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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.

Tanvir Mokammel movie.png

‘The removal of my films was almost certainly a politico-ideological decision’: Tanvir Mokammel

1 October 2026
Recently, National Film Award-winning filmmaker Tanvir Mokammel questioned on social media the removal of his acclaimed films “Lalsalu” and “Chitra Nodir Pare” from Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ in-flight entertainment catalogue. Both films had been available to passengers for several years.
1 October 2026
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Six decades of Khurshid Alam’s enduring voice

27 September 2026
Khurshid Alam, however, remains a familiar voice. His songs continue to reach listeners across generations, retaining a freshness that time has failed to diminish. In an ever-changing musical landscape, his voice has remained remarkably enduring.
27 September 2026
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Zafar Iqbal: The ‘hero’ behind the camera and microphone

25 September 2026
Today marks the birth anniversary of the modern, romantic and stylish hero. Born in Dhaka on September 25, 1950, Zafar Iqbal passed away on January 8, 1992, at the age of just 41.
25 September 2026
Aajo Ardhangini.png

Jaya and Churni’s silence speak volumes in ‘Aajo Ardhangini’

20 September 2026
She does not merely act out Meghna’s breakdown; she makes the audience feel it from within. These moments particularly highlight Jaya’s strength as an actor. Through her performance, Jaya Ahsan draws the audience into Meghna’s world.
20 September 2026
The songs that keep Salman-Shabnur’s ’90s romance alive

The songs that keep Salman-Shabnur’s ’90s romance alive

19 September 2026
Whenever Salman and Shabnur appeared together in a song, their chemistry made it feel as though they were not simply acting—they were genuinely in love.
19 September 2026
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Timeless film posters displayed across BFDC on ‘Film Directors’ Day’

16 September 2026
Among the posters on display were those of “Alor Michil”, “Jibon Theke Neya”, “Epar Opar”, “Aguner Alo”, “Nawab Sirajuddaulah”, “Ekhoni Shomoy”, “Chandni”, and “Chetana”. Other posters included Shakib Khan-starrer “Priyotoma”, directed by Himel Ashraf, “Rajkumar” and “Chuye Dile Mon”, starring Arifin Shuvoo and directed by Shihab Shaheen.
16 September 2026
Devdas

How Dhallywood brought Sarat Chandra’s ‘Devdas’ to the screen

15 September 2026
Today marks the 150th birth anniversary of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay. For nearly a century, his stories and characters have influenced cinema across the Indian subcontinent. He was born on this day in 1876.
15 September 2026
Before AI revived the ’80s, what made Dhallywood’s golden era iconic

Before AI revived the ’80s, what made Dhallywood’s golden era iconic?

14 September 2026
The 1980s were a golden chapter in Bangladeshi cinema. Alongside mainstream commercial films, the decade also saw the emergence of alternative cinema.
14 September 2026
Bangladesh Eid movies 2026

‘Prince’ tops 130 halls, ‘Domm’ and ‘Bonolota Express’ expand nationwide

Most single-screen cinemas are screening the film, which delves into Dhaka’s underworld. The ensemble cast includes Shakib Khan, Tasnia Farin, Jyotirmoyee Kundu, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Rashed Mamun Apu, Intekhab Dinar, and Ejajul Islam.
21 March 2026
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How much buzz have Eid film songs created?

Only a handful of songs from this year’s five upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr releases have been unveiled so far. While film songs are usually released well in advance, this year most tracks are being launched just days before the films’ release, limiting their reach among listeners. As a result, none of the songs has yet gained widespread popularity, though they may find an audience in the coming days.
20 March 2026
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Celebrating Bapparaj, Dhallywood’s tragic lover

While many actors of the era built their careers through action roles or triumphant romances, Bapparaj became known for portraying the defeated yet dignified lover — a man who sacrifices love rather than fights for it.
11 March 2026
Ayub Bachchu honoured posthumously with Ekushey Padak

Ayub Bachchu honoured posthumously with Ekushey Padak

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (February 26) presented the Ekushey Padak 2026 to nine distinguished individuals and the band Warfez in recognition of their outstanding contributions to national life, marking Amar Ekushey and International Mother Language Day.
26 February 2026
Ten iconic songs that define Gazi Mazharul Anwar’s legacy

Ten iconic songs that define Gazi Mazharul Anwar’s legacy

Born on February 22, 1943, in Cumilla’s Daudkandi upazila, Gazi Mazharul Anwar wrote more than 20,000 songs over a remarkable six-decade career. From romantic melodies to patriotic anthems, his words shaped the golden era of Bangladeshi music and cinema.
22 February 2026
Ayub Bachchu | Photo Shahrear Kabir Heemel .jpg

'It would have meant more if he could accept it with his own hands': Ayub Bachchu's wife

Chondona also shared a personal insight into her late husband’s deepest artistic pride. “My personal feeling is that Ayub Bachchu would have been happier if his band LRB had received the award,” she said.
5 February 2026
Shooting of two Eid films from Dhaka underway in Sri Lanka

Shooting of two Eid films from Dhaka underway in Sri Lanka

Both films are scheduled to be released during Eid al-Fitr. After completing portions of their shoots in Bangladesh, the teams moved to Sri Lanka for the next phase.
17 January 2026
He praised the role the newspaper has played over the years in the country’s art, culture, and cinema.

The Daily Star means 35 years of fearless journalism: Shakib Khan

He praised the role the newspaper has played over the years in the country’s art, culture, and cinema.
14 January 2026
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2026 films to look forward to

A new year has begun. In the past year, a total of 46 Dhallywood films were released, of which only a handful managed to achieve commercial success. Audience turnout was largely concentrated around Eid releases, while a few other films earned appreciation from viewers and critics alike.
1 January 2026
12 mainstream musical hits of 2025

12 mainstream musical hits of 2025

Throughout 2025, numerous songs were released in Bangladesh’s music scene, including tracks from films, OTT platforms, television dramas and Coke Studio Bangla.
27 December 2025
‘Madhumita Hall was upgraded for the long haul’

‘Madhumita Hall was upgraded for the long haul’

Rumours of closure continue to swirl around Madhumita, one of Dhaka’s oldest and most iconic cinema halls, located in Motijheel. Having celebrated its golden jubilee just three years ago, Madhumita has been a cornerstone of the city’s moviegoing culture since its inauguration on December 1, 1967.
22 June 2025
From action to dance numbers: Farin and Sabila win hearts on the big screen

From action to dance numbers: Farin and Sabila win hearts on the big screen

Popular actresses Sabila Nur and Tasnia Farin have been dominating the Eid-ul-Azha box office with their commercial film releases, “Taandob” and “Insaaf”. Both films have sparked widespread discussions across social media and among filmgoers, mostly in praise of the actresses’ performances.
19 June 2025
Local Eid releases fare at the box office

Local Eid releases fare at the box office

Six films were released across cinemas in Bangladesh this Eid. Among them, “Taandob”, starring Shakib Khan and directed by Raihan Rafi, has led the charts from Eid day through the fifth day of the holiday. The film was released in 133 theatres nationwide, with midnight screenings (12am–3am) running in venues such as Chhaya Bani in Mymensingh, Rajtilok in Rajshahi, and Modhubon Cineplex in Bogura.
14 June 2025
I tune out communication to focus on my role: Sariful Razz

I tune out communication to focus on my role: Sariful Razz

Sariful Razz’s latest film, “Insaaf”, directed by Sanjoy Somadder, was released this Eid-ul-Azha initially across 16 theatres in Bangladesh. With Tasnia Farin also in a leading role, the film features Mosharraf Karim in a key role.
11 June 2025
A legacy of Tagore songs in Bengali and Hindi films

A legacy of Tagore songs in Bengali and Hindi films

Today, on 25th Boishakh, the 164th birth anniversary of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, the legacy of his music continues to echo far and wide- not just in the hearts of Bengalis, but across the cinematic landscapes of both Bengal and Bollywood. While his poetry and songs remain an inseparable part of everyday life, Rabindra Sangeet has also found a cherished place in both Bengali and Hindi cinema, often adapted, referenced, or directly used to elevate cinematic storytelling.
8 May 2025
Subir Nandi’s voice still reverberates through the hearts of listeners

Subir Nandi’s voice still reverberates through the hearts of listeners

Today marks the sixth death anniversary of legendary singer Subir Nandi, whose timeless voice continues to resonate with generations of music lovers. Though he passed away on May 7, 2019, his melodies remain ever-present—on the radio, across streaming platforms, or simply heard in passing—stirring memories and emotions among fans old and new.
7 May 2025
‘Borbaad’ and ‘Daagi’ dominate overseas theatres

‘Borbaad’ and ‘Daagi’ dominate overseas theatres

Bangladeshi films “Borbaad” and “Daagi” have sustained packed audiences in theatres both locally and internationally, even twenty days after their Eid release.
21 April 2025
A musical Eid: Songs that are still making memories

A musical Eid: Songs that are still making memories

A total of six movies were released during Eid-ul-Fitr this year. Among the songs from these films, “Chand Mama” from “Borbaad” and “Konna” from “Jinn 3” have each surpassed 10 million views on YouTube.
10 April 2025
I can't enjoy Eid while the strays remain unfed: Jaya Ahsan

I can't enjoy Eid while the strays remain unfed: Jaya Ahsan

For the first time, Jaya Ahsan is featured in any Bangladeshi web series, that too during the Eid festival. Such occasions made her festival even more special. The “Jimmi” actress shared how she spent her Eid day.
1 April 2025
Shakib’s simple Eid with family and friends

Shakib’s simple Eid with family and friends

Two of Shakib Khan’s films were released in cinemas this Eid-ul-Fitr– “Borbaad” and “Antaratma”. Dhallywood's Superstar shared that he did not have any special plans on the occasion. However he spent time with family and friends which is one of the essential things he does at the festivals.
1 April 2025

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