Observing nature and life closely with his vision, renowned artist Mohammad Eunus has been portraying abstract paintings for over four decades. He has picked up a keen interest in pure abstraction. He employs colours, lines and textures to give his paintings a classical essence. In a recent conversation with The Daily Star, the masterful artist, who is currently staying at his studio residence and raising awareness on the coronavirus pandemic through social media, shared what he has been up to. Apart from contributing to an initiative by Professor Nisar Hossain, the Dean of the Faculty of Fine Art (FFA), University of Dhaka (DU), Eunus is also reminding his fellow artists and students to be responsible. “Artists have always played a leading role during any catastrophe in the country throughout history. We must ensure our place of responsibility in this crisis, from our homes, alongside the affected nations,” says Mohammad Eunus. “The government of Bangladesh has already taken rigorous measures, such as shutting down offices, educational institutions and malls. Different organisations, institutions and individuals are also raising awareness on the issue. Under the circumstances, the FFA, DU, has taken some initiatives. They are providing PPE supplies to the physicians and staff members of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. Even though most of us are at risk because of our old age, we are trying to stay strong and keep our morale up. We are all anxious, but I am proud to be a part of such initiatives,” he mentions. Eunus further encouraged the public to follow the guidelines given by the government. “I would like to request everyone to not go out of the house unless it is absolutely urgent. We need to practice social distancing, maintain cleanliness in and around the house, wash our hands frequently with soap and sanitisers and avoid going to mosques, temples or churches for a while,” concludes the artist.

Throughout history, cultural activists have taken their own initiatives to step up during emergencies. In the fight against the current pandemic, a group of 65 cultural activists, including writers, doctors, and theatre performers, have come together to offer their services for the people in the country. Calling themselves ‘Sangskritikarmibrindya’, the nonpolitical group has been working since March 25.

Today marks the 89th birth anniversary of the legendary Suchitra Sen. Originally hailing from Pabna, the Mahanayeeka has ruled over the Bengali film industry with her grace, poise and charm.

Single-screen theatres in Bangladesh have faced massive losses and the number of films has reduced drastically in recent times. Yet, the festive season, which includes occasions like the Bengali New Year and Eid-Ul-Fitr among others, is exciting for the film industry. However, this year, the circumstances are completely unprecedented. Movie theatres around the country were closed down, in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Six-time National Film Award winner Raisul Islam Asad won over the audiences with his performances in prominent films like Padma Nadir Majhi (1993), Anya Jibon (1995), Dukhai (1997) and Lalsalu (2001). The freedom fighter started his acting career with Dhaka Theatre and was first seen on the silver screen in Khan Ataur Rahman’s film, Abar Tora Manush Ho (1973). He looks back on his early days in a candid chat with The Daily Star.

The global coronavirus crisis has brought all television productions to a sudden halt in Bangladesh. Owing to concerns over the pandemic, the shootings of all television projects were officially shut down from March 22. As a result, a large number of workers, operating in front of and behind the camera have already lost, or are at risk of losing their jobs, either temporarily, or in the worst case, permanently. The owners of shooting houses are going through a difficult time, while millions of other jobs that are linked to the economic activity generated by the television sector, are also affected.

Back in the 90s, people protested and brought out processions on the streets, against the execution of the Baker Bhai, a fictional character. Featuring Asaduzzaman Noor in the role of Baker Bhai, Kothao Keu Nei, written and directed by Humayun Ahmed, shed light on the adventures of an endearing gangster. It remains one of the most beloved television shows in the country to this day.

Celebrated actor Apu Biswas has garnered many fans and admirers over the years. She shares one of her most favourite memories with a fan with The Daily Star.

Born in Natore, Dr Abdus Satter graduated in Fine Art from Bangladesh College of Arts and Crafts, (now Faculty of Fine Art, University of Dhaka) in 1971. With an ICCR Scholarship, Abdus Satter went to study Post-Graduate Research Course on Painting and Printmaking at Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan in 1973 and completed his postgraduate degree in 1975. As a fulbright scholar, Professor Satter received his second Master’s in Fine Arts from the Pratt Institute in New York. He also obtained another Master’s in Fine Art from the Institute of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka, in 1980.

As the world copes with the coronavirus pandemic with rigorous measures, many in Bangladesh woke up to the news that they have no jobs. Like workers of several other industries, crew members of media production companies are facing financial hardships at the moment. Consequently, numerous renowned TVC production houses of the country have pledged their support to an initiative that aims to support the daily wage earners, who have been severely affected by the pandemic.

Veteran actor and politician Farooque has won numerous prestigious accolades, including the National Film Award for Lifetime Achievement, in his illustrious career. The political leader will be donating food packages to over 5,000 underprivileged families who are currently in distress, as the country copes with the coronavirus pandemic. We caught up with him to find out more about his initiatives.

Chhayanaut has announced that this year, they will not organise the annual Pohela Boishakh cultural programme at Ramna Park, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

In 2012, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced April 3 as the National Film Day. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, then Industry and Commerce Minister, raised the bill of Purbo Pakistan Cholochitro Unnoyon Shongstha on this day in 1957.

Founded by Selim Al Deen, Bangladesh Gram Theatre is one of the most prominent theatre groups in the country. Apart from staging pays, they have always worked for the benefit of the greater good at crucial times. The President of Bangladesh Gram Theatre, Nasiruddin Yousuff, recently took the initiative to help out underprivileged communities during this time of crisis.

Born in Bogura in 1946, renowned artist Abdus Shakoor Shah completed his Bachelor in Fine Arts from Bangladesh College of Arts and Crafts, Dhaka, in 1970. Under the India Bangladesh Cultural Exchange Programme Scholarship, he completed his Post Diploma in Fine Arts, from the M S University of Baroda, Gujarat, India, in 1978. Ballads and Paintings, a book featuring a variety of works with some rare photos of Shakoor, was launched several years ago.

Jaya Ahsan is practicing social distancing by staying at home, as the nation copes with the coronavirus pandemic. She has been looking after her plants, spending time with her family, and trying to stay positive in these tough times.

This morning, social media was taken by storm when Raba Khan’s inclusion in the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2020 List was announced. The artiste, who made a name for herself with comedic content after launching her YouTube channel, The Jhakanaka Project, in 2014, is elated at her own achievement. “Incidentally, Forbes is the only magazine that my father reads,” said Raba in an interview over the phone. “You can only imagine how happy my family is after the official announcement.”

Celebrities are uniting to donate to different causes, as the world copes with the coronavirus pandemic.

As shootings of television projects have been stopped due to concerns over the rapidly spreading coronavirus, many crew members, including production and set workers, are struggling to make ends meet.

Internationally celebrated artist Monirul Islam believes that art, aesthetics and emotions are the basic facets of life. “For artists, life is a canvas, and they portray their realities into it,” he says.