Riaz (actor)

{{Short description|Bangladeshi actor}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2021}} {{Infobox person | native_name = {{lang|bn|রিয়াজ আহমেদ}} | native_name_lang = bn | birth_name = Riaz <ref name="People-353" >{{cite web |url=http://people.priyo.com/riaz-uddin-ahamed-siddique/353 |title=Riaz Gadha |date=20 January 2011 |work=People Face of Bangladesh |author=Arumana |access-date=4 November 2012 |location=Dhaka |archive-date=27 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130227020646/http://people.priyo.com/riaz-uddin-ahamed-siddique/353 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | name = Riaz Ahmed | image = Riaz at Dhaka Lit Fest 2017 (cropped).jpg | caption = Riaz in 2017 | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1974|10|27|df=y}} | birth_place = Faridpur, Bangladesh | years_active = 1995–present | occupation = Actor<ref name="Riaz-Tina" >{{cite news |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=122408 |title=Riaz and Tina: A perfect match on and off screen |date=19 January 2010 |work=The Daily Star |author=Nusrat Jahan Pritom |access-date=10 November 2012 |location=Dhaka}}</ref> | notable_works = | political_party = Awami League | spouse = {{marriage|Mushfika Tina|2007}}<ref name="Riaz-Tina" /> | awards = Bangladesh National Film Awards (three times)<ref name="GLITZ-Rashed Shaon" >{{cite news |url=http://glitz.bdnews24.com/details.php?catry=2&showns=2012 |script-title=bn:চার দশকে আমাদের সেরা চলচ্চিত্রগুলো |work=GLITZ.bdnews24 |author=Rashed Shaon |access-date=4 November 2012 |language=bn |location=Dhaka |archive-date=27 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127231625/http://glitz.bdnews24.com/details.php?catry=2&showns=2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref><br />Meril Prothom Alo Awards (seven times) | signature = | signature_alt = Close-up on an English word handwritten with angular, jaunty letters. | module = {{Infobox military person | embed = yes | embed_title = Military service | allegiance = {{BAN}} | branch = {{air force|Bangladesh}} | branch_label = | service_years = 1991–1993 | rank = Flying officer | unit = | awards = }} }}

'''Riaz Uddin Ahamed Siddique''' ({{langx|bn|রিয়াজ উদ্দিন আহমেদ সিদ্দিক}}, {{IPA|bn|ijad͡ʒ ud̪ in amed Siddique.ogg|listen}}; born 26 October 1974),<ref name="Riaz on 'Amar Ami'"/> popularly known as '''Riaz''', is a Bangladeshi film actor, producer, and television presenter<ref name="TDS-Riaz" >{{cite news |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/2006/08/04/d608041401102.htm |title="There is no ingenuity in our current films"-- Riaz |date=4 August 2006 |work=The Daily Star |author=Mahmuda Afroz |access-date=4 November 2012 |location=Dhaka}}</ref> who has appeared in more than 100 Bengali films in genres ranging from romance to action to comedies.<ref name="TDS-Charming Riaz" >{{cite news |url=http://www.daily-sun.com/details_yes_12-05-2014_The-Charming-Riaz_852_4_20_1_4.html |title=The Charming Riaz |date=12 June 2014 |work=Daily Sun |author=Nusrat Jahan Pritom |access-date=30 August 2014 |location=Dhaka |archive-date=3 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140903061522/http://www.daily-sun.com/details_yes_12-05-2014_The-Charming-Riaz_852_4_20_1_4.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> He is the recipient of numerous awards, including three National Film Awards<ref name="DND-রিয়াজ" >{{cite news |url=http://www.dailynayadiganta.com/details.php?nayadiganta=MzA3NDI=&s=MTA= |script-title=bn:উল্টো পথে রিয়াজ |date=12 April 2014 |work=Daily Naya Diganta |author=Alamgir Kobir |access-date=6 August 2014 |language=bn |location=Dhaka |archive-date=8 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808054844/http://www.dailynayadiganta.com/details.php?nayadiganta=MzA3NDI=&s=MTA= |url-status=dead}}</ref> and seven Meril Prothom Alo Awards. He portrayed the famous literary character, Shuvro, created by Humayun Ahmed, in Daruchini Dip.

His ability to play wide range of characters whether it was a man who is mad lover and ruins his life to finally win his darling girlfriend, a man who takes law into hand to punish evil people who killed his loved ones or harmed them, an innocent man who gets falsely accused in a crime as a punishment for loving the lady whose father does not approve of love, a comedy man gets into different disputes with his mother in law or his girlfriend and a recognizable person in the society, a kind man who become a criminal due to his life getting ruined by evil people, or various types of other characters such as a student who finally makes a music after struggling to with his schoolmates in the movie ''Daruchini Dwip''.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://dailyasianage.com/news/234816/riazs-silver-jubilee-in-acting |title=Riaz's silver jubilee in acting |date=4 August 2006 |work=The Asian Age |access-date=5 June 2025 |location=Bangladesh}}</ref>

From 1998 to 2010, his films such as ''Biyer Phul'' , national award-winning ''Dui Duari'', ''Swapner Bashor'' ,''Mayer Somman'', ''E Badhon Jabena Chhire'' , ''Matir Phul'', ''Shoshurbari Zindabad'' , ''Hridoyer Ayna'' , ''Premer Taj Mahal'', blockbuster ''Moner Majhe Tumi'' , ''Shyamol Chhaya'' , ''Molla Barir Bou'', ''Shasti'', ''Hajar Bachhor Dhore'' , ''Taka: The Ultimate Magic'', ''Hridoyer Kotha'' , ''Na Bolona'', another national award-winning ''Daruchini Dwip'' & ''Ki Jadu Korila'', ''Megher Koley Rod'' , ''Akash Chhoa Bhalobasa'', ''Chandragrohon'' & ''Ebadot'', have helped in proving himself as one of the top starts in Dhallywood.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/splash/acting-gave-me-fulfillment-riaz-617178 |title=Acting gave me fulfillment: Riaz |date=16 April 2023 |work=The Business Standard |author=Sohel Ahsan |access-date=5 June 2025 |location=Dhaka}}</ref>

He decided to step down from the film industry in 2010 to focus on his family and business life. Since then, he has acted in a limited number of films and mostly focused on acting in various television dramas and telefilms.

Riaz first appeared onscreen as a side role in filmmaker Dewan Nazrul's social action drama ''Banglar Nayok'' (1995).<ref name="Riaz on 'Amar Ami'" >{{cite news |url=http://www.daily-sun.com/details_yes_17-08-2013_Actor-Riaz-on-%E2%80%98Amar-Ami%E2%80%99-tonight_587_1_7_1_2.html |title=Actor Riaz on 'Amar Ami' tonight |date=17 August 2013 |work=Daily Sun |access-date=6 August 2014 |location=Dhaka |archive-date=8 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808050146/http://www.daily-sun.com/details_yes_17-08-2013_Actor-Riaz-on-%E2%80%98Amar-Ami%E2%80%99-tonight_587_1_7_1_2.html |url-status=dead}}</ref> He began a full-time career in film with a leading role in the highly successful romantic drama ''Praner Cheye Priyo'' (1997).<ref name="Riaz on 'Amar Ami'" /> In 2005, Riaz worked with Bollywood actress Susmita Sen for Mahesh Manjrekar's film It Was Raining That Night. His last movie ''"Krishnopokkho"'' was released on 26 February 2016, directed by Meher Afroz Shaon.<ref name="DJK163679">{{cite news |url=http://www.dailyjanakantha.com/news_view.php?nc=42&dd=2014-02-14&ni=163679 |script-title=bn:আজ মুক্তি পাচ্ছে ৫ চলচ্চিত্র |date=14 February 2014 |work=Janakantha |author=Ananda Kantha |access-date=6 August 2014 |language=bn |location=Dhaka |archive-date=8 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808142524/http://www.dailyjanakantha.com/news_view.php?nc=42&dd=2014-02-14&ni=163679 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="P-alo-পেশাদারির উন্নতি হয়নি: রিয়াজ">{{cite news |date=12 February 2014 |script-title=bn:পেশাদারির উন্নতি হয়নি: রিয়াজ |url=http://www.prothom-alo.com/entertainment/article/145447/%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B6%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A6%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B0_%E0%A6%89%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BF_%E0%A6%B9%E0%A7%9F%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%BF_%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BF%E0%A7%9F%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%9C |language=bn |newspaper=Prothom Alo |access-date=6 August 2014 |archive-date=3 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303012223/http://www.prothom-alo.com/entertainment/article/145447/%E0%A6%AA%E0%A7%87%E0%A6%B6%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%A6%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BF%E0%A6%B0_%E0%A6%89%E0%A6%A8%E0%A7%8D%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%A4%E0%A6%BF_%E0%A6%B9%E0%A7%9F%E0%A6%A8%E0%A6%BF_%E0%A6%B0%E0%A6%BF%E0%A7%9F%E0%A6%BE%E0%A6%9C |url-status=dead}}</ref> Riaz briefly served in the Bangladesh Air Force before joining the film industry.

==Early life== Riaz was born in 1974<ref name="Riaz on 'Amar Ami'"/> to a Muslim family in Faridpur District, Bangladesh. Riaz is the youngest child in his family. He has six sisters and a brother, Raisuddin Ahamed Siddique. He was brought up in CNB staff quarters of Faridpur for the first sixteen years of his life.<ref name="TDS-Riaz" /> His father, the late Zainuddin Ahamed Siddique, was a government service holder. His mother was Arjumand Ara Begum. His paternal home is in Jessore District{{Citation needed|date=May 2022}}.

==Career== left|thumb|Riaz (center) with his colleagues of the Bangladesh Air Force

=== Military === Riaz participated in the examinations to be a pilot in the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) right after his HSC results in 1988. He enrolled at the BAF Academy from 1989 to 1991 for flying training and to earn his bachelor's degree from the University of Rajshahi in science, he was commissioned as a pilot officer and became a fighter pilot in the Bangladesh Air Force in 1991. However, he was dismissed from the air force in 1993, he was promoted till flying officer rank.<ref name="TDS-Riaz" />

=== Acting === [[File:Riaz, Suchanda, Bobita, Tina and Champa.jpg|thumb|Riaz, Shuchanda, Bobita, Tina and Champa at Cox's Bazar in 2014]] After withdrawal from the BAF, Riaz moved to Dhaka in 1994. There he met his cousin, actress Bobita, and started his film career in 1995. Riaz was in Dewan Nazrul's commercially successful 1995 film ''Banglar Nayok'',<ref name="DMZ-25229" >{{cite news |url=http://www.mzamin.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=25229:2011-11-14-14-15-45&catid=36:local&Itemid=68 |script-title=bn:তারকার ডায়েরি |date=15 November 2011 |work=Manab Zamin |language=bn |access-date=5 November 2012 |location=Dhaka}}</ref> although the movie did not bring him personal popularity.<ref name="TDI-0626" >{{cite news |url=http://ittefaq.com.bd/content/2010/09/08/news0626.htm |title=ফিরে দেখা ঈদের ছবি |date=8 September 2010 |work=The Daily Ittefaq |author=Mahfuzur Rahman |language=bn |access-date=5 November 2012}}</ref> In 1997, Mohammad Hannan's romantic film ''Praner Cheye Priyo'' was an extraordinary commercial success, and Riaz became popular soon after.<ref name="TDI-0626" /> He works with many renowned filmmakers in Bangladesh and has acted in numerous films that have been commercially successful.<ref name="Ittefaq-0373" >{{cite news |url=http://ittefaq.com.bd/content/2010/10/21/news0373.htm |script-title=bn:রিয়াজ |date=21 October 2010 |work=The Daily Ittefaq |access-date=5 November 2012 |language=bn |location=Dhaka}}</ref> He was also in filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar's film ''It Was Raining That Night'' and has acted in the English language.<ref name="DBP-35194" >{{cite news |url=http://bangladesh-pratidin.com/print_news.php?path=data_files/190&cat_id=3&menu_id=12&news_type_id=1&news_id=35194 |script-title=bn:আর অভিনয় নয় : রিয়াজ |date=3 November 2010 |work=Bangladesh Pratidin |author=Alauddin Majid |access-date=6 November 2012 |language=bn |location=Dhaka |archive-date=17 January 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130117220410/http://bangladesh-pratidin.com/print_news.php?path=data_files/190&cat_id=3&menu_id=12&news_type_id=1&news_id=35194 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In this film, he acted with Sushmita Sen for the first time.<ref name="P-Alo-6879" >{{cite news |url=http://www.prothom-alo.com/print/news/6879 |script-title=bn:তিনিই সুস্মিতা সেন! কামরুজ্জামান |date=19 September 2009 |work=Prothom Alo |author=Kamruzzaman |access-date=6 November 2012 |language=bn |location=Dhaka |archive-date=30 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100830071418/http://www.prothom-alo.com/print/news/6879 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Now he has become a popular heartthrob to millions of people in the country.<ref name="TDS-Riaz" />

Early in his career, Riaz played some romantic roles in films such as ''Praner Cheye Priyo'', ''Hridoyer Aina'' (1997), ''Kajer Meye'', ''Prithibi Tomar Amar'', ''Bhalobasi Tomake'' (1998), ''Biyer Phul'', ''Narir Mon'' (1999), ''E Badhon Jabena Chire'', ''Nishwase Tumi Biswase Tumi'', ''Bhownkor Bishu'' (2000), ''Hridoyer Bandhon'', In 2002, he received his third Meril-Prothom Alo Award for Best Actor with Shahadat Hossain Liton's romance ''O Priya Tumi Kothay'' co-starring Shakib Khan for the first time, ''Premer Taj Mahal'' (2002), ''Moner Majhe Tumi'' (2003), ''Wrong Number'' (2004), ''Hridoyer Kotha'' (2006) and ''Akash Chhoa Bhalobasa'' (2008).

He has acted in some literary adaptations, and in his career he has portrayed many consecutive roles to wide critical acclaim in films such as ''Dui Duari'' (2000), ''Shasti: Punishment'', ''Megher Pore Megh: Clouds After Cloud'' and ''Shyamol Chhaya: The Green Shadow'' (2004), ''Hajar Bachhor Dhore: Symphony of Agony'' (2005), ''Bidrohi Padma'' and ''Khelaghar: Dollhouse'' (2006), ''Daruchini Dip'' and ''Ekjon Songe Chhilo'' (2007), ''Megher Koley Rod: Sunshine in the Clouds'', ''Ki Jadu Korila'' and ''Chandra Grohon: The Lunar Eclipse'' (2008), ''Ebadat: The Worship'' (2009) and ''Modhumoti'' (2011). Riaz also acted in ''Ogni Bolaka'', a drama that is based on Birshreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman's life.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Good work I do not return : Actor Riaz |url=https://starduniya.net/good-work-i-do-not-return-actor-riaz/entertenment/ |access-date=2021-11-02 |language=en-US |archive-date=2 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102194032/https://starduniya.net/good-work-i-do-not-return-actor-riaz/entertenment/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Personal life== Riaz married Mushfika Tina, a TV host, also a dance teacher, in a traditional Muslim wedding ceremony on 18 December 2007.<ref name="TDS-Love: Riaz-Tina" >{{cite news |url=http://www.daily-sun.com/details_yes_10-02-2014_Dance-Makes-Them-Love:-Riaz-Tina_761_4_20_1_16.html |title=Dance Makes Them Love: Riaz-Tina |date=10 February 2014 |work=Daily Sun |access-date=6 August 2014 |location=Dhaka |archive-date=29 December 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141229125158/http://www.daily-sun.com/details_yes_10-02-2014_Dance-Makes-Them-Love:-Riaz-Tina_761_4_20_1_16.html |url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Criticism== Riaz took a stand for the government during the repression of the dictatorship Awami League government on the students in the quota reform movement that took place in 2024.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 2024 |title=Shock and surprise grip entertainment arena after chats discovery |url=https://www.daily-sun.com/post/765421 |access-date=2024-09-04 |work=Daily Sun |language=en}}</ref> During the movement, a group of pro-autocracy Awami artists, including Riaz, were active against the movement in a WhatsApp group called 'Alo Ashbei'<ref>{{Cite news |title=Alo Ashbei WhatsApp group message leaked |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/tags/alo-ashbei-whatsapp-group-message-leaked |access-date=2024-09-04 |work=The Daily Star |language=en}}</ref> led by actor Ferdous. After the non-cooperation movement, on September 3, 2024, some screenshots related to that WhatsApp group were spread on social media.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-09-03 |title='Throw hot water on protesters': 'Alo Ashbei' artistes' WhatsApp group under fire |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/entertainment/tv-film/news/throw-hot-water-protesters-alo-ashbei-artistes-whatsapp-group-under-fire-3693581 |access-date=2024-09-04 |work=The Daily Star |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-09-04 |title=Leaked conversation of artists speaking against student movement goes viral |url=https://www.tbsnews.net/splash/leaked-conversation-artists-speaking-against-student-movement-goes-viral-933266 |access-date=2024-09-04 |work=The Business Standard |language=en}}</ref>

== Filmography == {{Main|Riaz filmography}}

== Awards and nominations == {{main|List of awards and nominations received by Riaz}} [[File:Riaz National Award Receiving 2.jpg|thumb|240px|right|Riaz receiving the National Award 2008 from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2010]] Riaz has received three National Film Awards for his unique contribution to the Bangladesh film industry.<ref name="GLITZ-Rashed Shaon" /> Acting for the films ''Dui Duari'' (2000) by Humayun Ahmed,<ref name="DMZ-25229" /> ''Daruchini Dip'' (2007) by Tauquir Ahmed,<ref name="DMZ-25229" /> and ''Ki Jadu Korila'' (2008) by Chandan Chowdhury.<ref name="DKK-19-02-2010" />

=== National Film Awards === ;Winner * Best Actor for ''Dui Duari'' – 2000<ref name="d30910012121" >{{cite news |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/2003/09/10/d30910012121.htm |title=PM to distribute film awards today |date=10 September 2003 |work=The Daily Star |location=Dhaka |agency=BSS |access-date=4 November 2012}}</ref> * Best Actor for ''Daruchini Dwip'' – 2007<ref name="DS-60147" >{{cite news |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=60147 |title=National Film Awards generate enthusiasm |date=25 October 2008 |work=The Daily Star |author=Nadia Sarwat |access-date=4 November 2012 |location=Dhaka}}</ref> * Best Actor for ''Ki Jadu Korila'' – 2008<ref name="DKK-19-02-2010" >{{cite news |url=http://www.dailykalerkantho.com/?view=details&archiev=yes&arch_date=19-02-2010&feature=yes&type=gold&data=Cook&pub_no=81&cat_id=3&menu_id=78&news_type_id=1&index=7 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150112060732/http://www.dailykalerkantho.com/?view=details&archiev=yes&arch_date=19-02-2010&feature=yes&type=gold&data=Cook&pub_no=81&cat_id=3&menu_id=78&news_type_id=1&index=7 |url-status=usurped |archive-date=12 January 2015 |script-title=bn:অভিনয়ে সেরা রিয়াজ ও পপি |date=19 February 2010 |work=The Daily Kaler Kantho |author=Meghla Rahman Brishti |access-date=4 November 2012 |language=bn |location=Dhaka}}</ref>

=== Meril Prothom Alo Awards === ;Winner * Best Actor for ''Praner Cheye Priyo'' – 1998 * Best Actor for ''Shashur Bari Zindabad '' – 2001 * Best Actor for ''Premer Taj Mahal'' – 2002 * Best Actor for ''Moner Majhe Tumi'' – 2003<ref name="d40522012323" >{{cite news |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/2004/05/22/d40522012323.htm |title=Meril-Prothom Alo Award handed over |date=22 May 2004 |work=The Daily Star |access-date=4 November 2012 |location=Dhaka}}</ref> * Best Actor for (Critics) ''Shasti: Punishment'' – 2004 * Best Actor (Critics) ''Hajar Bachhor Dhore: Symphony of Agony'' – 2005<ref name="d605141401103" >{{cite news |url=http://www.thedailystar.net/2006/05/14/d605141401103.htm |title=Meril-Prothom Alo Award '05 |date=14 May 2006 |work=The Daily Star |author=Khalid-Bin-Habib |access-date=4 November 2012 |location=Dhaka}}</ref> * Best Actor for ''Hridoyer Kotha'' – 2006

== See also == * Dhallywood * Bangladeshi film actor * Cinema of Bangladesh

== References == {{reflist}}

== External links == * {{commons category-inline|Riaz Uddin Ahamed Siddique|Riaz}} * {{IMDb name|id=1156207}}

{{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Riaz (Actor)}} Category:Male actors in Bengali cinema Category:Bangladesh Air Force personnel Category:Bangladeshi film producers Category:Bengali film producers Category:Bangladeshi television personalities Category:Bangladeshi male models Category:Male actors from Dhaka Category:People from Faridpur Category:People from Jessore District Category:Best Actor National Film Award (Bangladesh) winners Category:Living people Category:1972 births Category:Bangladeshi male film actors Category:21st-century Bangladeshi male actors Category:20th-century Bangladeshi male actors Category:Bengali male actors Category:Meril-Prothom Alo Awards winners Category:Best Film Actor Meril-Prothom Alo Award winners