Alisha Pradhan

Alisha Pradhan was born in Dhaka, Bangladesh to Monir and Hosna Pradhan, both businesspeople. She is the second of three children, with an older sister, Faiza, and a younger brother, Ryan. Alisha began studying classical dance at the Bulbul Academy for Fine Arts at the age of 8. Over time, she diversified her dance skills by learning Western and Latin dance, as well as hip hop. [2]

In 2008, at the age of 14, Pradhan embarked on her show business career by modeling in a television commercial for Cova chocolate bars. Two years later, she featured in an advertisement for the Bangladeshi soft drink Uro Cola alongside actor Riaz. She also appeared in another commercial for the beverage with Emon in 2012.[3]

While pursuing her education, she actively participated in more than 30 dramas and serials on the small screen. Some notable appearances include NTV's Dakhinayaner Din, Fazlur Rahman's Swapnochura, Ferdous Hasan Rana's Dahan, and Mostofa Sarwar Farooki's First Date. In 2011, she performed an item number for a film directed by Raffael Ahsan, initially titled 69 Patla Khan Lane. Due to legal objections regarding the address in the title, the film was released in December 2015 under the new title Noy Choy.

Pradhan completed her A-levels in mid-2012.[4]

Alisha Pradhan showed a strong inclination towards entrepreneurship from an early age, likely influenced by her family's active involvement in various business ventures.

During her early education, Alisha attended renowned institutions in Dhaka. She commenced her academic journey at Scholastica, where she not only received formal education but also began nurturing her ambitious aspirations.[5]

Later, she transitioned to Willes Little Flowers, a distinguished educational institution. This shift marked a crucial period of development, where her passion for entrepreneurship continued to flourish. Alisha's thirst for learning and determination to achieve her dreams guided her through this educational phase.[6]

Taking her aspirations to the international stage, Alisha pursued a diploma in Information Technology (IT) in the United States. This decision showcased her commitment to gaining skills and knowledge that would position her effectively in the dynamic world of business and technology.

Alisha's educational journey, characterized by a blend of academic rigor and practical experiences, provided her with a strong foundation to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead in her multifaceted career.[3]

Pradhan made a guest appearance in the film Eito Bhalobasha, which was released in early 2013.[7] Meanwhile, she became a presenter for broadcasts of the 2013 Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) cricket season.[8][9]

Director Chashi Nazrul Islam saw her work as a presenter for the BPL and invited her to co-star with Emon in his film Bhul Jodi Hoy. Shooting took place in May 2013.[8] While it was in post-production, she signed a four-film contract with Carnival Motion Pictures, a new production company directed by her mother. Antaranga, the first film under their banner, was again with Emon and under Islam's direction.[10] In it she played a double role, Tamanna, a conventional Bangladeshi character dependent on her family in a patriarchal society, and Banya, a more independent, rebellious character.[11] Filming began in December 2013 at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation.[12] Islam died without completing the picture. Finishing it fell to his assistant, Tarek Shikdar.[13] It was edited by Pradhan's sister Faiza, who had studied film in India.[14]

Shooting of Pradhan's third film, Ojante Bhalobasha, directed by A J Rana, began in January 2014.[15] In it she played the role of Kajol, "a simple middle class female".[16] In March 2014, with several pictures in the can, but none yet released, filming began on the second Carnival Motion Pictures property, Zakir Hossain Raju's Premer Kajal. She played opposite Shipon in it.[14][17] As of 2021, it is yet to be released.[18][19]

Antaranga hit cinemas in November 2015, making it Pradhan's debut film in a lead role. Bhul Jodi Hoy, though filmed earlier, didn't premiere until January 2016.[20] Antaranga was not very successful at the box office, but after its release director Shahin Sumon signed Pradhan to star in his film Probashi Don opposite Symon Sadik.[21] The intention was to shoot most of the film abroad, starting in early 2016, but that plan became snarled in visa complications.[22] As of November 2017, it was still in pre-production.[23]

Ojante Bhalobasha was released in May 2016. The production house, Surjo Chalachitra, described it as a flop. Director Rana said he had hoped to at least break even, "But in hindsight, I was thinking the impossible".[24] Pradhan announced in December 2017 that she was retiring from acting.[1]

As of 2018, Alisha Pradhan holds the position of general secretary at the Bangladesh Heritage Crafts Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing and preserving the traditional crafts of Bangladesh. Notable focuses include jamdani and various textiles, shital pati woven mats, and pottery.[2]

In July 2019, Pradhan assumed the role of managing director at HerNet TV, a newly established internet-based television channel with a distinct emphasis on women's wellbeing. The company's chairperson is Pradhan's mother.[25]

Alisha Pradhan's career journey underscores her diverse skill set and unswerving dedication to the betterment of her community and nation. Commencing at the age of 15, she actively engaged in her family's conglomerate, immersing herself in the realms of business and entrepreneurship. This early exposure served as the bedrock for her development of a versatile approach to life, enabling her to excel in various sectors.[2]

A pivotal moment in her career unfolded in 2019, marked by the founding of Asia's inaugural TV channel dedicated to women's wellbeing, HerNet TV. This pioneering endeavor stemmed from an intrinsic desire to cultivate a world devoid of discrimination against women. In alignment with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, HerNet TV zealously focused on women's rights, empowerment, and human rights, particularly for marginalized and underprivileged individuals.[25]

In her capacity as CEO, Pradhan steered HerNet TV to provide a diverse spectrum of programming aimed at educating and empowering women. The channel furnished crucial services encompassing education, training, counseling, success stories, and skill development. This initiative had a far-reaching impact, fostering a sense of community and empowerment among women and marginalized groups.[25] Alisha's dedication to community welfare transcended the TV channel. During the adversities of the COVID-19 pandemic, she utilized her position as CEO of HerNet Foundation to distribute essential supplies—ranging from food, clothing, and medicine to masks and hand sanitizers—to those in need.[25]

Moreover, Alisha collaborated with reputable organizations such as Global Chamber Bangladesh and Zonta, actively advocating for women's rights and fostering international collaborations to advance the status of women in society. These ventures underscored her commitment to empowering women not only on a local scale but also on a global platform.[25]

Alisha Pradhan's career serves as a paradigm of her multifaceted approach to life, employing her influence and expertise to effect positive change in society. Through her entrepreneurial ventures and fervent advocacy for women's rights, she has indelibly marked the path towards a more equitable and inclusive world for all.[25]

Future Endeavors Looking towards the future, Alisha is resolute in expanding the reach and influence of HerNet TV, the pioneering channel dedicated to women's wellbeing in Asia. She has set forth an audacious objective of extending HerNet TV's footprint to over 50 countries by the year 2024. [2]This visionary goal underscores her unwavering dedication to providing a global platform and voice for women, amplifying their rights, and ensuring their voices reverberate on an international stage.

In tandem with this global expansion, Alisha envisages organizing annual HerNet assemblies in Bangladesh, where she aims to convene over 100 global leaders.[2] These assemblies will serve as catalysts for dialogues and actions concerning women's empowerment, gender equality, and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. By bringing together influential figures and thought leaders, she aspires to drive tangible change, cultivating a society where women are genuinely empowered and supported across all facets of life. Alisha Pradhan's future endeavors mirror her ardent dedication to uplifting women and addressing pressing societal issues. Her innovative approach, visionary perspective, and unwavering determination to realize her goals exemplify her dedication to effecting a transformative impact on a global scale.[2]