Shah Alam Shazu

Babita added another milestone to her career on August 3 by receiving the Ananda Mela Lifetime Achievement Award at the Ananda Mela Award and Cultural Programme 2026.

For Amin Khan, the years away from the camera were never about walking away from cinema. They were about waiting—for the right script, the right character, and the right moment to return.

From that historic beginning, the Bangladeshi film industry gradually flourished, producing numerous timeless classics and establishing cinema as one of the country's most cherished forms of entertainment.

Her next film, “Gulshaner Chameli”, marks a return to mainstream Bangladeshi commercial cinema—one she says was driven by the strength of its female-centred story rather than its genre.

For a quarter of a century, Deepa Khandakar has quietly evolved alongside Bangladeshi television. Having first established herself in leading roles, she has gradually moved into a repertoire of middle-aged women characters whose emotional lives often form the dramatic centre of the stories they inhabit.

His latest performance in “Pothohara Mon”, which premiered on the Cinemawala YouTube channel on Thursday night, has once again won over audiences. Directed by Muhammad Mostafa Kamal Raz, the drama sees Zahid Hasan portraying a father—a role that viewers have rarely seen him play. His emotionally charged performance has left many in tears and sparked an outpouring of appreciation across social media, where countless viewers have praised both his acting and the drama's moving story.

Remembering one of Bangladeshi cinema's most beloved stars, the veteran actor told The Daily Star that away from the camera he was a very charming, cultured and deeply musical human being—often reaching for a guitar to sing to her between takes.

Veteran actor Suchanda, one of the most celebrated stars of Bangladeshi cinema’s golden era, says her younger sister Babita is more than just family—she is someone with whom she shares an extraordinary emotional bond.

Along the way, she has received numerous accolades at home and abroad, including multiple National Film Awards, the National Film Award for Lifetime Achievement, and the prestigious Ekushey Padak.

"I seek everyone's prayers and blessings. I hope the next few months pass smoothly and that I remain healthy." Mousumi Hamid married her long-time friend, Abdul Wadud, after years of friendship, and the couple are now eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child.

The Daily Star spoke to several artistes who worked with Mostafizur Rahman, the visionary whose work and legacy shaped generations of audiences and performers alike.

She has stayed away from showbiz for several years, yet in America she continues to host programmes on a regular basis.

Sumaiya Shimu has spent two decades winning the hearts of audiences. She began her career with serials such as “Lolita”, aired on Ekushey TV, and “Swapnochura”, aired on Banglavision. Despite continued demand from viewers, she stepped away from acting for nearly five years, working only occasionally on OTT project directed by Nuhash Humayun. Now, she is set to return to television with Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Raz's upcoming serial “Fire Ashar Golpo”.

Few characters in Bangladeshi television have enjoyed the kind of enduring affection that Nilu Bhabi from Humayun Ahmed's "Ei Shob Din Ratri" continues to receive decades after the drama first aired. And for veteran actress Dolly Zahur, who brought the beloved character to life, the memories remain as vivid as ever.

Few actors have enjoyed the enduring popularity that Azizul Hakim commanded during the golden era of Bangladeshi television in the 1990s. Through a string of hit weekly dramas, he became one of the country's most beloved screen stars. Alongside television, he built an acclaimed career on stage with Aranyak, which he joined in 1977, and in films such as “Joyjatra” and “Shankhanil Karagar”.

Even while spending time away from home in the United States, he says that affection continues to reach him across continents. "The calls, the messages and the love I receive from people in Bangladesh always touch me deeply," he said. "They remind me, time and again, that life truly is beautiful."

"Not long afterwards, he left us forever," he said softly. "We never saw each other again. Whenever I think about that final meeting, it still hurts. I miss him deeply, and I continue to hold him in the highest respect."

He said he would often buy shing fish for Humayun Ahmed as well, never telling him in advance. "To be honest, there are so many memories centred around fish," he said with a smile. "On the anniversary of Sir's passing, all those moments come flooding back. Wherever he is, I pray he is at peace."

Kabori remains one of the country's most beloved actresses, remembered not only for her remarkable performances but also for the grace and innocence that made her an enduring favourite across generations.

"My first playback song was for ‘Gorom Hawa’ alongside Syed Abdul Hadi uncle, and that was only possible because of my father. Later, I also sang for ‘Akarshan’. I worked as a child artiste in several films and did dubbing for many productions. Every opportunity I received in those early years came through my father's encouragement.”