Hold on to your cinema seat tight: Siam Ahmed

Actor Siam Ahmed has signalled an intense and high-stakes year ahead on the big screen, urging audiences to "hold on tight to their cinema seats" as he prepares to return with a slate of new characters and stories in the new year.

Sharing his thoughts on the first day of the year, the actor hinted at what lies ahead while also looking back at the journey that shaped his momentum—particularly the success of "Jongli", which earned him wide appreciation across audience groups last year.

Reflecting on the film's theatrical run, Siam said millions of people came to cinema halls with their families during Eid to watch "Jongli". "You laughed, you cried, and embraced me with immense affection. I secretly watched inside theatres—fathers holding their children close, tears streaming down mothers' faces. Believe me, seeing that love made my own eyes well up. For an actor, what greater achievement can there be?" he said.

Referring to the range of characters he portrayed last year, Siam noted that audiences embraced not only Joni and Jongli, but were also intrigued by Arman Mansur. "Despite being a short role, you made posters, memes, video mashups and even background scores around the character. That kind of love is truly beyond words," he said.

The actor believes that constantly challenging himself remains central to his craft. He said the success of last year's roles reassured him that his efforts to explore varied characters and narratives are resonating with audiences.

Drawing from those experiences, Siam now wants to shape the new year with renewed purpose. "This year began amid fear and uncertainty. At such times, entertainment becomes even more important—to momentarily take people away from real-life pressures, to make them laugh, cry, or step into a new world," he said.

He added that the coming year will see him taking on new challenges. "I act for the audience—their likes and dislikes are my greatest achievement. That's why I've chosen stories and characters where Jongli will rise through darkness as a beast. So hold on to your cinema seats, keep the popcorn box close, because I want to arrive on screen like fire."

Two of Siam Ahmed's films are already drawing attention at the start of the year. One is Raihan Rafi's "Andhar", where he stars opposite Nazifa Tushi. After completing that project, he is preparing for Mehedi Hasan Hridoy's "Rakkhosh", which will see Indian actress Sushmita Chatterjee opposite him.

Siam Ahmed's most recent theatrical release was "Jongli", directed by M Rahim, opposite Shabnam Bubly. He made a strong transition from television with "Poramon 2" and later cemented his position in Dhallywood with films such as "Dahan", "Bishwoshundori", "Shan", "Mridha Banam Mridha", "Operation Sundarban", "Adventure of Sundarban", "Paap–Punya", "Damal" and "Antarjal".