Partho and Nawba: A match made in scripts

It was just after noon. The sun had begun its slow descent toward the western sky. Wrapped in a blue-green scarf, Nawba Tahiya stepped out of Mirpur DOHS and made her way to Uttara. 

She's a rising star of the small screen, a face that has become increasingly familiar. Pedestrians turned to steal glances at her—some recognising her instantly.

Their growing popularity ensured that directors continuously cast them together, making them an inseparable pair in the industry. Turn on the TV at any given moment, and chances were, one of their faces would flicker across the screen, keeping viewers hooked with their presence.

Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel

At the same time, another figure was making his way to the same destination. Partho Sheikh, one of the most promising actors of the time, had just navigated the dense traffic from Mohammadpur. Upon his arrival, he smiled shyly as he made his way beside Nawba.

Since 2024, Nawba and Partho have been a dynamic on-screen duo, their effortless chemistry drawing audiences into every performance. 

Their growing popularity ensured that directors continuously cast them together, making them an inseparable pair in the industry. Turn on the TV at any given moment, and chances were, one of their faces would flicker across the screen, keeping viewers hooked with their presence.

They are well aware that audiences have warmly embraced their on-screen pairing.

Whenever a drama featuring the duo airs on television or YouTube, viewers eagerly share their reactions—be it through social media or personal interactions. For instance, after a drama starring Nawba airs, Partho Sheikh often receives multiple messages.

Partho shared, "If I act alongside another actress, viewers often comment that the chemistry would have been even better if Nawba had been in the role."

Nawba shared her own experience as well. 

 "Audiences seem to prefer watching me act alongside Partho or Niloy Alamgir. I value their preferences, which is why I work with them the most. However, lately, I've been collaborating with Partho more frequently," shared Nawba.

Even though the world of television dramas constantly welcomes new actors, only a few manage to sustain their careers. But a quick look at the career trajectories of Partho and Nawba makes it clear that they are here to stay.

Partho earned a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from a private university and has been actively working in the entertainment industry for the past two years. 

Interestingly, acting wasn't his first dream—he once aspired to be a professional cricketer. However, an untimely injury forced him to abandon that path. The unfulfilled dream still lingers in his heart, a quiet ache he carries with him.

"I always wanted to be a cricketer and had come quite far in that pursuit. But an injury became an obstacle I couldn't overcome," reflected Partho. "I initially entered the media world out of curiosity, but over time, I fell in love with acting. As long as audiences appreciate my work, I want to continue acting and giving them my best."

As Partho spoke, Nawba listened intently. Perhaps his words reminded her of her struggles—her relentless pursuit of a dream that had been with her since childhood. But when the conversation shifted to her, a sudden melancholy clouded her face.

She sighed before sharing, "Right after Eid, I have my Higher Secondary exams. That means I'll have to stay away from acting for quite some time. Even though I enjoy studying, I know I'll deeply miss being on set." 

As she finished speaking, her gaze instinctively turned to Partho, seeking reassurance.

Since Eid was approaching, the festival naturally became a topic of their conversation. Both actors had packed schedules, planning to shoot Eid-special dramas until the very last day before the holiday. And then? They would briefly step away from the spotlight, disappearing into their personal lives for a short while.

Partho reflected on this shift with a tinge of nostalgia. "Ever since acting took over my life, I've found myself drifting away from my family and friends. Late-night shoots mean I return home when everyone is asleep, and I leave before they wake up. I barely see my family, let alone attend social gatherings. Of course, I feel incredibly grateful for the audience's love, but sometimes, I just wish I had more time to spend with my loved ones."

Picking up from Partho's words, Nawba added, "Apart from my parents, I don't have many people in Dhaka who demand my time—just one close friend. Between studying and acting, my days are quite full, and I enjoy the balance."

Despite their different personal backgrounds, there was one striking similarity between Partho and Nawba: both had consciously decided not to step into the world of cinema. They didn't have anything against it, but many speculated it was due to television's greater audience engagement.

In the entertainment industry, on-screen pairs often develop off-screen chemistry, leading to deeper personal connections. However, the Partho-Nawba duo seemed immune to this trend. Addressing the topic, Partho Sheikh said with clarity, "Outside of acting, I have no intention of forming any new relationships at work. This mindset helps me maintain a professional space where I both give and receive support from my colleagues."

Echoing his sentiment, Nawba affirmed, "I have immense respect for Partho Bhai. He is a supportive co-actor, and I want our bond to remain built on mutual respect. Just as he genuinely wishes for my success, I do the same for him." 

Their conversation was cut short by the call of the photographer. As the two actors walked side by side down the street, their cheerful expressions and effortless camaraderie were captured in a series of candid shots. The moment felt light and natural—two young artistes, enjoying their journey.

And then, almost on cue, director Arman Rahman arrived, bringing an abrupt end to the casual chat. With a sense of urgency, he reminded them of their next shoot, handing them the script for 'Ekti Boshonto Din', an upcoming Eid drama. 

With one last glance at the pages in their hands, Partho and Nawba stepped inside the shooting house, ready to immerse themselves in their next performance. Before vanishing behind the studio doors, they left behind a simple message for their audience–"See you this Eid, with a lineup of new dramas!"