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
February 24, 2017
February 24, 2017

An Assembly of Change

The year 2017 began with promises for self-development, to do better as a human being and to contribute more to the country.

February 3, 2017
February 3, 2017

Chobi Mela IX Begins Today

The best thing about any February is the frenzy of activities that comes along with it -- the Ekushey Boi Mela, Pahela Phalgun celebrations and of course commemorating the heroes on International Mother Language day.

February 3, 2017
February 3, 2017

The Festival Prepares

“The global photography spotlight is on Bangladesh. The stars are arriving at our doorstep. It is now up to Bangladeshis to step up the podium. The world of photography beckons.” – Shahidul Alam

January 20, 2017
January 20, 2017

A Day on the Rooftop

When The Daily Star turned 26 years old, last week, we were expecting flowers, good food, a cake with melting chocolate within and of

January 20, 2017
January 20, 2017

In all Fairness

A few weeks ago, a pop music video went viral online, showcasing, surprisingly enough, Saudi teenage girls dancing, singing and expressing themselves, for a change.

January 13, 2017
January 13, 2017

And the City Stopped Moving

Last week was a confusing one. On one side, we were trying to pay respect to the elders, to the rulers and to tradition.

January 13, 2017
January 13, 2017

SINGS - the perfect musical!

If you are up for old songs and some up beat performances, make sure that you book a ticket to watch the highly acclaimed movie 'Sing' at the Star Cineplex at Bashundhara City Mall!

January 13, 2017
January 13, 2017

Learning in 10 Minutes

Ever thought of switching on the TV screen in front of your child and study the formulae of algebra, learn English sentence constructions and understand Bangla baekaron (grammar)?

January 13, 2017
January 13, 2017

The Debatable Draft Law

Very recently, a law drafted by the Ministry for Women and Children's Affairs stated that if a 16-year-old female gets married with the consent of her parents or the court for justified reasons or under special circumstances, she would not be considered underage or a minor.

January 13, 2017
January 13, 2017

Marrying off too early?

A law drafted more than two years ago, stating that a girl at the age of 16 will be able to marry as a non-minor with the consent of her parents, still holds its ground in the midst of major criticism. Turn to pages 8-9 to read thoughts and opinions on this draft law.