I would never disrespect a woman: Irfan Sajjad

A new series titled "Eta Amaderi Golpo", featuring Irfan Sajjad, has recently begun airing. Directed by Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Raz, the project also stars Khairul Basar, Sunerah Binte Kamal, and Keya Payel. "I've mentioned before that I'm focusing more on films and being selective about television work. However, the way this series has been designed is very rich—it carries the production values of OTT content. I can confidently say no television series in Bangladesh has been made with such arrangements." The series premiered on November 5 on Cinemawala YouTube channel, with Channel i as its television partner. Irfan also revealed that he will soon begin work on an OTT project directed by Sumon Dhar for iScreen. "After quite some time, I've taken up a web project," he said. At this stage of his career, Irfan wants to focus on exclusive and festive projects. "I'm being very selective now, as I'm preparing myself for the silver screen and avoiding average work," he added. In a short span, two of Irfan's films— "Vhoyal" (November 2024) and "Ali" (July 2025)—were released, both directed by Biplob Hayder. Reflecting on the audience's response, Irfan noted, "Both films were made by new production houses. I believe the response could have been stronger with broader marketing and promotions. Large-scale campaigns help projects reach their audience—something these films lacked, no matter how good the project is." Currently in talks with several production houses, Irfan hopes to collaborate with established directors and major banners in the near future. Last week, an incident on social media left actor Irfan Sajjad deeply disturbed. Speaking to The Daily Star, he shared his side of the story. "My colleagues, friends, and followers know that I often post about cricket—and most of my posts are sarcastic," Irfan said. "After Rubaba Dowla ma'am was appointed as a director of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), I made a sarcastic post saying that now, at least if the boys don't perform well, there's no hope. It was meant humorously and positively, not in a negative or sexist way. What I meant was that for us, the boys, Rubaba ma'am is a diva—someone beautiful, brilliant, and admirable. Unfortunately, some radical feminists took it offensively. When I saw the situation escalating and hatred spreading, I chose not to argue and preferred peace over drama." Despite his clarification, Irfan said a section of people continued to spread negativity online, leaving him traumatised. "I will be extremely careful about what I post on social media from now on," he stated. "My wife is a news presenter, and I believe that if I, as a man, can contribute to creating a safer environment in the media, she too will be safer—it's all connected. I would never intentionally disrespect any woman in my life."