The coronavirus outbreak has seen cities and countries across the world enforce or recommend stringent self-isolating and quarantine measures in an attempt to combat the virus. Television and film artistes are taking individual initiatives to help those who are most affected by the pandemic.

Noted artiste and cultural personality Afzal Hossain is trying his best to stay busy as he self-isolates at home at this time of crisis. In a candid chat with The Daily Star, the actor shares what he has been up to and more.

Celebrated contemporary artist and curator Harun Ar Rashid Tutul is an assistant professor at the Department of Graphic Design, Faculty of Fine Art, University of Dhaka. The award-winning artist always thinks outside the box while creating his artworks. Be it painting, performance, video installation or new media works, Tutul is known for his multitude of talents.

With each passing day, the coronavirus pandemic situation looks to be getting more dire in our country. With the government extending the isolation period to April 25, the ones suffering the most are the day laborers and lower-middle class earners.

2020 will be remembered as an anomaly when it comes to celebrating time-honoured traditions, namely Pohela Boishakh, one of the most anticipated days in the Bengali calendar. The Bengali New Year celebrations, one of the most colourful festivals, had to come to a halt so as to combat the Coronavirus pandemic that has crippled the world in a matter of months. That being said, artistes found a way to engage people in the New Year festivities.

Celebrations for Pohela Boishakh have come to a sudden halt across the country, owing to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.

Celebrations for Pohela Boishakh in the country have come to a sudden halt, due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic. Yet, communities are set to welcome the Bengali New Year 1427 on April 14, with beautiful arrangements.

Renowned artist Anisuzzaman Anis is a professor at the Department of Printmaking at the Faculty of Fine Art, University of Dhaka. A graduate from DU, he studied construction and structural designs. For higher studies, he went to Rabindra Bharati University, India, and Tama Art University, Japan.

The indigenous communities celebrate the beginning of the New Year with different programmes, collectively known as the Boisabi festival. The word ‘Boisabi’ is derived from ‘Boisuk’ (Tripura), ‘Sangrain’ (Marma) and ‘Biju’ (Chakma). Traditionally, Boisabi is a cultural and religious festival of the indigenous people in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. It is their biggest annual celebration.

Under the theme ‘United Against Corona – Express Through Art’, The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has declared a global art competition to raise awareness on the rapidly spreading coronavirus. ICCR has invited artists across the globe to submit their artworks, expressing their thoughts on the fight against the pandemic, through an open call. The best artworks will receive major prizes and will be showcased online and in physical exhibitions in national galleries in India and abroad, in the future.

Programmes for Pohela Boishakh, the time-honoured festival of the Bengali New Year, will not take place this year, due to concerns over the rapidly spreading coronavirus. Though celebrations have been cancelled, various artistes and cultural organisations are trying to keep up their spirits with innovative endeavours.

Ashna Habib Bhabna is known for her multitude of talents. She is spending her self-isolation days at home by practicing dance and working on her upcoming books, among other things. Recently, she shared pictures of some of her artworks, created with different make-up products, on Facebook. "Besides acting, dancing and writing, I like to express myself through painting. I was pretty good in art during my school days," shares the artiste.

Kundan Lal Saigal ruled the Indian film industry for nearly over a decade, starting from 1932. A heartthrob on screen, he sang and acted in numerous films. He is known as the first superstar of the industry.

For those of us who are fortunate enough to be healthy and stay at home during the coronavirus pandemic, the possibilities of entertainment can feel both extremely limited and overwhelmingly endless. Luckily, directors themselves are likewise confined to their homes, which makes them readily available to offer some guidance on what to watch.

An array of artistes from across the world will appear in ‘One World: Together At Home’, a global virtual concert, curated by pop star Lady Gaga to support and applaud frontline healthcare workers in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

Siam Ahmed, one of the busiest actors of the industry, started his career with television before stepping into films.

Bangladesh, a culturally rich nation, treasures an excellent dosage of romance, action, comedy and most importantly, music, in its films.

As most people in Bangladesh are in isolation due to concerns over the coronavirus outbreak, so is the entertainment industry.

The Television Programme Producers’ Association, Directors’ Guild, Actors’ Equity and Writers’ Association have raised funds to support their coworkers in need. “We will not disclose how much money we have collected, but it is an attractive amount,” said Shaju Muntasher, General Secretary, Television Programme Producers’ Association, “we wanted to help our coworkers who have no jobs at the moment.”

Acclaimed Manupuri dancer and choreographer Warda Rihab raised awareness on the global coronavirus pandemic through a dance routine video. Titled Don’t Live in Fear, Be Cautious, the video is based on the Manipuri Bol by renowned dancer Bimbavati Devi. Through the routine, Warda urges people to stay home and follow precautionary measures. The video has received immense appreciation from other noted artistes and audiences at home and abroad. It is also being aired daily on BTV and DD News India. In a brief interview, Warda discusses how artistes need to act responsibly during this crisis.