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
May 1, 2021
May 1, 2021

Akhila Shaha’s inspirations in fashion

Designer, writer and entrepreneur Akhila Shaha built her two brands, Akhila Shaha and Yours, Mammamia (YM) in less than a year once her business came into being in June 2020.

April 16, 2021
April 16, 2021

Building gender-focused knowledge through storytelling

Meye Network, a platform that combats gender-based injustice, was founded by Trishia Nashtaran in 2011. Trishia is one of the 22 changemakers

March 23, 2021
March 23, 2021

Liberation War Museum celebrates its silver jubilee

The Liberation War Museum celebrated its 25th anniversary yesterday, keeping the month of Bangladesh’s independence in mind. The celebrations began with a recording of the song, “Muktiro Mondiro Sopano Tole”. Members of Liberation War Museum’s Board of Trustees Dr Sarwar Ali, Mofidul Hoque, and Sara Zaker welcomed the audience with their speeches.

March 5, 2021
March 5, 2021

A modern-day haven for women

Anondolokey, a hostel for women and girls in Bashundhara, was founded by Moriom Mannan around six years ago. Ahead of International Women’s Day (March 8), she talks about her journey with Star Youth, The Daily Star.

February 5, 2021
February 5, 2021

A ray of hope for vulnerable children

APON Foundation, a government approved charitable organisation, was formed in 2006, with the aim of facilitating education for

January 26, 2021
January 26, 2021

Moving wheels, saving lives

Safewheel, founded by Rafiq Islam (Chief Executive Officer), Faysal Islam (Chief Business Development Officer) and Anas Hossain Makki (Chief Operating Officer), gained a wide audience in its formative days.

January 8, 2021
January 8, 2021

A beacon of hope for those struggling with mental health issues

Moshal aims to spread awareness about different mental health issues, by providing people with useful information and by connecting them with counsellors and therapists on the basis of their needs.

December 25, 2020
December 25, 2020

Working towards a cleaner, safer nation

Over the years, they frequently cleaned up the streets through the help of their volunteers. They have also received governmental help from the city corporation. “Asun Kichu Kori helps with free medical care in medical camps. Our members identify as blood donors, and we are working to build an active blood bank,” mentions Rayhan.

December 18, 2020
December 18, 2020

World Youth Army combats the pandemic earnestly

Ayesha Akther Eti, a student of Jahangirnagar University and Founder of Worth Youth Army, formed the non-profit organisation in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

November 13, 2020
November 13, 2020

Reaching out to people in need through earnest efforts

The charitable non-profit organisation, Blessing for Human Foundation, began their journey last year with the intention of helping underprivileged communities. The organisation was formed when a father and a son, along with their close family and friends, decided to band together to raise enough funds to help those in need, during the winter months. They intend to implement real change in real time.