Delving deep into ‘MaLoMa’ and its topsy turvy world
As I write this, “MaLoMa”, a musical tale of extraordinary lives led by everyday people, is trending number 1 on YouTube Bangladesh & 38 on global YouTube. This song, as a whole, is many stories woven together as one, belonging to people from all walks of life. The stories touch hearts and inspire music lovers to ponder upon life in general. As Arif Dewan and Shagor Dewan sing their hearts out about how mistaken they were about life being a bed of roses, the chaotic city around them comes to life.
2d ago
Weaving ‘Tati’ as a musical, visual treat
It has been a couple of weeks at least since the Bangla New Year celebrations, which we lovingly refer to as Noboborsho. However, Coke Studio Bangla’s “Tati” is still dominating playlists. ‘Taanti’, or in this case “Tati”, refers to the craftsperson or the creator of fabrics, who works with the material called taant – depicting motifs, colourful borders, and softness to touch. Especially in this heat, a taant saree or a fatua is always a welcome addition to an average Bangladeshi wardrobe, allowing one to breathe easy and at the same time, look trendy.
2w ago
Tagore’s Gitabitan and the bookshelf of a Bengali household
It has been 81 years today since Rabindranath Tagore, a Bengali polymath, poet, composer and the first Bengali Nobel Laureate, breathed his last. In these 81 years, much has changed in the world, including the modernisation of his compositions. Tagore’s songs—Rabindra Sangeet, as they are known—are still popular amongst Bengali music lovers.
1y ago
My visit to the Grammys
When I was arriving in Phoenix, Arizona last year for my Humphrey Fellowship, I did not imagine that I would get to be a part of one of the most prestigious musical celebrations of the world – the Grammys.
2y ago
Women in Translation Month: Why we need more of Selina Hossain
The women in Selina Hossain’s books are strong, because the author herself likes to be inspired by the reality around her.
2y ago
Remembering the contemporary great: Humayun Ahmed
To me, he was a weaver of stories from lands and cultures, all within Bangladesh, that I would never have heard of otherwise. Growing up abroad amidst mixed cultures and languages, Humayun Ahmed kept Bangladesh within me and in thousands of others like me.
2y ago
Bookstores, around the world
Needless to say, some of the best moments of my life have been spent inside bookstores.
2y ago
‘Memoirs of Dacca University’: Turning the pages back to the ’40s
The first of July has always been a busy day. With remembrances, special anniversaries and the beginning of a new financial year, the day also reminds us of how fast time passes, as half of the year flies by at the blink of an eye. Yesterday, however, the day was extra significant, because Dhaka University turned a century old. The only known institution in Bangladesh turning 100 (to my knowledge), and that too an important one both academically and historically, led me to look for books and other published items from the past which would speak at length about the university.
2y ago
November 25, 2018
Catching up with the Folk Queen
Besides being a household name, Momotaz, dubbed the Folk Queen, represents Bangladesh when it comes to showcasing traditional stories, music and the common people. The artiste drew a large number of admirers, fans and listeners recently at the Dhaka International Folk Fest (DIFF). She took out a little time to chat about her music, her life and more.
November 16, 2018
Performing for THE SOULS
As Puranchand Wadali and his son Lakhwinder Wadali settle down to start singing for the audience, the senior Wadali runs his eyes through the crowd and smiles as he figures out the songs he and his team are about to perform.
October 20, 2018
Memories with the Legend
The first time I had met Ayub Bachchu was years ago at a recording in a studio called Art of Noise in Shegun Bagicha. The studio belonged to yet another music legend Foad Nasser Babu from the band Feedback.
September 29, 2018
'HASINA: A DAUGHTER'S TALE' TO PREMIERE SOON
“It took me only five minutes to break the ice,” says Piplu, referring to the first sitting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
September 14, 2018
Running on Nostalgia
Nostalgia is not an 'old person' sentiment anymore. It's real and it's hovering above us every minute of the day. Do you ever find yourself going through letters, post cards and old birthday cards received from friends and family members living all over the world? What about catching a movie or a TV show re-run that you grew up
September 7, 2018
The three stories that changed the narrative
We are a culture of stories, and for centuries, we have looked for occasions to speak of these tales. Be it the age-old geets about the romance between a soldier and a princess that are sung during weddings or the tales of sacrifice and martyrdom on which religious holidays are based, the people in this region have always been the best storytellers.
September 4, 2018
Tribute to Rama Chowdhury
Many know about the heartbreaking story of Birangana Rama Chowdhury's life. In May 1971, she was brutally tortured and violated by the Pak bahini;
September 1, 2018
Sehri Tales pages before dawn
Long-time writer for the youth, journalist and a youth icon, Sabrina Fatma Ahmad finally wrote her first book, 'Sehri Tales,' which has
August 20, 2018
BRINGING BACK MELODIES
While one smiles and shares anecdotes, the other ponders upon her surroundings silently and offers suggestions.
July 16, 2018
A disco weekend!
Last weekend, Dhaka was all drenched in nostalgia -- many were seen listening to music from their old collections, remembering long gone moments with friends and families and getting ready for some disco!
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