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India's anti-narcotics police raid Shah Rukh Khan's house
India's anti-narcotics police Thursday raided Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s house in the city of Mumbai, 18 days after they arrested his son Aryan in a cruise drugs case.
Sources told UNB that a team from the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) raided Shah Rukh's multi-storey house Mannat around noon in connection with the case and also got some paperwork done.
However, quoting unnamed NCB officials, some TV channels reported that the anti-narcotics sleuths visited Mannat only for "some paperwork relevant to the case".
The raid comes hours after Shah Rukh visited his son at Mumbai's high-security Arthur Road jail in the morning. Aryan has been in judicial custody since October 8.
Read: Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan detained after rave party raid
Aryan was arrested by the NCB on October 3 after hours of grilling in connection with a rave party it busted on board a cruise ship near Mumbai a day before.
Acting on a tip-off, some 30 NCB sleuths, disguised as passengers, boarded luxury cruise liner 'Empress' on October 2 evening, which departed the Mumbai port for the neighbouring state of Goa.
The cruise ship was carrying mostly celebrities from Bollywood and the fashion industry. As soon as the rave party began, the NCB sleuths swing into action and caught red-handed those consuming drugs.
Aryan, his close friend Arbaaz, and eight others were soon detained. While two of the detainees had been freed after questioning, Aryan and seven others were arrested.
Aryan's father Shah Rukh is considered the most talented Bollywood star. Popularly called the "King Khan", he has acted in over 80 films in a career spanning over 25 years.
Read: Shah Rukh Khan's daughter Suhana to make Bollywood debut soon?
Shah Rukh, in fact, rose to prominence after starring in 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.
The 55-year-old has also anchored many TV shows, and owns production company Red Chillies Entertainment and Indian Premier League cricket team Kolkata Knight Riders.
Shah Rukh has a net worth of USD 700 million. The superstar is married to interior designer Gauri Chibber, a Punjabi Hindu. Apart from Suhana, they have two sons.
‘Chiroharith’ Kaiser returns with great music on YouTube
Famous lyricist, singer and composer ‘Chiroharith’ Kaiser Islam has recently made his remarkable re-entry into the realm of Bangla Music Industry on YouTube with a dozen of heartfelt hit songs putting an end to his seclusion for nearly a decade.
Some of the tracks from Chiroharith, that has made an impression on the viewers’ mind evident in their thousands of likes and shares of them; e.g. "E Kon Prithibi," "Orthohin Alape Cholche Ontohin Torko," "Aj Jeno Prithibitake Notun Kore Chena Holo," "Swapno Bhenge Geche," "Bujhini Age," and "Nivrito Sonnyasy" that are available on his own YouTube Channel [https://youtube.com/c/kaiserislamtao].
Read:Kalidas Karmakar’s 2nd death anniversary: Gallery Cosmos pays tribute with daylong event
All the songs are written, composed and sung by Kaiser Islam.
Chiroharith’s songs captivated the audience for the first time during the 2010-12s. Listeners who are looking for the reflection of their deepest essence in music, tend to become easy fan of Kaiser Islam.
In answering to the question regarding the absence and his self-imposed isolation, the poet, music teacher and artist said, "It’s been an hour of preparation. I was actually preparing myself to create something that is simple, yet strong and powerful. For me, it looks like, the time has arrived!"
After being stuck at home for a long time, due to the recent Covid-19 restrictions, Kaiser Islam has become busy again with stage shows being held in Dhaka and in Chattogram.
In addition to these shows, ‘Chiroharith Manusher Dal’ has also been invited from abroad to perform at Jamsedpur and in Kolkata. Leading percussionist and drummer of the country Shubho and the famous bassist Sushovan Rakshit Deep have joined in the team to showcase their performances.
Read:Rockstar James showered with love of fans, co-artists on 57th birthday
Kaiser Islam, the founder and trainer of Chiroharith Music School, articulates, "Music is the heartbeat of our life. Our faith. Some may sing, while others may listen, but we always cherish those songs deep in our heart till the end."
In addition to his musical career, Kaiser Islam is also a writer and lyricist. He has written over 18 books over a period of the last two and a half decade, and a collection of 200 of his selected songs is going to be published by December in this year.
Kalidas Karmakar’s 2nd death anniversary: Gallery Cosmos pays tribute with daylong event
Gallery Cosmos on Monday paid its heartfelt tribute to Ekushey Padak-winning internationally acclaimed painter and printmaker artist Kalidas Karmakar with daylong programmes.
The programmes were organized at Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Atelier71 at the Cosmos Centre, Malibagh in the capital.
Kalidas Karmakar, acclaimed for his significant contributions to the Bangladeshi art sphere through his majestic and fascinating artworks, shocked the art world with his sudden demise on October 18, 2019 at the age of 73.
Distinguished artists and admirers of Kalidas Karmakar, a lifelong friend of Gallery Cosmos and Cosmos Atelier71, joined the daylong event.
Paul McCartney: John Lennon responsible for Beatle breakup
Paul McCartney has revisited the breakup of The Beatles, flatly disputing the suggestion that he was responsible for the group’s demise.
Speaking on an episode of BBC Radio 4’s “This Cultural Life’’ that is scheduled to air on Oct. 23, McCartney said it was John Lennon who wanted to disband The Beatles.
Read:From the Beatles to Elton John: Oldest DJ’s storied career
“I didn’t instigate the split,” McCartney said. “That was our Johnny.’’
The band's fans have long debated who was responsible for the breakup, with many blaming McCartney. But McCartney said Lennon's desire to “break lose'' was the main driver behind the split.
Confusion about the breakup was allowed to fester because their manager asked the band members to keep quiet until he concluded a number of business deals, McCartney said.
The interview comes ahead Peter Jackson’s six-hour documentary chronicling the final months of the band. “The Beatles: Get Back,” set for release in November on Disney+, is certain to revisit the breakup of the legendary band. McCartney's comments were first reported by The Observer.
Read:Billie Eilish becomes youngest star to headline Glastonbury
When asked by interviewer John Wilson about the decision to strike out on his own, McCartney retorted: “Stop right there. I am not the person who instigated the split. Oh no, no, no. John walked into a room one day and said, ‘I am leaving The Beatles.’ Is that instigating the split, or not?”
McCartney expressed sadness over the breakup, saying the group was still making “pretty good stuff.”
“This was my band, this was my job, this was my life. So I wanted it to continue,” McCartney said.
Billie Eilish becomes youngest star to headline Glastonbury
Nineteen-year-old pop singer Billie Eilish has broken numerous records in her short career. Now she will become the Glastonbury Festival’s youngest-ever solo headliner when she takes the stage at the 2022 event.
Eilish teased the news on Sunday on Instagram, posing herself wearing a Glastonbury hoodie in a photo captioned “2022." The festival's organizers confirmed Monday that the American singer will perform on June 24.
Read:Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan arrested after rave party raid
“This feels like the perfect way for us to return and I cannot wait!” organizer Emily Eavis said.
The festival was supposed to celebrate its 50th anniversary last year, but it was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. This year it hosted a five-hour livestream event featuring Coldplay and Damon Albarn, among others.
Eilish has taken the world by storm since she broke onto the scene in 2015 with her debut single “Ocean Eyes.” The young singer has since won Grammys for record of the year, album of the year, song of the year and best new artist.
Read: Bad Bunny tops Billboard Latin Music Awards with 10 trophies
Eilish made her Glastonbury debut in 2019 after her set was upgraded from a slot on the John Peel stage during the five-day music festival held in Somerset, southwest England.
Eilish is also the youngest performer to write and record a James Bond theme song. She was among the stars at the “No Time To Die” Bond film world premiere in London last week.
Eilish will be 20 years and 6 months old when she headlines the Gastonbury festival in June 2022.
Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan arrested after rave party raid
India's narcotics police Sunday arrested Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan’s son Aryan after hours of grilling in connection with a rave party it busted on board a cruise ship near Mumbai.
Acting on a tip-off, some 30 sleuths of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), disguised as passengers, boarded 'Empress' Saturday evening, which departed Mumbai for the neighbouring state of Goa late at night.
The ship was carrying mostly celebrities from Bollywood and the fashion industry. As soon as the rave party began, the NCB sleuths swung into action and caught red-handed those consuming drugs.
Also read: Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan detained after rave party raid
"Aryan, his close friend Arbaaz, and eight others were soon detained with drugs. The cruise ship was forced to return to the port of Mumbai. While two of the detainees were freed after questioning, Aryan and seven others have been arrested," an official said.
Aryan's father Shah Rukh is considered the most talented Bollywood star. Popularly called the "King Khan", he has acted in over 80 films in a career spanning over 25 years.
Shah Rukh, in fact, rose to prominence after starring in 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's daughter Suhana to make Bollywood debut soon?
The 55-year-old has also anchored many TV shows, and owns production company Red Chillies Entertainment and Indian Premier League cricket team Kolkata Knight Riders.
Shah Rukh has a net worth of USD 700 million. The superstar is married to interior designer Gauri Chibber, a Punjabi Hindu. Apart from Suhana, they have two sons.
Rockstar James showered with love of fans, co-artists on 57th birthday
National Award-winning rock icon Faruq Mahfuz Anam, better known as James, and celebrated as 'Nagar Baul' or simply 'Guru,' turned 57 on Saturday, and admirers showered the certified legend of the country's band music scene with genuine respect and affection in spades across the country, as well as virtual platforms.
Since the late 1980s, the most charismatic frontman of his generation with renowned rock band 'Nagar Baul' (formerly known as 'Feelings'), has entrenched his legacy in the hearts of his followers, who eagerly anticipate the rock legend's birthday celebrations each and every year.
While millions of fans across the globe have been celebrating the day with noteworthy events, his fans and admirers in the Bangladeshi entertainment sphere showered the iconic superstar throughout the day, sharing their special moments and tributes.
Read: Rockstar James turns 55
Marking the day, popular actors Ziaul Faruq Apurba and Afran Nisho shared their candid presentation of the song "Jodi Kokhono Bhul Hoye Jay," one of the popular songs of James from Apurba's official Facebook page as a tribute to the legend. Apurba sang the track while Nisho companied playing the acoustic guitar.
Aurthohin frontman and pioneer bass guitarist Saidus Khaled, also popularly known as 'Bassbaba Sumon', shared a picture with James with a heartfelt caption mentioning how he became a mainstream musician because of James.
"When I completed my SSC exam, I went to one of the practice sessions of his band 'Feelings' at his house with one of my friends, and he insisted me to play bass guitar at the session with the band. I did not have any experience nor a personal guitar, but after the session he invited me to join the band saying "Welcome to Feelings," which eventually launched my mainstream music career," Sumon wrote on his Facebook profile on Saturday.
Many other bands, musicians and celebrities have also shared their memories with the rock legend on Facebook and Instagram, showring the superstar with love and blessings throughout the day.
Besides, fans of the legendary singer under the banner ‘Dushtu Cheler Dol' have arranged numerous events in 64 districts throughout the nation, according to James Spokesperson Rubaiyat Tagore Robin. Seeking the well-being and good health for the rock superstar, special prayers have been held in Dhaka, Khulna, Jessore, Narsingdi, Rangpur, Meherpur, Kurigram, Bhola, Patuakhali, Kishoreganj, and other locations across the nation.
Fans in Kishoreganj have taken initiative to test blood groups for free from 10 am to 4 pm in several places inside the district .Meanwhile, the day is being celebrated by expatriate Bangladeshi fans in 16 countries of the world, most notably in the United States, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Dubai etc.
They have also shared photographs and emotional posts in the social media platforms regarding their celebrations and memories of attending his concerts.
Robin further said that James has given a special message to the fans on the occasion of his birthday. "As long as you're here, I'm here," said the rock legend with gratitude to his fans and admirers.
Born in 1964 in Naogaon at Rajshahi, James was brought up in Chittagong due to his father Mojammel Haque's work who later became the Chairman of the Dhaka Education Board. His family did not approve his wish to become a music artist, thus he left home in 1976 and started living in Aziz Boarding in Pahartali, Chittagong.
Without the approval of his family, James started his profound journey in music in his youth during the late 70's. He formed his band 'Feelings' in 1977 with himself on vocals and lead guitar, and released the band's first album 'Station Road' in 1987. The band was later renamed as 'Nagar Baul', a moniker that James has also adopted individually.
Besides the other two companions, LRB and ARK in the 'Big Three of Bangladeshi Rock' in the 90's era in Bangladeshi music industry, James garnered immense popularity among fans all over the world with his versatile style in psychedelic rock. He has also established his legacy as a solo artist and a successful playback singer in both Dhallywood and Bollywood. In 2006, he debuted in Bollywood as a playback singer in Anurag Basu's film 'Gangstar', and his journey in Bollywood was continued with three other films - 'Woh Lamhe' (2006), 'Life... in a Metro' (2007) and 'Warning' (2013).
In his motherland, James received the Bangladesh National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer twice for the films 'Desha: The Leader' (2014) and 'Swatta' (2017). As a solo artist, he has released a total of 8 albums and many mixed albums with renowned artists of Bangladesh.
'Taray Taray Rotiye Debo' (penned by legendary poet Shamsur Rahman), 'Maa', 'Bangladesh', 'Pagla Hawaa', 'Dushtu Chheler Dol', 'Guru Ghor Banaila Ki Diya', 'Mirabai' etc. are some of James's iconic Bengali rock numbers that cemented his legacy as 'Guru' to his fans in all over the world.
James has also proved his versatility in other mediums as a photographer and media entrepreneur. He is the Founder and Chairman of the board of renowned Bangladeshi production house Red Dot Entertainment.
Drama returns to Dhaka as Ganga-Jamuna fest breaks Covid jinx
Good news for drama buffs. After a long hiatus due to the Covid pandemic, the popular Ganga-Jamuna Cultural Festival has returned to Dhaka.
Commemorating the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of independent Bangladesh, the festival was inaugurated at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) on Friday by State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid.
However, noted music composer, freedom fighter and Shwadhin Bangla Betar Kendra artiste Shujeyo Sham could not join the inaugural ceremony due to illness.
Former Minister for Cultural Affairs Asaduzzaman Noor, legendary thespian Ramendu Majumdar, ‘Mancha Sharathi’ Ataur Rahman, Dhaka Theatre president Nasiruddin Yousuff, and BSA director general Liaquat Ali Lucky also joined the inauguration ceremony as special guests.
Ganga-Jamuna Sangskritik Utsab Parshad’s member secretary Akter Uzzaman delivered the welcome speech at the inaugural ceremony, which was presided over by Parishad convener Ghulam Quddus.
READ: Ganga-Jamuna Cultural Festival set to return Friday
The guests then inaugurated the 12 day-long festival, lighting Mangal Pradeep. The organisers also paid tribute to cultural activists who passed away during the pandemic by holding a photography exhibition at the venue.
Inaugurating the festival, KM Khalid said, “After so many devastating and frustrating days, it feels great to welcome back this kind of grant festival and audiences. From our Ministry of Cultural Affairs, we want to sponsor active cultural organisations. To ensure adequate support to the appropriate organisations, we will prepare a list and hand it over to cultural icons after proper evaluation.”
On his part, former Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor said, “We should not compromise when it comes to ensuring the quality of our theatre productions. Before we give out incentives, we need to make sure that the groups and performances are of high quality. To ensure high-quality products, we must be critical of our own work, especially after the long break.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Nasiruddin Yousuff said, “After an 18-month hiatus, we returned to the stage tonight to present quality productions in front of the audience. Though we were unable to work for a long period due to the pandemic, we must now work diligently to recover. A number of demands have been made to the government by cultural activists, which I hope will be met shortly.”
None of the Indian cultural groups is participating in this year's festival due to the pandemic, so their local counterparts will be carrying the stage. At the inaugural ceremony, the guests paid respect to late theatre personality Amalesh Chakraborty, who initiated the Ganga-Jamuna Cultural Festival in Kolkata.
Enthralling the audiences, a group performance of the National Anthem was presented by Bangladesh Gana Sangeet Samannay Parishad artistes at the ceremony. It was followed by a special dance recital, presented by Spandan and choreographed by Anik Basu.
A minute of silence was observed in honour of those who passed away during the 1971 Liberation War and the pandemic.
After the inauguration, Theatre Bailey Road presented Syed Shamsul Haq's renowned play 'Payer Awaj Pawa Jay' at the National Theatre Hall auditorium. Originally directed by late thespian Abdullah Al Mamun, the rendition is directed by Sudip Chakroborty.
READ: Thoughts of Shams: Solo Content Creator Playing Multiple Characters
In addition, Aranyak Natyadal presented 'Kohe Facebook' in the Experimental Theatre Hall, written and directed by legendary thespian Mamunur Rashid, while Shilpakala Academy Dhaka presented 'Janaker Mrityu Nei' at BSA’s Studio Theatre Hall, written by Abdul Halim Aziz and directed by Soron Saha.
The 9th edition of the Ganga-Jamuna Cultural Festival will showcase 36 theatrical performances by 36 different theatre groups from Dhaka and beyond. Music, choreography, and recitation will be performed by 44 music recitations and dance troupes in the auditorium, and the festival will showcase around 3,500 artistes from 140 noted and promising cultural groups.
In addition to these performances, 12 street plays alongside the presentation of 11 recitation groups, 12 music groups, 11 dance groups, 10 children's groups and solo recitals and solo music performances will be showcased on the open stage every day from 4 pm to 6.30 pm every day while the stage play will start at 7 pm.
Ganga-Jamuna Cultural Festival set to return Friday
After a long hiatus, the Ganga-Jamuna Cultural Festival returns October 1st (Friday) to the Shilpakala Academy, commemorating the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the golden jubilee of independent Bangladesh.
However, the Indian cultural groups will not be present in this year's festival due to the pandemic, so the local counterparts will be carrying the stage. Ganga-Jamuna Sangskritik Utsab Parshad organised the eighth edition of the festival in association with Cultural Ministry of Bangladesh, India-Bangladesh Foundation and BSA.
The last edition of the festival comprising artists' collectives from the lands along which the eponymous rivers flow, Indians and Bangladeshis, was held in 2019, at which point it had been an annual event for eight years.
The convening committee of this year's festival held a press conference at the seminar room of the Academy on Wednesday.
Playwright Mir Zahid Hasan, member of the committee and convener of the campaign sub-boards, read out a written statement presided over by Golam Kuddus, convener of the festival and vice-president of Sammilita Sangskritik Jote.
The 12-day festival will be held from October 1 to 12 at the main auditorium hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala National Theater, Experimental Theater Hall, Studio Theater Hall, National Music-Dance-Recitation Auditorium and the open stage of the National Theater Hall.
"We were unable to hold the festival last year because of the Coronavirus pandemic. In the last one and a half years, we have lost many cultured people in our country, cultural activists and countless people. We, the Ganga-Jamuna Cultural Festival Board, convey our utmost respect for all,” the organizers said at the press conference.
They further stated that this year's event would showcase 36 theatrical performances by 36 different theatre groups from Dhaka and beyond. Music, choreography, and recitation will be performed by 44 music recitations and dance troupes in the auditorium, and the festival will showcase around 3500 artists from 140 noted and promising cultural groups.
In addition to these performances, 12 street-plays alongside the presentation of 11 recitation groups, 12 music groups, 11 dance groups, 10 children's groups and solo recitals and solo music performances will be showcased on the open stage.
Eminent music composer, Freedom Fighter and Shwadhin Bangla Betar Kendra artist Shujeyo Sham will inaugurate the 12-day festival on Friday at the National Theater Auditorium. State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid will be the chief guest at the inaugural function.
Eminent thespians including former Minister for Cultural Affairs Asaduzzaman Nur, Ramendu Majumder, Ataur Rahman, Mamunur Rashid, Nasiruddin Yousuff And Liaquat Ali Lucky, Chairman of Bangladesh Group Theater Federation and Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy will be the guests of honour in the inaugural session.
Welcoming remarks will be made by Akhtaruzzaman, Member Secretary of the Festival Board and will be presided over by Gelam Quddus, Convener of the Festival Board.
The inaugural evening will then showcase “Paayer Awaaz Paoa Jay,” written by Syed Shamsul Haque and directed by Abdullah Al Mamun at the National Theatre Hall. Meanwhile, the Experimental Theater Hall will have Aranyak Natyadal's play "Kohe Facebook," written and directed by Mamunur Rashid.
The cultural stage will start from 4pm to 6:30pm every day and the stage play will start at 7 in the evening every day. Advance tickets for the play will be on sale at the counter.
Thoughts of Shams: Solo Content Creator Playing Multiple Characters
Creating innovative fresh content on social media is now a popular trend in Bangladesh and other countries around the world. But the context of building a career based on it is not only surprising but also daring. Thankfully, some creative youths of Bangladesh have stepped into this challenging and inspirational career. ‘Thoughts of Shams’, the brainchild of Shams, has set a shining example of successful online content creation through Facebook and YouTube. Today's feature focuses on Thoughts of Shams.
Personal life of Bangladeshi female YouTuber Shams
The woman behind Thoughts of Shams is known to all as Shams; Her full name is Shams Afroz Chowdhury. Close loved ones call her Prova.
Shams, a girl from Comilla, passed HSC in 2009 with GPA-5 and got admission to BBA in a private university. After graduating, she joined a private bank in 2013 for an internship.
Read:Tale of Hoichoi: The Bengali OTT Platform is Reaching Bengalis worldwide
In 2018, this meritorious student completed her MBA from Dhaka University. Early in her career, Shams taught in a private English medium School.
Although her journey of content creation and marital life began together, neither of them ever stood in the way of each other.
The story of Shams becoming a content creator
During her MBA, Shams continued to prepare herself for BCS and bank jobs. Even after repeatedly applying for jobs, there was no response from anywhere as expected. Instead, she had to return home disappointed from each interview.
While working in a private English medium school, she was not getting a proper evaluation of her work. These situations eventually made Shams anxious about her career.
Read:Web Series "Boli": Chanchal Chowdhury Again in an Unprecedented Character
On August 13, 2017, she created a Facebook page titled ‘Thoughts of Shams’ and started writing about various inconsistencies in society. One day a sudden thought came to her mind, what if she made videos with her written content!