Zahid Akbar

Legendary lyricist, director, producer and screenwriter Gazi Mazharul Anwar passed away today at 6:30 am in the morning. He composed over twenty thousand songs during his illustrious career. Three of his songs have made it to BBC's list of twenty best Bangla songs of all time. On the occasion of his 78th birthday, The Daily Star interviewed the Ekushey Padak awardee and multiple-time National Film Award winner at his Baridhara residence in 2021. We are providing the excerpts from the memorable interview here.

Actress Eamin Haque Bobby celebrated her birthday yesterday. Marking the occasion, a post on Bobby’s social media stirred up rumours regarding the actress’ love life. Film producer Sakib Sonet had posted a message on Bobby’s Facebook account that lead to the rumours about the two being in love.

Shakib Khan, one of Dhallywood’s biggest superstars, returned to Bangladesh on Wednesday after spending nearly nine months in the US. Upon his return, he was greeted by droves of his fans, who presented him with flowers. The actor also got the opportunity to speak with journalists who were waiting at the VIP gate of the airport.

Today (August 14) marks the birth anniversary of eminent film star, Abul Khayer Jasim Uddin, popularly known as Jasim. On the occasion of his birth anniversary, veteran actress Anjana Rahman has shared unknown facts about this iconic actor.

Mejbaur Rahman Sumon’s debut film “Hawa” was released on July 29, which was hyped even before it hit the theatres. The film features Chanchal Chowdhury, Nazifa Tushi, Sariful Islam Razz and Nasir Uddin Khan among many others.

Mejbaur Rahman Sumon’s directorial debut “Hawa” has hit the theatres in 24 halls across the country today. Star Cineplex, in Bashundhara City, was filled with people, eagerly waiting to watch the film, since 10 am.

“Tumi bondhu kala pakhi, ami jeno ki. Boshonto kale tomay, Bolte parini.”   These are the opening lines to one of the most talked about songs of the year so far. Within just a few days of its release online on July 7, the song, “Shada Shada Kala Kala”, went viral across the country. 

The films released on Eid-ul-Azha are doing better business than the ones released on Eid ul-Fitr this year, informed the authorities of both Star Cineplex and Blockbuster Cinemas.

Marking Eid-ul-Adha, 3 films released across the count.  Iranian director Murtaza Atashzamzam project “Din-The Day” released in 107 halls.

Today marks the second death anniversary of eight-time National Award-winning singer Andrew Kishore. The ‘playback emperor’ has given numerous timeless melodies to the audience, including superhit tracks “Amar Sara Deho”, “Amar Buker Moddhe Khane”, and “Haire Manush Rangin Fanush”. Walking down the memory lane of this musical maestro, The Daily Star spoke to his colleague, noted singer Kanak Chapa to know more about her fond memories of Andrew Kishore.

This Eid-ul-Adha, three new movies are set to be released. Among these, "Din: The Day" and "Poran" have already received clearance from the censor board while the third movie, "Psycho", is likely to get it by today.

After the devastating impact of Covid-19, filmmakers and cinema hall owners became optimistic with the booming response to Eid releases. While 18 movies have been released so far, only a few were able to pull audiences back to the halls.

Three movies, “Din: The Day”, “Poran” and “Psycho”, are all set to be released this Eid. All of the movies have started their promotion campaigns by uploading posters, trailers, and songs on social media.

The leaders of Bangladesh Film Exhibitors’ Association have demanded an import of Indian cinema, as they fear of incurring losses due to a lack of quality Bangla cinemas. On May 12, the leaders of the association had raised this topic in a meeting with the Minister of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, Dr. Hasan Mahmud, MP. Sudip Kumar Das, Chief Advisor to the Exhibitors' association, said, "Hall owners are keen to take loans.  However, if you want to return this loan with interest, you have to do so by generating revenue from showing films in the halls. It is not possible to pay off these loans if we show movies that are currently being made in the country. That is why hall owners are requesting to showcase more Hindi films, as it can help bring in revenue.”

Actor Zayed Khan was accused of threatening to shoot Omar Sani with a pistol, last Friday. Omar Sani claims that Zayed Khan threatened him at Monowar Hossain Dipjol’s son’s wedding reception.

Keya Payel is one of the rising stars of our television industry, winning over fans with her acting prowess and simplicity. Recently the actress has impressed the audience with some of shows aired during Eid.

Jaya Ahsan recently won the award for the Best Actress at the Anandalok Awards 2022 in Kolkata for her performance in ‘Binisutoy’.

There is no denying that I have been anxious. However, the love I received from my audience on the first day of Eid took away my fear and stress.

“Shaan has been houseful since its release,” says Mesbah Uddin Ahmed, senior manager of Star Cineplex. “Needless to say, ‘Shaan’ is number one, and it will only get better reception as time passes. This is great news for Bangla cinema.”

Popular film star Siam Ahmed’s “Shaan”, co-starring Puja Chery, opened in theatres this Eid to much fanfare.