The official teaser for “Eid Mubarak,” the second installment of the original short film series Immigrant Diaries by New York-based Bangladeshi-American media organization Thikana, has been released. The film is scheduled for worldwide release on May 27, centering on Eid celebrations among the Bangladeshi diaspora.
Popular Bangladeshi actor Zayed Khan plays the lead role in the film. He previously starred in the series’ first installment, “American Dream.” The new episode also features a special guest appearance by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. However, details about the storyline and other aspects of the film are being kept under wraps until its release.
The film is directed by New York-based filmmakers JK and Saad Al Ameen under the Thikana banner, with supervision by Abir Alamgir. Mushrat Shaheen and Ruhin Hossain serve as executive producers, while overall supervision is provided by Thikana founder and editor, former MP M. M. Shaheen.
For nearly four decades, Thikana has played a vital role in connecting New York City institutions with the Bangladeshi-American community. Through long-standing partnerships with city authorities, the mayor’s office, and government agencies, the organization has highlighted community issues, culture, and social affairs.
According to Thikana, its relationship with Mayor Zohran Mamdani began when he first ran for New York State Assembly. Thikana was reportedly the first Bangla-language newspaper in New York to interview him. In 2021, Mamdani appeared on the platform to address the Bangladeshi-American community, and since then he has participated in several Thikana events focusing on housing, labor, immigration, and small business issues.
As a continuation of that long-standing relationship, Mayor Mamdani agreed to appear in a brief guest role in “Eid Mubarak.” Thikana officials believe this may be the first time a sitting New York City mayor has appeared in an independent Bangladeshi-American short film.
Mushrat Shaheen, executive producer of Immigrant Diaries and COO of Thikana, said the organization has been serving New Yorkers for 37 years and that such a long journey would not have been possible without the support of city authorities and government institutions.
She added, “Our relationship with Mayor Mamdani goes beyond formality — it is a sincere and meaningful connection. Since 2021, he has spoken directly with the Bangladeshi-American community through the Thikana platform many times. Having a sitting mayor who understands our community and supports our cultural initiatives by participating in this film is deeply significant for us.”
Immigrant Diaries is an original short film series by Thikana that portrays the lives, struggles, and emotions of Bangladeshi-Americans living between two cultures. Each episode features a standalone story produced from Thikana’s New York studio.
The first installment, “American Dream,” was released earlier this year and also starred Zayed Khan. “Eid Mubarak” will premiere on May 27 on Thikana’s YouTube channel and social media platforms. The official teaser has already been released on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.
Founded in 1989 by M. M. Shaheen, Thikana is the longest-running Bangladeshi-American newspaper in the United States and one of the largest Bangladeshi media platforms in North America. In addition to print journalism, the platform also produces political, cultural, and community-focused content on YouTube and Facebook.
