The greatest award is the people's adoration: Mosharraf Karim

The iconic role of OC Harun in Mohanagar series was taken to another level by Mosharraf Karim. He took home the Best Actor award this time in the popular category.

"Like the first season, Mohanagar 2 has been adored by everyone, with audiences thoroughly enjoying it. The overwhelming response has been incredibly gratifying for me as an actor. I am truly delighted and amazed, and I hope we can return with the next season very soon!

In the inaugural iteration of this award, I was honoured with the Best Actor award in the critics' category for Mohanagar. Unfortunately, I was unable to accept it in person at the time. Now, being able to receive this honour myself feels incredibly special and deeply rewarding.

I must emphasise that the director, Ashfaque Nipun, worked with exceptional care and dedication, and much of the credit belongs to him. We, too, gave our utmost effort to our roles, and being nominated in two categories is truly wonderful.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the audience, Ashfaque Nipun, Hoichoi, and the entire team for their unwavering support and contributions to this success."

Winning in the 'Popular Category' was a great experience: Badhan

Azmeri Haque Badhan, has always been a favourite for critics with her stellar roles in both movies and OTT. This time, the actress jointly won the Popular actress award for Guti for her role as Sultana.

"Winning in the popular category was a new experience for me. I've previously won critics' awards for Rehana Maryam Noor and Guti, so this recognition felt important. I was happy, though I later found out my critics' score was higher than the public votes – something I've faced before," said the actress.

I've often found myself lagging in public votes despite doing meaningful work, including projects like Guti. I feel that, in Bangladesh, people often vote for artistes based on their image rather than their actual work. Perhaps I haven't been able to create an image that appeals to the masses. That's why winning this award felt different from my previous awards and it felt great."

I consider this a powerful source of encouragement: Nasir Uddin Khan

Nasir Uddin Khan nailed his role of Allen Swapan, continuing the role from Syndicate to the spin-off, Myself Allen Swapan. He won the Best Actor Award in the critics category.

"Criticism is as valuable as praise, offering opportunities to learn and grow. Yet, when harsh words linger, award in the critic's category provide comfort and reassurance. I am deeply honoured to receive three nominations across the Critics' and Popular categories for Myself Allen Swapan (lead role) and Friday (antagonist). Winning the award for my portrayal of Allen Swapan has brought me immense joy, and serves as a powerful source of encouragement.

My heartfelt gratitude goes out to my audience and The Daily Star for this recognition. I dedicate this award to the entire Myself Allen Swapan team."

My husband was happier than me for this award: Orsha

Nazia Haque Orsha impressed critics with her genuine depiction of a character battling a mental disorder in the Chorki film Jahan. Her performance earned her the Best Actress award in the critics' category. 

"My husband was excited because Jahan was produced by his company, Methodica. I didn't have high expectations, but with three nominations – Best Film, Best Actor, and Best Actress (Critics) – he remained hopeful that we might win at least one. When I won the award, he was overjoyed. This was only the second project from his production house, and winning an award made him incredibly proud. My mother was also extremely happy and excited for me.

The psychological nature of the film required deep research and wasn't aimed for all audiences. Being recognised for such work inspires me to take on more projects like this."

Grateful to audiences for my hattrick win: Tasnia Farin

It was a hattrick win for Tasnia Farin, as the actress continues her winning spree. She won the Best Actress award in the popular category for her performance as Sultana in Nikosh.

"It feels amazing to receive this recognition. Since the first OTT awards, I've felt the audience's love – winning in the Popular category the first time, then Critics the second, and Popular again this year. It's definitely a great feeling. In Bangladesh, The Daily Star is the only platform giving awards for OTT, it's rewarding to be acknowledged every year. I didn't have high expectations this time, but receiving the award again felt really special," she said.

Awards are always encouraging: Afran Nisho

Afran Nisho has been awarded three times in a row at The Blender's Choice-The Daily Star OTT & Digital Content Awards. His first award was for the antagonist role in the Chorki web series Morichika in 2021, donning the role of Salam Sharif. Last year, he took home the Best Actor award in the popular category for the Chorki web film Redrum.

This year, the actor was honoured with the Best Antigonist award in the popular category for his performance in the Hoichoi web series Sharey Showlo.

He told The Daily Star, "Every time I receive an award, it fills me with a childlike sense of happiness and wonder. These ceremonies are more than just celebrations of success; they are a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with beloved colleagues from the industry. It's heartwarming to share in their joy and applaud their achievements as well.

This time, I must express my gratitude to Yasir Al Haq, the talented and promising young director of Sharey Showlo, the project that earned me this award for portraying an antagonist.

As with all my achievements, I dedicate this award to the legendary Humayun Faridee. Whenever I hold an accolade in my hands, his name is the first that comes to mind."