Sadi Mohammad Shahnewaz

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

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.”  

1m 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.

5m ago

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.

6m ago

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.

6m ago

Joy Shahriar: A one-man artistic ecosystem

“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.

6m ago

Black reunion: A one-off?

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.

6m ago

Minar moves forward with music

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.

8m ago

I’m respectful of Bangladesh’s rich musical heritage: Badshah

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.

8m ago
July 26, 2019
July 26, 2019

Two telefilms titled #metoo coming this Eid

The #metoo movement has been quite a revelation, with women finding courage to expose their harassers through the power of social media. A lot of debate had also sparked regarding well-known people in the society.

July 21, 2019
July 21, 2019

Star Melodies’ riveting presentation of ‘Emon Diney Tarey Bola Jai… Srabon Shondha-e’

In the midst of monsoon, five noted singers – Mahadeb Ghose, Priyanka Gope, Shimu Dey, Md Yousuf Ahmed Khan and Shukonna Mazumder Ghosh – brought down showers of encapsulating melodies in Emon Diney Tarey Bola Jai…

July 19, 2019
July 19, 2019

Ifaz Abrar Reza

One of the most talented upcoming guitarists of the new generation, Ifaz Abrar Reza plays for Shrapnel Method, Arekta Rock band, as well as his own solo project.

July 12, 2019
July 12, 2019

In conversation with Emily Hughes

Arranged by British Council Bangladesh, Drawing Words is an exhibition that features ten illustrators from across the UK, whose works play an important role in the contemporary British picture book illustration sector.

July 5, 2019
July 5, 2019

An ‘Easier’ debut for DAMEER

18 year old Dameer Khan, son of seasoned musician Pilu Khan, made news when he signed up for Majestic Causal Records, a mainstream German label.

June 29, 2019
June 29, 2019

“Speaking at the UN will be my greatest achievement” - Sheena Chohan

Crowned ‘Miss Kolkata’ while still in high school, Sheena Chohan went on to participate in Miss Universe, and subsequently made a notable career in film and television. She was recently awarded the prestigious Human Rights Hero Award at the United Nations in New York, for her work enlightening more than 36 million people about their Human Rights. The Daily Star caught up with the renowned actor for an exclusive interview.

June 28, 2019
June 28, 2019

“We will give Bangladesh something new” – Laisfita

Shunanda Sharmin, Antora Rahman, Ferdousi Moumita and Mustarin Ahmed Sheetal – are four young singers who fought off intense competition in the marquee show,

June 21, 2019
June 21, 2019

Berger Anniversary TVC recreates 25 year old magic

When the Afzal Khan directorial advertisement for Berger Robbialac featuring Monir Khan Shimul and Lamia Tabassum Chaity aired 25 years ago, the duo became an instant hit on television.

June 10, 2019
June 10, 2019

A joyous Eid for the stars – Part ii

Everyone looks forward to spending some quality time with loved ones on Eid and the artistes of the showbiz industry are no different. Amidst their holidays, some of the brightest female stars of the industry talked to The Daily Star about how they are spending their time.

June 3, 2019
June 3, 2019

‘The Industry:Volume ii’ has a star-studded launch

At a time where albums are deemed ‘obsolete’ and ‘relics of the past’, The Industry: Volume ii, an extravagant double-disk album co-ordinated by Adit and Chisti Iqbal and featuring some of the biggest names in the music faternity, surprised everyone at its launch at 138 East on Saturday.