While most popular bands took the stage, Artcell, one of the main attractions, was unable to perform due to unforeseen circumstances.

In a career that spanned over six decades, Zakir Hussain worked with not just India’s musical stalwarts like Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan but also legends like George Harrison and Van Morrison.

Bangladesh emerged as a sovereign state on December 16, 1971, following a nine-month-long Liberation War. This year, the nation celebrates Victory Day with renewed fervour, especially after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime on August 5, 2024.  

As part of the annual Victory Month celebrations, an open-air concert, titled “Shobar Agey Bangladesh” (Bangladesh First), has just kicked off in the capital. Held at Manik Mia Avenue, the event is set to run till 11pm today (December 16), bringing together some of the country’s most celebrated artistes and performers.

Amitabh Bachchan expressed his sorrow on his blog, calling Hussain “a genius, an unmatched maestro… an immeasurable loss.” Kamal Haasan shared a personal memory, posting an image of himself playing tabla with Hussain. “Zakir Bhai! He left too soon. Yet we are grateful for the times he gave us and what he left behind in the form of his art. Goodbye and thank you,” Haasan wrote.

This year, the Victory Day feels particularly significant due to this year’s powerful uprising. To commemorate this special day, here are some events to help you embrace the spirit of patriotism. 

Legendary tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain has passed away at a hospital in San Francisco, his family announced on Monday. 

Taylor Swift’s 35th birthday turned into a heartwarming celebration with her boyfriend, National Football League (NFL) star Travis Kelce. According to Page Six, a source close to the couple shared that Travis went all out to make the day special by arranging a private celebration and showering the pop sensation with a “ton of gifts.”

The collection features 12 unreleased songs thought to have been created between 1989 and 1991, during the lead-up to Michael Jackson’s “Dangerous” album.

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Renowned Rabindra Sangeet exponent Rezwana Choudhury Bannya recalled her first meeting with Papia Sarwar in 1975. At the time, Papia—then known as Papia Rahman—was a third-year student at Sangit Bhavana (Institute of Dance, Drama, and Music) at Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan, where Bannya had just begun her musical journey.

Swift, who has shaped much of the year’s music landscape, achieved a landmark in her career with wins that included Top Streaming Songs Artist and Top Billboard Global 200 Artist. Meanwhile, Zach Bryan continued his meteoric rise in the music industry, securing five wins, including Top Country Touring Artist and Top Rock Artist. Morgan Wallen followed closely with four awards, and genre-defining acts like Bad Bunny, Drake, Elevation Worship, and Shaboozey picked up three each.

Papia Sarwar, renowned Rabindra Sangeet exponent and Ekushey Padak laureate, passed away at a private hospital in Dhaka yesterday. She was 72.

The song, penned by Shomeshwar Oli and composed by Sajid Sarker, had more than 6 million views on Youtube

Jon Kabir, a name synonymous with Bangla rock, first rose to fame as the frontman for Black in the early 2000s. After leaving Black to form Indalo, he embraced a new musical direction

Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco have taken their relationship to the next level, announcing their engagement to the delight of fans.

The broadcast of Gaan Bangla Television has been suspended. Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited has decided to halt the broadcast due to unpaid satellite fees. 

Ekushey Padak-winning Rabindra Sangeet artiste Papia Sarwar has been placed on ventilator support due to a deterioration in her physical condition. 

Each year, a range of programmes are organised to commemorate the Month of Victory, and this year is no different. To celebrate Victory Day, an open-air concert has been scheduled in the capital, featuring James alongside some of the country’s most renowned artistes.

Joy Shahriar added, "It's been a while since I've performed at the EMK Centre in a fully acoustic arrangement. I’m excited to debut some songs from my new album at this concert. I hope everyone will enjoy a delightful evening filled with music."