Renowned actor Afzal Hossain, known for his insightful commentary on social issues, often shares his reflections through eloquent and thought-provoking writing.

Popular magazine show “Ityadi”, written, directed, and hosted by Hanif Sanket, returns this month with a new episode shot in the southwestern district of Jhenaidah, often referred to as the gateway to southern Bangladesh.

In this exclusive interview, the Cultural Adviser opens up about the journey so far— the personal deliberations that preceded his appointment, the professional risks he knowingly took, and the vision he holds for Bangladesh’s cultural future. Yet, behind the sharp public figure, we find a man who still misses the intimacy of the film set—where the only politics involved were those of plot and character.

For the role of Ali, director Adnan Al Rajeev had been searching for a certain kind of presence — an innocent face, someone with long hair and eyes expressive enough to speak volumes without uttering a word. “They auditioned around 40 people for the part,” Al Amin shared. “But they weren’t looking for someone to perform. They wanted someone who could simply be Ali. And they saw that in me.”

Popular actress Rafiath Rashid Mithila celebrated her birthday today with heartfelt simplicity, receiving the most special gift from her daughter- a homemade cake.

Bangladeshi superstar Shakib Khan has praised director Adnan Al Rajeev and his short film “Ali”, after it earned a prestigious Special Mention at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, calling the achievement “a historic moment for Bangladesh.”

In a witty Facebook post that has since gone viral, actress Azmeri Haque Badhan has offered a scathing commentary on how quickly public perception, and sometimes diplomatic scrutiny, can spiral into absurdity.

The festival received an overwhelming response, with 322 film submissions from across the country. After careful consideration by the selection committee, 89 films were chosen for screening—60 fictional shorts and 29 documentaries. These films were selected based on their artistic merit, storytelling prowess, and relevance to contemporary social issues.

Revenge thriller “It Was Just An Accident” by Iranian director Jafar Panahi, who was last at the Cannes Film Festival in person more than 20 years ago, won the Palme d’Or top prize on Saturday. Panahi, who has been arrested several times for his filmmaking and was under a travel ban until recently, last attended the festival in person in 2003, when Crimson Gold was screened in the Un Certain Regard category.

Today marks the 126th birth anniversary of Kazi Nazrul Islam, the national poet of Bangladesh. A powerful force in Bengali literature and culture, Nazrul's fiery words, revolutionary spirit, and undying call for equality continue to resonate in the hearts of millions. In honour of his life and legacy, a vibrant array of nationwide events and television programmes has been organised, celebrating Nazrul’s timeless contribution.

In a historic moment for Bangladeshi cinema, Adnan Al Rajeev's short film "Ali" has received a Special Mention at the highly esteemed 78th Cannes Film Festival. The film, which was the first Bangladeshi entry to be officially selected for the Short Film competition, has now garnered further international recognition, marking a significant milestone for the nation's burgeoning film industry.

Indian actor Mukul Dev, known for his versatile performances across Hindi, Punjabi, South Indian cinema, and television, passed away on Friday night at the age of 54. The cause of death remains undisclosed as of now.

The Cannes Festival draws to a close on Saturday, with a wry Iranian film about political prisoners and a Ukrainian-directed drama about despotism among the frontrunners to pick up the Palme d'Or top prize.

After receiving praise from audiences across all age groups on the big screen, OTT platforms, and television channels, Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Raz’s directorial venture “Omar” has now made its way to YouTube. The film was released on the Cinemawala channel at 12 pm on May 22.

Actress Mousumi Hamid, a former Lux Channel i Superstar, has spent over a decade carving a niche for herself in Bangladeshi showbiz through television, OTT, and film. Her recent project took her deep into the Sundarbans, marking a memorable first: shooting inside the world's largest mangrove forest.

Since childhood, Sarika Sabah has immersed herself in the world of art, taking classical dance lessons and specialising in Kathak. Over time, her dedication to dance grew, yet a deeper desire began to burn within her—a dream to one day find her place among the stars. She began her journey in the entertainment industry with TVCs in 2019, while she was a second-year CSE student at North South University, and quickly rose to prominence, winning hearts with her portrayal of Jhumur in Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Raz’s popular mega serial “Family Crisis”.

Regarding her experience working with Shakib Khan, Jaya shared, “Shakib Khan is a major star in our industry. I must say, he’s doing exceptionally well. Although we shared screen previously, this time while working on ‘Taandob’, I noticed he has become even more dedicated and serious about his craft.”

The programme began at 6pm with a red-carpet reception that welcomed iconic names such as Afzal Hossain, Dilara Zaman, Bidya Sinha Mim, Tasnia Farin, and Mehazabien Chowdhury, alongside a vibrant gathering of actors, directors, and cultural personalities. Making their debut as hosts for the event were Afran Nisho and Tasnia Farin, who helmed the ceremony with charm and poise.

“Priyo Maloti” was the biggest winner of the night, earning three major awards: Best Full-Length Feature Film, Best Director, and Best Actress.

The web-series “Rongila Kitab” won the Best Web Series award at the 26th edition of the ongoing Meril-Prothom Alo Awards 2024. This Hoichoi original series has been created by Anam Biswas.