Maisha Islam Monamee

Contributing writer for Arts & Entertainment and Star Youth.

Hrithik-Deepika starrer ‘Fighter’ soars high on action

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.

2d ago

‘Murder Mubarak’: Does it live up to the hype?

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.

6d ago

A trend on the rise: The phenomenon of AI-generated advertisements

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.

1w ago

Dissecting the female gaze in Bollywood

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.

2w ago

Breaking barriers: Unveiling the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs

The theme for this year’s Women’s Day, "Invest in women: Accelerate Progress," resonates deeply in today’s entrepreneurial landscape. While recent years have seen a commendable increase in the number of female-led startups, a persistent challenge remains – the funding gap. As we continue to celebrate the rise of female entrepreneurs, it is crucial to acknowledge the systemic challenges they face, particularly the fact that investors still hesitate to trust solo women founders, creating barriers to their success. 

2w ago

Shark Tank Bangladesh: Can this be a game-changer for local startups?

The popular television series 'Shark Tank', known for its presence in more than 40 countries, is set to launch a localised edition in Bangladesh. The show has already helped the startup scene in various countries, including the United States, Australia, Russia, and India. With all its impact, how will the business-oriented reality show fare in this country?

3w ago

Unveiling ‘L’État, C'est Moi’: A journey through French aesthetics and culture

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'

Behind the scenes: Preparing stall layouts for the Ekushey Boi Mela

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.

November 28, 2023
November 28, 2023

Marking two decades of ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’s’ exuberance

There are films that we enjoy, and then there are the ones that are hard to forget. The latter moves us from within and changes the way we look at life. For me, “Kal Ho Naa Ho” is indelible with its rollercoaster of emotions. Written by Karan Johar and directed by Nikkhil Advani, the film featuring a stellar cast including Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, and Saif Ali Khan, marks its 20th anniversary today – since its release. At its core, the film is an exploration of the various facets of love, beautifully woven into the vibrant tapestry of New York City. As the film turns 20 today, let us revisit it one more time to remind ourselves to “haso, jiyo, muskurayo, kya pata kal ho naa ho.” (live and laugh, for tomorrow may not be there).

November 4, 2023
November 4, 2023

Souls intertwined with nature and melody: Zahangir Alom’s solo exhibition underway

The third solo art exhibition by Zahangir Alom, titled "Songs of Soul," was inaugurated yesterday evening at La Galerie of Alliance Française de Dhaka.

October 30, 2023
October 30, 2023

‘Dream Girl 2’: An erroneous comedy

What makes the humour questionable is one particularly problematic dialogue where a character implies that mental health is a construct for the rich. This dialogue not only disregards depression as a legitimate condition but also adds to the preexisting social stigma, implying that it's all 'just in our minds.'

October 26, 2023
October 26, 2023

Rezaul Hoque’s unique approach to art with ‘burning’ technique

Artists often push the boundaries of traditional techniques to convey their emotions, and in the process, they develop new forms or explore unconventional methods to establish a distinct style for themselves. Quite similarly, over the years, artist Rezaul Hoque has developed a novel approach to creating artwork through what he calls a “burning process”.

October 16, 2023
October 16, 2023

25 Years of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai: A holistic approach to love

Today marks the silver jubilee of one of Bollywood’s legendary and cherished films, “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai”. Released on October 16, 1998, this Karan Johar directorial debut recommences holding a special place in the hearts of millions of fans – transcending generations and borders.

October 15, 2023
October 15, 2023

Dhaka Divisional Book Fair ended amidst the need for more visibility

Most of the students from Dhaka University did not know about the fair and simply happened to pass by.

October 14, 2023
October 14, 2023

Bangladeshi Antara recognised as an IAF Emerging Space Leader

Raihana Shams Islam Antara, a lecturer in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at BRAC University, has been recognised as a 2023 IAF Emerging Space Leader (ESL) by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) for her contribution in the field of space technology.

October 10, 2023
October 10, 2023

'Dear Zindagi': On love, life and mental well-being

Director Gauri Shinde’s "Dear Zindagi", released in 2016, stands out as a remarkable example of the power of storytelling in fostering meaningful discussions. Through a meticulously woven narrative and finely etched characters, this film adeptly addresses the stigma associated with therapy while emphasising the importance and relevance of mental health in our lives. 

October 5, 2023
October 5, 2023

5 Lucky Ali songs to celebrate ahead of his Dhaka show

Ahead of this debut concert in Dhaka tomorrow, here is a playlist celebrating his musical journey and enduring classics.

September 28, 2023
September 28, 2023

Bidding adieu to the wizard behind ‘Dumbledore’

Michael Gambon, the British-Irish actor best known for playing the wise professor Albus Dumbledore in the "Harry Potter" film series, passed away earlier today. He was a true artist, and dazzled audiences with a diverse career spanning decades, playing roles in everything from Shakespearean classics to modern tragedies.

push notification