entertainment
Jewellery exhibition 'Pleasantness: The Story of Madhuree' begins at AFD
Fashion consultant Madhuree Sanchita Smrity's jewellery exhibition began at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) Friday.
The "Pleasantness: The Story of Madhuree" has been arranged with pieces of jewellery crafted out of seeds from different trees, soils, oysters, joists, conches, pearls and other natural resources along with golds, silvers, steels, irons, coppers, and brasses.
Madhuree, now working for fashion house Rang, was born in Jhalakathi. She completed her honours from the Faculty of Fine Art of Dhaka University in 2006.
"The Pleasantness: The Story of Madhuree" is Madhuree's first solo jewellery exhibition. It is devoted to her immense interest in finding the beauty of nature, and nature's impact on her life and contemporary thoughts.
"The nature that surrounds me is my inspiration. From the beginning of creation, people consciously and subconsciously nurtured nature in different ways. Since childhood, I have been fascinated by nature's beauty, smell and rhythm," the fashion consultant said.
Read: Curtain rises on Shilpo Bangla Art Exhibition
"Leaves' colour, shapes of roots, ocean waves, riversides, colours of the sky, and the way they change in different seasons moved me. I coloured my work with natural colours as well."
"I use seeds with yarns, wooden beads, clays, conches, pearls, coppers, silvers and golds. Seeds are the source of life, the root of all creation. Using seeds with other elements, I convey my love for nature, and want to give life to my creations," Madhuree said.
The exhibition will be open to all till July 8, Monday to Saturday, from 3pm to 9pm.
Benefit concert for flood-affected: Over Tk 9 lakh raised in 2 days
Whenever humanity faced disaster and distress music played a significant role. History was made with benefit concerts like Concert for Bangladesh, Live Aid, Farm Aid and even the 24-hour Covid Concert.
Bangladesh Musical Bands’ Association (BAMBA) is said to have started the practice of raising funds through concerts for the flood-affected in Bangladesh, decades back.
FashionTV hits Dhaka’s Catwalk and Beyond
Fashion and lifestyle broadcasting channel FashionTV has announced a major expansion to Bangladesh through its partnership with Bongo.
Bongo, the country's first video streaming service provider in Bangladesh, allows its network of more than 209 million subscribers to watch Bengali content online anytime, anywhere, said a media release on Thursday.
Besides its Bangla entertainment library with over 15,000 hours’ worth of content, the streaming platform o has 45+ local and foreign Live TV channels.
Also read:Bongo introduces its newest Live TV addition ‘FashionTV’
Now Bongo introduces its newest Live TV addition, FashionTV, a global 24/7 Television Network with an exclusive focus on Fashion, Beauty, Design and Lifestyle.
Fashion TV was founded in Paris in 1997 by Michel Adam, the company’s President.
"Fashion TV (www.ftv.com) has been developed as a leading lifestyle TV channel, in addition to focusing on top Brands, Models and Designers. Fashion TV has launched Programs such as Fashion Destination, Fashion Fitness, Fashion and Films, Fashion and Sport, focus on luxury watches and Cars and other Luxury Items Programming on o er will include the latest international content on lifestyle, beauty, celebrities, as well as destinations, fitness, children and wellness. On Bongo, FashionTV HD will also focus on regional trends based on the Muslim fashion", said President of FTV, Michel Adam.
Also read: Three-day clothing and fashion products exhibition begins in city
Specifically for Bangladesh, "finding a balance between what's shown and what’s hidden is a regular part of fashion. Together with FashionTV, we aim to associate more with the local fashion, lifestyle and entertainment community, playing an active role in supporting Dhaka as an innovative and dynamic fashion hub," said Bongo's Head of Licensing & Distribution, Karoline Hoeppner.
WaterAid Bangladesh launches film ‘Kohinoor’ on life, plights of women waste workers
WaterAid with support of Who Gives A Crap, a recognized toilet paper brand in Australia, has launched a film on the story of a sanitation worker aimed at showcasing health hazards and challenges faced by women waste workers in day to day lives.
Kohinoor, film a fictional character with lead protagonist by Zakia Bari Mamo reveals the difficulties and sheer will power to overcome barriers for reaching her dreams.
Read:‘Turongomi’ to join world’s largest dance parades in Korea
Filmed in Mautail Landfills, it shares experiences through compelling cinematography on the lack of facilities for marginalized communities like sanitation and waste workers.
The purpose of the film is to raise mass awareness for citizens of Bangladesh and create social awareness towards respecting the profession of waste and sanitation workers, said a press release on Thursday .
Mamo as ‘Kohinoor’ depicts the story of a waste worker who is a single mother, faces upheavals in life while trying to make a better future for her daughter.
The film has been directed by Kamrul Hasan and ideated by WaterAid team. The 40-minute feature film has already attracted attention in social media for Mamo’s acting and the key messages the film is delivering to all.
Read:Azmeer Hossain's 'The Beckoning Horizon' goes on at Edge Gallery
The film focused on different pertinent issues related to the life of a woman in most vulnerable set up and social taboos that need collective action.
Anyone can watch the film by visiting the WaterAid Bangladesh YouTube channel -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWu_tc4l6NU
10 Best South Indian Movies Releasing in July 2022
South Indian movies are getting increasing popularity among the film enthusiasts around the world due to their exclusive plots, amazing storylines, awesome acting performances, and wonderful cinematogrpahy. Like every month, a bunch of exciting movies from Malayalm, Telugu, and Tamil film industries will the silverscreen in July 2022. From the cinema hall to OTT(over-the-top), all the platforms are preparing to give some great blockbuster gifts. Stay with us, to know the 10 most hyped upcoming south indian cinemas in July 2022.
Top 10 South Indian Movies Set to Release in July 2022
D Block
Tamil Thriller | July 1, 2022
Newcomer Vijay Kumar Rajendran, director and writer of the film, has portrayed here a horrific incident that took place in the D block of the College Ladies Hostel.
The film stars Karu Palaniappan, Charandeep, Thalaivasal Vijay, Ramesh Khanna, and Uma Riyaz Khan in supporting roles with Arulnithi and Avantika Mishra. Ron Ethan Yohann oversaw the soundtrack of the film where Kaushik Krish was in charge of the background score.
Read Star Cineplex showcases ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ in line with international release
The film was produced under the banner of MNM Films by renowned photographer Arvind Singh, who was also the cinematographer of the film.
Rocketry The Nambi Effect
Indian Sci-Fi Biography | July 1, 2022
The movie follows the most touching part of the life of Nambi Narayanan, a former engineer at the Indian Space Research Organization. At one point in his career, he was falsely accused of espionage.
The film is directed, written, and produced by three-idiot-famous Ranganathan Madhavan. He will also be seen in the lead role in the film. His co-star is Rishibala Naval, also known as Simran. Superstar Shah Rukh Khan will have a cameo in Hindi and English versions.
Read Anonymous Content, CAA take Nuhash Humayun onboard
Kadhal 2 Kalyanam
Tamil Rom-Com | July 13, 2022
The title of the film literally means Love to Marriage. Directed and written by newcomer Milind Rau, the film's dialogues are written by eminent film critic Baradwaj Rangan.
Tamil star Arya's brother Sathya made his big-screen debut by starring in this movie. Divya Spandana will be seen as his co-star. Yuvan Shankar Raja has composed the soundtrack and score of the movie. The film, produced by Sunitha Tati, features the great cinematography of P. S. Vinod.
In the film, a realist and independent young woman falls in love with a radio jockey. The story of the film highlights their getting close to each other against all odds.
Read JK 1971: First English-Language Bangladeshi Film featuring Independence War
Vikrant Rona
Kannada Fantasy | July 28, 2022
Filmmaker Anup Bhandari has worked on fantasy this time. In his direction and composition, this time the audience will see some mysterious supernatural events around a remote village in the depths of a forest.
B Ajaneesh Loknath composed the music for the movie, which was set almost half a century ago. The character Vikrant Rona is played by Sudeep. His co-stars include Nirup Bhandari, Jacqueline Fernandez, Neetha Ashok, and Abhinay Raj Singh.
Ranga Ranga Vaibhavanga
Tamil Romantic Drama | July 1, 2022
The movie will tell the story of a young man and a young woman expressing their deep love for each other by breaking their inner ego. With such a conventional theme, this film is directed by rising director Gireesaaya. Panja Vaisshnav Tej and Ketika Sharma will be seen in the film as a romantic couple.
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BVSN Prasad produced the film under the banner of Sri Venkateshwara Cine Chitra. Devi Sri Prasad did the music composition while Shamdat Sainudeen did the cinematography for the film.
The Warrior
Telugu Action-Comedy | July 14, 2022
In the script and direction of N. Lingusamy, the life of a police officer has been portrayed. The story of the movie will go ahead with the plan of his suspenseful operation to stop the criminals.
The film stars Ram Pothineni, Krithi Shetty, Aadhi Pinisetty, Nadhiya, and Akshara Gowda in the lead roles. The music of the cinema is directed by Devi Sri Prasad. The film, which was shot simultaneously in Tamil and Telugu, was produced by Srinivasa Silver Screen.
Read Roni Bhowmik’s New Short Film ‘Chakrakar’ released by Vivo
Karthikeya 2
Telugu Mystery | July 22, 2022
This supernatural film, scripted and directed by Chandoo Mondeti, is a sequel to the 2014 movie Karthikeya. In this part of the film, Karthik immerses himself in the pursuit of truth in search of a way out of his personal problems. As a result, a divine influence of ancient Indian beliefs was revealed to him.
Nikhil Siddharth and Anupama Parameswaran will be seen in the lead roles in the film. Kaala Bhairava has directed the music for the cinema. Abhishek Agarwal and TG Vishwa produced the film under the banner of Abhishek Agarwal Arts and People Media Factory.
HIT – The Second Case
Telugu Action | July 29, 2022
This second edition of HIT is written and directed by Sailesh Kolanu. The first part was released in 2020. The entire HIT franchise is produced by Prashanti Tipirneni. The members of the film cast are Adivi Sesh, Bhanu Chander, and Meenakshi Chaudhary. John Stewart Eduri has directed the music for the film.
Read Bongo brings South Indian film 'NGK'
In the story of the movie, a CID police officer, who had just fallen in love with the story of the movie, bypassed his personal emotions and engaged himself in the investigation of a missing girl.
Thankam
Malayalam Crime-Drama | July 06, 2022
This crime movie is directed by Prinish Prabhakaran, and Saheedh Arafath, a new talented director. However, the film's production team consists of Dileesh Pothan, Syam Pushkaran, and Fahadh Faasil. The production companies are Fahadh Faasil and Friends Working Class Hero. The screenplay of the film is written by Syam Pushkaran. The film stars Biju Menon, Vineeth Sreenivasan, and Joju George.
The cinematography of the cinema was done by Gautham Sankar and the music was directed by Bijibal. Finally, Kiran Das has done the overall editing.
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Aanaparambile Worldcup
Malayalam Action | July 07, 2022
Nikhil Premraj made his directorial debut in this sports-centric film. It follows a fantasy story about watching a football World Cup in a fictional village called Aanaparambu. A 9-year-old kid begins to realize how everything around him has changed since he met a strange guest.
The film stars Antony Varghese, Lukman, and Balu in the lead roles. The rest of the cast includes TG Ravi, Nishanth Sagar, IM Vijayan, Danish, Amal, Archana Vasudev, and Jo Paul Ancheryn. Faiz Siddik contributed to the photography, whereas Jakes Bejoy overlooked the music composition for the cinema.
In a nutshell
So far, we have mentioned the top 10 South Indian films releasing in July 2022 represent the progressive movie genre of the whole of Asia. As the largest and most significant movie conglomerate in the subcontinent, the South Indian Film Industries fuel the curiosity in Asian movie lovers’ eyes. Hopefully, these enjoyable movies will be able to meet the demand of cinephiles.
Read Greatest Natural Disaster Movies that Shook the World
Britney Spears' ex ordered to trial on stalking charge
A California judge found Monday that there is enough evidence against a man once briefly married to Britney Spears who showed up uninvited at the pop star's wedding to go to trial on a felony stalking charge.
After a two-hour preliminary hearing, Ventura County Judge David Worley ruled that 40-year-old Jason Allen Alexander should be held to answer on the charge, along with misdemeanor counts of trespassing, vandalism and battery, court records showed.
Not guilty pleas to all the charges were entered by an attorney for Alexander, who did not attend and remains jailed.
Also read: Britney Spears marries Sam Asghari in California
Spears married longtime boyfriend Sam Asghari at her home in Thousand Oaks, California, on June 9, in front of several dozen guests including Selena Gomez, Drew Barrymore, Paris Hilton and Madonna.
Alexander, a childhood friend of Spears to whom she was married for less than three days in 2004, appeared uninvited at the house before the ceremony, livestreaming his raid on Instagram.
Richard Eubler, a since-fired security guard for Spears, testified at Monday's hearing that Alexander got inside her house and up to the locked door of Spears' bedroom while she was inside, according to multiple media reports.
Also read: Britney Spears’ dad will exit conservatorship, but not yet
Eubler said Alexander had also tried to enter the property in the days before the wedding.
Alexander's attorney, Sandra Bisignani, argued there was no evidence he had any intention of harming Spears.
‘Turongomi’ to join world’s largest dance parades in Korea
Bangladeshi dance team ‘Turongomi Repertory Dance Theatre’ is going to take part at the ‘Daegu Colorful Festival 2022’ in Korea from July 8-11.
Turongomi, under the leadership of dance artist Pooja Sengupta, is the first ever Bangladeshi dance team to receive an invitation for Daegu Colorful Festival, said a press release on Monday.
The festival is one of the largest dance parades in the world, organized by The Government of Korea.
In a formal letter to Pooja Sengupta, Artistic Director of Turongomi, the organisers expressed that Turongomi’s participation will create a greater platform for popularizing Bangladeshi dance and culture in Korea.
The organisers also congratulated Turongomi for popularizing Bangladeshi dance in Asia.
The ten-member delegation of Turongomi will fly to Seoul on July 5 and will present two of their popular productions ‘Panchforon: The Essence of Bangladesh’ and ‘Nondini: The Savior of the World’ conceptualized, designed, choreographed and directed by Pooja Sengupta.
Read: Azmeer Hossain's 'The Beckoning Horizon' goes on at Edge Gallery
Recently Pooja represented Bangladesh at the SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) UNESCO Resili-Art Festival in Manila, Philippines in April this year. The participation was organized and sponsored by UNESCO, ITI and Government of Philippines.
Pooja Sengupta received the Noorul Quader Entrepreneur award in 2018 for establishing Turongomi.
Meanwhile, Turongomi is also taking part at the ongoing ‘Padma Bridge Inauguration Week’ programs at home by staging ‘Chiyanobboi -96’ at the Padma bridge celebration stage in Madaripur on Tuesday and at the Sohrawardy Uddyan on Wednesday.
So far, Turongomi has attended the 2014 Bangkok IF Festival, 2017 Vietnam International Dance Festival, The Delhi International Arts Festival DIAF 2017, The Philippine International Dance Xchange 2018-22, The Silk Road Expo: Dunhuang Conference China 2018 by Beijing Dance Academy, The 2018 St Petersburg State University conference on dance education in Russia, Pooja Sengupta’s speech at the grand general assembly of International Dance Council at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France (The first Bangladeshi Artist to deliver speech at the UNESCO), The SDG Resili-Art by UNESCO in Manila 2022.
Turongomi School of dance, a sister concern of Turongomi Repertory Dance Theatre became a member of the International Dance Council of UNESCO along with Pooja Sengupta herself, in 2019.
'A symbol of our self-reliance, courage, perseverance, ability and self-confidence'
Lauding the inauguration of the much-awaited Padma Bridge, several entertainers and celebrated media personalities shared their excitement and joy with the media reporters and on their social media handles.
Popular celebrities including Dhallywood superstar Shakib Khan, Jaya Ahsan, Omar Sani, Zayed Khan, Anjana Rahman, Chanchal Chowdhury and many other celebrities from the entertainment sphere expressed their heartfelt words, regarding the newly inaugurated Padma Bridge.
Shakib Khan took to his official Facebook page, to express his delight at the Padma Bridge's opening. “This is indeed a dream come true scenario as the Padma Bridge is now in sight. This bridge will revolutionize the capital's transportation and communication system and economy with the country's south-western region. The completion of the Padma Bridge is a significant accomplishment for Bangladesh. Our Padma bridge, our source of pride."
Jaya Ahsan, one of the most popular actresses in both Bangladesh and West Bengal, wrote a tribute article for Kolkata’s Anandabazar Patrika. In that piece, she wrote: “In the construction process of the bridge, there were many significant obstacles in almost every step. The first was the World Bank's withdrawal from the project. Our Prime Minister said, "We will build this bridge with our own money," which seemed like an impossible thought and she even acknowledged the possible obstacles.”
Read: Padma Bridge connecting Bangladesh’s past with bright future: German envoy
“There were all kinds of rumours and speculations as many did not believe that such a big project can be done with our own money, Sheikh Hasina went ahead almost alone with this unwavering confidence, and she turned the impossible into possible. The Padma Bridge is probably her greatest contribution to the people of Bengal, and this bridge will surely keep her memory alive,” Jaya Ahsan wrote.
Silver screen superstar Omar Sani wrote on his Facebook: “My ancestral home is in Barisal’s Gournadi Union and although I was born into Kaliganj, Jinjira in the Dhaka division, my father-in-law's house is in Satkhira, Khulna. Alhamdulillah, Padma Bridge, is indeed our pride. Our first achievement is our liberation and independence, and our second achievement is Padma Bridge.”
"This thrill is incomparable," stated popular music composer Prince Mahmud. “This cannot be put into words. This sentiment is not an immediate commotion. This resonance will be felt by those who have come from the other side of the Padma. Life has become easier and simpler, and I can now travel home anytime I wish."
Anjana Rahman, another popular actress representing the silver screen, said, “Our Padma Bridge, our pride. The hopes and aspirations of 170 million Bengali-speaking people are fulfilled today. Without the grace of the World Bank, we have funded on our own to build the Padma Bridge. Salute to you, Hon'ble Prime Minister Deshratna Sheikh Hasina - the embodiment of all the hopes and aspirations of the entire Bengali nation, the daughter of democracy.”
Acclaimed actor-singer Chanchal Chowdhury wrote, ”Today (yesterday) is the happiest day of Bangladesh, the day of pride. Long live Sheikh Hasina, for constructing the bridge of joy. "Padma Bridge," is our pride.”
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Popular rockstar, musician, activist, poet, Baul researcher and legendary band Feedback co-founder Maqsoodul Haque lauded the initiative from his Facebook page Mac Haque, writing:
“An unbelievable dream that millions had hoped for - a structure like none other in our history. Joy Bangla.”
The official theme song for the grand opening of Padma Bridge has been composed by renowned singer-music composer Kishore Das. Writing from his official page Kishore, he said: Just before the Padma Bridge's inauguration, the Prime Minister and dignitaries present are playing the song written by Kabir Bakul Bhai, to my tune, performed by legendary singers including Sabina Yasmin, Rafiqul Alam, Kumar Bishwajit, Rezwana Choudhury Bannya, Momotaz Begum, Dilshad Nahar Kona, Bappa Mazumder, Imran Mahmudul, Nishita Barua and myself. This is indeed an incredible experience for me.”
Besides, many other popular celebrities including Mehazabein Chowdhury, Afran Nisho, Tasnia Farin, Tawsif Mahbub, Zayed Khan and more have shared their excitement over the inauguration of the Padma Bridge.
Azmeer Hossain's 'The Beckoning Horizon' goes on at Edge Gallery
Painter Azmeer Hossain's fifth solo exhibition "The Beckoning Horizon," which began on June 18, is still underway at the Edge Gallery in Dhaka's Gulshan, showcasing an enchanting collection of abstract works.
Hosted by Edge, The Foundation, the exhibition features 62 paintings by the artist.
Eminent Bangladeshi artists Hamiduzzaman Khan, Mohammad Eunus, Biren Shome, Afrozaa Jamil Konka and others were present at the opening ceremony of the exhibition, which is displaying more than 50 pictures painted in watercolour while the rest of the paintings are made using acrylic and mixed media.
Shah Rukh Khan completes 30 years in Bollywood
Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan on Saturday shared a new look from his upcoming big-ticket movie Pathaan to mark 30 years in the Hindi film industry.
"30 yrs and not counting cos your love and smiles have been infinite. Here's to continuing with Pathaan. Celebrate Pathaan with YRF50 on 25th January, 2023. Releasing in Hindi, Tamil and Telugu," Shah Rukh wrote on social media.
Considered the most talented Bollywood star, "King Khan", as he's popularly known as, has acted in over 80 films in his career. He has a net worth of USD 700 million.
Also read: The King is Back: Upcoming Movies of Shahrukh Khan in 2022, 2023
Shah Rukh, in fact, rose to prominence after starring in the 1995 romantic film 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge', the longest-running blockbuster in the history of Indian cinema. The film was shot in India and Europe.
Some of his other blockbusters include 'Dil To Pagal Hai' (1997) and 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' (1998). Shah Rukh was also widely praised for his superb performance in 2002 film 'Devdas', where he played an alcoholic.
Also read: Shah Rukh Khan is back on social media!
The 55-year-old, who owns production company Red Chillies Entertainment and Indian Premier League cricket team Kolkata Knight Riders, is married to interior designer Gauri Chibber, a Punjabi Hindu. Apart from Aryan, they have a daughter and a son.