Sadi Mohammad Shahnewaz

Editor, Arts & Entertainment and Star Showbiz, The Daily Star.

Nuhash Humayun at a crossroads

Whether it's by crafting a groundbreaking IP with “Pett Kata Shaw”, making history by working with Hollywood juggernaut Jordan Peele, or by being a revered member of the Writers' Guild of America, Nuhash Humayun's journey in Bangladeshi showbiz is nothing short of remarkable. We sat down with the ambitious director days after the release of “Dui Shaw”, the second iteration of his horror phenomenon.

1d ago

‘Stories of Hope and Hustle’ exhibits stellar creativity of ULAB students

As one walks towards the flag stand, a series of photographs becomes visible. They depict various subjects, ranging from a single mother dressing her child to an unassuming child selling balloons on the street. However, these subjects deviate significantly from typical "poverty porn”, clearly portraying empowered individuals from all walks of life.

1w ago

From Bailey Road to ‘Miss North America’: Zarin’s inspiring journey

When NSU graduate Zarin Mahmood landed in Canada in 2017, she had left behind a life of relative certainty to enter the grind of a life far away. Discarding her desire to pursue business, which was her major in university, she jumped on the opportunity to complete a Master’s in Technology Innovation Management at Ottawa’s Carlton University.

1w ago

Packing Dhaka, Down Under

The band took inspiration from a local act called ‘Bowling in Japan’ while using Samin’s heritage as an inspiration. It is fitting, too, as the incredibly tight group comes together with Samin’s outspoken personality and Dhaka-ite soul. As the evening dawned, people from all over Sydney started gathering to see Packing Dhaka and its opener, Apocalypseboyo.

1w ago

Unpacking ‘840’: Tisha and Marzuk get dangerously candid

Dropping by The Daily Star’s 36 “Days of July: Saluting the Bravehearts” exhibition, Nusrat Imrose Tisha, the co-producer of “840,” and Marzuk Russell, the iconic poet-turned-actor who helmed an important role in the film, talked about their uphill battle to release the film.

4w ago

Electrifying, eclectic, EZ

The musician, renowned for his fluid, mellifluent solos and roaring riffs, was one of the core contributors to Artcell’s seminal albums “Onno Shomoy” and “Oniket Prantor”. After periodically releasing singles like “Fight Back”, “Shobdahoron”, and “Haranor Gaan”, he is now embarking on a new journey with his band EZ, composed of young and energetic musicians.

1m ago

Poorly arranged concerts should not be an ‘Aadat’

It is rather telling of the people when the army has to show up because of how people behave at a concert. “They brought an international band to a mall to perform,” said Sakib, who had attended the concert with high hopes. “It was a total joke. Organisers started taking selfies with the band mid-show, while Jal had to ask 20 times for a light to be turned off.”  

3m ago

Fatima: Where noble intention trumps flawed execution

Dhrubo Hasan’s “Fatima” is an ambitious undertaking, with the director’s passion clearly visible in the script – the aspects of our Liberation War and how we are all fighting our own inner wars, the torment that women still go through for being a woman, the extent to which a close one’s betrayal could be delusionally overlooked.

8m ago
January 18, 2025
January 18, 2025

Nuhash Humayun at a crossroads

Whether it's by crafting a groundbreaking IP with “Pett Kata Shaw”, making history by working with Hollywood juggernaut Jordan Peele, or by being a revered member of the Writers' Guild of America, Nuhash Humayun's journey in Bangladeshi showbiz is nothing short of remarkable. We sat down with the ambitious director days after the release of “Dui Shaw”, the second iteration of his horror phenomenon.

January 11, 2025
January 11, 2025

‘Stories of Hope and Hustle’ exhibits stellar creativity of ULAB students

As one walks towards the flag stand, a series of photographs becomes visible. They depict various subjects, ranging from a single mother dressing her child to an unassuming child selling balloons on the street. However, these subjects deviate significantly from typical "poverty porn”, clearly portraying empowered individuals from all walks of life.

January 11, 2025
January 11, 2025

From Bailey Road to ‘Miss North America’: Zarin’s inspiring journey

When NSU graduate Zarin Mahmood landed in Canada in 2017, she had left behind a life of relative certainty to enter the grind of a life far away. Discarding her desire to pursue business, which was her major in university, she jumped on the opportunity to complete a Master’s in Technology Innovation Management at Ottawa’s Carlton University.

January 5, 2025
January 5, 2025

Packing Dhaka, Down Under

The band took inspiration from a local act called ‘Bowling in Japan’ while using Samin’s heritage as an inspiration. It is fitting, too, as the incredibly tight group comes together with Samin’s outspoken personality and Dhaka-ite soul. As the evening dawned, people from all over Sydney started gathering to see Packing Dhaka and its opener, Apocalypseboyo.

December 21, 2024
December 21, 2024

Unpacking ‘840’: Tisha and Marzuk get dangerously candid

Dropping by The Daily Star’s 36 “Days of July: Saluting the Bravehearts” exhibition, Nusrat Imrose Tisha, the co-producer of “840,” and Marzuk Russell, the iconic poet-turned-actor who helmed an important role in the film, talked about their uphill battle to release the film.

December 7, 2024
December 7, 2024

Electrifying, eclectic, EZ

The musician, renowned for his fluid, mellifluent solos and roaring riffs, was one of the core contributors to Artcell’s seminal albums “Onno Shomoy” and “Oniket Prantor”. After periodically releasing singles like “Fight Back”, “Shobdahoron”, and “Haranor Gaan”, he is now embarking on a new journey with his band EZ, composed of young and energetic musicians.

September 29, 2024
September 29, 2024

Poorly arranged concerts should not be an ‘Aadat’

It is rather telling of the people when the army has to show up because of how people behave at a concert. “They brought an international band to a mall to perform,” said Sakib, who had attended the concert with high hopes. “It was a total joke. Organisers started taking selfies with the band mid-show, while Jal had to ask 20 times for a light to be turned off.”  

May 24, 2024
May 24, 2024

Fatima: Where noble intention trumps flawed execution

Dhrubo Hasan’s “Fatima” is an ambitious undertaking, with the director’s passion clearly visible in the script – the aspects of our Liberation War and how we are all fighting our own inner wars, the torment that women still go through for being a woman, the extent to which a close one’s betrayal could be delusionally overlooked.

May 18, 2024
May 18, 2024

Canada chants ‘Artcell, Artcell!’ as beloved band celebrates 25 years

On May 5, Toronto’s Hamilton saw what was the largest audience for a band in decades. To everyone’s surprise, it was not a North American band, but a Bangladeshi one, celebrating 25 years of their glorious music on tour.

May 11, 2024
May 11, 2024

Rock n’ Rhythm 4: Mired in chaos, overcome with emotion

On a day when the rain gods smiled favorably upon the hopes of about ten thousand people, barricades were broken, a stampede nearly ensued, and some logistical issues nearly ruined the experience for those holding general tickets at "Rock N’ Rhythm 4.0" in the capital’s International Convention City Bashundhara. However, for five men who have dedicated their entire lives to music, none of this could dampen the emotional reunion of Black's original lineup.