Born in Chicago to Bangladeshi parents, actor Rahsaan Islam has come a long way. He is currently working on ‘The Spectacular Jihad of Taz Rahim’ opposite musician Monica Dogra. Inspired by popular rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh, the film has Rahsaan playing an aspiring rapper who is blackmailed into becoming an undercover agent. The actor says that it deals with a serious subject and also has a dash of humour. “It points out the irony and silliness of people’s ambitions. My character, Taz, is caught in this mess,” he says.
The Bangladeshi-American actor made his debut in an internationally-acclaimed Bengali film titled ‘Simanaheen’. The actor won many accolades for his performance in the film, which was not only a commercial success but was also appreciated for putting new-age Bengali cinema on a global map. Soon, Rahsaan made his directorial debut with a film titled ‘Kings of Devon’ and also starred in it.
The actor says that working in the Indian film industry has been a fun and exciting experience. “Before coming to India, people told me that working here is a different ballgame altogether. But I thought to myself that I’m different too. Much to my pleasant surprise, it turned out to be just as I expected, probably even better. The experience of making films in the Indian industry is fascinating. There are endless possibilities and so many talented people in the industry.
I am amazed by the people’s creativity and the effort that everyone puts in to bringing a story alive on screen.”
For Rahsaan, acting is something that he is addicted to. “Acting is the only way to express myself and my ideas. It is a platform that allows me share myself with others. I do not know any other way to express myself. Before becoming an actor, I had the perfect nine to five job but I was also making my own projects. So I would go to work, come back home and shoot some scenes or edit my own work. I’ve always been obsessed with films.”
The actor enjoyed working with Monica and interacting with her helped him get a clearer picturer of the Indian film industry. During his free time, he enjoys playing basketball and reading. His fondness for Bengali food and Indian spices goes beyond limits. “I could eat Bengali food for breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday. I could also eat ‘pani puri’, ‘dahi puri’ and ‘pav baji’ everyday. I just love Indian food,” he exclaims. The actor hopes to give his best to the industry and turn all his dreams to reality.
“For all the support that I have received so far, I feel obliged to do even better each time,” he adds.