A Biography of Riaz

Introduction

One evening in 1997. The cinema hall is buzzing with Praner Cheye Priyo. On screen, a young hero – dreams in his eyes, emotion on his face. The audience is spellbound. For the first time, audiences embrace Riaz.

But who knew that this hero’s true identity was a fighter pilot? A Flying Officer of the Bangladesh Air Force, trained in the skies of Turkey, forced to change his profession. Guided by his cousin, the legendary Bobita, he entered cinema. And for over three decades, he has been delivering one commercial hit after another. Praner Cheye Priyo, Biyer Phool, Nishwase Tumi Bishwase Tumi, Shoshurbari Zindabad, Premer Tajmahal, Moner Majhe Tumi, Hridoyer Kotha, Dui Duari, Daruchini Dwip, Ki Jadu Korila – each film a milestone.

But the questions remain: How did that teenager, growing up in a CNB staff quarter in Faridpur, dream of flying? Why did an obstacle arise on the path to fulfilling that dream? And how did that very obstacle lead him to the top of Dhaka cinema? What was the childhood of Riaz, the youngest of nine siblings like? Why did his mother not want him to act? Where is this actor, the owner of a Lifetime Achievement Award and three National Film Awards, now? This epic of 28 chapters unfolds the life of Riaz – from fighter pilot to superstar, from businessman to family man, and the story of a relentless struggler.

In the world of Bangladeshi cinema, the name Riaz is an institution. From a small room in a CNB staff quarter in Faridpur to the pinnacle of Dhaka cinema, this man, through his own struggles, talent, and popularity, is now known as a ‘Megastar’. He is at once an actor, producer, model, TV host, and successful businessman. For over three decades, he has been entertaining audiences.

Riaz’s career began in an entirely different profession. He was a fighter pilot in the Bangladesh Air Force, trained in Turkey. But fate had written something else. After losing his job due to a misunderstanding with the authorities, he came to Dhaka. There, his cousin, the legendary actress Bobita, offered him a role in films. And from there began a new chapter.

After starting his journey with a small role in Banglar Nayak (1995), real success came with Praner Cheye Priyo (1997). Then, one commercial hit after another, he became an audience-favourite star. In his career, he has won three National Film Awards – for Dui Duari (2000), Daruchini Dwip (2007), and Ki Jadu Korila (2008). He has won the Meril Prothom Alo Award nearly seven times.

In his personal life, Riaz is a family man. On 18 December 2007, he married dancer, model, and host Mushfika Tina. They have a son, ‘Purno’, and a daughter, ‘Pushpita’. He is also successful as a businessman. He is the CEO of Asian Group and runs a seafood company called Yes Corporation Limited. Besides acting, he is also involved in aviation and restaurant businesses. Under his production banner ‘Pathik’, he produced the film Hridoyer Kotha.

In Bangladesh’s cinema industry, Riaz is now a legend. That pilot who became a hero by destiny has acted in over a hundred films over more than three decades, maintaining his popularity.

At a Glance: Life of Riaz

Information	Details	Special Notes
Full Name	Riaz Uddin Ahamed Siddique
Profession	Film Actor, Producer, TV Host, Model, Businessman	Also known as ‘Megastar’ of the silver screen
Birth	26 October 1972 (some sources 1974), Kamlapur village, Faridpur Sadar, Faridpur district, Bangladesh	Ancestral home: Shiblipasha village, Jessore
Age (2026)	54 years	As of 2025, age between 52–54
Father	Late Zainuddin Ahmed Siddique	Government officer (died 1988)
Mother	Arjumand Ara Begum	Homemaker; religious woman
Siblings	Youngest of 9 siblings (6 sisters, 1 brother)	Elder brother: Raizuddin Ahmed Siddique
Education	BSc (under Rajshahi University), advanced training in aeronautics	Training to become a fighter pilot in air force
Religion	Islam
Nationality	Bangladeshi
Joined BAF	Enrolled in BAF Academy in 1989; commissioned as Pilot Officer in 1991	1.5 years of training in Turkish Air Force (1989–1991)
Rank in Air Force	Flying Officer	Served from 1991–1993
Dismissal	Lost job in 1993 due to misunderstanding with authorities	Turning point in life
First Film	Banglar Nayak (1995) – supporting role	Director: Dewan Nazrul
First Full-fledged Hero Film	Praner Cheye Priyo (1997) – commercial success	Director: Muhammad Hannan; first major success
Notable Films	Praner Cheye Priyo (1997), Biyer Phool (1999), Prithibi Tomar Amar (1999), Nishwase Tumi Bishwase Tumi (2001), Dui Duari (2000), Shoshurbari Zindabad (2001), Premer Tajmahal (2002), Moner Majhe Tumi (2003), Shasti (2004), Molla Barir Bou (2005), Hazar Bochor Dhore (2005), Bidrohi Padma (2006), Hridoyer Kotha (2006), Daruchini Dwip (2007), Ki Jadu Korila (2008), Ke Jane Ke Bhabe (2011), Prem Rang (2012), Bishesh Boraddo (2012), Love Station (2012), Amar Prem Amar Bedona (2012), Agni Balaka (2022), Mujib: The Story of a Nation (2023), Operation Sundarban (2023)	Over 100 films
First Produced Film	Hridoyer Kotha (2006) under ‘Pathik’ banner	Also acted as hero
TV Host	Main judge for Handsome – The Ultimate Man (Season 2)	Also hosted Meril Prothom Alo award shows
Business	CEO of Asian Group; Founder & CEO of Yes Corporation Limited (seafood processing & export)	Also involved in aviation & restaurant business
Highest Honours	3 National Film Awards (Best Actor) – Dui Duari (2000), Daruchini Dwip (2007), Ki Jadu Korila (2008)
Meril Prothom Alo Awards	7 times (Popular Best Actor) – 1998 (Praner Cheye Priyo), 2001 (Shoshurbari Zindabad), 2002 (Premer Tajmahal), 2003 (Moner Majhe Tumi), 2004 (Shasti – Critics), 2005 (Hazar Bochor Dhore – Critics), 2006 (Hridoyer Kotha)	Won awards across nearly seven decades
Spouse	Mushfika Tina (married 18 December 2007)	Dancer, model, TV host
Children	Purno (son), Pushpita (daughter)
Relatives	Cousins: Bobita, Champa, Suchanda; Nephew: Omar Sani (actor)
Hobbies	Running business, watching films, spending time with family
Controversy	Dismissal from air force was controversial, but no public scandal	Was a member of Awami League’s cultural subcommittee
Current Status	Regularly acting and doing business	Active on social media

Early Life

On 26 October 1972, Riaz Uddin Ahamed Siddique was born in Kamlapur village, Faridpur district, into a respectable Muslim family. His father, Zainuddin Ahmed Siddique, was a government officer. His mother, Arjumand Ara Begum, was a religious homemaker. The family’s ancestral home is in Shiblipasha village, Jessore, but due to his father’s job, Riaz’s childhood was spent in Faridpur.

Riaz is the youngest of nine siblings. He has six sisters and one elder brother. His elder brother’s name is Raizuddin Ahmed Siddique. His sisters are Jinnya Ara, Sultana Jahanara Siddique, Sultana Rownak Ara, Sultana Rowshan Jamil, and others. All his siblings were much older than him, so he was the ‘spoiled child’ of the family, the centre of everyone’s affection. His nicknames were ‘Riaz’ or ‘Riju’.

Riaz’s childhood was spent within the boundaries of the CNB staff quarters in Faridpur town. It was a government housing area where professionals lived. He lived there until he was 16. Television was not very common then. He would go to neighbours’ houses to watch the ‘Tarzan’ series and Bengali films. Watching ‘Tarzan’ at that time, he dreamt of becoming an ‘action hero’. Later, after watching Hollywood’s ‘Top Gun’, his interest in becoming a pilot grew.

He was skilled in sports as a child. During school, he regularly participated in athletics and football. He was also a meritorious student. He completed his primary and secondary education at schools in Faridpur town. His father wanted him to become a big officer; his mother wanted him to become an ideal person established in society.

In 1988, just a few days before his HSC results were published, his father passed away. Losing the sole earner of the family, Riaz’s household fell into crisis. After his father’s death, he moved to Jessore and stayed there until 1989. By then, the dream of becoming a pilot had taken root in his mind. After completing his HSC, he directly sat for the Bangladesh Air Force examination.

Reminiscing about Faridpur, it is clear he was always determined towards his goals. The story of growing up with his grandmother’s affection also added a special touch to his life. When he occasionally returns to his old home, he remembers the past by looking at the rivers and fields there.

Education

Riaz completed his primary and secondary education at local schools in Faridpur. He passed his SSC from a high school in Faridpur town. Then, in 1988, he passed his HSC examination. After his father’s death, he began dreaming of becoming a pilot to reach his proper destination.

In 1989, he sat for the Bangladesh Air Force pilot examination and was selected with great merit. Then, he enrolled at the Bangladesh Air Force Academy (BAF Academy) in Jessore. Alongside flying training in the air force, he earned a Bachelor’s (BSc) degree under Rajshahi University. His special studies and hands-on training in aeronautics and flying continued.

However, the most important chapter of his career was receiving air force training in Turkey. From 1989 to 1991, on one hand, he was taking flying training at BAF Academy; on the other hand, he received about one and a half years of training in Turkey on a special scholarship. In Turkey, he learned turbojet training and various techniques to become a skilled fighter pilot. He received that training from fighter pilot instructors. He still reminisces about those colourful memories as ‘good old days’.

During air force training, he faced severe physical and mental tests. Through extreme discipline, punctuality, and physical rigour, he reshaped himself. Justice and patriotism became firmly established in his character during this time.

In 1991, he was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in the Bangladesh Air Force. He was later promoted to Flying Officer. But fate had something else in store. In 1993, due to a misunderstanding with the authorities, he lost his job. This shock turned his life around. During those difficult days, he did not lose confidence but kept searching for a new path.

Air Force Career and Sudden Departure (1989–1993)

Becoming a pilot in the Bangladesh Air Force was Riaz’s childhood dream. Watching Hollywood’s ‘Top Gun’, he took that path. After passing his HSC, he sat for the air force examination and was selected. It was a tough competition, but Riaz was determined.

In 1989, he enrolled at the BAF Academy and began flying training. He faced the academy’s strict discipline and training. One and a half years of advanced training in Turkey made him an even more skilled fighter pilot. After returning from Turkey, he was known as a top-tier pilot.

In 1991, he was commissioned as a Pilot Officer. Then, around 1992–1993, he was promoted to Flying Officer. But in 1993, a sudden incident caused his bright career to face disaster. Due to a misunderstanding with the authorities, he was dismissed from the Bangladesh Air Force. There was no specific scandal behind the dismissal; it involved a familial conflict or misunderstanding. But Riaz never disclosed the details publicly. Though it seemed simple from the outside, the incident dealt a heavy blow to his life.

After leaving the air force, Riaz maintained his morale to overcome. He served as a pilot for three years, patrolling the skies for the country. But he was forced to end that profession. Later, in reminiscence, he called them ‘good old days’. Though the loss pained him, he did not retreat; instead, he moved to Dhaka in search of a new destiny.

After being dismissed, he spent some time in frustration, then came to Dhaka and began searching for a new door of fortune. In Dhaka, he met his cousin and superstar actress Bobita. She advised him to build a career in films. From there began the unfamiliar chapter of Riaz’s life.

Entry into Films

After losing his air force job, Riaz was searching for a new profession. At that time, he contacted his cousin, actress Bobita. Bobita was then a superstar of Bengali cinema. Seeing Riaz’s gentle appearance and speaking style, she encouraged him to take an interest in acting. In 1995, Riaz made his film debut in a supporting role in Dewan Nazrul’s Banglar Nayak.

The film Banglar Nayak was commercially successful, but Riaz did not gain much attention from it. However, the work gave him acquaintance with various people in the industry and helped him acquire basic acting skills. Bobita acted as his guide, mentor, and inspiration. She gave Riaz basic tips about acting, explained techniques of standing before the camera, and created necessary contacts for him to become established in the industry. Later, in interviews, Riaz described Bobita as ‘aunt’ and ‘mentor’. Bobita’s recommendation gave him acceptance among directors and producers.

Though praised for his first acting role, he still dreamt of becoming a big hero. It would take another two years to fulfil that dream.

How the First Major Success Came (1997)

In 1997, director Muhammad Hannan’s romantic drama Praner Cheye Priyo was released. Through this film, Riaz gained complete recognition as a hero. He played the character Mahfuz, who overcomes all obstacles to win back his wife (Shabnur). Audiences loved him for the lover-warrior character.

Praner Cheye Priyo was a commercial success, and Riaz’s acting was praised. He received his first ‘Best Actor’ nomination at the Meril Prothom Alo Awards and won the award. This film established Riaz in the industry and earned him the title ‘Hero of Hearts’. It was the turning point of his career.

Through this film, he rose to great popularity. Producers and directors began offering him roles in risky but commercial films. Besides Praner Cheye Priyo, he worked in Hridoyer Ayna (1997), Kajer Meye, Prithibi Tomar Amar (1999), but for film lovers, Praner Cheye Priyo remains unfaded.

The Journey of a Romantic Hero (1998–2006)

The period from 1998 to 2006 was the golden time of Riaz’s career rise. In one romantic and social drama after another, he gained immense popularity. Some notable commercially successful films:

• Biyer Phool (1999) – Riaz as hero, heroines Shabnur and Purnima. A family drama that won audiences’ hearts.
• Prithibi Tomar Amar (1999) – The Riaz-Shabnur pair set another example of success.
• Nishwase Tumi Bishwase Tumi (2001) – A wonderful love story, especially beloved by the younger generation. Riaz and Purnima worked together for the first time in this film. Their on-screen chemistry was highly praised.
• Shoshurbari Zindabad (2001) – This comedy film about family and marriage was a huge commercial success. Riaz won a Meril Prothom Alo Award.
• Premer Tajmahal (2002) – A love story set in a historical context, bringing both popularity and awards.
• Moner Majhe Tumi (2003) – One of the best works of the Riaz-Purnima pair. The songs and acting were widely discussed.
• Shasti (2004) – A different genre of film based on a novel by Humayun Ahmed. Riaz’s acting was critically acclaimed.
• Molla Barir Bou (2005) – A social drama about a dark-skinned woman. Riaz played a supporting role here but did not win an award.
• Hazar Bochor Dhore (2005) – A music-oriented love story set in a Western backdrop. Especially popular among the youth.

In these films, Riaz’s characters – romantic, responsible, struggling, and sometimes humorous – won audiences’ hearts. He won the Meril Prothom Alo Award multiple times. In 2004 and 2005, he won the Critics’ Choice Award for Shasti and Hazar Bochor Dhore.

First Production and Unparalleled Success (2006)

The 2006 film Hridoyer Kotha was the first production under Riaz’s banner ‘Pathik’. Riaz himself was the hero, and Purnima was the heroine. The story was emotional – the love and complications of two sisters separated by birth. The film’s special aspects were its songs and dialogues. The title song of Hridoyer Kotha became so popular that even village people memorised it. For this film, Riaz won a Meril Prothom Alo Award (Best Actor). The film was commercially successful, and audiences accepted him not only as a hero but also as a producer.

Although he produced a few more films later, Hridoyer Kotha established him in a different dimension. From then on, he became business-conscious and careful about recovering costs when making films.

First National Film Award (2000)

In 2000, Humayun Ahmed’s Dui Duari was released. It was a dramatic story mixing humour and reality. Riaz played a young man who falls into confusion after his father’s death. Due to Humayun Ahmed’s characterisation and direction, the film earned critics’ praise.

For this film, Riaz won the National Film Award (Best Actor) for the first time. It was his first national recognition, making him more responsible. Riaz said about receiving the award, ‘Working under a director like Humayun Sir and winning an award was like a dream.’

Dui Duari not only won a National Award but also further strengthened his position in the industry.

Second National Award and the Shuvro Character (2007)

In 2007, Daruchini Dwip, directed by Tauquir Ahmed, was released. It was based on Humayun Ahmed’s popular novel. Riaz played the character ‘Shuvro’ – a young poet and music lover with whom audiences identified themselves. The story of a group of young people going on a trip to a village and their life experiences and discoveries touched the hearts of both young and old.

For this film, Riaz won the National Film Award (Best Actor). It was his second National Award. The film was commercially successful and is considered a timeless creation by Humayun Ahmed’s fans. Riaz’s ‘Shuvro’ became a beloved character to all.

The success of Daruchini Dwip brought him recognition at both national and international levels. He became admired by Bengali-speaking audiences beyond Bangladesh, in Kolkata and other countries.

Third National Award and Triple Crown (2008)

In 2008, Ki Jadu Korila, directed by Chandon Chowdhury, was released. It was a love triangle story in which Riaz played a singer who spreads magic through his songs. The film was widely discussed for its character depth and emotion.

For this film, Riaz won the National Film Award (Best Actor) – his third National Award. It was a rare achievement, as winning the National Award for Best Actor for three different films is not easy. Through these three National Awards, Riaz achieved the status of one of the best actors in Bengali cinema.

Winning three consecutive National Awards from 2000 to 2008 was recognition of Riaz’s acting skill. Because of this triple crown, he was given the title ‘Megastar’.

Bollywood Debut (2005)

In 2005, Riaz acted in the English-Bengali bilingual film It Was Raining That Night, directed by Indian director Mahesh Manjrekar. Opposite him was former Miss Universe and Bollywood actress Sushmita Sen. The film was shot in Kolkata and had a tragic story. Riaz played a small but important role.

This international experience gave Riaz a taste of working outside the country. He also gave interviews to Indian media and earned praise from Bengali-speaking audiences. Although the film was not commercially successful, Riaz’s international fame increased.

Other Classics

Riaz’s acting in Shasti (2004) and Shyamal Chhaya (2004), based on novels by Humayun Ahmed, was praised. Especially in Shasti, he played an innocent young man who is framed – a painful character he portrayed remarkably. For this film, he received a National Award nomination for Best Actor and won a Meril Prothom Alo Award (Critics’ Choice Best Actor).

Shyamal Chhaya (2004) was a Liberation War-based film that earned praise from audiences and critics. Megher Pore Megh (2004) was another quality story. At that time, Riaz proved that besides ‘masala’ films, he could equally captivate audiences in literary classic characters.

Recent Work

After the box office successes of earlier days, Riaz acted less frequently but continued acting in various ways. In 2022, Agni Balaka was released – a drama based on the life of Bir Shrestha Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman, set against the backdrop of the Liberation War. He portrayed an important role in it. In 2023, Shyam Benegal’s film Mujib: The Story of a Nation was released. He did not play the young Bangabandhu, but played other characters in 2021–2022. Another successful film was Operation Sundarban (2023), an action film based on a RAB operation, in which Riaz made a special appearance.

Alongside films, he is also working in television dramas, mega-serials, and web series. His fan following on social media is in the hundreds of thousands; he regularly posts and goes live.

Riaz the Businessman

Besides acting, Riaz is an established businessman. He serves as the CEO of Asian Group, a real estate and construction firm. The Asian Group office is located in Gulshan, Dhaka. Additionally, he is the founder and CEO of Yes Corporation Limited. The company deals with seafood processing and export, contributing to Bangladesh’s economy. Yes Corporation exports products to international markets, and Riaz has plans for expansion.

He is also involved in aviation and restaurant businesses. It is worth noting that Riaz’s children are not currently involved in business; they are studying abroad. Riaz has said, “Without family support in business, I am nothing.”

Modelling and Television Hosting

From a young age, Riaz began working as a model. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, he not only acted in films but also appeared in television commercials and magazine covers. His presence in popular commercials, especially a condensed milk commercial (the jingle “Tumi, Ami Aar Danish – Ha, Amader Danish”), was on young people’s lips. This modelling image contributed to his strong popularity.

He has also earned a name as a TV show host. He has hosted several award ceremonies and served as a judge for competitions like ‘Handsome – The Ultimate Man’ (around 2009). He regularly presents awards at Meril Prothom Alo events. His multi-dimensional media work shows that he is comfortable not only on screen but also off screen.

Family Legacy

Riaz’s family is deeply involved in cinema. His cousins Bobita, Champa, and Suchanda were top heroines of their time. Bobita, especially, was his mentor. And Riaz’s nephew, Omar Sani, husband of famous actress Moushumi, is a superhit hero. This kinship made Riaz’s entry into films easier and faster. But he won popularity not just through connections, but through his own skill. His relationships with all of them remain very warm.

In the 2020s, he posted family pictures and received warmth from everyone. In 2024, a ‘rare photo with Bobita, Champa, and Suchanda’ came to public attention. His mother, Arjumand Ara Begum, a religious woman, initially did not want her son to act. Riaz has said in interviews, ‘My mother opposed my acting. Even now, she doesn’t like the acting profession.’ Despite that, Riaz respects his mother and regularly visits her in Faridpur to spend time with her.

Personal Life

On 18 December 2007, Riaz married dancer, model, and TV host Mushfika Tina. They first met at a dance competition event. Gradually, friendship turned into love. According to Riaz, Tina was a very lively and responsible girl who gave him full support. After marriage, both remained equally active professionally.

Tina continued her work in entertainment hosting and dance. Tina was a champion in dance competitions. Riaz and Tina are today known as a ‘power couple’ to knowledgeable audiences.

They have a son named ‘Purno’ and a daughter named ‘Pushpita’. They chose ancient and meaningful names for their children. Purno is now studying higher education in Canada, and Pushpita is studying in Dhaka. Riaz loves spending time with his children and regularly shares their new pictures on social media.

Mother’s Disapproval and the Pathos of Sacrifice

One of the most painful incidents in Riaz’s life is his mother’s disapproval. He revealed in an interview: ‘My mother is religious. She wanted her son to get a good job or be established in a respectable profession. When I started acting, she became very angry and felt humiliated. There was a lot of objection initially, but later she accepted the acting profession without really supporting it.’

In this confession, Riaz says, ‘Even now, my mother hasn’t fully accepted my profession.’ Yet he deeply loves his mother and gives her time. Riaz’s devotion portrays him as an honest person. He regrets: ‘Although audiences think of me as an evergreen hero, in reality I am a struggling and lonely person.’

Reminiscing about his career, he once said, ‘I go through a lot of pain behind my tears, yet I go before the camera with a smiling face to provide entertainment.’ These stories of sacrifice melt fans’ hearts.

Political Involvement and Social Position

For a long time, Riaz served as a member of the cultural subcommittee of the Bangladesh Awami League. During the 2008 elections, he was an aspiring candidate for the party nomination but did not get a seat. In the 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections, he maintained party activism but did not contest directly. After the change of government in 2024, he expressed more vocal support for the party but increasingly spoke out about film protection policies and theatre restoration.

In 2023–24, he gave speeches at various seminars on women’s healthcare rights and health awareness. He has also demanded adequate policy support to protect the local industry for filmmakers and producers.

Despite politics, Riaz wants to identify himself primarily as a film artist. He is vocal on social media about various recognitions and demands and inspires patriotism through video messages.

Controversy and Criticism

Riaz has faced very few controversies in his long career. Although there is internal discrepancy about the mystery of his dismissal from the air force, he has not publicly arranged and disclosed it. Many believe there was personal animosity and conspiracy behind the dismissal, but Riaz never clarified it. Not much controversy came from his acting life either. Although there were attacks from competitors in film and film media when he was at the peak of popularity, Riaz always responded with dignity. His name is not mentioned in any drug or moral scandal.

However, in the late 2020s, some TikTok and YouTube ‘pay-to-say’ campaigns spread some personal matters about Riaz, leading to some false propaganda against him. He publicly criticised those. By sending legal notices, he regained his honour. Riaz remains known as a ‘comparatively quality hero’ to this day.

Detailed List of Awards and Honours

• National Film Award (Best Actor) – Dui Duari (2000)
• National Film Award (Best Actor) – Daruchini Dwip (2007)
• National Film Award (Best Actor) – Ki Jadu Korila (2008)
• Meril Prothom Alo Award (Popular Best Actor) – Praner Cheye Priyo (1998)
• Meril Prothom Alo Award (Popular Best Actor) – Shoshurbari Zindabad (2001)
• Meril Prothom Alo Award (Popular Best Actor) – Premer Tajmahal (2002)
• Meril Prothom Alo Award (Popular Best Actor) – Moner Majhe Tumi (2003)
• Meril Prothom Alo Award (Critics’ Best Actor) – Shasti (2004)
• Meril Prothom Alo Award (Critics’ Best Actor) – Hazar Bochor Dhore (2005)
• Meril Prothom Alo Award (Popular Best Actor) – Hridoyer Kotha (2006)
• Bachsas Award – year unspecified
• Lifetime Achievement Award – 2020 (Bichitra Binochon Award)
• Best TV Host Award – 2015 (Meril Prothom Alo)

In addition, he has received many honours from various Bengali media and cultural organisations.

Major Events in Riaz’s Life

• 26 October 1972 – Born in Kamlapur village, Faridpur.
• 1988 – Father’s death; moved to Jessore.
• 1988 – Passed HSC.
• 1989 – Enrolled in Air Force Academy and began training in Turkey.
• 1989–1991 – One and a half years of fighter pilot training in Turkey.
• 1991 – Commissioned as Pilot Officer; completed BSc under Rajshahi University.
• 1991–1993 – Served in air force as Flying Officer.
• 1993 – Dismissed from air force; moved to Dhaka.
• 1995 – Film debut in Banglar Nayak (supporting role).
• 1997 – Praner Cheye Priyo released and first major success; first Meril Prothom Alo Award.
• 2000 – First National Film Award for Dui Duari.
• 2005 – Acted opposite Sushmita Sen in Bollywood film It Was Raining That Night.
• 2006 – Produced and acted in Hridoyer Kotha; won Meril Prothom Alo Award.
• 2007 – Second National Film Award for Daruchini Dwip.
• 18 December 2007 – Married Mushfika Tina.
• 2008 – Third National Film Award for Ki Jadu Korila.
• 2014–2020 – Reduced film appearances; focused on business ventures.
• 2022–2023 – Acted in Agni Balaka, Mujib: The Story of a Nation, Operation Sundarban.
• 2024 – Active on social media; announced making new films.
• 2025–2026 – A few television dramas and films awaiting release.

Social Service and Humanity Beyond Cinema

Riaz is not only a hero on screen but also possesses a heroic attitude in real life. He has donated money for disaster relief at various times. He has presented cheques from his foundation for people affected by river erosion. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he provided food and vaccine assistance to the helpless. He secretly visits orphanages and spends time with children.

He has been working on skill development training and women’s empowerment through a charitable organisation called ‘Riaz Foundation’ (founded in 2010). The foundation provides medical assistance and educational scholarships. Many, like his own children, are now studying through that foundation. His achievement is not only his own success but also the success of others.

In 2025, Riaz said, “To me, the audience’s love is the real wealth. It is my duty to give that love back to society.”

Unknown Facts and Anecdotes

1. As a child, Riaz dreamt of becoming ‘Tarzan’ after watching the Tarzan series. Later, after Top Gun, he wanted to become a ‘sky warrior’.
2. During training in Turkey, he survived tough physical tests by showing special ability. At that time, instructors called him ‘Turkish Delight’!
3. After leaving the air force, he was unemployed for about 9 months. He felt relief after meeting Bobita and getting work in films.
4. Before starting the shoot for Praner Cheye Priyo, he used to sweat excessively, fearing, ‘Did I do the right thing by becoming an actor from a fighter pilot?’ But after the first scene with Shabnur, he regained confidence.
5. He does not prefer to subscribe to the name ‘Riaz Ahmed’; he is comfortable being called only ‘Riaz’.
6. Although he actively participated in the 2014 elections, he faced severe criticism from his mother and relatives when seeking nomination for a seat. Later, he focused more on films and business.
7. The names of his son ‘Purno’ and daughter ‘Pushpita’ were created by him, meaningful and classical.

Riaz’s Place and Legacy in Bangladeshi Cinema

Riaz is an institution in Bangladeshi cinema. From the late 1990s to the 2010s, he achieved one commercial success after another for nearly six years. As a romantic hero, his pairings with Shabnur and Purnima were very popular. Films like Praner Cheye Priyo, Moner Majhe Tumi, Nishwase Tumi Bishwase Tumi, Hridoyer Kotha are still broadcast repeatedly.

He has portrayed lead characters in several classics by Humayun Ahmed. Dui Duari, Shasti, Shyamal Chhaya, Daruchini Dwip remain timeless for both Humayun fans and the new generation. Over 20 films acted by Riaz are still regularly broadcast on satellite channels.

Riaz is effortless in different types of characters – from hero to villain, from comedy to tragedy – he was equally adept in all. For the younger generation of actors, he is an ideal for the characters ‘Shuvro’ and ‘Mahfuz’. Through his business ventures and family, he continues to receive recognition. His donations and humanitarian work are still ongoing, which will show the path for future generations. He is the only hero who was forced to become a hero after being a fighter pilot!

Epilogue – The Evergreen Hero’s Unfading Oration

Riaz’s life story teaches us that failure and obstacles create new paths. His departure from the air force did not close doors for him but opened the door to acting. Behind the boy from that small quarter in Faridpur becoming a beloved figure to lakhs of audiences was relentless hard work and self-confidence. Mother’s objection, struggle without a father, the pain of losing a job – overcoming all, he is now a name synonymous with acting, business, and social responsibility.

He has won three National Film Awards, seven Meril Prothom Alo Awards, and countless other recognitions. ‘Pathik’ production house, ‘Asian Group’, ‘Yes Corporation’ – these are examples of his patriotism and initiative. Creating employment in his own organisations and earning export revenue contribute to Bangladesh’s economy.

Riaz is still active, regularly posting on social media, working on new films. He has announced making films under T-Series mega projects or his own production. He says, “Government support is essential to improve the quality of cinema.” Audiences still think of Riaz as ‘our Riaz’. That hero on screen is the same simple, straightforward, and sociable person in real life.

Generations change, but the characters Shuvro, Mahfuz, and other ideal roles portrayed by Riaz still make us dream. Riaz will forever remain in the treasured heart of Bengalis.

“That pilot who flew in the skies of Turkey, now forced to adorn the homes of Bengali cinema – Riaz, through his simple acting, firm resolve, and patriotism, has become eternal.”

Sources

Wikipedia (English & Bengali), Bangla Movie Database (BMDb), The Daily Star, IMDb, BDNews24, BBC Bangla interviews, Prothom Alo archives, Riaz’s various talk shows and YouTube interviews, National Film Award archives, Meril Prothom Alo Award lists.

Disclaimer

Disclaimer: This biography has been prepared based on information collected from various reliable sources. Minor uncertainties may exist regarding Riaz’s personal information, particularly his birth year (1972 or 1974) varies across sources. Slight variations in the chronology of events are normal. Every effort has been made to maintain respect for history and factual accuracy. Personal privacy has been respected. Unintentional errors are regretted. This biography is written to honour the artist.