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.

2w 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.

2w 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.

3w 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.

3w 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.

2m ago
June 29, 2022
June 29, 2022

18 films in 6 months: Did they recover their investments?

After the devastating impact of Covid-19, filmmakers and cinema hall owners became optimistic with the booming response to Eid releases. While 18 movies have been released so far, only a few were able to pull audiences back to the halls.

June 28, 2022
June 28, 2022

‘Din: The Day’ leads in promotion amongst 3 Eid releases

Three movies, “Din: The Day”, “Poran” and “Psycho”, are all set to be released this Eid. All of the movies have started their promotion campaigns by uploading posters, trailers, and songs on social media.

June 20, 2022
June 20, 2022

Hall owners want to run Hindi movies

The leaders of Bangladesh Film Exhibitors’ Association have demanded an import of Indian cinema, as they fear of incurring losses due to a lack of quality Bangla cinemas. On May 12, the leaders of the association had raised this topic in a meeting with the Minister of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, Dr. Hasan Mahmud, MP. Sudip Kumar Das, Chief Advisor to the Exhibitors' association, said, "Hall owners are keen to take loans.  However, if you want to return this loan with interest, you have to do so by generating revenue from showing films in the halls. It is not possible to pay off these loans if we show movies that are currently being made in the country. That is why hall owners are requesting to showcase more Hindi films, as it can help bring in revenue.”

June 12, 2022
June 12, 2022

“I have screenshots”, says Omar Sani, “he was drunk”, retorts Zayed Khan

Actor Zayed Khan was accused of threatening to shoot Omar Sani with a pistol, last Friday. Omar Sani claims that Zayed Khan threatened him at Monowar Hossain Dipjol’s son’s wedding reception.

May 31, 2022
May 31, 2022

I focus on my work, not my co-star: Keya Payel

Keya Payel is one of the rising stars of our television industry, winning over fans with her acting prowess and simplicity. Recently the actress has impressed the audience with some of shows aired during Eid.

May 23, 2022
May 23, 2022

‘I am not a big star’

Jaya Ahsan recently won the award for the Best Actress at the Anandalok Awards 2022 in Kolkata for her performance in ‘Binisutoy’.

May 9, 2022
May 9, 2022

Two hits with a Chery on top

There is no denying that I have been anxious. However, the love I received from my audience on the first day of Eid took away my fear and stress.

May 7, 2022
May 7, 2022

Crew, cinema halls ecstatic with ‘Shaan’

“Shaan has been houseful since its release,” says Mesbah Uddin Ahmed, senior manager of Star Cineplex. “Needless to say, ‘Shaan’ is number one, and it will only get better reception as time passes. This is great news for Bangla cinema.”

May 4, 2022
May 4, 2022

This Eid was one of the best days of our lives: Siam

Popular film star Siam Ahmed’s “Shaan”, co-starring Puja Chery, opened in theatres this Eid to much fanfare.

April 23, 2022
April 23, 2022

Press meet held for Jaya Ahsan’s film with Iranian director

Jaya Ahsan is set to play a pivotal role in acclaimed Iranian director Morteza Atashzamzam’s latest film, “Fereshta”.