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.
3m 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.
4m 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.
4m 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.
4m 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.
4m 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.
6m 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.
6m ago
Must the show go on?
The tragedy of the Bailey Road fire which snatched away the lives of four dozen people is hard to digest, even for Dhaka-ites. Many cultural programmes seemed insipid amidst the shadow of death that loomed over one of the capital’s cultural hubs – leading to the cancellation or postponement of some.
6m ago
July 25, 2023
Fairooz Nazifa in all her husky glory
After Fairooz Nazifa's version of ‘Tumi Hina’ released on Gaan Bangla’s Wind of Change, her life changed as she started becoming more of a public figure.
July 24, 2023
Fuad delivers a Bangladeshi musical buffet to the States
The ace music producer Fuad Almuqtadir has been accompanied by Pantha Kanai, Tashfee, Muttaque Hasib, Pavel, Nick Gianni, Adhnan Sulaiman Nayeem, and Tanvir Tomal for an extensive series of shows in the United States.
July 17, 2023
A reinvigorated Tisha
“Of course, I will support the people of my industry,” said Tisha, perhaps as a declaration of solidarity. “Only when we have each other’s backs will our film industry truly flourish”.
June 16, 2023
Just keep loving me: Nusraat Faria
Recently, Nusraat Faria once again bedazzled audiences in “Kolija Ar Jaan”, from Afran Nisho’s debut film, “Shurongo”.
June 11, 2023
A virtuoso named Emon Chowdhury
For almost two decades, Emon Chowdhury astonished people with his near-celestial guitar playing, a craft which he has given his unique, soulful voice. In the past few years, he emerged as one of the finest music directors in the country, weaving his magic in films like “Hawa,” Gunin, “Raat Jaga Phool, and “Maya – The Lost Mother.”
April 4, 2023
Indebted to my family for everything I have: Oyshee
In her relatively young career, Oyshee has recorded multiple hit albums, has won the National Film Award for her playback singing, and spawned multiple blockbusters including Dushtu Polapain and Garir Mechanic. Recently, she started a new chapter in life. We talk to the talented singer for more.
March 20, 2023
No singer should ever apologise for his mother tongue
They say that life is a great leveller – and that sentiment is doubly true for the entertainment industry. Coke Studio Bangla, a cultural phenomenon fuelled by endless debates about meritocracy and even capitalism in music, started season 2 with the highly appreciated “Murir Tin”, blending dialects of Chattogram, Khulna and Sylhet to make an incredible musical mishmash.
March 2, 2023
The entire world will listen to Bangla music: Nachiketa
The artiste, who admits to being the ‘son of Barishal’ is in Dhaka, recording with renowned composer-singer Kaushik Hossain Taposh for a new project. We had a chance to talk to the legend at the premises of Gaan Bangla television in the capital.
February 16, 2023
No point in accusing Tahsan and I, when production house is liable: Shusmita Anis
“I worked with the director, Aga Nahiyan Ahmed, many-a-times before. He is an exceptionally talented worker, and its unexpected that he’d make such a video, without even informing us of his ‘inspiration’.”
February 15, 2023
Did not know about the plagiarism; I am utterly disappointed: Tahsan
“This is very demoralising for me, that too on a song in which I collaborated with Minar. This is a person that I did two albums for, more than a decade back – it was supposed to be a heartfelt moment”.
X