Editor, Arts & Entertainment and Star Showbiz, The Daily Star.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
“I could have bought a very nice phone with the money I bought this guitar with,” said Joy Shahriar in The Daily Star’s canteen, proudly flaunting his baby Taylor guitar. “But I chose this expensive guitar. I don’t have unlimited funds, but I know my priorities.” In a way, this sums up the “Shotti Bolchi” singer’s entire career – a story of passion, strife, and street smarts.
Music in Bangladesh was never the same after Black launched “Amar Prithibi” in 2002. Taking off the much harder edge brought in by the rock bands of the ‘90s, it was Black who arguably popularised alternative rock in the country, along with acts like Nemesis and Stentorian.
So, what is the artiste looking for in a partner? “Well, she has to be a good, honest person, and that’s pretty much it.” While we are yet to have found the lucky woman with a lifetime of free passes to Minar’s concerts, here’s to hoping that we can finally write ‘original’ news about his wedding.
In an exclusive interview with The Daily Star, Badshah shared his insights and reflections on his recent trip to Bangladesh, shedding light on his experience and aspirations.
One of the most successful young artistes in the music industry today, Minar is a proverbial “hit machine”.
I am composing and producing an album, in which established and upcoming vocalists alike will lend their voices. I am very excited about the project, as it features some of the most talented artistes in the industry now.
One of the most sought-after stars of the television industry, Afran Nisho constantly challenges and reinvents himself through playing different characters. After a busy Eid season, where he starred in a plethora of hit tele-fictions, the dashing actor looks to ease into work once again. The Daily Star catches up with Afran Nisho for an exclusive interview.
“We’re not here to compete,” says talented upcoming guitarist Ifaz Abrar Reza while taking a sip of coffee, “we are here to have fun. As long as we are doing that, I think we’ll keep making music.”
Indalo, one of Dhaka’s sensational mainstream bands, is set to launch their latest EP, Notun Khame Purono Chithi, which contains
One of the propellers of team Daekho’s comedic fame, Ishfaque Kamal is one of the shining young stars in the Bangladeshi stand up arena. Always quirky and up for a chat, Ishfaque sits down with The Daily Star for a cup of coffee and a round of One Minute Please!
Shahbaz Khan Pilu, best known as the drummer of pioneering Bangladeshi band Renaissance, is also one of the sharpest musical minds in the industry. The veteran is set to release his debut solo album, Tomra Bhalo Acho To?, where he sets out to show his musical flair to the contemporary audience. The musician talks to The Daily Star about his latest endeavor.
Today marks the birthday of one of the greatest musicians to touch Asian soil, Ayub Bachchu. This is his first birthday since his untimely demise. His contribution to the music industry cannot be understated -- any youngster who picks up the guitar today is bound to be directly or indirectly influenced the maestro who uplifted the status of the instrument itself in Bangladesh.
The Armeen Musa Band, led by talented singer-songwriter Armeen Musa, is set to release a live recorded album, which is comprised of Armeen’s own tracks and wonderfully realized renditions of popular songs.
Sonia Hossain is a well-known face on television, having made her mark as an actor, model and television anchor. Besides being a respected media personality, she is also an associate at a law firm, through which she attended the World Economic Forum’s 19th Annual Meeting in China recently.