Hollywood has its red carpets. Bollywood has its drama. But only Jaya Ahsan can drop a truth bomb in a saree at a Kolkata cultural event and turn it into a full-blown national mood reset.
The celebrated actress of both West Bengal and Bangladesh didn’t come to play, she came to correct the record.
Speaking at a high-profile cultural gathering in Kolkata, Jaya, known as much for her powerhouse performances as her outspoken views, took a bold stand against what she calls the “fake news diet” being served about Bangladesh on the global stage.
“Sometimes wrong messages are spread internationally about Bangladesh,” she said, voice calm but eyes blazing. “It’s like the world thinks we’ve stopped making films, stopped creating, stopped living. But guess what? We’re not just surviving—we’re thriving. Otherwise, how are we alive? We are fine.”
Her comments came amid growing chatter about Bangladesh’s cultural and political climate, with some narratives painting a bleak picture of creative suppression and stagnation. Jaya wasn’t having it.
“The reality of our country is being twisted,” she emphasised. “Our cinema is alive. Our artists are working. Our culture is breathing. We don’t need pity. We need fair representation.”
And just when the crowd thought the speech couldn’t get more iconic Jaya pivoted to the real tea: social media clout.
When asked if the future of entertainment will be ruled by follower counts, Jaya didn’t just push back, she shut it down.
“An artist’s worth cannot be measured by how many followers they have,” she declared. “My performance doesn’t depend on my Instagram numbers. Directors judge a performance by its power, not its popularity. An actor should be valued for the quality of their work—never just their fame.”
She did acknowledge the elephant in the room: yes, some production houses do scout talent based on digital reach. “But very few serious directors do that,” she added with a knowing smirk. “The real ones still care about craft.”
Currently juggling projects in both Dhaka and Kolkata, Jaya Ahsan continues to shine as a cultural bridge between the two Bengals. But beyond the glitz, she’s unafraid to use her platform for purpose speaking up on gender, freedom of expression, and national pride.