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Sabrina Islam’s eclectic photo exhibit captures the beauty of Brazil
Renowned entrepreneur, photographer and writer Sabrina Islam’s second solo photographic exhibition 'Brazil – Beauty in Diversity', which concludes today, enthralled audiences with the picturesque beauty of Brazil at Edge Gallery in Gulshan.
The travel photography exhibition was inaugurated by Ambassador of Brazil to Bangladesh HE Joao Tabajara Jr.
Talking to UNB about her exhibition portraying the tantalizing beauty of the world-famous Rio Carnival and other monumental and assorted scenic beauties of Brazil, Sabrina Islam said that a total of 72 of her photographs are being exhibited in this exhibition.
READ: Turkish Embassy marks International Women’s Day with conversation, exhibition & music
“In March 2019, I travelled to Brazil with the Ambassador and his wife Sandra at their invitation and I was thrilled with the diverse, colourful Brazilian culture. There I photographed the carnival in Rio, the Amazon rainforest, and Paraty on Costa Verde,” Sabrina Islam told UNB.
Bollywood actress Sunny Leone arrives in Dhaka
Popular Bollywood actress Karenjit Kaur Weber, more popularly known by her stage name Sunny Leone, arrived in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon.
Posting a photo across her social media platforms from the airport, Leone wrote: "So happy to be in this beautiful country!"
Later she posted another picture on her Instagram, writing: "Time to have some fun with family in Dhaka!” and tagged Gaan Bangla television's Managing Director and CEO Kaushik Hossain Taposh on the post.
It is being speculated that Sunny Leone came to Dhaka to take part in a family event, most likely a wedding, alongside some other Indian artists. Social media posts throughout the day claimed sightings of Nargis Fakhri, Raima Sen, Mimi Chakraborty, besides Leone.
Bollywood stars offer a service whereby they can be booked through their agents or management companies to attend even total strangers' weddings, in return for a fee of course. This fee varies, but costs less than it would to hire them as performing artists, e.g. to do a song and dance routine. It has proven to be quite lucrative due to its immense popularity among India's burgeoning nouveau riche in the post-1991 era, and quite a few failed/out-of-work actors and actresses have been known to manage pretty decent incomes from this kind of 'work'.
Given the almost identical obsession with big, brash weddings, and of course Bollywood itself in neighbouring Bangladesh, it was always just a matter of time before the trend made its way here. And following the explosion in the number of high net worth individuals witnessed in the country in recent years, it would now seem to be well and truly here.
Sunny Leone was recently denied a work permit to act in the Shamim Ahamed Roni directed Bangladeshi film "Soldier," produced by Selim Khan.
The production company 'Chairman Film Syndicate' applied for the work permit, apparently in accordance with the rules.
On March 2, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting allowed Sunny Leone and 10 other Indian artists to come to Bangladesh to participate in the film.
However Leone's work permit got cancelled, according to a gazette issued on March 9.
The other Indian artistes however, were permitted to work for the film from March 5 to September 4 under certain conditions.
Leone is scheduled to leave Bangladesh later this week.
'Dragon Gang': Crime meets comedy in Bongo's upcoming original series
Gang culture arising from conflict of powers can be seen in the video streaming platform Bongo's upcoming original crime comedy "Dragon Gang."
The 12-episode drama series will be released on March 12.
Read:Bongo partners with Haier Smart TV
The cast of the drama includes Marjuk Russell, Chashi Alam, Mir Sabbir, Pirzada Harun, Ahna Rahman, Rimi Karim, and Mukit Zakaria
The story is written, scripted and directed by Fahrian Chowdhury Tanmoy.
The series is produced by Mushfiqur Rahman Manzu.
"The plot of the series is a mixture of crime and comedy. At the beginning of the drama, the audience may think they already figured out the story, but the twist comes at the very end," Tanmoy said.
Read: Kangana Ranaut's 'Thalaivii' released on Bongo as 'Netri'
"Everyone can easily distinguish it from the other dramas about comedy and crime. I believe that after a long time, everyone will enjoy the great performance of the Ahana-Marjuk duo."
Md Khaled Sajeeb, senior manager (content and publishing) at Bongo, said: "Through laughter, 'Dragon Gang' shows a different image of the society with the rhythm of allegorical stories."
Zayed Khan to remain gen secy of BFAA: HC
The High Court on Wednesday cleared the way for actor Zayed Khan to serve as the general secretary of the Bangladesh Film Artistes’ Association (BFAA) after declaring the decision of Election Appeal Board as illegal.
A division bench of High Court justices Mamnoon Rahman and Khandaker Diliruzzaman passed the order after hearing a rule challenging the decision of the Board.
Read: BFAA election: Appellate Division orders HC to settle Nipun-Zayed dispute
With the court order, actor Zayed Khan will remain the general secretary of the Bangladesh Film Artistes’ Association.
Advocate Ahsanul Karim and Nahid Sultana Juthi stood for Zayed while Barrister Rokon Uddin Mahmud and Barrister Mostafizur Rahman argued for actress Nipun Akter.
On February 24, the Appellate Division stayed the High Court order on the general secretary post of BFAA and upheld the decision of the Chamber court for maintaining status-quo over holding the post.
A six-member Appellate Division bench headed by Chief Justice Hasan Foez Siddique passed the order and directed the High Court to settle the issue.
On February 9, the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court said neither actor Zayed Khan nor his rival actress Nipun Akter can hold the office of the general secretary of Bangladesh Film Artistes’ Association until a full-bench hearing on the controversy is held.
On February 8, actress Nipun Akter moved the Supreme Court against the High Court’s stay on the cancellation of actor Zayed Khan's candidacy in the election over vote-buying allegations.
On February 7, a division bench of High Court justices Mamnoon Rahman and Khandaker Diliruzzaman stayed the decision of the Election Appellate Board revoking the candidacy of Zayed.
The order was passed following a writ petition filed by Zayed challenging the validity of the decision of the Board.
Besides, the High Court had asked Zayed to continue with his activities as the general secretary.The High Court had also issued a rule, asking the authorities concerned to explain by February 15 why the decision to cancel the actor's candidacy should not be declared illegal.
On February 5, the Election Appellate Board decided to remove Zayed from the post of general secretary of the association over allegations that he had resorted to impropriety in the recent election.
Read: Nipun moves Supreme Court against HC stay on Zayed's disqualification
Sohanur Rahman Sohan, chairman of the Board, announced the decision a day after the newly elected committee of the BFAA led by Ilias Kanchan and Nipun Akter took the oath of office.
The association election was held on January 28.
Zayed was declared the winner for the general secretary post, after he defeated Nipun in a close contest. It was his third consecutive win.
Coke Studio Bangla first track 'Nasek Nasek' rocks the nation
Coke Studio Bangla swayed the country to the sound of its first track "Nasek Nasek," a Hajong fusion song of celebrations, Wednesday night.
The song is a tribute to the diversified and vibrant indigenous languages in the country.
Written, composed and sung by Animes Roy in his native language, the song was complemented by Pantha Kanai's electrifying performance of the legendary folk ballad "Dol Dol Doloni," written and composed by Abdul Latif and originally sung by folk legend Abdul Alim.
The song was released during a Facebook Live, hosted by popular singer-actor Tahsan, from the official page of Coke Studio Bangla and on its YouTube channel.
Curated and produced by popular singer-music director Shayan Chowdhury Arnob, Nasek Nasek was composed and arranged by Adit Rahman.
The chief sound engineer of the song is Faizan R Ahmad (Buno). It was mixed and mastered by Yash Divecha. Jannatul Firdous Akbar, Warda Ashraf and Rubayat Rehman provided backing vocals.
READ: Smritydahan: Tanvir Tareq's book on rock legend Ayub Bachchu published
The track was performed by Adit (piano and backing vocal), Rahin Haider (saxophone), Sayonton Mangsang (saxophone), Mazruq Islam Nafi (drums), Faizan Rashid Ahmad Buno (bass), Imran Ahmed (guitar), Shuvendu Das Shuvo (mandolin and guitar), Saadul Islam (guitar), Pradyut Chatterjea (synths), Mithun Chakra (percussions) and Mubarak (mandira).
Directed by Krishnendu Chattopaddhyay, the video production of the song was done by Dope Productions Private.
With its fusion theme song "Ekla Cholo" released on February 7, the debut season of Coke Studio Bangla is showcasing an ensemble of popular singers and musicians including Tahsan, Momtaz Begum, Bappa Majumdar, Dilshad Nahar Kona, Samina Chowdhury, and Mizan.
READ: Runa Laila remembers friend, collaborator Bappi Lahiri
Music enthusiasts will be able to enjoy the fusion performances on Coca-Cola Bangladesh's official Facebook page, YouTube channel and Spotify.
Coke Studio Bangla is produced by Grey Advertising Bangladesh, with Syed Gousul Alam Shaon being the creative producer of the show.
Smritydahan: Tanvir Tareq's book on rock legend Ayub Bachchu published
Smritydahan, the first book ever written on the country’s rock legend, Ayub Bachchu, has been published in Bangladesh recently.
Authored by music composer Tanvir Tareq, the book published by Anindya Prakash will be available in this year’s Ekushey book fair.
National Award-winning composer Tanvir Tareq has described the book as an "overview prose".
“My 22-year-long ties with Bachchu bhai was beyond just a relationship between a musician and an artiste or a journalist and an artiste. I have tried to express the mesmerism of that time, sentiments and fondness through the overviews of my heart’s gratitude," he said.
READ: Legendary rock star Ayub Bachchu’s 3rd death anniversary today
Tanvir, however, said none of the around 50 interviews of the music maestro he has taken was included in the book.
“Those interviews were about his opinion on contemporary issues of that time which may confuse the readers now. The book is about his memories that are burning me since his departure so that readers and fans of Ayub Bachchu of all generations can connect with it," he added.
In an introductory passage, Ayub Bachchu’s wife Ferdous Ayub Chandana wrote: "In this book, Tareq has written some emotional memoirs about meeting Ayub Bachchu, the time spent with him and the working with him. Reading those scenarios, I was being reminded of him during that time again and again. I know that his innumerable fans will also have a long walk with Ayub Bachchu reading the book. This memoir will be a great reference in the future for any research work on Ayub Bachchu's biography or him.”
READ: Govt launches Ayub Bachchu’s digital archive ‘AB Kitchen’
Avid fans and readers will find the book at Anindya Prakash's pavilion at the book fair or they can order it online on Rokomari.
Bollywood bids tearful adieu to Bappi Lahiri
Bollywood on Thursday bade a tearful adieu to legendary singer-composer Bappi Lahiri who passed away in the western Indian city of Mumbai on Tuesday.
Lahiri was cremated as per Hindu traditions at the Vile Parle crematorium after his son Bappa rushed back from the US for the final rites of the 'Disco King of Bollywood'.
The 69-year-old, who introduced synthesised disco beats to Bollywood, died at a hospital in Mumbai around midnight on Tuesday. Hospital doctors had attributed Lahiri's death to obstructive sleep apnea.
Also read: Bappi Lahiri, the disco king of Bollywood, departs
Originally from Bengal, Lahiri shot to fame in Bollywood in the 1980s and 1990s for his music in blockbusters like 'Wardat', 'Disco Dancer', 'Namak Halaal' and 'Sharaabi'. He last movie song was for 'Baaghi 3' in 2020.
Lahiri's last public appearance though was on reality TV show 'Big Boss 15', where he had appeared with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan to promote his grandson Swasti's new song Baccha Party.
In 2014, Lahiri joined Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and was made its candidate from Srerampur parliamentary constituency in Bengal. He, however, failed to make it to the Indian Parliament.
Also read: Runa Laila remembers friend, collaborator Bappi Lahiri
Runa Laila remembers friend, collaborator Bappi Lahiri
The death of legendary Bollywood singer-musician Bappi Lahiri has hit close to home in the showbiz arena of Bangladesh.
The prolific Bollywood hit producer had a familial relationship with Bangladesh's legendary singer Runa Layla. Not only that, they have worked together as well.
Runa Laila reminisced about Bappi Lahiri to the media on Tuesday.
Read: Bappi Lahiri, the disco king of Bollywood, departs
She said, "I have done two songs in Bollywood films with compositions by Bappi Lahiri - the first was in 1979's ‘Jan A Bahar’ and the other was in 1984's ‘Yadgar’. Since then I have been acquainted with Bappi ji."
In 2018, Bappi Lahiri surprised Runa Laila on her birthday in Kolkata.
Runa Laila said, "Mr Alamgir and I were in a hotel in Kolkata that year. Bappiji surprised me on my birthday. He was staying with his wife at the same hotel. He greeted me first over the phone. Then they came to our room with flowers and cake."
The four of them then celebrated Runa Laila's birthday.
Read: Hasina condoles Bappi Lahiri's demise
"We talked a lot that day. That was the last time I met Bappiji," she said wistfully.
Recalling his larger-than-life personality, Runa Laila further said that Bappi Lahiri was her friend.
"Not only to me - he is the favourite of everyone I know. He always liked to live in laughter and have fun," the artist said.
Sandhya Mukhapadya's melodious legacy will live forever
Sandhya Mukherjee, also known as Sandhya Mukhopadhay, was a legendary singer of modern Bengali songs.
She also had huge appearances in other musical arena. This legendary singer was born on October 4, 1931.
Sandhya sang for the first time at the age of 12 in Kolkata Akashvani's 'Galpadadur Asar'. One year later, her first record was released. Since then she did not look back and got the opportunity to sing in Bengali cinema within years.
She was born with musical talent as her family was closely attached with music.
She actually learned basic music from her father Narendranath Mukherjee. Her mother Hemprabha Devi also loved music.
She also worked with leading music directors like Sachin Dev Burman, Naushad and Salil Chaudhury.
Sandhya had a good relation with Lata Mangeshkar, one of India's most venerated singers. Lata Mangeshkar often visited her at the Evergreen Hotel.
This legendary singer also sang for Bangabanhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
On 10 January 1972, Bangabandhu returned to Bangladesh from imprisonment in Pakistan . To commemorate this historic return, Sandhya sang 'Bangabandhu Firey Eley' (Bangabandhu Returned). The song was first aired on January 10, 1972 in Akash Bani.
Specialising in Bengali music, she was the recipient of the Banga Bibhushan, the highest civilian honour of West Bengal in 2011.
She also won the National Film Award for Best Female Playback Singer in 1971 for her songs 'Amader Chhuti Chhuti' and 'Ore Sakal Sona Malin'.
READ: Iconic Bengali Singer Sandhya Mukherjee Dies At 90
Besides, she received BFJA award twice in 1965 and 1972. In 1999, she was conferred with the Bharat Nirman Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award-winning singer made news recently after she turned down the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India.
She refused to accept the award, saying that "Does anyone give Padma Shri like this? They do not know who I am? Should I take Padma Shri at the end of ninety years?".
She also said "I do not need Padma Shri. My audiences are everything to me".
Bappi Lahiri, the disco king of Bollywood, departs
Iconic singer-composer Bappi Lahiri, who introduced synthesised disco beats to Bollywood, died at a hospital in the western city of Mumbai around midnight on Tuesday. He was 69.
Lahiri, who had Covid last year, was rushed to Mumbai's CritiCare Hospital at 11.30pm on Tuesday by his family members after he complained of discomfort. He was declared dead by the hospital doctors a little later.
Hospital director Deepak Namjoshi told the media on Wednesday morning that Lahiri had, in fact, been admitted to the hospital for a month for various health issues and was discharged only on Monday.
"But his health deteriorated on Tuesday again. When the family got him to the hospital, his blood pressure was low and the pulse couldn’t be felt. We tried to revive him but it was too late," Dr Namjoshi said.
"Lahiri died due to obstructive sleep apnea shortly before Tuesday midnight," he added.
Originally from Bengal, Lahiri shot to fame in Bollywood in the 1980s and 1990s for his music in blockbusters like 'Wardat', 'Disco Dancer', 'Namak Halaal' and 'Sharaabi'. His last Bollywood song was for 'Baaghi 3' in 2020.
Read: Lata Mangeshkar: India's Legendary Singing Diva
Lahiri's last public appearance though was on reality TV show 'Big Boss 15', where he had appeared with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan to promote his grandson Swasti's new song Baccha Party.
From Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to Bollywood celebrities like Akshay Kumar and music maestro AR Rahman, all took to social media to pay their tributes to the departed soul.
“Shri Bappi Lahiri Ji’s music was all encompassing, beautifully expressing diverse emotions. People across generations could relate to his works. His lively nature will be missed by everyone. Saddened by his demise," Modi tweeted.
Mamata wrote: "Shocked to hear about the untimely demise of legendary singer and music composer Bappi Lahiri. A boy from our North Bengal, he rose to all-India fame and success by the dint of his sheer talent and hard work, and made us proud by his musical contributions."
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Akshay also took to Twitter to express his condolences. “Today we lost another gem from the music industry… Bappi Da, your voice was the reason for millions to dance, including me. Thank you for all the happiness you brought through your music."
Rahman also wrote, “#RIPBappida… Bappi Lahiri, the Disco King of Hindi cinema!"
In 2014, Lahiri joined Prime Minister Modi's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and was made its candidate from Srerampur parliamentary constituency in Bengal. He, however, failed to make it to the Indian Parliament.