Purnima (Bengali: পূর্ণিমা), whose birth name is Dilara Hanif Rita (দিলারা হানিফ রীতা), is a Bangladeshi film actress, model and television presenter. She is recognised for her performances in Dhallywood films and has appeared in numerous commercial and critically acclaimed productions throughout her career.

Purnima made her leading-role film debut with E Jibon Tomar Amar (1998), directed by Jakir Hossain Raju. She rose to widespread popularity through films such as Moner Majhe Tumi (2003), Megher Pore Megh (2004), Shasti (2004), Shuva (2006), Hridoyer Kotha (2006) and Akash Chhoa Bhalobasha (2008).

She received the Bangladesh National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in Ora Amake Bhalo Hote Dilo Na (2010). In addition to acting, she has worked as a television presenter, hosting programmes such as Ebong Purnima and Purnima’r Alo. She made her OTT debut with Munshigiri (2021), directed by Amitabh Reza Chowdhury.

After a period of relatively limited screen appearances, Purnima returned to theatrical cinema with Ahare Jibon (2024). In May 2026, she appeared in the awareness-focused documentary Ostitter Lorai, directed by Gazi Mahbub.

Early Life and Education

Purnima was born as Dilara Hanif Rita on 11 July 1981 in Chittagong, Bangladesh. Her ancestral home is in Fatikchhari, Chittagong. She is the daughter of Mohammad Hanif and Sufia Begum and has a sister named Dilruba Hanif.

She spent her early years in Chittagong before moving to Dhaka to pursue opportunities in the entertainment industry. Her family background and early experiences have occasionally been discussed in interviews and entertainment profiles.

Purnima’s educational history has not been comprehensively documented in the major publicly available interviews and reports consulted for this biography. Therefore, specific school, college and university qualifications are not included as confirmed facts.

Entry into the Entertainment Industry

Before becoming a leading actress, Purnima reportedly appeared as a child performer in the film Shatru Ghayeel. She later entered mainstream cinema through a leading role.

Her professional career began during a period when Bangladeshi commercial cinema was dominated by established stars such as Moushumi, Shabnur, Shomi Kaiser and other performers. Purnima gradually developed her own screen identity through romantic dramas, family films and socially themed productions.

Purnima Biography, Age, Height, Career, Husband and More

Bio
Real Name	Dilara Hanif Rita
Nickname	Purnima, Rita
Profession	Model, Actress
Physical Stats & More
Height (approx.)	in centimeters– 163 cm in meters– 1.63 m in feet inches– 5’ 4”
Weight (approx.)	in kilograms– 65 kg in pounds– 143 lbs
Figure Measurements	35-33-38
Eye Colour	Black
Hair Colour	Black
Personal Life
Date of Birth	11 July 1981
Age (as in 2026)	45 Years
Birth Place	Chittagong, Bangladesh
Zodiac sign/Sun sign	Cancer
Nationality	Bangladeshi
Hometown	Dhaka, Bangladesh
Educational Qualification	Graduate
Debut	Film: ‘E Jibon Tomar Amar’ (1997) TV: ‘Laboratory’
Family	Father– Mohammad Hanif Mother– Sufia Begum Brother– Not Known Sisters– Rekha, Dilruba Hani
Religion	Islam
Address	Dhaka, Bangladesh
Hobbies	Cooking, Playing with her daughter
Favourite Things
Favourite Food	Fish, ‘Dal-Raita’, Garlic Rice
Favourite Actor	Shahrukh Khan
Favourite Actress	Bipasha Basu
Favourite Colour	Yellow
Favourite Sport	Football
Boys, Affairs and More
Marital Status	Married
Affairs/Boyfriends	Not Known
Husband/Spouse	Mostaq Kibria (2005-2007) Ahmed Fahad Jamal (Businessman) (2007-2021) Ashfaqur Rahman Robin (2022-Present)
Marriage Date	2022
Children	Son– N/A Daughter– Arshia Umaiza

Film Career

Film Debut: E Jibon Tomar Amar (1998)

Purnima made her leading-role film debut with E Jibon Tomar Amar, directed by Jakir Hossain Raju and released in May 1998. She appeared opposite actor Riaz.

The film introduced her to the Bangladeshi film industry as a leading actress. In a 2023 interview with The Daily Star, she reflected on her early career and described the opportunity to work with director Jakir Hossain Raju and producer Motiur Rahman Panu as an important break.

She also recalled that her early years in the industry involved considerable effort to establish herself as a credible performer. Although her first film brought attention, she said that maintaining her position required continued work and dedication.

Early Films and Career Development

Following her debut, Purnima appeared in a number of films during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Her early filmography included commercial dramas and romantic productions.

Some of her films from this period included:

Ajker Dapot
Nishwase Tumi Biswase Tumi
Lal Doria
Mastaner Upor Mastan
Moner Majhe Tumi
Jamai Shashur

Her performances and screen pairing with popular actors helped her gain a larger audience. She subsequently became one of the familiar leading actresses in Dhallywood.

Breakthrough with Moner Majhe Tumi (2003)

Moner Majhe Tumi (2003) was one of the most important films in Purnima’s career. The Bangladesh–India joint-venture film featured Purnima and Riaz in leading roles.

The film became a major commercial success and helped increase her popularity among Bengali-speaking audiences in both Bangladesh and India.

Her on-screen pairing with Riaz became particularly popular, and the two actors appeared together in numerous subsequent productions. Their collaborations included romantic dramas and family-oriented films that became familiar to Bangladeshi cinema audiences.

The success of Moner Majhe Tumi marked a turning point in Purnima’s career and strengthened her position as a leading actress.

Megher Pore Megh (2004)

In 2004, Purnima appeared in Megher Pore Megh, directed by Chashi Nazrul Islam. The film was based on the novel by Rabeya Khatun and explored the experiences and consequences of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.

The film received recognition for its subject matter and performances. It also demonstrated Purnima’s involvement in productions with historical and social themes rather than only mainstream romantic entertainment.

Shasti (2004)

Purnima appeared in Shasti, another film directed by Chashi Nazrul Islam. The film was based on Rabindranath Tagore’s short story of the same name.

The story explores family relationships, social expectations and the consequences of injustice. The production received attention for its literary source material and dramatic performances.

Shuva (2006)

In 2006, Purnima starred in Shuva, an adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore’s short story Shuvashini. Directed by Chashi Nazrul Islam, the film featured Purnima in the title role.

The story centres on a young woman who cannot speak and explores her emotional world, family circumstances and relationships. Purnima’s portrayal of the character was among the notable performances of her career.

Hridoyer Kotha (2006)

One of Purnima’s most popular romantic films was Hridoyer Kotha (2006), directed by S. A. Haque Alik. She appeared opposite Riaz.

The film attracted attention for its romantic storyline and music. Its songs became popular among audiences and contributed to the film’s success.

The collaboration between Purnima and Riaz in Hridoyer Kotha further strengthened their reputation as one of the popular on-screen pairs of Bangladeshi cinema.

Akash Chhoa Bhalobasha (2008)

Purnima and Riaz reunited for Akash Chhoa Bhalobasha (2008), directed by S. A. Haque Alik.

The romantic film continued the popularity of their on-screen partnership. Its music and performances attracted audiences and helped maintain Purnima’s position in commercial cinema.

Ora Amake Bhalo Hote Dilo Na (2010)

In 2010, Purnima appeared in Ora Amake Bhalo Hote Dilo Na, written and directed by Kazi Hayat.

Her performance in the film earned her the Bangladesh National Film Award for Best Actress. The award became one of the most significant achievements of her career and recognised her contribution to Bangladeshi cinema.

The film demonstrated her ability to take on dramatic roles and reinforced her reputation beyond romantic and commercial productions.

Films During the 2010s

Purnima continued to appear in feature films during the 2010s, although she gradually became more selective about her acting assignments.

Her selected films from this period include:

Mayer Jonno Pagol (2011)
Matir Thikana (2011)
Chaya Chobi (2013)
Chiranjib Mujib (2021)

She also appeared in television productions and continued working as a presenter.

Television Career

Alongside feature films, Purnima has appeared in television dramas, telefilms and serials. Her television work allowed her to explore different types of characters and maintain a connection with audiences during periods when she was less active in cinema.

Some of her selected television productions include:

Ghorer Khobor Porer Khobor
Durghot
Lal Neel Beguni
Laboratory
Off Side
Fire Jawa Holo Na
Tumi Ami Pasha Pashi
Hotath Prem Onek Bhalobasha
Candy Crush
Hello 911: Love Emergency
Sub-let
Bhalo Bashabashi
Ei Prithibi Amader

One of her notable television appearances was in Laboratory (2011), based on Rabindranath Tagore’s short story. She also appeared in Idiots (2013), directed by Muhammad Mostafa Kamal Raz.

In a 2021 interview with The Daily Star, Purnima discussed her experience working in television and explained that she had become selective about the dramas and telefilms she accepted.

Television Hosting and Presentation

Purnima has also established herself as a television presenter. Her hosting work has included celebrity interviews, entertainment programmes and award ceremonies.

Ebong Purnima

In 2018, Purnima began hosting Ebong Purnima, a celebrity talk show broadcast on RTV. The programme featured conversations with actors, musicians and other personalities from the Bangladeshi entertainment industry.

In an interview with The Daily Star published in May 2018, she explained that she enjoyed hosting and that preparing for the programme involved researching guests and their professional backgrounds.

The programme received a positive response from viewers and became one of her recognised television projects.

Purnima’r Alo and Other Programmes

Purnima has also been associated with other television programmes, including Purnima’r Alo and Boro Moncher Tarokara.

Her presenting work extended to stage events and award ceremonies. She became particularly familiar to television audiences through her appearances as a host at the Meril-Prothom Alo Awards.

She also hosted the 2016 and 2017 Meril-Prothom Alo Awards ceremonies alongside actor Ferdous Ahmed.

OTT Career

Munshigiri (2021)

Purnima made her web-film debut with Munshigiri, directed by Amitabh Reza Chowdhury and released on the Chorki streaming platform in 2021.

The film was based on Shibabrata Barman’s novel Mriterao Kotha Bole. It starred Chanchal Chowdhury as investigator Masood Munshi, with Purnima appearing as Suraiya Akter.

The production marked an important development in her career because it introduced her to a new generation of viewers through a streaming platform.

In an interview with The Daily Star in October 2021, she said that audiences had appreciated her characterisation in the film and that she was interested in exploring more work on OTT platforms.

Hotel Relax (2023)

Purnima appeared in Hotel Relax, a Bangladeshi web series released in 2023. She portrayed a character associated with a police investigation, listed in the Bangla Movie Database as a DB officer.

The project added to her digital-screen credits and demonstrated her continued interest in working across different entertainment formats.

Later Film Projects

Gangchil

Purnima appeared in Gangchil, a film directed by Noyeem Imtiaz Neyamul and based on a story associated with the coastal region of Bangladesh.

She worked alongside Ferdous Ahmed in the production. In a 2021 interview, she discussed the project and her interest in returning to the big screen.

The film remained in development and release discussions for several years. Its production and release status should be distinguished from films that have already reached cinemas.

Ahare Jibon (2024)

In 2024, Purnima returned to theatrical cinema with Ahare Jibon, directed by Chotku Ahmed. She appeared opposite Ferdous Ahmed.

The film was released in May 2024 and brought her back to the big screen after a period of limited film appearances.

In an interview published by The Daily Star in July 2024, Purnima discussed her birthday, family life and professional plans. She also expressed interest in considering new film and OTT projects.

Ostitter Lorai (2026)

In May 2026, Purnima appeared in Ostitter Lorai, an awareness-focused documentary directed by Gazi Mahbub.

The documentary revisits the devastating natural disaster that struck Bhola district in 1970 and examines the wider challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters in Bangladesh.

Personal Life

First Marriage

Purnima married businessman Mostaq Kibria on 6 September 2005. The marriage ended in divorce in May 2007, according to biographical records and entertainment databases.

Marriage to Ahmed Jamal Fahad

On 4 November 2007, Purnima married businessman Ahmed Jamal Fahad.

The couple had a daughter, Arshia Umaiza, who was born on 13 April 2014. Purnima has occasionally spoken about motherhood and her relationship with her daughter in interviews.

The marriage later ended in divorce. Reports published in 2022 discussed the end of the relationship and her subsequent marriage.

Marriage to Ashfaqur Rahman Robin

In 2022, Purnima married Ashfaqur Rahman Robin. She confirmed the marriage to Prothom Alo in July 2022.

According to the report, Robin worked at a non-governmental organisation in Dhaka. Purnima said that they had known each other for approximately four to five years before their relationship developed into marriage.

The wedding took place in a private family ceremony. In a July 2024 interview with The Daily Star, Purnima spoke warmly about her husband and family life.

Awards and Recognition

Purnima has received recognition for her work in Bangladeshi cinema, including the Bangladesh National Film Award and Meril-Prothom Alo Awards.

Bangladesh National Film Award

Best Actress – 2010: Ora Amake Bhalo Hote Dilo Na.

The award is one of the most significant honours in her acting career.

Meril-Prothom Alo Awards

Purnima has also received recognition at the Meril-Prothom Alo Awards. Her notable wins include:

Best Film Actress: Moner Majhe Tumi (2003).
Best Film Actress: Hridoyer Kotha (2006).
Best Film Actress (Critics): Dhoka (2007).

Her work has also received nominations and recognition in other entertainment awards and industry events. A complete awards list should be checked against the original award records before publication.

Selected Filmography

The following table presents selected feature films associated with Purnima. It is not a complete list of her film appearances.

Year	Film	Notes
1998	E Jibon Tomar Amar	Leading-role film debut
1999	Ajker Dapot	Feature film
2001	Nishwase Tumi Biswase Tumi	Feature film
2002	Lal Doria	Feature film
2003	Moner Majhe Tumi	Bangladesh–India joint production
2003	Jamai Shashur	Feature film
2004	Megher Pore Megh	Liberation War drama
2004	Shasti	Based on Rabindranath Tagore’s story
2006	Shuva	Based on Tagore’s story
2006	Hridoyer Kotha	Romantic drama
2008	Akash Chhoa Bhalobasha	Romantic drama
2009	Shubho Bibaho	Feature film
2010	Ora Amake Bhalo Hote Dilo Na	National Film Award-winning performance
2011	Matir Thikana	Feature film
2011	Mayer Jonno Pagol	Feature film
2013	Chaya Chobi	Feature film
2021	Chiranjib Mujib	Feature film
2021	Munshigiri	Web film
2024	Ahare Jibon	Feature film

Selected Television and Digital Projects

Year	Title	Format	Notes
2002	Ghorer Khobor Porer Khobor	Television drama	Selected television credit
2002	Durghot	Television drama	Selected television credit
2010	Lal Neel Beguni	Television serial	Appeared in the series
2011	Laboratory	Television drama	Based on Tagore’s short story
2013	Idiots	Television series	Directed by Muhammad Mostafa Kamal Raz
2015	Off Side	Television drama	Selected television credit
2016	Fire Jawa Holo Na	Telefilm	Directed by S. A. Haque Alik
2018	Candy Crush	Television production	Directed by Redoan Rony
2018	Hello 911: Love Emergency	Television production	Directed by Muhammad Mostafa Kamal Raz
2019	Sub-let	Television drama	Selected television credit
2020	Bhalo Bashabashi	Television drama	Selected television credit
2021	Ei Prithibi Amader	Television drama	Selected television credit
2021	Munshigiri	Web film	Chorki
2023	Hotel Relax	Web series	Appeared as a DB officer
2026	Ostitter Lorai	Documentary	Directed by Gazi Mahbub

Legacy and Contribution to Bangladeshi Cinema

Purnima is regarded as one of the prominent actresses of modern Bangladeshi commercial cinema. Her career spans more than two decades and includes feature films, television dramas, telefilms, web productions, modelling and television presentation.

Her collaborations with Riaz, Manna, Ferdous Ahmed and other leading actors contributed to her popularity. Films such as Moner Majhe Tumi, Megher Pore Megh, Shuva, Hridoyer Kotha and Akash Chhoa Bhalobasha remain among the best-known titles associated with her career.

Her National Film Award for Ora Amake Bhalo Hote Dilo Na and her work as a television presenter further expanded her professional profile.

Although she has become more selective about acting in recent years, Purnima has expressed continued interest in working on meaningful stories and projects across cinema, television and digital platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is Purnima?

Purnima is a Bangladeshi film actress, model and television presenter. Her birth name is Dilara Hanif Rita.

2. When was Purnima born?

Purnima was born on 11 July 1981, according to published biographical records and birthday interviews.

3. How old is Purnima?

She is 45 years old as of November 2026.

4. Where was Purnima born?

She was born in Chittagong, Bangladesh. Her ancestral home is in Fatikchhari, Chittagong.

5. What was Purnima’s first film?

Her leading-role film debut was E Jibon Tomar Amar, released in 1998 and directed by Jakir Hossain Raju.

6. Which film made Purnima famous?

Moner Majhe Tumi (2003) was one of the major films that established her popularity among Bangladeshi and Bengali-speaking audiences.

7. Has Purnima won a National Film Award?

Yes. She won the Bangladesh National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in Ora Amake Bhalo Hote Dilo Na (2010).

8. Who is Purnima’s husband?

Purnima is married to Ashfaqur Rahman Robin. They married in 2022.

9. Does Purnima have children?

Yes. She has a daughter named Arshia Umaiza, born on 13 April 2014.

10. Which OTT project marked Purnima’s web-film debut?

Her web-film debut was Munshigiri (2021), directed by Amitabh Reza Chowdhury and released on Chorki.

11. Has Purnima worked as a television presenter?

Yes. She has hosted programmes such as Ebong Purnima and Purnima’r Alo and has presented the Meril-Prothom Alo Awards.

12. What is Purnima’s latest project?

In May 2026, she appeared in Ostitter Lorai, an awareness documentary directed by Gazi Mahbub.