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.
An interesting detail about this artiste that might escape notice is his involvement in the 2021 web-series “Contract”, as an actor, which was directed by Tanin Noor. "I took on the character of Lady Gias, a transgender individual associated with an underworld gang."
Looking forward to Valentine’s Day (February 14), Parsa Evana is going to work on two projects, “Love Buzz” and “Dukkhito”, both directed by Kajal Arefin Ome. The actress recently shed a significant amount of weight and shared her journey with The Daily Star alongside her upcoming projects and more.
“I feel uncomfortable about people making such trolls about skin colour, even though, only a few people do it. A person, an actress, should be judged by nothing but her work. Criticise my work, and I'll accept it. I'll work harder on myself. But you only define yourself when you criticise someone for skin colour. I am and will keep working for the audience and their love.”
Moreover, he hoped that the pending cases would be closed soon, and he looks forward to leading a new life, the journey of which, had already begun two years ago, assured the actor. He also claimed that he is not associated with criminal activities anymore. “I want to turn my life around. Who becomes a criminal of his own volition? This role has given me a second life.”
Marking her debut on the silver screen with Gias Uddin Selim’s “Paap Punno”, Shahnaz Sumi has continued to prove herself with projects like “Damal”, “Buker Moddhye Agun”, and “Mobaroknama”. The dancer-turned-actress dropped by The Daily Star for an exclusive photoshoot and some chit-chat.
Two bright stars of the entertainment industry, Nazia Haque Orsha and Mostafizur Noor Imran, shared their wedding vows during the last quarter of 2023. However, they announced the news to the world just recently. The newly-wedded couple shared their love story with The Daily Star.
With the ongoing promotion of his upcoming film, “Kajol Rekha”, directed by Gias Uddin Selim, actor Sariful Razz is notably absent from any promotional campaigns. The film is expected to be released in February, while Razz is currently shooting in Kolkata for another project, “Kobi”, directed by Hashibur Reza Kallol. In this film, he is co-starring with Idhika Paul, a renowned actress from Kolkata known for her role in “Priyotoma”.
After five years, the 12th Parliamentary Election is taking place in Bangladesh today. The entire country is talking about the implications of this momentous event today. In films, telefictions, and web projects, we see political personalities portrayed by several artistes. We reached out to five celebrities who have donned such roles on-screen and asked if they were genuine politicians then what would be their foremost focus in implementing the changes.
Amongst them, one is titled “Gayeeya”, which will star Prarthona Fardin Dighi under the direction of Gias Uddin Selim. This short film marks their first collaboration together. Khairul Basar will be seen opposite Dhighi in this film, while her father Shahrukh Fardin Subrata will also play a pivotal role in this production.
Kicking off 2024, a new series titled “Sinpaat” by the director was announced on the OTT platform Chorki, making it the first OTT content to be released on a local platform this year. The Daily Star catches up with the director to learn more about the series.
