Dhallywood

Pocket full of dreams for Pranto

“My father was a theatre actor, but he never had the opportunity to pursue acting and became a journalist instead,” shares Pranto. “I believe that his unfulfilled dream was passed down to me, and I was meant to carry it forward.” In recent years, few rising actors have been more determined to prove their range than Abid Bin Parvez Pranto. From TVCs to short films and eventually fiction, he has steadily marked himself as an actor intent on versatility.

12 superhits in 12 months could revive the industry: Misha Sawdagor

Veteran actor Misha Sawdagor, a dominant figure in Dhallywood for over 36 years, believes that the consistent release of quality cinema throughout the year is key to reviving the Bangladeshi film industry. Speaking to The Daily Star from the US, the National Film Award-winning ‘villain’ reflected on his role as Shakib Khan’s father in the hit Eid release “Borbaad”, calling it a challenging but rewarding experience.

The leading ladies defining today’s Dhallywood

The glamour of Dhallywood continues to shine, with a new generation of actresses making their mark despite a decline in cinema halls and film production. While the golden days of mass releases are behind us, a fresh crop of stars is keeping the industry alive, bringing new energy to both the big screen and streaming platforms.

Dildar: Remembering Dhallywood’s comedy king

Dildar, fondly remembered as the comedy king of Dhallywood, reigned as the undisputed monarch of on-screen laughter for over three decades. A fixture in over 500 films, Dildar became a household name for his natural comic timing and lovable persona, earning titles like “Hasir Raja” (King of Laughter) and “Hasir Feriwala” (Peddler of Laughter).

Apurba’s silver screen comeback confirmed for December

Ziaul Faruq Apurba is all set to emerge as the latest hero of Tollywood, marking his return to the big screen after an eight-year hiatus. The actor, especially popular on the small screen, will debut in West Bengal with “Chalchitra”, directed by Pratim D Gupta.

Popy set to comeback with 'Direct Action'

Sadika Parvin Popy, the three-time National Film Award-winning actress, whose whereabouts have been a bit of a mystery to the film industry lately, is now gearing up to make an appearance and reconnect with her audience. 

I want to return as leading actress: Mahiya Mahi

Mahiya Mahi, a renowned actress in the Dhallywood industry, took a hiatus for marriage and motherhood. However, following her separation from her second husband, she is now preparing to make a comeback to the screen.

Chanchal Chowdhury receives award from Parambrata Chattopadhyay

Two distinguished actors hailing from the two Bengals—one from Bangladesh and the other from India—are making waves in the Bengali film industry. The talents in question are Chanchal Chowdhury and Parambrata Chattopadhyay. Both celebrated for their exceptional acting prowess, recently crossed each other’s paths. 

'Toofan' breaks new ground in Sydney theatres

Raihan Rafi's latest film, “Toofan”, starring Dhallywood’s megastar Shakib Khan, has been creating a buzz in Sydney, Australia. From the first day onward, every showing of the movie played to a full house.

July 11, 2024
July 11, 2024

I want to return as leading actress: Mahiya Mahi

Mahiya Mahi, a renowned actress in the Dhallywood industry, took a hiatus for marriage and motherhood. However, following her separation from her second husband, she is now preparing to make a comeback to the screen.

July 11, 2024
July 11, 2024

Chanchal Chowdhury receives award from Parambrata Chattopadhyay

Two distinguished actors hailing from the two Bengals—one from Bangladesh and the other from India—are making waves in the Bengali film industry. The talents in question are Chanchal Chowdhury and Parambrata Chattopadhyay. Both celebrated for their exceptional acting prowess, recently crossed each other’s paths. 

July 5, 2024
July 5, 2024

'Toofan' breaks new ground in Sydney theatres

Raihan Rafi's latest film, “Toofan”, starring Dhallywood’s megastar Shakib Khan, has been creating a buzz in Sydney, Australia. From the first day onward, every showing of the movie played to a full house.

June 10, 2024
June 10, 2024

Pori Moni to resume Eid sacrifices at FDC if friendly atmosphere assured

Pori Moni, a prominent actress in Dhallywood, has surprised everyone by offering her first sacrifice at the Film Development Corporation (FDC) during Eid-ul-Azha in 2016. This tradition has continued for six consecutive years, with the actress sacrificing for her colleagues at FDC, earning her high praise for her commitment to this act.

June 3, 2024
June 3, 2024

Late actor Manna’s son to make silver screen debut this year

Siam Illtemash, the son of the legendary late actor Manna who brought Bangladesh's silver screen into the limelight, is all set to jazz up the screen just like his father. He is set to make his mark in Dhallywood. 

May 14, 2024
May 14, 2024

Swastika Mukherjee and Sariful Razz to pair up for new film

Earlier in September of last year, small screen producer Himu Akram announced Indian actress Swastika Mukherjee as the lead for his upcoming film “Altabanu Josna Dekheni”. However, her male counterpart remained undisclosed until now.

March 5, 2024
March 5, 2024

Nominations for Film Artistes Association election to open this month

The Bangladesh Film Artistes Association (BFAA) will kick off the sale of nomination forms for its upcoming elections on March 30, which will run until 4 pm on March 31.

March 4, 2024
March 4, 2024

I did not ‘secretly’ leave the country, don’t spread rumours: Shabnur

After an extended hiatus, Shabnur roared back into the Dhallywood scene with the declaration of her new film. She announced her return to acting, with Arafat Hossain’s film “Rongona” as her comeback.

December 27, 2023
December 27, 2023

Mithila travels 400 years into the past with ‘Kajol Rekha’

Popular actress Rafiath Rashid Mithila has transitioned into a fully established film actress, actively participating in both Dhallywood and Tollywood. Despite being busier in Kolkata with more projects, Dhaka is not devoid of her contributions. Hence, her upcoming film, titled “Kajol Rekha” is set to release at the onset of the new year, revolving around a storyline dating back approximately 400 years.

November 8, 2023
November 8, 2023

I am called ‘Dhallywood Queen’ because of Shakib Khan: Apu Biswas

Apu Biswas, who is acclaimed for her portrayals in the silver screen, recently said that as Shakib Khan is called the king of Bengali mainstream cinema, as his co-star,she is too referred to as ‘Dhallywood Queen’.