
Zahid Akbar
Zahid Akbar is a renowned lyricist, writer and, journalist. He is working as a Staff Reporter at The Daily Star.
Zahid Akbar is a renowned lyricist, writer and, journalist. He is working as a Staff Reporter at The Daily Star.
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.
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.
Bangladeshi films “Borbaad” and “Daagi” have sustained packed audiences in theatres both locally and internationally, even twenty days after their Eid release.
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.
For the first time, Jaya Ahsan is featured in any Bangladeshi web series, that too during the Eid festival. Such occasions made her festival even more special. The “Jimmi” actress shared how she spent her Eid day.
Two of Shakib Khan’s films were released in cinemas this Eid-ul-Fitr– “Borbaad” and “Antaratma”. Dhallywood's Superstar shared that he did not have any special plans on the occasion. However he spent time with family and friends which is one of the essential things he does at the festivals.
Actress Afia Nusrat Barsha had revealed her decision to step away from acting. However, for now, she is still working on the silver screen.
This Eid-ul-Fitr, in addition to star-studded films, audiences can look forward to exciting web content, as major OTT platforms have curated special projects for the festive season. From intense dramas to light-hearted romantic comedies, the list includes "Amalnama" by Raihan Rafi, "Jimmi" by Ashfaque Nipun, and "How Sweet" by Kajal Arefin Ome, among others.
In commemorating Khalid's life and musical contributions, we honour not only a talented artiste but also a symbol of resilience, passion, and creativity. Though he may have bid farewell to this world, his melodies will continue to echo through the annals of Bangladeshi music.
In early 2024, local OTT platforms saw the emergence of several noteworthy productions, marking a shift in entertainment consumption trends. Viewers prefer the flexibility these platforms offer, allowing them to choose content according to their preferences without any constraints. If a particular content doesn't resonate, viewers swiftly move on to explore other options. Conversely, if they find something they enjoy, they readily subscribe to the platform to access it.
In 2023, a significant portion of the big-budgeted films screened in Dhaka primarily comprised of those released during Eid. During that period, numerous individuals within the cinema industry remarked that movies in Dhaka were predominantly scheduled around Eid. Outside of these festive seasons, production houses seemed hesitant to release big-budget films.
A week of the ongoing year 2024 may have passed so far but there have not been any releases of Bangla movies at the theatres thereby pointing toward a stale beginning of the new year.
Experiencing the overwhelming love and admiration of the fans, Shakib Khan sang the famous song “O Priyotoma” from his blockbuster film, “Priyotoma”. He also performed on several songs from the movie with his co-star, Idhika.
In the dynamic landscape of Bengali entertainment, 2023 has proven to be a year of cinematic brilliance, particularly in the realm of Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms. The virtual space has become a battleground of talent, with actors rising to prominence through their exceptional performances in web series and films. As we bid adieu to 2023, it's time to acknowledge and celebrate the top 10 actors who have been the talk of the town, captivating audiences with their unmatched acting prowess.
The trend continued as cinema culture thrived with discussions and opinions, making it a successful year for the film industry. Apart from festivals, audiences flocked to theaters more than before. The year saw the release of 51 Dhallywood films, with some achieving commercial success where some failed as well.
In 2023, quite a few celebrities in the entertainment industry tied the knot. Some got married suddenly, while others had publicly announced it. The headlines in the showbiz world have been dominated by these marriage stories.
In 2023, the entertainment industry witnessed the unfortunate demise of several luminaries. While they may no longer remain with us, their legacies endure through their creative works. Their remarkable contributions will continue to resonate in the domains of film, television dramas, dance, and music.
Whenever Shah Rukh Khan's or any Bollywood film is released, a significant number of Bangladeshi viewers opt to travel to India to watch the movie. Hall owners believe that releasing these films simultaneously in Bangladesh would be beneficial for our country.