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
December 30, 2016
Resolution for 2017: Comprehending the 'Different'
As we sign off with 2016, we look forward to 2017, hoping to mend our ways, letting go of bad habits and develop new ones.
December 30, 2016
10 stories to look back at
As we all try our best to look forward to the New Year – make lists of things to do (better!), to read more, lose weight – in a nutshell, be a better person – we can't help but take a sneak peak at the past. Turn to pages 7-9 and take a look at 10 Star Weekend stories published in the last one year, that we believe have changed us for the better. On a brighter note, the Star Weekend team would like to wish you a happy new 2017!
December 30, 2016
The Queen's Young Leaders 2017
As the year comes to an end, many look back at 2016 and wonder if things can be better in the coming year. Well, for Sajid Iqbal and Rahat Hossain, 2017 looks a lot better already! These two young Bangladeshi entrepreneurs and change-makers have recently won the Queen's Young Leaders Programme for 2017.
December 24, 2016
Aiming for the sky and beyond!
Over the years, Nadeem Qadir has been more than a journalist or a columnist. He has been a writer, a television personality and a guide to many a young media personnel, paving ways for them towards glory and success.
December 23, 2016
The Official Identity
“I prefer to identify as a hijra, because that's what I am – a hijra," announced a bold voice across the hall room, where more
December 16, 2016
Including the Different, Defining the Other
When we talk of Hijras or transgenders, we usually visualise men dressed up as women singing, clapping and dancing for money; or by
December 16, 2016
Songs of Victory
“Whenever you are confronted with an opponent, conquer him with love,” said Mahatma Gandhi, and how true his words are! The people of Bengal fought for liberation and freedom – not only with strategies, guns and grenades, but also with poetry, words of inspiration and melodies that were strong enough to move mountains.
December 2, 2016
Looking for Stories: A morning in Sadarghat
Ever thought of looking for stories in one of the oldest and busiest spots in Dhaka? A trip to the Sadarghat is what you need.
September 9, 2016
Getting on the Local Bus!
Have you heard of the Local Bus? No, it's not one of those half-damaged, 35-year-old or more vehicles running on the streets of Dhaka.
September 2, 2016
TERROR LURKING AROUND: #JusticeForRisha
Fourteen-year-old Suraiya Akter Risha was just another Dhaka teen – a happy child who would plan a fun weekend with friends and family members, a top achiever at school, maybe even a crazy cricket fan and a music lover – she was just another girl from next doors.
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