With her calm, committed approach and an enduring passion for performance, Aysha Rahman Monica continues to leave her mark on Bangladesh’s creative scene—quietly, but distinctly.
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.”
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”.
Actress Nishat Priom, who plays Annie Rozario, shares an inside look at what went into the making of "Fyakra".
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.
Some songs don’t just trend—they take over. One such track is “Chand Mama”, from the film ”Borbaad”, which didn’t just climb the YouTube Music trending list once, but soared to the top twice and is still continuing to evoke emotions even after a month.
There’s no arrogance in his voice when he says it — just the quiet certainty of someone who knows that the real magic lies not in the destination, but in the journey itself. “And right now, for me, that journey is just beginning,” he concludes.
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.
