Meril Prothom Alo Awards 2025: Alamgir honoured, industry celebrated

Described by many celebrities as the ‘Oscars’ of Bangladesh, the Meril–Prothom Alo Awards 2025 exceeded expectations this year with star-studded moments, power-packed performances and a surprise musical act that sparked cheers across the hall.

Almost all the stars brought their A-game in fashion, as the red carpet dazzled with actresses draped in elegant sarees and gowns, while the heroes looked dapper in suits. Renowned icons like Alamgir, Runa Laila, Afzal Hossain, Zahid Hasan, Afsana Mimi, Jaya Ahsan, Nasir Uddin Khan, Pori Moni, Mehazabien Chowdhury, Zakia Bari Mamo and Sadia Ayman, among others, along with numerous actors, directors and cultural personalities, graced the event with their presence.

A total of 32 artistes were nominated across eight popular categories, while 36 artistes received nominations in 12 critics’ categories. Awards were presented to distinguished artistes selected through audience votes as well as jury evaluations.

The ceremony officially kicked off at 6 pm with a welcome speech by Anisul Hoque, managing editor of Prothom Alo, followed by remarks from Malik Mohammed Sayeed, CEO of Square Toiletries Ltd, the event’s long-standing partner.

Speaking at the event, Malik Mohammed Sayeed reflected on the growth of Bangladeshi cinema and praised the films released over the past year. He mentioned enjoying films such as “Domm” and Tanim Noor’s “Bonolota Express,” while expressing hope that directors Ashfaque Nipun and Adnan Al Rajeev would soon release their own films. 

He also recalled a difficult period following an incident involving Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, sharing how Matiur Rahman personally invited him during that time. Although he had to leave early due to personal reasons, he remembered receiving a framed Bangladeshi flag before departing. Reaffirming Square’s support, he said the company would continue to stand beside Prothom Alo in its positive initiatives. He added that the event is not just about awards, but also serves as an important platform to honour culture and creative talent, contributing to the future growth of the arts and entertainment sector.

Anisul Hoque said, “Artistes are here, cultural workers are here, and because films continue to exist, art and culture become more beautiful. The beauty of Bangladesh continues to grow through its people, creativity and cultural spirit. For 26 years, we have organised this event to felicitate and honour artists, and this marks the 27th edition, arranged by Prothom Alo with the support of Square, Anjan Chowdhury and his associates.

Many of you call this the ‘Oscars of Bangladesh.’ We say we do not want to create an Oscar in Bangladesh; rather, we want to celebrate a country rooted in soil and heritage. Bangladesh is a land of roots. This Bangladesh will never be defeated. Thank you all.”

One of the biggest highlights of the evening was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to veteran actor Alamgir. A moving documentary showcasing his decades-long contribution to the industry was screened during the ceremony, drawing appreciation from the audience.

The award was presented by legendary singer Runa Laila and his wife, while Anjan Chowdhury, managing director of Square Toiletries Ltd, honoured him by placing a shawl around his shoulders.

Receiving the honour, Alamgir expressed humility, saying, “I do not know whether I truly deserve this. My younger brother once told me that I am still not satisfied with my acting. The depth of acting is something that cannot be fulfilled in a lifetime. We can never reach the end of that pursuit. The way you have showered me with applause and honour, I will remember it forever.”

The award included a cheque of Tk 3 lakh, which the veteran actor announced he would donate to the Prothom Alo Trust Fund.

One of the most entertaining aspects of the evening was the lively banter between hosts Mehazabien Chowdhury and Afran Nisho, both of whom also won awards during the ceremony. Their playful exchanges and humorous jokes kept the audience engaged throughout the programme.

Another standout moment of the night was the special honour presented to James for his immense contribution to the music industry. As the lights dimmed and his silhouette appeared on stage, excitement swept across the hall. The audience erupted in cheers as James took his seat and performed “Taray Taray.” When the performance ended, chants of “once more” echoed throughout the venue, reflecting the crowd’s enthusiasm. The honour was presented by Matiur Rahman, editor of Prothom Alo, and Anjan Chowdhury, managing director of Square Toiletries Ltd.

The ceremony opened with a colourful group performance by Mondera Chakroborty, Prarthana Fardin Dighi, Sunerah Binte Kamal and Parsa Evana.

Nusraat Faria energised the audience with performances of her songs “Konna” and “Kolija ar Jaan.” A surprise appearance by Afran Nisho toward the end added to the excitement and elevated the performance.

The evening also featured an impromptu stage moment when hosts Nisho and Mehazabien invited popular television stars Keya Payel, Tanjim Saiara Totini, Tawsif Mahbub, Khairul Basar and Farhan Ahmed Jovan on stage. Nisho playfully encouraged Basar to perform a duet with Totini, and together the group sang “Abar Elo Je Sondha” in chorus.

The programme concluded with another energetic performance segment featuring several popular artistes. Rukaiya Jahan Chamak and Luipa danced together, while Irfan Sajjad, Prantar Dastider and Farrukh Ahmed Rehan performed as a trio. Tama Mirza and Ziaul Roshan also delivered an energetic dance performance that brought the evening to a lively close.

Talking about the awards, the popular choice category saw “Utshob” win Best Film, with Tanim Noor and his team receiving the honour. It was also a double win for “Daagi,” as the coveted Best Actor and Best Actress awards both went to the film. Tama Mirza won Best Actress for “Daagi,” while Afran Nisho took home Best Actor for the same film.

Receiving the Best Actor award, Afran Nisho dedicated the honour once again to his idol Humayun Faridee and spoke about how Shihab Shaheen had served as an important mentor throughout his career. “I do not come from a group theatre background, but I am truly grateful to my audience for continuously supporting me. I have learned a great deal about acting from my seniors. I hope people continue to love Bangladeshi content and films in the future,” he said.

Tama Mirza expressed her excitement after winning Best Actress and credited her mother for motivating her to achieve the honour. “I have won a National Film Award, but I had never won a Meril–Prothom Alo Award. That was something that deeply mattered to my mother, and she encouraged me to work harder so I could one day receive this recognition. Maa, I want to dedicate this award to you, and to all the fans who understood Zerin’s pain in the movie and sympathised with her. Thank you so much. A special thanks to Shihab bhai for helping me fully embody my character,” she said.

It was also a major win for the team of “Saba,” as the film won Best Feature Film and its lead performer, Mehazabien Chowdhury, received the Best Actress award. Accepting the honour, Mehazabien Chowdhury thanked her director and the entire team behind “Saba.” When Afran Nisho jokingly teased her for not mentioning him, she laughed and added, “Special thanks to Nisho bhai for teaching me and being my acting mentor.”

The Best Director award went to Piplu R Khan for “Jaya Aar Sharmin.” The Best Actor award was jointly won by Mahafuz Munna and Shanto Sutradhar for “Uraal.” Both actors invited their entire team on stage to share the moment.

In the web series critics’ category, “Gulmohor” secured the Critics’ Choice award for Best Web Series, while Syed Ahmed Shawki received Best Director for “Gulmohor,” making it one of the strongest performers in the category.

Nasir Uddin Khan was recognised as Best Actor in the web series category for “Myself Allen Swapan 2,” while Jaya Ahsan won Best Actress for “Jimmi.” Reflecting on the achievement, Jaya Ahsan said, “This award means a lot to me. A special thanks to Ashfaque Nipun for giving me this wonderful series. This is my first web series, and receiving an award for it is truly special. Immense gratitude to the jury board and my entire team of ‘Jimmi.’”

In the limited-length fiction category, Mohammad Mostofa Kamal Raz won Best Director for “Tomader Golpo,” while Siddique Ahmed received Best Screenplay for “Tomader Golpo.” Tanjim Saiara Totini earned Best Actress for her performance in “Bhalo Theko,” while FS Nayeem won Best Actor for “Khub Kacheri Keu.” “Tomader Golpo” won two awards in this segment.

In the television category, Keya Payel won Best Actress for “Eta Amaderi Golpo,” while Farhan Ahmed Jovan received Best Actor for “Tomader Golpo.”

In the music category, Imran Mahmudul was named Best Male Playback Singer for his energetic track “Konna” from the film “Jinn 3.” The Best Female Playback Singer award went to Xefer Rahman for her song “Lichur Bagane” from “Taandob.”

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