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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.

Devdas

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

5 HOUR(s)
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.
5 HOUR(s)
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
kanak_chapa_1.jpg

Revisiting ten memorable songs from Kanak Chapa’s film career

11 September 2026
In Bangla cinema, few voices are as closely associated with nostalgia and romance as that of Rumana Morshed Kanak Chapa. For generations of listeners, her voice has been an inseparable part of countless memorable film songs and the cinematic moments they accompanied.
11 September 2026
Babita and Shabana.png

Films that brought together two of Dhallywood’s leading ladies

7 September 2026
The fifth film featuring Shabana and Babita together was “Sonar Horin”, directed by Sirajul Islam Siraj. The film also starred Nayakraj Razzak, Bulbul Ahmed, Kabori and Suchorita. It was released in December 1979.
7 September 2026
Salman Shah

30 years after his passing, Salman Shah is still a cultural cornerstone

6 September 2026
Today marks exactly three decades since Bangladeshi cinema lost Salman Shah — the star who made a generation dream.
6 September 2026
ANIKA.PNG

Birthday Special / Sabina Yasmin: A timeless voice in Bangladeshi cinema

4 September 2026
For Bangladeshi cinema, she is not simply a playback singer. She is one of the voices through which its history can be heard.
4 September 2026
Uttam Kumar.png

Uttam Kumar at 100: The ‘Mahanayak’ endures

3 September 2026
Mahanayak Uttam Kumar remains one of the most popular and beloved heroes in Bengali cinema. With his ever-smiling face and charismatic screen presence, he continues to hold a special place in the hearts of generations.
3 September 2026
Abdul jabbar.png

In honour of Abdul Jabbar: 10 songs that defined his cinematic legacy

30 August 2026
Over the course of his illustrious career, Abdul Jabbar received numerous awards and honours in recognition of his contribution to music. Among them were the Ekushey Padak in 1980, the Independence Award in 1996, the Bachsas Award in 2003, the Citycell-Channel i Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011, and the Zahir Raihan Film Award.
30 August 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
6af55a2e-cbe1-4c6a-adef-afb8a7b2e3ae.jpg

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
Not leaving films at this moment: Barsha

Not leaving films at this moment: Barsha

Actress Afia Nusrat Barsha had revealed her decision to step away from acting. However, for now, she is still working on the silver screen.  
23 March 2025
Eid special: OTT releases to watch out for

Eid special: OTT releases to watch out for

This Eid-ul-Fitr, in addition to star-studded films, audiences can look forward to exciting web content, as major OTT platforms have curated special projects for the festive season. From intense dramas to light-hearted romantic comedies, the list includes "Amalnama" by Raihan Rafi, "Jimmi" by Ashfaque Nipun, and "How Sweet" by Kajal Arefin Ome, among others.
13 March 2025
Remembering Azam Khan: King of Pop

Remembering Azam Khan: King of Pop

The interim government has nominated eight distinguished individuals for the 2025 Independence Award, recognising their outstanding contributions at the national level. Among the honourees is the King of Pop, Azam Khan, whose nomination has sparked widespread reactions on social media. A high-level government source confirmed the news today, Thursday.
6 March 2025
‘A dream come true’: Rupanty Akid makes Hindi film debut

‘A dream come true’: Rupanty Akid makes Hindi film debut

Rupanty Akid made her acting debut as a child artiste in the drama “Angti”, directed by Sagar Jahan in 2013. She was also featured in Mahfuz Ahmed’s “Keboli Raat Hoye Jay” and “Hello Bangladesh”. Last year, she received widespread recognition for her role in Shihab Shaheen’s web film “Kacher Manhush Durey Thuiya”. The actress will be seen in Masud Hasan Ujjal’s upcoming film, “Bonolota Sen”.
3 March 2025
Apurba’s stellar run: Winning hearts in ‘Chaalchitro’ and ‘Mon Duari’

Apurba’s stellar run: Winning hearts in ‘Chaalchitro’ and ‘Mon Duari’

Ziaul Faruq Apurba is currently basking on immense appreciation and admiration from audiences for two of his standout projects—the Indian film “Chaalchitro” and the Valentine’s Day special “Mon Duari”.
1 March 2025
Pori Moni on arrest warrant

If I must go to jail for speaking out, so be it: Pori Moni

Actress Pori Moni was scheduled to attend an opening ceremony for a showroom in Tangail yesterday. However, the event was postponed due to resistance from local organisations, including Hefazat-e-Islam. The news came as a blow to the actress, who later expressed her frustration on social media.
26 January 2025

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