Maisha Islam Monamee

From stereotypical representations to more nuanced and empathetic depictions, the industry has played a crucial role in shaping public attitudes towards people with disabilities. In commemoration of the World Day of Persons with Disabilities, we delve into the journey of disability portrayal in Bollywood films, exploring shifts in narratives and their impact on societal perceptions.

There are films that we enjoy, and then there are the ones that are hard to forget. The latter moves us from within and changes the way we look at life. For me, “Kal Ho Naa Ho” is indelible with its rollercoaster of emotions. Written by Karan Johar and directed by Nikkhil Advani, the film featuring a stellar cast including Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, and Saif Ali Khan, marks its 20th anniversary today – since its release. At its core, the film is an exploration of the various facets of love, beautifully woven into the vibrant tapestry of New York City. As the film turns 20 today, let us revisit it one more time to remind ourselves to “haso, jiyo, muskurayo, kya pata kal ho naa ho.” (live and laugh, for tomorrow may not be there).

The third solo art exhibition by Zahangir Alom, titled "Songs of Soul," was inaugurated yesterday evening at La Galerie of Alliance Française de Dhaka.

What makes the humour questionable is one particularly problematic dialogue where a character implies that mental health is a construct for the rich. This dialogue not only disregards depression as a legitimate condition but also adds to the preexisting social stigma, implying that it's all 'just in our minds.'

Artists often push the boundaries of traditional techniques to convey their emotions, and in the process, they develop new forms or explore unconventional methods to establish a distinct style for themselves. Quite similarly, over the years, artist Rezaul Hoque has developed a novel approach to creating artwork through what he calls a “burning process”.

Today marks the silver jubilee of one of Bollywood’s legendary and cherished films, “Kuch Kuch Hota Hai”. Released on October 16, 1998, this Karan Johar directorial debut recommences holding a special place in the hearts of millions of fans – transcending generations and borders.

Most of the students from Dhaka University did not know about the fair and simply happened to pass by.

Raihana Shams Islam Antara, a lecturer in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at BRAC University, has been recognised as a 2023 IAF Emerging Space Leader (ESL) by the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) for her contribution in the field of space technology.

Director Gauri Shinde’s "Dear Zindagi", released in 2016, stands out as a remarkable example of the power of storytelling in fostering meaningful discussions. Through a meticulously woven narrative and finely etched characters, this film adeptly addresses the stigma associated with therapy while emphasising the importance and relevance of mental health in our lives. 

Ahead of this debut concert in Dhaka tomorrow, here is a playlist celebrating his musical journey and enduring classics.

Michael Gambon, the British-Irish actor best known for playing the wise professor Albus Dumbledore in the "Harry Potter" film series, passed away earlier today. He was a true artist, and dazzled audiences with a diverse career spanning decades, playing roles in everything from Shakespearean classics to modern tragedies.

Intelligent Machines, a Dhaka-based company that provides enterprise AI products and data science services, has etched itself as a notable name in Bangladesh's AI-based tech industry. We recently caught up with Mohammad Oli Ahad, the founder and CEO of Intelligent Machines, to learn more about the company’s mission, technological triumphs, and the strategies propelling it forward. 

Be it a romantic serenade or a foot-tapping groove, his music truly knows no borders. Ahead of his first concert in Dhaka, here are some of his songs to add to your everyday playlist.

For Bollywood fans, there are several nostalgic moments throughout the film, and many pop culture references to look out for. From old Hindi songs and iconic SRK films to “Money Heist”, “Shahenshah”, “Ram Lakhan”, and finally, “The Lion King”— it scores big in terms of establishing instant connections with cinephiles.

On this World Suicide Prevention Day, we embark on a cinematic journey through the lens of Bollywood, exploring how it has helped raise awareness about the critical issue.

Korvi Rakshand Dhrubo, founder and CEO of Jaago Foundation, has recently received the Ramon Magsaysay Award, also called the ‘Nobel Prize of Asia’, an award that recognises individuals with notable contributions to public service, community leadership, and social development.

Banerjee’s works have transcended borders through his international awards and expanding audiences across many countries. “I have been very close to Bangladesh, as my first short film received recognition in Rangpur. It was an honour receiving an award for my work from the eminent director Morshedul Islam,” he recalled.

Kazi Nazrul Islam was a revolutionary catalyst of Bangla literature, who evoked power through his words. He was a poet, novelist, playwright, speaker, newspaper editor, film actor, music maestro, and contributed to the Liberation war as a Shobdo Joddha and political activist. 

This year, team Bangladesh secured the first place globally, and won three gold and one silver medal. The winners include Naimul Islam, from Notre Dame College, Dhaka, Ture Saina Tithi, from Mulagram High School, Brahmanbaria, Mst. Samia Afrose Sruty, from Adamjee Cantonment College, Dhaka, and Md Sanaul Haque Shanto respectively.

Nabanita Nawar, a Bangladeshi researcher and entrepreneur residing in Canada, has recently been featured in the Forbes' '30 Under 30 Local: Toronto' list. We recently caught up with her to learn more about her background, work, and aspirations.