“Sometimes I Feel I Don’t Deserve All This Love” – Jaya Ahsan

Popular actress Jaya Ahsan has carved her place in both Dhaka and Kolkata film industries. Although her schedule remains busier in Kolkata, she continues to balance work across borders. Recently, she announced a new film project there. In a candid conversation with Hello…, Jaya spoke about her films, her fans’ love, and personal reflections.

Q: You recently celebrated your birthday. It’s known that the day makes you feel a little low. Why is that?
Jaya Ahsan: Every year, fans and well-wishers shower me with love on my birthday. The affection is so overwhelming that sometimes I feel I don’t deserve it. To receive so much love in one lifetime is deeply comforting for me as an artist—it’s a blessing. Each year on that day, I’m reminded how beautiful life is and how fortunate I am. But July 1 also marks the 2016 Holey Artisan tragedy in Gulshan. Since then, I have felt sadness on that date. Sometimes I even feel embarrassed to celebrate my birthday on such a day of national mourning. With time, I am overcoming it, but I still carry that heaviness in my heart. I believe every day in life is equally precious and worth celebrating.

Q: On your birthday, you also released the teaser of your new film. How was the response?
Jaya Ahsan: Releasing the teaser of OCD was a joyful moment. The film is directed by Kolkata’s Soukarya Ghosal, with whom I am working for the second time. My fans proved once again how much they love me—the response to the 16-second teaser was incredible. Their excitement is my greatest reward. I always try to give back that love through my work.

Q: Tell us about your character in OCD.
Jaya Ahsan: I play a mentally unstable doctor in the film. Shooting wrapped up two years ago. Although the release date hasn’t been confirmed, the film has already been screened at several festivals and received praise. For now, only the teaser has been made public; more details will be shared later.

Q: As an artist, how do you perceive the love you get from your audience?
Jaya Ahsan: I feel their love constantly. They connect with me because of my work, and that’s the greatest achievement for any actor. Honestly, I sometimes think I’ve received far more love than I deserve compared to what I’ve given. It’s a privilege to be cherished like this, and it inspires me to work harder. Without more work, I won’t be able to repay the love.

Q: What new projects are you working on?
Jaya Ahsan: I have several films awaiting release—Dear Ma, Jaya and Sharmin, and Putulnacher Itikotha are among them. I can’t share details just yet. Preparations are also underway for new shoots, which will be announced officially by the production houses soon.

Q: How do you see the current state of Bangladeshi cinema?
Jaya Ahsan: Bangladeshi cinema has improved with better stories and quality productions, but I still feel there’s a lack of professionalism. Something always seems to be missing in the process. That said, the change from the past is very noticeable. The dark phase is behind us. Audiences are more enthusiastic about going to theatres, and good work is happening on OTT platforms too. Demand for Bangladeshi content has definitely grown.

Q: Fans are often curious about celebrities’ personal lives. In your case, discussions about your relationship status are common.
Jaya Ahsan: It’s true—people are always curious about celebrities’ personal lives. They want to know if I’m in a relationship or when I’m getting married. I prefer to keep my personal life private. Right now, I have no plans for marriage. But who knows? Life can change at any moment. For now, I’m enjoying my independence and my work. Acting never tires me, so I want to focus entirely on it. Beyond acting, I don’t want to think about anything else. In my free time, I spend hours in my rooftop garden—that’s my little escape.