Dilara Zaman and Dolly Zahur: Bound by the affection of on-screen children

On the occasion of International Mother's Day, two of Bangladesh's most beloved screen mothers, Dilara Zaman and Dolly Zahur, are being remembered not just for the roles they've played, but for the love they continue to receive from their on-screen children. Though their biological children live abroad, both actresses have chosen to remain in Bangladesh, enveloped by the affection of the audiences and colleagues who fondly call them "Ma."

Dilara Zaman, who has two daughters living abroad, once joined them overseas but eventually returned home. "I couldn't stay away," she said. "Everyone here calls me 'Ma.' This land, these people-I can't leave them. The children of this country are my children. That's the greatest reward of all."

Despite being far from her daughters, she is never alone. The entertainment industry embraces her with familial warmth, constantly checking on her, celebrating her legacy, and treating her as their own. In recognition of her decades-long portrayal of motherhood, Dilara Zaman was awarded the "Ma Padak" (Mother Award) in 2023.

This year, the same honor goes to another screen icon, Dolly Zahur. Like Dilara, she also lives alone in Dhaka while her only son, Riasat, resides in Australia. Although she visits her son and he returns when possible, Dolly too has been unable to leave behind the emotional tether to her homeland. "The love here keeps me rooted," she shared. "When I had COVID, everyone rushed to help. Some even stayed in the hospital with me. That kind of love-you can't describe it, only feel it."

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Both actresses, through their enduring portrayals of maternal characters, have transcended the screen to become real-life matriarchs of the industry. Their stories speak to a deeper bond- one that goes beyond bloodlines and blossoms in the hearts of those who have grown up watching them.