Popular filmmaker Mostafa Sarwar Farooki was hospitalised after he felt unwell on Monday (January 22, 2024) evening. His hospitalisation was confirmed by his wife, actress Nusrat Imrose Tisha. Tisha wrote on her verified Facebook page at 1 am on Tuesday, “Mostafa has been feeling unwell since last evening. After taking him to the hospital, it was informed that he suffered a mild stroke.” “He is now being observed at the Neuro ICU. Please keep Mostafa Sarwar Farooki in your prayers,” Tisha wrote. According to sources, the director is at a private hospital in Dhaka’s Panthapath. He is currently being closely monitored by doctors but is now out of danger. Fans and admirers, including many celebrities, have commented on and shared the post while asking for prayers for the acclaimed director. Read more: Farooki’s ‘Shonibar Bikel’ to be released on Indian OTT platform Sony LIV Known for breaking stereotypical storytelling and popularising colloquial language in TV fiction, Farooki is widely acclaimed for his television series ‘51 Borti’, ‘69’, ‘420’, ‘Choruivati’, ‘Carrom’ and more. After becoming successful in television, Farooki debuted as a filmmaker with ‘Bachelor’ (2004), featuring an ensemble cast of Ferdous Ahmed, Humayun Faridi, Shabnoor, Aupee Karim, Jaya Ahsan, Marzuk Russell and others. After that, he continued his journey as a filmmaker with ‘Made in Bangladesh’, ‘Third Person Singular Number’, ‘Ant Story’ (Piprabiddya), ‘Television’, ‘Doob: No Bed of Roses’ and his most talked-about film ‘Saturday Afternoon (Shonibar Bikel), which is yet to have a proper theatrical release in Bangladesh. With ‘Ladies & Gentleman’ (2021), Farooki debuted in OTT. He debuted as an actor in the Chorki’s film under the ‘Ministry of Love’ project, titled 'Something Like An Autobiography' alongside Tisha. Read more: Something Like An Autobiography: Real Story or Just a Film?

Although born in New York, Mel Columcille Gerard Gibson aka Mel Gibson grew up in Sydney, Australia. This American actor got his acting chops by studying acting at Australia's National Institute of Dramatic Art.  Mel Gibson started his acting journey in 1977 with the Australian TV series The Sullivans. In the same year, he made his debut on the big screen with a thriller film called Summer City, in which he acted as the lead actor. In the 1980s, he formed his own movie production company Icon Entertainment.  Gibson was often compared to legendary classic film stars such as Steve McQueen, Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart, Cary Grant, Sean Connery, and Robert Redford. He was even called for playing the role of James Bond. But he turned down the offer as he did not want to be known by any other fictional name other than his own.  Read More: Netflix New Release January 2023: 10 Most Hyped English Movies, Series In addition to being an actor, Gibson's biggest identity is that he is also a film director. He was accompanied by filmmakers such as George Miller, Peter Weir, and Richard Donner, which developed his mastery of filmmaking. Dedicated to fans of the 80s and 90s movies, today's article focuses on the 5 best movies of Mel Gibson. Top 5 Movies of Mel Gibson Braveheart (1996) Historical Epic | IMDb: 8.4 It was Braveheart that the whole world remembers Mel Gibson for. He himself did all the work of directing, producing, and acting in the lead role in this American film. Sir William Wallace, a Scottish warrior in the late 13th century, led the Scots in the First War of Scottish Independence against King Edward I of England. In the context of this historical event, Blind Harry wrote the famous epic The Actes and Deidis of the Illustre and Vallyeant Campioun Schir William Wallace in the 15th century. And inspired by this, Randall Wallace wrote the screenplay of Braveheart. What stands out the most in the film is the battle scenes. In addition, Gibson's set design and acting took the audience back to the mood of 700 years ago. The Battle of Stirling Bridge sequence in particular is considered one of the best-directed battle scenes of all time. This movie helped Gibson bag the most prestigious awards like 2 Oscars (Best Director and Best Picture) and 1 Golden Globe (Best Director). As a result, he became the sixth Oscar-winning actor-turn-director worldwide. Read More: Top 10 Upcoming South Indian Films in January 2023 Lethal Weapon (1987) Buddy Cop | IMDb: 7.6 This is one of Gibson's most influential movies. It is the parent film of the successful film franchise Lethal Weapon. Here he is seen as LAPD detective Martin Riggs, who teams up with a colleague of a completely different ideology to try to catch a group of drug smugglers. Her pairing with Danny Glover as Roger Murtaugh in each of the films was highly acclaimed. Following the success of Lethal Weapon, director Richard Donner gave audiences three more sequels. In fact, the popularity of the film series even led to a television series.

Renowned Bangladeshi musician, film director, producer and lyricist Gazi Mazharul Anwar passed away Sunday morning. He was 79. His nephew actor Shahriar Nazim Joy said doctors at the United Hospital pronounced him dead when he was taken to United Hospital on Sunday morning.  Shahana Mirza, daughter-in-law of Gazi Mazharul Anwar, said that his father-in-law was suffering from acidity problem for the past few days. He was taken to a doctor yesterday for blood test and was scheduled to undergo more tests today. Details regarding his namaz-e-janaza are yet to be announced and his burial will take place after the return of his daughter, singer Dithi Anwar who is currently staying abroad.  Born on February 22, 1943, at Daudkandi in Cumilla, Gazi Mazharul Anwar contributed greatly to the cultural and entertainment industry in Bangladesh with a glorious career spanning more than 60 years.  Read:Former election commissioner Mahbub Talukdar no more In his legendary career as a lyricist, he wrote over 20,000 songs including the coveted patriotic song "Joy Bangla, Banglar Joy." He was one of the eminent lyricists of the Shwadhin Bangla Betar Kendra and three of his songs are included in BBC Bangla's list of the "20 greatest Bangla songs." “Sagorer Teer Theke,” “Monero Ronge Rangabo,” “Akasher Haatey Achhe Ek Rash Neel,” “Ganeri Khatay Swarolipi Likhe,” “Ei Prithir Pore,” “Osru Diye Lekha,” “O Amar Rosiya Bondhure,” “Eki Sonar Aloy,” “Ami Rajanigandha Phuler Moto,” are some of his most popular songs in Dhallwood. As a film director, he has directed 19 films including “Shasti,” Bichar Poti,” “Artonad,” “Jiboner Golpo” and more.  He received the Bangladesh National Film Award as a lyricist for ‘Tit for Tat’ (1992), ‘Ajante’ (1996), ‘Churiwala’ (2001), ‘Lal Dariya’ (2002), ‘Kokhono Megh Kokhono Brishti’ (2003) and ‘Meyeti Ekhon Kothay Jabe’ (2016). Gazi Mazharul Anwar was honoured with the Ekushey Padak in 2002 and received the Independence Award in 2021.

Abdullah Mohammad Saad’s movie ‘Rehana Maryam Noor’ finally premiered under Un Certain Regard of Cannes Film Festival 2021. The event took place on the last Wednesday, July 7 at Bangladesh time 3:15 pm. After the premiere, the audiences of the Sal Dubusi Theater in the Cane Pale Do Festival center gave a standing ovation to Saad’s team. It is a great achievement for Saad as the first Bangladeshi filmmaker to be in the Cannes’ official selection. Who is Abdullah Mohammad Saad? A Glimpse of His Personal Life Abdullah Mohammad Saad was born in Chittagong in 1985. He spent his childhood in an extended family along with three elder sisters. Before his inception in the movie industry, he was a student of didactics at the Education and Research Institute of Dhaka University. 36-year-old Saad loves to be out of any exposure. Even in this era of social media, he doesn’t carry any sort of online engagement. This effect is also quite evident in his movie career. Read ‘Rehana Maryam Noor’ Review: The Bangladeshi movie screened in 74th Cannes Film Festival He prefers to get introduced by his creation over his name. He has been skipping all kinds of presence in broadcasting media ever since he started his journey in the film industry. Even after his movie getting selected in the Cannes film fest, he didn’t share any of his words until the final premiere show. Unlike everyone being desperate to be viral, his averse-to-publicity attitude is remarkable.

As there are a few female filmmakers who appeared in the Bangladesh film industry, it is hard to derive the best among them. Despite that, some great contributors left inspiration for women to participate in future filmmaking. The first-ever woman film director of Bangladesh was Rebecca. She set an example by making a film named ‘Bindu Theke Britto’ in 1970. Since then many renowned actresses have tried to make their mark in filmmaking. Let’s learn about the best female filmmakers of Bangladesh by far. Best female filmmakers of Bangladesh. The Renowned Bangladeshi Women Film Directors of All Time 1/ Kohinoor Akhter Shuchanda This sensational actress of the 70s and 80s was the wife of the famous novelist Zaheer Raihan. She acted in more than two hundred films. Due to her husband being a director, she started learning the ins and outs of camera and screenplay in the early 70s. Although she withdrew from the film industry in the nineties, she returned in 2008 to direct a film based on Zaheer Raihan's time-honoured novel, ‘Haajar Bachhar Dhorey’. This talented actress was again soaked in unceasing praise and reward. Suchanda also won the National Award for Best Director and was awarded the Fazlul Haque Memorial Award in 2019. However, her first directed film was 'Bidesh Jatra' (1998). In 1999, her second film was ‘Shobuj Coat Kalo Chashma’. She has also been involved in production since the 80s. Read Shammi Quddus: A Talented Bangladeshi Woman in Google, Global Fintech Industry 2/ Shameem Akhtar Shameem Akhtar is simultaneously a scriptwriter, a director, and a media activist. She started with making a non-fiction short film ‘The Conversation’ in 19991 with the notable filmmaker Tarique Masud. Later on, she directed 'Grohonkal’ in 1993, 'Kalpurobi' in 2010. In continuation to these successes, she got many proposals to work on movies and television productions. In 2017, she made a movie named ‘Rina Brown’ on Liberation war 1971. In the East Pakistan period, she often visited the theatres to watch movies of the 70s. It developed a fascination in her for filmmaking. She was inspired by the work of Rithik Gothok, Akira Kurosawa, Bernardo Bertolucci. Moreover, she has been an activist in the 'Cholotchitro Sangshad Andolon' during the 1980s. Read Bengali OTT Platforms for Watching Movies, Web Series, Musical Shows 3/ Nargis Akhter Nargis Akhter made her directorial debut in 2002with the movie ‘Meghla Akash’. The movie was honoured at the National Awards. Nargis won the Best Screenplay award. In 2005, she made 'Char Satiner Ghar' based on Selina Hossain's story, pointing out the injustice of polygamy. The story of ‘Megher Koley Rod’, released in 2008, revolves around AIDS awareness. The film won the 33rd National Award in six categories including Best Actress, and Best Story. In 2010 her film 'Obujh Bou' not only returned the invested money but also bagged three awards for best screenplay, melody, and editing at the 35th National Film Awards. After a break of five years, Nargis directed a commercially successful movie 'Putra Ahan Paisawala'. She showed her expertise even in making the romantic genre in 2017's 'Poush Masher Peeri'. Her latest film 'Jaibati Kanyar Mon' has been released this year on 26 March. Read Best Iranian Movies 2021 to Watch during Ramadan Fasting 4/ Rubaiyat Hossain Rubaiyat made her debut as a young producer with 'Meherjan' in 2011. That's when she caught the eye of critics. She has always excelled in ensuring women-friendly workplaces. In her second film 'Under Construction' in 2015, she has given priority to women in all fields from assistant director to photographer. Although released on a short scale, the film manages to send a strong message to the patriarchal society. Rubaiyat's 'Made in Bangladesh' was screened at the Toronto Film Festival in 2019. The film, which mocks women's pay inequality and social ills in the ready-made garment sector, has received rave reviews in foreign countries as well. It was awarded at the Torino Film Festival and the African Diaspora Film Festival. Read: Best Bengali Thriller Movies in 2021 5/ Shahnewaz Kakoli Art director and playwright Shahnewaz Kakoli has made a name as a female director in her very first film ‘Uttarer Shur’. It was released in 2012 under the banner of Impress Telefilm. This movie won National Film Awards in 4 categories including Best Film. Among them, Kakoli herself got the award for the best storyteller. The producer skillfully portrayed the rural singer and his worldly tension on a 35 mm screen. In 2015, She made ‘Nodijon’ which won the national film award for the best side character. Another of her creation ‘Jolrong’ was released the same year. 6/ Samia Zaman Journalism is her first love. She emerged as a journalist and presenter on BBC and Ekushey Television in the 90s. She was associated with the short film movement in the 80s as an activist. Currently, she is working as the captain and editor of Ekattar Television. She had a special fondness for cameras and media due to her journalism. This was revealed in the 2006 film 'Rani Kuthir Baki Etehash'. Although the film was released in a short range, the songs of the film have already gained popularity. In 2014, the second film 'Akash Koto Doore' was released under the banner of Impress Telefilm and made with the government grant. The film also managed to win the love of the audience. Read: Free Online Movies: Best Netflix Alternatives for Streaming Movies in 2021 7/ Shabnam Ferdousi This filmmaker has won the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Award and Ananya the Top Ten awards. She won the Best Short Film Award for Documentary ‘Bishkabbo’ at the 14th Rainbow International Film Festival. As of January 2018, he has made 18 documentaries. A touching chapter of the 1971 War of Liberation is that many war children were sent abroad after the country became independent, while others grew up in this country keeping their birth identity secret. Producer Shabnam Ferdousi found the children who are living in a crisis of identity in their own country. She made a documentary 'Janmasathi' based on the lives of three war children found in this way. It won the Best Documentary Award at the National Film Awards 2016. It was co-produced by Ekattar Television and the Liberation War Museum. Bottom line These female filmmakers have shown the ways of crafting the story as per the custom of Bangladesh.  Read: Top 10 English Comedy Movies released in 2021

Dhaka, Apr 3 (UNB) - Renowned Indian film director and screenwriter Shyam Benegal paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her official residence Ganobhaban on Wednesday.

Dhaka, Jan 18 (UNB) - ‘Through Her Eyes’ is an initiative which showcases works of Bangladeshi women filmmakers. Goethe-Institut, Bangladesh is co-hosting the event. Its Director Kirsten Hackenbroch spoke to UNB about various aspects of the event and how it can benefit Bangladeshi women filmmakers.

Jamalpur, Dec 23 (UNB) - Prominent film director and actor Amjad Hossain was laid to eternal rest at his hometown in Sadar upazila here on Sunday.

Dhaka, Dec 22 (UNB) – People from all walks of life paid their last tributes to prominent film director and actor Amjad Hossain at the central Shaheed Minar on Saturday by placing wreaths.

Dhaka, Dec 18 (UNB) – Renowned drama and film director Saidul Anam Tutul passed away at a city hospital on Tuesday.