Stars Recall Their First Cinema Experiences

The magic of watching a film on the big screen for the first time is a universal memory, cherished across generations. Just like ordinary viewers, renowned Bangladeshi actors also remember their debut cinema experiences with fond nostalgia. This Eid, a tradition of family trips to movie theatres continues, and four of the nation’s top stars shared their first-ever cinematic encounters with The Daily Star.

Shakib Khan, Dhallywood’s leading star, recounted his first cinema visit with his mother. “I watched a film starring Shabana Madam when I was very young. I cannot recall the exact title, but the excitement of seeing a movie in a theatre has stayed with me,” he said. Shakib added that the experience took place in a cinema hall in Narayanganj, and even now, he can vividly picture that day. Reflecting on his own acting career, he shared that he watched his first film as an actor, Ananta Bhalobasha, directed by Sohanur Rahman Sohan, across two different cinemas—Madhumita and Abhisar—splitting his viewing time between the two.

Actor Arifin Shuvo reminisced about watching Qayamat Theke Qayamat, directed by Sohanur Rahman Sohan and starring Salman Shah and Moushumi, with his family at Purabi Cinema Hall in Mymensingh. “It was my first movie in a theatre,” he said, “and experiencing it with my family made it even more special.”

Shariful Raj recalled a 1996 visit to a cinema in Sylhet to watch Sotyer Mrityu Nei, directed by Chotku Ahmed and featuring Salman Shah. “I can’t remember the hall’s name, but the memory of watching my first film with my family remains etched in my mind. I have seen many films since, but the first experience is unforgettable,” he reflected.

Actress Tasnia Farin shared her own nostalgic experience, watching Shrabon Megher Din, directed by celebrated writer and filmmaker Humayun Ahmed, in 1999. She viewed it in Cox’s Bazar with her entire family. “I was very young, so I don’t remember the hall’s name, but the experience was delightful,” she said, recalling the joy of that first cinema visit.

First Cinema Experiences of Bangladeshi Stars

These recollections highlight how cinema has remained a formative experience, even for those who later became household names in Dhallywood. The joy, anticipation, and familial bonding of the first theatre visit continue to leave lasting impressions, shaping not only their personal memories but also their deep connection to the art of filmmaking.