Shah Alam Shazu

"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.”

Acclaimed actress Jaya Ahsan is basking in the success of her latest Bengali film, “Aajo Ardhangini”, which has opened to packed cinemas across West Bengal and several other Indian states. Directed by Kaushik Ganguly, the film has struck a deep emotional chord with audiences, with many screenings selling out and bookings continuing to soar.

Yet, despite the celebrations ahead, Babita says her thoughts remain focused on the dream that matters most. “My only wish now is to build this mosque,” she said. “I want my life to remain connected with good deeds. I pray that Almighty Allah grants me the strength and opportunity to fulfil this dream.”

"I used to be busy with acting back home; now life keeps me occupied in other ways. But through it all, I remain grateful to the Almighty. I'm happy with this life."

In the new film, Jaya portrays Meghna, sharing the screen with veteran actor Churni Ganguly in what promises to be one of the film's major highlights. The recently released trailer has already generated an enthusiastic response from audiences, raising expectations ahead of the film's theatrical run.

National Award-winning actor Fazlur Rahman Babu believes his upcoming film “Mastul” will resonate deeply with audiences through its emotionally driven story and unconventional subject matter.

Veteran actress Rozina has alleged that she was “used as a trump card” during the recent Bangladesh Film Artistes’ Association election after losing her bid for an executive committee member’s post.

Away from music, however, Beauty spoke to The Daily Star about another lifelong passion—football. A devoted Brazil supporter, she shared the story behind her love for the five-time world champions.

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.