The iconic children’s talent hunt programme ‘Notun Kuri’ reminds us the journey of many artistes who made their mark in the country’s media through this signature programme of Bangladesh Television.
The show has not only inspired children and teenagers but has also produced numerous stars in Bangladesh’s cultural arena. First aired on BTV in 1976, the reality show was last broadcast in 2005. Now, almost two decades later, Notun Kuri is making a comeback.
Applications will be accepted from August 15 to September 5. For the initial selection round, the country will be divided into 19 regions. Winners from each region will advance to the divisional selection phase, with the final selection and competition taking place in Dhaka.
The 19 regions for the primary selection are:
Dhaka-1: Dhaka, Gazipur, Manikganj
Dhaka-2: Munshiganj, Narayanganj, Narsingdi
Dhaka-3: Faridpur, Rajbari, Gopalganj, Madaripur, Shariatpur
Mymensingh-1: Mymensingh, Sherpur, Netrokona
Mymensingh-2: Tangail, Kishoreganj, Jamalpur
Sylhet: Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Sunamganj
Rangpur-1: Rangpur, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Gaibandha
Rangpur-2: Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, Panchagarh
Rajshahi-1: Rajshahi, Natore, Chapainawabganj, Pabna
Rajshahi-2: Bogra, Joypurhat, Naogaon, Sirajganj
Khulna-1: Khulna, Bagerhat, Satkhira
Khulna-2: Jessore, Jhenaidah, Magura, Narail
Khulna-3: Kushtia, Meherpur, Chuadanga
Barisal-1: Barisal, Jhalokati, Pirojpur
Barisal-2: Patuakhali, Barguna, Bhola
Chittagong-1: Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar
Chittagong-2: Rangamati, Bandarban, Khagrachhari
Chittagong-3: Comilla, Chandpur, Brahmanbaria
Chittagong-4: Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Feni
Competitions will be held in ‘A’ and ‘B’ categories across nine disciplines: acting, recitation, storytelling/comedy, general dance/high dance, patriotic/modern songs, Rabindra Sangeet, Nazrul Sangeet, folk songs and Hamd-Naat. The age limit for the ‘A’ category (boys and girls) is six to 11 years, and for the ‘B’ category it is 11 to 15 years.
The grand final of Notun Kuri will be held in Dhaka between November 2 and 6.
First launched in 1976, the show became a cultural landmark during Bangladesh’s mono-channel era, discovering generations of young talents in singing, dancing, acting, recitation and other performing arts. It was created by eminent artist Mustafa Monwar and served as a springboard for numerous prominent names in the country’s arts and entertainment scene.
Among its most celebrated alumni are actors Tarana Halim, Rumana Rashid Ishita, Tarin Jahan, Meher Afroz Shaon, Nusrat Imroz Tisha, Zakia Bari Mamo, Tamalika Karmakar, Sabrin Saka Meem and Azad Rahman Shakil; singers Samina Chowdhury, Haimanti Rakshit Das and Mehbooba Mahnoor Chandni; and many others who went on to shine in film, television, theatre and music.
BTV broadcasted ‘Notun Kuri’ until 2006, when changing media landscapes, financial constraints and competition from private channels forced it off the air. The nationwide auditions, live broadcasts and judging processes became increasingly difficult to sustain, despite its popularity.
A planned revival in 2020 was shelved due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but Tuesday’s announcement confirms the long-awaited return. While BTV has yet to release details about auditions, scheduling or format changes, the news has prompted an outpouring of social media posts from former contestants, fans and cultural enthusiasts sharing memories of the beloved programme.
For many, ‘Notun Kuri’ was more than a competition — it was a cultural institution that nurtured young dreams and helped shape Bangladesh’s artistic identity. Its return marks a significant moment in the nation’s television history.