Sadi Mohammad Shahnewaz

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

Electrifying, eclectic, EZ

The musician, renowned for his fluid, mellifluent solos and roaring riffs, was one of the core contributors to Artcell’s seminal albums “Onno Shomoy” and “Oniket Prantor”. After periodically releasing singles like “Fight Back”, “Shobdahoron”, and “Haranor Gaan”, he is now embarking on a new journey with his band EZ, composed of young and energetic musicians.

1w ago

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.”  

2m 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.

7m 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.

7m 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.

7m 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.

7m 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.

7m 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.

9m ago
October 18, 2022
October 18, 2022

I will always be a model first: Shirin Akter Shela

The former Miss Universe Bangladesh is no stranger to representing Bangladesh on the international stage, and this time, she won the Model Star Award in South Korea’s Asia Model Festival, which she also judged.

October 16, 2022
October 16, 2022

Shela leads Bangladesh at Asia Model Festival, wins award

Former Miss Universe Bangladesh Shirin Akter Shela is moving forward in strides, in her representation of Bangladesh in international platforms.

September 4, 2022
September 4, 2022

OTT ushers in a brave new world

It was stars galore at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre as celebrities, influencers and artistes alike were keen on witnessing a unique celebration -- Blender’s Choice - The Daily Star OTT & Digital Content Awards 2021.

August 20, 2022
August 20, 2022

The film industry’s unforeseen revival

Recently, the trailer for Raihan Rafi’s “Damal” was released, much to the delight of cinema-goers who have been enjoying a steady stream of quality projects.

August 7, 2022
August 7, 2022

‘Hothat’ is in town, here’s why you should take notice

The idea of ‘supergroups’ are not necessarily new – who can forget the energetic, ethereal performance by Azam Khan, Ayub Bachchu, Hasan and Partha Barua in Prothom Alo’s award function in 1999? Throughout the years, many famous musicians have teamed up to form short-lived projects, many of which have remained ingrained in listeners’ memories.

August 2, 2022
August 2, 2022

Fuad Almuqtadir – Back after 7 years

It has been 24 years since Fuad Almuqtadir’s first album, “Maya”, released. Since then, the musician, composer and sound engineer has been synonymous with hit music. After 7 years, Fuad has announced that he is ready to return to making new music full-time, in an exclusive interview with The Daily Star.

July 27, 2022
July 27, 2022

How a 3-minute song elevated an entire film

An eccentric genius by the name of Hashim Mahmud has been in the limelight for the last few days, for all the right reasons. “Hawa” – the film which has already blended a mysterious, alluring narrative with one of the most tasteful, engaging promotional campaigns in recent memory, has struck gold with “Shada Shada Kala Kala”, a masterclass in rustic songmaking.

July 24, 2022
July 24, 2022

Watch: Team ‘Hawa’ performs at Jahangirnagar University

The craze for upcoming film “Hawa” does not seem to go away, as the film’s team performed for a jam-packed audience at Jahangirnagar University yesterday.

July 9, 2022
July 9, 2022

“Din-The Day” is Ananta Jalil’s chance to prove critics wrong

Made at a cost of BDT 100 crore, Ananta Jalil starrer “Din: The Day” is a long-awaited return for the actor to the industry. This kind of budget is unforeseen in Bangladesh’s film industry.

July 9, 2022
July 9, 2022

“Poran” may not have a BDT 100 crore budget, but it has "heart"

This Eid-Ul-Adha, Raihan Rafi directorial “Poran” is up against the BDT 100 crore mammoth production, Ananta Jalil’s “Din: The Day”. While both films have gathered considerable hype ahead of release, the difference in budget and halls released in means that “Poran” will only have to do a fraction of the business to be deemed “successful”.