Entertainment
Actress Mahiya Mahi to get divorce
Popular actress Mahiya Mahi will be getting a divorce from her husband Rakib Sarker.
The actress made the announcement herself in a video posted on her Facebook page Friday (February 16, 2024) night.
At the same time, she requested netizens to not make lewd comments about her personal life, specially her child and asked for prayers instead.
Read more: Bongo unveils heartwarming Valentine’s Day Campaign: "Love Stories"
Bongo unveils heartwarming Valentine’s Day Campaign: "Love Stories"
Bongo, one of the leading OTT platforms of the country, embraces romantic fervor with its latest Valentine's Day extravaganza, "Love Stories."
This captivating campaign features four enchanting short films, each a testament to the magic of love, brought to life by renowned filmmakers Mizanur Rahman Aryan, Kajal Arefin Ome, Giasuddin Selim, and Vicky Zahed, said a media release.
Drawing inspiration from the timeless tales found in Bishwajit Chowdhury's beloved book "Sholpo Doirghya Premer Golpo," these cinematic gems promise to whisk viewers away on a journey of romance and passion.
From Aryan's heartwarming "Booking", Ome’s “Dukkhito”, Selim’s “Gaiyaa” to Vicky's poignant "Extra," each film captures the essence of love in its purest form.
Starring a constellation of talented actors including Pori Moni, ABM Sumon, Ziaul Haque Polash, Parsa Evana, Prarthana Fardin Dighi, Khairul Basar, Niloy Alamgir, Sabila Nur, and more, these love stories are sure to tug at the heartstrings of audiences far and wide.
Mushfiqur Rahman Manzu, the visionary producer behind "Love Stories" and Bongo's esteemed Chief Content Officer, expressed his excitement for this groundbreaking campaign: "Valentine's Day holds a special place in our hearts, and we wanted to celebrate it in grand style.
With 'Love Stories,' we're not only bringing captivating tales of romance to our viewers but also introducing an innovative gifting feature.
Now, fans can share the love by gifting their favorite stories to their loved ones, and even stand a chance to attend our exclusive Love Stories Gala Night, where dreams come true."
Experience the magic of "Love Stories" on Bongo for just Tk 14 taka per short film, or indulge in all four for just Tk 29. But the excitement doesn't end there! Viewers can spread the love by gifting these enchanting films to their beloveds, with 50 lucky couples winning a golden opportunity to rub shoulders with their favorite stars at the Love Stories Gala Night with an unforgettable dinner experience.
Indian music sensation Badshah set to perform at TECNO Music Festival in Dhaka
Indian rapper and musician Badshah is set to perform at the TECNO SPARK 20 Series Music Fest and launch of TECNO SPARK 20Pro Plus.
The festival will be held on March 1 evening at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB Expo Zone), according to a press release.
Badshah, recognised for his chart-topping hits and dynamic performances, has captivated audiences worldwide. Having been featured on Forbes India's Celebrity 100 list for three consecutive years as one of the highest-paid celebrities in India, Badshah's appearance at the TECNO SPARK 20 Series Music Fest is anticipated to be nothing short of sensational, it said.
TECNO, a youth-centric brand, acknowledges the importance of bringing young people together and creating memorable experiences for them. Joining Badshah on stage are renowned Bangladeshi artists including Fuad & Friends, Pritom Hasan, Xefer, Black Zang, and Sanjoy, each bringing their unique flair to the event.
Not only will this lineup promise a wide range of musical styles, but the music festival will also see the launch of the TECNO SPARK 20Pro Plus, ensuring an exciting and captivating experience for all attendees, the release said.
Tickets for the Music Fest are now available for purchase on TECHNO’s official Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/TECNOMobileBangladesh.
Netflix English Originals Coming in March 2024
After a flurry of shows scheduled in February, Netflix isn’t slowing things down in March. The month is lined up with several original series and movies that are sure to get anyone excited. From the Spaceman to 3 Body Problem, the releases will simply get more exciting each day. With that said, here’s a list of the highly anticipated originals coming to Netflix next month.
English Language Netflix Originals Scheduled for March
Spaceman
Spaceman tells the story of Jakub Prochazka who is slated to be the first astronaut from his country. But when he is sent to the edge of space to collect ancient stardust, Jakub gradually finds out that he’s not the only one in his one-manned mission.
Spaceman is based on the novel Spaceman of Bohemia by Jaroslav Kalfar. The movie is directed by Johan Renck with Adam Sandler, Carey Mulligan, and Kunal Nayyar in lead roles.
Spaceman premiers on 1st March.
Read more: Most Hyped Bollywood Films Releasing in February 2024
The Gentlemen
Guy Ritchie is back with a series adaptation of his 2019 film The Gentlemen. The series continues with Mickey Pearson and his marijuana empire. It introduces Eddie Halstead who inherits a large estate from his father. Unbeknownst to Eddie, the estate houses Mickey’s entire weed production. Does he have what it takes to control the large-scale operation? Viewers will find out.
The series stars Theo James, kaya Scodelario, Daniel Ings, and Giancarlo Esposito in lead roles. The story is developed by Guy Ritchie and Matthew Read with a host of directors expected to be on board.
The Gentlemen premiers on 7th March.
Pokemon Horizons: The Series
Pokemon is back with its 26th Season titled Pokemon Horizons: The Series. This is the first series of the franchise without Ash Ketchum and Pikachu. Instead, Pokemon Horizons will tell the story of Liko and Roy with their Pokemon Sprigatito and Fuecoco.
Read more: Top South Indian Films Hitting the Screens in February 2024
The new series is directed by Saori Den with the script from Dai Sato. Pokemon Horizons premiered last year on TV Tokyo with Netflix picking up the global rights.
The series premiers on 7th March.
Damsel
Our favorite Eleven from Stranger Things is back with a new movie of her own called Damsel. The Millie Bobbie Brown starrer Damsel tells the story of Elodie, a promised bride to a prince. What she anticipates to be a happily ever after soon turns into a nightmare as she realizes it was all a ruse to make her an offering for the dragon. Elodie must escape the dragon’s lair to save her life and the fate of her people.
The fantasy movie is written by Dan Mazeau with direction from Juan Carlos Fresnadillo. It stars Millie Bobbie Brown, Angela Basset, Robin Wright, and Shohreh Aghdashloo in lead roles.
Read more: February 2024 Lineup of Netflix Originals in English
Damsel premiers on 8th March.
Turning Point: The Bomb and the Cold War
The atomic bomb, subsequent nuclear development, and the following Cold War posed a turbulent time throughout the '60s to the '80s. Turning Point tells the personal stories of people involved in the Cold War through extensive interviews presented in a neatly directed docuseries.
Director Brian Knappenberger conducted over 100 interviews in 7 different countries to piece together a definitive extension of the Cold War, and how it still affects modern-day politics.
Turning point premiers on 12th March.
Read more: January 2024's Top 10 Hollywood Films: A Cinematic Feast for Movie Lovers
Tashrif Khan to perform at JnU to collect funds for cancer-affected student
Tasrif Khan and his band ‘Kureghor’ will perform in a concert to be held at Jagannath University (JnU) on February 28 to collect fund for the treatment of a cancer-affected student.
The student is Zaheer Uddin Shakhawat, of the Marketing Department of the university of 2016-17 academic year , has been suffering from blood cancer (non-Hodgkin lymphoma).
The concert will be held at 3 pm on the day in the science faculty premises of the university.
Read: Ahmed Rubel’s body to be kept at Shilpakala Academy for people to pay respect
Ahmed Rubel’s body to be kept at Shilpakala Academy for people to pay respect
Noted Bangladeshi actor Ahmed Rubel, who breathed his last on Wednesday evening before joining the press premiere of his new and last film, "Peyarar Subash," will be buried at his ancestral home in Gazipur.
His body will be kept at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) on Thursday from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm for people to pay respect He will be buried in Gazipur Graveyard after the Asar prayers, according to Actors Equity Bangladesh President Ahsan Habib Nasim.
PM condoles demise of actor Ahmed Rubel
Ahmed Rubel went to the Star Cineplex in the capital's Bashundhara City Shopping Complex to attend the premiere of his much-anticipated film. He was accompanied by Nurul Alam Atique.
After stepping out of the car, Rubel suddenly felt sick and fell while getting into the elevator. He suffered a heart attack.
Actor Ahmed Rubel no more
He was then taken to Square Hospital, nearby Bashundhara City, where doctors declared the actor dead, as he had already passed away while being brought to the hospital. The doctors said that Rubel died of a heart attack initially.
Meanwhile, the team of "Peyarar Subash" briefed the journalists at an immediate press meet, joined by the cast and crew of the film, including Jaya Ahsan, Tariq Anam Khan, Chorki CEO Redoan Rony, Alpha-i Studios Managing Director Shahriar Shakil, and eminent cultural personality Nasir Uddin Yousuff. They rushed to the hospital after that while the premiere show continued.
“I am still in disbelief and deep shock, still processing the news, and not in a state of expressing anything else. Rubel Bhai, my co-star in the film, was supposed to be right here to talk about our film; instead, we are now talking about his demise. He was a gifted actor, and he will live through all of his majestic works,” Jaya Ahsan said at the premiere.
Nasir Uddin Yousuff, founder of Dhaka Theatre, said, “I have known and worked with Rubel for more than 25 years. He was an excellent performer who appeared in several notable Dhaka Theatre performances. It’s hard to believe that he left us this soon, but he breathed his last while still at work—the type of demise to which we, the performers, aspire.”
Rubel began his playing career with the Dhaka Theatre and progressed to the silver screen, small screen, and OTT projects. His breakthrough came with Ekushey Television’s popular series "Pret," based on Muhammad Zafar Iqbal's novel of the same name and directed by Aahir Alam.
Besides his vibrant presence on television and OTT screens, Rubel had also acted in several noteworthy films, including Chandrokotha, Bachelor, Shyamol Chhaya, The Last Thakur, Guerrilla, Jonakir Aalo, Parapaar, Poush Maser Pirit, Alatchakra: Circle of Desire, Laal Moroger Jhuti, Chiranjeeb Mujib, and Peyarar Subas.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed profound shock and sorrow at the death of the actor on Wednesday. She prayed for the peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members, according to the press wing of the PMO.
BLCPS unites music stars demonstrating music intellectual property rights, royalties
The BLCPS, or Bangladesh Lyricist Composers & Performers Society, the first and only Collective Management Organisation (CMO) for Music authorised by the government, organised a star-studded conference on Tuesday at the Crystal Palace Auditorium in the capital’s Gulshan Club.
Satoshi Watanabe, honourary advisor of the CISAC (The International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers), delivered the keynote speech on the importance of CMOs and their function and activities in creating worldwide music intellectual property rights and collecting royalties.
Daud Miah, NDC, Registrar, Copyright Office, Bangladesh joined as the chief guest at the event. Satoshi Watanabe, honourary advisor of the CISAC, was present as the special guest at the event, presided over by eminent music director Sheikh Saadi Khan.
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Several of the country’s eminent and popular music stars joined the special conference, where the BLCPS demonstrated a spotlight vision in safeguarding the intellectual property of Bangladesh's music producers, in support of the government's ongoing efforts to develop a 'Smart Bangladesh'.
The conference, hosted by popular singer Alif Alauddin, began with a minute of silence in respect of the country’s legendary composer Alauddin Ali and popular vocalist Andrew Kishore, who have been actively involved with the BLCPS from its inception in 2013, working diligently for the entity despite their severe illness. In the conference, the BLCPS acknowledged the contributions of these two late great artists with heartfelt respect and wished their eternal peace.
BLCPS Trustee Sujit Mostofa said, “In our country, many of our artists do not about their rights and how to collect their royalties. Under the leadership of BLCPS President Sabina Yasmin along with the dedication of the BLCPS team members, we are aiming to protect and manage the rights of Bangladeshi songwriters, composers, singers and distributors.”
Hamin Ahmed, CEO of the BLCPS, echoed the same, adding, “Through BLCPS, lyricists, composers, and performers will be able to receive their due royalties from both within and outside of the country. It’s not any organization but an entity for the betterment of the industry, and anyone from the industry can join the entity regardless of their membership in any organization.”
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Demonstrating an insightful presentation on the importance of CMO, honourary advisor of the CISAC Satoshi Watanabe praised the BLCPS while emphasising the importance of the CMO (Collective Management Organisation) in safeguarding music intellectual property rights and royalty collection worldwide, highlighting the potential benefits of membership in a collective management organisation such as the BLCPS.
Chief guest of the event Daud Miah, NDC, Registrar, Copyright Office lauded the BLCPS for taking the initiative and assured necessary assistance to the entity from the government. BLCPS Legal Advisor Barrister ABM Hamidul Misbah also spoke at the event, which concluded with the vote of thanks from the chair of the conference Sheikh Saadi Khan.
In addition to the keynote presentation at the conference, Satoshi Watanabe conducted a three-day training earlier in Dhaka to address the BLCPS's capacity requirements as the only CMO in Bangladesh that works with the CISAC.
The CISAC aims to improve communication, interest protection, and technology sharing across nations. For its specific focus on the development of lyricists and composers, this international confederation is called the leading global organisation that is actively working for the betterment of lyricists and composers.
The CISAC is currently active in a total of 116 countries with its 225 CMOs and over 5 million creators; and its diverse field of works includes music, audiovisual, drama/play, literature, and visual art – and the people actively involved in these genres.
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In addition to the CISAC, the United Nations' autonomous organisation, WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organisation), has been working for the preservation of intellectual property (IP) and the intellectual creations of people from 193 member states around the world, as well as the preservation of information and policies related to this. Sections 38-44 of Chapter 9 of the Bangladesh Copyright Act safeguard individuals' intellectual property interests.
The BLCPS (Bangladesh Lyricist Composers & Performers Society) is the first CMO for the music industry in Bangladesh. Founded in 2013, the organisation received its licence from the government in 2014 to accomplish its vision to protect and manage the rights of Bangladeshi songwriters, composers, singers and distributors.
Annie Lennox calls for ceasefire in Gaza during Grammy performance
Scottish Singer-songwriter Annie Lennox called for a ceasefire in Gaza during the Grammy Awards on Sunday.
Lennox is one of over 300 artists, actors, and campaigners that signed a statement in late October urging the US Congress and President Joe Biden to call for an urgent ceasefire in Gaza and Israel via Artists4Ceasefire.org, reports CNN.
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As of January 23, additional artists who have signed the letter included America Ferrera, Jordan Peele, Gracie Abrams, Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck, Amanda Gorman, Dua Lipa, Jon Stewart, and Drake, it said.
“We are here to lend our voices and our platforms to amplify the global call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the safe return of all hostages, and the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to the civilians in Gaza,” an Artists4Ceasefire statement read. “We stand for our common humanity, and a future rooted in freedom, justice, dignity and peace for all people. We cannot be silent. Compassion must prevail.”
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Singer and social media star Montana Tucker, on the red carpet at the Grammys expressed support for Israeli hostages, said the report.
“I understand what is going on right now is extremely sensitive. It doesn’t have to be political. It just has to be about humanity,” Tucker told CNN.
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Raining Grammys for India: AR Rahman, Zakir Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan in one epic selfie
In a landmark achievement for Indian music, the celebrated band Shakti, featuring the legendary tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain, vocalist Shankar Mahadevan, percussionist V Selvaganesh, and violinist Ganesh Rajagopalan, clinched the Best Global Music Album award for their latest work, “This Moment,” at the 2024 Grammy Awards.
Shortly after the ceremony, musical icon AR Rahman, who was in attendance, shared a moment of pride on social media, posting a selfie with Shakti’s acclaimed members – Mahadevan, Hussain, and Selvaganesh.T
op Grammy Award winners of 2024
Rahman’s post, filled with joy, praised their remarkable success: “It’s raining Grammys for India…Congrats Grammy winners #ustadzakirhussain (3 Grammys) @shankar.mahadevan (first Grammy) @selvaganesh,” capturing the celebratory spirit of the moment.
In an additional feather in their cap, Zakir Hussain, along with flautist Rakesh Chaurasia, also received the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Performance for their collaborative piece, “Pashto.” This composition further earned accolades as Best Contemporary Instrumental Album, highlighting the diverse talents within the Indian music scene.
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Ricky Kej, an Indian music composer and Grammy laureate himself, extended his congratulations via a heartfelt video of Shakti's acceptance speech, emphasizing the brilliance of these musicians and their contribution to India's global recognition in music. Kej’s enthusiastic post on X celebrated the band’s victory: “SHAKTI wins a Grammy!!! Through this album 4 brilliant Indian musicians won Grammys!! Just amazing. India is shining in every direction…”
This year’s Grammy success for Shakti and its members adds to a growing list of international accolades for Indian artists, including AR Rahman’s dual Grammy wins in 2010 for his work on “Slumdog Millionaire”.
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Top Grammy Award winners of 2024
A list of top winners at the 2024 Grammy Awards.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR“Midnights,” Taylor Swift
RECORD OF THE YEAR“Flowers,” Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus wins record of the year at Grammys
BEST NEW ARTISTVictoria Monét
SONG OF THE YEAR (SONGWRITER’S AWARD)“What Was I Made For?” Billie Eilish and Finneas
BEST POP VOCAL ALBUM“Midnights,” Taylor Swift
BEST POP SOLO PERFORMANCE“Flowers,” Miley Cyrus
Taylor Swift wins Grammy album of the year for the 4th time
BEST NEW ARTISTGracie Abrams; Fred again..; Ice Spice; Jelly Roll; Coco Jones; Noah Kahan; Victoria Monét; The War and Treaty.
BEST COUNTRY ALBUM“Bell Bottom Country,” Lainey Wilson
BEST R&B SONG“Snooze,” SZA
BEST MUSICA URBANA ALBUM“Mañana Será Bonito,” Karol G
BEST POP DUO/GROUP PERFORMANCE“Ghost in the Machine,” SZA featuring Phoebe Bridgers
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BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC ALBUM“The Record,” Boygenius
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR, NON-CLASSICALTheron Thomas
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR, NON-CLASSICALJack Antonoff
BEST R&B ALBUM“Jaguar II,” Victoria Monét
BEST PROGRESSIVE R&B ALBUM“SOS,” SZA
BEST AUDIO BOOK, NARRATION AND STORYTELLING RECORDING“The Light We Carry: Overcoming In Uncertain Times,” Michelle Obama
BEST REGGAE ALBUM“Colors of Royal,” Julian Marley and Antaeus
BEST LATIN ROCK OR ALTERNATIVE ALBUM (tie)“Vida Cotidiana,” Juanes and “De Todas Las Flores,” Natalia Lafourcade
BEST LATIN POP ALBUM“X Mi (Vol 1)," Gaby Moreno
BEST RAP ALBUM“Michael,” Killer Mike
BEST RAP SONG“Scientists & Engineers,” Killer Mike ft. André 3000, Future and Eryn Allen Kane
BEST COUNTRY SOLO PERFORMANCE“White Horse,” Chris Stapleton
BEST COUNTRY SONG“White Horse,” Chris Stapleton
BEST FOLK ALBUM"Joni Mitchell at Newport (Live)," Joni Mitchell
BEST POP DANCE RECORDING“Padam Padam,” Kylie Minogue
BEST ROCK ALBUM“This Is Why,” Paramore
BEST ROCK PERFORMANCE“Not Strong Enough,” Boygenius
BEST ROCK SONG“Not Strong Enough,” Boygenius
BEST AMERICANA ALBUM“Weathervanes,” Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
BEST METAL PERFORMANCE“72 Seasons,” Metallica
BEST JAZZ INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM“The Winds of Change,” Billy Childs
BEST JAZZ VOCAL ALBUM“How Love Begins,” Nicole Zuraitis
BEST COMEDY ALBUM“What’s in a Name?,” Dave Chappelle
BEST COMPILATION SOUNDTRACK FOR VISUAL MEDIA“Barbie The Album,” various artists
BEST SONG WRITTEN FOR VISUAL MEDIA“What Was I Made For?,” Billie Eilish
BEST SCORE SOUNDTRACK FOR VISUAL MEDIA“Oppenheimer,” Ludwig Göransson
BEST MUSIC VIDEO“I'm Only Sleeping," the Beatles
BEST MUSIC FILM“Moonage Daydream”
BEST MUSICAL THEATER ALBUM“Some Like It Hot”
BEST GOSPEL ALBUM
“All Things New: Live in Orlando,” Tye Tribbett
BEST CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN MUSIC ALBUM“Church Clothes 4,” Lecrae
BEST AFRICAN MUSIC PERFORMANCE“Water,” Tyla