TV
Eminent actor Masum Aziz no more
Ekushey Padak winning actor and playwright Masum Aziz passed away on Monday at a private hospital in the capital.
Masum, who had been suffering from heart-related ailments, breathed his last at the hospital this afternoon, said Faisal Hasan, senior information officer of the Cultural Affairs Ministry.
He was admitted to Square Hospital with cardiac problem on October 3 and put on life support later as his condition deteriorated on Thursday morning.
Masum’s son Utsho Zaman said his body will be taken to the Central Shaheed Minar on Tuesday morning so that people from all walks of life can pay tributes and he will be given national honor there.
His body will later be taken to his ancestral home in Pabna where he will be buried at family graveyard.
Aziz earned fame through acting on stage, in television dramas and cinemas. He made his acting debut in the group theater while studying in Chittagong University.
He acted in his first TV drama in 1985. In his lifetime he acted in more than 400 dramas and films throughout his eventful long career.
His notable dramas are Ure Jai Bok Pokhkhi, 24 Carat Men, Tin Gadha, Priyo Protipakkha, Josna Korechhe Aari, and Sakin Sarisuri.
The actor was awarded the country's second highest civilian award, the Ekushey Padak this year for his remarkable contribution in acting.
In 2006, he won National Film Award as best supporting actor for playing his role in film Ghani.
State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ministry KM Khalid expressed deep shock and sorrow at the demise of the talented actor.
Saudi Arabia to have its own “Idol”: Talent show will premiere in Dec
Turki Al al-Sheikh, chairman of Saudi Arabian General Entertainment Authority (GEA), revealed on Saturday that Saudi Idol, a new iteration of the popular global “Idol” talent competition series, will debut before the end of this year.
Al-Sheikh announced in a tweet that the first episode of the new show, which will debut in conjunction with Saudi Arabia’s GEA and MBC Group, will air in December this year. Filming is set to start next month, Al Arabiya reported.
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Popular Saudi Singers Aseel Abu Bakr, Ahlam, Asala, and Majid al-Mohandes are some of the stars on the new show’s jury, which will look for Saudi talent.
According to Al Arabiya, Saudi Idol’s live shows and auditions will be televised on MBC 1.
‘Game of Thrones’ prequel keeps dragons, adds diversity
The prequel to “Game of Thrones” is set to forge its own storytelling path, with a new set of characters and a more diverse team behind the scenes.
“House of the Dragon” takes place two centuries before the events of the original series, which ended its hit eight-season run in May 2019. The 10-episode prequel begins Sunday on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max.
The story focuses on House Targaryen, made famous in “Game of Thrones” by Emilia Clarke’s Daenerys and her fearsome dragons. But don’t expect “House of the Dragon” to be a remake of “Game of Thrones,’’ cast member Steve Toussaint said.
“It’s been done and they did it exceedingly well,” said Toussaint, who plays the very rich Lord Corlys Velaryon. “You know you’re in that world, but you’re seeing a different story, different characters, different motivations.”
Among the new faces in the clan is Prince Daemon Targaryen, played by Matt Smith. His villainous character is a lot more complex than he appears to be on first viewing, the actor said.
“I think the reason I’ve had fun is because he’s maybe not just a villain,” he said. “I think there’s actually a huge amount of fragility and depth and inner madness there. ... It’s not black and white. It can go either way with Daemon at any point.”
Based on George R.R. Martin’s “Fire and Blood,” the drama was co-created by Martin and Ryan Condal, whose credits include the 2016-19 sci-fi drama “Colony.” Condal is an executive producer and co-showrunner with director Miguel Sapochnik, who brings his experience on “Game of Thrones” to the prequel.
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“House of the Dragon,” much like its predecessor, focuses on familial succession with a female heir being overlooked. But Sapochnik notes a key difference between the two series: The team making the prequel is more diverse, including a 50-50 split between male and female directors, including Sapochnik, Clare Kilner, Geeta Vasant Patel and Greg Yaitanes.
There was a conscious push to be inclusive behind the scenes, Sapochnik says.
“We really tried to, as much as possible, hire as many female crew as we could, because we think that’s a really important shift that needs to be both recognized, acknowledged, acted upon, maybe give opportunities to people who don’t get opportunities,” he explained.
The team making “Dragon” is equally as diverse, and — for the fantasy genre — boasts a relative bounty of women in the writers’ room. The gender balance affects the show’s story and tone, according to some of its female cast members.
The series opens with an aristocratic council naming Viserys Targaryen (Paddy Considine) as heir to the Iron Throne, bypassing his older cousin Princess Rhaenys Velaryon (Eve Best). But Viserys must have his own heir, with dreams of power held by Daemon, his younger brother, and Viserys’ daughter Princess Rhaenyra (Emma D’Arcy plays the adult version, Milly Alcock the youth).
“You definitely don’t feel like a device or a prop and you don’t feel like the the sexy wench or the mother,” said Olivia Cooke, who plays the adult Alicent Hightower, longtime friend to Rhaenyra. “You feel that you’ve got a fully fledged character which is really nourishing to play.”
The ensemble cast also includes Emily Carey, Graham McTavish, Fabien Frankel, Rhys Ifans and Sonoya Mizuno.
Carey, who plays the younger Alicent, calls the inclusion of women in all aspects of production a step “in the right direction” for the fantasy genre.
Although virtually every female character faces misogyny, each is “still a fully fledged, three-dimensional female character,” Carey said. “They still have multiple other story lines and a whole life away from that misogynistic story line. They’re not just put in the show to serve a purpose. And I think that’s what makes it so special.”
“House of the Dragon” screenwriter Charmaine DeGraté said “it was important for George (R.R. Martin, a prequel executive producer) for it to be this way. Female-driven characters, female-driven shows and female-driven writers rooms just sort of elevates the story. That’s a wonderful way to expand the universe.”
Beyoncé to remove offensive word from new song
Beyoncé is removing an offensive term for disabled people from a new song on her record “Renaissance,” just weeks after rapper Lizzo also changed lyrics to remove the same word.
“The word, not used intentionally in a harmful way, will be replaced,” a spokeswoman for Beyoncé wrote in a statement to The Associated Press on Monday.
The song “Heated,” which was co-written with Canadian rapper Drake among several others, uses the word “spaz,” which is considered a derogatory reference to the medical term spastic diplegia, a form of cerebral palsy.
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Lizzo also removed the word from one of her songs, “Grrrls,” in June after disability advocates complained about the lyrics. Lizzo said in a statement she never wanted to promote derogatory language.
Disability advocate Hannah Diviney, who pointed out Lizzo’s lyrics that lead to the change, wrote on Twitter that hearing the word again used by Beyoncé “felt like a slap in the face to me, the disabled community & the progress we tried to make with Lizzo.”
Emirates’ in-flight prog to feature ‘Krishoker Eid Ananda’
Popular TV reality game show ‘Krishoker Eid Ananda,’ directed and hosted by the renowned media personality Shykh Seraj will be available on Emirates in-flight programme ice (information, communication, entertainment) starting from August 1, 2022.
Passengers traveling on any Emirates flight operated across the globe can enjoy this celebrated program with English subtitles on their respective in-built seat’s TV screens.
Mohamed Alhammadi, Emirates Area Manager in Bangladesh made the announcement during a press interaction held at Channel i studio in the city on Thursday.
Shykh Seraj and Kazi Wahidul Alam, PR Consultant for Emirates in Bangladesh also spoke on the occasion among others.
“As the very first int’l airline, Emirates started screening Bangladeshi movies on its flights from December 2007. Since then, we have screened almost 150 movies, most of which were produced by Impress Telefilm,” said Mohamed Alhammadi.
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“This time Emirates has taken the initiative to include a very unique and popular program in its ice list. I believe, not only Bangladeshis but also the people from other nationalities will enjoy this program.”
Shykh Seraj said it is a big achievement for Impress Telefilm. “Through this program we will be able to promote our rural culture and tradition among the people across the world. I hope Emirates will continue their support in promoting Bangladeshi people and culture in the years to come.”
Kazi Wahidul Alam said they always enjoy the support from Emirates in presenting the bright image of Bangladesh worldwide.
“I hope other airlines operating to Bangladesh will follow Emirates and include Bangladeshi movies and other content in their in-flight program,” he said.
Emirates’ ice is the most international award winner in the in-flight entertainment category. The popular program of Emirates boasts of more than 5,000 channels and nearly 1,500 of those are dedicated to movies from different countries and cultures.
The content list is updated every month and new movies are included on a regular basis. From August 1, 2022 Emirates’ ice will provide six dedicated channels for Bangladeshi movies and other programs.
Emirates now operates 21 weekly flights to Dhaka and via Dubai offers convenient connections to nearly 130 destinations across six continents.
Purnima ties the knot once again
Popular actress Dilara Hanif Purnima has walked down the aisle once again.
The Dhaliwood star tied the knot to Ashfaqur Rahman Robin on May 27, a senior official in the marketing department of a multinational company.
"We met each other through work and soon became friends. After three years of friendship, we decided to get married," the actress told the media recently.
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The couple plans to celebrate their marriage with their friends and family at the end of this year.
Purnima remarried three years after his divorce from Ahmed Jamal Fahad. They got married in 2007 and share a daughter, who was born in 2014.
New Mexico, 'Stranger Things' backdrop, hits production peak
New Mexico's film and TV industry has hit a new peak, with record spending by video production companies in a state that drew projects including the Netflix series “Stranger Things."
Production companies directly spent a record $855 million on films, TV series and other media in the fiscal year that ended on June 30, New Mexico's governor announced Thursday. Industry executives have been attracted to New Mexico’s unique landscapes since the success of AMC's long-running series “Breaking Bad” and a generous increase of incentives passed by state lawmakers in 2019.
In-state spending by the industry increased about 36% from nearly $627 million the previous fiscal year.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a first-term Democrat running for reelection, also touted an increase in spending beyond major cities such as Santa Fe and Albuquerque, fueled by expanded state incentives for rural and small-town film production.
Local production spending in those outlying areas jumped more than six-fold to $49.5 million amid an industry rebound, state economic development officials told a legislative panel gathered in Las Vegas, New Mexico.
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It was unclear how much the state will eventually spend on corresponding film incentive payments. New Mexico offers a rebate of between 25% and 35% of in-state spending for video production that helps filmmakers large and small underwrite their work.
Incentive payments crested at $148 million in 2019 before falling to about $40 million for the year ending in June 2021. While the state general fund is awash in income linked to federal pandemic aid along with a surge in oil and natural gas prices and production, some lawmakers have criticized the rebates as being too costly.
State economic development officials say conversations are underway with lawmakers to revisit terms of the state film tax rebate program when the Legislature meets again in January 2023, possibly redrawing the boundaries for bonuses in rural areas and exploring new incentives linked to lower emissions of climate-warming pollution by the energy-intensive industry.
Fiscally conservative legislators have questioned for years whether New Mexico may be spending too much on the film industry in comparison with the employment it sustains. But Lujan Grisham pointed to state data that showed an increase in the number of industry worker hours and new highs for the number of film and television productions overall at nearly 110 for the year.
“Due to the work we’ve done to foster a successful environment for production and build a thriving base of talented local crews, film and television productions from around the world are putting money directly into New Mexico communities, supporting our small businesses and creating jobs for thousands of New Mexicans,” Lujan Grisham said in a statement.
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After the success of “Breaking Bad” and spinoff “Better Call Saul,” other notable recent productions in New Mexico include portions the fourth season of the Netflix series “Stranger Things” and AMC's “Dark Winds," based on the the mystery book series from Tony Hillerman and daughter Anne Hillerman.
Both Netflix and NBCUniversal have set up permanent production hubs in Albuquerque in recent years, adding to millions of dollars in investments and promises of more jobs.
Legislative reforms in 2019 opened up greater incentives to film production companies that demonstrate long-term commitments to New Mexico through a 10-year contract on a qualified production facility. Netflix and NBCUniversal have secured that “film partner” status that lifts the cap on annual production rebates.
Spending by the industry had been trending upward before the pandemic brought a halt to work due to public health mandates and industry protocols, resulting in a precipitous drop in 2020. As restrictions were eased, spending rebounded in 2021 as work ramped up.
Record-setting activity took place amid allegations of workplace safety violations on the set of “Rust,” where actor and producer Alec Baldwin fatally shot a cinematographer in October 2021. No criminal charges have been filed in the case and Baldwin has denied wrongdoing.
Rust Movie Productions is challenging the basis of a $137,000 fine against the company by state occupational safety regulators who say production managers on the set of the Western film failed to follow standard industry protocols for firearms safety.
The Legislature this year allocated $40 million to help establish a collaborative media academy to bolster training for the industry. Economic Development Secretary Alicia Keyes said the headquarters of the academy will be located in Albuquerque.
Top 9 Upcoming Bangla Natoks in Eid-ul-Adha 2022
Bangla Natoks or dramas multiplate the joy of celebration on any occasion and festivals in Bangladesh. People love to see quality Bengali dramas with their friends and families. Keeping their demand in mind, producers and directors make numerous Natoks targeting Eid vacation. Like every year, a bunch of new Natoks are set to release on different TV channels, and OTT platforms on the upcoming Eid. Many trailers are already out and a few among them have created a buzz. Here is the list of most hyped Bangla Natoks for Eid Ul Adha 2022.
9 Most-hyped Coming Soon Bangla Natoks in Eid-ul-Adha 2022
Kaisar
Hoichoi original series "Kaiser'' is directed by Tanim Noor. Here popular actor Afran Nisho plays the title character. The theme is based on a highly suspenseful story of a gaming-addicted detective. This drama will come as a web series this Eid and will be streaming on the popular Indian OTT platform Hoi Choi.
Bachibar Holo Tar Sadh
This Eid, the popular detective content maker Vicky Zahed is bringing another detective thriller story to the audience. Like the other works of Vicky, the story might have a suspenseful event. The suspense film will show the amazing on-screen chemistry between Afran Nisho and Tanjim Saiyara Totini. The show will stream on RTV Youtube channel.
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Bebodhan & Others
Following the phenomenal success of "Networker Baire," talented director Mizanur Rahman Aryan is planning to release a total of five new works throughout this season.
In this Eid, Aryan brings "Bebodhan" starring Farhan Ahmed Jovan and Mehazabien Chowdhury.
Another coming soon drama is, "Ekhanei Sesh Noy," which stars Tawsif Mahbub and Tasnia Farin.
In the natok titled "Odhbut To Apni," main casts include Khairul Basar and Tanjin Tisha.
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Syndicate
Nishor will be working with the well-known actress Tasnia Farin, which will be directed by Shihab Shaheen. According to what Shihab Shaheen said, he is planning to create a new series that would be titled Syndicate. This criminal and suspense series will include Nisho and Farin at some point. In addition to that, the filmmaker promises that there are a few more unexpected elements.
The next Chorki original "Syndicate" will feature Afran Nisho in an appearance that is very different from his previous work. Tasnia Farin and Nazifa Tushi will be among the cast members of the film "Syndicate".
Ridika
The acting performances of Sabila Nur are often upbeat and joyful. Sabila recently surprised her audience by posting a snapshot of herself dressed as one of the characters from the show "Ridika." The actress is dressed in a white saree and has her hair cut short.
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"Ridika" is a film that was written by Sabila herself, and it was directed by Mahmudur Rahman Hime. Yash Rohan is one of the many actors who appear in this show.
There is a widespread fan-held belief that Sabila would most likely play the part of a mentally ill patient in the upcoming drama "Ridika." Therefore, the drama will tell the story of the trip that her character takes.
Shadi Mubarak
Musician Sabrina Porshi has performed alongside the song. She will be seen in the next Eid-ul-Adha play 'Shaadi Mubarak' opposite Mushfiqur Rahman Farhan.
Porshi has acted in the play 'Maria One Peace' on Eid-ul-Fitr. Opposite him was Oishi Kaushik from Calcutta.
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The story of the play 'Shaadi Mubarak' directed by Mahmud Mahin centers upon the return of an expatriate to the country, marriage and various aspects of married life.
Porshi said, 'The story of the play Shaadi Mubarak is very nice. My character is also quite challenging. That is why I have acted in the play. ' This natok will be telecasted both on the TV and YouTube channel.
Bachelor Qurbani
The special episode of Bachelor Point, directed by Kajal Arefin Ami, "Bachelor's Sacrifice" will be aired on Eid-ul-Azha at 9 pm.
The main characters of the play are Marjuk Russell, Ziaul Haque Palash, Mishu Sabbir, Chashi Alam, Shimul and Munira Mithu.
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"Viewers have been waiting for a new special episode since last Eid," Kajal Arefin said to a reporter. The play will be aired on Eid day at 9 pm. The drama will be aired on Dhruv TV's YouTube channel.
Akrosh
After the huge hit of the previous Eid Natok Wedding Diary, Farhan and Tisha have got together again for another drama titled Akrosh. It will be a romantic emotional story of a young couple who fall in love with each other and suffer the consequences. The director of the natok is Mahmud Mahin and it will be streaming on CMB YouTube channel.
Fuler Naame Fule
The popular romantic storyteller Mizanur Rahman Ariyan is back with another romantic content for this Eid. According to the talk, Ariyan will feature his hit actor Towsif Mahabub in this natok. The name of the actress has not been revealed yet. The natok will be streaming on YouTube.
Conclusion
The Bangla Natoks releasing on the Eid-ul-Adha 2022 aren't simply for fun and entertainment. The unfolding drama in Bangladesh is on a trajectory that is increasingly pushing toward change. Drama productions have the potential to be more innovative if they deliver storylines that are original and adaptable via acting with the highest caliber. Romantic comedies aren't the only kind of story that can make Bangla plays more flexible, interesting, and fascinating; other genres like thrillers, mysteries, and ghost tales can entertain the audience too.
Read 10 Best Upcoming Bengali Movies in Eid-ul-Adha 2022
Bongo brings Girls Squad Season 2 on June 15
Streaming platform Bongo will release Girls Squad Season 2 on the OTT platform on June 15 after its successful journey of season 1.
Girls Squad is a story centering the life of six girls. In Season 2, Samira Khan Mahi, Rukaiya Jahan Chamak, Sharna Lata, and Samonty Shoumi will continue their struggle for friendship, and love, and chase their dreams, Bongo said in a statement.
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The statement reads Girls Squad Season 2 is coming again under the composition and direction of Maidul Rakib.
Tania Brishti and Anindita Mimi will make their appearance in season 2. Popular actor cum anchor Shahriar Nazim Joy and actor Zaher Alvi will also play alongside the rest of the cast.
Bongo is releasing 20 new episodes of the new season.
Last year during Eid-ul-Azha, Bongo released the drama series 'Girls Squad Season 1' and broke the convention of hero content.
Also read:Bongo to bring another 7 original telefictions this Eid
Mushfiqur Rahman, Bongo's chief content officer said, "To give 100 percent entertainment to our viewers, we always thrive to select the best-suited actors and actresses for the project That is why, for Season 2, Joy, Alvi, and some other stars have been added to the series. Following the success of Season 1, we hope Season 2 reaches, resonates with, and delights our audience just as much."
Few laughs, tough questions as Biden chats with Kimmel
There weren't a lot of laughs, but President Joe Biden got some unsolicited advice from Jimmy Kimmel when the president sat down for his first in-person interview with a late-night host since taking office.
The host of ABC's “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” expressed frustration on Wednesday about the intractable problems in Washington, and he advised the president, “I think you need to start yelling at people."
Biden demurred, saying the country is still suffering from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, but he insisted he’s “never been more optimistic in my life.”
Kimmel swiftly interjected: “Why are you so optimistic? It makes no sense!”
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Biden said he was pinning his hopes on young people, the “best educated, least prejudiced, most giving generation in American history.”
“This generation is going to change everything,” Biden said. “We just have to make sure we don’t give up.”
The show was taped in the afternoon in Los Angeles. Biden is visiting the city for this week’s Summit of the Americas, which brings together countries from across the hemisphere. First lady Jill Biden was in the audience, along with Biden’s granddaughter Naomi and her fiancé.
Biden's only previous late-night appearance as president was in December, when he spoke remotely with Jimmy Fallon on NBC’s “The Tonight Show."
Kimmel began his interview by asking about gun control, referencing a string of recent mass shootings.
"I guess, I mean, just to get into it, why haven't we done anything about this?" Kimmel asked.
Biden responded that “this is not your father’s Republican Party,” and he blamed his political opposition for being too afraid to do anything about guns because they fear primary election challenges.
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Kimmel pressed Biden on whether he could use executive orders to increase gun control, noting that former President Donald Trump “passed them out like Halloween candy.”
Although Biden has taken some unilateral steps on firearms, the president said he wasn't interested in stepping beyond the limits of his authority.
“I don’t want to emulate Trump’s abuse of the Constitution and constitutional authority,” he said.
Biden said he knows some people feel like “Republicans don’t play it square, why do you play it square.”
“Well, guess what,” he said. “If we do the same thing they do, our democracy will literally be in jeopardy. Not a joke.”
Kimmel responded, “It’s like you’re playing Monopoly with somebody who won’t pass go or won’t follow any of the rules, and how do you ever make any progress if they’re not following the rules.”
“You’ve got to send them to jail,” Biden joked.
At another point in the interview, Kimmel suggested he was disappointed in the progress that was being made on issues like climate change and abortion.
“We’ve moved backwards,” he said.
Later on, Kimmel sympathized with Biden’s challenges, particularly the upcoming U.S. Supreme Court decision that is expected to overturn Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion access nationwide.
“What a terrible job you have,” Kimmel said. “I’m glad you’re doing it. But, boy oh boy, does this seem like a bad gig.”
Biden said he was looking at executive orders that could help with abortion access — “we’re looking into it right now” — but said the best solutions were through legislation and elections.
If the court overturns Roe v. Wade, Biden said, “it’s going to cause a mini revolution and they’re going to vote a lot of these folks out of office.”