Bangladeshi actor Arifin Shuvoo is set to make history as he takes on his first-ever lead role in a Bollywood film, breaking long-standing barriers that have kept Bangladeshi stars from the central stage of India’s film industry.
Shuvoo will headline SonyLIV’s upcoming web series ‘Jazz City’, marking a significant milestone not only in his own career but also for Bangladeshi representation in mainstream Indian streaming content. The platform officially announced the series on Tuesday, December 16, by releasing its teaser, instantly drawing attention across borders.
In the teaser, Arifin Shuvoo appears as Jimmy Roy, the narrative’s driving force. The series revolves entirely around his character, with every frame and moment seemingly built to trace Jimmy Roy’s journey.
The teaser presents Shuvoo in multiple striking looks, from a poised figure in a grey slim-cut suit to a flamboyant presence dancing in a pristine white ensemble. His retro-styled hair and costumes vividly evoke the essence of the 1970s, setting a distinct period tone.
Speaking about his character, Shuvoo described Jazz City as a multi-layered story where music plays a role equal to dialogue. “This is a narrative where emotions and situations are often expressed beyond words. Music, dialogue and silence together shape the soul of Jazz City,” he said, hinting at the series’ immersive storytelling approach.
Adding to the challenge, Shuvoo has performed in four languages for the project: Bangla, Hindi, Urdu and English, a rare feat that underscores the complexity of his role and the scale of the production.
The teaser also reveals that Jazz City is set against the backdrop of Bangladesh’s Liberation War and the socio-political landscape of the 1970s. The series explores the turbulence, aspirations and transformations of that era, weaving personal stories into a larger historical canvas.
The series is directed, written and scripted by Soumik Sen, acclaimed in Bollywood as the co-creator of the widely discussed series Jubilee. Opposite Arifin Shuvoo, actress Sauraseni Maitra will be seen in a key role, alongside several familiar faces from both Bollywood and Tollywood.
SonyLIV has confirmed that Jazz City will premiere on February 6, 2026, releasing simultaneously in Hindi, Bangla and English, a cross-cultural launch befitting a series that already signals a quiet but decisive shift in South Asian screen narratives.
