Nazia Haque Orsha

Year-end Special / A glance at the year’s star-studded marriages and breakups

Several prominent celebrities tied the knot in 2024 — some making spontaneous announcements, while others had previously revealed details before their big day. However, the year also witnessed its fair share of divorces alongside the joy of weddings.

Blender’s Choice The Daily Star OTT & Digital Content Awards / Full Winners’ list for Blender’s Choice The Daily Star Awards 2023

Check out the winners recognised at the “Blender’s Choice The Daily Star OTT and Digital Content Awards 2023”:

16 Days of Activism / Reclaiming the stories of women on screen

The frameworks of portrayals of gender-based violence in our local productions have been birthed from the need to give voice to the oppressed Biranganas (war heroines)—as portrayed through several films or dramas throughout the years.

The dual faces of mental health disorders in local films

The intrinsically intricate nooks and crevices of the realities of living with mental health disorders can very well be deemed as being only ever harsher than those represented in media. Even the churning and voicing of these complexities via books or writing can only do so much to make people perceive mental health disorders for what they are. However, when push comes to shove, representations of psychological disorders in any form can mean a further step taken to bring awareness to them — and Bangladeshi projects seem to have touched upon two rather specific ways to represent them.

A censor board may no longer be necessary: Orsha

Activism is innate for her—during her years at Jahangirnagar University, she always had a fearless stance against wrongdoings, setting the tone for the strong advocate she is today.

Stars voice hopes for new Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina’s resignation

As the protest for quota reform swiftly transformed into a historic student movement, it culminated in the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the fall of her government. Celebrities who participated in the movement have expressed their joy and hope on social media.

Review / ‘Baaji’ delivers high-stakes drama in cricket’s shadow

Penned collaboratively by Aditya Sengupta and Hasanat, the plot unfolds with the mysterious death of rising cricket star Apu, who dies under suspicious circumstances after delivering a stellar performance as Man of the Match. Investigating his brother’s death, Topu begins to unravel a series of enigmas, including rumours linking the country’s biggest cricket star to the incident. As he delves deeper, Topu uncovers interconnections in the betting world, leading to a cascade of sensational revelations. The episodes are aptly titled with cricket terms: Powerplay, How's That, Decision Pending, Caught Behind, Inside Out, Strategic Timeout, and Death Over. 

Women’s Day Special / Not ‘fair’ at all: Why are fair-skinned actors cast for dark-skinned characters?

In an industry spotlighting talent and storytelling, recent controversies have cast a harsh light on a persistent issue: colourism in casting. The latest uproar emerged when photos of popular actress Sabila Nur surfaced, displaying her intentionally darkened complexion for an upcoming drama, "Bidisha", which is slated to be released today, on the occasion of International Women’s Day. Ironically, this deliberate alteration of the skin complex for the role contradicts the very essence of celebrating this day, sparking a crucial debate over the representation of skin complexion and societal standards.

‘Manikganj er Manik Palace’ showcased at Kolkata film fest

"Manikganj er Manik Palace”, based on the famous “Choto Kaku” series by renowned author Faridur Reza Sagar, has recently been screened at the 10th Kolkata International Children's Film Festival. The film was part of the "Cinema of the World" section and was directed by actor-producer Afzal Hossain.

December 25, 2024
December 25, 2024

A glance at the year’s star-studded marriages and breakups

Several prominent celebrities tied the knot in 2024 — some making spontaneous announcements, while others had previously revealed details before their big day. However, the year also witnessed its fair share of divorces alongside the joy of weddings.

December 13, 2024
December 13, 2024

Full Winners’ list for Blender’s Choice The Daily Star Awards 2023

Check out the winners recognised at the “Blender’s Choice The Daily Star OTT and Digital Content Awards 2023”:

December 9, 2024
December 9, 2024

Reclaiming the stories of women on screen

The frameworks of portrayals of gender-based violence in our local productions have been birthed from the need to give voice to the oppressed Biranganas (war heroines)—as portrayed through several films or dramas throughout the years.

November 12, 2024
November 12, 2024

The dual faces of mental health disorders in local films

The intrinsically intricate nooks and crevices of the realities of living with mental health disorders can very well be deemed as being only ever harsher than those represented in media. Even the churning and voicing of these complexities via books or writing can only do so much to make people perceive mental health disorders for what they are. However, when push comes to shove, representations of psychological disorders in any form can mean a further step taken to bring awareness to them — and Bangladeshi projects seem to have touched upon two rather specific ways to represent them.

September 9, 2024
September 9, 2024

A censor board may no longer be necessary: Orsha

Activism is innate for her—during her years at Jahangirnagar University, she always had a fearless stance against wrongdoings, setting the tone for the strong advocate she is today.

August 6, 2024
August 6, 2024

Stars voice hopes for new Bangladesh after Sheikh Hasina’s resignation

As the protest for quota reform swiftly transformed into a historic student movement, it culminated in the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the fall of her government. Celebrities who participated in the movement have expressed their joy and hope on social media.

June 23, 2024
June 23, 2024

‘Baaji’ delivers high-stakes drama in cricket’s shadow

Penned collaboratively by Aditya Sengupta and Hasanat, the plot unfolds with the mysterious death of rising cricket star Apu, who dies under suspicious circumstances after delivering a stellar performance as Man of the Match. Investigating his brother’s death, Topu begins to unravel a series of enigmas, including rumours linking the country’s biggest cricket star to the incident. As he delves deeper, Topu uncovers interconnections in the betting world, leading to a cascade of sensational revelations. The episodes are aptly titled with cricket terms: Powerplay, How's That, Decision Pending, Caught Behind, Inside Out, Strategic Timeout, and Death Over. 

March 8, 2024
March 8, 2024

Not ‘fair’ at all: Why are fair-skinned actors cast for dark-skinned characters?

In an industry spotlighting talent and storytelling, recent controversies have cast a harsh light on a persistent issue: colourism in casting. The latest uproar emerged when photos of popular actress Sabila Nur surfaced, displaying her intentionally darkened complexion for an upcoming drama, "Bidisha", which is slated to be released today, on the occasion of International Women’s Day. Ironically, this deliberate alteration of the skin complex for the role contradicts the very essence of celebrating this day, sparking a crucial debate over the representation of skin complexion and societal standards.

February 4, 2024
February 4, 2024

‘Manikganj er Manik Palace’ showcased at Kolkata film fest

"Manikganj er Manik Palace”, based on the famous “Choto Kaku” series by renowned author Faridur Reza Sagar, has recently been screened at the 10th Kolkata International Children's Film Festival. The film was part of the "Cinema of the World" section and was directed by actor-producer Afzal Hossain.

January 16, 2024
January 16, 2024

How Moloy met Sabrina

Two bright stars of the entertainment industry, Nazia Haque Orsha and Mostafizur Noor Imran, shared their wedding vows during the last quarter of 2023. However, they announced the news to the world just recently. The newly-wedded couple shared their love story with The Daily Star.