

"Bakul's portrayal was entirely shaped by the director's vision. I relied heavily on him throughout the process," said Aisha.

She continued, "Before the shoot, I was really nervous about how I'd portray a village girl. I've never lived in a village or had the opportunity to observe their lives up close."

Another recent release of Aisha's was 'Frenzy' on 20 November on Binge. Aisha played the lead character in the Zahid Pritom directed web series. 

In 'Frenzy', Aisha's character is named 'Mila,' a copywriter at an advertising agency. She enjoys reading and socialising with friends. 

A big fan of renowned writer Humayun Ahmed, Mila deeply admires the carefree character Himu and wishes to find a similar partner in her life. The series follows Mila's journey as she seeks a man like Himu in her life.

"Being a longtime fan of Humayun Ahmed I felt a natural connection to the character. I have received nothing but positive responses about the series thus far," she said.

Apart from her big-screen ventures, Aisha has also made a significant mark in the drama industry. Her performance in the romantic drama 'Buk Pocket Er Golpo,' which was released earlier on Valentine's Day, was widely appreciated by the audience.

Aisha has been heavily engaged in television dramas lately and shared that she will also appear in content slated for release on the upcoming Valentine's Day. 

"My priority is to concentrate on improving my performance rather than the platform," Aisha said about her current priorities.

"I had personal objectives tied to working in dramas, which is why I chose this path. By consistently acting in dramas, I can identify my mistakes more often and better prepare myself to avoid repeating them in the future."

Before embarking on her acting career, Aisha Khan dedicated significant time to dance and hosting. However, these achievements are often eclipsed by her success in acting. 

Reflecting on her work in these other fields, Aisha mentioned that she now practices dance only at home and no longer participates in public events. Despite this, she continues to actively host television programs, including her current role as the host of a show on a private television.