Contributing writer for Arts & Entertainment and Star Youth.
Summer in Bangladesh is a scorcher. With temperatures soaring and humidity reaching uncomfortable levels, staying cool becomes a priority. As such, when it comes to choosing a cooling solution, you are faced with two main options: air conditioners (AC) and air coolers. But, which one should you go for?
While the film boasts charming performances and a visually appealing production, it ultimately struggles to navigate its blend of romance, science fiction, and family drama. The core concept of a human falling in love with a robot is undoubtedly thought-provoking, raising questions about identity, emotions, and the future of technology. It successfully touches upon interesting themes like artificial intelligence and societal perceptions of technology. Yet, being unable to delve deeper, the film leaves certain corners unexplored and rather open to interpretation for the audience.
Aydha Mehnaz, a 29 year old Bangladeshi, has been featured in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list under the Media and Marketing category. Aydha is VIP and Media Relations Lead at fashion brand Mugler, a French luxury fashion house owned by L’Oréal Group. Under her leadership, Mugler's media impact value soared from $58 million pre-Covid to now over $200 million, states Forbes.
Each painting in the exhibition tells a unique story, inspired by folklore, mythology, and the artist’s own imagination. From lush forests teeming with wildlife to bustling village scenes and joyous Boishakh festivities, they offer a glimpse into a world of beauty, wonder, and timeless tradition. He employs a unique blend of folk motifs, indigenous symbols, and captivating fables, to weave a narrative enriched in cultural significance. Some paintings also have references to other art forms, like nakshi katha and rickshaw painting, to name a few.
Directed by Siddharth Anand, "Fighter" propels Bollywood into the world of high-octane aerial action, a genre explored rarely in Indian cinema. Starring Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone, the film not only is a thrilling cinematic experience but also a great instalment for a full-fledged action franchise. It is currently streaming on Netflix and is trending at the top amongst movies being consumed in the country.
Netflix's "Murder Mubarak" unfolds within the opulent walls of the Royal Delhi Club, a playground for the city's elite. However, the facade of sophistication shatters when a prominent member is found dead. The film boasts a glamorous setting and a promising cast, aiming to weave intrigue with its whodunit narrative. Director Homi Adajania injects humour into the proceedings by presenting different versions of the same scene.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly transformed various sectors, and advertising is no exception. With advancements in deep learning algorithms and neural networks, modern AI has become increasingly proficient in generating realistic imagery, including ad campaigns without human intervention.
For decades, Bollywood has been primarily driven by the "male gaze," where women were portrayed through the lens of male desire and societal expectations. They presented women in stereotypical roles, often as damsels in distress, sacrificing lovers, or objects of desire. This male gaze manifested in hyper-sexualisation, passive narratives and limited agency. Women rarely drove the plot. Their actions and desires revolved around men, reinforcing traditional gender roles. They were portrayed as lacking control over their lives, with their choices dictated by societal norms or male characters.
Last week, on February 15, 2024, Alliance Française de Dhaka hosted a book launching event for Dr Mahbubur Rahman’s 'L'État, C'est Moi'
For most of the publishers, pavilion planning commenced as early as mid January and the organisers left no stone unturned in terms of planning the layout.
An architectural exhibition titled "Learning from Puran Dhaka: Exploring the Future of Living Heritage" is currently underway at La Galerie of Alliance Française de Dhaka. Organised by a collaborative effort of architecture students from various prestigious universities and supported by distinguished dignitaries, the exhibition aims to shed light on the rich cultural heritage of Puran Dhaka and its significance in shaping the future urban landscape.
With rows upon rows of book stalls offering everything from timeless classics to contemporary bestsellers, navigating through this maze of books can be both exhilarating and overwhelming
In the early days of cinema, Hollywood was instrumental in shaping enduring love narratives that have left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. Two iconic films from this era, "Casablanca" (1942) and "Gone with the Wind" (1939), exemplify the themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience amidst adversity. As societal attitudes towards love evolved, so did the portrayal of relationships on screen.
“Dhaka Makers”, an independent arts and crafts festival, is a vibrant platform for local artistes to showcase their creativity and connect with like-minded individuals. During my recent visit to the second edition of the event, I was impressed by the diverse range of stalls that highlighted a variety of Bangladeshi artworks.
The intersection of graphic novels and cinema is rather interesting, as these celluloid stories highlight the power of visual storytelling, emotional depth, and thought-provoking themes that continue to redefine the cinematic landscape. Ranging from genres like crime to science fiction, these stories have influenced filmmakers beyond geographical borders.
Bollywood has seen its fair share of love stories, but "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge" (DDLJ) has carved a special place in the hearts of audiences across generations. Released in 1995, this classic directed by Aditya Chopra is one of the longest-running films in the history of Indian cinema and continues to charm us even today.
This year is shaping up to be a thrilling time for movie enthusiasts as some of the most beloved film franchises are set to return with highly anticipated sequels. From action-packed adventures to heartwarming tales, audiences are eagerly awaiting the cinematic journeys that will unfold on the big screen. Here are some of the most exciting sequels coming ahead:
From gripping dramas to heartwarming comedies, this year is all set to bid farewell to storylines that have kept us on the edge of our seats and characters who have become a part of our lives. Here are some must-watch shows that are set to conclude their final seasons in 2024, delivering unforgettable moments that will resonate long after the final credits roll.