An artist of exceptional talent and international repute, Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin played a pioneering role in the modern art movement in Bangladesh. By all accounts, the movement began with the setting up of the Government Institute of Arts and Crafts (now FFA, DU) in 1948 in Dhaka, of which he was the founding principal. His works are centered on the power of men and women who labour and struggle against all odds and realise their potential.

‘Tree’, ‘bird’, ‘honeybee’, ‘fish’, ‘deer’ and ‘tiger’ all joined in a live talk show to express their grievances and protest the uncontrolled destruction of the environment.

It is, perhaps an understatement to say that when Warfaze was formed in 1984, it was ahead of its time. Starting out as an cover band who played English hard rock and progressive metal tracks, the band went on to create many Bangla masterpieces, through a tumultuous journey full of success, fallouts, line-up changes and a constant determination to survive through just about anything. Today marks the hard rock legend’s 36th birthday, a landmark few bands get to experience in this day and age.

No Dorai (Dare to Surf) is set to compete under the fiction films category, in the 14th Asia Pacific Screen Awards. The final nomination list will be published in October and films from 70 countries around the world will participate in the competition. The award-giving ceremony will be held in Brisbane, Australia, on November 26.

ABM Sumon started his journey as a model with international fashion companies. He entered Bangladesh’s film industry with Ochena Hridoy (2015) and was well appreciated for his performance in Dhaka Attack (2017).

Celebrated television director Mizanur Rahman Aryan reflects on the issues of family and contemporary relationships through his work.

Prominent television personality and former Deputy Director General and Chief of Programmes of NTV, Mustafa Kamal Syed, breathed his last on May 31 at the capital’s Square Hospital.

The world’s biggest cinema showcase, Cannes Film Festival, usually held in May on the French Riviera, draws celebrities and filmmakers from around the world. It was cancelled following a two-month lockdown in France to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

Promising painter, playwright and director Nazmul Haque Bappy was born in Dhaka, but grew up in Mohanganj, Netrokona. Completing BFA and MFA from the Department of Oriental Art, Faculty of Fine Art, University of Dhaka, Bappy, with inspiration from his parents – Dr Md Nurul Haque and Rasheda Khatun Chowdhury, later obtained a higher degree in Chinese painting with a fully funded scholarship from the Chinese government.

Chattogram based musician Masudul Haq Liton passed away on Thursday evening due to a haemorrhagic stroke, at his residence in Mehedibag. After being taken to Chattogram Metropolitan Hospital, he was declared dead by the doctors. He was 49 at the time of passing. The artiste, who was active in the music industry with his band Steeler from 1986, came into the limelight with the song Tumi Ki Amay Ager Moto Basho Bhalo in the mixed album Mon Jole, composed and arranged by Ayub Bachchu.

Film shoots were suspended across the country for more than two months, to curb the spread of the coronavirus, bringing the film industry to an abrupt halt. However, as the government is slowly lifting the coronavirus restrictions and reopening certain industries, film shoots are set to resume from tomorrow.

Indian actor Sonu Sood, mostly known for playing villains in films, has taken some commendable initiatives amid the coronavirus crisis.

Renowned filmmaker and screenwriter Basu Chatterjee breathed his last at the age of 90 in Mumbai, due to old age-related complications, as per reports.

The fact that musicians, in spite of hurdles such as the absence of shows – their primary income source – are soldiering on to make new projects from the confines of their homes, speaks volumes of the resilience and passion that they possess. Bappa Mazumder has always been at the forefront of the music industry, which had been mired with issues even before the pandemic. The Daily Star had a heart-to-heart conversation with the renowned artiste about his new release, future plans, and more.

Film producer Mozammel Haque Sarker passed away on June 1, at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) at the age of 56. He was infected with COVID-19.

To provide courage in these trying times, renowned artistes Elita Karim, Mahadi, Porshi and Mahtim Shakib have lent their voices to Jokhon Juddhe Achi, penned by Asif Iqbal and tuned by Shahbaz Khan Pilu. Sajid Sarker handled the arrangements of the song, which will be made available on Gaanchill Music's YouTube channel, and other steraming platforms.

Commemorating the legacy of eminent television personality Mustafa Kamal Syed, a live programme titled, ‘Tumi Robe Nirobe’, about his life and works, will premiere today at 9 pm on NTV. The three-day programme will conclude on June 3, 2020.

TV shoots were shut down across the country for a long time, to curb the spread of the coronavirus. However, starting from today, inter-organisations in the television community, including the Television and Digital Programme Producers Association of Bangladesh, Director's Guild, Actors’ Equity, Writers’ Equity, Cameraman Association of Bangladesh, Presenters Platform of Bangladesh, Video Editors Association of Bangladesh, Audio Visual Technical Owners Association, Television Media Make-up Artiste Association, Television Assistant Director Organisation of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Television Media Production Manager Association, Bangladesh Media Lightman Association, Shooting Light Owners Association, Shooting House Owners Association and Shooting Unit Microbus Drivers Association have decided to resume shoots, with certain health guidelines. The leading inter-organisations can cancel shoots at any time, depending on the evolving situation.

Wajid Khan passes away

Wajid Khan from the famous Bollywood composer duo Sajid-Wajid passed away on May 31 at a Mumbai hospital at the age of 42, due to renal complications and COVID-19. His last rites took place in Mumbai.