Mirana Zaman honoured with Bulbul Ahmed Award

The Bulbul Ahmed Award was established by Bulbul Ahmed Foundation Trust (BAFT) in fond memory of renowned actor Bulbul Ahmed, who passed away on July 15, 2010. Veteran actor Mirana Zaman received the award this year. Previous recipients of the award include Nazmul Huda Bachchu (2016), Keramot Moula (2017) and ATM Shamsuzzaman (2019).

Born in 1936, Mirana Zaman started her career as a voice artiste on radio, in 1962. She worked in numerous radio programmes, television projects and films for five decades. She made her silver screen debut with the film Jahan Baje Shehnai, directed by Rahman, in 1968. Some of her notable projects include Dhire Bohe Mehgna, Ora 11 Jon, Suprovat, Guerrilla and many others.

Bulbul Ahmed made his television debut with Borof Gola Nodi. Some of his other notable television projects include Maloncho, Idiot, Malyodan, Borodidi, Arek Falgun and Shesh Bikeler Meye among others. He made his debut in films with Iye Kore Biye, directed by Abdullah Yusuf Imam, better known as Yusuf Zahir, in 1973. Rajlokkhi O Srikanto and Devdas are two of Bulbul Ahmed's most memorable films. He was also lauded for his performances in Mohanayok, Surjokonnya and Shimana Periye. Both Bulbul Ahmed and Mirana Zaman began their careers with radio. They acted together in BTV's hit series, Ei Shob Din Ratri.   

Bulbul Ahmed's wife Daisy Ahmed is the Chairperson of BAFT, while his daughter Tahsin Farzana Tilottoma is the Founder and General Secretary. The foundation, established in 2015, works for the well-being of senior citizens and honours noted artistes. Due to the ongoing pandemic, Daisy Ahmed and Tahsin Farzana Tilottoma went to Mirana Zaman's house to present her with the award.

Since its inception, BAFT has arranged winter clothing drives for underprivileged communities and ran several projects to support Rohingya refugees, schools for underprivileged children, Bangladesh Music Foundation and nursing homes. The foundation is also helping rickshaw pullers, daily labourers and others who have been harshly affected by the coronavirus crisis.