The stage is set for Blender's Choice-The Daily Star OTT and Digital Content Awards

From Ashfaque Nipun's thriller series "Mohanagar" to Raihan Rafi's crime thriller "Khachar Bhitor Ochin Pakhi", Bangladeshi OTT platforms have gone from strength to strength, as the harmony between new faces and prominent stars bring life to the world of entertainment.

The biggest stars of the industry will appear under one roof today "Blender's Choice-The Daily Star OTT & Digital Content Awards 2021" – organised jointly by Ispahani Tea Limited and The Daily Star.  

The curtains are set, and the event will take place at the Bangabandhu International Convention Centre (BICC) Hall of Fame from 6 pm onwards today.

Collage: Aaqib Hasib

The awards will honour 31 categories in OTT and digital content, with many categories being freshly introduced to be inclusive of the immensely talented workers both behind and in front of the screens.

The competition is tough, as the most sought-after artistes are contesting the categories.

Chanchal Chowdhury essayed the role of a frantic freezer van driver in "Taqdeer". He masterfully portrays the ambivalence of a noir hero, who must unveil the truth behind the mysterious corpse hidden inside his van.

In "Khachar Bhitor Ochin Pakhi", Fazlur Rahman Babu appeared as Firoz Khan, an influential politician who goes missing for four years.  His character operates which makes it a treat for the fans.

Intekhab Dinar's stellar performance as Mostak Ahmed, a seemingly innocuous government clerk, stunned everyone in the anthology series "'Unoloukik".

Manoj Pramanik and Siam Ahmed also did stellar jobs for "Nishiddho Bashor" and "Morichika", respectively – Siam did not miss a beat as a police officer, whereas Manoj Pramanik put up unparalleled intrigue in his portrayal of a shady groom.

On the side of the divas, Nazia Haque Orsha stole the heart of audiences as Tania, a brilliant doctor and a selfless lover in "Networker Baire".

Nusrat Imrose Tisha also set the bar high in her performance as a psychological patient in "Ms Prohelika", an episode from the much-appreciated anthology series "Unoloukik".

Tasnia Farin garnered much appreciation for her portrayal of Sabila in "Ladies & Gentlemen". Sharing screen space with prolific actors like Afzal Hossain and Partha Barua, among others, she remains strong in her hold on this honour.

Tama Mirza portrayed the double-layered Pakhi in "Khachar Bhitor Ochin Pakhi", a significant feat for the beautiful diva.

The directors' front is also a battle of the heavyweights in the 'series' category. Ashfaque Nipun's "Mohanagar" is unlike any other crime thriller, leaving viewers at the edge of their seats. The gripping storyline, coupled with an unorthodox protagonist in Mosharraf Karim, makes it an enticing watch for sure.

Shihab Shaheen's "Morichika" beautifully amalgamates the world of politics and social norms, with glitz and glamour. The series has vibrant colour schemes and backgrounds, elevate every scene.

Syed Ahmed Shawki's "Taqdeer" is addictive, as it engrosses you into the loopiness of the plot. Sukorno Shahed Dhiman displays incredible technical prowess in 'Bunker Boy', whereas Saleh Sobhan Auneem

The nominated villians are the epitome of 'cool'. Afran Nisho steals the show as Salaam Sharif Babu, a deviously charming persona who can easily devour your soul.  He has no ethics and no fear of his deadly consequences but still, his presence is something that stays with you till the end of the series.

Afzal Hossain, as the vicious Khairul Alom, will make your blood boil. His perverted attitude and his nonchalance towards his illicit act on women will make you want to tear his character apart in "Ladies and Gentlemen".

Partha Barua as the seriocomic hitman in "Taqdeer" will send shivers down your spine. His creepy dialogue paired with his shrewd smile as carefully enacts brutal murder on his victims, is bloodcurdling.

Besides the felicitations, performances from Safa Kabir, Sohel Mondol, Sandhi, Jalali Set, Shirin Akhter Shila and more – it will be an event to remember.