Theatre troupe Aranyak Natyadal has organised a month-long festival to commemorate its 53rd anniversary this year, featuring a series of performances and events. The celebrations will take place at the Mahila Samiti Auditorium and the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), beginning tomorrow.

When the wildfires swept through Los Angeles, engulfing upscale areas like Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and Santa Monica, many residents were forced to evacuate. Among them was Meryl Streep, who took an unconventional route to escape the flames. Her nephew, Abe Streep, revealed to New York Magazine Intelligencer how the acclaimed actress had to make a daring move to flee the crisis.

Lux Channel i Superstar famed Sifat E Tahsin, who was once a familiar face in acting, has been living in the United States with her husband and children for an extended period. However, it was announced yesterday that she has returned to acting in the drama “Fader Preme”.

Actor Niloy Alamgir has voiced concerns over the unauthorised release of behind-the-scenes footage from shooting units, which often goes viral without the knowledge of artistes and crew members. Such leaks, sometimes even revealing crucial scenes, have caused embarrassment for those involved in the productions.

Rafiath Rashid Mithila and FS Nayeem starrer “Jole Jwole Tara” is all set for release next month. Directed by Arun Chowdhuri, the government-funded film will showcase Mithila in a completely unique character.

Actor Ziaul Faruq Apurba and rising star Naznin Nahar Niha teamed up for the first time for a drama. Directed by Jakaria Showkhin and co-written by Showkhin and Nasir Khan, the project is titled “Mon-Duari”. The project was filmed over 13 days in locations including Dhaka, Nawabganj, and Rajshahi.

Madhumita Cinema Hall, one of Dhaka’s historic film theatres located in Motijheel, has maintained a strong tradition over the years, celebrating its golden jubilee in 2022. Today, Iftekhar Uddin Noushad, the owner, confirmed that the cinema will close permanently following this year’s Eid screenings. He also shared with The Daily Star that a new multiplex will be built in its place.

Pori Moni has often been in the limelight for her personal life more than her work. Over the years, the actress has faced criticism for controversies surrounding her relationships, marriage, and even drug-related incidents.

Following its record-breaking theatrical run since its release on December 5, “Pushpa 2: The Rule”, starring Allu Arjun, Rashmika Mandanna, and Fahadh Faasil, is gearing up for its OTT release. The highly anticipated sequel is set to stream on Netflix, covering multiple languages. 

The classic Orwellian allegory has been adapted and directed for stage by Jaganmoy Paul. The play will be preceded by the certificate-giving ceremony of the 47th batch starting at 6:30pm. The entry pass can be collected at the entrance of the Shilpakala Academy.

After a brief suspension, Bangla Academy has published a revised list of winners for its prestigious Literary Award 2024. The finalised list was announced yesterday night, following a reevaluation meeting by the Bangla Academy Executive Council.

Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, adviser to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, has called for merging the culture and tourism ministries to ensure better coordination.

Following the social media controversy over two prominent actresses, Mehazabien Chowdhury in Chattogram and Pori Moni in Tangail, being prevented from attending launch events in their respective locations, another actress, Apu Biswas, has faced the same obstacle today. She was scheduled to inaugurate a restaurant in Dhaka’s Kamrangirchar area.

Seasoned actor Khawaja Naim Murad made his debut in the 1990s with the film “Chandni”, through which he significantly made a mark. Since then, he has never had to look back. Within just a few years, he established himself as a prominent figure in the industry. “Chandni” turned his life around and he went on to play leading roles in numerous films.

The film stars Kolkata actress Idhika Paul alongside Shakib Khan, with Nusrat Jahan from Kolkata also making an appearance in an item song.

The revered icon of Bengali playback music, with a career spanning more than six decades, is set to perform at an event in Dhaka, on January 31 and February 1. This much-awaited show, HSBC’s “Ami Achi Thakbo”, promises to celebrate her unparalleled contribution to music.

The 41st edition of the Sundance Film Festival, one of the world's most prominent independent film festivals, has successfully completed six out of its eleven days. 

''XO, Kitty'', the beloved Netflix spinoff of Jenny Han’s ''To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before'' franchise, returned for its highly anticipated second season with all the sweetness, drama, and spirit that made its first season such a hit. The show picks up where it left off, delving deeper into Kitty Song Covey's (played by Anna Cathcart) whirlwind life at the Korean Independent School of Seoul (KISS), while also bringing a more profound focus on her quest for answers about her late mother, Eve. Season 2 strikes a delicate balance between familiar beats from Season 1 and exciting new developments, presenting a delightful intermingling of romance, familial bonds, and personal growth.

Tarunner Utsab (Youth Festival) 2025, organised by the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, is currently being celebrated nationwide. The programmes are being held at district, divisional, and central levels. As part of this initiative, the Music, Dance, and Recitation Department of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has organised the band music event “Bol Bir—Ami Chiro Unnoto Shir” in six districts and dance performances in 50 districts to celebrate the energy, enthusiasm, and potential of youth.

FS Nayeem and Rafiath Rashid Mithila, a popular duo from the TV drama scene, are now set to hit the big screen with their upcoming film "Jole Jwole Tara". Directed by Arun Chowdhury, the movie has been in the works since the two actors signed on three years ago.