Richi Solaiman’s emotional performance moves audiences; veteran actor Azizul Hakim marks 50 years in acting
Humayun Kabir Dhali: Amid the fast-paced life of the diaspora, a vibrant evening celebrating Bengali theater, music, and culture unfolded in New York with the staging of renowned playwright and director Zinat Hakim’s latest play, Bibaho Shomachar.
The play was presented on Sunday evening, August 23, 2026, at Queens Palace in Woodside, Queens, drawing a large audience of expatriate Bangladeshis and turning the evening into a lively gathering of the community.
Written and directed by Zinat Hakim, the production featured acclaimed actors Azizul Hakim, Richi Solaiman, Tahmina Soniya, Raunak Dipti, Sayla Aftab, and Kamal Mohammad. Their natural performances and strong portrayal of their respective characters captivated the audience throughout the production.
One of the most memorable moments of the evening came with Richi Solaiman’s portrayal of Chameli. Her deeply emotional performance brought remarkable authenticity to the character. Even after the scene ended, Richi was seen wiping away tears, visibly moved by the emotions of the role. Her heartfelt performance also left many audience members visibly emotional.
Veteran actor Azizul Hakim once again delivered an outstanding performance. Notably, the celebrated actor is marking 50 years of his illustrious acting career, making his presence in the production particularly significant for theater lovers.
The evening also featured a captivating musical segment. Popular singers Kamruzzaman Bakul, Rizia Parvin, Aftab Johnny, and Trinia Hasan entertained the audience with their performances, adding a festive dimension to the program. The entire evening was skillfully and gracefully hosted by Sharmin Siraj Soniya.
Playwright and director Zinat Hakim once again earned widespread appreciation from the audience for her storytelling, direction, and presentation.
The event was organized by Prems Collections New York, presented by Golden Age Home Care, and powered by NY Home Care. Mohammad Zahid joined the event as the Title Sponsor.
The evening was primarily organized through the initiative of popular community figure Fahad Solaiman. This marked his fifth theatrical initiative. Over the previous four consecutive occasions, he had brought Zinat Hakim and Azizul Hakim’s team to New York audiences with new theatrical productions.
Distinguished members of the community, cultural personalities, and a large number of expatriate Bangladeshis attended the event.
More than simply a theatrical presentation, Bibaho Shomachar became a memorable celebration of Bengali culture and heritage on foreign soil—bringing together theater, music, emotion, and community in one unforgettable evening.
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