Sharmin Joya

The rising star will be starring in four films this year—two Bangladeshi projects, including one directed by Tanvir Hossain Probal, and two Indian films, one from Tamil Nadu and another from Kolkata. “I have a significant fanbase in Kolkata, and that’s how I was approached for these projects,” he shared.

Bound by music and driven by passion, Rubayat Rehman and Ruslan Rehman have found not just melodies but a shared destiny.

Some connections are simply meant to be. For Nidra Dey Neha and Prantar Dastider, it all began on the set of Goutam Koiri's directorial web-film “Antonagar” (2023). When they first worked together, little did they know that the film would change their lives forever. 

A defining moment in his decade-long career, Shahjahan Shamrat made an unforgettable impact with his portrayal of Razzak in Shankha Dasgupta’s “Priyo Maloti”. Adding his own charm to the character of an empathetic friend, his on-screen persona brought life to the bond of friendship and communal harmony, making the audience emotional.

Unish20 emerged as one of Chorki’s most popular projects in 2023, earning immense recognition from the audience,

The iconic role of OC Harun in Mohanagar series was taken to another level by Mosharraf Karim. He took home the Best Actor award this time in the popular category.

On December 20, “Priyo Maloti” graced 20 cinema halls nationwide. Featuring Mehazabien Chowdhury in the titular role of Maloti Rani Das, the film marks a significant milestone for both the actress and its director, Shankha Dasgupta, as their silver screen debut.

The Monsoon Revolution represents an unprecedented effort by the government to decentralise and professionalise the Bangladeshi film industry. By fostering regional talent and offering a platform for diverse storytelling, this initiative aims to reshape the industry. More than just an effort to develop skilled filmmakers, it is a step toward amplifying Bangladeshi narratives and creating works that resonate both nationally and internationally. 

In an effort to understand the challenges and tentative guidelines, The Daily Star reached out to board members and stakeholders. Their insights highlight the complexities of transitioning from the long-standing censor board to a modern certification body.

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.