Directed by emerging filmmaker Zayed Siddiqui, the festival took place from August 16 to 18 at the historic Gaiety Theatre Cultural Complex in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India, where Siddiqui personally received the award on its concluding day.

In the often-treacherous world of showbiz, there is always “something else” beyond mere skill, charisma, and looks that contributes to stardom.

From his journey with Feedback to founding his own band, Maqsood O' dHAKA, Maqsoodul Haque has gifted us with classic hits like “Telephone Jokhon Phish Phish” and anthems such as “Abar Juddho Jete Hobe.”

Renowned singer Sajia Sultana Putul has finally located her sister, Sanjida Akhter Kona, and her family, after days of searching amidst the devastating floods in Bangladesh, thanks to community support.

People across the nation have rallied to support those affected by the floods. Whether it's through donations of money, clothes, or food, everyone is finding ways to assist the flood victims. Some have even travelled to the hardest-hit areas to provide direct aid. The country’s music industry has also stepped up, actively raising funds to help those in need during this crisis.

Among those impacted by this catastrophe is Mahfuz Ahmed, one of the 90s' most beloved actors. Despite his decades-long residence in Dhaka, Mahfuz’s heart remains tethered to his ancestral village of Jagatpur in Lakshmipur’s Ramganj upazila, now submerged under floodwaters. “I have never seen so much water in my life,” he shared, his voice heavy with concern. “Floods have happened before, but never has the water level risen like this.”

The capital's theatre community has come together to support flood victims, with troupes such as Ethic, BotTola, and Anuswar deciding to donate the proceeds from their performances to aid those affected by the disaster.

Following a hiatus of nearly six weeks, Tanzika Amin is back on set, shooting for a new series on MaasrangaTelevision. Directed by Nazrul Islam Raju, this drama highlights the complexities of city life. 

In recent days, the devastating floods have left millions stranded in these regions. For some celebrities, the disaster hits close to home, as many have ancestral roots in these flood-affected areas. Several stars have reported that their family homes are submerged, while others are anxious as their family members and relatives face significant hardships due to the flood’s impact.

From “Aadat” to “Sajni”, Pakistani band Jal has given audiences numerous popular songs which have left quite an impression on audiences. Earlier, the band first came to Dhaka in 2010 to perform, now after 14 years, they are set to return. 

On Friday, August 23, a concert titled “Joruri Shongjog” was held at the base of the Raju Memorial Sculpture at Dhaka University to raise funds for flood victims. The event commenced in the afternoon where a large gathering came forward to contribute to the cause.

Heavy rains and landslides from upstream India have inundated the southeastern districts of the country. Regions such as Feni, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Cumilla, Habiganj, Moulvibazar, Rangamati, and Khagrachari are struggling with severe flooding. 

Taylor Swift has added another accolade to her impressive career with her widely discussed Eras Tour. According to The Hollywood Reporter, she became the first solo artiste to perform at London's iconic Wembley Stadium the most times during a single tour.

Celebrated musician Justin Bieber and his wife, Hailey Bieber, have welcomed their first child. Justin shared a tender moment on social media, posting a picture of their newborn’s tiny foot.

At the outset of the anti-discrimination student movement, only a few artistes voiced their support. Among those who did was actress Safa Kabir, who felt a sense of duty and stepped out of her comfort zone to ask, “Why are these kids being beaten on the roads?” She also suggested that these students are young and need to be dealt with love, not aggression, leaving her message to the protestors, “Dear students, I’m with you all.”

"The last update I received was that the water was nearly reaching the second floor of our house in Feni. I'm uncertain about the current situation. I pray that the Almighty keeps my family and all those trapped by the floodwater safe and healthy," she said.

With the country now submerged in one of the worst floods in recent memory, Badhan is once again stepping up to support those in need. She is not only trying to assist flood victims personally but is also encouraging others to join her in this humanitarian effort. In a recent public appeal, the “Rehana Maryam Noor” actress urged everyone to donate clothing, especially dry clothes, which are urgently needed by those who have lost their homes and belongings in the floodwaters.

Regarding the flood victims, she added, "Many people, both domestically and internationally, are eager to donate funds for relief efforts. This aid must be used effectively. I am coordinating and verifying to ensure that the donations are properly allocated."

The film “Hindi Vindi”, an Indian-Australian co-production, is gearing up for its October release in cinemas across India and Australia. The movie features rising star Rupanty Akid in a significant role and is directed by Indian filmmaker Ali Sayed, based in Sydney. 

Prominent actor Sariful Islam Razz is set to star alongside Tollywood actress Swastika Mukherjee and Ashna Habib Bhabna in an upcoming dark thriller titled “Altabanu Jochhona Dekheni”.