Zahid Akbar

Zahid Akbar

Zahid Akbar is a renowned lyricist, writer and, journalist. He is working as a Staff Reporter at The Daily Star.

Pensive Puja and a roaring comeback

After nearly a year, Puja Chery returned with a powerhouse performance this Eid-ul-Fitr with her movie “Lipstick”. Despite the film’s limited theatrical release, it has gained praise from many celebrities for its bold and unique concept. This was indeed a challenging year for the actress, as she tragically lost her mother just days before Eid. However, Puja was determined to fulfil her mother’s dream by actively promoting her movie, despite being heartbroken.

6d ago

Lights, camera, vote: Bangladesh Film Artistes' Association sets stage for 2024-26 election

The Bangladesh Film Artistes' Association (BFAA) is poised for its biennial election today, with 571 voters set to cast their ballots. Amongst them, 50 are new voters, reflecting a potential shift in the association's dynamics. This follows the landmark decision in the previous election where the Ilias Kanchan-Nipun Akter panel secured victory and reinstated voting rights to 103 previously excluded artistes, signaling winds of change within the association.

1w ago

11-film Battle Royale: Who won?

This Eid-ul-Fitr, an astounding number of films–totalling 11– were released, offering a wide selection for movie-goers. Amongst them, the Shakib Khan starrer “Rajkumar” is predictably leading in earnings in its first week. Directed by Himel Ashraf, the film premiered in a record-breaking 127 cinemas and has been selling out in all multiplexes since its opening day. It is also performing strongly in single-screen theatres.

1w ago

Shakib Khan talks about 'Rajkumar', shares his plans for Eid celebrations

For over two decades, Eid festivities have been incomplete without the anticipation and excitement for Shakib Khan’s blockbuster releases. Each year, audiences eagerly await his cinematic gifts, turning Eid into a celebration not just of cultural and religious significance but also a cinematic event.

2w ago

I’m not afraid of competition: Puja Chery

One of the film's songs, titled “Beshamal”, has already gained significant attention from audiences. Puja opened up about her personal experience and professional journey in a conversation with The Daily Star.

3w ago

Khalid lives on through his melody

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.

1m ago

Two hits, several misses in 2024’s OTT world 

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.

1m ago

Are producers pushing big-budget films towards Eid?

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.

2m ago
October 7, 2023
October 7, 2023

Bobby electrifies

Eamin Haque Bobby is gearing up for a return soon. She was last seen in “Paap”, where her role as an ACP officer was embraced well, despite the outcome of the film. As a producer, she has an assortment of genres under her belt, including the superhero film “Bizli”.

October 2, 2023
October 2, 2023

James’ 59th birthday

James, also known as the modern 'guru' of Bangladeshi rock music, has accomplished unimaginable feats since he started his career with the band Feelings. Today marks the National Award-winning artiste's 59th birthday.

September 21, 2023
September 21, 2023

Not just Sayantika, Shabnur likes me as well: Zayed Khan

Zayed Khan and Tollywood actress Sayantika Banerjee is acting in a film titled, "Chayabaaz”. However, the production hit a tumultuous bump when Sayantika returned to her hometown, Kolkata, following nine days of shooting, after complaining against the film's dance director and producer. Yet in this chaos, she praised her co-star Zayed Khan to the Kolkata media.

September 8, 2023
September 8, 2023

Dhaka celebrates ‘Jawan’ on its worldwide release day

Bollywood's Shah Rukh Khan starrer "Jawan" made its debut in Bangladesh on September 7, coinciding with its global release date. This marked a significant milestone as it was the first time since Bangladesh's independence that a Hindi-language movie premiered in the country simultaneously with its worldwide release.

September 6, 2023
September 6, 2023

‘Salman Shah was way ahead of his time’

Salman Shah was not only a beloved actor, but also a style icon. Today is the 27th death anniversary of the superstar. He passed away on September 6, 1996, leaving behind legions of fans. In his brief acting career, he starred in 27 films, most of which were blockbuster hits. Popular leading ladies of the current Bangladeshi film industry spoke to The Daily Star about films of Salman Shah they would have liked to star in.

August 30, 2023
August 30, 2023

Abdul Jabbar’s soulful voice had a profound impact on me: Syed Abdul Hadi

"Tumi Ki Dekhechho Kobhu Jiboner Porajoy", "Salam Salam Hajar Salam", and "Joy Bangla, Banglar Joy" stand proudly as three of the most beloved songs to have graced the top 20 all-time Bangla songs list in the 2006 survey conducted by BBC Bangla. These timeless melodies were brought to life by the inimitable voice of the Bangladeshi musical legend, Abdul Jabbar.

August 26, 2023
August 26, 2023

'1971 Shei Shob Din' - A riveting tale of middle-class families amidst war

"1971 Shei Shob Din" has the potential to resonate with audiences across different backgrounds, and shed light on a crucial period in Bangladesh's history. As this cinematic gem gradually reaches more viewers, it's bound to make a significant impact in both the realm of entertainment and historical education.

August 16, 2023
August 16, 2023

The story of Ayub Bachchu’s ‘Eksho Ta Shopno’

While reminiscing about what inspired “Eksho Ta Shopno”, Asif mentioned that he wrote the song about the shattered dreams and aspirations of a lyricist, the uncertainty that a lyricist goes through with their songs, whether anyone would want to sing or not.

June 29, 2023
June 29, 2023

'Priyotoma' will change the course of Bangla Cinema: Shakib Khan

"Leader Amie Bangladesh" gave something completely different to the audience, which "Priyotoma" will follow up to.

June 27, 2023
June 27, 2023

Looks from upcoming Eid films that captivated audiences

As there’s a couple of days remaining till Eid, the productions houses of Eid releases are now all busy with their film’s promotional works. Even the stars are giving their all, promoting their films via appearing in promotional events and on social media.

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