ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DESK

The fourth iteration of Blender’s Choice–The Daily Star OTT & Digital Content Awards 2024 recognised Pori Moni as the Best Actor (Female) in the Popular Choice category for her powerful performance in Anam Biswas’s web series Rongila Kitab . This Hoichoi original, adapted from Kingkor Ahsan’s book, also marked her debut on OTT platforms.

While receiving the award, the actress shared her experience of portraying the role, saying, “I have received many awards in my life, and perhaps I will receive more in the future, but this one will always remain special to me. It is different because this award came for playing the role of a mother, something I was personally going through at that time. It allowed me to relive the journey of my own motherhood.”

She then called her director, Anam Biswas—whom she recognises as her mentor—on stage and expressed her gratitude for trusting her with such a challenging role.

Pori Moni went on to add, “This is not just an award to me; it is much more. It is a recognition that a mother can do anything and achieve anything she sets her mind to. After giving birth, I was body-shamed for gaining weight. Many people commented on how ‘fat’ I had become. But only a few truly understand what a mother goes through—unless they are mothers themselves.”

Reflecting on her journey, she spoke about how such remarks continued even after her transformation. “Today, when I entered the hall for this award show, many people again commented on how much weight I had lost. I don’t believe a woman’s dignity should ever be tied to her weight, her appearance, or any other external factor. What matters most is what she does as a person, what she achieves, and the content of her character.”

She concluded by saying, “So, thank you to The Daily Star and Blender’s Choice for giving me this honour. I am truly grateful.”