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
May 5, 2019
May 5, 2019

Manna Dey’s 100th birth anniversary

May 1 marked the 100th birth anniversary of arguably the greatest exponent of Bangla music, Manna Dey. Born as Prabodh Chandra Dey in 1919, Manna Dey became a game-changer in the Indian film industry, with his unforgettable and melodious voice. He recorded more than 4000 songs, both in Bangla and Hindi, throughout his career.

May 3, 2019
May 3, 2019

A Feedback for the ages

If you were in ICCB on April 30, 2019, consider yourself lucky, as you witnessed history as Feedback, one of Bangladesh’s legendary bands, celebrated the completion of 40 years of their illustrious career.

April 29, 2019
April 29, 2019

Gearing up for ‘4 Decades of Feedback’

Feedback’s legacy and impact on Bangladeshi music cannot be understated, as they were the heart of band music in the 80’s and 90’s, while still going strong to this day.

April 26, 2019
April 26, 2019

4 DECADES OF FEEDBACK

“It has been 40 years, and we are still well and alive. We are still playing music.

April 24, 2019
April 24, 2019

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Ahammed Fazle Rabbi (Nisho), better known by his screen name, Afran Nisho, is one of the most sought after stars in the showbiz industry today. With countless hit television projects to his name, Nisho continues his successful career after being nominated in both the Popular Choice and Critics’ Choice awards in the Meril-Prothom Alo Awards. The Daily Star talks to the star about his upcoming work, plans and much more.

April 19, 2019
April 19, 2019

Ahmad Ashik

Spontaneous, self-deprecating, erratic and politically incorrect comic, Ahmad Ashik is regarded as one of the finest stand up comedians in the scene right now. His journey began in 2010, while pursuing his higher studies in the UK. Let's see if the

April 18, 2019
April 18, 2019

LRB stays!

After much controversy that had taken place over the continuation of LRB after the passing of the legend, Ayub Bachchu, and the dispute over continuing the band as 'LRB' between the band members and the family, the air has finally cleared.

April 17, 2019
April 17, 2019

The show must go on!

At a Pohela Boishakh programme held at a restaurant in the capital, LRB resurfaced as 'Balam and the Legacy' to put on a performance in tribute to the late great Ayub Bachchu.

April 10, 2019
April 10, 2019

Indalo's 'Hobeki?' music video starts a wildfire

'Ahead of its time' is a phrase I'd like to attribute to Indalo, a band operating on another level since their inception in 2012.

April 5, 2019
April 5, 2019

'Khoka' – A horror film in 7 minutes

In the star-studded video containing the likes of Ferdous Wahid, Siam Ahmed and Safa Kabir, Pritom outshines everyone with his eerie portrayal of a boy, who comes back to life as a zombie after an accident.