Banalata Express, inspired by a novel by Humayun Ahmed, is currently running in cinemas across the country this Eid-ul-Fitr season. Directed by Tanim Noor, the film has drawn attention for its ensemble cast and introduction of fresh faces.

The cast includes Mosharraf Karim, Chanchal Chowdhury, Sabila Noor, Shariful Raj, Zakia Bari Momo, Azmeri Haque Badhon and Shyamal Mawla, among others. The film also marks the big-screen debut of Sifat Rahman.

A fourth-year student at the Department of Television, Film and Photography at the University of Dhaka, Sifat described his entry into such a large-scale production as “nothing short of a dream.”

In the film, he plays Shakil, one of three friends travelling on the Banalata Express train to sit for a university admission test. “Shakil is a good friend and probably the second most foolish person in the world,” Sifat said, adding that the trio’s dynamic brings both humour and relatability. While these characters are not part of the original novel, they were introduced in the screenplay to connect with a wider audience.

Sifat was selected through a three-stage audition process and trained at Prachyanat School of Acting and Design. Although he has worked on short films before, this marks his first professional feature. Reflecting on the experience, he said working with actors he grew up watching was initially intimidating, but later became a collaborative and supportive environment. “By the end, it felt like we were a family on a long journey together,” he said.

While filmmaking remains his long-term goal, Sifat said he is open to acting opportunities in the future. As Banalata Express continues its theatrical run, he invited audiences to experience what he described as “a story of our own”, meant to be enjoyed with family and friends on the big screen.