Zahid Akbar

Zahid Akbar

Zahid Akbar is a renowned lyricist, writer and, journalist. He is working as a Staff Reporter at The Daily Star.

If I must go to jail for speaking out, so be it: Pori Moni

Actress Pori Moni was scheduled to attend an opening ceremony for a showroom in Tangail yesterday. However, the event was postponed due to resistance from local organisations, including Hefazat-e-Islam. The news came as a blow to the actress, who later expressed her frustration on social media.

2w ago

A ‘Realy’ promising debut

‘Makeup’ features Nipa Ahmed Realy and Ziaul Roshan in the lead roles, while veteran actor Tariq Anam Khan also delivers a compelling performance. A day after its release, Realy, who made her silver screen debut with this project shares insights in an exclusive interview with The Daily Star.

1m ago

10 breakthrough artistes who left mark on OTT in 2024

In 2024, Bangladeshi web series and films flourished across OTT platforms, bringing fresh talent to the forefront while revitalising the careers of seasoned actors. Strong, character-driven content allowed these 10 actors and directors to break through, leaving a lasting impact on viewers and reshaping the country's OTT landscape.

1m ago

Year-end recap: Most discussed stars, films, and soundtracks

This year, an estimated 50 Bangladeshi films have been released. Among these, only a handful have achieved commercial success. Then again, despite not performing well at the box office, other cinematic aspects like actors, actresses, and film songs have managed to remain at the centre of discussions throughout the year.

1m ago

Those we lost in 2024

In 2024, we lost several prominent figures from the entertainment world. Though they have departed, their contributions to film, television, music, and dance will remain etched in our memories. Here are some of the individuals we lost this year.

1m ago

‘Rongila Kitab’: A tale of love and betrayal

The web-series “Rongila Kitab”, directed by Anam Biswas, premiered on the OTT platform Hoichoi on November 8. Adapted from Kinkar Ahsan’s novel of the same name, this series unfolds across eight episodes. 

3m ago

Anam Biswas talks ‘Rongila Kitab’, his second book-to-screen adaptation

Anam Biswas became a household name after his much-appreciated movie “Debi”. His directorials tend to reflect his talent, and he has garnered praise for every project he’s undertaken—be it a film or web content. Besides directing, Anam is also recognised for his songwriting skills.

3m ago

From acting to directing: Kushum Shikder reflects on new journey

Kushum Shikder, known for her powerful performances in “Gohine Shobdo” and the National Award-winning “Shankhachil,” has made a bold transition from an acclaimed actress to a filmmaker with her directorial debut, “Shoroter Joba.” Released on October 11, this marks a pivotal moment in her career, where she not only took the reins as director but also wrote the screenplay and led the film's production.

4m ago
August 21, 2024
August 21, 2024

Film industry at a standstill: How long till cameras roll again?

Industry insiders point to one major cause: The reluctance of production companies. In the current political climate, investors are hesitant to back new films. Producers prefer to wait until the situation in the country stabilises before committing to any major projects. 

July 24, 2024
July 24, 2024

How celebrities spent their time amid internet shutdown

With social media activity at a standstill and the curfew ongoing, many are left wondering how celebrities are coping without the internet. Although broadband internet resumed on Tuesday night in a few regions, Facebook remains inaccessible, leaving many feeling disconnected. We reached out to some of our favourite celebrities to see how they are handling this digital hiatus.

July 24, 2024
July 24, 2024

Hall owners face huge losses, look to recoup with ‘Toofan’

The Raihan Rafi directorial was expected to run for the foreseeable future before the quota reform protests started. According to the producers, the film earned around Tk 25 crore, a rare feat for a Bangladeshi film. Even though some people did go see the film at the start of the movement, cinema halls had to close down after nationwide violence started, claiming the lives of many involved.

July 9, 2024
July 9, 2024

Six months in review: Best of Dhallywood

In the first six months of this year, around 30 films have been released in the country, with only a few achieving notable commercial successes. However, several movies and songs have generated significant buzz in the entertainment industry and among audiences.

July 6, 2024
July 6, 2024

Four years without the king of playback, Andrew Kishore

The artiste was honoured with the National Film Award eight times. He first won the National Award in 1982 for the song “Hayre Manush Rongin Phanush” from the film “Boro Bhalo Lok Chilo”, with lyrics by Syed Shamsul Haque and composed by Alam Khan.

July 2, 2024
July 2, 2024

Didn't think a director could ruin his own creation: Bobby

This Eid-ul-Azha, Eamin Haque Bobby starrer film “Moyurakkhi” was released nationwide. Shortly after, the actress expressed disappointment in her portrayal, claiming it did not match what was promised. She also accused the film’s director, Rashid Polash, of not paying her full remuneration.

June 28, 2024
June 28, 2024

Exciting lineup of Bengali films on the horizon

Over the past few years, films starring Shakib Khan have consistently dominated the box office post-release. All things considered, local audiences have undoubtedly and eagerly been embracing this leading star's films.

June 20, 2024
June 20, 2024

Eid blockbusters: Top films, songs, and OTT hits steal the show

Several movies, songs, and OTT content have hit the screens and digital platforms during Eid ul-Azha, garnering significant attention and applause from audiences. Among them, the spotlight has prominently shone on the movie "Toofan", directed by Raihan Rafi.

June 5, 2024
June 5, 2024

Bobby to return to the silver screen this Eid

The film's poster and a 30-second teaser have already been released, garnering praise from viewers. The teaser depicts a dramatic scene where a pilot pleads for help during an airplane hijacking.

June 4, 2024
June 4, 2024

‘Mom has come, let’s go and see her, Sworgo’

Shimana emerged in showbiz in 2006 through the Lux-Channel i Superstar competition. She gained wide recognition for her role as Kakoli in the drama "Sakin Sarisuri", directed by Salahuddin Lavlu.