Rumana Rashid Ishita

Ishita received her secondary education at the prestigious Holy Cross Girls' School and College before completing her Higher Secondary Certificate at Viqarunnisa Noon College. She subsequently earned her Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees from North South University, graduating in 2004.

Rumana Rashid Ishita initiated her extraordinary journey in the entertainment industry at a very young age, participating in various cultural programs. Her major breakthrough occurred in 1988 when she won the highly coveted national talent competition, 'Notun Kuri,' organized by Bangladesh Television. That same year, her exceptional portrayal of the character 'Falani' earned her the prestigious President's Award, instantly cementing her status as a beloved child artist across the country.

As she transitioned into adulthood, Ishita smoothly navigated the shift from child star to leading television actress. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, she starred in numerous acclaimed television dramas, captivating audiences with her expressive acting and natural charm. Notable works from this era include 'Ghotona Samanyo,' 'Nirjon Aranye,' and 'Swapno Swapneel.' Her compelling performances in plays like 'Bipashar Jonno Bhalobasha' and 'Aparoopa' garnered her multiple nominations for the Meril-Prothom Alo Awards.

Demonstrating her multifaceted artistic abilities, Ishita eventually expanded her horizons beyond acting into writing and directing. Leveraging her extensive experience on set, she began crafting engaging scripts and taking the director's chair for various television projects. This evolution allowed her to express her creative vision more comprehensively, earning respect from industry veterans and peers.

In addition to her thriving entertainment career, Ishita pursued a rigorous corporate and academic path. In 2007, she joined the popular television channel Channel i as a marketing executive, serving the organization with distinction for over eleven years. Furthermore, her passion for education and business led her to become a respected faculty member at a private university in Bangladesh.

In recent years, particularly noted by her triumphant return to the screen, Ishita received the Critics Choice Award for Best TV Actress at the 2018 Meril-Prothom Alo Awards for her work in 'Pata Jhorar Din.' As of 2026, she continues to be a revered figure in Bangladeshi media, successfully harmonizing her acting legacy, business ventures, and academic commitments.

Rumana Rashid Ishita was born in Bangladesh to a family that strongly supported her artistic and academic pursuits. Her father, Rashid Ahmed Khan, is a noted architect, and her mother, Jahanara Rashid, is actively involved in various social welfare activities. Growing up with her brother Rajib Rashid, who later became a computer engineer based in the United States, Ishita was encouraged to explore her diverse talents from a very young age.

In her personal life, Ishita found a loving partner in Dr. Arif Daula, whom she married in 2003. Together, they share a beautiful bond and are proud parents to their beloved son, Zaveer Daula. Ishita masterfully balances the demands of her high-profile career with her responsibilities as a dedicated wife and mother, often prioritizing her family's well-being above all else.

Beyond her work in media and academia, Ishita has a keen interest in culinary arts and entrepreneurship, leading her to become a successful restaurateur. She also shares a notable musical heritage through her family connections, as the legendary Bangladeshi singer Firoza Begum was her aunt-in-law. Ishita continues to engage in philanthropic activities, inspired by her mother's dedication to social service.