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Zahid Akbar

Zahid Akbar is a renowned lyricist, writer and, journalist. He is working as a Staff Reporter at The Daily Star.

Musucian turned actors.png

Singers making their way to the screen

6 May 2026, 11:00 AM
The transition from music to acting is hardly unusual. Many vocalists have made guest appearances in dramas and films over the years, including Azam Khan, Bappa Mazumder, Samina Chowdhury, Fahmida Nabi, Kona, Salma, Mila, and others. Most of them have appeared as guest artistes, adding a different dimension to their creative journeys.
6 May 2026, 11:00 AM
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‘Eta Amaderi Golpo’: What’s driving its widespread popularity?

5 May 2026, 10:59 AM
The journey of winning hearts will come to an end with its 52nd episode. The final episode will premiere on May 8 at 3:00pm on the Cinemawala YouTube channel, with a special extended runtime of 92 minutes as a gift for viewers.
5 May 2026, 10:59 AM
Eid ul Azha Films 2026

Eid-ul-Azha film lineup shapes up with major releases

23 April 2026, 11:27 AM
Following Eid-ul-Fitr, when five films—“Bonolota Express”, “Domm”, “Prince”, “Pressure Cooker”, and “Rakkhosh”—were released, focus has now shifted to the next major holiday window. Among them, “Bonolota Express” is still holding the top position, while others recorded moderate commercial returns and some overseas response.
23 April 2026, 11:27 AM
‘Bonolota Express’ leads Eid box office in fourth week

‘Bonolota Express’ leads Eid box office in fourth week

13 April 2026, 12:23 PM
Five films released this Eid-ul-Azha have entered their fourth week in theatres, with Bonolota Express emerging as the top earner among multiplex audiences. The figures are based on ticket sales from multiplex chains across Bangladesh and do not include overseas earnings.
13 April 2026, 12:23 PM
‘Unmatched’: Eminent Bangladeshi artistes reminisce Asha Bhosle

‘Unmatched’: Eminent Bangladeshi artistes reminisce Asha Bhosle

12 April 2026, 19:54 PM
Asha Bhosle (1933-2026) was a legend not only in the context of South Asia, but the entire musical world feels her absence.
12 April 2026, 19:54 PM
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Luminous Jyotirmoyee in a post- ‘Prince’ world

4 April 2026, 09:00 AM
This Eid-ul-Fitr marked the debut of Kolkata’s Jyotirmoyee Kundu in the Bangladeshi film industry, starring opposite Shakib Khan in “Prince”. Having begun her journey on television with “Bodhua” in 2024 and making her big-screen debut in 2025 with “Prajapati 2” alongside Dev, the young actor is still only three years into her career.
4 April 2026, 09:00 AM
Domm First Look (5).jpeg

‘Domm’: Puja Chery earns acclaim for ‘Rani’

27 March 2026, 12:53 PM
Puja Chery is receiving widespread appreciation for her portrayal of ‘Rani’ in the Eid release “Domm”, directed by Redoan Rony. Starring opposite Afran Nisho, the film is performing strongly in multiplexes, securing the highest number of screenings.
27 March 2026, 12:53 PM
First time in theatres: what was it like?

First time in theatres: what was it like?

23 March 2026, 11:30 AM
Going to a cinema hall to watch one’s first film is always a memorable experience etched in the mind. In childhood, most people watch their first film with family members, and celebrities are no exception. Watching films during Eid has long been a cherished tradition. Four prominent stars of the country shared their first cinema-going experiences—where they watched their first films and which films they saw—with The Daily Star.
23 March 2026, 11:30 AM
Not leaving films at this moment: Barsha

Not leaving films at this moment: Barsha

Actress Afia Nusrat Barsha had revealed her decision to step away from acting. However, for now, she is still working on the silver screen.  
23 March 2025, 11:29 AM
Eid special: OTT releases to watch out for

Eid special: OTT releases to watch out for

This Eid-ul-Fitr, in addition to star-studded films, audiences can look forward to exciting web content, as major OTT platforms have curated special projects for the festive season. From intense dramas to light-hearted romantic comedies, the list includes "Amalnama" by Raihan Rafi, "Jimmi" by Ashfaque Nipun, and "How Sweet" by Kajal Arefin Ome, among others.
13 March 2025, 06:55 AM
Remembering Azam Khan: King of Pop

Remembering Azam Khan: King of Pop

The interim government has nominated eight distinguished individuals for the 2025 Independence Award, recognising their outstanding contributions at the national level. Among the honourees is the King of Pop, Azam Khan, whose nomination has sparked widespread reactions on social media. A high-level government source confirmed the news today, Thursday.
6 March 2025, 16:39 PM
‘A dream come true’: Rupanty Akid makes Hindi film debut

‘A dream come true’: Rupanty Akid makes Hindi film debut

Rupanty Akid made her acting debut as a child artiste in the drama “Angti”, directed by Sagar Jahan in 2013. She was also featured in Mahfuz Ahmed’s “Keboli Raat Hoye Jay” and “Hello Bangladesh”. Last year, she received widespread recognition for her role in Shihab Shaheen’s web film “Kacher Manhush Durey Thuiya”. The actress will be seen in Masud Hasan Ujjal’s upcoming film, “Bonolota Sen”.
3 March 2025, 18:05 PM
Apurba’s stellar run: Winning hearts in ‘Chaalchitro’ and ‘Mon Duari’

Apurba’s stellar run: Winning hearts in ‘Chaalchitro’ and ‘Mon Duari’

Ziaul Faruq Apurba is currently basking on immense appreciation and admiration from audiences for two of his standout projects—the Indian film “Chaalchitro” and the Valentine’s Day special “Mon Duari”.
1 March 2025, 06:06 AM
Pori Moni on arrest warrant

If I must go to jail for speaking out, so be it: Pori Moni

Actress Pori Moni was scheduled to attend an opening ceremony for a showroom in Tangail yesterday. However, the event was postponed due to resistance from local organisations, including Hefazat-e-Islam. The news came as a blow to the actress, who later expressed her frustration on social media.
26 January 2025, 14:08 PM
A ‘Realy’ promising debut

A ‘Realy’ promising debut

‘Makeup’ features Nipa Ahmed Realy and Ziaul Roshan in the lead roles, while veteran actor Tariq Anam Khan also delivers a compelling performance. A day after its release, Realy, who made her silver screen debut with this project shares insights in an exclusive interview with The Daily Star.
12 January 2025, 03:00 AM
10 breakthrough artistes who left mark on OTT in 2024

10 breakthrough artistes who left mark on OTT in 2024

In 2024, Bangladeshi web series and films flourished across OTT platforms, bringing fresh talent to the forefront while revitalising the careers of seasoned actors. Strong, character-driven content allowed these 10 actors and directors to break through, leaving a lasting impact on viewers and reshaping the country's OTT landscape.
29 December 2024, 06:21 AM
Year-end recap: Most discussed stars, films, and soundtracks

Year-end recap: Most discussed stars, films, and soundtracks

This year, an estimated 50 Bangladeshi films have been released. Among these, only a handful have achieved commercial success. Then again, despite not performing well at the box office, other cinematic aspects like actors, actresses, and film songs have managed to remain at the centre of discussions throughout the year.
28 December 2024, 09:39 AM
Those who we lost in 2024

Those we lost in 2024

In 2024, we lost several prominent figures from the entertainment world. Though they have departed, their contributions to film, television, music, and dance will remain etched in our memories. Here are some of the individuals we lost this year.
27 December 2024, 06:36 AM
‘Rongila Kitab’: A tale of love and betrayal

‘Rongila Kitab’: A tale of love and betrayal

The web-series “Rongila Kitab”, directed by Anam Biswas, premiered on the OTT platform Hoichoi on November 8. Adapted from Kinkar Ahsan’s novel of the same name, this series unfolds across eight episodes. 
10 November 2024, 06:53 AM
Anam Biswas talks ‘Rongila Kitab’, his second book-to-screen adaptation

Anam Biswas talks ‘Rongila Kitab’, his second book-to-screen adaptation

Anam Biswas became a household name after his much-appreciated movie “Debi”. His directorials tend to reflect his talent, and he has garnered praise for every project he’s undertaken—be it a film or web content. Besides directing, Anam is also recognised for his songwriting skills.
9 November 2024, 07:57 AM
Kusum Shikder shines in her directorial debut with ‘Shoroter Joba’

From acting to directing: Kushum Shikder reflects on new journey

Kushum Shikder, known for her powerful performances in “Gohine Shobdo” and the National Award-winning “Shankhachil,” has made a bold transition from an acclaimed actress to a filmmaker with her directorial debut, “Shoroter Joba.” Released on October 11, this marks a pivotal moment in her career, where she not only took the reins as director but also wrote the screenplay and led the film's production.
15 October 2024, 11:29 AM
‘Desh ta ki tor Baper Naki’: Ethun Babu and crew recall risky resistance

‘Desh ta tomar Baper Naki’: Ethun Babu and crew recall risky resistance

Ethun Babu, most known for composing the all-time hit “O Priya Tumi Kothay”, was prosecuted by the previous government for merely voicing out his political opinions.
28 September 2024, 18:05 PM
I was ‘banned’ for seven years: Kanak Chapa

I was ‘banned’ for seven years: Kanak Chapa

"I was banned for a full seven years due to my political identity. Although it may seem irrelevant, the Covid pandemic taught me a lot. I realised that one can survive with fewer possessions. Excessive food and luxuries are unnecessary, and true peace comes from standing closely with people in need," shared Kanak Chapa.
5 September 2024, 18:05 PM
Film industry at a standstill: How long till cameras roll again?

Film industry at a standstill: How long till cameras roll again?

Industry insiders point to one major cause: The reluctance of production companies. In the current political climate, investors are hesitant to back new films. Producers prefer to wait until the situation in the country stabilises before committing to any major projects. 
20 August 2024, 18:05 PM
How celebrities spent their time amid internet shutdown

How celebrities spent their time amid internet shutdown

With social media activity at a standstill and the curfew ongoing, many are left wondering how celebrities are coping without the internet. Although broadband internet resumed on Tuesday night in a few regions, Facebook remains inaccessible, leaving many feeling disconnected. We reached out to some of our favourite celebrities to see how they are handling this digital hiatus.
24 July 2024, 16:05 PM
Hall owners face huge losses, look to recoup with ‘Toofan’

Hall owners face huge losses, look to recoup with ‘Toofan’

The Raihan Rafi directorial was expected to run for the foreseeable future before the quota reform protests started. According to the producers, the film earned around Tk 25 crore, a rare feat for a Bangladeshi film. Even though some people did go see the film at the start of the movement, cinema halls had to close down after nationwide violence started, claiming the lives of many involved.
24 July 2024, 14:37 PM
Six months in review: Best of Dhallywood

Six months in review: Best of Dhallywood

In the first six months of this year, around 30 films have been released in the country, with only a few achieving notable commercial successes. However, several movies and songs have generated significant buzz in the entertainment industry and among audiences.
8 July 2024, 18:05 PM
Four years without the king of playback, Andrew Kishore

Four years without the king of playback, Andrew Kishore

The artiste was honoured with the National Film Award eight times. He first won the National Award in 1982 for the song “Hayre Manush Rongin Phanush” from the film “Boro Bhalo Lok Chilo”, with lyrics by Syed Shamsul Haque and composed by Alam Khan.
6 July 2024, 11:47 AM

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