Elita Karim

Elita Karim

Glad to be alive!

Singer; Writer; Editor of Arts and Entertainment, The Daily Star; Loves books, visuals, sleep and eating bowls of apples, pears and oranges.

July memories

The tragic events of July, especially the Holey Artisan attack and the revolution in Bangladesh, have left indelible scars. Memories of loss and sacrifice continue to shape the nation, serving as a powerful reminder of resilience and resistance.

2w ago

The challenges the film certification board faces

Hopeful outcomes from the new establishment will take months or years of work, research and the final formation of the act and its accompanying set of rules.

8m ago

‘Obak Bhalobasha’: 30 years later

Warfaze, one of the most celebrated bands in Bangladesh, turns 40 years old today. With albums, compositions, awards and several hits to their name, the band has contributed much to the music industry in Bangladesh. They have also played a vital role– through their melodies and lyrics– in keeping the Bengali language alive, thriving and evolving, over several generations and in countries all over the world, where Bengalis live and communicate accordingly. 

1y ago

Delving deep into ‘MaLoMa’ and its topsy turvy world

As I write this, “MaLoMa”, a musical tale of extraordinary lives led by everyday people, is trending number 1 on YouTube Bangladesh & 38 on global YouTube. This song, as a whole, is many stories woven together as one, belonging to people from all walks of life. The stories touch hearts and inspire music lovers to ponder upon life in general. As Arif Dewan and Shagor Dewan sing their hearts out about how mistaken they were about life being a bed of roses, the chaotic city around them comes to life.

1y ago

Weaving ‘Tati’ as a musical, visual treat

It has been a couple of weeks at least since the Bangla New Year celebrations, which we lovingly refer to as Noboborsho. However, Coke Studio Bangla’s “Tati” is still dominating playlists. ‘Taanti’, or in this case “Tati”, refers to the craftsperson or the creator of fabrics, who works with the material called taant – depicting motifs, colourful borders, and softness to touch. Especially in this heat, a taant saree or a fatua is always a welcome addition to an average Bangladeshi wardrobe, allowing one to breathe easy and at the same time, look trendy.

1y ago

Tagore’s Gitabitan and the bookshelf of a Bengali household

It has been 81 years today since Rabindranath Tagore, a Bengali polymath, poet, composer and the first Bengali Nobel Laureate, breathed his last. In these 81 years, much has changed in the world, including the modernisation of his compositions. Tagore’s songs—Rabindra Sangeet, as they are known—are still popular amongst Bengali music lovers.

2y ago

My visit to the Grammys

When I was arriving in Phoenix, Arizona last year for my Humphrey Fellowship, I did not imagine that I would get to be a part of one of the most prestigious musical celebrations of the world – the Grammys.

3y ago

Women in Translation Month: Why we need more of Selina Hossain

The women in Selina Hossain’s books are strong, because the author herself likes to be inspired by the reality around her.

3y ago
January 29, 2016
January 29, 2016

Turning the BIG 30

If you are turning or have turned 30 in the year 2016, sit down, calm down and breathe. Take it from a 33-year-old — its not the end

January 22, 2016
January 22, 2016

Police Brutality on the Loose

Recently, an online news report online caught my eye. A young man, on his way back from visiting his brother in

January 15, 2016
January 15, 2016

Ramblings of a Dhaka Dweller

Last week was a nightmare for Dhaka dwellers after a long time. With the annual Iztema and all kinds of political processions...

January 8, 2016
January 8, 2016

A Business Venture – and watching it grow!

Starting something new, especially in the beginning of the New Year is always very exciting. We get ourselves a shiny new notebook

January 1, 2016
January 1, 2016

1 Minute Please!

Nadia Ali is a popular RJ on the BBC Asian Network in the United Kingdom. She has successfully popularised Bengali numbers, not

January 1, 2016
January 1, 2016

THE 'PAHELA BAISHAKH' INCIDENT

The beginning of a new year comes with hope, a yearning to do better, to help others, to make the nation a better place to live in and of

January 1, 2016
January 1, 2016

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SILVER SCREEN

One does get a little nervous when meeting a famous personality, who they have only previously seen on television and the silver

December 25, 2015
December 25, 2015

Love for Books and Music

Books and music to calm your soul -- and elements that one can find at Omni bookstores, currently located at Genetic Plaza in

December 11, 2015
December 11, 2015

Announcing the Winter Weddings!

It's winter! Not only will one find colourful shawls and fancy jackets walking the streets and riding buses, eating scrumptious pithas...

December 11, 2015
December 11, 2015

Behind the Scenes - Conquering the last Summit

Clad in a vegetable dyed sari, Wasfia arrived at the doorsteps of the Daily Star carrying a real life bow and five arrows. "Don't worry.