Acting, ambition, and academia: The youngsters behind Bonolota Express 

Bonolota Express is undoubtedly the best Eid release this year. After Uthshob, Tanim Noor once again delivers a beautiful film carried by a strong ensemble cast of veteran and experienced actors. Alongside them, the younger characters added a layer of relatability for the audience.
In the film, these youth portray a generation figuring things out, hustling through their studentship, friendships, and young love.

In my conversation with Labonno Chowdhury, Tamim Kareem, and Sifat Rahman, who played Ruby, Zafor, and Shakil in the film, they reflect on balancing studies, jobs, and creative dreams, along with their experiences on set and how the film shapes their evolving paths as young aspiring actors.

Different beginnings, one shared destination

Each of their journeys into acting started from very different circumstances.

For Tamim Kareem, the road to *Bonolota Express* almost did not happen. Working a corporate marketing job, he missed the initial audition window. Yet he stayed focused. "I only had one dream, to be in the *Bonolota Express*. That's it," he said. He eventually made time for the audition, focusing on the character: "I only thought about how I would look if I was Zafor. How would I feel if I was Zafor?" To prepare, he immersed himself in films like *Back to the Future* and *Rockstar*.

Labonno Chowdhury's journey began much earlier. She stepped into acting as a child after her father found an audition call. "I started very early. When I was in class one," she shared. Over time, she built experience, moving from child roles to characters like Ruby.

For Sifat Rahman, acting was never the original plan. A student at the University of Dhaka, his main goal has always been filmmaking. "Since my school days, I used to make short films with my friends," he said. Acting came later: "I felt that having a basic understanding of acting would make it easier for me to direct actors."

Balancing studies and passion

One of the strongest connections these actors share with TBS Graduates readers is the challenge of balancing academics with creative work.

Labonno's experience was particularly intense. During the film's press activities and shoot, she was still preparing for university admission.

"I had a 9-day schedule for the movie. I had to deal with both sides, so it was quite tough for me," she said. Coming from strict academic institutions, she often had to limit her work.
"Sometimes it was impossible to work, so I had to cancel my shoots."

Even then, support from teachers and friends helped her continue.

Sifat's journey reflects a different side of student life, where academic learning directly feeds into creative growth. Studying film at DU allowed him to explore both theory and practice.

"On one hand, we study cinema. On the other hand, we are constantly getting opportunities to work on projects," he explained. This balance helped him grow both as a filmmaker and as an actor.

Tamim, on the other hand, was balancing a full-time corporate job before stepping into this project. His earlier work in TVCs became his training ground.

"My TVC experience taught me how to be efficient with emotion, how to arrive in a scene already feeling something," he said. More importantly, he emphasised the importance of awareness. "As an actor, you need to listen very carefully… so that you can react to every sound and reaction."

Finding the characters within

Each actor approached their character differently, shaped by their own personality and experiences.

For Tamim, playing Zafor meant stepping away from his natural self.
"I'm someone who fills a room," he admitted, while Zafor is far more restrained. That contrast became one of the biggest challenges.

His background in dance played a crucial role here. "When I'm in a scene, I'm aware of what my posture is communicating… those details might seem small, but audiences feel them."

Labonno found the opposite experience with Ruby. The connection came naturally.

"Ruby and I have almost the same character. Brave and confident," she said. Even then, she relied on rehearsals to refine the performance and fully step into the role.

For Sifat, Shakil was built from observation.

"Most of us probably have a friend like Shakil in our lives," he said. Instead of creating something entirely new, he drew from real people and situations. "I reflected on them and tried to think about what I would do."

Labonno credits rehearsal and off-screen bonding. "We talked about the characters, we gossiped… My fellow actors were so friendly and understanding." Sifat described how that bond grew naturally. "We spent our days talking about everything… I feel like I got to know Tamim Bhai so well." Tamim summed it up simply: "The camera doesn't create chemistry, it reveals it."

Working alongside industry veterans became a vital part of the journey. Tamim was influenced by the discipline of actors like Mosharraf Karim and Chanchal Chowdhury. "The senior actors were the most prepared people in the room," he said. Beyond craft, he learned about professionalism. "Longevity in this industry isn't about talent alone. It's about character." 

Labonno found guidance from co-actors like Shariful Raj, while Sifat felt the experience was transformative. "Even a five-minute conversation with them can be a learning experience," he said, noting their humility and support for newcomers.

The director's trust

All three actors highlighted the role of Tanim Noor in shaping their performances. For Tamim, it was personal. "He is the one who believed in me," he said. "When your director believes in you like that, you rise to meet that belief." 

Labonno emphasised how clear direction made the process easier, while Sifat pointed to the environment on set. "He created an environment that felt genuinely comfortable… this sense of comfort is incredibly important," he explained.

Despite the film's success, all three see this as just the beginning. Tamim wants to be part of stories that take Bangladeshi cinema to global audiences. "I want to tell stories that make Bangladesh impossible to ignore," he said. 

Labonno remains focused on both studies and acting. "I want to continue acting alongside my studies," she shared. Sifat continues to pursue filmmaking while embracing acting. "I still want to make films… but I also want to act," he said.

Advice for aspiring actors

Their advice to aspiring actors reflects their own journeys.

Tamim encourages action over waiting. "Start where you are. Don't wait for the perfect opportunity," he said, stressing the importance of consistency and preparation.

Labonno highlighted extracurricular activities and theatre as important starting points. "It will definitely help you," she said.

Sifat offered a more introspective perspective. "What do I want? How badly do I want it?" he said, encouraging students to stay honest and committed to their craft.

At its core, Bonolota Express tells a story about journeys, not just physical ones, but emotional and personal as well.

For Tamim Kareem, Labonno Chowdhury, and Sifat Rahman, this film represents a significant step forward. They are students, learners, and artists trying to find their place, much like the characters they portray.

And in many ways, that is what makes their story resonate.