Zareen Nawar

The dual faces of mental health disorders in local films

The intrinsically intricate nooks and crevices of the realities of living with mental health disorders can very well be deemed as being only ever harsher than those represented in media. Even the churning and voicing of these complexities via books or writing can only do so much to make people perceive mental health disorders for what they are. However, when push comes to shove, representations of psychological disorders in any form can mean a further step taken to bring awareness to them — and Bangladeshi projects seem to have touched upon two rather specific ways to represent them.

6d ago

A trite trope: How drug-induced montages are losing edge on screen

In all honesty, the filming of the hazed-up and sluggish diplopia, magnified mercilessly by the strong presence of hallucinatory colours resembling questionable club joints and sounds that first seep in vaguely until the individual under the influence, begins hearing properly — has become trite. The fact that an aware audience is easily able to predict the cueing in of an unnecessary drug-addled montage in a project that does not even necessitate such an addition has also become dulling — so much so that I instantly and almost mindlessly give way to a bout of onomatopoeia of disdain.

1m ago

Here’s to 'Deadpool & Wolverine' and its uncensored homage to Marvel

The feeling of exultation seems to be ripely dense in the air for Ryan Reynolds, who leaves no stone unturned to get back at 21st Century Fox in “Deadpool & Wolverine”, despite having fought for and won the desired final products in the form of the first two “Deadpool” films under its banner. The movie simultaneously and more importantly pays an almost necessary homage to its pre-existing and thriving Marvel heroes and franchises before the launch of the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe). Since Disney’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2019, I bet Reynolds had just been itching to finally spill his guts which he does in this more successfully done fan servicing movie after “Spider-Man: No Way Home”.

2m ago

‘Ura Dhura’ Antara stoked about her first ‘superhit’

Born and brought up in a family that practices and appreciates the art of music, Debosrie Antara officially debuted in Dhallywood with “Laage Ura Dhura” from the upcoming Shakib Khan starrer film “Toofan”. The song, composed by Pritom Hasan, has now become the party anthem of the season.

5m ago

‘Perfect Days’ is a gentle reminder of ‘now being now’

The film gets going with Hirayama (played by Koji Yakusho) awakening in the still-numbing, navy-bluish time of the morning — ahead of the break of dawn, to initially infuse a sense of hurried alarm. However, the picture becomes clearer when he gears himself in his ‘The Tokyo Toilet’ overall uniform to head out during the still-dulling hours of the day. The janitor doesn’t forget to pay attention to his plants prior to leaving home, gently smiling up at the sky whilst admiring it for a few good seconds, then moving to pick out a ready-made coffee can from a vending machine near his outwardly dilapidated home. He eventually gets in his car, picks out a cassette tape, and drives to work.

6m ago

Kona everywhere

The vivacious songstress with the honeyed voice has had a rather bustling month this year — as divulged by Dilshad Nahar Kona herself. Not only did her latest collaboration with Muza, “Daane Baame”, drop this ongoing month but Kona has been touring and performing in around 17 scheduled concerts across Bangladesh, on top of also accumulating praise for singing a romantic rendition of the Rabindra Sangeet “Bhalobeshe Sokhi” on Pavel Areen's “Living Room Session”. Additionally, the versatile musician lent her voice to 11 songs for different dramas and films on television this month alone.

8m ago

Debosrie Antara opens up on finding her resolute stance

Her’s is a story that is one with all– who have had to and are still working hard to make it in an industry that is elusive. Antara Roy Chowdhury, also known by her stage name Debosrie Antara, hence grew up harbouring a penchant for the ability of music, with the dream of one day becoming a singer. Her younger school-going self was even prepared to sacrifice her drift toward a more substantial career for the love of music.

9m ago

The multifaceted Shibu Kumer Shill

Meghdol’s main vocalist Shibu Kumer Shill has recently been making headlines for having lent his voice to “Nirbashito Chaand”, from the upcoming Tollywood film “Shri Swapankumarer Badami Hyenar Kobole”. The multifaceted personality, who also moonlights as a filmmaker, author, and an illustrator, had a chat with The Daily Star over the phone.

10m ago

November 19, 2023

‘Golden’ aptly marks Jungkook’s global pop stardom

The ever-beloved golden maknae (youngest in English) of BTS was the last member to have released his solo album titled, "Golden". Jungkook launched the sought-after album incorporating a total of 11 songs in the first week of November to astonishingly record-breaking rounds of acceptance.

October 8, 2023

Taehyung’s ‘Layover’ mesmerises in whimsically rhythmic waves

If I were to be unabashedly honest, then I would have to admit that even as a 15-year-old, back in the day, I couldn't really grasp the notion of having one ultimate artiste as my favourite singer. I would definitely notice my friends being completely enthralled by their respective favourites, so I surrendered to believing that I'll never really be able to claim a specific singer as my go-to. At that age, I really thought that it was too late for me to determine my ‘stan’. After all, how could I decide upon a matter that simply never felt special to me?

September 19, 2023

‘Prohelika’ has been a miracle in my 22-year-old career: Chayanika Chowdhury

In a male-dominated industry, Chayanika Chowdhury has carved her own mark as a courageous woman, stepping into the silver-screen with films like “Bishwoshundori” and “Prohelika”.

September 5, 2023

Reminiscing the irreplaceable Mercury of rock

On the occasion of his birthday today, we will take the opportunity to explore some of the more momentous factors of his jubilant personality and eccentric existence.

August 2, 2022

DLA Piper Global Scholarship paves the way for young Bangladeshi scholars

DLA Piper is a global law firm with lawyers bestrewed throughout 40 countries across the globe, with the goal of catering to the legal needs of their clients all over the world.

April 19, 2022

Furnishing your dreams

Savoir has been a soaring name in the furniture industry since 2020. The brand curates tasteful and minimalistic furniture for Bangladeshi

March 15, 2022

Weaving the way to success

Entrepreneur Shafia Shama completed her second post-graduate degree from BRAC University after more than two decades of study gap. Her journey of finding herself during those years propelled her towards success and gratification.

March 11, 2022

Learning through play

Amir Hamza is the founder of Here We Play, a platform that promotes play as earnestly as schooling in the process and progression of teaching students at

February 1, 2022

Helping the underprivileged with medical support

Dip Medical Services & Dipasha Foundation, founded by Dr Farzana Rahman, started its journey in 2015 to provide medical treatment and support to underprivileged and low-skilled people, especially women and girls of Singra, Natore.

January 25, 2022

Sadia Rahman wins Gates Institute’s 2021 Ingenuity Fund

Sadia Rahman, Program Director of Light to Life, was the only Bangladeshi among the six voted winners of the 2021 Ingenuity Fund, developed by the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Bill & Melinda Gates Institute for Population and Reproductive Health(Gates Institute), and supported by Pathfinder International and Bayer.