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.

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.

3w 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. 

5m 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.

6m 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.

7m 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.

2y 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

Remembering the contemporary great: Humayun Ahmed

To me, he was a weaver of stories from lands and cultures, all within Bangladesh, that I would never have heard of otherwise. Growing up abroad amidst mixed cultures and languages, Humayun Ahmed kept Bangladesh within me and in thousands of others like me.

3y ago
July 31, 2015
July 31, 2015

Man of the Earth

A popular name in the field of agriculture, Rezaul Karim Siddique has been researching on how to develop cultivation and growth of crops in Bangladesh for more than three decades. Not only does he work for the betterment of agriculture, he also works towards the development of farmers and organic farming.

July 17, 2015
July 17, 2015

For the youth, By the youth

Teach For Bangladesh (TFB) is a non-profit organisation that is focused on reducing educational disparity in Bangladesh through building a generation of highly-effective, principle-oriented leaders.

July 10, 2015
July 10, 2015

Stories from the Streets

This city is filled with people and their stories. While an old tale vanishes, a new one adds to the list. In the case of Dhaka, however, new stories are adding up faster than ever, especially when it comes to the month of Ramadan.

July 10, 2015
July 10, 2015

1 MINUTE PLEASE!

Rahat Rahman is the man behind the camera – the storyteller and the director. An established ad-filmmaker, Rahat recently made a name for himself with his telefilm Monkey Business. As the name would suggest, the film was a jumble of unique characters, bizarre

July 3, 2015
July 3, 2015

Facing the Floods

A major obstacle faced by city dwellers every other day is that of rainwater flooding the streets. Every year, the issue of water logging gets

July 3, 2015
July 3, 2015

LOOKING FOR A BETTER PLAN

“Books - check. Pens and pencils - check. Rain coat - check. Umbrella - check. Old knee boots - check." – a part of the daily check lists made by 21-year-old Fatimah Sifat. Studying final year BBA at a private university, Fatimah prepares herself for the worst,

July 3, 2015
July 3, 2015

CIMA: The Global Passport

Clancy Peiris, ACMA, CGMA, is Attorney at Law and Study Support & Learning Manager - CIMA, UK. With decades of experience in teaching and training students, teachers and learners, Peris feels that CIMA is probably one of the best ways to see the 'big picture'.

July 3, 2015
July 3, 2015

1 MINUTE PLEASE!

Sabnam Faria is a household name today, thanks to her chirpy nature and trendy looks. She was first noticed on @18, a telefilm that attracted the youth back in 2013. Later on, Faria began working in ad-films, along with becoming a regular on television.

June 26, 2015
June 26, 2015

More than just Sunbathing!

Sunny beaches, swimming in the ocean and scuba diving -- the Phi Phi Islands in Thailand are all this and so much more! The long strip of footpath on one side, the beach and mountains on the other – are all that build the city. A walk down the road will reveal second hand bookshops, stores selling fresh sea food, jazz music playing at restaurants and artists selling their art.

June 26, 2015
June 26, 2015

1 MINUTE PLEASE!

Maria Nur has proved herself to be a multitalented young woman, recently in present-day television media. Starting off as a Radio Jockey for a radio station in Dhaka, her easy going nature, inquisitive personality, courage and hard work have shot her to fame within a short