Shah Alam Shazu

The film is slated for release this coming Eid and features a star-studded ensemble, five of whom shared their thoughts on the much-anticipated project.

Over the course of her illustrious acting life, Babita has earned numerous accolades. But this one, she insists, stands apart.

Regarding Raihan Rafi’s body of work, he said, “I have watched his other films. He makes outstanding cinema, which is why audiences go to see his films. I have watched them myself. Rafi means diversity and something new.”

In the Eid drama “Happy Divorce”, directed by Topu Khan, Mou plays one of two sisters alongside Keya Payel. Describing the story as a family drama, she praised the director’s organisation and the ensemble cast.

He added firmly, “One day, the country may regret. It may say, why should he not receive the Independence Award? I fought directly in the war.” There was no bitterness in his voice, only conviction.

At midnight, Shajal cut a cake with his parents. “Cutting a birthday cake with my parents feels truly special. I am here because of them. I pray they live many more years,” he said.

She concluded by expressing gratitude towards the director for trusting her with such a role. “He believed I could carry the story. For that, I’m truly thankful.”

With the country entering a new political chapter following the parliamentary election, attention is also turning to the future of the cultural sector. Artistes across disciplines are hoping for stability, institutional support and an environment where creative expression can thrive without fear or disruption.

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For more than two decades, Sushama Sarker has remained familiar and had a respected presence in Bangladesh’s theatre scene.

Babita is an internationally acclaimed film actress. After acting in Satyajit Ray’s “Ashani Sanket”, she was honoured in many places around the world. In her own country, she has received the National Film Award many times. She has also received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Film Awards. The Mayor of Dallas gave her a lifetime honour. She has received many other awards and honours as well.

The actor credited much of his personal and professional stability to his wife, Shirin. “Her contribution is immense. After marriage, I was working, acting, dedicating long hours to theatre and television. She held the family together. I would say ninety per cent of what I am today is because of her,” he said.

A multiple-time National Film Award winner at home and a frequent recipient of honours in India, Jaya now returns to the big screen with her latest film, “OCD”, set for release on February 6.

Another recent highlight is the much-discussed drama “Eta Amaderi Golpo”, which has struck a chord with viewers. “It’s a family drama,” he says. “The story, performances, and direction—all of it works together beautifully. That’s why audiences have embraced it so warmly.”

In “Master”, Mamo plays a character named Jhorna — a role she says she thoroughly enjoyed inhabiting. “I really liked playing this character. There was scope to perform, to explore,” she shared. “Everyone involved in the film has done a wonderful job. Each actor gave their best from their own place.”

Reflecting on the season, she said, “Spring is all about celebration. After winter comes spring, and it’s a season filled with passion and festivity. Everyone loves spring, and so do I.”

“Master” has been chosen for screening in the festival’s prestigious Big Screen Competition section. Badhan plays a significant role in the film.

Looking ahead, her dreams remain simple but sincere. “I’m searching for opportunities to play diverse characters,” she says. “I want to act in films. I just need the right opportunities.”

In a recent conversation with The Daily Star, Rakayet spoke about his upcoming projects, his collaboration with director Raihan Rafi, and his enduring commitment to meaningful storytelling.