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
September 30, 2018
September 30, 2018

A VERY SPECIAL CONCERT

This time, it wasn't about the hard-hitting riffs or the groovy bass lines. It wasn't about the dynamic performances, or the amalgamation of the best bands of the country.

September 28, 2018
September 28, 2018

An earnest hand for humanity

Starting out in 2010 as a simple endeavour by 18-year-old Ahmed Imtiaz Jami to help underprivileged children, OBHIZATRIK

September 28, 2018
September 28, 2018

The whistling sensation

There are singers, and there are performers. Then, there are prodigies that completely change the trend for an entire generation of upcoming musicians.

September 21, 2018
September 21, 2018

Tasnova Elvin

Tasnova Elvin began her journey in showbiz as a finalist in Lux Channel i Superstar 2010, but soon broke out as an actor with her

September 19, 2018
September 19, 2018

Dhikkar Amay – Gods Must Be Crazy

A large portion of the audience of rock music today is left relatively uncatered to- ones I would like to call 'nostalgia-mongers.' There are a lot of people who just want pure, unadulterated hard-rock, much like the days when Artcell reigned supreme and underground concerts were still 'in'.

September 17, 2018
September 17, 2018

'DIFFERENTLY ABLED, NOT DISABLED!'

In a noble initiative, Bangladesh Musical Bands Association (BAMBA) has partnered up with the Ministry of Social Welfare and PFDA – Vocational Training Center to arrange a stellar concert on September 28. The concert will raise awareness for autism, which is a commonly neglected phenomenon in Bangladesh.

September 17, 2018
September 17, 2018

Where passion meets direction

Films, video games and satire- these are three elements that embody Rahat Rahman. You may know him through his amazing work in his YouTube Channel. However, he has also been massively successful in mainstream media through ad-making and some very well-received telefilms.

September 14, 2018
September 14, 2018

700 TAKA: A quirky and charming tribute to young love

'Relatable' - a label that every director wants on their project, while some others try their best to tag this to the most outlandish of genres. However, Nuhash Humayun's latest short on iflix, 700 Taka, is 'relatable' done right.

September 14, 2018
September 14, 2018

BYLCx Revamped: 25 new online courses launched

With an objective to future-proof the next generation of workers in a rapidly changing market, BYLCx unveiled its revamped website at a

September 14, 2018
September 14, 2018

Children rejoice in chocolate: 3rd Space celebrates International Chocolate Day

Magic tricks, an art competition, games, Piniata, alongside layers and layers of chocolate: this would be a dream scenario for me when I was still a child. With very few recreational