Entertainment Desk:

Not everyone is lucky enough to make a mark in the industry as early in their career as Farrukh Ahmed Rehan has.

Starting out as a model, he made his acting debut in Vicky Zahed’s “Ararat” (2024), portraying a jinn—a performance that caught the people’s attention. His latest release, “Neel Shukh”, has taken him even further, proving that he’s here to stay.

Hailing from Tangail, Rehan moved to Dhaka for his education. Like many newcomers to the city, he had to hustle—tutoring and working in restaurants to make ends meet.

“In 2017, when I first came to Dhaka, I was just another outsider trying to find a way in,” Rehan shared. “I always wanted to work in the fashion industry, and one day, out of nowhere, I got an offer through social media. It felt almost unreal.”

Just like that, his entry into acting was just as spontaneous. “I got a call from Vicky bhai’s team offering me a role in his web project. Honestly, I thought it was a prank. I mean, I was a fan of his work, so I thought, ‘Why would he even know me?’ Then they called again and said that Vicky bhai wanted to meet me. Even then, I wasn’t sure if it was real!”

Rehan went on to work in Mizanur Rahman Aryan’s “Jugol” (2024), a romantic fiction where he starred opposite Naznin Niha.

“I’ve been really lucky,” he admitted. “As someone who is still learning, I had the chance to work with some of the best directors in the industry fairly early. I’d love to work with Ashfaque Nipun, Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, and emerging talents like Jahid Preetom in the future.”

“When I got into acting, I knew I didn’t want to take on just any project—I wanted to do something different, something that would stand out.”

His debut role as a jinn was no easy feat. “That character was actually tough to play, especially as my first role. Then again, when people still recognise me for it, I feel like all the struggles were worth it. Vicky bhai believed in me at a time when I didn’t even believe in myself, and I’ll always be grateful for that.”

Rehan’s latest project, “Neel Shukh”, was another step in the right direction. “Vicky bhai’s way of storytelling is different; he always pushes boundaries. This time, he straight up cautioned me, ‘You’re going to face challenges, so be ready for them!'”

This project gave him more screen time with Mehazabien Chowdhury, and he couldn’t have asked for a better co-star. “She helped me a lot. We rehearsed together and built great synchronisation between our characters. She’s an incredible co-actor,” he expressed.

“Something our director told me that really stuck with me is, ‘When you have a strong co-actor, you have no choice but to give your best shot because the camera catches everything.'”

Currently pursuing an MBA at the University of Dhaka, Rehan is juggling academics, fashion collaborations, commercials, and acting.

“I don’t intend to rush into projects. As a newcomer, I’ve received so much love and support that I am immensely grateful for it all. However, I also know I make mistakes, and I’m trying to learn and improve with each new opportunity,” he said.

For the upcoming Eid, he’s in talks to star in several projects but is being careful about his choices. “I don’t want to disappoint the audience. The next time they see me on screen, I want them to feel the same excitement they felt when they first saw me in ‘Ararat’, ‘Jugol’, or ‘Neel Shukh’,” concluded the actor.