The journey of creating “Jaya Aar Sharmin” began five years ago, when the world came to a sudden halt. Born amid the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, this heartfelt, small-scale production is now ready for its big-screen debut in multiplexes across the country on May 16.

There are few things as consistent as our unstable Wi-Fi, existential dread, and a go-to playlist of Korean dramas to cushion reality’s blows—especially for Gen Z, myself included. To love K-dramas is to willingly suspend disbelief, bask in a world where minor inconveniences spiral into grand epiphanies, and where misunderstandings are solved with monologues. The question is not why we watch K-dramas, but why, in a country that has its fair share of daily drama, we still crave more — and from 5,000 kilometres away, no less.

The excitement surrounding the Met Gala is reaching its annual high, as the fashion world awaits one of its most glamorous nights. However, the anticipation in India is especially intense this year, with several of Bollywood’s brightest stars set to make an appearance at the 2025 Met Gala. From legends like Shah Rukh Khan to new-generation favourites like Kiara Advani, the event is shaping up to be a vibrant celebration of style, culture, and innovation.

This year’s May Day discussion will feature playwright and professor Ratan Siddiqui as the keynote speaker, alongside Harun Rashid, chief editor of Aranyak Natyadal. Staying true to tradition, Aranyak will also release the latest issue of their annual publication, “May Day’s Paper.”

“John Henry” was written by playwright Zamiur Rahman Lemon in 1985, inspired by the song “Naam Tar Chilo John Henry” by artiste Hemanga Biswas. Lemon has now thus reimagined the play for television.

International Workers’ Day, observed today, marks a historic day steeped in the struggles and sacrifices of workers across the world. Over the years, writers in every language have penned poems, novels, and stories about labour movements, while musicians have voiced their solidarity through songs. Equally powerful are the cinematic portrayals of working-class lives—films that go beyond mere entertainment to provoke thought and reflection.

Veteran Bangladeshi actor Rahmat Ali turned 66 yesterday (April 30), marking the milestone not with celebration, but by doing what he loves most- acting. The acclaimed stage, television, and film actor spent his birthday on the set of a Bangladesh Television (BTV) drama, alongside his wife and fellow actress Wahida Mallik Jolly.

Maasranga Television’s popular programme “Binodon Saradin” celebrates a major milestone today with the broadcast of its 2000th episode

Time and again, Bangladeshi pioneering folk fusion band Shironamhin has established itself at the forefront of Bangladeshi musical leaders. Armed with a melodic identity that celebrates tradition whilst adapting modernity, Shironamhin has journeyed to maintain our cultural devoutness. Founded in the late 1990s, they utilise their culturally unique identity as musical storytellers to travel across the world for the sake of their fans and leadership.

On an uncharacteristically cool April evening, I stepped out of Banani’s blaring traffic and neon haze into a dimly lit room tucked within a commercial building and almost cinematically shifted from chaos to a melodical hush. A small audience leaned forward, captivated by the spell of an ensemble that included an esraj, a sarod, a jazz guitarist and a drummer, and a vocalist whose voice moved without language, just sound, rhythm, and improvisation. The music was neither entirely classical nor jazz nor fusion, but something looser, more exploratory, alive to the moment.

Directed by Shah Newaz Khan Cju, “Not a Fiction” is a powerful cinematic document that boldly addresses the extrajudicial killings that have plagued Bangladesh’s landscape over the past two decades. Before it's Prague success, the film had already toured three Oscar-qualifying and two Canadian Screen Award-qualifying festivals.

The project is being directed by noted filmmaker Shihab Shaheen, and is expected to premiere soon on an OTT platform.

Azad Abul Kalam, president of the Actors' Equity, has expressed concern after hearing about these incidents.

Actress Jenna Ortega is preparing to step behind the camera for the first time, revealing she’s been quietly developing a personal script for nearly a decade. In a recent interview with V Magazine, the “Wednesday” star shared that the story, which she conceived at the beginning of her acting career, now feels ready to come to life.

Duronto TV is set to commemorate International Workers’ Day with a special dance production titled “Nongor Tolo Tolo”. The performance blends mass songs with choreography by M R Wasek, featuring dancers from Nandankala Kendra.

Actress Mehbooba Mahnoor Chandni, known for her acclaimed performances in films like “Dukhai”, “Lalsalu”, and “Joyjatra”, is returning to the small screen after a long break. The National Film Award-winning actress enjoyed massive success through television dramas while working. She recently completed shooting for the drama “Tumi Ami O Se”, directed by Azizul Hakim and written by his wife, Zeenat Hakim.

Dwip Gallery in Lalmatia opened its doors to the second exhibition of its kind, “Miniscope 2”, on April 26. Flaunting creative gateways for diverse artists from both Bangladesh and India, it is currently hosting miniature and endearing artworks.

In a Facebook post, Sajib compared the film’s opening to that of another Swapna Scarecrow release, “Priyotoma”. He wrote, "Remember ‘Priyotoma’s’ opening? In its first three days, it grossed $44,000 from 42 theatres across North America. In comparison, ‘Jongli’ brought in $35,000 from 33 theatres.” 

Acclaimed filmmaker Payal Kapadia is set to return to the Cannes Film Festival in 2025 — but not with a film this time. She joins the main competition jury, becoming one of the select few Indian filmmakers to take a seat on the prestigious panel.

Observed worldwide today, International Dance Day is a global celebration of dance’s power to connect people beyond borders. It’s a day that highlights the joy of movement and raises awareness of dance as an expressive, educational, and unifying force.