Written by Farhana Sadia Nity (Bangladesh contributor)
If we want to know about the culture of a country, we go for their movies, telefilms, tv series, web series etc. Basically it is the best way so far. This process helps to understand a new culture through the actors. Actors not only represent a character but also represent the society’s culture. By representing their culture actors teach people about the circumstances of their country, politics, entertainment and life. Just like other countries Bangladesh has amazing actors. Therefore, talking about the top 10 famous actors of Bangladesh is kind of a tough task! Here are the top ten actors of Bangladesh who have contributed to Bangladesh’s entertainment industry!
Humayun Faridi is considered as one of the greatest Bangladeshi actors of all time. He started his acting journey through an intra-university drama competition, when he was studying at Jahangirnagar University. After taking the first steps on the Dhaka Theatre he also worked in street play. After doing some masterpiece play he arrived on TV and there was no looking back. He did many dramas and became known to the entire country with his unforgettable performances. Then he appeared in films and he worked in 250+ films. He simultaneously acted in both art and commercial films. But he earned wide reputation through his acting in the role of villain in Bangla cinema. Audience embraced his characters with open arms.
Abdur Razzak was one of the best actors of Bangladesh who was referred to as Nayak Raj Razzak (King of Heroes). He acted in more than 300 Bengali and Urdu film. He won the Bangladesh National Film Award for best Actor five times. He was also awarded the Independence Day Award in 2015 by the Government of Bangladesh. He started his film career in 1966 with Zahir Raihan’s ‘Behula’ film as a lead role. He also became UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador for Bangladesh. He was the first Bangladeshi actor who became an UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador. He won many awards for his fabulous acting performance. He won the Indo-Bangla Kala Music Award (Life Time Achievement,2003), Bachsas Awards (Life Time Achievement, 2009), Ifad Film Club Award (Life Time Achievement,2012), Babisas Award (Life Time Achievement, 2012), Meril Prothom Alo Awards (Life Time Achievement,2014), Tele Cine Awards in Kolkata (Life Time Achievement, 2017). He passed away in 2017 and Bangladesh lost one of their finest actors.
A.T. M. Shamsuzzaman is one of the most powerful film and television actors in Bangladesh. Acting was his passion from his teenage years. He played both comical and negative characters and was praised by the fans and the critics. He started his acting career as a comedian. He won Ekushey Padak in 2015 by the Government of Bangladesh. He won Bangladesh National Film Awards five times. He believes that if the Bangladeshi film wants to get back to its golden period, then everyone must be united. This man also believes that only good films can bring the good days of the industry.
Alamgir is one of the most evergreen actors of Bangladesh film industry. This superhero acted in all kinds of movies like action, social action and romantic. He was born in a film-loving family which helped him to build up a career in the film industry of Bangladesh. He started his journey in the film industry of Bangladesh in 1973 with the movie “Amar Jonmovumi.” After that he was seen in many films with his mind blowing performances. He won lots of awards in his career. If we just talk about the National Film Award, this legend won the National Film Award seven times which is a record.
Bulbul Ahmed started his acting career with theatre in 1960.In 1968 he started his acting career in Television. At that time he was so popular that he was chosen for any character by the name of Bulbul Ahmed. He started acting in films in 1972. With his handsome appearance and talent he pleased every audience. This evergreen actor won National Film Awards four times. He also won many awards like Zahir Raihan Film award (1976), Bangladesh Film Journalistic Society award (1980), National BACHSAS (Bangladesh Chalachitra Sangbadik Samity) Film award (1982), Bangladesh Association of Los Angeles award (1991), Tenshinus medal (1992), Bangladesh Film Industry Society award (1996), Fulcoli award (2000), Cultural Reporter’s award (2001), Eeshan Cultural Academy award (2002), Television Audience award (2004), Chitralee medal.
Zahid Hasan started his acting career with theatre. Then he acted in television and films. His wonderful performance amazes audiences till today. He was awarded Meril Prothom Alo Awards (1998), Meril Prothom Alo Awards (1999), National Film Awards (1999), Meril Prothom Alo Awards (2000), Meril Prothom Alo Awards (2001), Meril Prothom Alo Awards (2002), Meril Prothom Alo Awards (2007), Meril Prothom Alo Awards (2010), Meril Prothom Alo Awards (2012). He is known as one of the legends of Bangladesh in the Dhallywood Film Industry.
Salman Shah was a very handsome and flamboyant actor in the Bangladeshi cinema during the 90’s. He started his career with a television serial. He was known for his looks, own style and good looking physique. He was known as a man with a sense of fashion and style and still remains as a heartthrob for millions. He acted in a total of 27 films in his career as well as television projects. He died at an early age of 25 years which the courts ruled out as a suicide, however his family still object to the decision.
Riaz Ahmed is a popular actor and has appeared in more than 100 Bengali films. He has received many achievements, including three National Film Awards and seven Meril Prothom Alo Awards. This man is a true example of an awesome actor.
Shakib Khan, known for his tall, dark and handsome looks besides his acting, is a well-known actor of Dhallywood and is known in the media as “Superstar”, “King Khan” and “Dhallywood King”. He started his career through film. From his debut film, he became notable in the film industry. He has won numerous awards in his long career, including four National Film Awards, eight Meril Prothom Alo Awards,three Bachsas Awards, Bharat Bangladesh Film Awards,BCRA Awards, Ifad Film Club Awards and many more. At this moment he is one of the most successful and one of the highest paid actors in Bangladeshi film history.
Arifin Shuvoo is a young and promising actor and is seen as creating his own benchmark through working hard. He loves his work and enjoys entertaining people, making them laugh and cry at the same time. He has already earned numerous awards like Bioscope Borsho-sera (2013), Meril Prothom Alo Awards (2014), Meril Prothom Alo Awards (2015), Meril Prothom Alo Awards (2017), Bangladesh national film awards (2018).