Sadi Mohammad Shahnewaz

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

The Man of Steel returns: Is it worth a trip to the Cineplex?

There’s a certain weight that comes with reviewing a “Superman” movie. For decades, the “Man of Steel” has stood as a pop culture monolith—a symbol of hope, morality, and larger-than-life heroics. I went in to enjoy James Gunn’s ambitious reboot, weighing whether this iteration of the Kryptonian saviour could soar above the fatigue of a superhero-saturated landscape. I came out with the realisation that Superman may not be flawless, but it flies high enough to remind us why this hero matters.

7h ago

Beating brainrot in Dhaka

Brainrot essentially describes the withering of mental faculties from overexposure to low-value digital content.

2d ago

My em dashes are showing – Am I AI?

My em dashes are showing – Am I AI?

1w ago

#hireajournalist – A LinkedIn movement uplifting the heroes of the newsroom

Let's face it – you're more likely to consume news from social media than a reputed news outlet, simply because of how firmly social media is embedded in most people's daily lives. While the unreliability of news adrift on social media is dangerous for the consumer, the steady decline of traditional news media is also career-threatening for journalists.

1w ago

Women are not spoils of war, stop letting your inner animals out: Jaya Ahsan

What was supposed to be a conversation on Jaya’s spectacular success in both “Taandob” and “Utshob” soon turned into a pseudo-political discussion on the future of women in the country. How could it not? The entire country has meanwhile been shaken to its core after the brutal rape of a woman in Cumilla.

2w ago

‘Esha Murder’ is the perfect detox from your Eid blockbusters

This is where Badhan steps in as the lead, playing officer Leena. From the get-go, she is a no-nonsense character. She is a strong police officer, but a heavily traumatised woman. It is the trauma that leads her to train, persist, and become a law enforcement officer in the first place, a plot device that pays off to its fullest near the end.

3w ago

Sabila debuts, ‘Taandob’ ensues

Once a sweetheart of television, Sabila Nur has hit the bullseye with her silver-screen debut with a leading role opposite Shakib Khan in “Taandob”. The film will go down in Bangladesh’s cinematic history for being rife with action, twists, and cameos.

1m ago

Jaya and Sharmin take over

As Jaya Ahsan and Mohsina Akhter, the two leads of the film, take sips of black coffee and rong cha respectively at The Daily Star’s studio, the excitement levels vary among the illustrious mega-star and respected theatre practitioner.

1m ago
October 16, 2021
October 16, 2021

Amin and Ashik’s Live Standup Comedy Tour hits the road today

The almost non-existent stand-up comedy scene in Dhaka is kept alive by the endeavours of two gritty comedians – Ahmad Ashik and Amin Hannan Chowdhury, with their ragtag band of funnymen.

October 13, 2021
October 13, 2021

Uniting musicians and music lovers, BBMFC approaches 7 years

Over the years, the band music industry of Bangladesh has not only gifted the most talented musicians and memorable songs, but arguably the most passionate fans.

September 11, 2021
September 11, 2021

‘Aurthohin came back for you’

It is rare for a musician to receive the level irrevocable and unconditional love from the fans that Saidus Salehin Khaled, popularly known Bassbaba Sumon, has accumulated in his illustrious career. A bona fide legend in Bangladesh’s band music industry, he is a virtuoso on the bass guitar, earning him the moniker of Bassbaba. The beloved Aurthohin frontman has beaten cancer, and recently, a deadly spinal injury after spending the better part of three years in tremendous pain while in recovery. Now, the musician is back on track, fueled by the love of his fans, and his passion for music – as he talks to The Daily Star for more.

July 31, 2021
July 31, 2021

First and foremost, I am a musician: Pritom Hasan

Adnan Al Rajeev’s “YouTumor” lit up this year’s Eid with its unique presentation and message, musician turned actor Pritom Hasan at the forefront as the gullible and (un)fortunate Don. Pritom not only nails the character, but puts his own twist to it, resulting in a captivating back and forth with seasond actor Ziaul Hoque Polash. We talk to the young star for his experience, future plans and more.

June 21, 2021
June 21, 2021

World Music Day Special: Local musicians aim for global market

In the upper echelons of art, music is perhaps the only entity that unites and divides at the same time, based on language and nationality. While phenomenon like South Korea’s mercurial K-Pop scene has attained global popularity by sticking to their own language, there is no denying that English’s accessibility in the current world makes it easier for an international audience to relate to an artiste.

June 18, 2021
June 18, 2021

Stop Cyberbullying Day 2021: Our celebrities deserve better

The recent incident regarding Pori Moni is a perfect example of how eager many netizens are to blame and jump to conclusions, with the 29-year old film star saying she was subjected to harassment, attempted rape and murder.

June 17, 2021
June 17, 2021

A “Beshi Joss” guitar experience

Nafeez Al Amin, besides being arguably the most energetic drummer in the music industry, had become a fully-fledged craftsman with Beshi Joss Customs a few years ago. What it originally started as a passion project for the Arbovirus drummer, is now a workshop of dreams for all sorts of musical instruments, especially custom-made guitars.

June 6, 2021
June 6, 2021

From billboards to Cannes: Afia Tabassum Borno shares her journey

Chances are, you are already familiar with Afia Tabassum Borno, owing to the numerous television commercials and billboard ads that she has starred in. The English department student from ULAB has now etched her name in history, having starred in an important role in Abdullah Mohammad Saad directorial “Rehana Maryam Noor”. The film is the first Bangladeshi project to be officially selected in the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.

May 29, 2021
May 29, 2021

Messianic Era’s 10-year journey to culminate in debut album

Progressive band Messianic Era have seen their share of vicissitudes throughout the years. The talented underground band, inspired by the likes of Dream Theatre, Opeth and Porcupine Tree, will release their self-titled debut album on June 18.

May 11, 2021
May 11, 2021

‘Cyber-bullying must end’

As the entire country celebrated mother’s day on May 9 with pictures, felicitations and tributes to the women who raised them, National Award winning actor Chanchal Chowdhury was harassed on his Facebook account for following a different religion.