Shah Alam Shazu

As Jaya Ahsan marks her birthday on July 1, filmmaker Gias Uddin Selim remembers an actor whose dedication and discipline stood out long before she became an award-winning star across Bangladesh and India.

Nearly a decade has passed since we lost Nayak Raj Razzak, yet his presence continues to be felt across Bangladesh. The legendary actor, who helped shape and enrich Dhallywood, remains one of the most beloved figures in the country's cinematic history. He captivated generations of audiences and earned countless accolades, including the Independence Award and several National Film Awards.

Speaking of Monwar’s musical abilities, Hayat added, “He had a wonderful singing voice and was an excellent singer. I heard him perform on many occasions, and he always captivated his audience.”

As artists and admirers across the country remember his extraordinary life and legacy, actor Tariq Anam Khan reflects on the mentor, polymath and generous soul whose influence shaped generations of creative minds.

Actor, playwright and director Mamunur Rashid reflected on a lifelong relationship with one of Bangladesh’s most revered cultural figures.

Long before she became an actress, Nima Rahman was introduced to the world of arts and culture as a child performer under the guidance of her uncle, Mustafa Monwar. From children’s television programmes and recitations to her early performances on Bangladesh Television, Monwar remained a constant source of encouragement throughout her formative years. Looking back, Nima credits his mentorship, unwavering support, and belief in her abilities with shaping her lifelong artistic journey.

Two of Tawsif Mahbub’s dramas “Dorodia” and “Warish”, released during Eid-ul-Azha, have received tremendous appreciation from audiences. His performance in the romantic drama “Dorodia” earned particular praise for portraying a character unlike any he had played before, while “Warish”, in which he played the role of an elder brother, further strengthened his popularity.

As football fans around the world celebrate Lionel Messi’s birthday today, actor Chanchal Chowdhury has joined the tributes in his own artistic way. A lifelong admirer of the Argentine footballer, the actor recently shared a hand-drawn portrait of Messi on social media, drawing praise from fans.