Zahid Akbar

A week of the ongoing year 2024 may have passed so far but there have not been any releases of Bangla movies at the theatres thereby pointing toward a stale beginning of the new year.

Experiencing the overwhelming love and admiration of the fans, Shakib Khan sang the famous song “O Priyotoma” from his blockbuster film, “Priyotoma”. He also performed on several songs from the movie with his co-star, Idhika.

In the dynamic landscape of Bengali entertainment, 2023 has proven to be a year of cinematic brilliance, particularly in the realm of Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms. The virtual space has become a battleground of talent, with actors rising to prominence through their exceptional performances in web series and films. As we bid adieu to 2023, it's time to acknowledge and celebrate the top 10 actors who have been the talk of the town, captivating audiences with their unmatched acting prowess.

The trend continued as cinema culture thrived with discussions and opinions, making it a successful year for the film industry. Apart from festivals, audiences flocked to theaters more than before. The year saw the release of 51 Dhallywood films, with some achieving commercial success where some failed as well.

In 2023, quite a few celebrities in the entertainment industry tied the knot. Some got married suddenly, while others had publicly announced it. The headlines in the showbiz world have been dominated by these marriage stories.

In 2023, the entertainment industry witnessed the unfortunate demise of several luminaries. While they may no longer remain with us, their legacies endure through their creative works. Their remarkable contributions will continue to resonate in the domains of film, television dramas, dance, and music.

Whenever Shah Rukh Khan's or any Bollywood film is released, a significant number of Bangladeshi viewers opt to travel to India to watch the movie. Hall owners believe that releasing these films simultaneously in Bangladesh would be beneficial for our country.

In anticipation of the upcoming 12th National Parliament election, a group of well-known actors from the entertainment industry is actively seeking nominations. This diverse lineup includes renowned figures such as Ferdous, Mahiya Mahi, Rubel, Shakil Khan, and Siddiqur Rahman. These celebrities have taken a step further by collecting nomination forms, indicating their intentions to seek endorsements from their preferred political party.

Shakib returned to Dhaka on Friday after participating in the film’s shoot for 20 days, which began on October 27. As soon as he landed, The Daily Star caught up with the star in a candid conversation, where he shared about his experience, new project and more.

In a recent development, the actress has inked a deal to work on another project with the same director, titled "Dorodiya", where she'll be sharing the screen with Ador Azad. This film will mark the third collaboration between the two actors.

Today marks the fifth death anniversary of rock legend Ayub Bachchu. On this day in 2018, the iconic singer left us at the age of 56. Ayub Bachchu's untimely demise left a void in the music industry and the hearts of countless fans. Born in Chattogram on August 16, 1962, he was not only a rock guitarist but also a composer, singer, and songwriter.

The esteemed musician has come to Bangladesh to attend the premiere of 'Mujib', marking his first visit to the country. In an interview with The Daily Star, he talked about the music of the film and shared insights about his experiences, as well as his thoughts on Bangladesh, during his visit.

Eamin Haque Bobby is gearing up for a return soon. She was last seen in “Paap”, where her role as an ACP officer was embraced well, despite the outcome of the film. As a producer, she has an assortment of genres under her belt, including the superhero film “Bizli”.

James, also known as the modern 'guru' of Bangladeshi rock music, has accomplished unimaginable feats since he started his career with the band Feelings. Today marks the National Award-winning artiste's 59th birthday.

Zayed Khan and Tollywood actress Sayantika Banerjee is acting in a film titled, "Chayabaaz”. However, the production hit a tumultuous bump when Sayantika returned to her hometown, Kolkata, following nine days of shooting, after complaining against the film's dance director and producer. Yet in this chaos, she praised her co-star Zayed Khan to the Kolkata media.

Bollywood's Shah Rukh Khan starrer "Jawan" made its debut in Bangladesh on September 7, coinciding with its global release date. This marked a significant milestone as it was the first time since Bangladesh's independence that a Hindi-language movie premiered in the country simultaneously with its worldwide release.

Salman Shah was not only a beloved actor, but also a style icon. Today is the 27th death anniversary of the superstar. He passed away on September 6, 1996, leaving behind legions of fans. In his brief acting career, he starred in 27 films, most of which were blockbuster hits. Popular leading ladies of the current Bangladeshi film industry spoke to The Daily Star about films of Salman Shah they would have liked to star in.

"Tumi Ki Dekhechho Kobhu Jiboner Porajoy", "Salam Salam Hajar Salam", and "Joy Bangla, Banglar Joy" stand proudly as three of the most beloved songs to have graced the top 20 all-time Bangla songs list in the 2006 survey conducted by BBC Bangla. These timeless melodies were brought to life by the inimitable voice of the Bangladeshi musical legend, Abdul Jabbar.

"1971 Shei Shob Din" has the potential to resonate with audiences across different backgrounds, and shed light on a crucial period in Bangladesh's history. As this cinematic gem gradually reaches more viewers, it's bound to make a significant impact in both the realm of entertainment and historical education.

While reminiscing about what inspired “Eksho Ta Shopno”, Asif mentioned that he wrote the song about the shattered dreams and aspirations of a lyricist, the uncertainty that a lyricist goes through with their songs, whether anyone would want to sing or not.