Entertainment
‘We’re not just co-stars’: Deepika on working with Shah Rukh
Bollywood star Deepika Padukone has discussed being a part of the latest blockbuster “Jawan” and how her working experience with Shah Rukh Khan was remarkable because of their friendship.
Deepika stated that while she was in Hyderabad for work, Shah Rukh and “Jawan” director Atlee approached her and explained her role in the film, reports NDTV.
Also read: ‘Hero or villain?’ Shah Rukh Khan teases with new ‘Jawan’ posterShe said both SRK and Atlee told her the duration of her character was irrelevant, but the impact of her role was immense.
"I was shooting for Project K in Hyderabad, and both of them flew down and came to see me, and they narrated the whole story to me. And told me this very important part of Aishwarya and for me it wasn't about the length of the role but it was about the impact this character is going to have on the entire film."
Also read: Shah Rukh Khan starrer ‘Jawan’ makes historic debut in Bangladesh"So for me it was two-fold, one is everyone knows my love for him (SRK), but also the movie was so so special that any actor not just me if they would have offered this part would have said yes to it because it was about the vision and all of us have invested in that vision. For me, it was about the story we are telling, the impact this film is going to have on this amazing audience,” she said. "When Shah Rukh and I are working together, we are not just co-stars, it's not formal, there is just a lot of love and that's what always comes through in our work," the actress said.
Shah Rukh said that the idea of approaching Deepika for the role of Aishwarya in “Jawan” came to him while she was filming “Besharam Rang” in “Pathaan”.
Also read: Shah Rukh Khan starrer ‘Jawan’ releases tonight in Bangladesh, making history
SRK said he asked if she was ready to play a mother."It's a celebration. We rarely get a chance to live with a film for years. The making of Jawan has been going on for four years due to Covid and time constraints. There were a lot of people involved in this film, especially people from the South who came and settled in Mumbai and have been living in Mumbai for the last four years and working day and night for this film, which is the hardest work ever," Shah Rukh said during the “Jawan” press conference, the NDTV report also said.
Turkish Embassy in Dhaka initiates diplomatic outreach on "Rising From the Ashes” Exhibition 2023
Uniting Turkish and Bangladeshi Artistic Visions, the Turkish Embassy in Dhaka initiated an exclusive diplomatic outreach on Friday evening, marking the inauguration of the upcoming "Rising From the Ashes Exhibition 2023."
The exclusive exhibition is scheduled to take place from September 22 to September 26, at the Aloki Convention Center, Tejgaon in the capital, aiming to bring together the artistic finesse of Turkish and Bangladeshi creators in a vibrant display open to the public.
On Friday, the outreach event was attended by the Turkish Ambassador to Dhaka Ramis Şen, alongside esteemed Turkish diplomats, art connoisseurs, and social leaders, and the event underlines the strengthening of cultural connections between Turkey and Bangladesh.
Istanbul's esteemed fashion designer and artist Tuba Ahsan and the "Cemal Toy" Art School spearhead the "Rising from the Ashes 2023" series. Their united cause channels funds to support the construction of sustainable wooden homes for victims of the tragic Turkey-Syria earthquake which occurred on February 6th, this year.
Read: PM opens Shahabuddin’s special arts exhibition in city
In Dhaka, Tuba Ahsan expands the exhibition, amalgamating talent from Turkish and Bangladeshi artists. This synergy symbolizes her relentless passion for art and charitable causes, capturing the essence of the "Rising From the Ashes Exhibition 2023.”
Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Jackman separate after 27 years of marriage
Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Jackman have decided to end their marriage after 27 years and two children.
“We have been blessed to share almost 3 decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage. Our journey now is shifting and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth,” they said in the joint statement. Their separation was first reported by People magazine.
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They said the statement would be their only one on their breakup. They added that their family is their highest priority and that they’ll undertake “this next chapter with gratitude, love, and kindness.”
The couple met in 1995 on the set of an Australian television show where both were actors. Deborra-lee Furness at the time was the more established of the two. They married in 1996 and had two children: Oscar, now 23, and Ava, now 18. Jackman also ascended to major stardom in Hollywood and on Broadway.
The couple have been red carpet mainstays for years, posing together at the Oscars, at Broadway events and at the Met Gala, including the most recent edition in May. They attended Wimbledon together in July.
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In April, Jackman celebrated their 27th anniversary with a tribute on Instagram.
“I love you so much. Together we have created a beautiful family. And life,” he wrote. “Your laughter, your spirit, generosity, humor, cheekiness, courage and loyalty is an incredible gift to me.”
Furness, 67, is an advocate for orphans and adoption, especially in her native Australia, and one of the founding members of National Adoption Awareness Week.
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Jackman, 54, who played the superhero Wolverine in several movies, is reprising the role in “Deadpool 3,” which is on hold due to the actors strike.
"Mujib: The Making of a Nation" premieres at Toronto International Film Festival
The Biopic titled "Mujib: The Making of a Nation," directed by renowned Indian filmmaker Shyam Benegal, made its debut at the 48th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on 13 September 2023.
The film, depicting the life and political odyssey of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh, resonated deeply with the audience, filling the entire TIFF Bell Lightbox hall to its capacity during the screening.
In a statement, Director Shyam Benegal expressed his delight at unveiling the film at this prestigious festival.
"I’m sure the story of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his journey to create the Nation of Bangladesh will echo with people and communities across the globe. It has been an honour to be able to tell this inspiring story of the Making of a Nation."
Masud Karim to bring Assam’s historic Bengali language movement into documentary
Examining the historic Bengali language movement in India’s Assam, Bangladeshi documentary filmmaker Masud Karim is producing a documentary film titled "Assam's Bengali Language Movement".
According to the filmmaker, a full-length documentary on Assam's language movement has never been made. The exact context in which this language movement was created, will be showcased in this documentary.
Read: Shah Rukh Khan starrer ‘Jawan’ makes historic debut in Bangladesh
The language movement in Assam was not a national language movement, but there was a demand for the right to speak the mother tongue only on the basis of the majority of the Assamese-Bengali speakers.
When it comes to the Bengali language movement, it automatically resonated with the historic 21st February 1952, along with the names of Salam, Rafiq, Shafiq, Barkat and Jabbar. The Bengali language for which the Assamese people gave their lives, remains unknown to the present generation.
The context of the language movement of 1952 and the language movement of Assam is not the same. Assam is home to many tribes and languages, and these people hold their own history-tradition, political background and cultural identity, therefore, the 1961 language movement in Assam was not only for the Bengali language. Apart from Manipuri, and Garo, there were activists of other languages too, all fought for the same right.
Read: Mostofa Sarwar Farooki makes acting debut in Chorki's 'Something Like an Autobiography'
However, those who lost their lives at Silchar railway station in the Cachar district of Assam for the language movement on May 19, 1961, were all Bengalis. The matter is more discussed because of Kamala Bhattacharya, the first female language martyr in the world.
Assam was able to come up with a history specifically for the Bengali language with the help of Bengalis as most of the 11 martyrs were originally from Sylhet and Brahmanbaria, Munshiganj and Tangail in present-day Bangladesh.
The documentary features the film and television actress Nijhum Rubina, who played the role of the lead character of Kamala Bhattacharya. Acclaimed actress Shirin Alam played the role of Kamla's mother and Manisha Shikder played the role of Kamla's sister.
Part of the filming was done outside Bangladesh in Kolkata and featured prominent educationist Professor Pabitra Sarkar, editor Shantanu Gangaridi of Unishe May magazine along with Kamala Bhattacharya's niece Barnali Bhattacharya, who revealed some unpublished facts about Kamala.
This documentary will be screened simultaneously in Assam's Silchar, Agartala, Kolkata and Dhaka on May 19 next year. Masud Karim is producing this documentary entirely self-financed.
Read:Chorki to bring ‘Shurongo’ with extended Director’s Cut version
He has previously made documentary projects based on the life and works of renowned Indian actor Soumitra Chatterjee in 2015, prominent educationist and National Professor Anisuzzaman in 2017 and eminent lyricist Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury in 2020.
English Language Netflix Originals Coming in October 2023
Netflix continues to be a global entertainment powerhouse for audiences worldwide with its original programming and vast selection of movies and TV shows. Every month the platform captivates viewers with a diverse range of original contents. From thought-provoking documentaries to thrilling crime dramas and captivating comedies, there's a wide array of entertainment waiting to be discovered on the streaming platform. Let’s take a look into October’s Netflix English Original contents.
English Netflix Originals Releasing in October 2023
Everything Now
Everything Now," is an upcoming British limited series set to debut on Netflix on October 5, 2023. Developed and written by Ripley Parker, with direction by Alyssa McClelland and other notable directors, the series follows Mia Polanco, a 17-year-old recovering from anorexia who embarks on a bucket list adventure to catch up with the experiences she missed during her illness.
The show aims to shed light on mental health issues, particularly surrounding food and body image, among British teenagers. The cast includes Sophie Wilde, Vivienne Acheampong, Stephen Fry, and more, making it a highly anticipated exploration of recovery and self-discovery.
Read more: First-ever Bangla-dubbed Thai movie ‘Bad Genius’ to be released on Bongo tomorrow
Reptile
Reptile" is a gripping 2023 American crime thriller film that marks Grant Singer's remarkable directorial debut. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7, 2023, and is about to land on Netflix on October 6, 2023, the movie is a tense exploration of a brutal murder mystery.
The story follows a hardened detective portrayed by Benicio del Toro as he delves into the enigmatic murder of a real estate agent. The film delves into a world where appearances are deceiving, unraveling both the case and the detective's own illusions.
The ensemble cast includes Justin Timberlake, Alicia Silverstone, Michael Pitt, and Ato Essandoh.
"Reptile" is not a sequel but a standalone cinematic experience that promises intrigue and suspense.
Read more: Top 12 South Indian Films Being Released in September 2023
The Fall of the House of Usher
The Fall of the House of Usher" is a highly anticipated gothic horror drama miniseries set to captivate audiences on Netflix starting October 12, 2023. Created and written by the talented Mike Flanagan, the series draws inspiration from Edgar Allan Poe's iconic short story, weaving a dark and mysterious tale. The narrative revolves around the CEO of a corrupt pharmaceutical company, played by Bruce Greenwood, who confronts his sinister past when his children meet gruesome and enigmatic fates.
With a stellar ensemble cast featuring Carla Gugino, Mary McDonnell, Mark Hamill, and more, this miniseries promises to deliver chilling thrills in a contemporary gothic setting. It's a standalone series, not a sequel, offering a fresh take on classic horror themes.
Fair Play
Fair Play is a 2023 American salacious thriller film marking Chloe Domont's directorial debut. The movie, which premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, explores the tumultuous journey of a young couple, played by Phoebe Dynevor and Alden Ehrenreich, whose relationship is pushed to its limits when an unexpected promotion at a ruthless hedge fund firm disrupts their lives.
With supporting roles by Eddie Marsan and Rich Sommer, the film promises to deliver a tense and passionate narrative. Set to release in limited theaters on September 29, 2023, and on Netflix on October 13, 2023, "Fair Play" delves into themes of ambition, desire, and the price of success, offering a fresh take on the erotic thriller genre. It's a standalone film, not a sequel, offering a unique and captivating story.
Read more: Chorki to bring ‘Shurongo’ with extended Director’s Cut version
The Devil on Trial
Netflix's "The Devil on Trial" is a gripping documentary that delves into the infamous "Devil Made Me Do It" case, retracing the trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, who attempted to prove his innocence by claiming demonic possession.
The film explores the first and only time that "demonic possession" was used as a defense in a U.S. murder trial, featuring firsthand accounts of alleged possession and a shocking murder. Directed by Christopher Holt, the documentary offers an extraordinary and chilling narrative, forcing viewers to confront their fear of the unknown. Executive producers Julia Nottingham and Sam Starbuck, along with a talented production team, bring this compelling story to life.
"The Devil on Trial" is not a sequel but a unique exploration of a historic legal case. It is set to premiere globally on Netflix on October 17, 2023 promising a thought-provoking and unsettling viewing experience.
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Neon
Neon," a vibrant and comedic series, explores the world of reggaeton in Miami, following the journey of three friends striving to make it big in the music industry. Co-created by Shea Serrano and Max Searle, with Searle as the showrunner, the series blends larger-than-life dreams with the humorous realities of navigating the reggaeton scene.
Executive-produced by the "King of Reggaeton" himself, Daddy Yankee, the show promises an exciting cameo of the global music star.
"Neon" features an ensemble cast including Tyler Dean Flores, Emma Ferreira, Jordan Mendoza, and Courtney Taylor. All eight episodes of Season 1 are set to premiere on October 19, 2023.
Read more: Upcoming Netflix Originals in September 2023
Dilaram: Coke Studio Bangla concludes Season Two by paying tribute to Hason Raja
On Saturday night, Coke Studio Bangla wrapped up its much acclaimed second season with 'Dilaram', a soulful tribute fusion to Sylhet’s legendary music icon and poet-lyricist Hason Raja.
Sang by Sylhet’s own Hamida Banu, the fusion was accompanied by Coke Studio Bangla creative producer Shayan Chowdhury Arnob’s “Amay Dhore Rakho” – a song that was written back in 2009 as the first song to be released by Arnob & Friends as a part of a world tour to raise funds for underprivileged children organized by Dristipath.
"Dilaram is an emotion, a plea to keep your loved ones close to your heart. Life comprises moments - some of which at times put our hearts to the test. These are the moments we turn to our Dilarams who appear in the form of a confidant, or inner voice."
Read more: ‘Deora’: Coke Studio Bangla’s latest featuring Pritom and Islamuddin Palakar is an instant hit
"The great Bangladeshi poet from the 19th century, Hason Raja, pens this emotion in “Dhoro Dilaram”, where in the song, he urges Dilaram, his closest companion to hold on to him tight at times he feels that he is slipping away.
"The same emotion can be felt in the song "Amay Dhore Rakho" in which Arnob too calls out to anyone who was ever close to him, to stay by his side because at the time life seemed to be struggling. Decades apart the hearts of two musicians sang the same appeal for togetherness because in togetherness there is #RealMagic," Coke Studio Bangla described.
Mixed and mastered by Saadul Islam, the song is originally written and composed by Hason Raja, and "Amay Dhore Rakho" is written and composed by Shayan Chowdhury Arnob himself.
Read more: ‘Murir Tin’: Coke Studio Bangla launches season 2 with nod to local dialects
Arnob dedicated this song to the memories of Rajib Ashraf, the young revered lyricist who recently passed away. "Remembering Rajib very much on this occasion. May everyone find some peace," Arnob wrote on his Facebook, sharing the song.
After its successful season one last year, Coke Studio Bangla returned at this year's Pahela Falgun and Valentine's Day,
Read more: Coke Studio Bangla concert held at Army Stadium
The much acclaimed second season showcased 12 songs: 'Murir Tin’ (Riad Hasan, Pollob and Towfique Ahmed), ‘Bonobibi’ (Meghdol), ‘Nahubo’ (Animes Roy, Daughter of Coastal), ‘Darale Duaarey’ (Mukul Mojumder Ishaan, Sanzida Mahmood Nandita), ‘Deora’ (Pritom Hasan, Fazlu Majhi, Islam Uddin Palakar and Ghaashphoring Choir), ‘Nodir Kul’ (Ripon Kumar Sarkar), ‘Kotha Koiyo Na’ (Arfan Mredha Shiblu, Aleya Begum), ‘Dewana’ (Murshidabadi, Tasfia Fatima Tashfee, Shuchona Shely), ‘Shondhatara’ (Shayan Chowdhury Arnob, Sunidhi Nayak), ‘Ghum Ghum’ (Fairooz Nazifa), ‘Anondodhara’ (Adity Mohsin, Bappa Mazumdar) and ‘Dilaram’ (Hamida Banu, Shayan Chowdhury Arnob).
French President Emmanuel Macron to visit musician Rahul Ananda’s house while in Dhaka
On his brief visit to Dhaka, French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit the residence and studio of popular music artist Rahul Ananda on Sunday night.
According to media reports, Macron is scheduled to visit Rahul Ananda’s studio at Dhanmondi at 10 pm on Sunday for a short visit after landing in Dhaka on Sunday.
Also read: President Macron to pay homage to Bangabandhu during Bangladesh visit
The French president is scheduled to head straight to Hotel Intercontinental after landing in Dhaka on Sunday evening. He will be greeted by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, whose performers will showcase classical music and dance before or after dinner.
Also read: Rahul Ananda, Max Vandervorst enthrall audiences as AFD celebrates World Music Day
Macron is to visit Rahul Ananda’s studio afterwards, and there he will interact with three other artists Ashfika Rahman, Kamruzzaman Swadhin and Afroza Sara.
Also read: President Macron arrives in Dhaka Sunday to "concretize some projects, boost" further economic relations
Rahul Ananda, the founder-leader of the urban folk band Joler Gaan, told the media that this visit is more like a music artist visiting another music artist, as President Macron himself is a guitarist by passion and he loves to meet artists and learn about the culture whenever he visits any country.
"That being said, he is the French president, so there will be security protocols, and I am making all the necessary preparations from my end to welcome him. I play and make musical instruments, and I heard the president is interested in exploring them during this brief visit. I am expecting to have as much cultural exchange in this short period as possible. I hope to highlight the culture and traditions of Bangladesh and would love to sing as well if he prefers," Rahul Ananda told the media.
Macron is currently in India to attend the G-20 summit. He is scheduled to visit the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32 and pay his tribute, and a courtesy meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina before leaving Dhaka on Monday.
Soma Surovi Jannat becomes the first-ever Bangladeshi artist-in-residence at Oxford University's Ashmolean Museum
Young Bangladeshi artist Soma Surovi Jannat has recently been honoured as the first-ever Bangladeshi artist for the Frere Hall South Asian Artist in Residence program at the Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford, England.
Opened in 1683, the Ashmolean is Oxford University's Museum of Art and Archaeology and the oldest public museum in the United Kingdom.
According to the social media post of the Ashmolean Museum, the aim of the residency is to support South Asia-based artists with the opportunity to access the Museum's collections, while exploring and strengthening their own practices.
It praises Surovi’s artistic ventures, quoting that “Surovi makes work about how human beings can cultivate their senses through their relationship with nature. She creates a multi-dimensional space with drawings, herbs and organic materials, where viewers have the opportunity to enhance their visual perception and senses through interaction with the artwork.”
The museum also shared a painting of the artists titled ‘Resensitizing the Brown Narrative’ created at the Museum in August of this year.
While contacted, Surovi told UNB from her residency in Oxford, United Kingdom that she is absolutely overjoyed to share her incredible achievement.
“On the 19th of August, I had the honour of joining the Frere Hall South Asian Artist in Residence program at the Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford. It was like a dream come true! I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the University of Oxford's Ashmolean Museum for believing in my artistic journey.”
“I'm deeply thankful to my parents, my dear husband Asif Rahman Siam, and my family and friends for their unwavering support every step of the way. Their prayers mean the world to me. All praise to Almighty Allah for this incredible opportunity!” Surovi wrote on her social media profiles, sharing her achievement.
Shah Rukh Khan starrer ‘Jawan’ makes historic debut in Bangladesh
The much-anticipated Bollywood film "Jawan" starring Shah Rukh Khan, made its debut in Bangladesh yesterday, marking a historic moment as it became the first Hindi film to simultaneously release in the country alongside its global debut.
Directed by South Indian Director Atlee Kumar, the film was released in multiplexes across the country soon after "Jawan" was cleared by the censor board yesterday afternoon.
Read : Is Jaya Ahsan making her debut in Hindi cinema?
According to Anonno Mamun, the film's distributor in Bangladesh, "Jawan" is set to captivate audiences with a staggering 237 screenings across 48 cinema halls, including all the single-screen theatres across the country today (September 8).
The anticipation among Baadshah's fans in Bangladesh surrounding the release of "Jawan" has reached a fever pitch since the initial announcement.
The film's release has sparked a festive atmosphere, with many people gathering in theatres to watch it in groups, marking a first-of-its-kind experience in the country.
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This level of enthusiasm among the audience is reminiscent of the frenzy often seen among Indian fans following the release of films featuring Bollywood's Khans. Now, it is clear that the audience in Bangladesh is also revelling in the same level of excitement and passion around the release of "Jawan".
“Pathan, another Shah Rukh Khan movie which was released earlier this year made history in Indian cinema with its remarkable earnings.
However, it did not quite resonate with the audience compared to his previous films.
However, there was a palpable sense of anticipation among fans regarding the upcoming film from Bollywood's King Khan. The optimism surrounding "Jawan" was particularly high, thanks in part to the involvement of Atlee Kumar.
Read : Telugu Film RRR: Lifetime Record Breaker and the Pride of Indian Cinema
Southern Indian directors have recently established a global reputation for their innovative storytelling on the silver screen.
Among the already star-studded cast is another southern superstar, Vijay Sethupathi, who was revealed as a surprise cast member in "Jawan".
With a budget of Rs 300 crore, this film has managed to not only meet but surpass the lofty expectations it set.
In the film, Shah Rukh Khan takes on a double role, portraying both a father and son—Vikram Rathore and Azad Rathore.
The star-studded cast of the film also included Nayanthara, Priyamani, Sanya Malhotra, Sunil Grover, and several other actors.
Additionally, Deepika Padukone made a special guest appearance, adding to the film's allure.