Zahid Akbar

Zahid Akbar

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

‘Madhumita Hall was upgraded for the long haul’

Rumours of closure continue to swirl around Madhumita, one of Dhaka’s oldest and most iconic cinema halls, located in Motijheel. Having celebrated its golden jubilee just three years ago, Madhumita has been a cornerstone of the city’s moviegoing culture since its inauguration on December 1, 1967.

3w ago

From action to dance numbers: Farin and Sabila win hearts on the big screen

Popular actresses Sabila Nur and Tasnia Farin have been dominating the Eid-ul-Azha box office with their commercial film releases, “Taandob” and “Insaaf”. Both films have sparked widespread discussions across social media and among filmgoers, mostly in praise of the actresses’ performances.

3w ago

Local Eid releases fare at the box office

Six films were released across cinemas in Bangladesh this Eid. Among them, “Taandob”, starring Shakib Khan and directed by Raihan Rafi, has led the charts from Eid day through the fifth day of the holiday. The film was released in 133 theatres nationwide, with midnight screenings (12am–3am) running in venues such as Chhaya Bani in Mymensingh, Rajtilok in Rajshahi, and Modhubon Cineplex in Bogura.

4w ago

I tune out communication to focus on my role: Sariful Razz

Sariful Razz’s latest film, “Insaaf”, directed by Sanjoy Somadder, was released this Eid-ul-Azha initially across 16 theatres in Bangladesh. With Tasnia Farin also in a leading role, the film features Mosharraf Karim in a key role.

1m ago

A legacy of Tagore songs in Bengali and Hindi films

Today, on 25th Boishakh, the 164th birth anniversary of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, the legacy of his music continues to echo far and wide- not just in the hearts of Bengalis, but across the cinematic landscapes of both Bengal and Bollywood. While his poetry and songs remain an inseparable part of everyday life, Rabindra Sangeet has also found a cherished place in both Bengali and Hindi cinema, often adapted, referenced, or directly used to elevate cinematic storytelling.

2m ago

Subir Nandi’s voice still reverberates through the hearts of listeners

Today marks the sixth death anniversary of legendary singer Subir Nandi, whose timeless voice continues to resonate with generations of music lovers. Though he passed away on May 7, 2019, his melodies remain ever-present—on the radio, across streaming platforms, or simply heard in passing—stirring memories and emotions among fans old and new.

2m ago

‘Borbaad’ and ‘Daagi’ dominate overseas theatres

Bangladeshi films “Borbaad” and “Daagi” have sustained packed audiences in theatres both locally and internationally, even twenty days after their Eid release.

2m ago

A musical Eid: Songs that are still making memories

A total of six movies were released during Eid-ul-Fitr this year. Among the songs from these films, “Chand Mama” from “Borbaad” and “Konna” from “Jinn 3” have each surpassed 10 million views on YouTube.

3m ago
March 4, 2023
March 4, 2023

Hall owners threaten to close down if ‘Pathaan’ not permitted release

A lot of drama ensued following the permission that Shah Rukh Khan blockbuster “Pathaan” received, to be released in Bangladesh on February 24. Even SRK himself acknowledged the release in a tweet.

February 22, 2023
February 22, 2023

His works need to be digitally archived: Gazi Mazharul Anwar’s daughter

Some of his masterpieces are "Achhen Amar Moktar", "Ektara Tui Desh Er Kotha Bol Re Ebar Bol", "Ganer Khatay Swaralipi Likhe", "Shudhu Gaan Geye Porichoy", "Ei Mon Tomake Dilam", "Chokher Nojor Emni Koira", among countless others.

February 16, 2023
February 16, 2023

‘Unish 20’: Shuvoo and Bindu’s pairing hits the right notes

Fans are in for an experience of love and separation as Shuvoo and Bindu reunite in "Unish 20".

February 15, 2023
February 15, 2023

The future of music copyright

In recent times, Baul Shah Abdul Karim’s family received royalties from the Copyright Office after his songs were digitally archived. Similarly, Ayub Bachchu’s family also received royalties for his songs when they were brought under the digital protection act.

February 1, 2023
February 1, 2023

Siam wins National Film Award twice in a row

Siam Ahmed started off the year with a bang, earning his second National Film Award, after already winning the prize in 2020 edition of the award show. This time, the actor has been announced as the winner in the ‘Best Actor’ category for his performance in the film, “Mridha Bonam Mridha”.

January 30, 2023
January 30, 2023

Shakib Khan shares emotional story from the US

Dhallywood’s biggest star, Shakib Khan is currently in the US. The actor travelled there on January 17, but will soon return home within the next couple of days. While on his trip, the star was touched by one incident in particular, so much so that he spoke with The Daily Star to share the story.

January 28, 2023
January 28, 2023

Riaz in favour of importing Hindi films

Bangladesh Film Artistes Association held a meeting earlier today at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC). The meeting was organised to discuss the issue of importing Hindi films to Bangladesh.

January 26, 2023
January 26, 2023

Adventure of Sundarban: A breath of fresh air in the industry

The release of “Adventure of Sundarban” on January 20 felt like a breath of fresh air for the Bangladeshi audience, bringing a film catered towards children—which is an unfamiliar sight in the film industry.

January 23, 2023
January 23, 2023

'Pathaan' might release in Bangladesh, decision tomorrow

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s film “Pathaan” might be on its way for a release in Bangladesh. It will allegedly be brought through the SAFTA agreement, and the distribution company in question has already sent a letter to the Ministry of Information and Broadcast.

January 22, 2023
January 22, 2023

'Razz is my king'

The marriage between Dhallywood couple, Pori Moni and Razz has at times been a rollercoaster ride. While at times the couple shared adorable pictures of their sweet banter on Facebook, there were also moments when Pori Moni accused Razz of both physical and mental torture. However, everything seems to be fine now, as the couple seem stronger than ever before, as they try to be the best parents possible for their son, Rajya.