Shayan: Of music and defiance
Shayan’s work is a blend of personal reflection and sharp social commentary, involving themes from lost relationships to biting political critiques. In songs like “Jonotar Beyadobi”, “Bhoy Banglay Bhoy”, “Ei Meye Shon”, and “O Neta Bhai”, she speaks not just of struggles, but of hope for a better world, calling for collective action against injustice.
1w ago
Aly Zaker: Remembering the architect of Bangladeshi theatre
As we celebrate the artiste’s 80th birth anniversary and reflect on four years since we lost him, we remember Aly Zaker as more than just an actor; as a visionary who understood the transformative power of storytelling. His legacy reminds us that art is not merely entertainment—it is the heartbeat of life itself, shaping how we see, feel, and understand the world.
3w ago
Bappa Mazumder’s odyssey lives on
For over three decades, Bappa has been an invaluable asset to the country's music industry, and he continues to work on several projects, including his latest song “Shohorer Chokh”. Additionally, the musician launched a Bangla Ghazal album, titled “Onubhob”, just yesterday.
3w ago
The timeless allure of Jibanananda Das on screen
Known by various titles—“The Poet of Love” and “Poet of Ruposhi Bangla”—Jibanananda's metaphysical and magically realist verses have enchanted countless readers and audiences. His influence spills over from literature into cinema, inspiring iconic works from the 90s rock band Moheener Ghoraguli to films like Sayantan Mukherjee’s “Jhora Palok” and Robiul Alam Robi’s “Moribar Holo Taar Shwaad.”
1m ago
A bittersweet Durga Puja
Dhaka city seems to have experienced a juxtaposition of tradition and trepidation during this year’s Durga Puja celebrations.
1m ago
The artivist
Being a cartoonist is Morshed Mishu’s preferred public identity, or as he describes himself, an “artivist”—someone who practices activism through art in a non-traditional manner. Mishu, who rose to prominence through his political cartoons and social activism, has journeyed to every corner of the country to aid his fellow countrymen.
1m ago
Shah Abdul Karim, the Baul king who sang his soul
Fifteen years ago today, on September 12, 2009, Karim, revered as the "Baul king," passed away, leaving behind a profound yet humble legacy of love and mysticism. Growing up in the flood-prone lowlands of Sunamganj, Karim's music became a lifeline, reflecting the rhythms of waterlogged lands and the heartache of their people. His songs, simple yet profound, captured the essence of rural life, blending spirituality with raw emotion.
2m ago
Prachyanat School honours Kafka with stage adaptation of ‘Metamorphosis’
Kafka's “The Metamorphosis”, published in 1915, remains one of the most unsettling yet profound explorations of alienation and existential dread. The novella's iconic opening—“One morning, Gregor Samsa wakes up to find himself transformed into a giant insect”—sets the tone for a story that delves deep into the absurdity of human existence and the crushing weight of societal expectations.
3m ago
August 10, 2023
100 Years of SM Sultan
Even after being acclaimed and acknowledged all over the world, including India, Pakistan, the USA, Britain, and Europe, SM Sultan’s artworks before the 1950s remain a mystery as most of these could not be traced due to his nomadic nature.
August 6, 2023
The forever debt to Rabindranath Tagore
From children’s books to internationally applauded films, from lyrical ballads to Netflix series, wherever we put our senses, they are filled with the legacy of the “Bard of Bengal”, Rabindranath Tagore. Do we ever ask ourselves what we would do without him? Do we wonder how the entire culture of the Indian subcontinent is wrapped around his existence?
August 5, 2023
Tauquir Ahmed’s ‘Tirthojatri’ is a stellar theatrical comeback
The play, “Tirthojatri” is adapted from popular writer Humayun Kabir’s philosophical fiction “Tirthojatri Tinjon Tarkik.” The play is co-written by the fiction's original author, and Tauquir himself.
July 24, 2023
Remembering the Mahanayak
Today marks the 43rd death anniversary of legendary actor Uttam Kumar.
July 11, 2023
The artiste behind ‘Udd Gaye’: Ritviz’s rise to fame
With his breakthrough song, “Udd Gaye” released in 2017, the singer produced hit bangers like “Sage,” “Liggi,” “Barso,” “Jeet,”
June 25, 2023
'Life Through Rohingya Eyes' sheds light on life of Rohingya refugees
Documented by 19 bright Rohingya photographers, the exhibition–a joint endeavor of UNHCR and the Bangladesh Liberation War Museum under the Rohingyatographer Collective–tells a tale of oppression, pain, resilience, and hope.
April 8, 2023
Picasso: An actor on the stage of history
On his 50th death anniversary today, The Daily Star looks into the complex psyche of the renowned artiste, which goes beyond his individuality.
March 28, 2023
World Theater Day: When ‘Art’ becomes ubiquitous
Yasmina Reza’s screenplay and Open Space Theatre’s adaptation continue with brisk intelligence and wit. The audience remained faithful, engaged, enthralled and deliberate in their interpretation of the play.
September 16, 2022
‘Nishwas’: Raihan Rafi’s compelling crime-thriller is a must-watch
After “Taan”, “Floor Number 7”, and “Khachar Bhitor Ochin Pakhi”, Raihan Rafi has now brought forth another experimental production, “Nishwas”, to the popular OTT platform, Chorki on Thursday.
September 11, 2022
Indigo Giant: A poetic tale of oppression and rebellion
“Do you ever feel that there is something inside you? Something ancient, that will come out one day?” -- Naila Azad Nupur asks this exact question in “Indigo Giant”, her brilliant rendition of the story written by Dinabandhu Mitra in his epic play, “Nil Darpan”. The play, written by Ben Musgrave and translated by Leesa Gazi, was staged at the Bangladesh Mahila Samity’s Nilima Ibrahim Auditorium on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday with four shows.
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