Last year passed with many ups and downs for the movie industry — with a significant drop in the number of releases. Dhaliwood, the mainstream Dhaka-based film industry, did see the arrival of several new faces, along with the release of Indian films, in 2011. But overall, Dhaliwood failed to emerge from its reliance on a single actor, while the veterans and rookies engaged in a healthy competition for the viewers’ affection.
Both the making and releases of movies saw a further drop — with only 47 movies released last year, compared to the 56 launches in 2010. Many movie theatres were also forced to shut down to make space for new shopping malls.
On May 20, 2011, Bangladesh Film Artistes Association held its election, with superstar Shakib Khan winning the post of President and actor Misha Sawdagor securing the General Secretary spot.
Nasiruddin Yusuf’s “Guerrilla” — a movie on the Liberation War — brought in international accolade in 2011. Morshedul Islam’s “Amar Bondhu Rashed” — also on the war — received critical acclaim and grabbed mass attention. Meanwhile, Rubaiyat Hossain’s “Meherjaan” — looking at the Liberation War from an untried angle — was pulled from movie theatres prematurely, due to much objection from cultural elites.
Shakib Khan and Apu Biswas were the busiest among movie stars this year, with Shakib appearing in 17 films, compared to 12 by Apu.
Although popular actress Poppy was not that frequent on the silver screen, she came into the limelight by winning her third National Film Award.
Veteran film artiste Bobita became the ambassador for Distressed Children and Infants International — a global children’s welfare body. As part of her responsibilities, Bobita addressed the students of a US university — telling them of the neglected children of our country. She also announced of setting up a hospital on her return to the country.
Another senior artiste, Rozina, spent busy times throughout the year — directing TV plays. Actor Alamgir also remained in the limelight as the host of a TV show, “Houseful”.
On July 31, 2011, actor Aminul Haq — the star of the country’s first talkie “Mukh O Mukhosh” — passed away, while the country’s first glamour photographer T Rahman also breathed his last on February 23. On the last day of the year, popular actress Doyel also left us.
Although many newcomers frequented the silver screen, only a few like Shaina Amin, Aachol and Niloy were able to carve niches for themselves. Movie star Poppy’s sibling Kheyali also made her film debut last year.
Producer-actor Ananta tied the knot with actress Borsha near the year’s end.
Actor Ferdous remained busy with gigs across the border in Kolkata. But he managed time to make his debut as a producer — through “Ek Cup Cha”.
“Jor” became the first Indian film to be played at Bangladeshi movie theatres in 38 years, amid much protest from the industry’s top personalities. M Hamid took over as the new Managing Director of BFDC (Bangladesh Film Development Corporation) on October 11.
August 13 was a sad day for the country and its movie industry, as we lost eminent director Tareque Masud and journalist Mishuk Munier in a tragic car accident.
Shakib Khan and Apu Biswas continued their dominance of the industry. Other stars that deserve mention are: Maruf, Emon, Amin Khan, Amit Hasan, Sahara, Nipun and Racey.
Although appearances were not high for Moushumi, Poppy, Purnima and Ferdous — all of the popular actors remained audience favorites.
Last year also saw TV stars Farah Ruma, Humaira Himu, Rawnak Hasan and Arsha making appearances on the big screen.
-With The Daily Star input