In conversations with The Daily Star, actors Sumaiya Shimu, Shajal, and Tama Mirza opened up about the invaluable roles their mothers played in shaping not only their careers but also their lives.

Mothers on screen are often reduced to clichés — the sacrificial, saintly figure or the melodramatic martyr. Then again, Bollywood notably holds a growing archive of stories where mothers are full-bodied characters: flawed, funny, brave, and deeply human. These women love fiercely, fight quietly, and exist beyond the frame of just being someone’s parent. From fighting governments to challenging their children, they show that real motherhood is messy, resilient, and worth watching not just for sentiment, but for substance.

Dhallywood actress Puja Cherry has once again moved fans with a deeply emotional tribute to her late mother, Jharna Roy, on the occasion of Mother’s Day. The actress, who lost her mother on March 24, 2024, shared a touching letter on social media, originally written on the first anniversary of her mother’s passing.

Each lyricist spoke about their musical journeys, sharing memories and reflections with the audience. Short biographical videos were presented, highlighting milestones from their careers and personal anecdotes.

Known for his intense portrayals in “Mohanagar” and “Mobaraknama”, Mosharraf Karim plays Abbas—a whimsical truck driver whose life takes unpredictable turns. “The character fascinated me from the start,” shared the actor.

On the occasion of International Mother's Day, two of Bangladesh’s most beloved screen mothers, Dilara Zaman and Dolly Zahur, are being remembered not just for the roles they’ve played, but for the love they continue to receive from their on-screen children. Though their biological children live abroad, both actresses have chosen to remain in Bangladesh, enveloped by the affection of the audiences and colleagues who fondly call them "Ma."

Preparations are underway for the upcoming Eid-ul-Azha film season, with possibly seven Dhallywood movies scheduled for release during the festivities.

The day-long conference saw participation from representatives of 40 film societies across the country, with an additional five joining virtually.

In total, 12 mothers, including those from the fields of administration, law and justice, education, economy, law enforcement, medicine, engineering, journalism, and special achievements, will be recognised for raising successful children across diverse sectors.

Nazifa Tushi is set to make her long-awaited return to the silver screen as the lead in “Shokhi Rongomala”, directed by “Chandrabati Kotha” maker N Rashed Chowdhury.

Global pop icon Taylor Swift has been subpoenaed in the ongoing legal dispute involving actor-director Justin Baldoni and actress Blake Lively, connected to the film “It Ends With Us”.

Marking a decade of dedication to national cultural expression and the richness of indigenous traditions, cultural organisation Joltorongo is set to celebrate its 10-year journey with a special programme titled “Bhalo Theko Phool” at the Chhayanaut Cultural Center in Dhanmondi.

To mark the occasion of Buddha Purnima, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, has organised a simultaneous cultural festival across six districts, including Dhaka, for today at 7pm. While the Buddhist holiday falls on May 11 this year, the festivities are scheduled a day in advance.

The film “Bangali Bilash” by Ebadur Rahman—one of Bangladesh’s most esteemed writers, film critics, and directors—is confirmed to be screened at the Marché du Film de Cannes (Cannes Film Market), the commercial wing of the Cannes Film Festival, this year.

The highly anticipated grand finale of Deepto Star Hunt aired last night at 10, revealing the winners of the competition. Misti Ghosh from Kishoreganj and Sakib Hossain from Barishal were officially declared the champions.

A revered Bangladeshi musicologist, author, and television figure, Mustafa Zaman Abbasi passed away at 7:00am today at the age of 87.

The singer has stepped beyond her folk roots to explore a more diverse musical direction, beginning with her latest release “Chol Preme Pure Jai” — a chill step number whose lyrics, tune, and composition have been handled by Autumnal Moon. Released under the banner of G Series, the track marks a refreshing shift in Dora’s journey as an artiste.

The Bangladesh Film Directors Association held its election this evening at 7:30pm at the Reporters’ Unity. The results were announced by Election Commission Chairman Abdul Latif Bachchu following the conclusion of the voting.

In a musical crossover, popular rapper Jalali Shafayat and renowned singer-composer Balam have teamed up for a song for the upcoming Arifin Shuvoo-starrer “Neelchokro”, releasing this Eid-ul-Azha. The duo collaborated on “Ei Ondhokarer Shohore”, which not only features Shafayat’s vocals but also marks his acting debut in cinema.

Pop powerhouse songstresses Halsey and Evanescence frontwoman Amy Lee have joined forces for a dramatic new single, “Hand That Feeds”, created for the upcoming “John Wick” spin-off film “Ballerina”.