Entertainment Desk
When Babita started telling her struggling stories, she did not need any direction or script. With a slight heavy voice she told how she lost her mother and how Suchonda became the guardian; and now after so long years, younger sister Champa has become the sole guardian. She tried to control her emotion but all the people presented already stood up to honor her emotion, to honor her.
Ever popular movie star Babita was honored with the life time achievement award at the 20th Meril-Prothom Alo Award. At the most important time of her life, Babita had her two sisters Suchonda and Champa, beside her. Both of them are glorious in their own position in the media.
This year’s Meril-Prothom Alo Award was held with much fanfare in the capital on Friday evening. The Hall of Fame of capital’s Bangabandhu International Conference Center buzzed with stunning celebrities, fun and laughter, as if all the stars had come down to earth.
The critics honored the celebrities best performed last year and also they were awarded by the choice of people. All the talented winners took the trophy with a determination of working even more hard this year and upcoming all the year. And why won’t that determination come? The trophy itself bears the recognition and inspiration that pushes the actors even further.
The whole program was hosted by Dhallywood stars Ferdous and Purnima. With energetic anchoring done by both of them and with colorful cultural performance, everyone enjoyed the Friday evening with enthusiasm.
This year, two of the actress who stay far away from the glamour became the choice of critics. Sabita Sen received the Critics Choice Award for Best Actress (TV) and Runa Khan won the Critics Choice Award for Best Actress (Film).
“I came to Dhaka only to become an actress. I started my career with very minor characters that skipped everyone eyes. Never thought I will receive best actress award for my first film,” said Runa. Runa Khan won the award for her outstanding performance in Chitkini film.
Another critic’s choice was Akran Khan who also was not in spotlight. He received the Best Film Director Award for Khacha film. Amongst t he newcomer, Taskeen Rahman won the Best Newbie Performing Artist award. When he came on stage, he looked like he was dreaming.
Actor Azad Abul Kalam won the Critics Choice Award for Best Actor (Film) Award. “I have been nominated before, never won though. At last got the award,” he said.
“Many just see the glamorous part of an actor or actress, they often overlook the struggle and hard working of us,” said Arefin Shuvo when he came on stage to receive The Best Actor Award by People’s Choice (Film). “I was once at the place of all those back who are watching this ceremony standing because they couldn’t get any seats,” he added.
Nusrat Imroz Tisha won the Best Actress Award by People’s Choice (Film) for her extraordinary performance in Doob: No Bed of Roses.
All the celebrities, actors and actresses are like a giant family and Siam proved just that. He was nominated in the Best Actor by People’s Choice (TV) category, but when Apurbo’s name was announced as the winner of that category, Siam stopped Apurbo and gave him a hug.
Mumtaz, who won the Best Female Singer Award, said, “The singer may get all the recognition and applaud but all the credit actually goes who writes the lyrics and who composes the music.”
On the other hand Mehazabien Chowdhury won the Best Actress by people’s Choice (TV). Both Apur bo and Mehazabien received huge vote for their outstanding performance in Boro Chele drama which gathered huge appreciation from the audience. Best Male Singer went to none other than James. He received the most strong applaud from all.
All the winners of 20th Meril-Prothom Alo Award at a glance
Lifetime Achievement Award: Babita
Critic’s Choice Award (TV)
Best Playwright: Ashfaque Nipun (Dondo Somas)
Best Director: Tanvir Hasan (Buker Vitor Kichu Pathor Thaka Valo)
Best Actor: Rounok Hasan (Dondo Somas)
Best Actress: Sabita Sen (March Mashe Shooting)
Critic’s Choice Award (Film)
Best Film: Khacha
Best Director: Akram Khan (Khacha)
Best Actor: Azad Abul Khalam (Khacha)
Best Actress: Runa Khan (Chitkini)
People’s Choice Award
Best Actor (Film): Arefin Shuvo (Dhaka Attack)
Best Actress (Film): Tisha (Doob: No Bed of Roses)
Best Newbie Actor: Taskeen Rahman (Dhaka Attack)
Best Actor (TV): Apurbo (Boro Chele)
Best Actress (TV): Mehazabien (Boro Chele)
Best Singer (Male): James (Sotta)
Best Singer (Female): Mumtaz (Sotta)
