Ananta Jalil

M. A. Jalil (known as AJ) is a Bangladeshi businessman, actor, director and producer.[1][2] He started his professional career as a businessman in 1999, while he encashed his meme fame and began his film career with Khoj: The Search in 2010.[3] Jalil was awarded a CIP (Commercially Important Person) status in 2014 for his contributions in RMG sector of Bangladesh.[4]

Ananta Jalil
অনন্তা জলিল।
Jalil in 2019
Born
M. A. Jalil

(1978-04-17) 17 April 1978 (age 46)
NationalityBangladeshi
Occupations
  • Actor
  • Director
  • Producer
  • Businessman
Years active2009–present
Spouse
(m. 2011)
Children
  • Ariz
  • Abrar

Early life and background

In 1999, he started his profession as a Production general manager. Later, he set up his small garment factory which further grew into AJI Group year by year. He was awarded CIP (Commercially Important Person) status in 2014 for his contributions in RMG sector.[5][6]

When he was only 5 years old, his mother passed away then his elder brother & father looked after him. He completed his 'O' level from St. Joseph Higher Secondary School& 'A' level from Oxford International School,[7] He received his BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) from Manchester University in UK.[8]

Ananta made his debut as an actor and producer with the 2010 film Khoj: The Search. The film headlined the debut of Ananta and Barsha, Bobby.[3] Khoj: The Search was followed by Hridoy Bhanga Dheu in 2011.[9]

In 2012, he appeared in two films, The Speed and Most Welcome. Both films were a comedic success and gave him access to the local crowd of Bangladeshi cinema.[10] In The Speed, Ananta starred opposite to two foreign actresses, Malaysian actress Parveen and Russian actress Nana. The 2nd release Most Welcome was released on Eid.[11]

In 2013, his only release was Nishwartha Bhalobasa. The film marked the directorial debut of Ananta. He tried his alleged talent with the story, dialogue, screenplay, and lyrics of a song of this film. It premiered at the 66th annual Cannes Film Festival.[12] The film was a comedic success.[13] In 2014 Most Welcome 2 was released, the sequel of his 2012 film Most Welcome.[14] Producer and actor Ananta Jalil's Din–The Day helmed by Iranian director Morteza Atashzamzam, was released on Eid al-Adha, July 10, 2022.[15] Now he is working with a new movie called Netri: The Leader which will be jointly produced by Bangladesh and Turkey.[16]

Ananta is the brand ambassador of Grameenphone, a telecommunications service provider in Bangladesh.[17]

Personal life

Ananta married model-turned-actress Afiea Nusrat Barsha on 23 September 2011.[18] Barsha is the managing director of Monsoon Films.[19] Together they have two sons, Ariz Ibn Jalil and Abrar Ibn Jalil.[20] News of Ananta & Barsha's divorce went viral in 2013.[21][22] Though, later they came to an understanding and started living together as couple.[23] In 2019, they celebrated their eighth anniversary in Italy.[24]

Filmography

Key
Denotes films that have not yet been released
YearTitleRoleDirectorNotesRef.
2010Khoj: The SearchMajor Mahmud / AnantaJahidul Islam JihadDebut Film
2011Hridoy Bhanga DheuAnantaGazi Mazharul Anwar
2012The SpeedAnonnoSohanur Rahman Sohan
Most WelcomePolice officer (Aariyan)Anonno Mamun
2013Nishwartha BhalobasaAnantaAnanta Jalil
2014Most Welcome 2Police officer (Aariyan)Ananta Jalil
2022Din–The DayAnanta Jalil (AJ)Morteza AtashzamzamIran-Bangladesh joint production film
2023Kill HimSalman / PrinceMohammad Iqbal[25][26]
TBANetri: The LeaderTBAAnanta Jalil, Ertagul Shakar, Upendra MadhavFilming
TBAOperation Jackpot TBARajiv Kumar BiswasAnnounced[27]
TBAThe Last Hope TBAAnanta JalilNorwegian Film[28]
TBAThe Spy: Agrojatrar Mohanayok TBAAnanta JalilUnreleased

Awards and nominations

List of awards and nominations
YearAwardsCategoryFilmResultRef.
2012Meril Prothom Alo AwardsBest ActorMost WelcomeNominated
CJFB Performance Award 2014Best ActorMost WelcomeWon[29]
2013Bioscope Borsho-seraBest ActorNishwartha BhalobasaWon[30]
Bioscope Borsho-seraBest Couple (with Afiea Nusrat Barsha)Nishwartha BhalobasaWon
Meril Prothom Alo Awards (popular)Best ActorNishwartha BhalobasaNominated

References