In a world obsessed with fitting in, Saira Akhter Jahan dares to stand out. She’s the martial artist who shines on the silver screen, the commercial star who trains in cyclones, and the actress whose performances echo from Dhaka to the United Nations. With a blue belt in one hand and a trailblazing career in the other, she’s redefining what it means to be a South Asian icon. In an exclusive interview with The Fame, Bangladesh’s most intriguing star reveals how she turned defying expectations into an art form.
Saira’s journey into modeling and acting began when she was a student at Dhaka University. One of her earliest projects, a television commercial for Robi, ignited her confidence in acting. She became the face of elite brands like Sunsilk, Parachute, Robi, bKash, Arong, TikTok, KFC, LG, Walton, Maggi, Radhuni, and Standard Chartered, bringing charisma and sophistication to every collaboration.
With Jonmovumi, Saira made her silver screen debut, playing the lead role in a story centered on Myanmar refugees. The film achieved remarkable international recognition, being screened at the United Nations headquarter and the UK House of Commons. The role not only garnered her international visibility but also filled her with profound pride in representing her nation’s storytelling on the global stage.
Saira continued to showcase her versatility with roles in Leguna, a Closeup Kache Ashar Golpo short film, and Ararat, where she portrayed an antagonist. Leguna was a lighthearted and enjoyable experience, earning her significant appreciation. Ararat, on the other hand, challenged her to explore deeper emotions, ultimately boosting her confidence in taking on complex roles. Alongside her film career, she has also worked in theater, further refining her craft. She has also explored the world of theater, adding another dimension to her acting career.
Yet, Saira is not just about glamour—she is equally committed to strength and discipline, proudly holding a blue belt in martial arts. Since childhood, she dreamed of mastering martial arts, but it wasn’t until 2023 that she finally pursued it at KO Fight Studio. Initially daunting, the rigorous training soon became a spiritual and physical awakening, instilling resilience and unwavering determination. Her passion intensified when she joined WKO Shinkyokushinkai Bangladesh’s Summer Camp in 2024, where she endured grueling three-day training sessions in extreme weather conditions—including beach sessions during a cyclone. The experience pushed her beyond limits, reinforcing her belief that true strength is forged through perseverance.
Her adventurous streak extends beyond the dojo. Despite horse riding being an uncommon pursuit in Bangladesh, Saira fearlessly took up the challenge, training at Buraq Horse Riding Academy. To her, passion and perseverance can rewrite any narrative, and she embraces every opportunity to expand her skill set.
One lesson that Saira applies daily from her martial arts training is to push beyond limits. She firmly believes in exploring one’s full potential by stepping outside the comfort zone. This mindset has shaped her journey, allowing her to embrace challenges fearlessly.
For young girls looking up to her, Saira emphasizes the importance of skill development, patience, and dedication. She encourages aspiring artists and martial artists to step out of their comfort zones and prepare themselves for opportunities through continuous learning and discipline.
Saira Akhter Jahan is more than just an actress and model—she is a living testament to the power of dedication and self-belief. Whether on screen, in the dojo, or on horseback, she continues to inspire with her relentless pursuit of excellence.
