Shariar Nazim Joy’s 25-year journey across cinema, television and OTT

Shariar Nazim Joy has completed more than 25 years in the entertainment industry, carving out a multifaceted career across television, cinema, OTT platforms, and hosting. With nearly 750 television dramas to his credit, Joy remains one of the most prolific performers in the country.

He made a relatively late transition to cinema, eventually gaining widespread popularity through both mediums. Over the years, he has also worked as a model and directed dramas and films. In recent times, however, he has been focusing largely on hosting, where he has also found notable success.

Joy recently spoke to The Daily Star about the many phases of his long career, including its highs, lows, and reinventions.

Reflecting on his move from television to film, Joy said, "After acting in 750 dramas, I got the opportunity to work in films. Blockbuster films became part of my career. At a time when Shabnur was at the peak of her stardom, I became her co-actor. It was a dream of my life to act opposite Shabnur. At an event where she was present, I announced on stage that I wanted to be her leading man. She laughed that day, but later it actually came true."

Between 2004 and 2006, he acted in three consecutive films opposite Shabnur—"Jiboner Golpo", "Ei Je Duniya", and "Gram Ganj-er Piriti". He later appeared opposite Apu Biswas in the film "Pashaner Prem".

Joy's directorial debut film was "Prarthona", and he has since gone on to direct a web film as well. Speaking about cinema, he said, "Cinema is where my dreams were meant to be fulfilled. That dream has come true. I have received the love of so many people."

At one stage of his career, the popular actor reduced his acting commitments and shifted his focus to hosting. He went on to host countless programmes, once again earning audience appreciation.

In recent years, Joy has enjoyed renewed attention for his performances in OTT and contemporary cinema. Acting alongside Shobnom Bubly and Tama Mirza in Raihan Rafi's "Floor No.7" brought him back into the spotlight, while his role in the web series "Guti" received strong audience response.

"To be honest, 'Floor No 7' and 'Guti' added a new dimension to my career," he said. "Audiences rediscovered me, and the amount of praise I received is beyond words."

Continuing that momentum, Joy appeared in Ashfaque Nipun's web series "Jimmi" opposite Jaya Ahsan and acted in Mostofa Sarwar Farooki's film "840". "Both Ashfaque Nipun and Mostofa Sarwar Farooki are renowned directors. These were my first projects with them, and I received immense love from the audience," he noted.

Speaking about reuniting with Jaya Ahsan in "Jimmi", Joy said, "Twenty-five years ago, I acted opposite her in the drama 'Sporsher Baire'. Then, after 25 years, I once again acted opposite her in 'Jimmi'."

Discussing his shift toward hosting, he reflected, "There are always ups and downs in an actor's life. I went through that too. There was a time when I used to shoot for 30 days a month. After moving into films and then returning to television, I noticed the work had decreased. That's when I reinvented myself through hosting, and here too I received a lot of love from people."

Looking ahead, Joy is set to direct a new web film titled "Paap Kahini 2", with shooting scheduled to begin soon. He will also be seen acting in the drama "Maya Shalik 2", to be directed by Zakaria Shoukhin.

Read more

Apurba, Bindu reunite for ‘Headline’

On the impact of streaming platforms, Joy summed up simply, saying, "Acting on OTT has given me a lot."