Maisha Islam Monamee

The author is a student of Institute of Business Administration (IBA) at the University of Dhaka and a contributor at The Daily Star.

‘Mismatched’: Of missed connections and out-of-sync stories

In trying to modernise, however, the creators seem to have lost some of the emotional depth that made the show resonate in the beginning. Rishi and Dimple’s struggles with balancing ambition and love feel predictable and lack the emotional weight needed to truly resonate.

4d ago

Unwrapping the lately-hyped ‘Stopify Wrapped’

Spotify brilliantly turned our listening habits into social media gold. By wrapping our music data in bold colours, quirky headlines, and an irresistible share button, they transformed a personal experience into a public spectacle. Suddenly, our taste in music was not just our taste—it became content.

1w ago

The nation still failing its women

Violence against women in Bangladesh feels like an existential tragedy.

4w ago

20 years on, 'Veer-Zaara' still resonates across borders

Two decades ago, when Bollywood was still discovering cinema's transformative power, a film that forever redefined love for a generation came along. The legendary Yash Chopra’s "Veer-Zaara", released in 2004, is not just a love story set against the backdrop of political and cultural divides; it is a timeless saga and a poetic rendering of yearning, sacrifice, and boundless commitment. Back in the day, this classic story of a love between an Indian man and a Pakistani woman defied the limitations of mere romance and became an emotion in itself. After all these years, "Veer-Zaara" remains iconic, a film cherished for its artistry, music, and the undying love that it portrays.

1m ago

From screen to street: The timeless influence of film costumes on fashion trends

One of the most enduring examples is Audrey Hepburn's black dress in "Breakfast at Tiffany's". Designed by Hubert de Givenchy, the dress exemplified elegance, simplicity, and a touch of mystery. This little black dress became an essential wardrobe item, redefined as a fashion staple worldwide

1m ago

Freedom is more than the absence of oppression

Dissent in Bangladesh has been met with hostility, with individuals being labelled as traitors or enemies of the state for expressing opposing views.

1m ago

‘Do Patti’: Of sibling rivalry, domestic strife, and missed opportunities

Set in the fictional hill station of Devipur, the Shashanka Chaturvedi directorial “Do Patti” tells the story of twin sisters Saumya and Shailee (featuring Kriti Sanon), whose strained relationship is compounded by a shared connection to Dhruv Sood (played by Shaheer Sheikh), a wealthy businessman with a violent streak. Saumya, the more docile sister, becomes Dhruv’s wife and soon faces the horrors of domestic violence, while Shailee, the flamboyant and rebellious twin, harbours a deep jealousy toward her sister.

1m ago

How Shah Rukh Khan’s flawed characters make for authentic roles

In Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan is primarily synonymous with the romance genre. For decades, the star has brought unforgettable love stories to the silver screen. But while he is most celebrated for his iconic, idealistic roles, SRK’s most compelling performances actually come from his portrayals of flawed lovers—characters who reflect the messier, more nuanced realities of love. These are not heroes with all the answers; they are sometimes selfish, reckless, insecure, and even destructive. It is this raw imperfection that makes SRK’s on-screen romances feel so achingly real.

1m ago
December 18, 2024
December 18, 2024

‘Mismatched’: Of missed connections and out-of-sync stories

In trying to modernise, however, the creators seem to have lost some of the emotional depth that made the show resonate in the beginning. Rishi and Dimple’s struggles with balancing ambition and love feel predictable and lack the emotional weight needed to truly resonate.

December 13, 2024
December 13, 2024

Unwrapping the lately-hyped ‘Stopify Wrapped’

Spotify brilliantly turned our listening habits into social media gold. By wrapping our music data in bold colours, quirky headlines, and an irresistible share button, they transformed a personal experience into a public spectacle. Suddenly, our taste in music was not just our taste—it became content.

November 25, 2024
November 25, 2024

The nation still failing its women

Violence against women in Bangladesh feels like an existential tragedy.

November 12, 2024
November 12, 2024

20 years on, 'Veer-Zaara' still resonates across borders

Two decades ago, when Bollywood was still discovering cinema's transformative power, a film that forever redefined love for a generation came along. The legendary Yash Chopra’s "Veer-Zaara", released in 2004, is not just a love story set against the backdrop of political and cultural divides; it is a timeless saga and a poetic rendering of yearning, sacrifice, and boundless commitment. Back in the day, this classic story of a love between an Indian man and a Pakistani woman defied the limitations of mere romance and became an emotion in itself. After all these years, "Veer-Zaara" remains iconic, a film cherished for its artistry, music, and the undying love that it portrays.

November 10, 2024
November 10, 2024

From screen to street: The timeless influence of film costumes on fashion trends

One of the most enduring examples is Audrey Hepburn's black dress in "Breakfast at Tiffany's". Designed by Hubert de Givenchy, the dress exemplified elegance, simplicity, and a touch of mystery. This little black dress became an essential wardrobe item, redefined as a fashion staple worldwide

November 9, 2024
November 9, 2024

Freedom is more than the absence of oppression

Dissent in Bangladesh has been met with hostility, with individuals being labelled as traitors or enemies of the state for expressing opposing views.

November 3, 2024
November 3, 2024

‘Do Patti’: Of sibling rivalry, domestic strife, and missed opportunities

Set in the fictional hill station of Devipur, the Shashanka Chaturvedi directorial “Do Patti” tells the story of twin sisters Saumya and Shailee (featuring Kriti Sanon), whose strained relationship is compounded by a shared connection to Dhruv Sood (played by Shaheer Sheikh), a wealthy businessman with a violent streak. Saumya, the more docile sister, becomes Dhruv’s wife and soon faces the horrors of domestic violence, while Shailee, the flamboyant and rebellious twin, harbours a deep jealousy toward her sister.

November 2, 2024
November 2, 2024

How Shah Rukh Khan’s flawed characters make for authentic roles

In Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan is primarily synonymous with the romance genre. For decades, the star has brought unforgettable love stories to the silver screen. But while he is most celebrated for his iconic, idealistic roles, SRK’s most compelling performances actually come from his portrayals of flawed lovers—characters who reflect the messier, more nuanced realities of love. These are not heroes with all the answers; they are sometimes selfish, reckless, insecure, and even destructive. It is this raw imperfection that makes SRK’s on-screen romances feel so achingly real.

October 30, 2024
October 30, 2024

Exploring South Asian folklore in horror films

The concept of curses that pass down through generations is also a recurring theme in South Asian folklore and has been adapted into film narratives that focus on familial guilt and karmic retribution. In traditional tales, families are often haunted by the misdeeds of their ancestors, and no amount of modern intervention can free them from their fates. 

October 29, 2024
October 29, 2024

Driving sustainable growth in Bangladesh's garment sector through local service providers

The demand for consultancy-led, workforce-oriented training mirrors a bigger industry movement toward greater inclusion and sustainability. Factories that have adopted these training models talk of measurable improvements in productivity, product quality, and overall worker morale.