Featured

Featured

The enduring legacy of Ustad Zakir Hussain

In a career that spanned over six decades, Zakir Hussain worked with not just India’s musical stalwarts like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan but also legends like George Harrison and Van Morrison.

2d ago

A day at Wangala festival with the Garo community

The grounds of Lalmatia Housing Society School and College came alive with the beats of drums and the colourful celebration of Wangala, the foremost festival of the Garo community. Known as the “Hundred Drums Festival,” Wangala is a time for the community to thank Misi Saljong, the Sun Deity, for a successful harvest. This festive celebration marks the end of the farming season and celebrates the blessings of nature.

1w ago

16 Days of Activism / Reclaiming the stories of women on screen

The frameworks of portrayals of gender-based violence in our local productions have been birthed from the need to give voice to the oppressed Biranganas (war heroines)—as portrayed through several films or dramas throughout the years.

1w ago

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

Film Certification Board: Ambitious plans, lingering challenges

In an effort to understand the challenges and tentative guidelines, The Daily Star reached out to board members and stakeholders. Their insights highlight the complexities of transitioning from the long-standing censor board to a modern certification body.

3w ago

Arnob back on the canvas

On a quiet autumn evening, we visited Arnob’s studio, Kolorob, where he shared reflections on his musical career, insights into his creative journey in art, and his upcoming projects.

1m ago

Serene Sarika

A spontaneous girl, who entered showbiz in 2006 as a model while still in school, quickly made her mark in the industry with grace and charm. Sarika Subrin, a household name for her roles in small-screen dramas, is now making waves on OTT platforms. She has also been the host of the longest-running celebrity show, “Amar Ami”, for four years now.

2m ago

Shawon flies high

Marking a decade in showbiz, Sayed Zaman Shawon has captivated audiences across television, OTT platforms, and the big screens. Known for his acclaimed roles in Mabrur Rashid Bannah’s “Brothers” series, Shihab Shaheen’s “August 14”, Ashfaque Nipun’s “Sabrina”, and Golam Sohrab Dodul’s “Mobaroknama”, Shawon’s adaptability shines through each project.

1m ago

Saudha to present another musical odyssey at Royal Albert Hall

The event will consist of performances of ancient Indian classical music and poetry genres in a bid to revive and reinstate its significance in the ever-changing world, confirmed authorities from its organiser, Saudha.

11m ago

The melody of the polls: Sometimes genius, sometimes obnoxious

While every alleyway, street and locality has been adorned with posters, the most impressive promotion of this election is perhaps the innovative and catchy songs that are being played at political stalls, through mikes, moving vans and rickshaws.

11m ago

Empowering Bangladeshi women: Mano a mano with Sara Zaker

Founded by Jude Kelly CBE, WOW - Women of the World is an international festival that started its journey in 2021 in Bangladesh. It organises community events nationwide by offering a platform to celebrate the voices of women and girls, whether living within or beyond the margins of society.

12m ago

Representing Bengal’s Gaudiya Nritya on the world stage

Gaudiya Nritya is a Bengali classical dance originating in Gaur, Bengal, the ancient capital of the region. Gaudiya Nritya is a composite art form representing the pre-colonial division of larger Bengal with a unique combination of music, history, poetry, literature, drama and rhythm.

1y ago

Prachyanat to conclude triumphant year with ‘Koinna’

The popular theatre troupe is going to conclude a glorious year with one of its initial plays, eminent thespian Azad Abul Kalam directorial “Koinna”, being staged at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Wednesday (December 13) at 7 PM .

1y ago

Brushstrokes of solidarity: Fundraiser exhibition sheds light on war-torn Palestine

To a practised eye, the images, paintings, satirical cartoons and visuals of Palestine, a country with a very rich heritage, art and cultural background and which has been diminished to the verge of destruction, where humanity is barely surviving, did not seem any less or more than what it is: A targeted cultural persecution.

1y ago

Theaterian’s Death of a Salesman: The tragedy of a common man is still relevant 

Theaterian’s first production and 14th show of the famous play brought about the torturous despair of existence and set the stage on fire with eclectic performances throughout its 2:30-hour run-time at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy’s National Theatre Hall on Tuesday.

1y ago

Safeguarding intangible cultural heritage: Still a long way to go?

Recognising the cultural construct of the state, Lubna Marium emphasises that any threat to culture hampers societal progress, national unity, and diversity. To address this, she has spearheaded the establishment of a comprehensive Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventory (ICH) through Shadhona.

1y ago

Humayun Ahmed and his quiet, subtle humanist stances

There is a great debate on his inclination towards choosing safer routes as a laureate; critics always said he downplayed his capabilities and did not utilize his literary brilliance on social and political instances much; rather, he opted for popular and contemporary content, a discussion popular among critics and fans alike.

1y ago

Headlines vs Hemlines: The pervasive bias of entertainment journalism against women

A dive into history reveals similar narratives. In 1968, Sharmila Tagore's decision to wear a bikini for a photoshoot wasn't seen as an artiste's choice but became a canvas for societal moral commentary. Fast forward to the present, and Bollywood luminary Deepika Padukone often finds her neckline inciting more fervour than her critically acclaimed roles.

1y ago