Sharmin Joya

I will be honest, when I received such an overwhelming response for “Utshob”, it made me feel that my responsibilities as a performer have grown to a great extent. Also, people have developed great expectations of me. So, I would never want to let them down. I want to educate myself more as a performer and take acting lessons. I’m also nearing the end of my undergraduate degree in English Literature at NSU. So, I am striving to maybe go abroad for my higher studies.

Mahde Hasan’s debut feature “Balur Nagorite”, internationally titled “Sand City”, has won the prestigious Proxima Grand Prix at the 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival—marking another proud achievement for the country. The film stars Mostafa Monwar and Victoria Chakma in lead roles, with Monwar portraying the character of Hasan. Speaking to The Daily Star from the festival, the actor shared his reactions, insights into the filmmaking process, and behind-the-scenes stories.

“We’ve poured our hearts into this project. ‘Uraal’ is a tribute to unbreakable friendship, the kind that holds you through life’s uncertainties. I believe people will see a part of themselves in this story.”

After securing a spot in the top 10 of “Lux Superstar” in 2018, Puja Agnes Cruze chose patience over haste when it came to making her silver screen debut. Now, years later, her moment finally arrived with “Esha Murder”, where she plays the titular role, a role that not only marks her cinematic breakthrough but also fulfills a dream she has cherished since childhood.

Reflecting on her role, Runa said it was her director’s vision that helped her truly embody the character. “We shot across real locations, and the people whose stories we portrayed were extremely supportive. We’re deeply grateful to them.”

“I would describe ‘Utshob’ as an independent commercial film,” he explained, “because I faced quite a struggle finding producers for it. I’m deeply grateful to my wife Shormila Akter, director and producer Shakeeb Fahad, and, last but not least, Chorki, who believed in me and stood by me throughout the journey.”

After her “Gulmohor” dream came true, Sarika Sabah is now preparing for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha. She is set to embrace the joy of togetherness by celebrating the occasion with her family.

One of the most promising rising stars of contemporary times, Farrukh Ahmed Rehan is all set to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha in the warmth of his family home in Tangail. Known for his dedication and work ethic, the actor is currently wrapping up all his ongoing projects—including television fictions and fashion shoots—well ahead of the festivities, so he can fully immerse himself in quality time with his loved ones.

As the festive season arrives, Priom, like many others, reflects on the bittersweet essence of Eid—the joy wrapped in family rituals, coloured with memories of loved ones no longer around.

Farhan Ahmed Jovan, a prominent figure on the Bangladeshi small screen, is set to make this Eid-ul-Azha particularly memorable. Not only does it mark his first Eid since marrying Sajin Ahmed Nirjona in early 2024, but it also sees him embracing both personal and professional milestones.

For newlyweds Raba Khan and Arafat Mohsin Nidhi, music truly became the medium of magic. She, the vivacious internet personality, became a household name among the youth, catapulted into fame through her witty, satirical videos that offered a humorous take on daily life and social norms. As one of Bangladesh’s most prominent digital influencers, Raba has carved out her own space — vibrant, fearless, and refreshingly honest.

However, with time comes change, and for Basar, that change has brought a more grounded, purposeful experience. “Nowadays, we go on our own, with a sense of duty. My father, my brother, and I—all of us take this responsibility seriously,” shared the Networker Baire actor. “Choosing the sacrificial animal is no longer just an adventure; it’s a significant task. The entire day becomes a mix of tradition, responsibility, and spiritual fulfilment. I personally see to everything—from selecting the animal to ensuring the process is carried out properly.”

While his grandfather always encouraged him to tag along, Partho admits he was never too keen. "I wasn't fond of crowds or the chaos of the haat (cattle market). I used to find excuses to skip it," he says, laughing. "But my grandfather knew how to win me over. He would bring back sweets and charred flatbreads from the market, because he knew how much I loved them. That was something I looked forward to every single year."

As Tasnia Farin steps onto her next chapter, one thing is clear: whether it’s through her acting, her voice, or her screen presence, she continues to break barriers and raise expectations. The only question that remains is: will the box-office collections do “Insaaf” to her hard work this Eid?

Dola, who captured hearts last Eid with “Chand Mama”, returns this time with a gentle, heartfelt rendition. “It feels truly special to be part of such a timeless song,” she said. “‘Shopno Jabe Bari’ resonates deeply with so many people because it reminds them of going home to their loved ones. Until now, we’ve always seen it from a male perspective. This time, it’s told and heard from a woman’s point of view, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been chosen to lend my voice to something so emotionally powerful.”

With her calm, committed approach and an enduring passion for performance, Aysha Rahman Monica continues to leave her mark on Bangladesh’s creative scene—quietly, but distinctly.

In this exclusive interview, the Cultural Adviser opens up about the journey so far— the personal deliberations that preceded his appointment, the professional risks he knowingly took, and the vision he holds for Bangladesh’s cultural future. Yet, behind the sharp public figure, we find a man who still misses the intimacy of the film set—where the only politics involved were those of plot and character.

For the role of Ali, director Adnan Al Rajeev had been searching for a certain kind of presence — an innocent face, someone with long hair and eyes expressive enough to speak volumes without uttering a word. “They auditioned around 40 people for the part,” Al Amin shared. “But they weren’t looking for someone to perform. They wanted someone who could simply be Ali. And they saw that in me.”

Since childhood, Sarika Sabah has immersed herself in the world of art, taking classical dance lessons and specialising in Kathak. Over time, her dedication to dance grew, yet a deeper desire began to burn within her—a dream to one day find her place among the stars. She began her journey in the entertainment industry with TVCs in 2019, while she was a second-year CSE student at North South University, and quickly rose to prominence, winning hearts with her portrayal of Jhumur in Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Raz’s popular mega serial “Family Crisis”.

Actress Nishat Priom, who plays Annie Rozario, shares an inside look at what went into the making of "Fyakra".