Sharmin Joya

Nidhi’s journey in the entertainment industry began as a composer and music producer. His first film project was Redoan Rony’s “Ice Cream”, and he continued to make his mark with other film scores, including his work on “DamaaI”, “Surongo”, and “Toofan”.

The summit was officially announced in Bangladesh at a launch event held at the Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre in Dhaka, today, alongside a discussion celebrating 111 years of Indian cinema. The event, organised by the High Commission of India in Dhaka, highlighted the objectives and potential global impact of WAVES. Ann Mary George, first secretary (Culture) at the High Commission of India, shared the vision for WAVES, stating, “We aim to make this an annual event, much like the World Economic Summit in Davos or the Raisina Dialogue for foreign policy. This will be a landmark platform for media and entertainment.”

Tota dreams of working in Bangladesh and collaborating with its filmmakers and actors. “Both our countries have immensely talented artistes. Why should bureaucratic hurdles stand in the way? Artistes have always been free-spirited, and complicating these exchanges only restricts creativity. We share the same language, culture, artistic sensibilities—our collaboration should be seamless.”

About a month ago, the musician performed at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris to celebrate the 25th anniversary of International Mother Language Day. This monumental occasion marked not just a personal achievement but also a collective step forward for Bangladeshi music on the world stage. In an interview with The Daily Star, the musician discussed his experience, musical journey, and hopes for the future of Bangladeshi music.

Starting out as a model, he made his acting debut in Vicky Zahed’s “Ararat” (2024), portraying a jinn—a performance that caught the people’s attention. His latest release, “Neel Shukh”, has taken him even further, proving that he’s here to stay.

The rising star will be starring in four films this year—two Bangladeshi projects, including one directed by Tanvir Hossain Probal, and two Indian films, one from Tamil Nadu and another from Kolkata. “I have a significant fanbase in Kolkata, and that’s how I was approached for these projects,” he shared.

Bound by music and driven by passion, Rubayat Rehman and Ruslan Rehman have found not just melodies but a shared destiny.

Some connections are simply meant to be. For Nidra Dey Neha and Prantar Dastider, it all began on the set of Goutam Koiri's directorial web-film “Antonagar” (2023). When they first worked together, little did they know that the film would change their lives forever. 

A defining moment in his decade-long career, Shahjahan Shamrat made an unforgettable impact with his portrayal of Razzak in Shankha Dasgupta’s “Priyo Maloti”. Adding his own charm to the character of an empathetic friend, his on-screen persona brought life to the bond of friendship and communal harmony, making the audience emotional.

Unish20 emerged as one of Chorki’s most popular projects in 2023, earning immense recognition from the audience,

The iconic role of OC Harun in Mohanagar series was taken to another level by Mosharraf Karim. He took home the Best Actor award this time in the popular category.

On December 20, “Priyo Maloti” graced 20 cinema halls nationwide. Featuring Mehazabien Chowdhury in the titular role of Maloti Rani Das, the film marks a significant milestone for both the actress and its director, Shankha Dasgupta, as their silver screen debut.

The Monsoon Revolution represents an unprecedented effort by the government to decentralise and professionalise the Bangladeshi film industry. By fostering regional talent and offering a platform for diverse storytelling, this initiative aims to reshape the industry. More than just an effort to develop skilled filmmakers, it is a step toward amplifying Bangladeshi narratives and creating works that resonate both nationally and internationally. 

In an effort to understand the challenges and tentative guidelines, The Daily Star reached out to board members and stakeholders. Their insights highlight the complexities of transitioning from the long-standing censor board to a modern certification body.

With its universal message of hope, “A Rising Lioness: In Search of Beauty” speaks not only to burn survivors but to anyone facing disabilities, neurodiversity, or societal exclusion. By portraying a journey of courage and transformation, the production inspires reflection on the values of empathy, and inclusion, and celebrates the human spirit of resilience.

On a quiet autumn evening, we visited Arnob’s studio, Kolorob, where he shared reflections on his musical career, insights into his creative journey in art, and his upcoming projects.

In times of national crisis, Bangladesh’s entertainment industry is often among the hardest hit. From artistes to crew members, everyone faces hardship due to a lack of work and opportunities. Actor Ziaul Roshan has recently expressed concerns about the struggle to maintain a stable livelihood in such uncertain times, highlighting the challenges when work for artistes dries up. 

Marking a decade in showbiz, Sayed Zaman Shawon has captivated audiences across television, OTT platforms, and the big screens. Known for his acclaimed roles in Mabrur Rashid Bannah’s “Brothers” series, Shihab Shaheen’s “August 14”, Ashfaque Nipun’s “Sabrina”, and Golam Sohrab Dodul’s “Mobaroknama”, Shawon’s adaptability shines through each project.

Behind this essential aspect of filmmaking are the lighting technicians, whose efforts often go unnoticed. In Bangladesh, however, these technicians face an uncertain future, as the industry battles deep financial challenges.

This actor has consistently showcased his remarkable talent on OTT platforms, with standout performances in roles such as Moloy in ‘Mohanagar’ and Amlan in ‘Kaiser’. Through these and other memorable characters, Mostafizur Noor Imran has proven his versatility and skill, solidifying his reputation as a standout actor in the industry.