entertainment |media

World Dance Day

noreply@blogger.com (nazmul) — Mon, 02 May 2011 10:26:00 +0000

International Dance Day was airport parking sydney celebrated here in Dinajpur on Friday with different programmes, including a festive procession, discussion and cultural programmes.

Marking the celebration,{ http://tinyurl.com/6yax4xl } students of different cultural organisations and cultural personalities of the district gathered in airport parking melbourne front of Naborupee, one of oldest institutes in the area.

A rally was brought out which paraded through { http://tinyurl.com/6yax4xl } different streets of the town and later parking sydney concluded at the same venue.

A discussion was held at the auditorium of Naborupee, chaired by Md. Khairul Anam, editor of Daily Protidin and president of Naborupee. parking melbourne

Young students of local cultural organisations performed at the well attended event. http://tinyurl.com/6yax4xl

I had no intention of being an actor” -- Ferdous

noreply@blogger.com (nazmul) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 19:18:00 +0000

Actor Ferdous is busy shooting for both Dhaliwood and Tollywood films. He is also producing a film “Ek Cup Cha.” Noim Imtiaz Neyamul is directing the film.
“The story is quite remarkable. I hope the audience will head towards movie theatres to watch the film,” said Ferdous.
Ferdous has recently acted in the film “Guerrilla”, directed by Nasiruddin Yousuff. “It's been a great opportunity for me to act in this film. The film is based on the Liberation War and has received financial assistance from the Government of Bangladesh. The film is an adaptation of a Syed Shamsul Haq story,” he said.
Asked about his experiences of acting in the film, the actor said, “It was truly an interesting experience. I've done more of a cameo in the film. I play a university teacher. Shooting was held in the northern parts of the country.”
About acting in Tollywood (Kolkata-based movie industry), Ferdous said, “So far I have acted in around 15 Tollywood films in the last two years.”
About Bangladeshi films, Ferdous pointed out that prior to working in “Guerrilla”, he acted in the film “Jolrong” directed by Shahnewaz Kakoli.
What are the noticeable differences between Dhaliwood and Tollywood films? “Distinctions are conspicuous. Commitment to work gives a boost to Tollywood films. A debate is on in our country right now, regarding whether Hindi films are to be screened or not. My view is that if we screen 10 Hindi films in Bangladesh, they have to screen 10 Bangladeshi films in India,” he responded.

About his upcoming film “Ek Cup Cha” that he is producing, Ferdous said, “I have been thinking of producing films. Noted director Basu Chatterjee has started writing the script. Internationally famed singers Runa Laila and Hari Haran (India) will do playback for a song. Moushumi is my co-artiste in the film. Renowned Tollywood director Rituparno Ghosh will also act in the film.”
Shooting for the film will kick off next month. Dhaka, Sylhet and Cox's Bazar have been selected as shooting locations. Emon Saha, Habib, Nochiketa and Bappi Lahiri will direct music for the film. Humayun Ahmed, Kabir Bakul and Zahid Akbar will write lyrics for the songs.
Talking about the initial stage of his 15-year old film career, Ferdous said, “I had no intention of becoming an actor. After Salman Shah's death in 1997, I acted in one of his unfinished films, 'Buker Bhetor Agun'. Right at that time eminent Indian director Basu Chatterjee came to Bangladesh in search of a fresh face for his film. After watching the print of 'Buker Bhetor Agun', Chatterjee selected me for his film 'Hothat Brishti' which was a major hit. 'Hothat Brishti' was the turning point of my career.”
“I would like to continue acting till the end of my days. When the audience no longer wants me on the screen, I will pull the curtain on my career,” he said.

I wasn’t perceived as a successful actor” --Abhay Deol

noreply@blogger.com (nazmul) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 19:10:00 +0000

At the beginning of his Bollywood innings Abhay Deol was not perceived successful as his films failed to click at the box office but the actor says initial roadblocks helped him take further risks in his career.
Abhay made his debut with “Socha Naa Tha” in 2005. The actor, who will be seen in a romantic role in “Aisha”, says he had set rules for himself before stepping into the world of Bollywood, which helped him avoid stereotypes.
“My plan was to begin with a film like 'Socha Na Tha' and then in films like 'Ek Chalis...' or 'Manorama'. It was unfortunate that my earlier films flopped at the box office. I wasn't perceived as a successful actor and my career didn't make people stand up and say 'Oh God, let's check out this guy',” Abhay tells PTI.
The 34-year-old star, who has delivered gems like “Oye Lucky Lucky Oye” and “Dev D” that turned out to be commercial as well as critical success, says initial flops also helped him understand the business of cinema.
“All of this was only a blessing in disguise because now I could start taking further risks. I could afford to do films like 'Dev D' and 'Oye Lucky Lucky Oye'
because taking such risks were worthy enough. As for some of my earlier films, it was my naivety and gullibility that they saw such disappointing releases. I was so clueless about the whole marketing. But now, I have learnt as I have moved along,” the actor says.
Abhay, nephew of veteran actor Dharmendra, is happy to be associated with cinema which is different and breaks quite a few rules when it comes to Bollywood diktats.
“At the beginning of my career, I did try doing something different. Yes, these were not films that fell under conventional cinema bracket but then these were not absolutely radical either. The change actually started with 'Ek Chalis Ki Last Local' and 'Manorama-Six Feet Under',” says Abhay.
Now that he has a film like “Aisha” lined up and shooting of “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” going on in full swing, does he feel that in half a decade gone by, he has planned his innings quite well?
“Honestly speaking, five years back I always wanted to do stuff that was going to be non-Bollywood. I carried this sense right from my childhood days. However, don't get me wrong. I was never like 'Hey, I am different, so things have to move my way.' I had to enter the industry and see if I can act and then also demonstrate it to people. After that, I put down rules for myself around what I could do and perhaps couldn't do.”

Theatre festival at Natmandal begins

noreply@blogger.com (nazmul) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 18:59:00 +0000

A weeklong theatre festival, featuring works of globally renowned playwrights, has begun at Natmandal, Dhaka University (DU), on August 11. The Department of Theatre, DU has arranged the festival, showcasing plays directed by final year students. On the first day, a comedy -- “Constantinople Smith” -- and Harold Pinter's “Landscape” were staged.
Former Chief Justice Muhammad Habibur Rahman was the chief guest at the inaugural progra-mme. Vice Chancellor of DU, Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique formally inaugurated the festival. Among others, Professor Harun-ur-Rashid, Pro-Vice Chancellor; Professor Mizanur Rahman, Treasurer and Professor Sadrul Amin, Dean of Faculty of Arts, were present as special guests.
“Constantinople Smith” was written by American playwright Charles L Mee Junior. Mithun Chowdhury has directed the play, translated by Julhas Mian. The play features three characters -- Constantinople Smith, a young man who takes himself very seriously; Christina, who falls for Smith and Reality, who tries to explain the facts of relationship between Smith and Christina.
As the play progresses, conversations among the three characters continue.
Reality tries to explain that the relationship between Smith and Christina is not real, rather an idealistic agreement. The couple ignore this observation and go about their way.
Nazmul Hasan, Ira Ahmed and Shakil Ahmed played the three characters. Imam Abdul Hakim and Sanjida Rahman jointly designed the stage and lighting.
Harold Pinter's existen-tialistic play “Landscape” narrates the tale of an elderly couple -- Beth and Duff. Farzana Aktar Chowdhury directed the play, translated by Uday Bhaduri. The play is set in a kitchen. The focus is on the interaction between the two characters. Duff speaks to Beth but does not appear to hear her voice. Beth never looks at Duff and does not appear to hear his voice either.
Beth recalls a romantic episode from the past, whether involving Duff or another man, it's not clear. Duff talks of more practical matters, and finally has a sort of outburst, evidently in frustration. Beth continues her romantic reverie throughout the play.
Silvia Nowrin and Rid-wanul Kabir played Beth and Duff. Mirza Shakhesep Shakib and Nadia Afrin jointly designed the stage, lighting, costumes, and planned music for the play.
The festival features 15 plays by legendary playwrights including Samuel Beckett, Harold Pinter, Eugene Ionesco, Jean-Paul Sartre, Eugene O'Neill and Ed Bullins. Adaptations of works by W.B. Yeats and Gabriel Garcia Marquez will also be staged at the festival. Today two plays Beckett's “Krapp's Last Tape” and Pinter's “Victoria Station” -- will be staged. Mohsina Aktar and Sharmin Sultana Munmun respectively will direct the plays.

YWCA wins Dhum Ta Na Cova Junior Stars ‘08-’09

noreply@blogger.com (nazmul) — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 18:57:00 +0000

Ekushey TV organised a children's dance competition which ended recently at the auditorium of Bangladesh Shishu Academy. The programme was aired on Ekushey TV. Industries Minister Dilip Barua was present as chief guest, while Harunur Rashid, chairman of Globe Soft Drinks was present as special guest. Ferdoushi Sultana, senior vice-president of Prime Bank Ltd; Sayed Alamgir, executive director of ACI Consumer Products Ltd; Abdus Salam, chairman and CEO of Ekushey TV; Atiqul Haque Chowdhury, advisor of Ekushey TV; Kaniz Almas Khan, CEO of Persona and popular actress Moushumi were present as guests.
Contestants for Dhum Ta Na Cova Junior Stars 2008-2009 were selected from 21 schools, including Viquarunnisa Noon School & College, Bulbul Academy of Fine Arts, YWCA Girls School, Holy Cross School and College, Tridhara Nrityakala Kendra, Oxford International School, The Aga Khan School and Spondon Cultural Organisation. Actress Moushumi was present as the main critic at the programme. Dance director Imdadul Haque Khokon, actresses Notun and Anjana, dancer Aziz Reza were present as members of the jury board at the programme.
YWCA won the championship award at Dhum Ta Na Cova Junior Stars Competition, the first runner-up was Tridhara and the second runner-up was Bulbul Lalit Kala. Nitro Rang Academy won Best Team Management Award.

Titas Ekti Nadir Naam” at Cannes Classic Film restored by the World Cinema Foundation

noreply@blogger.com (nazmul) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 20:25:00 +0000

Ritwik Ghatak's cinematic opus “Titas Ekti Nadir Naam” was screened at the 63rd Cannes Film Festival (earlier this year), as part of its Classic section, according to a press release. This is the first Bangladeshi film that has had this honour.
“Titas Ekti Nadir Naam” is an adaptation of a book by Adwaita Malla Burman. The film explores the lives of the Malo community whose existence is inextricably intertwined with the Titas river in Brahmanbaria, Bangladesh. The black and white film has a dark, brooding character, probably derived from Ghatak's excruciatingly painful move from Dhaka (then East Bengal) to Calcutta (West Bengal).

The film was restored earlier this year by the World Cinema Foundation at Cineteca di Bologna. The restoration used the camera and sound negatives and a positive print provided by the Ritwik Memorial Trust and held at the National Film Archive of India. As the original negative is incomplete and some reels were severely damaged, a combined lavender and a positive print provided by the Bun-desarchiv-Filmarchiv were also used. The digital restoration produced a new 35 mm internegative.
The World Cinema Foundation helps developing countries preserve their cinematic treasures. The foundation wants to help strengthen and support the work of international archives, and provide a resource for those countries lacking the archival and technical facilities to do the work themselves. On the Advisory Board are renowned filmmakers Martin Scorsese (chairman), Fatih Akin, Soulemane Cissé, Guillermo Del Toro, Stephen Frears, Alejandro Gonzales Inarritu, Abbas Kiarostami, Deepa Mehta, Elia Suleiman, Bertrand Tavernier, Wim Wenders, Wong Kar Wai, Tian Zhuangzhuang and others.
About the film and Ghatak, Indian-born Canadian filmmaker Deepa Mehta (of “Fire,” “Earth” and “Water” fame) says, “If you were eighteen years old, growing up in New Delhi, a student of cinema, a cinephile or a plain film snob, it was given that you would swoon over the filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak and spend endless hours discussing his films, and his eventual death.
“It was only years later when I saw his epic, 'A River Called Titas,' that I swooned for totally different reasons. The film is a work of pure genius. A passionate elegy for a dying culture, it moved me profoundly, and continues to haunt me to this day.”
The film is currently distributed by Ashirbad Chalachchitra, Bangladesh. Habibur Rahman Khan is the producer of the film.

Between subconscious and unconscious Niamul Bari’s solo exhibition at Dhaka Art Centre

noreply@blogger.com (nazmul) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 20:24:00 +0000

Dhaka Art Centre has organised a two-week painting exhibition of Niamul Bari at its gallery in Dhanmondi, Dhaka. The exhibition was inaugurated on July 2. Bangladeshi expatriate painter Monirul Islam, and eminent architect and art critic Shamsul Wares were present as guests at the opening of the exhibition. Noted art critic Moinuddin Khaled presided over the programme.
Bari did his MFA in sculpture from the Institute of Fine Arts (now faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka) and post diploma in Sculpture from Visva-Bharati University, India. He obtained further education in painting and sculpture at The Art Students League of New York, USA. The artist now lives in New York. Bari regularly visits Dhaka and is well informed about the current trends in Bangladeshi art.
Bari's paintings are intimately connected with characteristics of sculpture. The surface looks uneven and creates effects of vague shapes. His mode of expression is abstract expressionism, and the paintings depict damaged and abandoned facades.
About his works, Bari says, “My aim is to reach a spiritual level that exists between subconscious and unconscious. On the level of subconscious, energy is expre-ssed through body language. Bold lines, vibrant strokes and colours translate my insights. The darkness in my painting represents meditation. Without burning in meditation, one can't reach the level of 'no,' and 'no' is the level of unconscious.”
Bari's exhibition continues till July 16.

Dhallywood : 8-performer team to go to

noreply@blogger.com (nazmul) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 20:21:00 +0000

A team of eight popular actors and singers from Bangladesh will go to Canada in order to perform at the first 'Federation of Bangladesh Association in Canada Convention' hosted by the National Bangladeshi-Canadian Council during the month of June and July.

FOBACA is designed to assist the Bangladeshi-Canadian generation in upholding their cultural origin as well as their nation's history involving independence.
The following performers will be representing the nation at the convention: Tania Ahmed, S I Tutul, Mosharrof Karim, Chanchal Chowdhuri, Fazlur Rahman Babu, Shaju Muntasir, Sharika and Nancy.
S I Tutul, Chanchol Chowdhury, Fazlur Rahman Babu and Nancy will sing while Tania, Mosharrof, Saju and Sharika dance to popular Bengali songs.
The artists will perform on the 4th of July in Montreal. However, the convention will be held in different Canadian cities each year.
The performers are scheduled to return to Dhaka on the 7th of July.

World Cup with Mila

noreply@blogger.com (nazmul) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 20:19:00 +0000

Album featuring music videos of 10 songs by Mila and Upol, on the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2010, is now out in the market. Produced by G-Series, the album titled “World Cup with Mila,” also features music videos of “Tumi Ki Shara Dibey” (Fuad featuring Mila), “Shurjosnaney Chol” (Bappa Majumder), “Meye” (Topu), “Bhalobashi” (Raj and Mila), “Cholo Bhuley Jai” (Black).
The videos have been directed by Rommo Khan, Javed Iqbal Topu, Mehbuba Mehnoor Chandni, Tawhid Munim and others.

Shimanto” on Desh TV tonight

noreply@blogger.com (nazmul) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 21:09:00 +0000

TV serial “Shimanto” will be aired tonight on Desh TV at 8:15pm. The serial is written and directed by Badrul Anam Soud.
The story of the serial revolves around a merchant's family in a village. A gypsy (Bedey) mistakenly murders Azmat, a merchant, as he seeks his sister's killers. After his death, Azmat's younger brother comes forward to look after the family.
The story takes a twist when the merchant's in-laws come to the younger brother's house. They want to bring back their daughter Rupa, so that they can marry her off again. Thinking about the family's future, Azmat's mother wants to marry off Rupa with Azmat's younger brother.
The cast includes Suborna Mostafa, Saberi Alam, Mamunur Rashid, Shams Sumon, Jitu Ahsan, Intekhab Dinar and Bonna Mirza.

Shabnoor paired with newcomer Arzu

noreply@blogger.com (nazmul) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 21:07:00 +0000

Leading film actress Shabnoor has been paired with newcomers in Dhallywood -- such as Nadim and Emon -- time and again. This time the actress has been cast with young actor Arzu who created ripples with his debut film "Tumi Achho Hridoye".
Audiences of mainstream films will get to watch the duo in the movie "Jibon Nadir Tirey", directed by Monir Hossain Mithu. Mithu has worked as an assistant for noted filmmakers like Dilip Biswas, Shibly Sadik, Jibon Rahman and Jibon Chowdhury.
Details on the film will be revealed soon. Shooting for the film is expected to begin from February 1 at Shushong Durgapur in Netrakona.
Written by Zaman Akhtar, the cast of the film also includes Dolly Zahur, Sadek Bachchu and Afzal Sharif. Debendranath Chattapaddhyay (of "Moner Majhey Tumi" fame) is the music director of the film.

Jamai Mela, on Banglavision

noreply@blogger.com (nazmul) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 21:05:00 +0000

TV serial “Jamai Mela” will be aired tonight on Banglavision at 8:15pm. Written by Brindaban Das, the serial has been directed by Azharul Karim.
The story of the serial revolves around a village. Most of the males from the village live abroad. As a result, the villager elders often marry off their daughters and keep the in-laws at their house. The story takes a twist, when one day the in-laws want to arrange a 'jamai mela'.
Mosharraf Karim, Chanchal Chowdhury, Shamim Zaman, Azizul Haque, Dr. Enamul Haque, Nova, Alvi, Dihan, Shahnaz Khushi and Putul are the lead characters in the serial.

Actor of many seasons

noreply@blogger.com (nazmul) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 21:02:00 +0000

Chanchal Chowdhury is a busy and popular TV and film actor. After his debut blockbuster film “Monpura,” Chanchal is busy with a new film, “Rupkathar Galpo” and plays a role in Gautam Ghosh's film, “Moner Manush” as well.
Acting goes side by side with modelling. The actor recently talked to The Daily Star (TDS) about his numerous assignments.
TDS: What are you currently busy with?
Chanchal Chowdhury: A number of drama serials and single episode TV plays are on hand. I am acting in three drama serials “Barisal-er Mama Bhagney,” “Cafeteria” and another untitled work. All of them are directed by Golam Sohrab Dodul. Directed by Aranya Anwar, two serials “Kabiraj Golap Shah” and “Gents' Tailors Pvt. Ltd” were scheduled to go on air on Channel 1. The shooting of the serials is currently on hold as the channel is now switched off.
My present serials are, “No Problem Dot Com” , “Kancher Phul” and “Asharey Galpo”, directed by Manik Manobik, F. Zaman Tapash and Kochi Khandakar respectively. Directed by film actor Mahmud Koli, spectators will see me soon in a serial that will go on air on BTV. The title is yet to be decided.
TDS: Don't you find it difficult to take on so many serials?
Chanchal Chowdhury: The serials I mentioned will keep me busy for a few months. Schedules are set accordingly, so the problems don't seem acute. As acting is my profession, I can cope with a number of serials. Anyway, I forgot to mention another of my ongoing works “Nokshi Kanthar Maath” ,written by Palli Kabi Jasimuddin. Rajib Hasan is directing the TV play.
TDS: You personify different characters in each TV play or serial that you take on. Local dialects are also noticeable in the many roles you play. Will your fans get to see you taking on a new dialect?
Chanchal Chowdhury: I am a theatre activist so I may do so. At present, I am taking on a role in Golam Sohrab Dodul's serial “Barisal-er Mama Bhagney” which is in the local dialect of Barisal. In the beginning I do face a few problems in doing new dialects but later it goes well. Besides, the dialect of Barisal is fantastic.
TDS: What about your film assignments?
Chanchal Chowdhury: My latest film is “Moner Manush”, directed by Gautam Ghosh. The film is all set to be released this year in Bangladesh and West Bengal.
TDS: What role do you play in “Moner Manush”?
Chanchal Chowdhury: My character is Kaloa Mirza, who is a friend of Lalon Shah. Kaloa Mirza once gave shelter to Lalon Shah in a jungle. Later, Lalon Shah founded an akhra in that jungle. I am satisfied with my role in the film.

TDS: What are your future plans on the film front?
Chanchal Chowdhury: After “Monpura's” success, I have received offers for acting in 30 films. I have to be selective or the quality suffers. I can easily do three or four films a year. Basically, my plan is to act in one or two films in a year.
TDS: You are a singer too and have lent your voice to the hit film “Monpura.” What are your plans on this front?
Chanchal Chowdhury: I have been singing since my childhood and it stood me in good stead in the theatre world also. I never thought of releasing an album but it happened naturally. My first solo album is “Palki” that was released six months ago. I playbacked in “Monpura” in deference to Gias Uddin Selim). However, it is merely a hobby for me.
TDS: What about your theatre work?
Chanchal Chowdhury: I belong to the theatre troupe Aranyak Natyadol. Aranyak gets full credit for everything I have learnt. I do act on stage even now. I keep myself aloof from all activities when the troupe's staging is scheduled. Our latest production is “Shotrugon.” I am scheduled to go to London next month with Aranyak Natyadol.
TDS: Anything else that you want to share with your fans?
Chanchal Chowdhury: I have recently become a father. The youngest daughter of actor Fazlur Rahman Babu named my nine-month old boy as “Shuddha.” I am euphoric about my new born baby.

Taking Bangladeshi artistic sensibilities overseas

noreply@blogger.com (nazmul) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 20:52:00 +0000

Renowned dancer Shibli Mohammad will be one of the main judges on an upcoming reality show to be aired on ETV Bangla, Kolkata. The Bangladeshi artiste will join famed Kolkata actress Deboshree Roy as the regular judges. Artistes -- both from Bollywood and Tollywood -- including Malaika Arora, Mahima Chowdhury, Priyanka Trivedi and Sulekha Mitra will appear as guest judges on different episodes.
Titled “Mamoni-Shonamoni,” the reality show will be a competition among teams consisting of mothers and their offspring. Shibli informed that the programme will have 66 episodes and is expected to go on air in August. He is the only Bangladeshi artiste to be featured on the show.
Indian actress Rituparna Sengupta is the brand ambassador of the programme. Shibli has previously worked with Rituparna, who is also a skilled dancer. They played the protagonists in two Tagore dance-dramas produced in Kolkata -- “Shyama” and “Shapmochan.” Couple of years ago, Shibli and Rituparna were judges on another Kolkata-based reality show “Jhum Ta Ra Ra.” Bangladeshi actor Ferdous was one of the guest judges on the show.
“Apart from regular competitors, celebrity mothers and their offspring, such as Dona and Sana Ganguly (wife and daughter of Sourav Ganguly), Mimoh and Yogeeta Chakraborty (son and wife of Mithun Chakraborty), Hema Malini and Esha Deol will also appear on the show as competitors, ” said Shibli.
“'Jhum Ta Ra Ra' was a celebrity dance competition but 'Mamoni Shonamoni' will highlight mothers and their sons and daughter from all walks of life,” he added.
While Shibli is preparing for the reality show, another big assignment is in the pipeline. Shibli will perform at the British Museum, London on July 10 as part of the cast of a Bangladeshi folk dance-drama “Shonai Madhob.” He will don the protagonist of the drama. Based on “Mymensingh Geetika,” the drama is directed by London-based Bangladeshi expatriate China Chowdhuy. Shibli informed that Chowdhury's organisation Taal Taranga is producing the drama. Shibli is scheduled for London on July 5.

Crowds flock to Eid celebrations

noreply@blogger.com (nazmul) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 10:31:00 +0000

Palli Mangal Juba Unnayan Shangha of Kachakata thana, under Nagesdwari upazila, recently held a cultural function to observe an Eid re-union celebration.

In the evening a discussion was held at the Mominganj Gabtala Government Primary School grounds. The dialogue focused on the activities and achievements of the association. Nageswari upazila Chairman Aslam Hossen Shawdagar was chief guest, while the Principal of Kachakata Degree College Mohammad Jahurul Haque was special guest. The speakers comprised social activist Atiqur Rahman Raja, Mohibul Hossein Khokon, Producer of ntv channel Saklain Russel and Chairman of cultural organisation 'Methojan' Yousuf Alamgir, while Headmaster of the primary school Mohammad Ali was in the chair.

A cultural function was held at the conclusion of the discussion. The performers were 'Methojan' artistes. Shokeli Rukshana, Lovely Sarkar, Jahid Hasan Milu, Raton Sarkar, Akhtarul Islam, Bashir Ahmed, Narayan Chandra and Bipin Chandra presented various songs, while Sreedebhi Anuradha performed a dance. About 30,000 people across a spectrum of professions and ages were enthusiastic observers at the cultural function.

Life in Bangla filmdom

noreply@blogger.com (nazmul) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 10:29:00 +0000

Shahjahan Chowdhury is a noted film director, scriptwriter and dialogue writer. His highly selective writings delineate our social, economic and political conditions, as well as the Liberation War.
Shahjahan is a journalist by profession. During the pre-Liberation period, he worked with the newspaper Khobor. After Independence, he began working with Bichitra. Later, he went on to publish a monthly, Nipun. Its subjects are cinema, literature, poetry, essays and drama. Now he is the editor and publisher of the Weekly Nipun.
At the start of Shahjahan's career, he got a chance to work as a co-director with the legendary Pakistani filmmaker Saroor Barabankvi who was then working on “Akhri Station”. As he says, “I learned many things from this veteran filmmaker. In Bangladesh, I was always encouraged by Khan Ataur Rahman and Soovas Dutt. 'Ata bhai' (Khan Ataur Rahman) was my idol in Bangladesh. As a budding filmmaker, I felt confident, thanks to his loving and considerate approach. I learned scriptwriting, editing and various aspects of production from him.”

TV serial Bari Bari Shari Shari on ntv

noreply@blogger.com (nazmul) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 10:23:00 +0000

TV serial "Bari Bari Shari Shari" will be aired on ntv at 8:15pm. Written and directed by Shafayet Mansur Rana, the serial goes on air every Saturday and Sunday.

The serial centres on a residential colony in the city. Mahmud, a government official, lives in the colony. A conservative man, Mahmud has two daughters -- one a university student and the other about to finish school. There is a conflict between the father and the daughters, as the girls find it difficult to cope with his rigid values. Ferdous, Mahmud's nephew, moves in with the family, ushering in new troubles. Another family living in the same colony is a working couple -- Nahrin and Asif. Though they are progressive, their conjugal life often seems rocky.

The cast includes Hasan Masud, Tanveen Sweety, Homayra Himu, Monalisa, Richi Solaiman, Challenger, Iresh Zaker, Shohel Khan, Sharmili Ahmed and Wahida Mallik Jolly.

Traditions and heritage of the Garos on the wane

noreply@blogger.com (nazmul) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 07:33:00 +0000

The Garos, a large indigenous community from Mymensingh region, are fast losing their age-old tradition and culture for a variety of reasons. The Mymensingh region, once well-known for its ethnic diversity, and harmony among the people of different faiths and cultures has lost its rich legacy over the years. Among the indigenous groups living in this region - Garo, Dhalu, Cooch, Khatriya and Hajong form the majority. The Garos are the leading community in these ranks and have their homes in Haluaghat and Dhubaura, frontier upzilas of Mymensingh and Madhupur of Tangail, each with varied traditions. Currently there are some 40,000 Garos living in the Haluaghat and Dhubaura area but this number is on the wane.

There was a time when the Garos used to arrange a variety of traditional festivals: among them 'Wangala' or 'Wanna', a festival celebrating the harvesting in Agrahayan; 'Rangshugala' on the occasion of sowing grains in Falgun and Chaitra; a festival on the occasion of 'Jhum' in Chaitra and 'Habaghrita' at Baishakh.

Why is indigenous culture on the decline? Observers ascribe a variety of reasons: the major factor being the Garo's mass conversion to Christianity. Moreover, the younger generation is lukewarm to the traditional Garo culture, putting its future in jeopardy.

The Adibashi Shangskritik Kendra, the only cultural organisation for the Garos in Rangrapara, Haluaghat, is about to down shutters, sources say. Likewise they add, other cultural centres at Biroidhakuni, Bhakua Para, Ranikhang in Mymensingh and Nalchapra in Netrokona are not functional.

Talking to this correspondent, Adolf Marak, an NGO official, also a former member of Birishiri Cultural Academy in Netrokona the Garos have turned indifferent to their ancestral culture. As a result, young Garos are more inclined towards contemporary western and Bengali cultures. “ Since advocate Promod Mankin, MP from Haluaghat, a representative of the indigenous people has been appointed as the State Minister for Cultural Affairs, we hope that necessary steps will be taken to revive this traditional culture that is in danger of being lost forever,” adds Adolf.

Sulekha Mrong, vice-president of Achik Mechik Society (A society for hill women) at Pirgachha in Madhupur of Tangail told this correspondent that pressing financial difficulties have compelled the poorer Garo people to migrate to different places and such migration has torn them away from their immensely rich culture. “We need to revive our culture to identify us as Garos and for the betterment of future generations,” Sulekha concludes.

Beatlemania is set to return again

noreply@blogger.com (nazmul) — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 07:18:00 +0000

Beatlemania is set to return -- in digital form at least - when The Beatles: Rock Band game is released this week.

The format may not be unique, but the content is. It will be the first time that music by the Fab Four has appeared in a video game.

And as a newcomer to music gaming, it was astonishing how quick and easy it was to step from the 21st Century into the Swinging Sixties.

For the uninitiated, Rock Band is a karaoke-style game that uses adapted game controllers -- lead guitar, bass guitar and drums -- to play along to various songs.

The game is all about keeping in time with colour-coded blobs that scroll along the on-screen fretboard. It works in a similar way if you are Ringo on the drum pads.

And it's curiously addictive.

If one of the band is not up to scratch, you'll get kicked off stage -- though there's a family-friendly override setting.

The Beatles: Rock Band game is part of a wider marketing campaign that also sees the release of newly-remastered versions of the band's back catalogue on CD.

It comes at a time when the music industry is looking for new ways to recover some of its dwindling revenue as CD sales decline.

Of course, music video games are nothing new -- Guitar Hero 5 was released last week in the US featuring tracks by Nirvana, Muse and Iron Maiden.

But getting a brand like The Beatles is a significant step in an industry worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

The game, which goes on sale on September 9, will feature 45 songs, along with a bonus track -- "All You Need is Love" -- that can be bought online.

The albums "Abbey Road," "Sgt Pepper" and "Rubber Soul" will be released for download later in the year.

The game allows players to follow The Beatles through their career in environments such as The Cavern Club and the Shea Stadium. It also features "imaginative environments" known as Dreamscapes.