United News of Bangladesh

After going through much drama and controversies regarding its General Secretary candidacy since the election at the beginning of this year, the full executive committee of Bangladesh Film Artistes’ Association finally got together on Sunday night at the association office, BFDC in the capital. Two members of the Misha-Zayed panel, actress Moushumi and actor Ali Raj took the oath on Sunday, at the meeting of the executive committee of the association under President Ilias Kanchan. Read: ‘Agantuk’ wins Film Bazaar Award in Goa The fight between Zayed Khan and Nipun Akter over the position of General Secretary has been resolved recently after the verdict of the court, and now the members of both panels are united under the leadership of Kanchan as President and Nipun as the GS, according to the members. “It feels great to have everyone together as a united force,” Moushumi stated to the media after taking the oath. “After everything we have gone through since the election, now we are finally united.” Ilias Kanchan said, “I am glad to have everyone together as a team and this is what I desired from the beginning. I have experienced agony during the past nine months, and now, today, the suffering has ended.” “With the presence of our entire association's members tonight at this meeting and as everyone has vowed to act in the best interests of artists, we can gladly leave behind the conflicts and move forward,” Kanchan aspired. Regarding his presence in the meeting and forgetting all the past conflicts, Dipjol told the media, "I have never wanted any conflict between artists. Since the dispute over the post of General Secretary has reached the court and now there is no obstacle for Nipun to perform her duties as the GS of the association, I have decided to participate in the meeting and stay with its activities as I have always said that I will obey the verdict of the court.” Read: ‘Hoyto-Noyto': A satire on the times The meeting was attended by a number of actors, including Riaz, Symon, Anjana, Emon, Joy Chowdhury, Keya, Jadu Azad, Shahnoor and others.

Biplob Sarkar-directed Bangladeshi feature film ‘Agantuk’ (The Stranger) has recently been conferred as the unanimous winner of the Prasad DI award by the Film Bazaar Recommends jury in Goa, India in the Viewing Room section. The Viewing Room presents Indian and South Asian films, in-production or completed, looking for film festivals, world sales, distribution partners and also finishing funds. A total of 247 films were selected for the Viewing Room this year, out of which 30 films made it to the Film Bazaar Recommendations Section which includes 20 full-length, 2 mid-length and 8 short films.  Film Bazaar, held on November 20-24, dedicated to discovering, supporting and showcasing South Asian content is increasingly becoming a place of great interest for young filmmakers from South Asia. This event provides Film Bazaar with an opportunity to interact with renowned producers, distributors, sales agents and festival organisers from around the world. Read more: ‘Hoyto-Noyto': A satire on the times This win will allow the recipients to make a complete DI DCP and to use Qubewire to transmit the film to film festivals and exhibitors. However, due to visa complications, director Biplob Sarkar could not attend the Film Bazaar and receive the award in person. “The Prasad Lab in Hyderabad, India is a pioneer in film and video post-production for our creative industry over the years, and this is a great opportunity for us to conduct the post-production works of our film,” Biplob Sarkar told UNB.  With editing being completed, the director and producers are now preparing for other post-production works. After completing the post-production at Prasad Lab, the target is to focus on its distribution and compete in global film festivals around the world, he added. The story of Agantuk revolves around a 10-year-old boy named Kajal, living in a rural area of Bangladesh with their mother and terminally ill grandmother struggles with their gender identity.  Kajal’s father, Javed, has been absent for a long time.  One day, Javed returns home. This change in dynamics creates a rift in the family; Kohinoor doesn’t interact with Javed and Javed’s mother doesn’t recognize him. This return forces Kajal to share the bed with their grandmother.  Read more: Chanchal returns to theatre with Aranyak's 'Rarang' – 'cry to rise up' Kohinoor fears Kajal’s mental state, worrying about their cross-dressing as well as their attachment to their father. This hits a crescendo one night when Javed demands that Kajal be sent away to boarding school. ‘Agantuk’ features eminent actress Ferdousi Mazumder, alongside Sahana Rahman Sumi, Ratan Dev, Mahmud Alam, Ehan, Rafsan, Hriday, Hasimun and Nayeema Tasnim in the major roles. The film is produced by Ramya Rahim Chowdhury, Tazul Haque, Saifur Rahman Lenin and Biplob Sarkar. It received a government grant for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. In 2019, Biplob Sarkar's short documentary ‘Life Is Elsewhere’ won the Tarek Shahriar Best Independent Short Award at the 15th International Short and Independent Film Festival held in Dhaka. In 2020, another of his documentaries ‘Bismritajan’ won Exposition Young Film Talent Grant organised by Liberation War Museum. Earlier, he had worked as coordinator and faculty moderator of the film department at Pathshala South Asian Media Institute. He had also worked as chief assistant director in 'Meghmallar' and 'Chander Amavasya' directed by Zahidur Rahim Anjan.

Once there was a fairy tale kingdom, where the king was so ataraxic about his tenants that he wasn’t even concerned about the existing crises like the food crisis and price hikes in the realm. The bureaucracy of the whole system, hiding money in the name of development, was responsible for these circumstances. These things were ironically illustrated in ‘Hoyto-Noyto’, a drama staged at the Teachers and Students Cultural Centre of Rajshahi University (RU) on Monday (21 November, 2022) evening. The stage drama was organized by ‘Samakal Natyachakra’ of Rajshahi University, where the members of the organization performed in the different characters of the fairy tale realm. That was such a comedy-drama, where the irregularities were presented so ironically and in such a brilliant way that the spectators can relate these things with their surroundings. Read more: Chanchal returns to theatre with Aranyak's 'Rarang' – 'cry to rise up' In drama, the tenants were asking the king what they should do as they don’t have any food to eat. The bureaucrats of the throne replied that they should eat food by chewing and drinking while having food, and while not having food they should eat by ‘not chewing’ and ‘not drinking’. In another part of that drama, the minister of the realm said that the taxes on ‘luxurious products’ like rice, oil, vegetables, salt, and sugar were increased. That’s how the authorities are solving the existing problems mocking the life of the mass people. They also showed where and how the donations are gone in the name of mass people’s development. However, the plot was written by Radharaman Ghosh and directed by Mithu. ‘Samakal Natyachakra’ of Rajshahi University was launched on 25 November, 1981. Since then, they have been producing more than 70 stage and street dramas. Read more: 'Wolfed Down': One-woman theatrical show memerises Dhaka audience

The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court (SC) on Monday cleared the way for actress Nipun Akter to serve as the general secretary of the Bangladesh Film Artistes’ Association (BFAA). A three-member bench of the Appellate Division led by Chief Justice Hasan Foyez Siddiqui passed the order staying the High Court (HC) verdict declaring actor Zayed Khan's candidacy for the post of general secretary in the election legal. At the same time, the court accepted Nipun's leave to appeal petition against the verdict of the High Court allowing her to file an appeal. Senior Advocate Ahsanul Karim and Nahid Sultana Juthi stood for Zayed while Senior Advocate Rokonuddin Mahmud and Barrister Mostafizur Rahman Khan for Nipun. Read: Appellate Division asks Zayed, Nipun to follow Chamber Judge order Earlier on March 6, Justice Obaidul Hassan, chamber judge of the Appellate Division stayed the HC order that validated Zayed as general secretary of the BFAA for four weeks. The chamber judge also ordered status-quo over holding the post.      On March 2, the HC cleared the way for Zayed to serve as the general secretary of the BFFA after striking down the decision of the Election Appeal Board of the association. Nipun again took the fight to the court and filed an appeal before the Appellate Division. The association election was held on January 28. Read: BFAA election: Chamber judge stays HC order after Nipun's appeal Zayed was declared the winner for the general secretary post, after he defeated Nipun in a close contest. But Nipun launched a legal fight challenging legality of Zayed's candidacy and accusing him of vote fraud.

Actor Chanchal Chowdhury returned to the theatre for the first time in two years with Aranyak Natyadal's popular play "Rarang" at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA). The actor made his comeback with the 199th and 200th showings of the fan-favourite play on Thursday and Friday at BSA's Experimental Theatre Hall, as part of Aranyak's 50-year celebration. Written and directed by actor and playwright Mamunur Rashid, Rarang explores the uprising of the Santal community, an indigenous minority population living in the country's northern region, against the persecution of the British authority. The Santal word Rarang means "a cry to rise up," and the play's narrative recounts the life of Alfred Soren, a legendary leader of the Santals who died a heroic death defending his community from British tyranny. Although the play marked Chanchal's long-awaited return, it did not undermine the story throughout the play. Also, he did not play the title character. Read more: Theatre is my home where I always belong: Chanchal Chowdhury Actor Hashim Masud played the character of Alfred Soren, while Chanchal and Akhomo Hasan, another popular face in the television industry, played the role of police characters. Rarang's original cast member and popular actress Tamalika Karmakar could not join the show as she is now living abroad.

Ending months of speculation Bollywood actress Nora Fatehi finally arrived in Dhaka on Friday afternoon. Leaving all kinds of bars, the Canadian-born celebrity landed at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport this afternoon before heading to a five-star Hotel in the capital, said Sharna Maria Mrittik, President of Women Leadership Corporation. Nora Fatehi participated in the 'Global Achievers Award-2022' program organized by Women Leadership Corporation at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) at Friday night. Read: Nora Fatehi finally gets permission in Bangladesh Fatehi will leave Dhaka on Saturday. Nora Fatehi was denied to perform in Dhaka by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs due to the dollar crisis. Later, the information ministry gave her permission to shoot in Dhaka, subject to a set of conditions.

Thursday marked 70th birthday of Runa Laila, iconic Bangladeshi singer and one of the most respected artistes in South Asia. The legendary singer was born in Sylhet, then East Pakistan. Greeting the singer on this special occasion, celebrities and musicians of the country shared heartfelt messages on social media platforms. Dhallywood superstar Shakib Khan shared a post from the Facebook page of his SK Films, writing: "Happy birthday to Runa Laila, the first vocalist from Bangladesh to achieve international success and win the admiration of viewers and listeners around the subcontinent for her wonderful songs. She is our living legend, and her timeless melodies have been sung by successive generations." Singer Akhi Alamgir wrote: "She came, she sang, she conquered! That’s our Runa Laila, pride of the nation. The sole inspiration for many to become artistes. May your 70 stay 17 forever and you continue this magical, blessed journey of yours forever and ever. Happy birthday Runa aunty - Love, hugs, prayers, and keep shining like those diamonds." Read more: Alamgir 'alive, breathing and recovering' Thespian and lawmaker Suborna Mustafa shared a photograph with the singer on her Facebook, writing: "Happy birthday dearest Runa Apa. Love you so much." Popular singer Dilshad Nahar Kona wrote: "Happy birthday to the splendor of world music! You have our respect, our love — our artistic crown. Love to you, Runa Laila ma'am." Singer-composer Kishore wrote, "Happy birthday Runa Laila ma'am. I was lucky enough to sing the first playback song of my life with you. May your hands of love and blessings be on my head forever. Wish you good health and long life." Alongside these artists, several media outlets and celebrities in both India and Pakistan conveyed their best wishes to the living legend on social media. Runa Laila, who was already a star in Pakistan before 1971, moved to her motherland Bangladesh along with her family in 1974. Her first Bangla song was “O Amar Jibon Shathi” for the film“Jibon Shathi” (1976), composed by Satya Saha. Her Bollywood journey started with the music composer duo Kalyanji-Anandji, for the title song of a film called “Ek Se Badhkar Ek” (1976). She gained popularity in India for her hits such as "O Mera Babu Chail Chabila" and "Dama Dam Mast Qalandar." In addition to her mothertongue Bangla, Runa Laila has performed in 18 languages, including English, Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi, Gujarati, Japanese, Italian, Spanish, and more. She has done playbacks for Indian and Pakistani films, alongside her Dhallywood projects such as Keyamat Theke Keyamat, Beder Meye Jotsna, Dui Jibon and more. Runa Laila won seven Bangladesh National Film Awards for Best Female Playback Singer for her playbacks in the movies: The Rain (1976), Jadur Banshi (1977), Accident (1989), Ontore Ontore (1994), Devdas (2013), and Priya Tumi Shukhi Hou (2014). For the movie Ekti Cinemar Golpo, she received the Best Music Composer Award (2018). She also acted in the fictionalized biographical movie Shilpi (1995) alongside her husband and eminent Dhallywood actor Alamgir. Read more: Runa Laila remembers friend, collaborator Bappi Lahiri

Aurthohin, Bangladesh's one of the top and fan-favourite bands, finally returned with a brand new music video "Amar E Gaan" Wednesday after six years. The band remained inactive for four years and has not released any new music videos in the last six years due to the physical condition of its founding frontman Saidus Salehin Khaled, also popularly known as Bassbaba Sumon. Sumon returned to the music scene last year and Aurthohin began performing in several concerts this year. The Aurthohin frontman said they are going to release their new album "Phoenix er Diary-1" this year and part two will be released next year. Read more: Aurthohin's ex-drummer Rumi Rahman dies The music video for Amar E Gaan premiered on the YouTube channel of Bassbaba Sumon and Aurthohin, starring Imtiaz Borshon and the members of Aurthohin. The song, tuned by Sumon and written by Md Imtiazul Anwar and Sumon himself, has been garnering critical acclaim from the fans on social media since its release. "Amar E Gaan is not just a song. It's not just a music video. It is sheer love and respect to all Aurthohin fans for the unconditional love and support they have given us throughout our best and worst times," Aurthohin said. Tuesday, the band announced the release and details of Amar E Gaan at Samsung's BTI Landmark showroom in the capital's Gulshan Avenue. At the event, Sumon said: "We have not been together and created new music for almost four years. Creating new music from that state was the first challenge, as Aurthohin's songs have always been focused on melody and meaningful lyrics. We wanted to make the song in such a way that the listeners can relate the song to themselves." "I have been overwhelmed by the support of our fans, as I have recently returned to music from a challenging time in my life. From us, this song is a tribute to all of our fans and admirers," Sumon added. Read more: “Boyosh Holo Amar”: Bassbaba Sumon returns with new song

Making a special return to the theatre for the first time in six years, popular actor Chanchal Chowdhury is all set to enthrall his audience once again for an exclusive staging of Aranyak Natyadal’s popular play “Rarang” at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) on Thursday. The National Award-winning actor will take part in the 199th and 200th shows of "Rarang" at BSA’s Experimental Theatre Hall on Thursday ( November 17) and Friday ( November 18), which will mark his first stage performance after 2016 when he last performed in Aranyak’s “Che’r Cycle”. Read more: Munshigiri: Another Epic Creation of Amitabh Reza Featuring Chanchal Chowdhury Talking to UNB about making his long-awaited comeback to the stage, Chanchal Chowdhury said, "Not appearing on stage on a regular basis does not imply that I am not involved with theatre activities. I started my career as a part of Aranyak, and I've always considered the stage as my home where I belong. As it will be my first time on stage in a long time, it brings me immense joy.” Chanchal Chowdhury started his career on stage before making a name for himself in television and movies. After getting admitted to Dhaka University’s Faculty of Fine Art as a student, he joined the Aranyak Natyadal theatre group and garnered acclaim for his performances in "Rarang" and "Songkranti," two of Aranyak’s most popular presentations. Read more: Web Series "Boli": Chanchal Chowdhury Again in an Unprecedented Character “I have performed in more than 150 shows of “Rarang” in my career, but it’s true that nowadays I cannot regularly take part in shows due to other commitments. It takes months to prepare for a new production, and theatre is such a place which deserves adequate time and attention. Although I cannot take part in theatre now on a regular basis, I try to attend whenever I can.” Eminent thespian, playwright and director Mamunur Rashid's play "Rarang" explores the uprising of the Santal community—an indigenous minority population living in the country's northern region—against the persecution of the British authority. The word “Rarang” is a Santal word meaning "a cry to rise," and the play's narrative recounts the life of Alfred Soren, a legendary leader of the Santals who died a heroic death defending his community from British tyranny. Read more: Chanchal Chowdhury like you've never seen him before Marking its 50-year celebration next year, Aranyak Natyadal will organise a special drama festival from January 24-February 1, according to the theatre group.

Bangladeshi singer-songwriter Armeen Musa and her mother and eminent Nazrul exponent Dr Nashid Kamal have been nominated for the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in the category of Best Global Music Album on Wednesday. The mother-daughter duo's song "Jaago Piya," which was featured on the Berklee Indian Ensemble's debut album "Shuruaat," enabled them as the first Bangladeshis to be nominated for the world's most famous musical awards. Read more: 15 receive Aga Khan Music Awards 2022 Confirming the news to UNB on Tuesday night, Armeen Musa said she is overwhelmed by this achievement. “Still in disbelief,” she said although the official website of Grammy also confirmed the nomination on Wednesday. The first in a series of original compositions from the Berklee Indian Ensemble, "Jaago Piya" was originally written and voiced by Armeen Musa, while Dr Nashid Kamal penned the Bengali version of the lyrics. Legendary Asian musicians including Ustaad Zakir Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan and Shreya Ghoshal, to name a few, are also featured on the Berklee Indian Ensemble's (BIE) debut album ‘Shuruaat’, alongside Armeen Musa. Read more: List of Grammy winners in top categories One of the most popular music artists in present Bangladesh and the first-ever the first Bangladeshi student in the Berklee Indian Ensemble and a Visva-Bharati trainee in Indian Classical music, Armeen Musa garnered critical acclaim for songs including “Bhromor Koiyo Giya,” “Lona Deyal” and more. She is the founder of the music troop ‘Ghaashphoring Choir’.