Dowel Biswas

Dowel is always thinking about a million things at once and writes to make sense of it all. Feel free to send her your thoughts at [email protected]

Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury, a legacy beyond words

Chowdhury’s contributions go beyond this iconic song and journalism. He was a distinguished storyteller with notable works, including the acclaimed short story collection “Samrat-er Chhobi” (The Emperor’s Picture). He also authored significant novels and plays, consistently emerging as an active progressive writer and political commentator through the twists and turns of history. He was not just an observer of history but an active participant.

17h ago

Celebrating 100 years of Kalim Sharafi, a cultural icon

As the world commemorates the birth centenary of Kalim Sharafi, his legacy as a cultural icon and activist shines brightly, illuminating the path he forged with unwavering dedication and passion. Born on May 8, 1924 into a family rooted in the village of Khairadihi, West Bengal, Rabindra Sangeet maestro Sharafi's life journey was defined by a profound commitment to using art as a catalyst for social change.

1w ago

Remembering Fakir Alamgir, the voice of the working class

Fakir Alamgir’s life embodies the spirit of May Day — representing both its struggles and triumphs. His lifelong dedication to the rights and welfare of the working class through his music marks him as a true champion of the labourers' cause.

2w ago

Art without limits: Bangladesh hosts inaugural International Disability Art Festival

The National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy buzzed with excitement as the inaugural International Disability Art Festival 2024 commenced today, marking a significant milestone in arts and inclusivity.

3w ago

Oli Louis: The Nigerian man who fell in love with Bangla music

His rendition of "Shada Shada Kala Kala" marked a turning point, garnering widespread acclaim and affirming his belief that Bangladeshis would embrace him as one of their own if he pursued Bangla music wholeheartedly.

1m ago

Happy 135th Birthday, Mr Chaplin!

Despite the advent of sound in cinema, Chaplin remained true to his silent roots, continuing to produce silent films even as talkies gained popularity. Films like "City Lights", "The Gold Rush", and "Modern Times" are timeless classics that showcase Chaplin's unmatched ability to entertain and inspire.

1m ago

Songs of Pahela Baishakh

The soul-stirring melodies of Bangla songs resonate with the essence of the largely agrarian Bangalee people, weaving tales of joy, hope, aspiration, and the story of our journey as a nation.

1m ago

Bengal’s revolutionary journey through slogans

Whenever an oppressive force tried to forcefully take their land and rice, the people of this country conjured up such resistance that even the strongest of forces had to retreat.

1m ago
March 8, 2024
March 8, 2024

‘Water, light and hope’: A letter from the Jamuna char lands

In a bid to create that bridge, Standard Chartered Bangladesh (SCB) and Friendship have jointly arranged a photo exhibition to give a glimpse of the people living in sedimentary islands (chars).

February 24, 2024
February 24, 2024

Bappa Mazumder’s ‘Odyssey’ is a lesson on how to arrange concerts

Bappa Mazumder devoted his second solo concert to those of his fans who missed the first one, which took place on September 23, 2022. However, seeing hundreds of his fans, from toddlers to 60-year-olds, eagerly waiting for him to sing their favourite songs at the show, the question remains: will the audiences ever get enough of Bappa Mazumder and his songs? The answer is probably no.

February 20, 2024
February 20, 2024

Sajjad Hussain chronicles Anindya Chattopadhyay’s early years in ‘Anindyakal’

The book, exploring the obscured corners of the singer’s life before his rise to fame, has been unveiled at a programme held at the Bishwa Sahitya Kendra Auditorium in the capital on Monday evening.

February 3, 2024
February 3, 2024

Unveiling the Rich Tapestry of Japanese Culture through Dolls

In the exhibition, the development and changes in the shape of the dolls are represented according to the important time periods of Japan. This can be seen through the shape of the dolls, from the traditional to the collector figure. Not only that, this exhibition also displays “Ningyo” forms and styles with characteristics from each region in Japan.

January 26, 2024
January 26, 2024

Prachyanat School to celebrate ‘Raktakarabi’s’ centenary with new production

Under the direction of Shawkat Hossain Sajib, the school will stage the play on Monday, January 29, at 7:00pm at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy's National Theatre Hall. Prachyanat, which is renowned for its socially and politically aware grand theatrical presentations, is going to stage the epic play as part of its biannual school productions.

January 24, 2024
January 24, 2024

Dr Israfeel Shaheen: A professor’s quest to promote unconventional theatre

Dr Israfeel Shaheen, a noted theatre director and professor at the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies, University of Dhaka, has many achievements in his bag as a prominent theatre personality who is taking Bangladesh’s folk, indigenous, and improvisational theatrics to the world’s stage. However, besides his commendable accomplishments, he always traces back to his roots and brings forth what we, as Bengalis have to offer centered on our rich cultural genesis and resourcefulness.

January 18, 2024
January 18, 2024

A glimpse of Chinese New Year in Dhaka

The spring festival began with a captivating dance performance by a prominent Chinese Cultural organisation, the Song and Dance Ensemble of Yunnan Province. Performers created the Hani dance “Divine Bird Flapping Swings of China” at the event.

January 17, 2024
January 17, 2024

Suchitra Sen: How a girl from Pabna became South Asia’s biggest superstar

On her tenth death anniversary today, we remember Suchitra Sen, Bengal’s first female superstar, and a feminist in spirit, who took charge of her own fate and challenged the common norms that surround or define femininity.

January 10, 2024
January 10, 2024

‘Everything Is Nothing’ to compete at France’s Cineplay Int’l Film Fest

The short film has been selected to compete at the festival on January 5. After being declared as a finalist on Wednesday, it will be screened on January 15, informed Arafat Mohsin Nidhi, director of the production, to The Daily Star.

January 5, 2024
January 5, 2024

The melody of the polls: Sometimes genius, sometimes obnoxious

While every alleyway, street and locality has been adorned with posters, the most impressive promotion of this election is perhaps the innovative and catchy songs that are being played at political stalls, through mikes, moving vans and rickshaws.

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