Sharmin Joya

With its universal message of hope, “A Rising Lioness: In Search of Beauty” speaks not only to burn survivors but to anyone facing disabilities, neurodiversity, or societal exclusion. By portraying a journey of courage and transformation, the production inspires reflection on the values of empathy, and inclusion, and celebrates the human spirit of resilience.

On a quiet autumn evening, we visited Arnob’s studio, Kolorob, where he shared reflections on his musical career, insights into his creative journey in art, and his upcoming projects.

In times of national crisis, Bangladesh’s entertainment industry is often among the hardest hit. From artistes to crew members, everyone faces hardship due to a lack of work and opportunities. Actor Ziaul Roshan has recently expressed concerns about the struggle to maintain a stable livelihood in such uncertain times, highlighting the challenges when work for artistes dries up. 

Marking a decade in showbiz, Sayed Zaman Shawon has captivated audiences across television, OTT platforms, and the big screens. Known for his acclaimed roles in Mabrur Rashid Bannah’s “Brothers” series, Shihab Shaheen’s “August 14”, Ashfaque Nipun’s “Sabrina”, and Golam Sohrab Dodul’s “Mobaroknama”, Shawon’s adaptability shines through each project.

Behind this essential aspect of filmmaking are the lighting technicians, whose efforts often go unnoticed. In Bangladesh, however, these technicians face an uncertain future, as the industry battles deep financial challenges.

This actor has consistently showcased his remarkable talent on OTT platforms, with standout performances in roles such as Moloy in ‘Mohanagar’ and Amlan in ‘Kaiser’. Through these and other memorable characters, Mostafizur Noor Imran has proven his versatility and skill, solidifying his reputation as a standout actor in the industry.

With nearly a decade in the industry, Nishat Priom has captivated audiences on both television and OTT platforms. As one of the earliest talents in the OTT space, she consistently takes on diverse roles, pushing boundaries and exploring new dimensions in her craft.

Sadia further clarified that she deleted the live video just 10 minutes after it ended due to the flood of concerned calls from friends and close ones. "I have always stood for what is right and spoken out against wrongdoing, and people love me for that. I shouldn’t have conducted the promotion in this way. The moment I realised it would hurt people’s sentiments, I removed it. My intention was never to harm anyone, go viral, or promote my project at the expense of others."

A spontaneous girl, who entered showbiz in 2006 as a model while still in school, quickly made her mark in the industry with grace and charm. Sarika Subrin, a household name for her roles in small-screen dramas, is now making waves on OTT platforms. She has also been the host of the longest-running celebrity show, “Amar Ami”, for four years now.

In 1995, as Ayub Bachchu’s hit album ‘Koshto’ was released, the album’s cover came as a surprise to people—it was an out-of-the-box design for that time. The man behind the cover is Niaz Ahmed Aungshu, who is not just a cover illustrator, but the person behind many successful lyrics during the 90s, including ‘Meye’, ‘Shecchachari’, and ‘Jonmohin Nokkhotro’, among dozens of others. He is currently an Australian expatriate. Remembering rock legend AB on his death anniversary (October 18), Aungshu reminisces his golden days with Ayub Bachchu and shares his journey as a musical artiste with The Daily Star.

“Each photo will make people think, and that is our goal—to make people think, and we believe it will create an impact,” said Nawshaba.

From a reluctant actor to small-screen superstar, Niloy Alamgir’s journey has been nothing short of cinematic. Over the years, with unwavering determination, he has emerged as one of the most beloved television actors of his generation.

Nipun uttered his concerns about the need for greater responsibility from exhibitors and the distribution system once the certification process begins. “It’s a chain process, and as the supporting wing, other sectors need to be more cooperative and, above all, take greater responsibility in fulfilling their duties.”

The actress, who began her journey as a child artiste, has always been passionate about dance, just as much as she is about acting. She was a ramp model and participated in Miss World Bangladesh in 2017. Despite her hectic schedule, Heme took some time to drop by The Daily Star for a photoshoot and to discuss her career, passions, and more.

During the second wave of quota reform protests this year, young actress Shahnaz Sumi became actively involved as a student of the Government College of Applied Human Science, starting in the first week of July. In an interview with The Daily Star, she shared her perspective on the protests, the challenges facing the showbiz industry, and her hopes for the future.

The strike has garnered significant support from other key industry associations. The Advertising & Filmmakers Association (ADFA), the Bangladesh Alliance of Cinematographers (BAC), the Post Productions Association of Bangladesh (PAB), and the Art Directors & Costume Designers Association of Bangladesh have all united in solidarity with BAAcP. Additionally, the Bangladesh Association of Art Makers and Set Designers (BAAMS), along with groups representing makeup artists, production managers, and other essential crew members, have thrown their weight behind the strike.

Toya and her husband, Sayed Zaman Shawon, who is also an artiste, both joined the movement. They have also sent aid and volunteered to support flood victims.

At the outset of the anti-discrimination student movement, only a few artistes voiced their support. Among those who did was actress Safa Kabir, who felt a sense of duty and stepped out of her comfort zone to ask, “Why are these kids being beaten on the roads?” She also suggested that these students are young and need to be dealt with love, not aggression, leaving her message to the protestors, “Dear students, I’m with you all.”

On August 4, 2018, Nawshaba was detained by RAB from a shooting spot in Uttara. Under Section 57 of the ICT Act, she was charged with spreading rumours on social media about the student protest for the demand for road safety. It is to be noted that she was not the only one who was charged under that act. Photographer Shahidul Alam, lawyer Imtiaz Mahmood, journalist Kajol, and many other activists were charged under this act for speaking against the former AL-led government.

Over the Top (OTT) platforms are one of the major digital mediums of entertainment. The country has been suffering from a complete internet outage, resulting in huge financial losses for industry leaders.