For decades, the dream of seeing a Bangladeshi actor in a leading role in a Bollywood production seemed almost unattainable. The opportunity appeared distant and elusive, a milestone many thought improbable. Yet, after years of anticipation, speculation, and patient waiting, that long-standing barrier has finally been broken. Arifin Shuvo, one of Bangladesh’s most celebrated actors, is set to make his debut as the lead in a high-profile Bollywood project.
Shuvo will be seen in the upcoming SonyLIV web series ‘Jazz City’, portraying the pivotal character of Jimmy Roy, around whom the entire narrative revolves. The announcement was officially made on Tuesday, 16 December, when SonyLIV released the series’ teaser. From the brief glimpse offered, it is clear that Shuvo’s role forms the very heart of the story, with each scene carefully crafted to highlight his performance.
The teaser showcases Arifin Shuvo in multiple distinct looks, capturing the stylish flair of the 1970s. At times, he appears in a sleek grey slim-fit suit, exuding understated sophistication, while in other scenes he dons a crisp white suit during lively dance sequences. Every ensemble reflects the retro fashion of the era, evoking the vibrant energy of jazz music and the period’s cultural milieu.
Reflecting on his role, Shuvo commented, “Jazz City is a multidimensional story where music conveys as much as dialogue. Jimmy’s emotions transcend words, and the fusion of music, silence, and conversation brings the narrative fully to life.”
Demonstrating his linguistic versatility, Shuvo performs in four languages for this project—Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, and English. Set against the backdrop of Bangladesh’s liberation war and the socio-political turbulence of the 1970s, the series explores the tension, transformation, and resilience of the era, rendering historical realities vividly on screen.
The series is directed, written, and scripted by Soumik Sen, renowned for co-creating the acclaimed series Jubilee. Opposite Shuvo appears Souraseni Mitra, along with several other prominent actors from both Bollywood and Tollywood.
SonyLIV has confirmed that ‘Jazz City’ will premiere on 6 February 2026 in Hindi, Bengali, and English. The series promises more than mere entertainment; it aims to transport audiences back in time, where every note of music, every line of dialogue, and every pause collectively narrates a compelling historical story.