From behind the scenes to the spotlight: Mostafa Prokash’s comeback story

After 11 years, Mostafa Prokash is returning as a lead actor on the big screen. Once considered one of Bangladesh's most promising stars, he had stepped away from acting just as his career gained momentum. 

Now, with 'Atorbibilane', directed by Mizanur Rahman Labu, he is returning to cinema. The film, set to release this Eid, received clearance from the certification board in February, with filming wrapping up just before that.  

Before his decade-long hiatus, Mostafa Prokash gained recognition for his performances in 'Notobar Notout' (2009), where he starred opposite Raima Sen, and 'Akash Koto Dure', directed by Samia Zaman. 

His role in ' Notobar Notout' made him popular in both Bengals, while 'Akash Koto Dure' earned him praise in Bangladesh.

But where was he all these years?  

At a time when his career was on the rise, Prokash took an unconventional turn—he left Bangladesh to study film editing at the prestigious Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (SRFTI) in Kolkata. 

He spent several years there, immersing himself in the technical aspects of filmmaking. Upon returning, he chose to work behind the scenes as a professional video editor, skillfully editing dramas, films, and commercials. For over a decade, he built a reputation in the industry—not as an actor, but as an editor.  

This unexpected shift has sparked curiosity among his fans. 

"At that time, I was focused on my studies. After completing my Bachelor's and Master's degrees, I received a scholarship and went to India for further education. That's why there was a long gap. During that period, I had signed contracts for two films, but since I was abroad, I couldn't act in them," shared Prokash.

Now, with 'Atorbibilane', he is returning to his first love—acting. While the industry has changed in his absence, he remains optimistic. 

"Acting is my love and my passion. I want to continue it for the rest of my life. I'm not fixated on lead roles—I'm only interested in good stories," he said.  

Will he continue balancing both acting and editing? Prokash believes his technical knowledge has enriched his craft. 

"I learned film editing to understand cinema better. Before attending film school, I had no idea how a film was made. Now, I have a fair understanding of how different elements contribute to the final outcome. This knowledge has significantly helped my acting. While shooting, I can now anticipate how a scene will appear on screen," explained Prokash. 

With his background in both performance and post-production, Prokash's return to acting is more refined than ever. Whether he will reclaim his position in the industry remains to be seen, but for now, he is stepping back into the spotlight—with a decade of experience behind the camera to guide him.