Maisha Islam Monamee

Contributing writer for Arts & Entertainment and Star Youth.

Navigating turbulent tides: An exploratory look at ‘All That Weathers’

Resting Academy's "All That Weathers", currently underway at Drik Path Bhaban, is more than just a mere accumulated display of photography exhibition. It is a voyage through the heart of change — a tapestry woven with stories from the intimate landscapes of Bengal, Kashmir, and Central India.

7h ago

‘Stitched Collage’: Exploring Suranjana Bhattacharja’s threads of resilience

Suranjana Bhattacharja's journey into the world of art took a unique turn when she was diagnosed with Dystrophy around a decade ago, causing partial disability in her left hand. Despite the challenges posed by this chronic condition, she found solace in her passion for sewing. Inspired by artists like Kandinsky, she ventured into stitched collage, a novel form of artistic expression. The inception of this exhibition can be traced back to a pivotal moment in Suranjana's life while residing in Montreal. Struck by the parallels between her own journey and that of renowned artists like Matisse, who persisted in creating despite physical limitations, she found renewed determination to pursue her craft.

6d ago

Air conditioner or air cooler: Which one should you buy this summer?

Summer in Bangladesh is a scorcher. With temperatures soaring and humidity reaching uncomfortable levels, staying cool becomes a priority. As such, when it comes to choosing a cooling solution, you are faced with two main options: air conditioners (AC) and air coolers. But, which one should you go for?

2w ago

‘Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya’: Is the trending man-machine love story worth watching?

While the film boasts charming performances and a visually appealing production, it ultimately struggles to navigate its blend of romance, science fiction, and family drama. The core concept of a human falling in love with a robot is undoubtedly thought-provoking, raising questions about identity, emotions, and the future of technology. It successfully touches upon interesting themes like artificial intelligence and societal perceptions of technology. Yet, being unable to delve deeper, the film leaves certain corners unexplored and rather open to interpretation for the audience. 

2w ago

Bangladeshi Aydha Mehnaz in Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe

Aydha Mehnaz, a 29 year old Bangladeshi, has been featured in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list under the Media and Marketing category. Aydha is VIP and Media Relations Lead at fashion brand Mugler, a French luxury fashion house owned by L’Oréal Group. Under her leadership, Mugler's media impact value soared from $58 million pre-Covid to now over $200 million, states Forbes. 

3w ago

Nazir Hossain’s ‘Boishakh in the Land of Tiger’ roars to life at AFD

Each painting in the exhibition tells a unique story, inspired by folklore, mythology, and the artist’s own imagination. From lush forests teeming with wildlife to bustling village scenes and joyous Boishakh festivities, they offer a glimpse into a world of beauty, wonder, and timeless tradition. He employs a unique blend of folk motifs, indigenous symbols, and captivating fables, to weave a narrative enriched in cultural significance. Some paintings also have references to other art forms, like nakshi katha and rickshaw painting, to name a few.

1m ago

Hrithik-Deepika starrer ‘Fighter’ soars high on action

Directed by Siddharth Anand, "Fighter" propels Bollywood into the world of high-octane aerial action, a genre explored rarely in Indian cinema. Starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, the film not only is a thrilling cinematic experience but also a great instalment for a full-fledged action franchise. It is currently streaming on Netflix and is trending at the top amongst movies being consumed in the country.

1m ago

‘Murder Mubarak’: Does it live up to the hype?

Netflix's "Murder Mubarak" unfolds within the opulent walls of the Royal Delhi Club, a playground for the city's elite. However, the facade of sophistication shatters when a prominent member is found dead. The film boasts a glamorous setting and a promising cast, aiming to weave intrigue with its whodunit narrative. Director Homi Adajania injects humour into the proceedings by presenting different versions of the same scene.

1m ago
January 14, 2024
January 14, 2024

Most anticipated sequels of 2024

This year is shaping up to be a thrilling time for movie enthusiasts as some of the most beloved film franchises are set to return with highly anticipated sequels. From action-packed adventures to heartwarming tales, audiences are eagerly awaiting the cinematic journeys that will unfold on the big screen. Here are some of the most exciting sequels coming ahead:

January 10, 2024
January 10, 2024

TV Shows Ending in 2024

From gripping dramas to heartwarming comedies, this year is all set to bid farewell to storylines that have kept us on the edge of our seats and characters who have become a part of our lives. Here are some must-watch shows that are set to conclude their final seasons in 2024, delivering unforgettable moments that will resonate long after the final credits roll.

January 2, 2024
January 2, 2024

‘Nostalgia Dhanmondi’ journeys through Dhanmondi’s timeless alleys

Dhanmondi has always had a cultural identity of its own – be it the grand two-storeyed family bungalows, the sounds of rehearsals at Chhayanaut, the majestic Eidgah Masjid, or the playfields that kids flocked to. Even with the sprawling high-rise buildings, Dhanmondi, its lake, and its street stalls still maintain its rustic charm.

December 25, 2023
December 25, 2023

The evolution of holiday films: From classics to contemporary gems

The holiday season has always been synonymous with warmth, joy, and the timeless tradition of watching festive films that capture the spirit of the festivities. Over the years, these films have undergone a remarkable evolution, transitioning from timeless classics to contemporary gems. The golden age of holiday films is often associated with timeless classics that have become an integral part of our holiday traditions. 

December 9, 2023
December 9, 2023

‘The Archies’ is Riverdale’s nostalgia-tinted musical

"The Archies", directed by Zoya Akhtar, is a heartfelt journey down memory lane interwoven with the chords of a teen musical. This highly-anticipated Netflix film thereby presents a nostalgia-tinted fairytale-esque musical that resonates with both longtime fans and those new to the iconic characters.

December 3, 2023
December 3, 2023

Portrayal of disability through Bollywood films over the years

From stereotypical representations to more nuanced and empathetic depictions, the industry has played a crucial role in shaping public attitudes towards people with disabilities. In commemoration of the World Day of Persons with Disabilities, we delve into the journey of disability portrayal in Bollywood films, exploring shifts in narratives and their impact on societal perceptions.

November 28, 2023
November 28, 2023

Marking two decades of ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’s’ exuberance

There are films that we enjoy, and then there are the ones that are hard to forget. The latter moves us from within and changes the way we look at life. For me, “Kal Ho Naa Ho” is indelible with its rollercoaster of emotions. Written by Karan Johar and directed by Nikkhil Advani, the film featuring a stellar cast including Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, and Saif Ali Khan, marks its 20th anniversary today – since its release. At its core, the film is an exploration of the various facets of love, beautifully woven into the vibrant tapestry of New York City. As the film turns 20 today, let us revisit it one more time to remind ourselves to “haso, jiyo, muskurayo, kya pata kal ho naa ho.” (live and laugh, for tomorrow may not be there).

November 4, 2023
November 4, 2023

Souls intertwined with nature and melody: Zahangir Alom’s solo exhibition underway

The third solo art exhibition by Zahangir Alom, titled "Songs of Soul," was inaugurated yesterday evening at La Galerie of Alliance Française de Dhaka.

October 30, 2023
October 30, 2023

‘Dream Girl 2’: An erroneous comedy

What makes the humour questionable is one particularly problematic dialogue where a character implies that mental health is a construct for the rich. This dialogue not only disregards depression as a legitimate condition but also adds to the preexisting social stigma, implying that it's all 'just in our minds.'

October 26, 2023
October 26, 2023

Rezaul Hoque’s unique approach to art with ‘burning’ technique

Artists often push the boundaries of traditional techniques to convey their emotions, and in the process, they develop new forms or explore unconventional methods to establish a distinct style for themselves. Quite similarly, over the years, artist Rezaul Hoque has developed a novel approach to creating artwork through what he calls a “burning process”.

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