- Source: Ujan Ganger Naiya
Ujan Ganger Naiya is a drama series with underlying messages on the negative aspects of early marriages and underage pregnancy which was broadcast in 2014 by the BBC Media Action (BBCMA) Bangladesh. It was premiered on the state-owned television channel BTV and primarily targeted the rural populace of the country. The series was received exceedingly well, reaching 35 million people.
Episodes
The 16-episode first series is directed by Giasuddin Selim and Bashar Georgis and written by Giasuddin Selim and a team of writers. The crew and cast features star performers like Mamunur Rashid, Fazlur Rahman Babu, Wahida Mollick Jolly, Chanchal Chowdhury, Dipa Khondokar, Orchita Sporshia, Quazi Nawshaba Ahmed, Shamol Mawla, Shahed Ali, Momena Chowdhury and many more.
Ujan Ganger Naiya is part of the BBC Agomoni (health project brand of BBC Media Action in Bangladesh) under which BBC Media Action is producing TV shows, radio programmes and Public Service Announcements.
Plot
The plot centres around young sisters Jasmin and Anika, who are married to two brothers. 16-year-old Anika wants to continue her education and struggles to adapt to life as a wife and daughter-in-law. Through her story, the drama explores the challenges of early marriage and pregnancy. The series also attempts to promote healthier practices related to childbirth, such as having a skilled healthcare worker present at delivery. Season two follows Anika a few years later at she works as a healthcare worker in a different rural community.
Cast
For first season 16 episodes
Mamunur Rashid as Haider
Fazlur Rahman Babu as Sultan
Ishrat Nishat as Dadi
Wahida Mollick Jolly as Sayeda
Shilpi Akter Apu as Salma
Chanchal Chowdhury as Arif
Shamol Mawla as Halim
Orchita Sporshia as Anika
Marufa Akter Jui as Mou
Shamima Nazneen as Rupa
Deepa Khandakar as Marufa
Sadika Swarna as Lata
Shahed Ali as Jahir
Jisan as Shahzada
Shelly Ahsan as Banu
Pankaj Mazumder as Sobhan
Shirin Shahed Seunti as Rahela
Md. Iqbal Hossain as Bacchu
Anowarul Haque as Rashid
Reception
The drama received praise for realistic onscreen portrayal of childbirth for the first time in Bangladeshi entertainment media.