Bangladeshi film with scholar’s vocal performance submitted to 2026 Oscars
The film ‘Barir Naam Shahana’ (A House Named Shahana), which soundtrack features Dr Sahana Bajpaie, from the School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics - has been selected as Bangladesh’s official entry for Best International Feature at the 98th Academy Awards.
‘Barir Naam Shahana’ is the directorial debut of London-based filmmaker and activist Leesa Gazi, which is also making history as the country’s first-ever Oscar submission directed by a woman.
Produced by Komola Collective and Goopy Bagha Productions Limited, with music by Sohini Alam and Oliver Weeks, Dr Bajpaie – who specialises in South Asian Studies – was able to lend her own voice to the recording of 'Biyar Gaan' – one of the highlights of the film’s soundtrack, which was also recorded on SOAS campus.
Barir Naam Shahana explores themes of female agency, social stigma, and cultural resistance, reclaiming silenced voices within South Asian patriarchy. It was a privilege to record a song for this historic film.
Based on real events in Leesa’s own life, the film’s story follows the tale of a young woman fighting for freedom from arranged marriage in 1990’s England and Bangladesh.
Speaking on the opportunity to be involved in the film, Dr Bajpaie said:
“Barir Naam Shahana explores themes of female agency, social stigma, and cultural resistance, reclaiming silenced voices within South Asian patriarchy. It was a privilege to record a song for this historic film, made even more special by the fact that it was recorded in a SOAS classroom, adding a unique creative and emotional resonance to the experience.”
‘Barir Naam Shahana’ has been celebrated by Channel 4, London Indian Film Festival, Rich Mix and Variety respectively in the lead up to the Oscars, which will take place on 15th March 2026.
The SOAS School of Languages, Cultures and Linguistics, with its focus on Africa, the Near and Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia and East Asia, takes culture - both contemporary and traditional - as the principal lens through which to understand a region.
Hero Image rights: Komola Collective, Goopy Bagha Productions Limited.
