From the bustling streets of Paris to the silver screen, Ahassan Uddin's journey is a cinematic dream come true. The Bangladeshi native stars in the recently premiered French film "Délocalisés," gracing the poster as Rahul Kool, an Indian worker, in his remarkable debut.

"We moved to Paris in 1994 because my father dreamed of giving us a better life abroad. It's been almost 40 years, but I'm happy I've been able to visit Bangladesh a few times and connect with my relatives," shared Ahassan. Life as an immigrant in Paris presented challenges. "People would often look at you as if you didn't belong. I experienced bullying in school, but over time, I made friends." That feeling of being an outsider left an indelible mark. Learning French came naturally since he started at the age of four; had he been older, it would have been much harder.

Ahassan's path to acting began unexpectedly with modeling. "In 2023, I participated in the Mr. Franco Desi contest, featuring participants from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. I won the title, and soon after, I started receiving offers for ramp shows," he revealed. Initially disinterested, he joined primarily for the talent segment, eager to showcase his passion for dance. "Dancing is something I'm passionate about, and when I saw that I'd have a platform to showcase it, I thought, why not?"

His success in modeling and his passion for dance led him to an unexpected opportunity. "A friend told me about the audition for 'Délocalisés.' They advertised the casting on Facebook and Instagram, and my friend gave me the address. I knew how difficult it was for South Asian actors to get major roles in France, but I thought I'd give it a try. I took my ramp show photos and went there with zero expectations," he said.

At the audition, amidst 200 candidates, Ahassan's talent shone through. "I had no idea my role would be so significant. I thought it was a minor part. Honestly, if I had known how important the character was, I probably wouldn't have been able to perform as well," he admitted. Director Ali Bougheraba saw something special in Ahassan, a raw talent that resonated with the character of Rahul. However, the production team, concerned about his lack of experience, voiced their reservations. "He has no experience. This is his first audition. Are you sure you want to cast him?" they argued. Ultimately, his performance in a subsequent audition convinced the team he was perfect for the role.

Ahassan's childhood love for Bollywood films, sparked by his uncles' DVDs, not only fueled his passion for dance but also helped him learn Hindi, simplifying his portrayal of Rahul. "Délocalisés" follows Redouane Mahrez (Redouane Bougheraba), promised a managerial position, who follows his company to India. There, he meets Rahul, a translator and mediator between him and the Indian workers.

"The most challenging scene was when I had to convince Redouane that I was on his side while secretly siding with the workers," Ahassan revealed. "In that scene, I had to slap the main character. I accidentally slapped him hard, and the reaction you see in the movie is genuine!" he laughed.

Filming took nearly a year, with 44 days in India and 13 in Paris, coincidentally during Ramadan in Kolkata's 44-degree heat. "If you watch closely, you'll notice I look healthier at the beginning of the film. By the end, I appear skinnier due to fasting," Ahassan shared.

In a landscape where South Asian representation in French cinema is limited, Ahassan's role in "Délocalisés" is a significant milestone. "I would love to work in Bollywood, Bangladeshi films, or any other exciting projects. Becoming an actor has always been my dream. If I can continue on this path, that would be the best thing for me," he concluded.

With "Délocalisés" now in theaters, Ahassan Uddin's journey has just begun. He carries the hopes of aspiring South Asian actors, and his dream of bridging cultures through cinema is now a tangible reality. 

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