Tanim Noor, already an admirer of Masha’s singing talents, did not hesitate to recognize her potential. “Are you willing to audition for a role?” he asked, to which Masha immediately complied.

Freedom of expression, enshrined in UN human rights instruments, UNESCO declarations, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, remains a cornerstone of democratic societies. It ensures that journalists can report facts, hold authority to account, and document history as it unfolds. Though protected by law, these rights are often taken for granted. Journalism, in its pursuit of truth, continues to carry inherent risk.

The recipients are: Farida Akhtar Babita (Film), Professor Md Abdus Sattar (Fine Arts), Marina Tabassum (Architecture), Ayub Bachchu (Music), Arthy Ahmed (Dance), Islam Uddin Palakar (Palagan), Shafik Rehman (Journalism), Professor Dr Mahbubul Alam Majumdar (Education), Tejosh Haldar Josh (Sculpture) and Warfaze (Music Band).

Born on February 22, 1943, in Cumilla’s Daudkandi upazila, Gazi Mazharul Anwar wrote more than 20,000 songs over a remarkable six-decade career. From romantic melodies to patriotic anthems, his words shaped the golden era of Bangladeshi music and cinema.

It is worth mentioning that Mehazabien is gearing up for her upcoming web series “Cactus”, directed by Shihab Shaheen.

Three years ago, Mitra had filmed a serial intended for YouTube. On the eve of the national election, he was suddenly informed that the content would be released in cinemas on Valentine’s Day. “I have been cheated,” he said, being distressed.

Titled “Alpo Kothar Golpo Gaan”, the book documents the creative background of selected lyrics written by Anwar, who is widely credited with composing more than 20,000 songs across film, patriotic, and contemporary Bangla music. Alongside songwriting, he built a prominent career as a filmmaker, producer, and composer, shaping several decades of Bangladesh’s popular culture.

Acclaimed Bangladeshi actor Zahid Hasan has dismissed a viral social media video claiming he recovered from diabetes without medication, describing the clip as entirely fabricated and part of a deceptive online scheme.

Alongside Parambrata, the Banga Bhushan was conferred upon singers Manomay Bhattacharya, Raghab Chatterjee and Rupankar Bagchi. Kartik Das Baul and Aditi Munshi also received the same honour.

Latin pop star Shakira is set to return to India this April with concerts in Mumbai and Delhi, marking her first major performance in the country in nearly two decades.

Whether the ratings turbulence settles remains to be seen. But for now, a 13-year reign at perfection has ended — not with a creative misstep, but with a digital duel between two fiercely devoted fandoms.

Classical dance in Bangladesh has long been associated with discipline, hierarchy and years of rigorous training. It is rarely viewed as a space for those who did not follow the traditional path from an early age. With the Ekushey Padak, the country’s second-highest ranking civilian award, in the field of dance now attached to her name, Arthy Ahmed’s work is being recognised for both her performances and her broader vision of inclusivity within classical practice.

Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) inaugurated “Sangkalan” on February 20, an exhibition displaying the 21st February special publications and archives in different districts of Bangladesh.

With the poster release, Raihan Rafi also confirmed that “Pressure Cooker” is set to hit theatres across the country during Eid-ul-Fitr. 

He added firmly, “One day, the country may regret. It may say, why should he not receive the Independence Award? I fought directly in the war.” There was no bitterness in his voice, only conviction.

The production was performed today (Saturday) at 11 am at the base of the Raju Sculpture by Dhaka University Natya Sangsad. The play was written and directed by second-year DU student Mubashshir Mahmud Nibir.

Bangladeshi actor Chanchal Chowdhury has revealed that he was initially approached to act in Dev-starrer “Khadaan”, but had to step away from the project because of scheduling complications.

Depp and Dane had developed a close friendship years earlier through shared connections, which led the “Pirates of the Caribbean” actor to open his home to Dane during his final months.

Tunisian filmmaker Kaouther Ben Hania refused to accept an honour at a Berlin awards ceremony this week, citing objections after an Israeli general was recognised at the same event.

The film revolves around four teenage boys from a remote mountain village in Nepal. According to Goopy Bagha Productions Limited, the film, completed in 2021, has been screened in more than 20 countries, selected at over 80 international film festivals, and has won 15 awards.