Few actors have enjoyed the enduring popularity that Azizul Hakim commanded during the golden era of Bangladeshi television in the 1990s. Through a string of hit weekly dramas, he became one of the country's most beloved screen stars. Alongside television, he built an acclaimed career on stage with Aranyak, which he joined in 1977, and in films such as “Joyjatra” and “Shankhanil Karagar”.

Actor, playwright and director Mamunur Rashid reflected on a lifelong relationship with one of Bangladesh’s most revered cultural figures.

The festival opens today with Desh Natok’s production “Darpane Sharatshashi”, directed and supervised by Kamal Ahmed.

Having been part of television’s golden era and still actively working in the industry, the veteran actor became nostalgic as he reflected on a period when television was a cultural pillar for the nation’s middle class.

The Daily Star hosted a star-studded roundtable with Ekushey Padak-winning actor-director Mamunur Rashid, filmmaker Gias Uddin Selim, TV directors Sohel Arman, Animesh Aich, Arif Khan, Aranyo Anawer, Shakal Ahmed, and theatre actor-director Tropa Majumdar, discussing television’s shift from a cultural powerhouse to a medium struggling for survival.

For veteran theatre personality Mamunur Rashid, the roots of acting trace back not to formal training halls or television studios, but to the vibrant world of jatra pala watched on cold winter nights during childhood. The Ekushey Padak-winning artiste says those early performances — filled with dramatic storytelling, elaborate stagecraft, and emotional intensity — first shaped his understanding of the transformative power of acting.

For years, countless television dramas and telefilms have been filmed inside the house. But on this particular day, the atmosphere carried a different emotional weight. The unit was shooting the Eid telefilm “Johora Begum-er Ichchapotro”, bringing together some of Bangladesh’s most celebrated performers under one roof.

Speaking to The Daily Star about Ataur Rahman, Mamunur Rashid said, “I have known him since before the independence of Bangladesh.

Sharmili Ahmed passed away on July 8, 2022, leaving behind a rich legacy of unforgettable performances that continue to be cherished.

The artistes joined the event and saw the exhibition, and most of them were traumatised and were at a loss for words.

The narrative follows a community pushed to the margins, where survival becomes a constant struggle. It depicts how deprivation, systemic neglect and exploitation lead to organised resistance among Santals seeking basic rights and recognition.

A commemorative event honouring National Film Award-winning actor Shams Sumon turned into an emotional gathering as colleagues came together to remember the late artiste on Thursday (April 9) evening at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the capital.

At his Dhanmondi residence, veteran actor and playwright Mamunur Rashid, sits with the quiet assurance of a man who has spent more than half a century shaping the soul of Bangla theatre. Widely regarded as one of its driving forces, his work has long bridged the emotional landscapes of audiences across both sides of Bengal.

From the outset, Rangamancha has taken on two parallel creative projects. One is a stage adaptation based on stories from Humayun Ahmed’s “Misir Ali” series, a psychological thriller that remains one of the most influential works in Bangla popular literature. Rehearsals for the production are already underway.

Known for weaving the everyday rhythms of life into his work, the artiste offers something more than a typical love story this time. “This is not a romantic tale,” he said. “It’s a story of a wounded land wrapped in patriotism, affection, grief, and longing. It’s about rain in the chest, loss in the eyes, being consumed by love, and being burned by it too.”

Advance ticket sales for the play have already begun through Bangla Theatre. The venue, Riddhi Gallery, is conveniently located near the Mirpur-11 Metro Station, making it easily accessible for interested audiences from across Dhaka.

Although Eid-ul-Fitr is still a little while away, audiences are ardently anticipating the films scheduled for release during the festive season.

Theatre troupe Aranyak Natyadal has organised a month-long festival to commemorate its 53rd anniversary this year, featuring a series of performances and events. The celebrations will take place at the Mahila Samiti Auditorium and the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), beginning tomorrow.

Jamil Ahmed’s remarks, although unofficial, have ignited outrage within the cultural community, with many interpreting it as a dangerous precedent.

Jamil Ahmed confirmed that this was not an official directive. However, his comments have sparked a social media backlash, with many theatre artists criticising the suggestion. Numerous posts have emerged condemning Jamil’s stance, with some also alleging that fellow veteran actor Ferdousi Majumdar had been given similar advice.