Sharmin Joya

“I’ve noticed for a long time that many fake pages are using my photos and video interviews, claiming I lost weight by using their products,” said Runa. “But what can I even say to them? I’ve shared my real journey so many times—it’s been more than four years now. And when I see my own colleagues involved in such activities, using these products, or even going through surgeries, I honestly have nothing more to say.”

From envisioning a project from its inception to its final execution, directors are the engine of any project. They not only curate the narrative but also ensure it is well-defined, with the hope that their vision will be relatable to the audience.

Music often serves as a form of therapy, and when it comes from a film, it carries an even deeper power, bridging the audience with the characters and their stories, enhancing the emotional flow. “Megh Balika” from the Shihab Shaheen directorial web film “Kacher Manush Dure Thuiya” is one such song that beautifully captures this essence.

Experimenting with dark content has always been one of director Vicky Zahed’s strengths as a storyteller. This time, his web series “Chokro”, based on a dark yet real-life plot, earned him the Best Director (Series) award at Blender’s Choice – The Daily Star OTT & Digital Content Awards this year.

One of the most popular directors in the country, Kajal Arefin Ome won over audiences with his much-acclaimed television project “Bachelor Point”. His talent was not limited to comedy; he ventured into romance, family drama, and tragedy as well. Such is his project “Osomoy”, a production that blends family drama, romance, and tragedy with a touch of comic relief.

His realisation while making the show will remain with him forever, as he shared while concluding. “They shaped the entire show and, in many ways, added depth to our own lives, making us realise so much about the world and ourselves. Winning an award for such a work is beyond words.”

But what about acting? Zinnat smiled and replied, “If I get roles that allow me to tell real stories, I’ll gladly take them. While shooting, we were often reminded not to focus on looking our best in front of the camera, but rather to tone it down and stay true to the character. That experience gave me the confidence to believe that artistes can truly become anyone once they step into a role.”

Upon her return from the United States, actress and dancer Parsa Evana brought back more than just fond memories of a lovely holiday with her mother. She also gained valuable training in both acting and dance.

"I am fortunate that in the initial years of my career, I got the opportunity to work with such great filmmakers,” recalls Sadia Ayman from one of her old interviews with The Daily Star. Her aim for the stars led her to a place where she is now making her mark in the glittering world of showbiz.

Heme pointed out that after the monetisation of photos was introduced recently on social media, many are grabbing the chance to make a business out of this.

Humble by nature, young musician Angel Noor has already created music in his short career that holds a special place in the minds of music lovers.

He began his journey with Goutam Koiri’s “Antonagar” (2023) and quickly gained recognition through standout performances in Mostofa Sarwar Farooki’s “840” (2024), Vicky Zahed’s “Tithidor” (2024), and Ashfaque Nipun’s “Jimmi” (2025)—projects that significantly boosted his career. In conversation with The Daily Star, the actor reflected on his recent work and shared insights into his creative process.

Reminiscing on the historic August 5 is filmmaker and activist Ashfaque Nipun, who was actively involved throughout the entire uprising and has been a participant in the anti-fascist movement for the past 17 years.

In those charged days, artistes from across the country stood with the people. Musicians, too, found their voice in the revolution. They came together under a single banner, "Get Up, Stand Up"—a name borrowed from Bob Marley’s timeless anthem. And with that spirit—“Get up, stand up, stand up for your rights”—they raised their voices not just for rights, but against brutality, mass killings, and fear that soaked the monsoon nights.

I will be honest, when I received such an overwhelming response for “Utshob”, it made me feel that my responsibilities as a performer have grown to a great extent. Also, people have developed great expectations of me. So, I would never want to let them down. I want to educate myself more as a performer and take acting lessons. I’m also nearing the end of my undergraduate degree in English Literature at NSU. So, I am striving to maybe go abroad for my higher studies.

Mahde Hasan’s debut feature “Balur Nagorite”, internationally titled “Sand City”, has won the prestigious Proxima Grand Prix at the 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival—marking another proud achievement for the country. The film stars Mostafa Monwar and Victoria Chakma in lead roles, with Monwar portraying the character of Hasan. Speaking to The Daily Star from the festival, the actor shared his reactions, insights into the filmmaking process, and behind-the-scenes stories.

“We’ve poured our hearts into this project. ‘Uraal’ is a tribute to unbreakable friendship, the kind that holds you through life’s uncertainties. I believe people will see a part of themselves in this story.”

After securing a spot in the top 10 of “Lux Superstar” in 2018, Puja Agnes Cruze chose patience over haste when it came to making her silver screen debut. Now, years later, her moment finally arrived with “Esha Murder”, where she plays the titular role, a role that not only marks her cinematic breakthrough but also fulfills a dream she has cherished since childhood.

Reflecting on her role, Runa said it was her director’s vision that helped her truly embody the character. “We shot across real locations, and the people whose stories we portrayed were extremely supportive. We’re deeply grateful to them.”

“I would describe ‘Utshob’ as an independent commercial film,” he explained, “because I faced quite a struggle finding producers for it. I’m deeply grateful to my wife Shormila Akter, director and producer Shakeeb Fahad, and, last but not least, Chorki, who believed in me and stood by me throughout the journey.”