Entertainment | The Daily Star
Publish: November 1, 2013
Kaushiki Chakraborty

In the realm of melody’s paradise

The second installment of the Bengal Classical Music Festival 2013, dedicating to the memory of Gyantapas Professor Abdur Razzaq was set off on November 28. The festival is being organised by Bengal Foundation in collaboration with ITC-Sangeet Research Academy of

The stadium comes alive

The stadium comes alive

The classical music festival last year, in all its grandeur, had slipped through the calendars of many, as they got to know about it late. The audience grew over the days in the 2012 festival — thanks to on-spot registration

Photo: Ridwan Adid Rupon

Of grace, mudra and ghungru

Vishal Krishna's showcasing of Kathak

Kathak prodigy Vishal Krishna sets off the second edition of Bengal Classical Music Festival 2013 through showcasing aesthetic grace and expression, enthralling mudra and movements along with speed. For me, the artiste seemed like performing across the universe, tossing the

Today’s  Performances

Today’s Performances

Celebrating Life on Channel i
TV WATCH

Celebrating Life on Channel i

Channel i will continue their broadcast of the ‘Standard Chartered-The Daily Star Celebrating Life 2013” award gala ceremony, showcasing the second part of the celebration at 11:05am today. Gazi Mazharul Anwar, photographer Anwar Hossain and late actor Anwar Hossain received

Tareque Masud Festival in Dhaka

Tareque Masud Festival in Dhaka

On the occasion of the 57th birth anniversary of late filmmaker Tareque Masud, the first Tareque Masud Festival is scheduled to take place from December 6-7 at the Jatiyo Chitrashala Auditorium of the Shilpakala Academy. The festival, organised by the

Ustad Rais Khan and Vidushi Alarmel Valli

Today’s performances

6:30pm: Vidushi Alarmel Valli (Bharatnatyam) 8:15pm: Saket Sahu (Violin) 9:15pm: Vidushi Bombay Jayashri (Carnatic Vocal) 11pm: Asit Dey (Vocal) 11:45pm: Pandit Purbayan Chatterjee (Sitar) 1:30am: Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty (Vocal) 3:30am: Ustad Rais Khan (Sitar)

Photo: Ridwan Adid Rupon
BENGAL CLASSICAL MUSIC FEST '13

Abul Khair’s message on BCMF ’13

“Last year’s Bengal ITC-SRA Classical Music Festival was a massive event. In terms of the number of artistes, audience and duration, it was, to the best of my knowledge, the biggest classical music festival of all time. Bengal Foundation successfully

Bindu forges ahead with verve
Tête-à-tête

Bindu forges ahead with verve

Bindu stepped into the media world through the Lux Channel i Superstar pageant. Immediate after the prestigious competition, she acted in the film “Daruchini Dwip”. Now she has become an unstoppable force in the media, topping many of her contemporaries

Group Theatre Day today

Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation (BGTF) was founded over three decades ago as the unified voice of theatre activists to declare their responsibility to the country. The day of its founding, November 29, is known to theatre artistes and activists as

The festival is upon us!
BENGAL CLASSICAL MUSIC FEST '13

The festival is upon us!

Aranyak to premiere new play today

Aranyak Natya Dal, one of the better-known theatre troupes of the country, is set to premiere their 52nd stage production titled “Swopno Pothik”, at the National Theatre Hall of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy today. Written by Harun Rashid and directed

Munier Chowdhury’s 88th birth anniversary

Munier Chowdhury’s 88th birth anniversary

November 27 marked the 88th birth anniversary of martyred intellectual Munier Chowdhury. Chowdhury was born in 1925 at Manikganj, Dhaka, and hailed from Noakhali. He was an educationist, playwright, literary critic and political activist. Chowdhury actively participated in the Language

The World is Ours

The World is Ours

Coca-Cola Bangladesh releases their Official Anthem for 2014 FIFA World Cup

Coca-Cola Bangladesh released the official Coca-Cola Anthem of the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Bangladesh, bringing the music of Brazil to the world capturing the local Brazilian rhythms of samba, baile funk and technobraga, says a press release. Performed by

Adharer Oboshan on ntv today

Adharer Oboshan on ntv today

Tele-film “Adharer Oboshan”, written by Maruf Rehman and directed by Mahfuz Ahmed, will be telecast on ntv at 2:35pm today. The story of the tele-film revolves around Sakib, who wakes up one night and finds a reflection of himself in

A special talk show titled “Editor's Guest” will be aired tonight on Maasranga Television at 7:30pm. The programme, hosted by Chief Executive and Chief Editor of Maasranga, Syed Fahim Munaim, will have Lee Yun-young, ambassador of Republic of South Korea, as guest. He will speak on the country's politics, diplomatic and bilateral relations between the two countries and the role of the media and future prospects.

TV WATCH

Monty, Arif Mong in BD Idol Finals

After nine arduous months of a musical journey of struggle and competition, the three finalists of the ‘Idols’ have been decided. Monty, Arif and Mong are all just one step away from being crowned victor of the Bangladeshi chapter of

Scenes from last year's festival: The masterful Ustad Rashid Khan; the audience enjoying the music and the exhibition (right).
WORLD'S BIGGEST CLASSICAL MUSIC FEST

A grand celebration of melody

The sun was just slipping into darkness when our small entourage reached the zamindar palace at Gouripur, Mymensingh. Travelling with us was Irshad Khan, the noted surbahar player of this generation and descendant of the Khan gharana, the legendary court

The stage is set
WORLD'S BIGGEST CLASSICAL MUSIC FEST

The stage is set

In conversation with Blues Communications CEO Farhadul Islam

Blues Communications is the event organiser of the Bengal Classical Music Festival 2013 (BCMF ’13) and a team of energetic, focused individuals have been working hard for months now to present a spotless grand musical experience to tens of thousands

Today’s performances
WORLD'S BIGGEST CLASSICAL MUSIC FEST

Today’s performances

WORLD'S BIGGEST CLASSICAL MUSIC FEST

Getting to the festival

Bengal Foundation has arranged for a number of buses to transport music-lovers to the festival from various parts of Dhaka, and return services as well. The buses will be plying on six routes: Abdullahpur-Khilkhet, Maniknagar-Basabo-Badda-Gulshan, Farmgate-Mohakhali, Jigatola-Dhanmondi 27-Manik Miya Avenue,

(From left): Bangladeshi sitarist Reenat Fauzia, tabla maestro Pandit Samar Saha, eminent classical vocalist Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty, sarod legend Pandit Tejendra Narayan Majumdar and Bangladesh classical vocalist Asit Dey at a press conference, held yesterday at the Westin Hotel in Dhaka marking the second installment of Bengal Classical Music Festival 2013, scheduled to open today at Army Stadium, Dhaka. Singer-journalist Nobonita Chowdhury directed the press meet. Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty termed the festival the worlds biggest of its kind, in terms of the number of audiences.  Photo: Ridwan Adid Rupon
WORLD'S BIGGEST CLASSICAL MUSIC FEST

Artistes meet the press

BIRTH OF SONGS

BIRTH OF SONGS

Shohojia's album launch and musical performance at Charukala

For music lovers, the creation of good songs is more important than random compositions that are made for songs’ sake. Promising, yet immensely popular band Shohojia, till date, has come up with many good songs. The front man of the

Setting course for an overwhelming joyride
BENGAL CLASSICAL MUSIC FEST '13

Setting course for an overwhelming joyride

There are times in our lives that, when they pass by, leave an impression that we know is going to be indelible. If we are fortunate, we know that such moments would come by again in the course of time;

Artworks on display. Photo: Star

Artists to the rescue of Ahnaf

Ahnaf was a bright all rounder who excelled in a range of extra curricular activities, including debates. In an unexpected blow, his family and friends were informed that he had leukemia. Now major painters of Dhaka Chittagong, and other places

“Romeo and Juliet” at Royal Opera House, London
DANCE REVIEW

“Romeo and Juliet” at Royal Opera House, London

The slim shoulders of the Russian ballerina Natalia Osipova were carrying a twin weight as she made her debut with London’s Royal Ballet. Would this international shooting star be able to add lustre to a company that is depleted of

Swift picks up four at American Music Awards
News bytes

Swift picks up four at American Music Awards

Taylor Swift has won four prizes at the American Music Awards 2013, including artiste of the year, favourite pop/rock female artiste and favourite female country artiste. Justin Timberlake picked up three awards including favourite soul and R&B male, while One

An exclusive conversation between Chairman Bengal Foundation Abul Khair, noted Tagore exponent Rezwana Chowdhury Bonna and Managing Director Brac Bank, Syed Mahbubur Rahman will be telecast at 6pm tonight on channel i. The guest trio will take part in a vibrant discussion marking the upcoming “Bengal Classical Music Festival 2013” scheduled to set off at Army Stadium Dhaka on November 28. The programme produced by Raju Alim will include a video footage of last years festival held at the same venue. The programme will be hosted by Sadya A Mallick, Editor Arts and Entertainment, The Daily Star. Presented by Square and supported by Brac Bank; Prothom Alo and The Daily Star are the strategic partners of the event. Maasranga is the broadcast partner while abc is radio partner of the mega event.

TV WATCH

A lone living legend of Purbanga styled classical music

A lone living legend of Purbanga styled classical music

In conversation with Vidushi Girija Devi

Vidushi Girija Devi is a lone living legend of Purbanga styled classical music. Acclaimed by music enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike, the prima donna of the Benaras and Senia traditions has dedicated her life to the cause of Hindustani classical vocal

Murtaja Baseer critically ill

Murtaja Baseer critically ill

Eminent artist Murtaja Baseer has been admitted to the coronary care unit (CCU) of United Hospital in the city with severe respiratory problems. The artist was suffering from heart and lung complications. The 82-year-old Baseer was admitted to the hospital

Sudheshna dances at a school, with musicians at the background.

Nritya Nandan’s Norwegian experience

  Nritya Nandan, a reputed dance institution led by eminent dancer Sharmila Banerjee, represented Bangladesh in Norway, in a collaborative programme between the two countries recently. Organised by Rikskonsertene (Concerts Norway), along with the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, over

“Pipra Bidya” to premiere in Dubai

“Pipra Bidya” to premiere in Dubai

“Pipra Bidya”, director Mostofa Sarwar Farooki’s latest film endeavour, is set to have its world premiere at the 10th Dubai International Film Festival, after it was selected for the official competition of the festival. The festival, set to begin on

LRB set to participate in South Asian Bands Festival 2013

LRB set to participate in South Asian Bands Festival 2013

On the invitation of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Government of India, rock band LRB — led by Ayub Bachchu — will visit New Delhi in India from November 26-30 to participate in the South Asian Bands Festival

Hunger Games Sequel soars at Box Office

Hunger Games Sequel soars at Box Office

The Hunger Games sequel has stormed to the top of the US box office chart with takings of $161m. But it narrowly failed to become the biggest opener of the year, falling short of the debut of “Iron Man 3”of

The maestro performed at last year's Bengal Classical Music Fest. File Photo
FLASHBACK

In conversation with Ustad Mashkoor Ali Khan

Ustad Mashkoor Ali Khan was initiated into music and trained for 15 years by his father, the great sarangi-nawaz Shakoor Khan, and secured a place in the world of music very early in life. After his father’s demise, he joined

Serenading soul, soil and gold

Serenading soul, soil and gold

Joler Gaan performs at Shilpakala Academy

To celebrate and serenade the six seasons of Bangladesh, multi-instrument folk-fusion band “Joler Gaan” offered their second installment of musical performance titled “Nobo Onner Ghran” at National Art Gallery auditorium of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on November 22. With the theme

Syed Fahim Munaim hands over the award to Rakhi.

Tanzila and Rakhi victors of Meghe Dhaka Tara

“Meghe Dhaka Tara”, a reality show featuring underprivileged girls has found the two winners for the first season of the show. Tanzila has been crowned the best singer of the competition, while Rakhi has swooped up the dancers’ award. The

Digital filmmaking workshop at Shilpakala Academy

With the title “Digital Filmmaking Workshop 2013”, a four-month filmmaking workshop will be held at the Theatre and Movie Department of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy from the month of December. Moviyana Film Society (MFS) and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy will jointly organise

Amin Khan: Small screen foray

Amin Khan: Small screen foray

Dhallywood superstar Amin Khan became hugely popular after he played the protagonist in the film “Obujh Duti Mon”. Now he is busy shooting for TV plays. In a recent conversation, the actor talked to The Daily Star about his foray

Bond villain Blofeld could return to franchise

Bond villain Blofeld could return to franchise

Famous Bond villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld could appear in future 007 films now that a long-running legal dispute has been settled. Kevin McClory, who came up with the story for “Thunderball” with Ian Fleming, had been locked in a battle

“Classical artistes are all members of one big family”
4 days to go
Bengal Classical Music Fest '13

“Classical artistes are all members of one big family”

-- Reenat Fauzia

Reenat Fauzia is one of the most sincere practitioners of the sitar in the country. Coming from a family lineage of the likes of the great Ustad Allauddin Khan, she has been an avid musician of the Senia-Maihar gharana, and

Tisha  excited to carry BD-Korea goodwill

Tisha excited to carry BD-Korea goodwill

Nusrat Imrose Tisha received a rare honour two months ago when she was appointed the Goodwill Ambassador of South Korea in Bangladesh for a two-year term. Now, with Korea’s year-long celebration of the 40th anniversary of bilateral relations with Bangladesh

Moha Ras Lila Festival concludes in Moulvibazar

Moha Ras Lila Festival concludes in Moulvibazar

Ras Mela is the principal festival and fair of the Manipuris. It is also observed by some Hindus at different places. The Moha Ras Lila festival of the Manipuri community of Kamalganj upazila in Moulvibazar district concluded on Monday. Thousands

Zero Hour to hit the mini screen

Zero Hour to hit the mini screen

The cast and crew of “Zero Hour” have returned from Sri Lanka after filming the 28-episode serial directed by Sakal Ahmed. Written by Shafiqur Rahman Santanu, the lead actors of the series include Anisur Rahman Milon, Sahed Sharif Khan, Romana,

Shahnaz Nasrin Ila  performs at IGCC

Shahnaz Nasrin Ila performs at IGCC

Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC) in association with Asian Paints, IRCON and Marico Bangladesh organised an evening of Rabindra Sangeet by popular Bangladeshi artist, Shahnaz Nasrin Ila, on November 22, 2013 at IGCC, Gulshan 1. Among the 19 songs presented

DiCaprio donates millions to save tigers
News bytes

DiCaprio donates millions to save tigers

Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio has donated $3 million to help save tigers in Nepal. “The Great Gatsby” star made the donation to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) via his charitable foundation. The funds will be used to significantly increase the

Photo Courtesy: MM Zahidur Rahman Biplob
BENGAL CLASSICAL MUSIC FEST '13

“This is an inspiring event for classical artistes and audience” — Anil Kumar Saha

Renowned classical vocalist Anil Kumar Saha, a lecturer at Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology, received talim for almost two decades under Ustad A. Daud Khan of India. Alongside, he earned Sangeet Bivakar (B Mus) and Sangeet Ratna (M Mus) degrees

“Good days are ahead for classical music students here” — Pandit Jyoti Goho
BENGAL CLASSICAL MUSIC FEST '13

“Good days are ahead for classical music students here” — Pandit Jyoti Goho

Pandit Jyoti Goho is an accomplished artiste in the world of Indian classical music, noted for his astute sense of subtlety in the art of harmonium playing. Widely known for his masterful playing and appropriate embellishments, thereby enhancing the level

Susan Sarandon speaks of Oscar competitiveness

Susan Sarandon speaks of Oscar competitiveness

Oscar-winning Hollywood star Susan Sarandon believes getting an Academy award now is like running for the post of US President. “It is far more difficult to win an Oscar these days because the procedure is as elaborate as running for

R2-D2 confirmed to appear in next Star Wars movie
News bytes

R2-D2 confirmed to appear in next Star Wars movie

R2-D2 is to make an appearance in the next outing of Star Wars, makers LucasFilm have confirmed. The squat, squeaking android is being created at Pinewood Studios by two British men who are members of a Star Wars robot-building group.