TBT DESK

Popular actor Ziaul Faruq Apurba recently visited Albion Art Gallery in Uttara at the invitation of his longtime friend Mohammad Ullah.

Located at House 55 on Lake Drive Road in Uttara, the property was widely known as Anandabari, a popular shooting house. Over the years, leading artistes including Razzak, Bobita, Moushumi, Purnima, Popy, Abul Hayat, Afzal Hossain, Suborna Mustafa, Dilara Zaman and Dolly Zahur have worked there.

Mohammad Ullah has overseen the shooting house for the past 18 years. On 16 December 2024, Anandabari was transformed into Albion Art Gallery, where paintings by renowned artists from around the world are displayed across the walls inside and outside the premises. The artworks are also available for purchase at affordable prices.

The gallery also operates as a coffee shop and offers a range of food, including Italian pizzas, steaks, burgers, urban wraps, European breakfasts, European rice meals, smoothies, milkshakes, grilled seafood and egg bread.

Apurba and Mohammad Ullah have been friends for around two decades. Apurba has shot numerous productions at Anandabari and often spent time chatting with Ullah between scenes.

Last Thursday, Ullah formally invited his friend to visit the gallery. Meanwhile, the third floor has once again started operating as a shooting house under the name Anandabari.

Apurba visited the gallery after completing a shoot for SR Majumder, where he explored the artworks and sampled several dishes.

“Mohammad Ullah is a dear friend of mine and we have known each other for a long time. I have spent countless hours at Anandabari because of work, so I cannot even keep track of them. I really admire my friend’s creativity. He has used his talent to beautifully arrange the art gallery. Every dish is delicious, and anyone can comfortably come here with family and friends. The coffee is simply outstanding. I hope Albion Art Gallery, like Anandabari, earns a reputation everywhere,” Apurba said.

Ullah said Apurba has remained extremely busy with shooting since returning to Bangladesh, making the time he spent at the gallery particularly meaningful.

“I am extremely happy that my friend made time to accept my invitation despite his busy shooting schedule. I am very grateful to him,” he said.