Zahid Akbar
Zahid Akbar is a renowned lyricist, writer and, journalist. He is working as a Staff Reporter at The Daily Star.
Zahid Akbar is a renowned lyricist, writer and, journalist. He is working as a Staff Reporter at The Daily Star.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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”.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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.
"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.
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.
"Leader Amie Bangladesh" gave something completely different to the audience, which "Priyotoma" will follow up to.
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.