Shaan charms the Dhaka audience

By Nazia Ahmed

"Musu musu hasi...deo malailai...msu musu hasi deo..." was the definitive pop anthem in '99 -- from little kids to mommies and daddies, and not to forget lovebirds in every nook and cranny! Who knew that the suave, disarming smile behind the song held so much promise and enthusiasm for decades to come! Shaan (aka Shantanu Mukherjee) has carved a niche for himself in the Bollywood music industry as well as international TVdom through hosting the mega-popular talent hunt "SaReGaMaPa."

On June 20 evening, the charming star enthralled Dhaka music lovers with his impeccable performance and incredible showmanship.

The evening started with a duet by Shopon Chowdhuri and Nasreen Chowdhuri of Antor Showbiz, the event management company who made it all happen. Next the band Shironamheen took the stage and performed its famed numbers "Poronto bikel cafeteria," "Eka pakhi boshe achhe," "Prithibita" (cover of the James song), and lastly "Tumi cheye achho tai."

Then came the lovely Manisha, the runner-up of "SaReGaMaPa 2009" with hit film numbers "Zara zara," "Chance mar ley" and "Urey.”

Then with a dramatic prelude came Shaan singing "Mai hu Don." To the audiences' amazement, the artiste hummed two lines from the ever-familiar Nazrul Sangeet "Amar apnar cheye apon jey jon." Shaan carried on with his hitlist: "Jabse tere naina," "Tuney mujhe pehchana nahi," "Woh pehli bar," and the famous "Musu musu hasi." After each medley he added an old Bengali classic like "ei poth jodi na shesh hoy," adding flair and diversity to his repertoire. The young artiste not only executed the songs with vocal accuracy but his act got the audience on their feet with "Main aisa kyu hoon," "Chanda mama," "Welcome" and "Chand sifarish."

With "Bumbum boley," Shaan once again proved that his popularity among children isn't just on screen. He got some children from the audience to come up the stage, and sing and dance with him. The persisting age-old sound management issues seemed to have ticked the singer off from time to time, but he was in control. His duets with Manisha were just as much lively: "Heshona," "Ghazab," "Khushi se khud khushi kar le," "Jigarse piya," and "Das bahana". After a 15-minute break the performance resumed with "Om shanti om," "Bindas," "Dil kya kare," "Tanha Dil," and "Bhulja." Shaan also sang parts of the Bryan Adams classic "Summer of 69." He finished off with his disco numbers "Its the time to disco" and "Lets go party tonight."

The show continued till 12 am, which was expected, as the talented musician captured every heart at the venue that night with each song. The band supporting him was Groove from Mumbai. The hall was jam-packed with hundreds of fans who were left craving for more even after almost 30 songs from Shaan! But Shaan assured them there would be more to come as he is intimately attached to this country and it's people.

Source: The Daily Star.

Recalling the spirit of Sufia Kamal

Chhayanaut's Nazrul Festival ends

By Nadia Sarwat

"It was February 21, 1953. We attended programmes all day, observing the first Language Martyrs' Day. Barefoot, we went to the Shaheed Minar, which was just a bare brick structure covered by black cloth then. We were at memorial meetings and rallies, mourning those who had embraced martyrdom to secure our right to speak Bangla. In the evening, Sufia Kamal asked me what my plans are, and my tired answer was that I wanted to go back to my hall (at Dhaka University). She asked me, 'aren't you invited to the dinner celebrating International Poetry Festival?' I told her as they are celebrating the occasion on a national mourning day, I don't intend to go.

"To my surprise, she told me that we should protest this by going there, in front of all. I could not but agree with this brave woman and went to the dinner. Our presence itself was a protest, as we were in a total contrast with the jovial atmosphere. Sufia Kamal wearing a white cotton saree and me in a cotton shirt -- both of us wearing a mourning badge. We were barefoot. Responding to the host's reluctant query, Sufia Kamal said that we were there to protest the event as it dishonoured the Language Movement, and that we wanted the guests to pay homage to the martyrs. I translated her words into English, as there were many non-Bengali guests. We left the dinner after the guests acknowledged the Language Martyrs' Day. That's how bold and determined Sufia Kamal was," noted Nazrul researcher Dr. Rafiqul Islam reminisced in his memorial speech on the concluding day of the Nazrul Festival at Chhayanaut. The festival marked the 98th birth anniversary of poet Sufia Kamal.

Dr. Islam spoke on the life and philosophy of Sufia Kamal, who was inspired by the progressive and secular thoughts and views of Kazi Nazrul Islam and Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain.

The concluding day's programme was inaugurated by veteran Nazrul exponent Sudhin Das at the Chhayanaut Sangskriti Bhaban. Together with his wife, Neelima Das, the seasoned artiste also rendered a song at the event. Chhayanaut general secretary Khairul Anam Shakil delivered the welcome speech at the event presided over by Chhayanaut president Dr. Sanjida Khatun. Artistes of Nazrul Academy and music school Hindol presented group performances at the programme. The last day's evening session featured performance by artistes of Chhayanaut along with guest artistes. Yasmin Mushtari, Rawshan Ara Mustafiz, Ferdousi Rahman, Muntarin Mahal, Dr. Nashid Kamal and Fatema Tuz Zohra were among the guest performers.

A dance-drama, titled "Shajol Shyam Gahano Deya" was a major attraction on the closing day. Based on the theme of monsoon, the dance-drama staged by Chhayanaut artistes featured Nazrul's songs and poetry on rain. The performance was directed by Sharmila Bandopadhyay. The dance-drama began with the song "Megher-o hindola." The repertoire included several songs portraying different aspects of nature and life in monsoon. Featured songs were: "Megh-medur baroshay kotha tumi," "Rimi rimjhim rimjhim namilo deya," "Chanchalo shyamolo elo gaganey" and the composition which inspired the title of the dance-drama, "Esho hey shajolo shyamo ghano deya."

Students and teachers of Chhayanaut, including Khairul Anam Shakil, Nasima Shaheen, Shahin Samad, Sharmin Shathi Islam, Sumon Majumdar, Nandita Dutt, Bijon Chandra Mistri and others performed songs. Bhaswar Bandopadhay and Mahmuda Akther's recitation was also a part of the production. Sharmila Bandopadhyay herself performed in the dance sequences along with Arno Komolika, Sonia Rashid and other dancers.

Source: The Daily Star.

Drama serial 1920 on ntv

By Cultural Correspondent

Drama serial “1920” will be aired on ntv tonight at 8:15 pm. The story revolves around friends studying together -- all aged between 19 and 20. They all have individual dreams, but there are shared aspirations. Two friends Pinky and Anila have different tastes -- the former goes for flowers and latter, for automobiles. Another member of the group, Ayon, is moody and somewhat more mature than his friends. Promiti is involved in theatre. So she draws special attention at her university. Srabonti is proud of her talents as a dancer.

The serial is written and directed by Hridi Haque. The cast includes Tisha, Sharmin Shila, Kusum Sikdar, Dipa Khandokar, Hridi Haque, Nafiza, Jitu Ahsan, Shahriar Shubho, Abhik, Shahiar Huda Rumi, Lucky Enam, Irin Parvin Lopa and Kumkum Hasan, among others.

Source: The Daily Star.

Breathing life into Tagore’s characters

Festival by Sanglap Group Theatre at Shilpakala Academy

By Nadia Sarwat

Sanglap Group Theatre, a troupe from Mirpur is celebrating its 31st anniversary with a theatre festival featuring Rabindranath Tagore's plays. Six plays by troupes from the capital and outside -- originally written by Tagore or adaptations of his works -- are being staged at the festival, which began on June 18. The plays are being staged at the Experimental Theatre Hall, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) at 8pm everyday till June 24.

The festival began with a rally that started from BSA. After the rally, noted theatre personality Ramendu Majumder, president of ITI, formally inaugurated the event at the Experimental Theatre Hall. The newly elected President of Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation (BGTF), Liaquat Ali Lucky and general secretary Jhuna Chowdhury were also present as special guests a the inauguration. Freedom fighter Rafiqul Islam, founder member of and adviser to Sanglap Group Theatre delivered the welcome speech at the event presided over by the troupe's president, Habibur Rahman Habib.

Praising the initiative by Sanglap, Jhuna Chowdhury said in his speech, "In-depth study and performance of Tagore's works got a momentum in the post-Liberation War Bangladesh. Tagore is omnipresent in every sphere of our cultural. But from my personal experiences, I have noticed that many young theatre activists are indifferent towards Tagore's litterateur and plays. Festivals like this would help to generate interest in Tagore among youngsters."

"Many are apprehensive about staging Tagore's play, as they find them difficult. But Tagore, who defined the modern Bengali, was very liberal when it came to staging his plays -- allowing directors enough freedom to interpret his plays from their perspectives. Theatre troupes should definitely work more on Tagore's plays without reluctance," said Liaquat Ali Lucky.

Ramendu Majumder said, "It takes a skilled director to bring Tagore's characters to the stage from the pages. As we have a dearth of original/unique plays, we can always turn to Tagore for inspiration. I'm looking forward to see more innovative, experimental productions based on Tagore's plays and litterateur by young directors."

Subachan Natya Sangsad staged "Khudhito Pashan" on the first day of the festival. The play is an adaptation of a surreal short story (with the same title) by Tagore. Samar Chattyopadhyay adapted the play while renowned actor-director Khaled Khan has directed it.

The play begins with a Muslim aristocrat arriving at a deserted rail station in a small town. The protagonist finds his way to a haunted palace. A tax collector in colonial India, he moves into the marble mansion. Supposedly, the edifice was once used as a 'pleasure palace' by King Shah Mahmud II. Wails of courtesans who were subjected to the tyranny of the king in the palace still seem to resonate in the air. The protagonist goes through some unexplainable experiences, and comes to a profound realisation. Ahsan Habib Nasim played the tax collector in the Subachan production.

Tirjak Chattogram staged "Bishorjon" on the second day of the festival. Natyalok Sylhet will stage the play "Shasti" tonight. Other plays to be staged at the festival are "Rakto Karobi" (by Prangoney Mor), "Daakghar" (by Swapnadal) and "Debotar Grash" (by Sanglap Group Theatre).

This year has witnessed three theatre festivals on Tagore's works so far -- two in Dhaka and one in Chittagong.

Source: The Daily Star.

“Bijoyini”: Special play on Sufia Kamal’s birth anniversary

By Cultural Correspondent

On the 98th birth anniversary on poet-litterateur-activist Sufia Kamal, Rtv will air a single-episode play “Bijoyini” tonight at 9 pm. Adapted by Delwar Hossain from a story by Sufia Kamal, the play has been directed by Rawshan Ara Nipa.

The play follows Kashem, who comes from an affluent family, and his infatuation with his childhood friend Masuma. But Kashem's father does not approve of his interest in Masuma, whose family is not well off. Kashem marries a girl of his father's choice and Masuma also gets married, to a schoolteacher. Years later, Kashem meets Masuma again, and after her husband dies of typhoid, expresses his interest in Masuma despite having a wife. Masuma does not agree, as she believes in true love and not lust. An infuriated Kashem does not take this refusal well. He becomes vindictive and spreads vicious lies about Masuma, who is forced to leave the town. Searching for her for years, Kashem eventually finds Masuma again.

The cast includes Farzana Chhobi, Mahmud Hassan, Aforza Sultana, Tanzina Lily and others.

Source: The Daily Star.

Stories of triumphant women

Yukta stages Katha Manobi

By Jamil Mahmud

Oppression of women is as old as the human civilisation. History only narrates and highlights the bravado of kings and warriors, carefully sidelining the contributions of women and the inspiration they provided.

Featuring the triumphs of eight historic and contemporary women, Yukta, an organisation of recitors, arranged a programme at the British Council Auditorium (on Fuller Road) on June 18. The programme, "Katha Manobi," was inspired by Indian author Mallicka Sengupta's collection of poems (with the same title).

From the epic 'Mahabharat' to contemporary times, Sengupta chose eight characters -- Draupadi, Ganga, Sultana Razia, Madhabi, Khona, Shah Banu, Medha Patekar and Malati Mudi -- and narrated their struggles, passion and valour.

Draupadi is known as the wife of 'Pancha Pandav.' She is a symbol of grace, nobility and fidelity. Her dignity came under threat at the Kaurav court, but Draupadi took charge and faced off her oppressor, emerging triumphant.

Sultana Razia is another historic character. She was the first and only female emperor of Delhi (from 1236-1240 AD). During her reign, Razia had to face the conspiracies by her fellow royals and was eventually killed. Her indomitable courage, however, made her immortal.

In contemporary India, the valour of Medha Patekar, Shah Banu and Malati Mudi has made them symbols of freedom. Medha Patekar, a research worker and social activist in Gujrat, became an iconic figure for her bold protest against a government decision to build a dam on the river Narmada.

Shah Banu is a Muslim housewife. In 1985, her husband divorced her and refused to pay her alimony. An illiterate Shah Banu filed a case at the high court. After years of excruciating wait, Shah Banu's case went to the Parliament of India. Though it failed to triumph, Shah Banu became a public figure. In 1990, Malati Mudi became a hero in Purulia, after she stabbed her landlord who had violated her.

Members of Yukta -- Shirin Khan Moni, Krishti Hefaz, Shamim Ara Koli, Mushfiqua Naznin Lucky, Shubhra Das and Riya Mahmud -- took part in recitation at the programme. Nishat Jahan Rana was the director of the show. Ferdousi Priyobhashini did the stage design, while Ishrat Nishat was the light designer.

This was the premiere show of the programme.

Source: The Daily Star.

Aliya Sharafi: A woman with a musical mission

By Arts & Entertainment Desk

Aliya Sharafi, daughter of legendary singer Kalim Sharafi, is a talented musician in her own right. Currently working as an interpreter in three languages in the office of the Attorney General in the Ontario Court of Justice, she hopes to perform in Bangladesh end July/August.

Aliya recently responded by e-mail to a variety of questions sent to her by The Daily Star. We reproduce the questions and her answers:

Who are your gurus and are ghazals your forte?

I have been learning kheyals from Ustad Phool Mohammad for the better part of my life. My guru Padmabhushan Girija Devi trained me in thumri, dadra, kajri and chaiti. Now I learn ghazals from the young maestro Jaswinder Singh. Later I hope to learn ghazals from Shanti Hiranandji, the foremost disciple of Begum Akhter. I intend to specialise in ghazals.

Your guruji Jaswinder Singh's latest CD was released by Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar. It must be a major honour for him…

Guruji had three other CDs prior to this. This one has been released by SAREGAMA, a major platform for music in India. It is a major honour for any singer to have a CD released by a poet of the stature of Javed Akhter and an intellectual like Shabana Azmi, daughter of Kaifi Azmi, a renowned ghazal writer.

Apparently you have bagged a Canadian government grant to study music in Mumbai. To what do you attribute this honour?

The Art Council of Canada awards this grant to established and talented artistes in Canada. It is difficult to get this grant but if you have made a sufficient contribution towards the Canadian community through your art then you are eligible for this grant. Ultimately one has to go through a lifetime of contributions to the community to get this honour. For me, therefore, it is a privilege to gain acceptance from The Art Council of Canada.

What would you say are your main achievements ?

Apart from this grant, I did playback for the first time at the age of 12 for the film Sutarang. It was called Emon moja hoi na and turned out to be a super hit. Other playbacks include Dushtu Meye Paliye Berai (a duet with Farida Yasmeen) in Kagojer Nauka, Naach re O Kath Putli Naach (duet with Abdul Alim) in Soye Nadia Jage Pani and Agun Jalaish na Amaar gaye re (with Mahbooba Rahman in Gunai Bibi.

Achievements and awards:

Getting the first position in the ghazal genre in the Education Week of the then East Pakistan in 1967. Singing for Bangladesh TV in Rag-rang as a classical artiste. Representing Bangladesh in the West as an artiste in the semi- classical genre. Being the first Bangladeshi artiste to sing at the Lincoln Centre Broadway New York, as reported by the New York weekly Shaptahik Bangalee. In this concert I sang thumris. Opening my music school Prachee Sangeet Vidyalay, which won me recognition both at home and abroad.

Where does music figure in your life in Toronto?

I have been singing in Toronto since 2000. My most memorable show there was envisaged for the Bengali community at the 50th anniversary of the Bangla Bhasha Andolon(Language Movement). I managed to gather artistes from all across Canada to perform on a common stage in a "gaantha' programme. Previously the Bangladeshi community in Toronto had never seen anything like that.

I have established my music school and been a judge for organisations such as Udichi and Fobana. I have also been a judge on the internet for Paltalk singers. Which is a new technology where we are able to conduct these occasions where singers from all over the world log in to compete and we are appointed as judges to promote these.

You are evidently a multi-tasker. Where does singing fit into your scheme of things?

Music is my passion and I intend to focus on it. My job is for daily survival.

Source: The Daily Star.

Commemorating Tagore artiste Zahidur Rahim on Desh TV

By Cultural Correspondent

Today marks the death anniversary of Zahidur Rahim, a renowned Tagore singer of pre and post-Liberation Bangladesh. Rahim was one of the frontline campaigners against the ban on Rabindra Sangeet in the late 1960s by the then Pakistan regime. During those tumultuous times, Rahim played a stellar role in preserving this genre at that time through his renderings of Rabindra Sangeet at various programmes.

In particular, Rahim is credited with popularising the Tagore song "Amar Shonar Bangla," in the '60s-- which eventually became our National Anthem.

Zahidur Rahim died on June 18, 1978. To commemorate this day, Desh TV will air a special programme "Zahidur Rahim Swaraney" tonight at 9:30pm. Publisher and a trustee of the Liberation War Museum (LWM) Mofidul Haque will host the programme. Dr. Sarwar Ali, another trustee of the LWM, and noted Tagore artiste Iffat Ara Dewan will be discussants at the programme.

The programme is produced by Ushnish Chakrabarty.

Source: The Daily Star.

Singers to hold sway in new programme

By Cultural Correspondent

A new musical programme is set to go on air on ATN Bangla at 8:45 pm on alternative Mondays. The first episode begins tonight. The programme is directed by Rumana Afroz and hosted by singer Bappa Majumdar. 

Each episode will feature a guest singer who will discuss his or her experience in the course of their career. Close colleagues as well as fans would get to express their views on the selected artistes. Shakila Zafar is the guest of the first episode. The noted singer will talk about her 30-year innings in the world of music.

Source: The Daily Star.

Family game show Bari Bari Jombe Khela

By Cultural Correspondent
Source: The Daily Star

A new family game show “Bari Bari Jombe Khela” will be telecast on Ekushey TV at 10:10pm on Mondays. The programme is directed and scripted by Masudul Hasan Rony and anchored by Puja Sen Gupta.

The game show is divided into five segments: 'Shapta Banjan' on general knowledge; 'Golla Chut' on household chores; 'Openti Bioscope' a quiz on bygone songs; 'Hatey Hari'- the flaws of family members; 'Panchamukhi' a round of self-admiration. The lucky winners of every round are to get a gift-hamper and a 'Star of the Family' would be nominated on the overall performance basis. The game show is geared for families across the country.

Drama serial “1920” on ntv

By Cultural Correspondent

June o1, 2009

Drama serial “1920” will be aired on ntv tonight at 8:15 pm. The story revolves around friends, studying together, all aged between 19 and 20. They all have individual dreams, but there are shared aspirations. Two friends Pinky and Anila have different tastes -- the former goes for flowers and latter, for automobiles. Another member of the group, Ayon, is moody and more mature than his friends. Promiti is involved in theatre. So she draws special attention at her university. Srabonti is proud of her talents as a dancer.

The serial is written and directed by Hridi Haque. The cast includes Tisha, Sharmin Shila, Kusum Sikdar, Dipa Khandokar, Hridi Haque, Nafiza, Jitu Ahsan, Shahriar Shubho, Abhik, Shahiar Huda Rumi, Lucky Enam, Irin Parvin Lopa and Kumkum Hasan, among others.

Source: TheDailyStar.

Gurusaday remembered at Shilpakala

By Rahad Abir

Bratachari Bangladesh organised a discussion, followed by a cultural programme on the occasion of the 127th birth anniversary of Gurusaday Dutta, pioneer of the bratachari movement at the Music and Dance Centre of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, in Segun Bagicha on Saturday.

Novelist Selina Hossain, Professor Shoumitra Shekhar of Dhaka University and Bratachari Bangladesh secretary general, Enamul Latif were present as the discussants at the function while the organisation’s president and language activist, Emdad Hossain presided over the programme.

The programme began with the song Bangla Aamar Durnibar by the young artistes of the organisation, Kendriya Kochikachar Mela. They also sang Aamara Bangali, Chal Kodal Chalai and Manush ho. In the discussion, Selina Hossain said, ‘Gurusaday mentioned the peasant’s as gentlemen. People of this generation should learn more about him and we should remember him for his ideal thinking.’

Enamul Latif, highlighted Dutta’s life and works and described the five bratas – knowledge, hard work, truth, joy and unity – of the bratachari movement. ‘The bratachari movement was also spread to Europe, but we have little research on the movement,’ added Enamul Latif.

Language activist Emdad Hossain said, ‘Gurusaday is a man of our land. He hailed from Sylhet. We should always remember this great man with pride. Poet Rabindranath Tagore was influenced by his philosophy.’ In the next session, Jesmine Munna recited a poem titled ‘Banshiwala’ of Rabindranath Tagore.

Shadhona, a centre for advancement of South Asian music and dance presented the ‘Raybeshe dance’, that was directed by Lubna Marium. This special kind of martial art dance form was presented by the lathials of the zamindars of the country. The performers captivated the audience.

Later, the traditional lathi khela by Chan Mia and his troupe from Manikganj also delighted the audience. Chan Mia along with his seven members performed different types of lathi khela.

Source: NewAgeBD.

Humayun Ahmed’s play “Gandha” on ATN Bangla

By Cultural Correspondent

June 01, 2oo9

TV play “Gandha” will be aired tonight on ATN Bangla at 8:45pm. Based on a story by noted litterateur Humayun Ahmed, the play has been scripted by Bandana Kabir and directed by Abir Khan. The cast includes Taquir Ahmed, Mim, Abul Kashem and Dr. Ejaz.

The story line: While awaiting execution, Karim recalls his beloved deceased wife Jamuna, particularly their wedding night when he had requested her for a heavy quilt. 

By 9 pm a constable enters the cell with his favourite food. A Maulvi comes late at night for Karim's last confessions. The executor is called Ramzan.

In his last moments, Karim senses a familiar smell, which the jailer says is of a 'bidi.' Karim associates the smell with his dead wife. An amazing revelation emerges.

Source: TheDailyStar.

Talent hunt toppers meet media

By Cultural Correspondent

The top ten heroes and top ten heroines of talent hunt Fair & Lovely Super Hero and Super Heroine met the media at the Fantasy Kingdom on Saturday.

Film director Sohanur Rahman Sohan, film producer and director Gazi Mazharul Anwar, the Film Producer Association’s president Sharif Uddin Khan Dipu and general secretary Shah Alam Kiron, the Market Access Group’s general manager Sarwar Anam, talent hunt contest director Tanveer Khan and actors Amzad Hossain and Moushumi also attended the briefing.

The competition, organised by the Film Development Corporation, Market Access Group and NTV with the sponsorship of the Unilever Bangladesh Ltd., began on August 3, 2008 with an audition in Chittagong. According to the organisers, around 32,000 participants from across the country took part in the competition.

The judges of the competition have selected Aymon Ibne Alauddin, Mustafizur Nur Imran, Mehedi, Sadik Mohammad Simon, Asif Uddin Imroz, Sakawat Hossain Sagor, Shohan Khan, Niloy Alamgir, Mohammad Hanif Asad and Sajid Hasan Rohel as the top ten heroes.

Ayesa Sultana Shampa, Farzana Kakon, Samsun Nahar Jerin, Rabeya Khatun Shuvra, Jannatul Nabila Bashory, Ishita, Faria Mahbub Piasa, Sanjida Mahbub Ovi, Lamia Siddiki Mimo and Merry Prema Gomez were adjudged the top ten heroines.

Source: NewAgeBD.

Fuzon, Habib rock Dhaka audience

By Cultural Correspondent

Bangladeshi singer Habib and Pakistan’s band ‘Fuzon’ with their popular numbers enthralled the audience at a live concert held at the Dhaka Sheraton’s Winter Garden on Friday evening.

Country’s music heartthrob Habib first came on the stage with his popular numbers including ‘Hridayer Kotha’, ‘Bhule Jeona’, ‘Krisna’, and ‘Dwidha’ delighting his audience, as usual, with the fusion of melody and romantic lyrics.

The Pakistani music band Fuzon, which has by now earned quite a reputation in the subcontinent, also rocked the audience with their popular tracks including ‘Malhar’, ‘Suna Suna’, ‘Madhubati’ and ‘Terebina’.

The event management organisation Maccom informed the media that they had plans to arrange similar concerts in future to build a cultural bridge between the two countries.

Source: NewAgeBD.

Acting is like mathematics -- Bipasha

By Cultural Correspondent

When I was a child I had a cassette player on which I would listen to “Shesher Kobita” by Tagore every single night before going to sleep. I thought I understood the theme. I listened to that cassette after 15 years again and suddenly realised I hadn't understood a word of it. Acting is like that. Even after 20 years, I feel that I have a lot more to learn." Such is the humility of a household name in Bangladesh -- Bipasha Hayat.

Highly influenced by her father, well renowned actor Abul Hayat, Bipasha always wanted to be an artiste. Her father's sincerity, love and respect for his work enthralled and attracted Bipasha to work in the same line. She wanted to give the audience the flavour of the same simplicity her father managed to present. The motivation to be a famous face was never the guiding force in her taking up the profession of acting.

"Acting is like mathematics," explains this self-critic of her evolution as an actress. "You need to know the theory as well as its application. Practice, concentration and dedication are quintessential." Since the initial years, she has done extensive research and studies on acting and attended numerous workshops. Elaborating on the correlation between acting and mathematics, Bipasha says "How much an eyebrow should be raised for a shot in relation to the facial expression, how many degrees should a head be aligned in a particular direction, these all have to be calculated. It's all very arty and complicated."

Not only has Bipasha been the leading tele-serial actress for years, but she has also emerged into playwriting. Her first brush with writing came when she wrote the serial “Shudhui tomake jani” in 1997. Using a pseudonym, she took the script to three leading artistes of the time. After the serial was telecast it was a raging success and Bipasha was confident that it was her talent and not the "Bipasha name tag" that got appreciated. However, it took her seven more years to take the prospect of writing seriously. This born perfectionist never felt she was ready until her husband Tauquir Ahmed insisted that she start writing. "Writing is like a spark of genius. A thought comes suddenly and I get so engrossed with it that I feel the characters haunting me until I have done each one justice."

An innovative writer, sketching the lead character with shades of good and bad is her specialty. "Every human has a good and bad side, why should heroes be different and be larger than life?"

Her husband has been like a rock foundation in all her projects. In her own words, "Tauquir has always been there for me. We respect each other's work tremendously and are always there for each other.”

A complete woman, Bipasha Hayat is a lover of ancient civilisations and connoisseur of art. With a Master's degree in Fine Arts from the Institute of Fine Arts, DU, someday she wants to hold a solo exhibition. "I am my own critic and I know the time is not yet ripe for a solo exhibition," explains Bipasha.

Source: TheDailyStar.

New drama serial Dorakata goes on air

By Cultural Correspondent

A new drama serial, titled " Dorakata", is set to go on air from tonight on Rtv. Jointly scripted by Aminur Rahman Mukul and Mahfuza Hilali and directed by Sumon Anwar, the serial will be aired Sundays and Mondays at 9pm. 

The serial revolves around the friendship between five fun loving university students: Shojol, Nirob, Anindyo, Jisa and Hena. The friends plan a trip to Rangamati. En route they encounter a shady character named Abir, also a university student. The friends try to avoid him. On reaching Rangamati, they discover that Abir is staying in the same hotel. The group decide to take no notice--until they discover that he is stalking them.

When the group hire a boat to go to Longduur, Abir persuades them to take him along with them. In the evening, the engine fails, stranding the friends on a desolate hill. Now they come face to face with the stark reality that there are different shades to their characters-- greed, suspicion and the like.

Joyonto Chattopadhyay, Fazlur Rahman Babu, Mir Sabir, Richi Solaiman, Naznin Naz, Raunak Hasan, Shojol, Chandni, Nadia, Nova, Shahriar Shuvo and Sanjida Preeti, among others are the actors in the serial.

Source: TheDailyStar.

Buddhadev enchants audience with esraj

By Rahad Abir

The eminent Indian instrumentalist, Buddhadev Das, delighted music aficionados in Dhaka by playing the esraj at Bay’s Galleria, Radius Centre, in Gulshan in the city, on Friday. Shadhona, a centre for advancement of South Asian music and dance, organised the function.

At the beginning of his recital, Das talked about the instrument and introduced his esraj. After paying his respects to his guru Ranadhir Roy, Das said that the esraj he played was a little different from the usual ones and that it was especially made for him, by his guruji.

He further described the history of esraj, which is about 200 years old, considered a new instrument in the history of the Indian music. Rabindranath Tagore preferred the use of this instrument in his music.

At the function, Das started his recital by playing the Raag Emon. The audience gradually became captivated and enjoyed the playing in pin drop silence, at the hall. Later, he played Raag Desh. The recital was concluded with Raag Khamba. Das was accompanied by Swarup Hossain on tabla. A large number of music lovers, including locals and foreigners, enjoyed the two-hour recital.

At the end of the programme, Sadaf Saaz, on behalf of Shadhona, thanked Das for his brilliant performance. Salauddin Ahmed, a patron of Shadhona, greeted the instrumentalist with a bouquet of flowers.

Expressing his feelings, Das said, ‘I actually came to Bangladesh to see my friends and to spend a good time. I have many friends here, such as Luva Nahid Choudhury, Mridul Kanti Chakraborti, Lily Islam, Chayan Islam; we all studied together at Santiniketan. My friends arranged the programme and that is why I played. But it was not the main reason for my visit to Bangladesh.’

Das performed his esraj recital twice before in Bangladesh, in 1994 and in 1999. Bengal Foundation will organise a recital of him at 7:00pm on June 4 at Bengal Shilpalaya in Dhanmondi.

Source: http://www.newagebd.com

Zainul Abedin’s death anniv today

By Mohiuddin Alamgir

The 33rd anniversary of the death of Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin will be observed today.

Several socio-cultural organisations have chalked up various programmes, including discussions and drawing competitions for children, to mark the occasion. Zainul Shishu Niketan and Desh TV will hold an art camp for children at the fine arts faculty in Dhaka University today.

The programme, Desh Shishu Kishore Art Camp, will begin at 2:00pm and it will continue till 6:00pm. About 500 children have been selected for the competition, said the organisers. Actor Assudzzaman Nur, artist Hashem Khan, Shishir Bhattacharya will attend the camp as guests.

Zainul Abedin was born on December 29, 1914 in Kishoreganj. His father, Tamijuddin Ahmed, was a police subinspector. In 1930, Abedin left home without informing his parents and went to Kolkata with his friends to visit the Government School of Arts.

He got himself admitted at the school in 1936 before completing his matriculation. He stayed there in one of his relation’s housel, but after some days, he left the house and spent two nights in a mosque. Later, he managed a place in a boarding house on Wellesley Lane in Kolkata.

As a student of the Government School of Arts, he studied the western academic style of drawing, watercolour, oil and printmaking. Then he drew the picturesque views of Dumka in Bihar and Mymensingh of the then East Bengal, now Bangladesh.

Zainul was recruited as a teacher when he was a student of the final year of the school in 1938. He received the governor’s gold medal for his landscapes in the All India Art Exhibition held on the school premises in the year. His drawings on the Bengal famine, in 1943, were displayed, first, in an exhibition on famine in Kolkata in 1944. The Communist Part of India organised the exhibition.

He took part in the art exhibition by Muslim students at the Islamia College in Kolkata in 1946. He also attended the exhibition of Indian artists at Burlington in London. After the India’s partition in 1947, he migrated to Dhaka and joined as an art teacher the Normal School at Armanitola in Dhaka. He worked for the establishment of the Government Institute of Arts and became its ‘principal designated’ in 1948.

After the India’s partition in 1947, he migrated to Dhaka and joined as an art teacher the Normal School at Armanitola in Dhaka. He worked for the establishment of the Government Institute of Arts and became its ‘principal designated’ in 1948. Most of the pieces of the famine series are kept in the Bangladesh National Museum at Shahbagh and other works of Zainul are on display at the Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin Sangrahashala in Mymensingh.

Zainul was involved in all stages of the movement that led to the creation of Bangladesh. He was in the forefront of the cultural movement to re-establish the Bengali identity, marginalised by the Pakistan government. In 1969, Abedin painted a scroll using Chinese ink, watercolour and wax named Nabanna. In 1975, he founded the Folk Art Museum at Sonargaon, near Dhaka, and Zainul Abedin Sangrahashala, a gallery of his own works, in Mymensingh. ‘Two Faces’ was his last painting, done shortly before his death.

Abedin had suffered from lung cancer and died on May 28, 1976 at the PG Hospital (now BSMMU) in Dhaka.

Source: http://www.newagebd.com

Documentary on Shah Abdul Karim screened

By Rahad Abir

The launching ceremony of ‘Bhatir Purush’, a documentary by Shakoor Majid featuring the life and music of the legendary folk singer Shah Abdul Karim, was held on Wednesday at Shahid Zia Auditorium of the Bangladesh National Museum. The programme was organised by Laser Vision.

Minister for Education Nurul Islam Nahid was present as the chief guest while noted actor Mamunur Rashid and eminent music personality Professor Mridul Kanti Chakrobarty were present as special guests. The chairman of Laser Vision, A K M Arifur Rahman, presided over the event. The function started with the screening of the documentary ‘Bhatir Purush’. A boy named Abdul Karim was born in a low land area in Sunamganj of the then greater Sylhet district of Bangladesh almost hundred years ago. His parents could not afford to send him in a school. But the boy had started to learn from his surroundings—water, boat, nature and people and in course of time, the boy turned himself into a living legend named Shah Abdul Karim.—this was the beginning of the documentary.

Praising the documentary of Shakoor Majid, the chief guest Nurul Islam Nahid said, ‘I hope Shakoor will continue this type of work.’ Mamunur Rashid said that Sunamganj was once rich for its traditional cultural activities but unfortunately the richness has gradually been declining. He also said that Shah Abdul Karim is an example of the cultural richness of the area. ‘I congratulate Shakoor on his work on Shah Abdul karim because this is the first work on him.’ said Dr. Mridul Kanti Chakrobarty.

Shakoor Majid started making of the documentary in 2002. To express his feelings Shakoor said, ‘I feel proud because I can screen the film which is a result of six years’ hard work.’ He also told the media that he would make an international version of the film under the title of ‘Saint of Water’.

Source: http://www.newagebd.com