FROM ANANTA WITH LOVE
If there is one entertainer in the recent history of the film industry of Bangladesh who has captured the gaze of millions, it's Ananta Jalil. There was a commotion, a massive one, when in 2010, Ananta Jalil relseased his first movie, Khoj: The Search. It was a phenomenon unlike anything seen in Bangladesh before. One after another, Ananta Jalil presented us with bigger and better films, the next more entertaining than the previous. When our movie industry was almost at the end of the tunnel, Ananta's movies started bringing the audience back to cinemas. With modern CG effects, catchy storylines and an onscreen personality which demands attention, he caught the attention of people of all ages and backgrounds. Audience cheered to his heroic antics, sang along with his catchy tunes and most important of all, people now wait for Ananta's films to be released. It's a highlight event of the year! Ananta's appearances on TV talk shows went viral on social networks. Everybody was talking about this man who became the entertainment icon of the country. Even his TV commercial, where his dialogue “Making impossible things possible is what Ananta does” became a pop catchphrase overnight. He is an icon who's not only popular onscreen, his off-screen news is gobbled up by all. Ananta doesn't usually allow journalists at movie shoots, but, I was a lucky exception and had the opportunity to see the man in person, in action, and it was a pleasure talking to him.
MEETING ANANTA, THE ICON
Not many get the chance to be in the set of Ananta's film being shot. We, at Star Showbiz tried many times to get hold of Ananta Jalil. We knew that he is a busy man. He is not just a mainstream actor but also a successful businessman. It took a while to get an appointment with him, and when I did, I was shaking with joy! And what luck, I would get to meet him during the shooting of the final scenes of “Niswartha Bhalobahsa 2” at FDC. Reaching FDC, I didn't see Ananta Jalil anywhere. His assistant asked us to wait. I had all the time in the world to talk to him. Within a few minutes, he showed up with glamour-girl Barsha (as instructed by Ananta, from now on, she will be known as Barsha AJ) and he came straight at me. Like any down-to-earth person, he shook my hand and greeted me like he knew me from before. I was excited to start the conversation, but waited till we had the chance to get a short photo session done, Ananta sat with me to answer my silly questions. What to ask Ananta Jalil, the superstar?
MEETING ANANTA, THE MAN
What kind of child were you?
I was the naughty type with a whole lot of bravery. I would get into fights a lot! My father was always busy handling complaints about me.
What brought you to the media?
I never thought that I would be into films and movies. But I always wondered why Bangladeshi movies were not an export item. My main target was to export local films. Secondly, I was looking for an actress with the right elements who would be appealing to the international audience. Then came Barsha AJ, I immediately found the chemistry I was looking for – in my view she is suited to be a proper leading actress, she has all the ingredients. My desire to export Bangladeshi movies and meeting with Barsha AJ triggered the decision to enter the media industry.
Would you be not into movies if you hadn't found Barsha AJ?
Probably not. If there wasn't the connection and the chemistry I wouldn't be doing movies.
What is the difference between sexy and glamorous to you?
Right on! Glamourous, to me, is like a golden crown – it is god-gifted. Not everyone is born with glamour as Barsha AJ has. On the other hand, being sexy is a craft – it is man-made. Just wear something revealing, look good, take a few pieces of clothes off, and you can be sexy.
What about you? Do you consider yourself sexy or glamorous?
I can only judge myself through other's eyes. Well, in one word, the talk of the town is that I am very handsome! I can't tell whether I am sexy or glamorous. Haha! Only girls can give you that answer.
Barsha AJ, seated beside us shouted, “He is both sexy and glamorous!”
What part of your body do you like the most?
My chest! Its 42 inches! My figure is perfect V-shaped.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In the media, I can't tell you where I will be in five. To be honest, not many artistes in Bangladesh get to where I am today in the industry. With the help of Almighty Allah, I have reached the hearts of people through the quality of my films. Only Allah knows where he will take me from here. Three things will determine where I will be: Allah's will, the love of my audience and my hard work to maintain the quality.
Last time you lied?
I lie all the time!
Did you lie in one of the answers here even today?
Oops! I didn't mean it that way. Let me explain; let's say Barsha AJ called me on the phone and I couldn't pick up because I was in a meeting. Now, if I tell her that I couldn't pick up because of a meeting, she would think I give my business and work more importance than her. So I just tell her that I was in the washroom. Honest and white lies, you know!
What annoys you the most?
Sycophants annoy me the most, I just can't stand that kind of behaviour. I have many around me who always try to flatter me all the time.
If someone comes with a great script where you have to do intimate scene with another woman, would you do it?
(Laughingly) Forget about others, I won't do it even if it is my own script!
We know about your love for Barsha AJ. Any romantic memories from the past before Barsha AJ?
My ancestral village is Munshiganj. When I was in class ten, I went for a visit to my village. On the same time a sports event was going on in a local school. I went there to watch the event. A female relative of a registry officer also was there in the event. Although I didn't notice her, she did notice me. Later I was sitting beside a large lake beside our house with my neighbor. We noticed her coming towards us. My neighbors informed me that she was the girl every boy wished for in the village. She came straight to me and asked, “Are you from Dhaka?” “Yes”, I replied. Without any other word, she took off her necklace and gave it to me. Well, that was it, I never saw her again. You could say that was somewhat romantic.
MEET ANANTA, THE PHILANTHROPIST
A successful businessman, Ananta Jalil's factories employ thousands of people. He is staring a new business, AB (Ananta Barsha) apparel which will employ 3,000 more. He has pledged the future profits of AB apparel to the poor. He already runs three orphanages and is currently building a huge old-age home.
Star Showbiz also had the opportunity to interview Barsha AJ along with Ananta Jalil, but we only chose to publish Ananta's interview in this issue due to space constraints. Please keep your eyes on Star Showbiz's future issues for Barsha AJ's interview. For photos and videos of Ananta Jalil and Barsha AJ, like us at www.Facebook.com/Showbiz.TDS
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