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Monday, April 20, 2009

Pottery industry facing grave threat in greater Dinajpur

Kongkon Karmaker

Dinajpur, April 20, 2009

These are hard times for the potters of greater Dinajpur area. Today they have to deal with multifarious problems: a slump in sale, high prices of clay, lack of capital and wood along with inadequate technical support from the local authorities. 

Traders say that earthenware and clay products are rapidly being replaced with aluminium, plastic, steel and other alternative materials. Even toys for children are being made with wood and cloth. Besides, many of the elites think it below their dignity to buy earthenware. However, those who know point out those clay utensils are far more hygienic than those made of silver or other metals.To observe the plight of potters first hand, this correspondent visited several places in the district: Dinajpur, Thakurgaon, Panchagarh, Jaipurhat and Nilphamari.

Mintu Paul, a hard-pressed potter, said that after the Liberation War (1971), many artisans left the country. Confronted with dipping sales, many in the potter communities are now considering alternative professions. Statistics bear out Paul's contention. Over the last 30 years, potter families have declined from 150 to 20. Many have migrated to India or taken to alternative professions such as shop-keeping, rickshaw pulling and rowing boats. 

Or take the case of Phul Mohammad. Around 15 years ago Phul Mohammad migrated to Dinajpur town from the Khansama village for better prospects. However, his skills as a potter have not been appreciated; today his offspring are in search of more lucrative professions. 

Even as demand for high quality earthenware registers an upswing, former potters such as Bhuttu Paul of Biral upazila, Dinajpur says that his community lacks the know how to fashion such products and market them to the urban buyers.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

'Firaaq' awarded special jury prize at Istanbul film festival

Agencies
Posted: Apr 20, 2009

Nandita Das's directorial debut 'Firaaq' won the Special Jury Prize at the 28th Istanbul Film Festival for "conveying a message of hope". 

It is the eighth international award for the critically acclaimed film which has already won awards in film festivals in Greece, Singapore, Dubai, Karachi and San Jose. Set in the aftermath of Gujarat riots in 2002, the film deals with the issues related to violence and its effect on human psyche. 

"Firaaq courageously deals with the highly sensitive them of religious intolerance and sectarian strife, showing its terrible consequences. It also conveys a message of hope and demonstrates that people can make choices," the festival Jury said in its citation. 

"Showing the film in different parts of the world and connecting with audiences reaffirms my faith in the fact that human stories transcend boundaries," Nandita said in a statement. 

Presenting the award to Nandita, the Deputy Secretary General of the Film Award of the Council of Europe, Maud De Boer Buquicchio said that the award was not only for the choice of story but for how it had been told. 

Nandita, who is known for her work in socially relevant films like 'Fire', 'Earth', 'Bavandar' and Provoked', released the film in India last month.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Anne Hathaway feels out of place at big events

Agencies
Posted: Apr 20, 2009

The 'Devil Wears Prada' star Anne Hathaway is known to rule the red carpet with her impeccable style but the star dreads attending prestigious events fearing she might get thrown out. 


Talking about high-profile events, the 'Rachel Getting Married' star admits she still struggles to feel like she belongs at those ceremonies, ‘Female First online’ reported. 

"The Venice Film Festival was a wonderful moment for me. At these events, I always feel like a little girl playing dress-up. I kept expecting that at any moment, someone would come up to me and say, 'How did you get in here?' and throw me out," the actress said. 

Hathaway, who split from long-term boyfriend Raffaello Follieri last year after he was accused of fraud insists that she is over her heartbreak and still believes in true love. The 26-year-old actress, who is currently dating actor Adam Shulman, said, "I think the perfect partner exists, of course I believe so. I know he's somewhere." 

"My prince charming is kind, patient, has a sense of humour and rescues me from the dizzy, frenetic, fast-paced rhythm of this life," the actress said.

Source: http://www.news.google.com

Da Vinci Code sequel set for 2009

A sequel to Dan Brown's conspiracy theory novel The Da Vinci Code will be published on 15 September 2009.

By BBC News

Monday, 20 April 2009

The Lost Symbol will follow hero Robert Langdon through a 12-hour timeframe. 

Brown described writing the new novel, which was originally slated for release in 2006 as "a strange and wonderful journey". The Da Vinci Code was released in 2003. It became a world-wide hit, selling 81 million copies and spawning a hit film starring Tom Hanks.The book saw symbologist Robert Langdon investigating a murder in The Louvre museum in Paris, a trail which led him into the murky waters of Christian history. 

Details of the plot of the new novel are being kept under wraps, but Brown's editor Jason Kaufman described the setting of The Lost Symbol as "a masterful and unexpected new landscape". 

Brown added: "Weaving five years of research into the story's 12-hour timeframe was an exhilarating challenge. Robert Langdon's life clearly moves a lot faster than mine." The Da Vinci Code was Brown's fourth novel and in the wake of its success his previous works also became best sellers - with the quartet now ranking as the UK's top four bestselling adult paperback novels of all time. 

A film adaption of Angels and Demons, a previous Robert Langdon story, is due for release in May this year.

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk

Abhi Ash celebrate second wedding anniversary

screenindia
Posted: Apr 20, 2009 

The real life love story of Bollywood’s most glamorous couple started with a deep bond of friendship and soon flourished into love. The couple is celebrating their 2nd wedding anniversary by going on a week long vacation to an undisclosed location. 

Last year Aishwarya had joined Abhishek in Miami while he was shooting for ‘Dostana’. This year as well the couple had planned to spend the day together on the set of Mani Ratnam’s ‘Raavan’. But the sudden illness of Mani has pushed the shooting schedule back, giving the couple time for a short vacation. 

It seems to be a beautiful journey so far and the chemistry is for all to see. Join us in wishing them a lifetime of happiness together.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

'Slumdog Millionaire' star Rubina Ali's father denies he tried to sell her

By Korin Miller, DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Monday, April 20th 2009

The father of adorable "Slumdog Millionaire" star Rubina Ali is refuting an undercover report that he tried to sell his 9-year-old daughter.

The story, published by Britain's News of the World newspaper, is a "lie made up by foreign journalists playing games with me," cash-strapped dad Rafiq Qureshi tells People magazine.
Qureshi, who lives in a Mumbai slum along with his star daughter, offered to sell Ali for nearly $300,000 to undercover reporters, the paper says. News of the World also published a photo of their journalists meeting with the family while disguised as a wealthy couple from Dubai.
Qureshi was reportedly fielding several lucrative adoption offers for the starlet.

Ali's dad allegedly upped his asking adoption price for his apple-cheeked little girl during the negotiations because of Ali's star status.

"The child is special now," Qureshi's brother said, per the paper. "This is an Oscar child!"

Qureshi now acknowledges he received an offer to adopt Ali but says he pretended to be interested in an effort to be polite.

"In India, you never say 'no' directly, least of all to guests," he said. "You try not to offend people by refusing to help. They said they were childless and desperately fond of Rubina after seeing her in the film. I felt sorry for them, but I was never going to give her up."

Ali echoed her father's statements, saying, "I trust my father. He loves me. He has never said that he wants to give me up. I did meet an uncle and auntie in a big hotel but it was not about adoption. I will never give any foreign journalist an interview again." The child actress and her father were spotted at a police station in Mumbai on Monday where both were interrogated about the incident.Ali rose to fame earlier this year as the young Latika in "Slumdog." Break-out star Freida Pinto played the grown-up version of Latika.

Despite the stardom, Ali's father reportedly said the family "got nothing out of this film," although director Danny Boyle has set up apartments for Ali and fellow "Slumdog" child star Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail and their families, which will be available soon. 

Boyle has also set up a trust fund for Ali for her education.

Source: http://www.nydailynews.com

Rihanna gets inspiration from pop king Michael Jackson

Agencies
Posted: Apr 20, 2009

It seems that Michael Jackson has a new fan in R&B singer, Rihanna who was spotted wearing a trademark Jackson overcoat. 

Rihanna stepped out in a Jacko-inspired jacket as she hit the shops in Beverly Hills. The 21-year-old star was wearing a military-style braided denim jacket, almost an exact copy of Michael's signature 'look', ‘Daily Mail’ reported. 

The "Umbrella" hitmaker who hid behind dark sunglasses, looked happy as she stopped by the store, the newspaper reported. 

Rihanna seems to have bounced back into her normal routine, after going into hiding post the assault controversy involving her ex-boyfriend Chris Brown. On the other hand, Brown has reportedly gone into depression after being charged for threatening and assaulting Rihanna. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Source: http://www.screenindia.com

Michael Jackson wears surgical mask while out shopping

Agencies
Posted: Apr 20, 2009

Pop star Michael Jackson might be just three months away from his much awaited O2 concert series in London, but the reclusive singer is yet not ready to show his face in public. 

The 'Thriller' singer decided to wear a surgical mask to cover his face, while out shopping in Beverly Hills in Los Angeles, reported ‘Daily Mirror’ online. 

The 50-year-old star who had made a rare public appearance in London's O2 Arena to announce his 50-date concert series in February, has been dogged by rumours surrounding his health that put a question mark on his ability to perform the fluid dance routines that he is famous for. 

And his latest appearance has not helped quell the rumours. 

The "Smooth Criminal' star had reportedly consulted a doctor to help him bulk up for the series which will begin in the month of July.

Source: http://www.news.google.com

Woman Says She Snooped at Spears' Home for Film

Woman Arrested At Spears' Home Said She's Making A Documentary

By The Associated Press

LOS ANGELES April 18, 2009

A woman arrested outside Britney Spears' home is a former "American Idol" hopeful who says she's making a paparazzi documentary.

Miranda Tozier-Robbins says she wanted to show the efforts paparazzi go through and she chose Spears because it "might as well be someone I'm interested in."

Source: http://abcnews.go.com

GLAAD Award Winners Are Announced

By Dave Itzkoff

April 20, 2009

The comedian Kathy Griffin and the clergyman V. Gene Robinson were among the top honorees of the GLAAD Media Awards, which were presented Saturday night in Los Angeles by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. In a news release, GLAAD said that it had given Ms. Griffin, star of “Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List,” its Vanguard Award, presented to individuals whose work has “increased the visibility and understanding of the LGBT community in the media.” Bishop Robinson, the openly gay Episcopal bishop who delivered the invocation at a presidential inaugural event in January, received the Stephen F. Kolzak Award, which GLAAD said is given to “an openly lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender person who has made a significant difference in promoting equal rights.” The Showtime series “The L Word” received special recognition, as did the viral video “Prop 8 — The Musical.” “Desperate Housewives” was named outstanding comedy series and “Milk” was named outstanding wide-release film.

Source: http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com

Documentary Fest ’09 ends

Cultural Correspondent

April 20, 2009

The four-day Bangladesh Documentary Festival 2009 ended at the Shawkat Osman Auditorium, Central Public Library, Shahbagh on April 19. Titled 'Documenting Bangladesh 3,' the event was organised by Bangladesh Documentary Council (BDC). On the concluding day, an award giving ceremony took place, where awards were given to the winners in two categories-- general section and in student section.

Shibu Kumar Shil received the best prize in general section for his film "Eleas-er Khoari." On the other hand, two films-- "Frozen Tears," jointly directed by Polash Rosul, Tanvir Mridul, Mahrun Faruque, Lucky Osman, Faiz Alam and Arif Ul Alam, and "Operar Din Ratri" jointly directed by Farashat Rizwan, Imrul Kayes and M. Islam-- were awarded the first prize in student section.

Noted author Syed Shamsul Huq handed over the crests to the recipients as chief guest. Among others, publisher and trustee of the Liberation War Museum, Mafidul Haque, and filmmaker and advisor of BDC Manzare Hassin Murad were present at the programme. The student section was a new inclusion in this year's festival. "Japito Jibon," jointly directed by Muhammad Sazzad Hossain and Md. Arifur Rahman, received the second prize in the student section.

The award ceremony was followed by a special screening of the winning films at the venue.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

Bangladeshi artistes enthrall Delhi audience

By Kavita Charanji

New Delhi, April 20, 2009

West Bengal and Bangladesh recently came together on a common platform, titled 'A Panorama of Bengal's Performing Arts Heritage.' Depicting the rich plurality of Bengali art and culture, the event featured the best of both Bengals.

Among the show stoppers were 'Traditional epic of Bengal -- Manasa Mangal in Katha Style,' presented by Dr. Ashish Ghosh and group from Delhi, the Dhaka-based Chandana Majumdar's rendering of 'Sufi Tradition of Bengal -- Songs of Lalon Fakir, Bauls etc' and 'Chandalika,' also from Dhaka, performed ably by Sharmila Bandyophadyay in the central role, accompanied by her Nrityanandan dance organisation.From Kolkata came superb groups such as Su Samannaya, which transported the audience to a mystical realm with 'Proside Mato Mahishashur-Mardini,' an episode from 'Sri Sri Chandi,' a religious discourse based on the Goddesses Kali and Durga. The main singer was Subhamay Banerjee. One would find it difficult to believe that a performer with such a magical and moving voice was a management graduate. However, with his education at the School of Ramakrishna Mission, Kamarpukur, it is easy to understand how he gave of his best to the complex shlokas that he sang at the show. Today his mission is to form musical groups, particularly those dedicated to devotional music and spread the message of Thakur Sri Sri Ramkrishna.

The essence of Bengali culture was demonstrated when performers from Dhaka took the stage. On the first day of the programme, Chandana Majumdar sang folk songs originally sung, composed and written by mystic poets. Among those that went down well with the audience were "Khachar bhitor achin pakhi" of Lalon Shah, "Ki shap-e kamralo" of the famous late singer, lyricist and composer Kabi Bijoy Sarkar and "Aamar bondhu doyamoy" (Radharaman, also singer, lyricist and composer).

So what's up with the City Cell-Channel i Music Award-winning Chandana? One of her playback songs for the blockbuster Bangla film, "Monpura," she says, has become a hit and is on everyone's lips in Bangladesh. Beside, on Pahela Baishakh (Bengali New Year), she released her 23rd album (folk songs), called "Bondhu Doyamoy."

Another show stealer was the Nrityanadan dance organisation's rendering of Tagore's "Chandalika." With Sharmila in the eponymous role, the dance drama was sheer magic. Hasn't "Chandalika" been overdone, asked this correspondent? “Yes, it has been done many times by different people,” she acknowledges, going on to add, “Each time it comes up with a new element as each choreographer has her own perspective on it.” And Chandalika is still relevant in contemporary society, she says, “Its relevance today is that it shows the evils of the caste system, which is prevalent even today.”

And Sharmila has great credibility in her chosen sphere. She is the director of Nrityanandan and head of the dance department and Manipuri dance teacher in Chhayanat. For her indisputable talent, she recently received the Meril Prothom Alo Award for best dancer, choreographer and dance director. “The award has increased my responsibility towards myself, my dance school as well as towards society.” Not just this, Sharmila is the proud recipient of a recent award from the Bangladesh Mohila Parishad for her contribution to the field of dance. Now she is concentrating on Tagore's dance drama, "Shyama." She says she is reviving the dance drama with new elements.

With Chandana and Sharmila here in Delhi, the audience had a first hand look at the immense talent of Bangladeshi artistes. Such cultural exchanges cut across barriers even amidst the continual ups and down of political ties between the two nations.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net

Devdas yet once again

Cultural Correspondent

April 20, 2009

Among the immortal creations in Bengali literature is “Devdas”. Written by Saratchandra Chattopadhyay in 1917, the widely read novel, remains an evergreen creation of the author. The moving book narrates the tragic love story of Devdas and Parvati. 

The novel has been translated into many languages. After the introduction of cinema, “Devdas” was aired on the silver screens. So far 11 movies on “Devdas” have been made in various languages.Impress Telefilm Limited is bringing “Devdas” on the silver screen for the 12th time. This announcement was made at a press conference at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel on April 19. The movie will be directed by noted film director Chashi Nazrul Islam.The movie will feature actor Sakib Khan as Devdas, Apu Biswas as Parvati. Moushumi in the role of Chandramukhi and Shahiduzzaman Selim as Chunilaal.

Using the latest technology in cinematography, Impress Telefilm is confident that it will come up with a quality production. Faridur Reza Sagar, managing director, Impress Telefilm Limited and Channel i; Chashi Nazrul Islam, actor Bulbul Ahmed and others were present at the conference. 

A website on Devdas was also launched at the press conference by Faridur Reza Sagor. The address of the website is www. idevdas.com. The shooting of the movie is scheduled to start soon.

Source: http://www.thedailystar.net