Shah Alam Shazu

Every year at the Ekushey Boi Mela, several celebrities showcase their writing talents with their own books. This year, too, many of them are busy with promoting their books and interacting with their fans.

Namita Ghosh, known as the first female voice artiste of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, passed away at the capital’s Popular Hospital last night. She was suffering from cancer, and was undergoing eye treatments. She tested positive for Covid-19.

National Film Award-winning actor Jaya Ahsan has earned acclaim for her performances both at home and abroad. Her film, “Alatchakra”,

Noted actor Mamunur Rashid has aced his performances with his brilliant screen presence both on the silver screen and theatre. The Ekushey Padak awardee has also earned praises for his impeccable direction and screenwriting over the years. Being the chairperson of the Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation, his plays have received positive criticism from audiences both at home and abroad. On the occasion of 50 years of our independence, Mamunur Rashid walked down his memory lane and recounted the horrific memories of March 1971.

Bangladesh Film Producers and Distributors Association celebrates its 50th birth anniversary today. On March 25, 1971, under the leadership of thespian Khan Ataur Rahman, the organisation was founded.

Zakia Bari Mamo came into the limelight with Lux Channel i Superstar. Since then, she has carved a space for herself in the fields of television and films, winning the National Film Award for her role in “Daruchini Dwip”(2007).

Renowned singer and actor Tahsan Khan’s first book, “Onubhutir Obhidhan” will be hitting the Ekushey Boi Mela soon. Published by Addhayan Prokashoni, the book features anecdotes from the ariste’s own life. “I have penned down my musings and perspectives, on my own terms, in this book,” said Tahsan.

On the occasion of the birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence, the Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation arranged a ten-day theatre festival at Bangladesh Mahila Samity. The festival was inaugurated yesterday, with the 242nd staging of the popular play, “Court Martial”, by Theatre Art Unit.

Suhrawardy Udyan is brimming with energy. The Ekushey Boimela begins tomorrow, and publishers are busy setting up stalls and pavilions throughout the park. Soon its greenery will be replaced by thousands of visitors and a copious amount of books.

Campaigns for the upcoming election of the Bangladesh Film Directors Association has started at Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC). The hustle and bustle of the voters and candidates are keeping the venue busy, especially the Board of Directors’ office and canteen premises.

There’s already an exception to this year’s Ekushey Boimela. Held forever in February, the beloved book fair had to be shifted to the second half of March this time around, due to the unceasing pandemic.

Noted actor Salma Begum Sujata entered the Bangladeshi film industry during the 1960s. She went on to work in many classics such as “Chutir Ghonta”, “Alor Michil”, “Lalon Fokir”, “Alor Pipasha”, “Ghazi Kalu” and “Agun Niye Khela”, among many others.

Jan-E-Alam was one of the frontrunners of pop music in Bangladesh. He, along with Azam Khan, Ferdous Wahid and Firoz Shah, played an integral role in popularising the genre, during the 70s.

The five-time National Film Award winner was also a prolific screenwriter. Although A T M Shamsuzzaman’s importance in the world of cinema and television can be talked about for days on end, his greater legacy was that of a humble and witty artiste, whose passion for his craft was unparalleled. That being said, let us revisit a few of his notable performances.

Ekushey Padak and National Film Award winning actor ATM Shamsuzzaman passed away at 9:00pm yesterday at his Sutrapur residence.

Starting his career with the blockbuster "Kashem Malar Prem", noted actor S M Aslam Talukder, known by his stage name Manna, starred in numerous hits throughout his career. Today marks his 13th death anniversary.

Freedom fighter and six-time National Film Award winner Raisul Islam Asad is one of the recipients of the Ekushey Padak this year.

Zahir Raihan is a pioneer, a legend. His films and novels, portraying the social reality and depicting the veracity of the Liberation War remain classics to this date. Today marks the death anniversary of this great trendsetter.

The Bangladeshi film industry faced many obstacles, as movie theatres were closed for most of last year. Although cinema halls are open now, the audience turnout is still very low. As several new films are lining up for release in 2021, the anticipation might slowly bring the audience back to movie theatres.

The actor used to spend this day at his Gulshan residence with his grandchildren. However, the celebrations were often graced by many, especially his peers, co-stars, and crew members, who came to wish him on the auspicious occasion.