Fathers are said to be every person's 'first hero'. Father's Day, celebrated most commonly on the third Sunday of June, is an occasion for all sons and daughters to show their love and gratitude to their father, and also for fathers to think back about what being a father means to them. The Daily Star caught up with three loving fathers who are popular names in the country's entertainment industry, on what fatherhood and their children mean to them.
 

The strongest bond Kumar Bishwajit with family members.

Kumar Bishwajit, singer
“My only son, Kumar Nibir, was born on November 22, 2001 in Dhaka. We named him Kumar Nibir, using letters from me and my wife's names for Nibir. I've always wanted a son, and Almighty has granted that wish.
“It's not possible to describe in words, the feeling of fatherhood. And it's certainly incomparable. You have to be a father to know what it's like. Seeing my son's face for the first time and knowing that he's my descendant, was a euphoric moment.
“All I want for Father's Day is that every son and daughter takes care of their fathers, and never hurt them. And for myself, I just want my son to be happy and at peace. He has a talent for music direction, which is also very heartening for me.”
 

The strongest bond Azizul Hakim with family members.

Azizul Hakim, actor
“It was a heavenly feeling when I heard that I was going to become a father. I was so excited that I did not bother to think whether the baby would be a son or daughter.
“On March 8, 1995, my wife Zinnat gave birth to a baby girl at a clinic in Dhaka. On that day, actress Shomi Kaiser and I jointly performed at a programme in Sheraton Hotel (now Ruposhi Bangla). Moments after wrapping up the event, I rushed to the clinic and waited there till late into the night. After much suspense, a nurse informed me about the birth of my daughter.  
“When I first saw my daughter it was like rebirth for me. My mother-in-law and father were choosing names and finally after much deliberation she was named Nazad Raida Hakim.
“The second time over, I became the proud father of a baby boy on August 29, 2009. He is known as Mohaimeen Redwan Hakim. When he was born I was busy shooting for Tarana Halim's play at Dhamrai on the outskirts of the capital.
“I realise the importance of Father's Day from the depths of my heart as my father is no more. At the very least we should remember our fathers on that day no matter how busy we are. Now I derive immense pleasure when my son tells me how much he loves me.
“My kids are the apple of my eye. I will spend my entire day with them. On this Father's Day, I send my love to you all.”
 

The strongest bond Asif Akbar with family members.

Asif Akbar, singer
“I have two sons; they are the apples of my eye. Just watching them grow up takes me back my own childhood. It's a kind of happiness nothing else can match.
“My elder son, Rono, is very calm and collected. I remember the day he was born: September 12, 1996. I was ecstatic -- the thought of someone calling me dad was incredible.
“Rudro, my younger son, came four years later. He's the creative and sharp one, and has a very good memory. When he was born, on May 27, 2000, it was once again a memorable day.
“Rono has completed SSC this year, and lives with me, but Rudro is in Khulna at the Millitary Collegiate School. Unfortunately, I won't be able to reach him on this Father's Day, because he's only allowed to contact over phone on Thursdays.
“All I want for Father's Day is that my sons grow up to be good human beings, and for those who have lost their fathers, I hope they will remember them on this day.”