All that Glitters…

Photo: ZAHEDUL I KHAN

Big guns of the country's cultural arena gathered at the Plenary Hall of the Bangladesh-China Friendship Centre last Friday to honour the artistes who won the Meril-Prothom Alo Award 2003.

The night of lights was hosted by Ittadi-famed Hanif Shanket; and the programme's added attraction was the special appearance of Razzak and Kabari. Abdul Latif, the legendary songwriter who stole the hearts of millions through the early fifties to late eighties with his catchy patriotic songs, broke down in tears when artist Qaiyum Chowdhury handed him over the lifetime achievement. Mustafa Monwar won the special critics' award, while dramatist Giasuddin Selim, director Nurul Alam Atiq, actor Fazlur Rahman Babu and actress Elora Gahar was awarded the critics' award for drama and Ahmed Rubel for best film acting. Adhiar was the critics' choice for best film and best direction; the director-producer Saidul Anam Tutul's daughter, Oishi, received the award on behalf of her father. The readers' choices, however, were quite different. Prothom Alo fans opted for Ferdous as the best film actor and Shaown as the best actress; while the critics went for Riaz and Purnima. Best male and female playback singer awards went to Asif Akbar, and, Bukta-Phaitta-Jai Momtaz. Models were not left alone either; Nobel and Tisha were adjudged best male and female models.