# Ananta Jalil

M. A. Jalil (known as AJ) is a Bangladeshi businessman, actor, director and producer. He is known for his contributions to Bangladesh's textile industry as well as his performance in Khoj: The Search.

## Early life and background

Ananta Jalil was born on April 17, 1978 in Munshiganj, Bangladesh. When he was 5 years old, his mother died. He was raised with his older brother by their father. He completed his O-levels and A-levels from St. Joseph Higher Secondary School, Dhaka and received a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Manchester University in the UK.
In 1999, he began working as a production general manager. Later, he started his small garment factory which eventually grew into AJI Group. He was recognized by the Bangladesh government in 2014 as a CIP (Commercially Important Person) for his contributions to the Ready-Made Garment sector.
Ananta made his debut as an actor and producer with the 2010 film Khoj: The Search. The film headlined the debut of Ananta and Barsha, Bobby. Khoj: The Search was followed by Hridoy Bhanga Dheu in 2011.
In 2012, he appeared in two films, The Speed and Most Welcome. Both films were a comedic success and gave him access to the local crowd of Bangladeshi cinema. In The Speed, Ananta starred opposite to two foreign actresses, Malaysian actress Parveen and Russian actress Nana. The 2nd release Most Welcome was released on Eid.
In 2013, his only release was Nishwartha Bhalobasa. The film marked the directorial debut of Ananta and premiered at the 66th annual Cannes Film Festival. In 2014 Most Welcome 2 was released, the sequel of his 2012 film Most Welcome. Producer and actor Ananta Jalil's Din–The Day helmed by Iranian director Morteza Atashzamzam, was released on Eid al-Adha, July 10, 2022.
Ananta is the brand ambassador of Grameenphone, a telecommunications service provider in Bangladesh.

## Personal life

Ananta married model-turned-actress Afiea Nusrat Barsha on September 23, 2011. Barsha is the managing director of Monsoon Films. Together they have two sons, Ariz Ibn Jalil and Abrar Ibn Jalil.

## Filmography

Key :
| † | Denotes films that have not yet been released |
| Year | Title | Role | Director | Notes |
| 2010 | Khoj: The Search | Major Mahmud / Ananta | Jahidul Islam Jihad | Debut film |
| 2011 | Hridoy Bhanga Dheu | Ananta | A Rahman Atik | |
| 2012 | The Speed | Anonno | Farhan Shahriar | |
| 2012 | Most Welcome | Police officer (Aariyan) | Si Shahin | |
| 2013 | Nishwartha Bhalobasa | Ananta | Ananta Jalil | |
| 2014 | Most Welcome 2 | Police officer (Aariyan) | Ananta Jalil | |
| 2022 | Din–The Day | Ananta Jalil (AJ) | Morteza Atashzamzam | Iran-Bangladesh joint production film |
| 2023 | Kill Him | Salman / Prince | Mohammad Iqbal | |
| TBA | Netri: The Leader † | TBA | Ananta Jalil, Ertagul Shakar, Upendra Madhav | Filming |
| TBA | Operation Jackpot † | TBA | Rajiv Kumar Biswas | Filming |

## Awards and nominations

List of awards and nominations :
| Year | Awards | Category | Film | Result |
| 2012 | Meril Prothom Alo Awards | Best Actor | Most Welcome | Nominated |
| 2012 | CJFB Performance Award 2014 | Best Actor | Most Welcome | Won |
| 2013 | Bioscope Borsho-sera | Best Actor | Nishwartha Bhalobasa | Won |
| 2013 | Bioscope Borsho-sera | Best Couple (with Afiea Nusrat Barsha) | Nishwartha Bhalobasa | Won |
| 2013 | Meril Prothom Alo Awards (popular) | Best Actor | Nishwartha Bhalobasa | Nominated |