Durga Puja usually brings new clothes, visits to pandals, family gatherings, and traditional delicacies. However, for Dhallywood actress Pooja Cherry, this year's festivities are overshadowed by deep personal loss. Despite the festive atmosphere around her, Pooja feels the profound absence of her late mother.
Speaking to the media, Pooja expressed her longing: "Puja is here, but my mother is not with me. I miss her immensely, especially during these moments of celebration. If my mother were alive today, the joy of Puja would feel completely different."
Though originally from Khulna, Pooja grew up in Dhaka’s Hazaribagh neighborhood. Her childhood memories of Durga Puja are deeply tied to the vibrant streets and temples of Old Dhaka, including Tantibazar and Shankharibazar.
"As a child, I spent my Pujas exploring the pandals and temples until I was thoroughly exhausted," she recalled. "Relatives would gather at our home to celebrate together, sharing meals and laughter. From Mahalaya to Dashami's idol immersion, every single day felt magical."
Over time, those carefree days turned into cherished memories. Today, amid the crowd and celebrations, her mother's absence remains a constant heartache. For the young actress, the festival now carries a bittersweet mix of sweet childhood nostalgia and profound grief.
Pooja Cherry made her screen debut at age eight as a child artist in Jaaz Multimedia's film Bhalobashar Rong. She later starred in numerous television commercials and dramas before transitioning into a lead role with the hit film Poramon 2. She quickly established herself as a popular leading lady in Bangladeshi cinema. Her latest release is the film Dumm, where she stars alongside Afran Nisho.
