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.

1m 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
January 19, 2023
January 19, 2023

Black War Review: Arifin Shuvoo gives it his all

“Mission Extreme” greeted the fans on December 3, 2021, and just 406 days later, its sequel “Black War” appeared before the audience on January 13, 2023. Revolving around the theme of terrorism, “Black War” continues just where “Mission Extreme” left off. Directed by Sunny Sanwar and Faisal Ahmed, the film portrays how terrorists use religion as a weapon for their own selfish goals, and how the police force works to fight them off.

January 19, 2023
January 19, 2023

Remembering Soumitra Chatterjee, our beloved Apu

Today marks the birthday of the person who immortalised the character of Apu in the film “Apur Shangshar”, with his ardent acting and expressions on-screen. He is none other than one of the brightest stars in the Bengali film industry, Soumitra Chatterjee. 

January 19, 2023
January 19, 2023

Sariful Razz to voice Bangla dub of ‘Pushpa’

Superstar Allu Arjun starrer, South Indian hit “Pushpa: The Rise',' which caused quite the commotion in 2021, will now be released in a Bangladeshi OTT platform in Bangla. In the Bangla dubbing of the film, the character Pushpa Raj will be voiced by our very own Sariful Razz.

January 17, 2023
January 17, 2023

I have taken a one-month vacation: Razz

Despite his success in films, Razz had recently experienced some conflicts in his personal life. After quite the strait, now him and his wife, Pori Moni are now enjoying their time at home, with their son Rajyo. In a candid conversation with The Daily Star, Razz shared his new year's resolutions, hopes, recent ventures, and more. 

January 13, 2023
January 13, 2023

Rajshahi gets its own Star Cineplex

Today, January 13, saw the inauguration of the seventh branch of Star Cineplex, at the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Hi-Tech Park in Rajshahi.

January 8, 2023
January 8, 2023

Zafar Iqbal was Dhallywood’s most stylish hero: Anjana

Zafar Iqbal was the perfect embodiment of style and charisma- his suaveness and iconic fashion sense made him Dhallywood’s one of the first heroes to claim the title of stylish star of all time. He had done it all- he was a hero, freedom fighter and a singer. He ruled over audiences in the 70s and ’80s with his stellar performance and his quintessential looks.

January 2, 2023
January 2, 2023

Don’t compare our films with ‘KGF’ or ‘Pushpa’: Arifin Shuvoo

Yesterday, the makers of the film, “Black War” organised an event to unveil the official trailer of the movie. The event took place at Banani club

January 1, 2023
January 1, 2023

New year, new films

The last six months have been akin to a festival of amazing films for the audience. Hoping to continue this fever of wonderful productions in  this year as well, the filmmakers, actors and associated parties eagerly lined-up several big budget films awaiting releases soon.

December 29, 2022
December 29, 2022

I vouch for Awami League with my life: Mahiya Mahi

Today, Dhallywood star Mahiya Mahi bought the nomination form for Awami League.

December 27, 2022
December 27, 2022

Stars we lost in 2022

It's always emotional to reminisce on the beloved stars we've lost over the past years, but this year has been especially tragic, given how many of our brightest stars we have lost this year. While their absence saddens us, their memories and contributions are vivid in our minds.  As we approach the New Year, The Daily Star takes a moment to mourn the stars we lost in 2022.