Priyanka Chowdhury

Karagar: The blurred line between fact and fiction

The long-awaited “Karagar Part-1” has finally been released on Hoichoi. The show, while not an instant homerun, can be likened to a slow game of poker. Layers upon layers of fiction, blended with facts, makes “Karagar” a witty commentary on the slippery nature of truth. As the audience starts to believe where the story is going, Syed Ahmed Shawki turns the table on his audience, bluffing them with a royal flush.

2y ago

Analysing South Asian history through films

Critical reading of South Asian history has been majorly subjected to individual narratives. Lack of comparative studies have resulted in ignorance for neighbours and a forgotten history of self.

2y ago

Be an artist with ‘Cartoon Cartoon’

Prominent cartoonist Syed Rashad Imam Tanmoy, in association with A2i HD Media and Cartoon People, a community of Bangladeshi cartoonists and visual storytellers, has launched a show titled, “Cartoon Cartoon”. It airs on BTV, and is awaiting release on Duronto Television.

2y ago

Filmmaking for a global audience

Throughout the last two decades in Bangladesh, there has been a shift in storytelling on screen. Most notably, directors made films that not only initiated conversations in the country, but also made strides on global platforms.

2y ago

Breaking through concepts

“Those who come to Pathshala strive for more than just a comfortable living.

2y ago

Nurul Alam Atique opens up about ‘Lal Moroger Jhuti’

Throughout the past two decades, director Nurul Alam Atique has created a unique style of storytelling, involving intimate human concepts. “Lal Moroger Jhuti” presents a narrative that explores the collective memory of the masses during 1971. Atique shares his thoughts on his second feature film with The Daily Star.

2y ago

Documenting birth of a nation

Marking the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh's independence, Samdani Art Foundation and Centre for Research and Information (CRI) inaugurated a solo exhibition titled, "Witnessing History in the Making: Photographs by Anne de Henning" at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy today.

2y ago

I gained 6 kilos to portray Rustom: Shohel Mondol

Shohel Mondol is an actor who passionately showcases his talent on the stage and screen. In Hoichoi’s “Boli”, directed by Shankha Dasgupta, he plays the protagonist, Rustom. In a heart-to-heart conversation, Shohel spoke about his journey of becoming the character, his love for new challenges, and more.

2y ago
August 1, 2021
August 1, 2021

Revisiting the legacy of Concert for Bangladesh

The Concert for Bangladesh, a pair of benefit concerts organised by former Beatles guitarist George Harrison and Indian sitar player Ravi Shankar, were held on August 1, 1971, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, to raise international awareness of, and fund relief for refugees from the then East Pakistan, following the Bangladesh Liberation War. Expanding on the 50-year legacy of the concert, Samdani Art Foundation (Dhaka) and UBIK Productions (London) collaborated to host a mixed reality musical event, titled ‘Concert from Bangladesh’.  The initiative is supported by the British Council Digital Collaboration Fund.

July 31, 2021
July 31, 2021

Moutushi Biswas makes a comeback with ‘Spotlight’

Since her first on-screen appearance in 2003, Moutushi Biswas garnered her career with well-known television fictions, reality shows, and movies. However, she was away from the limelight for one and a half years.

July 25, 2021
July 25, 2021

‘Ghotona Shotto’ sparks allegations of insensitivity towards children with special needs

Eid special tele-fiction, “Ghotona Shotto”, directed by Rubel Hasan and released under the banner of Central Music and Video (CMV), has enraged audiences -- allegedly due to its insensitivity towards children with special needs.

July 18, 2021
July 18, 2021

An ode to Kulsum

Renowned actor Shahnaz Khushi paid a wonderful tribute to Kulsum, her house-help, who took care of her family for nine long years, through a social media post. Kulsum passed away recently, after a post appendicitis surgery.

July 10, 2021
July 10, 2021

A sneak peek into Chorki’s ‘Unoloukik’

OTT platform Chorki released the trailer of their anthology series, “Unoloukik” recently. It is based on four original stories by writer Shibabrata Barman -- “Moribar Holo Tar Shad", "Dwikhondito", "Jagar Bela Holo" (adapted to Mrs Prohelika), and "Television" (adapted to Hello Ladies). Barman penned the fifth story, "Don't Write Me”, especially for the Chorki original series. It will begin with “Moribar Holo Tar Shad” on July 12, with the commencement of the OTT platform itself.

July 10, 2021
July 10, 2021

Sangeet Oikya Bangladesh formed to combat challenges of musicians

With an aim to overcome challenges and neglect faced by musicians, several lyricists, composers, and vocalists have formed a committee called, ’Sangeet Oikya Bangladesh' for the first time in the history of the country. Three organisations, Gitikobi Sangha Bangladesh, Music Composers Society of Bangladesh and Singers Association of Bangladesh came under the umbrella. Through an online press conference, Kumar Biswajit, General Secretary, Singers Association of Bangladesh, unveiled the committee.

July 3, 2021
July 3, 2021

‘Mohanagar’ brings Mostafizur Noor Imran into the limelight

Hailing from Bagerhat, Mostafizur Noor Imran has a master’s in Drama and Dramatics from Jahangirnagar University.

June 19, 2021
June 19, 2021

An unwavering dedication to dance

In Indian classical performance art, the Guru-Shishya Parampara plays an integral role. It is handed down from teachers to their disciples. Traditionally attributed to traveling bards in the North of Ancient India, called ‘Kathakars’ or storytellers,

May 20, 2021
May 20, 2021

Shilpaguru Safiuddin Ahmed's 9th death anniversary: Behind the artist’s depictions of the colour black

There is more than a lifetime of knowledge to gain from master artists and their relationships with colours. Viewing colours through the eyes of great artists we often discover their passion and characteristics. Artists of Bengal have shown their distinct fascinations with colours. Amongst them, Shilpaguru Safiuddin Ahmed's depictions of the colour black is fascinating. Today marks his ninth death anniversary.

March 19, 2021
March 19, 2021

Sri Lanka’s tribute to Bangladesh on third day of ‘Mujib Chirantan’

Day three of “Mujib Chirantan”, the ten-day celebration of the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of Bangladesh's independence at National Parade Square, was themed as “Jatakal Robe Padma Jamuna”. The first session began with Hon'ble Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the gathering as the guest of honour, at the function presided over by Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey V Lavrov presented a video congratulatory message on the day.