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 7, 2018
May 7, 2018

Spotlight on Samantak Sinha

Having studied music production in London, Samantak Sinha quickly went on to earn the reputation of one of the most promising upcoming musicians in West Bengal. He is currently in Bangladesh for his upcoming projects. The Daily Star catches up with Samantak for a small chat about his ambitions, music and his trip to Bangladesh.

May 7, 2018
May 7, 2018

“Rabindra Sangeet in Bangladesh today is better than it had ever been” - Fahim Hossain Chowdhury

With an illustrious career spanning over four decades, the famed Rabindra Sangeet exponent Fahim Hossain Chowdhury will add another feather to his hat today when he receives the prestigious 'Bangla Academy Rabindra Award 2018'. The award is given every year to luminaries in the field of Rabindra Sangeet. In this interview with The Daily Star, the singer talks about his reaction to getting the award, his career and the current state of the industry.

May 6, 2018
May 6, 2018

Prito Reza's Humble Tribute to Rabindranath

Even though he is primarily known as one of Bangladesh's best photographers, Prito Reza is no stranger to direction.

May 4, 2018
May 4, 2018

Imphal Talkies: A Native Tongue called Peace

Akhu Chingangbam is a man who does not want to identify as a musician, even though his band and alternate persona, Imphal Talkies, has two internationally acclaimed albums released.

April 7, 2018
April 7, 2018

Where The Stars Align

Sadia Islam Mou, Tahsan and Arifin Shuvoo. These are three names who have been wildly successful in their own sectors of the showbiz industry, at times transcending their own humane demeanor to become true pop icons adored by all. The three juggernauts are now the judges of Bangladesh's premiere superstar hunt and reality show: Lux Channel i Superstar 2018. Star Showbiz presents to you an exclusive insight into the most happening event in town, as well as the three beautiful souls that are tasked with the very difficult job of judging a very talented crop of young contestants!

March 17, 2018
March 17, 2018

Fake it till you Make it!

There are very few people in the world who wouldn't love to have six-pack abs. However, it takes countless hours of grinding, exercise and diet to even get close to being in that kind of shape.

March 10, 2018
March 10, 2018

It's okay to lose sometimes!

As children, we were often taught that losing is an inherently bad occurrence. Philosophers would differ, saying that losing is a part of learning and subsequent success. In the world of showbiz, best losses are the ones which come in kilograms. Adnan Sami, universally known as the fat man who directly contradicted his song Lift Kara De whereas no one could ever lift him magically, shed his weight and appeared as a

March 3, 2018
March 3, 2018

Followed by many, replicated by none

When one thinks of Sridevi, this, along with many iconic moments of her is bound to pop up in his head. The morning of 25th February was quite tumultuous, particularly owing to the sudden demise of one of the greatest Bollywood actors of all time. Upon seeing the news on my social media news feed, a part of me was certain that this was a hoax, and I frantically searched around for a reliable source that said so.

February 16, 2018
February 16, 2018

From Teknaf to Tetulia

Even though I did not always dream of running a triathlon, I always participated in sports and other athletic activities. An adventure club was being established at Dhaka University when I joined it.

February 16, 2018
February 16, 2018

Voice of the Voiceless

In developing nations like Bangladesh, the death of animals not only represent a loss of income for farm families, but also, family savings and investments over many years.