Meril Prothom Alo Awards ceremony held after two years

The much-anticipated Meril Prothom Alo Awards 2021 were handed over to the winners at a glamorous event held at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC), Hall of Fame, tonight. The opening address of the event was given by Matiur Rahman, Editor, Prothom Alo.

In his speech, he remembered Kabori, Aly Zaker and other celebrities who passed away in the last two years. A minute of silence was observed for them.

Runa Laila and Sabina Yasmin received the lifetime achievement awards. Photos: Courtesy of Prothom Alo

Anjan Choudhury, Managing Director of Square Toiletries limited, welcomed the audience. The programme began with a dance performance by renowned film artistes Ferdous and Nusraat Faria. The show was hosted by Riaz and Ferdous.

The event progressed with beautiful performances one after another. A classical mashup of timeless songs of Runa Laila and Sabina Yasmin were performed by Kona and Nandita, which enthralled the audience. Animes Roy and Pantha Kanai rocked the stage with Coke Studio Bangla's "Nasek Nasek". 

Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman delivered the opening address.

Renowned singers Runa Laila and Sabina Yasmin were honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Awards. Both of them received crests and BDT 2 lakh. Eminent singer Ferdausi Rahman and noted cultural personality Asaduzzaman Noor, MP, handed over the prizes to them.

After announcing the winner's in critic's choice in the limited length fiction category, (Best Scriptwriter: Maruf Hossain Sazib for "Biplob", Best Director: Kisloo Golam Haider for "Laboni", Best Actress: Tasnia Farin for "Tithir Oshukh", and Best Actor: Manoj Pramanik for "Laboni"), Afran Nisho, Tanjin Tisha, Mehzabien Chowdhury and Sabila Nur took to the stage to entertain the audience with their energetic dance performances.

Kona performed at the event, alongside Nandita.

Special jury award was given to Sukorno Shahed Dhiman for his short film, "Bunker Boy", an episode from the Chorki original series "Jaago Bahey".

Below is the full list of winners in two major categories, Critics' and Popular Choice. 

CRITICS' CHOICE (LIMITED LENGTH FICTION)

Best Scriptwriter: Maruf Hossain Sazib (Biplob)

Best Director: Kisloo Golam Haider (Laboni)

Mehazabien Chowdhury poses with her award for best television actress (popular choice), for her role in Chirokal Aaj.

Best Actress: Tasnia Farin (Tithir Oshukh)

Best Actor: Manoj Pramanik (Laboni)

Afran Nisho won the award for best television actor (popular choice), for his role in Punorjonmo.

CRITICS' CHOICE (WEB SERIES)

Best Director: Ashfaque Nipun (Mohanagar)

Ashfaque Nipun took home the award for best web series director (critics' choice), for Mohanagar.

SPECIAL JURY AWARD

Sukorno Shahed Dhiman (Bunker Boy)

CRITICS' CHOICE (FILM)

Best Director: N Rashed Chowdhury (Chondraboti Kotha)

For the critics' choice category, Azmeri Haque Badhon won the best film actress award for her role in Rehana Maryam Noor.

Best Film: Rehana Maryam Noor

Best Actor: Fazlur Rahman Babu (Khanchar Bhetor Ochin Pakhi)

Fazlur Rahman Babu won the award for best film actor (critics' choice) for his role in Khanchar Bhetor Ochin Pakhi.

Best Actress: Azmeri Haque Badhon (Rehana Maryam Noor)

POPULAR CHOICE

Best Singer (Male): Tanveer Evan (Obhiman: Best Friend 3)

For the popular category, the best film actor award went to Siam Ahmed for his role in Mridha Bonam Mridha.

Best Singer (Female): Abanti Sithi (Rupkothar Jogote: Networker Baire)

Best New Face: Jannatul Ferdous Oishee (Mission Extreme)

Best Television Actor: Afran Nisho (Punorjonmo)

Best Television Actress: Mehazabien Chowdhury (Chirokal Aaj)

Best Film Actress: Jaya Ahsan (Alatchakra)

Best Film Actor: Siam Ahmed (Mridha Bonam Mridha)