
Zakia Bari Mamo
BangladeshAlso known as: Zakia Bari Momo
Birthday
December 19, 1985
Birth Sign
Sagittarius
Birthplace
Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh
Age
40 years old
About
Zakia Bari Mamo is a Bangladeshi actress and model who has been a fixture of the country's film and television scene since the mid-2000s. She is celebrated for her versatility, moving seamlessly between commercial cinema and more ambitious projects, and has become one of the most recognizable and beloved faces in Bangladeshi showbiz. Her career began with a national beauty pageant win, and she has since built a body of work that spans film, television, and streaming platforms.
Mamo's dedication to her craft is evident in her diverse roles, from her award-winning film debut to her work in critically acclaimed web series. She continues to be a prominent figure in the industry, with recent appearances at international film festivals and in new cinematic releases. Fans know her for her warmth, her commitment to her craft, and her willingness to speak up on matters of principle. She is also known for her humility, often deflecting praise and crediting her directors for her successes. As of 2026, she remains an active and influential presence in Bangladeshi entertainment.
Early Life & Background
Zakia Bari Mamo was born in Brahmanbaria, a city in the Chittagong Division of eastern Bangladesh. Raised in a middle-class family, she grew up with a love for music and the arts, though details of her early years remain largely private. She later attended Jahangirnagar University, where she was associated with the campus community, though her specific course of study is not widely documented.
Her path to stardom began when she entered the Lux Channel I Superstar competition, a prestigious beauty pageant and talent hunt. In 2006, she won the title, a moment that changed her life. The win gave her national recognition and opened the door to the film industry. Within a year, she was cast in her first movie, setting the stage for a career that would see her become one of Bangladesh's most recognizable actresses.
Career Growth
Mamo's film debut came in 2007 with Daruchini Dip, a critically acclaimed drama that earned her the Best Actress award at the 32nd Bangladesh National Film Awards. The recognition was immediate and set a high bar for her subsequent work. She continued to appear in films through the 2010s, including Prem Korbo Tomar Sathe (2014), the commercially successful Chuye Dile Mon (2015), and Alta Banu (2018).
In 2021, she starred in the web series Mohanagar, which expanded her reach into the streaming space. Two more web series followed in August 2023, including Sharey Showlo on Hoichoi, where she played a journalist opposite Afran Nisho. In 2024, Mamo made headlines when she resigned from Actors' Equity in solidarity with student protesters during the quota reform movement, a rare public stance in the industry.
In February 2026, she attended the Rotterdam Film Festival for the film Master, celebrating its global moment. That same month, it was announced she would co-host special Ramadan shows on Deepto TV with Richie. In April 2026, she returned to cinemas with Bonolota Express during Eid, a performance that drew "a distinctly emotional response" from audiences. She credited director Tanim Noor for the film's success, saying, "All credit goes to Tanim Noor."
Career Timeline
Public Image & Style
Mamo is regarded as one of the most recognizable and respected faces in Bangladeshi showbiz. Her public persona is warm and down-to-earth, reflected in her social media presence where she emphasizes her love for family, fans, music, and the guitar. She is known for her versatility, moving easily between dramatic roles and romantic leads.
Her 2024 resignation from Actors' Equity, in which she cited a commitment to justice over the name of equity, was seen as a rare act of integrity in the industry. She has also spoken candidly about her ambitions, saying she wants to work on better projects and become a better actor. In an interview, she stated, "I only have two items in my bucket list. Firstly, I want to work on much better projects. Secondly, I want to be able to act a lot better." Fans appreciate her humility and her willingness to take a stand.
Fame & Fandom
Zakia Bari Mamo currently holds the 73rd most famous person in Indian Dramas, a steady position that reflects her enduring resonance across South Asian screens. This placement is documented within the iFANN Global Fame Rankings, which tracks global attention across media coverage, search, and consumption signals worldwide. Her standing as one of the region's most recognizable faces translates directly into these authoritative metrics, placing her firmly among the industry's elite without needing further explanation of the underlying data inputs.
While her support base is vast and deeply affectionate, there is no formal, official name for Zakia Bari Mamo's fandom. Unlike global pop stars with branded clubs, her audience remains an organic, decentralized community of general viewers and industry peers who engage through social media and public appearances rather than organized campaigns or fan-funded rituals. The strength of this following is visible in the consistent viewership of her web series and films, yet it lacks the structured activism seen elsewhere. Her legend grew from a rapid ascent: winning the Lux Channel I Superstar in 2006 only to secure the National Film Award for Best Actress in 2007 for *Dahan*, a story fans still retell to highlight her unique talent. Recent years have added layers to her mythology, particularly her 2024 resignation from Actors' Equity in solidarity with student protesters, transforming her public image into one of unwavering integrity. Collaborations with co-star Mosharraf Karim continue to generate anticipation, while roles in *Bonolota Express* and international recognition at the Rotterdam Film Festival for *Master* cement her status as a leading icon of contemporary Bangladeshi cinema.
Interesting Facts and Legends
Zakia Bari Mamo plays the guitar and loves music, details she shares in her Instagram bio alongside her love for family, fans, and life. Her Wikipedia presence spans Bengali, English, and Urdu editions, marking her reach beyond Bangladesh, while IMDb sometimes lists her name as "Zakia Bari Momo." Often called a "model turned actress" due to her pageant win launching her career, she maintains a humble outlook, stating she is "yet to become a great actor." She navigates the modern media landscape effectively, appearing on streaming platforms like Hoichoi and Chorki as well as broadcast channel Deepto TV. Coverage also noted her involvement in Minar's music video "Barabari," showcasing her diverse project portfolio.
Her career mythology includes the remarkable feat of transitioning immediately from modeling to winning a National Film Award, a rare dual dominance in the industry. Another defining moment was her divorce from Shihab Shaheen in September 2020, widely discussed in local media and solidifying her prominence as a public figure. More recently, her decision to resign from Actors' Equity to stand with student protesters became a pivotal chapter in her personal narrative, elevating her reputation for principle above professional convenience.
Notable Quotes
“I only have two items in my bucket list. Firstly, I want to work on much better projects. Secondly, I want to be able to act a lot better.”
“Equity stands for justice and fairness. I cannot personally accept compromising with justice in the name of equity. As an artiste, I am responsible for my...”
“I am yet to become a great actor.”
“All credit goes to Tanim Noor.”
Family & Personal Life
Mamo keeps her family life largely out of the spotlight. She was raised in Brahmanbaria in a middle-class household, though the names and occupations of her parents have not been widely reported. She has not publicly shared details about siblings.
She is married to film director Shihab Shaheen. The couple tied the knot in 2015, but they kept the marriage private for four years, confirming it publicly in 2019 after persistent rumors. As of 2026, they remain together. There is no public record of them having children.
Notable Connections
Mamo is married to director Shihab Shaheen, who has been a key figure in her personal life. She has worked with actor Afran Nisho on the series Sharey Showlo and with director Tanim Noor on Bonolota Express. She also co-hosts Ramadan specials on Deepto TV with Richie, and has been linked to musician Minar through the music video Barabari.
Relationships & Dating History
Mamo's public dating history is limited to her marriage to film director Shihab Shaheen. The couple reportedly began their relationship around 2015 and married that year, but they kept it private for four years. In 2019, they publicly confirmed their marriage, which had been the subject of rumors for some time.
There is no public record of relationships before Shaheen. As of 2026, Mamo is married to Shaheen, and there are no reports of separation or divorce. The couple has not publicly announced any children.
- MarriedShihab Shaheen2015 - presentCurrentMarried in 2015; publicly confirmed in 2019.
Salary, Net Worth In 2026
$2 Million
iFANN Editorial Team estimate
Zakia Bari Mamo's net worth is not publicly documented by financial outlets, but her career in Bangladeshi film, television, and streaming suggests a comfortable income. Per iFANN's editorial analysis, as of 2026, her estimated net worth is $2 Million, derived from film salaries, television appearances, brand endorsements (she was a Lux ambassador via the pageant), and streaming projects on platforms like Hoichoi and Chorki. Her earnings have grown steadily since her debut, with notable projects in the 2020s, including web series and festival appearances, likely boosting her income. While exact figures are scarce, her long career and continued relevance in the industry support this estimate.
Awards Won (1)
Mamo won the Bangladesh National Film Award for Best Actress for her debut film Daruchini Dip (2007), a remarkable achievement that set the tone for her career. This remains her most significant award to date.
2007 · Best Actress
Daruchini Dip
Known For
Daruchini Dip
2007 · Lead actress
Mohanagar
2021 · Lead actress
Bonolota Express
2026 · Lead actress
Chuye Dile Mon
2015 · Lead actress
Keywords
Sources
Quick Facts
- Profession
- actress, model
- Born
- December 19, 1985
- Birthplace
- Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh
- Gender
- Female
- Birth Sign
- Sagittarius
- Spouse
- Shihab Shaheen
- Relationship Status
- Married
- Education
- Jahangirnagar University
Personal Details
- Spouse
- Shihab Shaheen
- Education
- Jahangirnagar University (attended)
Frequently Asked Questions
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