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Nachiketa's 30th anniversary concert set to enthrall Dhaka
West Bengal’s popular singer Nachiketa Chakraborty is all set to mesmerise his countless listeners in Bangladesh after a long hiatus, marking the 30th anniversary of his iconic music career.
The eminent artist, widely revered for his fan-favourite tracks such as "She Prothom Prem Amar Nilanjana," "Sonali Prantore," "Jokhon Somoy Thomke Daray" and more, will perform at a music event on November 10, Friday, at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in the capital.
With the release of his debut album "Ei Besh Bhalo Aachhi" in 1993, the renowned Bengali singer, songwriter, and composer embarked on a triumphant musical career, winning over avid admirers in West Bengal and Bangladesh.
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This event titled “Nachiketa Live in Dhaka with Joy Shahriar,” will mark the 30th anniversary of his musical journey, organised by Aajob Karkhana and Aajob Records. The revered singer also confirmed this event on his official social media handles.
“In 1993, Nachiketa's debut solo album “Ei Besh Bhalo Aachhi” was released, and his 30-year musical journey was commemorated with a musical event in Kolkata. Back in June this year I went to Kolkata to work with him, and I proposed the event to him as we grew up listening to him and he has a large fan following in Bangladesh,” Aajob Karkhana and Aajob Records founder and CEO Joy Shahriar told UNB.
Read: Showcasing glorious days of Jatra, Aruna Biswas’s debut film 'Ashomvob' releases today
“He then agreed to perform and we are now just a few days away to witness him performing for our audiences live in Dhaka. I will open the event and perform which will be a great honour for me as an artist and this will be a remarkable achievement for my career,” Joy Shahriar, also known to music lovers in Bangladesh for many of his popular songs including “Shotti Bolchhi,” expressed his excitement.
Tickets for the show are already on sale online at the Get Set Rock website. A total of five tiers of tickets have been released for this event: Silver (2000 BDT), Gold (3000 BDT), Platinum (5000 BDT), Student Silver (1000 BDT) and Student Gold (2000 BDT)
“Given the venue's limited capacity, we had to adjust the pricing accordingly. Nevertheless, we also wanted to provide our younger listeners with an amazing experience, so we put up two exclusive student packages which they can get at the venue by presenting their ID cards from their educational institution,” Joy Shahriar told UNB.
The event will welcome the audience from 5 pm onwards, and the event will start from 6:30 pm while the audiences can enter the venue till 8:30 pm.
Partners for the event are Toffee, GoZayaan, Universal Medical College Hospital, aamarPay, Nescafe, Kazi Food and Aajob Prokash.
Renowned actress Homayra Himu passes away
Homayra Himu, one of the renowned faces in the country’s television industry, died at her residence on Thursday.
She was brought into the Uttara Bangladesh Medical College in the capital on Thursday afternoon and upon inspection, the on-duty doctor of the hospital pronounced her dead, according to Actors Equity Guild President and actor Ahsan Habib Nasim.
Although yet to be confirmed, all available information suggests that the actress took her own life. Details regarding her postmortem and other rituals are yet to be informed.
According to Nasim, the actress was brought to the hospital by her younger sister and another man who is suspected to be her lover. He went missing when the doctors called the police for an investigation regarding the death.
Born on 23 November, 1985 in Lakshmipur district, Himu completed her HSC from Ispahani College and later obtained her honours and masters degrees from Eden Women's College in the capital.
She started her acting career in theatre, and her television acting career started with the 2006 drama "Chayabithi." Subsequently, she showcased her acting skills in several well-known drama serials, including "Housefull," "Gulshan Avenue," "Bari Bari Sari Sari," "Sonaghat," "Batighar," "Shonena Sey Shonena," "Chairman Bari" and more.
Himu made her silver screen debut with acclaimed filmmaker Morshedul Islam-directed 'Amar Bondhu Rashed' in 2011 and got critically acclaimed for her performance.
Celebrities and her close acquaintances in the media have been sharing their grief and love for the acclaimed actress on their social media handles after being informed about her untimely and unfortunate demise.
Coke Studio Bangla concert to return with an ensemble line-up on Nov 10 at Army Stadium
The much-anticipated live concert of the popular musical programme Coke Studio Bangla is returning for the second edition titled “Coke Studio Bangla Live 2.0” on November 10 at the capital’s Army Stadium.
This year, the fans will enjoy an exclusive Coke Studio Bangla experience like never before as the concert is set to feature an ensemble cast of seasoned and popular music artists from Coke Studio Bangla seasons one and two.
The lineup will feature Coke Studio Bangla’s artists from both seasons like Shayan Chowdhury Arnob, Animes Roy, Pantho Kanai, Momotaz Begum, Mizan Rahman, Ritu Raj, Sanzida Mahmood Nandita, Nigar Sultana Sumi, Jalali Set, Ripon Kumar Sarkar (Boga), Sunidhi Nayak, Soumyadeep Sikdar (Murshidabadi), Kaniz Khandaker Mitu, Md Makhon Mia, Rubayat Rehman, Jannatul Firdous Akbar, Shanila Islam, Armeen Musa and Ghashphoring Choir, Riad Hasan, Pollob Vai, Meghdol, Sohana (Daughter of coastal), Mukul Mojumder Ishaan, Pritom Hasan, Islam Uddin Palakar, Fazlu Majhi, Emon Chowdhury, Arfan Mredha Shiblu, Aleya Begum, Fuad Al Muqtadir, Tasfia Fatima Tashfee, Suchona Shelly, Bappa Mazumder and Hamida Banu.
Also read: Dilaram: Coke Studio Bangla concludes Season Two by paying tribute to Hason Raja
To enhance the festivities, the concert will also feature special guests including Elita Karim, Shuvo (D rockstar), Anuradha Mandal, Shawon Gaanwala, Moktadir Dewan Shanto as well as captivating band performances by Hatirpool Sessions and Lalon Band.
From the energetic notes of “Nasek Nasek” to the enchanting rhythms of “Kotha Koiyo Na” - this event promises to mesmerise audiences with one of the most unique concert experiences with stunning performances by Coke Studio Bangla artists.
Although the concert will officially start at 6 pm, the gates at the venue will be opened at 1:30 pm, and the pre-show will start at 3 pm. Audiences will be engaged in fun and refreshing activities at the venue during this period.
Also read: “Nodir Kul”: Coke Studio Bangla’s tranquil ode to Polli Kobi Jashimuddin
Abeer Rajbeen, Head of Marketing, Coca-Cola Bangladesh Limited said, “Coke Studio Bangla is hugely popular across Bangladesh and we have been inundated with requests from fans to once again host a live concert. A battalion of over 100 musicians on the platform is ready to regale the audiences with the taste of Coke Studio Bangla’s magic. We believe this time the fans will have a captivating and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
To secure tickets for the concert, music lovers have the option of obtaining them by unwrapping labels from selected limited-edition Coca-Cola ICC/ Coke Studio Bangla concert labelled 600 ml or 1.25-litre bottles to reveal unique codes.
Upon scanning the QR codes and entering the unique code found on the back of each bottle’s label, consumers will receive a digital coin. By accumulating 5 digital coins, individuals can win a ticket to the Coke Studio Live concert. Additionally, consumers can also acquire tickets using ICC World Cup coins.
Also read: ‘Deora’: Coke Studio Bangla’s latest featuring Pritom and Islamuddin Palakar is an instant hit
Besides purchasing Coca-Cola bottles, another alternative method to obtain tickets is by ordering food worth BDT 600 through Foodpanda and, on the same day, purchasing two of Coca-Cola’s 600ml or one 1.25-litre bottle from Pandamart.
Tickets are also available by purchasing Coca-Cola Combo meals at the following restaurants; Burger King, MadChef, Digger, Pagla Baburchi, Herfy, Crisp, Cheez, CP Five Star, and Chillox.
Coke Studio Bangla fans can also purchase tickets from Tickify.Com
Since its inception in February 2022, Coke Studio Bangla has released 22 songs with nearly 100 talented singers and musicians. The first edition of this concert took place in July last year, also marking the first large-scale, open-air concert featuring all Bangladeshi artists after the Joy Bangla Concert in 2020 and the global outbreak of COVID-19.
The platform has unearthed the hidden treasures of Bangla music and culture, allowing music enthusiasts, particularly the younger generation, to immerse themselves in the enchantment of Bangla music.
Also read: ‘Murir Tin’: Coke Studio Bangla launches season 2 with nod to local dialects
Throughout both seasons, fans have consistently expressed their love, making Coke Studio Bangla Live a gesture of gratitude from the platform to acknowledge and appreciate the fans and their unwavering love and support.
More information and updates are available on the official Coke Studio Bangla Facebook page.
First-ever Arka Fashion Week concludes in style
Showcasing a tantalising array of fashion and cultural celebrations with a mission to democratise fashion, the first-ever Arka Fashion Week draws its closure at the Aloki Convention Centre, Tejgaon in the capital.
Over 50 entrepreneurs and brands are participating in this three-day event which works with fashion, fashion accessories and fashion-related products, made in Bangladesh; and the event catered to more than 5,000 attendees in three days from October 26.
Amid the nationwide political unrest, the premises of Aloki Convention Center became bustling with fashion-loving youth, influencers and entrepreneurs on the concluding day.
Bringing a refreshing perspective to the nation's fashion industry, Arka Fashion Week got underway on October 26. Even though most of the attendees were the ‘Gen G’ fashionistas, people from all walks of life joined the fashion festivity with much curiosity as everyone wandered around, stopped by the stands of different fashion entrepreneurs, purchased their desired products and enjoyed the collective offerings at the event.
The biennial event was joined by 35 fashion companies and designers. These skilled and driven entrepreneurs had carefully chosen and curated their signature collections, showcased in an exclusive setting titled ‘Marketplace’ that included Western, fusion, traditional, sustainable, artistic, and unique clothes and accessories.
Read: Igniting the Fashion Revolution In Bangladesh, Arka Fashion Week begins
Along with the marketplace, there were eight fashion shows on its second and third day, and the inaugural day consisted of a pageant competition titled “Miss and Mister Celebrity Bangladesh 2024.” The new womenswear brand Kathal debuted through a special runway show and launched its first collection at Arka Fashion Week.
Chirkutt’s Sumi to join global music conference in Norway
Popular Bangladeshi singer, songwriter, composer, communication specialist and entrepreneur and country's popular band Chirkutt leader Sharmin Sultana Sumi has been invited to an international music conference in Norway.
Initiated by the University of Agder, Kristiansand in Norway, the conference, titled Kristiansand Roundtable Conference (KRC), is scheduled to take place from November 1 to 10 - in which Sumi will join three sessions.
These three sessions are ‘Scientific Conference - Strategy and Sustainability in Music Business’ (November 3), ‘Role of Women in BD Music Industry’ (November 7-8) and ‘Student Event - Music for Climate’ on November 9-10.
In these sessions, Sumi will speak, present and exchange viewpoints with the student-teachers while also talking about her journey as a pioneering female artist in the Bangladeshi music scene.
“After working with Bangla songs on a regular basis for the past 21 years in Bangladesh and the last 11 years internationally, people all over the globe want to hear from me and us about our music - and I believe this is an enormous shift and a huge opportunity for us,” Sumi said regarding this invitation.
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“The world is much bigger than we think and there is a wide range of work opportunities for all of us. Taking advantage of that opportunity and speaking on the world’s stage for your country is a matter of peace, honour and pride for me as an artist,” she added.
When asked about her plans for the sessions, she said, “I will try to share my experience of working in the music industry for a long time as an artist and a female artist, to be specific - which I think may inspire many. Also, the talking points will be about the music of Bangladesh, the collective journey of our band and our 'Nodi Rocks’ project which I conducted from the place of responsibility of an artist on the issue of the negative impact of climate change."
The aforementioned ‘Nodi Rocks’ project began in February 2022 and focused on seven rivers across the country: the Kushiyara, Padma, Sangu, Chitra, Pashur, Dahuk, and Buriganga, with a mission to aware people of climate change and its impacts on these rivers in the riverine Bangladesh.
Read: Abbasuddin Ahmed played an important role in popularising Bhawaiya songs: KM Khalid
Seven music videos were made on these seven rivers by these seven bands: Arbovirus performed on Padma river, Smooches on Chitra, Cryptic Fate on Kushiyara, F Minor on Dahuk, Bangla Five on Pashur, Ashes on Buriganga and Sangu was featured by Chirkutt.
These videos gained popularity on social media platforms while the songs became fan-favorites and the project also brought up an exclusive concert in September last year. The project was the brainchild of Sumi, Chirkutt’s founding member-vocalist and Founder-CEO-Creative Director of Salt Creatives.
Read more: Rapper Aly Hasan collaborates with Toffee for World Cup song
Federation of Film Societies of Bangladesh set to celebrate Golden Jubilee
The Federation of Film Societies of Bangladesh (FFSB), the joint platform of the country’s film societies, will complete its 50 years on October 24.
The organisation was founded on October 24, 1973, in Dhaka, to bring all the active film societies of the country under one umbrella.
Marking the anniversary, all previous and present members of the nation's cinema parliaments will gather to celebrate and exchange perspectives on Tuesday, October 24, at 5 pm at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy's National Art Gallery auditorium, according to a press release.
All of the country's film parliamentarians will gather in this event which will be chaired by FFSB President architect Lailun Nahar Shemi, and will collectively make the event effective through a directional discussion on the contribution of film societies to the country's film culture and the future.
Throughout its 50-year journey, the organisation has been blessed with some of the best Bangladeshi filmmakers and cultural personalities as its President, including eminent film director Alamgir Kabir, National Professor Kabir Chowdhury, prominent filmmaker Badal Rahman, 'Ghuddi' - famed filmmaker Syed Salahuddin Zaki, renowned cultural personalities Mahbub Jamil and Syed Hasan Imam, and one of the Film Parliament's pioneers Muhammad Khosru, popular filmmakers Morshedul Islam and Manzare Hassin Murad.
Since its inception, the Federation of Film Societies of Bangladesh has been focused on developing the film sense of the film workers of Bangladesh and improving the film thinking, sense of life and public taste of the wider society. The film parliament of the country continues to lead the movement in establishing and spreading the concept of film education in the country, alongside developing the country’s film literature.
The Federation's activities resulted in the construction of the Bangladesh Film Archive and the Bangladesh Film and Television Institute, as well as the introduction of the National Film Awards and film grants in the country. Films are now taught at the university level in Bangladesh as a result of the film parliament movement's ongoing efforts, according to the organisation.
Meryl Streep, husband living separately for more than six years
Meryl Streep and her husband Don Gummer have been living separately for more than six years, reports CNN.
In a statement to People on Saturday, one of Streep’s representatives said, “Don Gummer and Meryl Streep have been separated for more than 6 years, and while they will always care for each other, they have chosen lives apart.”
Also read: 12 Most Awaited South Indian Movies Releasing in November 2023: A Sneak Peek
The three-time Oscar winner and Gummer, a sculptor, got married in 1978. Last month marked their 45th wedding anniversary.
Streep and Gummer were photographed at numerous events together over the years but largely kept their personal lives out of the press.
Also read: List of English Language Netflix Originals Coming in November 2023
In 2012, Streep paid tribute to Gummer in her best actress Oscar acceptance speech for her performance in “The Iron Lady”.
“First, I’m going to thank Don because when you thank your husband at the end of the speech, they play him out with the music, and I want him to know that everything I value most in our lives, you’ve given me,” Streep said at the time.
Also read: Aruna Biswas’s debut film 'Ashomvob' set to release this October
List of English Language Netflix Originals Coming in November 2023
Like every month, Netflix is gearing up to release several shows and movies in November. While overall, the platform welcomes content from several languages, English content has always dominated their list. This is particularly because of the sheer volume of content released by Netflix every month. With that said, here are 10 of the highly anticipated English language shows coming to Netflix in November 2023.
Top 10 Netflix English Original Shows Coming This November
All the Light We Cannot See
All the Light We Cannot See is a 2014 war novel written by Anthony Doerr. The book follows the life of two teenagers against the backdrop of the Second World War. One is a blind French girl and the other is a German boy forced to fight for the Nazi regime.
The novel has been developed as a limited drama series by Steven Knight for Netflix. The series is directed by Shawn Levy with Aria Mia Loberti, Mark Ruffalo, and Hugh Laurie in lead roles. All the Light We Cannot See will be released on Netflix on November 2, 2023.
Read more: Aruna Biswas’s debut film 'Ashomvob' set to release this October
Sly
2023 has seen some amazing documentaries from Netflix. Keeping up with that trend, Netflix is here with Sylvester Stallone’s Sly. It’s a documentary covering the life of the acclaimed actor who has been entertaining action lovers for over 5 decades.
The documentary will follow the story of Stallone’s rise and how he built some of his most iconic characters including that of Rocky and Rambo. The retrospective documentary is directed by Thom Zimny with a special guest appearance from Quentin Tarantino. Sly is set to premiere on Netflix on November 3, 2023.
The Killer
Ever since the success of Mads Mikkelsen’s Polar released in 2019 on Netflix, neo-noir action thrillers have seen a rise in interest. Keeping up with the demand, Netflix is bringing The Killer directed by David Fincher with screenplay by Andrew Kevin Walker.
Netflix didn’t give much away about the plot other than that it involves a failed assassination, an international manhunt, and revenge that insists on not being personal. David Fincher and Netflix last collaborated in Mindhunter which has been acclaimed by the viewers and critics alike.
Read more: Legal notice seeks ban on screening of 'Mujib: The Making of a Nation'
The Killer stars Michael Fassbender, Arliss Howard, Charles Parnell, and Tilda Swinton in lead roles. It is scheduled for a limited theatrical release on October 27 and Netflix release on November 10, 2023.
Stamped from the Beginning
The history of racism in America is deeply rooted and extremely troubling. Even if the practice of open racism has been subdued, discrimination still remains.
Ibram X. Kendi, Angela Davis, and Julian Joseph explore the complex development of racist ideas in this new documentary from Netflix. The show is written by Ibram X. Kendi and David Teague with direction from Roger Ross Williams. Stamped from the Beginning premiers on November 15.Best. Christmas. Ever!
November with its winter chills brings the anticipation of the holiday season. And no Christmas is complete without a dedicated Christmas movie. Every year, Netflix roles out their Christmas movies starting from early November and 2023 is also no different.
Read more: Omar Sani signs deal for new film ‘Dead Body’
Best. Christmas. Ever!
Follows the friendship of Jackie and Charlotte. Every year Jackie sends a newsletter during Christmas to Charlotte. As Charlotte shows up at Jackie’s door for this year’s Christmas, what will Jackie do to keep up her tradition?
The movie sees Heather Graham, Brandy Norwood, and Jason Biggs in lead roles. It is scheduled to be released on November 16, 2023
Rezaul Hoque's solo exhibition ‘Living on the Edge’ begins
Artist Rezaul Hoque’s solo exhibition titled ‘Living on the Edge’ began at Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) in the capital’s Dhanmondi on Friday.
Eminent human rights activist Sultana Kamal attended the event as the chief guest while renowned artists Mohammad Eunus and Biren Shome attended the event as special guests, said a press release.
Read: Info Minister says everyone should watch ‘Mujib: The making of a nation’
Rezaul Hoque’s art is an expression of human emotions and inequalities in everyday life, while dreaming of a beautiful future. His paintings at this exhibition are mainly about people and their life-struggle, exploitation, rights, inequality, hope and different deep-rooted perceptions of life.
Through his unique painting technique of painting paper by burning it through heat convection, his images come out in golden hues which also depicts the impression of being burnt by life’s struggles.
Around 40 artworks are on display, most of which are in the artist’s own innovative technique of painting based on application of heat convection to burn paper burn.
Paintings in other media will also be on display.
Read: Group exhibition of late great Kalidas and his brothers begins on artist's 4th death anniversary
Graduated from the Institute of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, Rezaul Hoque, has created a unique technique of painting using heat convection, presented at this exhibition.
He has participated in various national and international solo and group art exhibitions, recent ones include: 2022 Collective Art Exhibition titled "Love in Multiple Forms" organized by the New York-based Agora Gallery.
The exhibition will be open to all till October 31, Monday to Saturday from 3 pm to 9 pm.
Group exhibition of late great Kalidas and his brothers begins on artist's 4th death anniversary
On the fourth death anniversary of the globally renowned painter and printmaker, the ‘Alluvial’ artist Kalidas Karmakar - an exclusive group art exhibition was inaugurated in the capital’s Safiuddin Shilpalay.
The exhibition showcases the artworks of Kalidas Karmakar who contributed to Bangladeshi art's development with his vibrant and captivating creations, alongside the artworks of his three brothers - Dilip K Karmakar, Proshanta Karmakar Buddha and Devdas Karmakar.
It began with Tagore songs by singer Shahidul Haque as a tribute to the revered artist, the exhibition was inaugurated on Wednesday with Rubana Haque, Vice Chancellor of the Asian University for Women, being the chief guest of the inauguration ceremony which was presided over by eminent thespian and cultural personality Ramendu Majumdar.
Read: Legal notice seeks ban on screening of 'Mujib: The Making of a Nation'
US Embassy in Bangladesh Public Affairs Counselor Stephen Ibelli and Kids Tutorial Principal Farzana Ahmed joined as the special guests at the inauguration ceremony, alongside the brothers of the ‘Alluvial’ artist, and his admirers from different walks of life.
“When I was coming to this event today, I was constantly remembering how wonderful of a person Kali da (Kalidas Karmakar) was. I am fortunate to have many of his paintings, and he was such a majestic artist throughout his entire life,” Rubana Haque said at the event.
“More than 50 of his exhibitions were held in 70 countries, and his artworks were universal because they spoke on behalf of our aching hearts,” she added. US Embassy in Bangladesh Public Affairs Counselor Stephen Ibelli also said that many of Kalidas Karmakar’s artworks have been exhibited in the United States.”
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Kalidas Karmakar’s brother Proshanta Karmakar Buddha said, "Our elder brother, the artist Kalidas Karmakar, had wished to organize a joint painting exhibition with his three other brothers for a long time. Today, we all came together to fulfil his dream in his memory, marking his 4th anniversary."
A total of 63 paintings are being showcased in the exhibition. Among these, 22 paintings were made by artist Kalidas Karmakar, and the rest of the paintings are made by his three brothers - Dilip K Kumar, Proshanta Karmakar Buddha and Devdas Karmakar.
A maestro of printmaking especially viscosity printing, Kalidas Karmakar’s diverse artworks featuring metallic and other objects, handmade paper, and oil on canvas prints have been widely exhibited throughout South Asia, the Middle East, Europe, the United States and many other places across the world.
His maiden solo art exhibition was held at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on August 7, 1976.
Throughout his acclaimed career, he received multiple prestigious scholarships and fellowships including the Polish Government Scholarship in Graphic Art at the Warsaw Academy of Fine Art, Warsaw University; the French Government Superior Scholarship in Fine Arts for research in multicolour etching at Atelier-17, in Paris; Japan Foundation Fellowship on Japanese Woodblock Printing at Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music; ICCR Special Scholarship for research in Contemporary Modern Sculpture, West Bengal Lalit Kala Academy Studio; and Asian Cultural Council New York, Fellowship with Artist Residency program in the US.
For his remarkable contribution to the Bangladeshi fine arts, Kalidas Karmakar was awarded the Shilpakala Padak in 2016 and the Ekushey Padak in 2018.
The exhibition will continue till October 22, open for visitors daily from 11 am to 8 pm.