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Brushstrokes of solidarity: Fundraiser exhibition sheds light on war-torn Palestine
To a practised eye, the images, paintings, satirical cartoons and visuals of Palestine, a country with a very rich heritage, art and cultural background and which has been diminished to the verge of destruction, where humanity is barely surviving, did not seem any less or more than what it is: A targeted cultural persecution.
Marking two decades of ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’s’ exuberance
There are films that we enjoy, and then there are the ones that are hard to forget. The latter moves us from within and changes the way we look at life. For me, “Kal Ho Naa Ho” is indelible with its rollercoaster of emotions. Written by Karan Johar and directed by Nikkhil Advani, the film featuring a stellar cast including Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, and Saif Ali Khan, marks its 20th anniversary today – since its release. At its core, the film is an exploration of the various facets of love, beautifully woven into the vibrant tapestry of New York City. As the film turns 20 today, let us revisit it one more time to remind ourselves to “haso, jiyo, muskurayo, kya pata kal ho naa ho.” (live and laugh, for tomorrow may not be there).
Universities offer courses on Taylor Swift's influence on music and culture
Harvard University and the University of Florida are set to introduce innovative courses delving into the impact of Taylor Swift on modern music and society. Harvard's Professor Stephanie Burt will spearhead a course titled "Taylor Swift and Her World", examining the singer's music, lyrics, and cultural significance.
Swagata to take director’s chair
Acclaimed actress and singer Zinat Sanu Swagata is set to make her directorial debut. This foray into the world of direction is under the expansive umbrella of the BTV project titled "Chhoto Chhobi, Boro Shwapno" (Small Films, Big Dreams), where she will be at the helm of a short film. Titled "Otoyeb", this marks her inaugural endeavour into directing, promising a fresh perspective in the realm of storytelling.
Review / A thriller that subverts expectations
It is usually a good sign when a director acknowledges the intelligence of his target audience, respects it when putting the finishing touches on a story. While entering Mohakhali Cineplex to watch the premiere of Shihab Shaheen’s “Baba, Someone’s Following Me”, the pessimist in me instantly assumed that it’d be a straightforward tale of racism faced by South Asian students in Australia. In reality, the Binge original takes a more nuanced task to convey much more than that.
Theaterian’s Death of a Salesman: The tragedy of a common man is still relevant
Theaterian’s first production and 14th show of the famous play brought about the torturous despair of existence and set the stage on fire with eclectic performances throughout its 2:30-hour run-time at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy’s National Theatre Hall on Tuesday.
Safeguarding intangible cultural heritage: Still a long way to go?
Recognising the cultural construct of the state, Lubna Marium emphasises that any threat to culture hampers societal progress, national unity, and diversity. To address this, she has spearheaded the establishment of a comprehensive Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventory (ICH) through Shadhona.
Is quoting psychotic characters a cry for help?
The iconic figures like Batman and the Joker mirror the complexities and duality of depression, offering a channel for individuals to communicate their pain, seek understanding, and, perhaps, find the help and support they so desperately need.
Humayun Ahmed and his quiet, subtle humanist stances
There is a great debate on his inclination towards choosing safer routes as a laureate; critics always said he downplayed his capabilities and did not utilize his literary brilliance on social and political instances much; rather, he opted for popular and contemporary content, a discussion popular among critics and fans alike.
Headlines vs Hemlines: The pervasive bias of entertainment journalism against women
A dive into history reveals similar narratives. In 1968, Sharmila Tagore's decision to wear a bikini for a photoshoot wasn't seen as an artiste's choice but became a canvas for societal moral commentary. Fast forward to the present, and Bollywood luminary Deepika Padukone often finds her neckline inciting more fervour than her critically acclaimed roles.
The Shah Rukh Khan phenomenon: From stardom to superstardom
Through a diverse array of characters and compelling stories, the charismatic Shah Rukh Khan captured the hearts of people from various backgrounds and religions across South Asia. But how did he manage to resonate with such a vast and varied fan base?
The world of Asian influencer farms: A dystopian reality
Few people in the Western world have heard of Ruhan, but the Chinese company has emerged as one of several ‘influencer incubators’, transforming the face of e-commerce in the country. Occupying a grey high-rise in a drab part of industrial Hangzhou, the operation can be seen as the gears that keep online influencers churning out content during hectic eight-hour daily shifts.
