Venezuela crowned Miss World

A human resources graduate from Venezuela, whose ambition is to work with children, was crowned Miss World 2011 at a glittering beauty pageant in London on Sunday.

A human resources graduate from Venezuela, whose ambition is to work with children, was crowned Miss World 2011 at a glittering beauty pageant in London on Sunday.

Ivian Sarcos, 21, took the ultimate beauty accolade at Earls Court in London, the city where the first Miss World was staged in 1951.

Outside the venue, a small feminist demonstration took place, protesting at what they said was an "appalling offence against women's equality."

The beauty contest was broadcast live to more than 150 countries and was watched by a billion viewers, organisers said.

Sarcos, who currently works for a broadcasting company, said her future ambition was to work with non-governmental organisations and children, according to the Miss World web site.

She has already created her own foundation to help youngsters.

Her hobbies include volleyball, mountaineering and trekking.

One of 13 children, Sarcos said her proudest moment was "when I did my Communion."

Next year's Miss World will be held in China's Inner Mongolia.

News Source: The Daily Star

Mehazabien’s TRIP to FAME

Since her crowning at the Lux Channel i Superstar 2009, Mehazabien Chowdhury has never looked back. Today she is one of the busiest actresses.

Mehazabien Chowdhury

However, the model-turned-actress believes she is still at her early days in the glamour world.

“I know these are my very early days in the scene. I still have to go a long way. My dream is to become an actress who will be remembered for years to come. I am now trying hard to make a place for myself in the industry,” says Mehazabien.

Currently Mehazabien is very busy with the shooting of Eid special TV plays.

“On this Eid, TV viewers will see me in many TV plays. In a single episode play Protyabartan, I am playing two roles for the first time. This interesting play is expected to be aired on BTV, as an Eid exclusive,” she informs.

“Other TV plays, featuring me to be aired on this Eid, are Akram Khan’s Behind the Ceiling Ball, Arif’s Guti and Shafiq’s Dhanda. To complete the shooting of the TV plays in time, we are literally racing against the clock,” she adds.

Playing lots of roles in quick time may raise the question of quality. But, the graceful actress has other thoughts. “I believe in quality rather than quantity. Though, I am playing many characters, I do not compromise with the quality of my work,” she states.

Asked about the need of having theatre-base for an actor, she says, “Having theatre-base must be a plus point for any actor, but it is not a mandatory thing. From my point of view, working at theatre and on screen is quite different.”

Mehazabien’s performance in ongoing TV serial No Problem has already earned her a name for herself.

“Receiving response as an actor is always an inspiration for any performer. I think it makes me more responsible to do justice to my characters I portray on the screen,” Mehazabien suggests.

Mehazabien’s journey to fame has been fast but steady. She stepped into the glamour world after her successful exposure to Lux-Channel i Superstar Contest 2009.

Looking back on her early days, she recalls, “Though born in Bangladesh, I moved to Muscat, Oman at the age of 1, because of my father’s work. As I grew up, I discovered a fascination towards acting. I used to take part in the cultural programmes at school. Teachers inspired me to attend the school programmes, regularly. From the age of 13, I started working as a model for the Times of Oman and continued till I moved to Bangladesh in 2007.”

“Success in Lux-Channel i Superstar Contest is really something that gave me a boost to move to the realm of acting,” she adds.

From then onwards, Mehazabien has been working to establish herself as an accomplished actress.

Bold enough to undertake new challenges; Mehazabien has plans of working in the movies as well.

“I think I am not yet ready to work frequently on commercial films. It would be wise to wait for the right opportunity to come. I am focusing totally on acting now. I want to be remembered as an actress—be it for small screen or big,” she concludes.

News Source: The Daily Sun

Noble pairs up with Shokh

Known as a trendsetter for TV commercials, Noble is all set to team up with promising model Shokh. Their latest venture is a TVC for Akter Mattress.

Directed by Maqmud Sohel, the shooting for the TVC’s is expected to start soon at different locations in Dhaka, Cox’s Bazar and Chittagong.

“Working with Noble is like a dream come true for me. I am eagerly waiting to give it my best performance,” says Shokh about the TVC.

News Source: The Daily Sun

Faria with Chanchal for first time

Promising TV actress and model Faria, for the first time, is going to perform against popular actor Chanchal Chowdhury in a play titled “Marble,” which will be aired on Channel i on the occasion of upcoming Eid-ul-Azha.

Faria

Directed by Koushik Shankar Das, the play was written by Meer Sami. The shooting of this play begins today at different locations in and around the city.

In this play, Rudro is a very shy and romantic young man. He justifies his life through his standard of honesty and justice. He likes to live in the imaginary world. He was addicted to play with marbles in his childhood and that’s why he still preserves five colourful marbles with him.

In the meantime, Kona becomes the only friend of Rudro with whom he can share his feelings. Gradually Rudro falls in love with her, but could not express this before her.

One day, he decided to tell Kona about his feelings for her, but an unexpected accident happens on that day. Everyday, a marble, preserved Rudro, loses away and an unexpected incident happens in his life.

Thus all the marbles except one lost away and Rudro becomes very careful to save the last one. Whether he will be able to do so or not, will be seen in the play.

While talking about the play, Faria said, “I am really happy by getting the offer to work with Chanchal bhai. He is a great artiste and I am sure, the viewers will surely like it.”

Chanchal said, “The story of this play is quiet different from the other stories in which I worked earlier.”

News Source: The New Nation

Silver screen fascinates me most - Ruhee

“I never dream of becoming an actress. It is my destiny that has brought me to the world of acting,” said model-turned actress Ruhee in a conversation recently.

Ruhee

Beginning her career in the glamour world as a ramp and photographic model, Ruhee has already earned fame playing the role of Gulbahar in Gias Uddin Selim’s ongoing mega-serial Abagunthan.

“Based on the work of novelist Manju Sarkar, the serial has been scripted and directed by Selim. Channel i airs the play on Tuesdays at 9:30pm. So far, a total of four episodes have been aired on the channel. We have already completed 80 per cent of shooting of the play and the rest will be done soon,” said Ruhee.

In the serial, Ruhee has been playing the role of a simple rural girl, Gulbahar whose parents marry her off in her teens. Since then, she has been facing various difficulties in her family. When a girl of her is with playmates, she has to take care of her husband and in-laws with performing domestic chores. To make matters worse, she has even got two children with her.

“To play the role of Gulbahar is extremely challenging for me. From the very beginning of my career, what I have heard most is, ‘models cannot act’. So, when I decided to play the character, I was determined to prove it wrong and establish that models can act at ease. To play the role properly, the man who inspired me most is Selim. Through Gulbahar, the director wants to portray the sorry state of Bangladeshi rural women and stress women empowerment. The character will get a different shade when Gulbahar will become self-reliant,” Ruhee told about her role in the play.

To play the role, Ruhee had to go into a transition from the glamorous world to a simple life. “Before starting the shoot of the serial, I went through Manju Sarkar’s novel and tried to assume Gulbahar in me, she said.

“I don’t want to become a glamour queen or to act for a show-off. I love to work on women-centric works—be it for small or big screen,” she added.

Ruhee has also worked on a few single-episodes such as Ahmed Sushmoy’s Aparichita, Ripan Nabi’s Achena Manush and Shahiduzzaman Selim’s Brityer Baire Eka and others.

“Apart from TV plays, I also anchor lifestyle programme Ashadharon on Maasranga TV. A reality show of dance—Nach Bangladesh Nach for Banglavision which is expected to be hosted by me,” she informed.

Looking back on her early days in media, Dilruba Yasmeen, widely known as Ruhee, recalled, “In my childhood , I loved to take pictures of myself. After my HSC examination in 2006, I attended a photo-shoot just out of curiosity. The photographer who took my pictures in that session asked me to contact Emdad Haque, a renowned photographer. Seeing my potential as a model, he offered me to work on their Pahela Baishakh modeling gig and I emerged as a model. Later, I started working on the ramp regularly.”

Ruhee dreams to be a film actress. “Films always fascinate me. If I want to see myself as an actress, it will be for silver screen. But, I don’t feel any interest in doing typical commercial films. I want to act in films but waiting for the right time to come with good script and renowned director. However, I never leave modelling as it is my biggest passion,” Ruhee concluded.

News Source: The Daily Sun

At last Shaina accepted by her family

After marrying her long-time lover Shetu and living Away from home for about a month, actress and model Shaina Amin has received her family approval. Not only that, two families jointly made arrangement to complete the ceremony.

Shaina Amin

Noted that, 'Meherajan’ famed actress Shaina Amin run away from home and married her longtime lover Setu on September 13th, 2011.

At that time Shaina’s father did not wanted to make any comment other than only expressing his sorrow, by saying in return for his love she gave him back only sorrow, anguish and tears.

At the end, Shaina’s parents forget their sorrow and pain and approved the marriage between them. 

Two family jointly arranged a grand gaye halud and wedding reception ceremony. On Thursday afternoon, October 13th they arranged Shaina’s Gaye Halud and on 14th wedding reception was done in a community center at Dhanmondi. 

However, no one from media was invited at this ceremony. Only few closed relatives were invited.

A hands on actor In conversation with Sajal

Talented actor Sajal is one of the busiest faces in the media, and despite choosing his offers carefully in recent days, he has made the most appearances on TV last Eid. Recently, the actor shared thoughts about his dreams, career and beyond.

: How do you feel about the fact that you appeared in the highest number of TV plays last Eid?

Sajal

 

Sajal: This has both its positive and negative aspects. I don't work in serials that much. Instead I take on offers of one-hour-dramas or tele-films. The works that I do around the year are mostly aired during Eid. As a result, the Eid-specials feature many of my performances.

What are you doing now?

Sajal: I've already begun working in TV plays for the upcoming Eid. I have to shoot almost everyday.

Do you work 30 days a month?

Sajal: Something like that. Honestly speaking, I don't want to work this much. But there are some directors who I just can't turn down. So I have a packed schedule, which more than often stretches late into the night.

Many of the TV stars are becoming frequent faces on the silver screen. Why aren't you doing any new film after your debut?

Sajal: Every actor has a dream of appearing on the silver screen. A movie reel keeps a performance alive for years with repeated views by the audience. I received several offers after my debut, and if everything clicks again I would like to work more in films.

Can you name your best works?

Sajal: It is very tough to do so. Every child is special to his/her parents. Still, some dramas that are worth mentioning are “Celebrity Ekattor”, “Tomra Bhule Gechho Mollika'dir Naam”, “Anutapta” and “Hey Rajkonya”. There were several other good performances, but I can't remember the names at the moment.

Any regret surrounding a missed chance?

Sajal: I never regret anything. I believe in my work and trust that good performances will win the hearts of audience. However, if you tell me to name my dream role, I'd say its “Debdas”. I would jump at any offer to portray the role. I also want to play the character of Amit from “Shesher Kobita” or Opu from “Pather Panchali”.

Do you get time to do homework before standing in front of the camera?

Sajal: I never perform without preparation. Whenever I return home and freshen up, I sit with the script in my hand. I think carefully about the next day's challenge and prepare several interpretations of the role that I'll portray.

Any plan to direct?

Sajal: I have no plan of becoming a director. I only know acting, and I want to stick with my skills for the rest of my life.

Which are your favorite movies?

Sajal: I have many favorites. “Sareng Bou” is one of them, while “Shimana Periye” can be considered as my all-time favourite. Other films that make up my top list include “Titash Ekti Nodir Naam” and works featuring Razzak and Salman Shah.

Which actress did you pair up the most with?

Sajal: Tisha. Other actresses that I worked frequently with are Bindu, Momo, Monalisa and Prova.

Do you believe in the trend of actors forming pairs?

Sajal: Definitely not. Different understandings are formed with individual co-stars. Tisha is my good friend and any work with her produces fun experiences. I have no inhibition with her. Bindu, meanwhile, is my junior from Jahangirnagar University and I have a good understanding with her as well. Momo and I also mesh in easily during our work. I believe that I'm always learning things from my co-workers.

News Source: The Daily Star

Making of a model- In conversation with Shokh

Although she made her first steps in the media with dance, it was modeling that jumpstarted Shokh's career. The journey has taken her through the world of TV dramas and even a movie with superstar Shakib Khan.

Anika Kabir Shokh

Shokh says it's patience, not haste, that has contributed to her success story.

TV channels regularly air the popular Banglalink commercials featuring Shokh. Recently a commercial with movie star Ferdous -- for an air conditioner -- has become quite a hit. Pairing up with another acclaimed film star Riaz in a carbonated cola commercial brought Shokh further fame, while her appearances in beauty soap and cream commercials have also made her a familiar face among TV viewers.

Even though modeling remains her strong suit, Shokh's first steps in the cultural arena were through dancing. She took dancing courses and lessons from Anisul Islam Hero. Shokh considers those lessons as being very useful in her career.

Shokh adds that her idol Suborna Mustafa's acting has captivated her since childhood and that she used to stay glued to the TV whenever the actress was on.

Her parents deserve the most credit for all her achievements, says Shokh.

Currently ntv is airing the serial “Chaader Nijer Kono Alo Nei” featuring Shokh in a major role. The serial has been written by Anisul Haq and directed by Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Raj.

Shokh adds that she is not taking up any new projects at the moment, as she will focus on her HSC exams. She is a commerce student of Lalmatia College.

However, once the exams are over, Shokh plans to add more appearances in movies to her resume -- adding to her already commercially successful debut in “Bolo Na Tumi Amar” where she starred opposite Shakib Khan.

News Source: The Daily Star

Neha Dhupia at Gitanjali Wedding Fest, Dhaka

The evening of October 1 could have been much like any other for many in Dhaka, but for a select 400, it was slightly more memorable. Former Miss India and Bollywood star Neha Dhupia was in town to attend the gala fashion show of the Gitanjali Wedding Festival and we caught up with the glamorous showstopper for an exclusive interview at the Radisson.

Neha Dhupia

 

As you can probably tell, Bollywood has a huge following in Bangladesh so we're excited to have you. Is this your first visit to Bangladesh? What have you made of it so far?

Neha: This is actually my second visit to Dhaka and I absolutely love it here -- you guys only seem to get better with time. The audience today has also been fantastic and they truly deserve a round of applause.

Over the years Gitanjali has worked with fantastic brand ambassadors. What initially drew you to them? How has the experience been so far?

Neha: Well, to be honest they made me an offer that I could not refuse. Jewellery is always a great product to endorse and they're one of the biggest players in the market. I've been their brand ambassador for three years and they have a way of really looking out for all the actresses that work with their brands and make sure they're taken care of.

What does the brand signify for you, personally?

Neha: I represent a line called Gitanjali Divas and it's one of their more minimalist, daily wear jewellery collections. Which is exactly how I like it. I'm not too flamboyant so this is a great reflection of my personal taste in jewellery. I think they actually put a lot of thought into choosing the right ambassadors for the right products.

Since the fashion show was the finale to a two-day long wedding festival, the ambiance tempted me to ask you what kind of bride you envision yourself to be?

Neha: To me brides should always be traditional. I love what I'm wearing now, which is a signature Ritu Kumar bridal lehenga and I wouldn't mind wearing something like this for my own wedding. Her designs stand for beautiful, regal brides and that really appeals to me.

Every girl has plans for a dream wedding, what would yours entail?

Neha: I think I want a simple wedding. Maybe by the beach, relaxed. And I definitely want to get dressed up for only one event, not seven! In our line of work, we have to wear heavy make up so often that I hope it doesn't take the charm away from when I do it for my wedding.

Towards the beginning of your acting career you did some unconventional roles in bold movies. Do you have any other exciting projects coming up?

Neha: I actually do. I'm working on a movie called “Maximum” with Sonu Sood and Nasiruddin Shah where I play an encounter specialist. Then there's a comedy called “Pappu Can't Dance Saala” and “Raftaar” with Emraan Hashmi.

I'm sure our readers would love to know your secret (as they say). Are there hair/skin/fitness regimes that you follow?

Neha: Nothing religiously. I think it's important to stay hydrated and exercise once a day, but other than that, just be happy!

The gala fashion show was the grand finale to the two-day long Gitanjali Wedding Festival that ended on September 30. It showcased bridal collections by famed designers from across the border including Ritu Kumar, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Kavita Vinitia, Preeti S. Kapoor and our very own fashion powerhouse, Ogaan Signature Collection. True to the show's namesake, its focal point was the exquisite pearl, gold, kundan, kolki and diamond jewellery from Gitanjali Lifestyle that met with collective appreciation from the audience. As the night ended with a performance by Habib, Gitanjali Lifestyle promised to continue this event in subsequent years.

News Source: The Daily Star

Orsha shows promise in acting

“I aspire to be a performer; be it on theatre, TV channels or silver screen,” said Orsha who has become a familiar face through her vibrant role as Deepabali in Saatkahon, an ongoing TV serial.

Directed by Golam Sarwar Dodul, the serial is an adaptation of Indian novelist Smaresh Majumdar’s Saatkahon, in which Deepabali is a leading character.

“Playing the character of Deepabali is not only significant, but also a daunting task for me. To portray one of the most-read characters like Deepabali, I had to undergo a few adaptations. Apart from studying the novel, I attended a total of three workshops before the start of the shooting to adapt myself to the character,” she said about her preparation for the role.

“The serial, which is now being aired on Desh TV, has already received a good response from the viewers and it is really great to be a part of this brilliant work. I am now busy focusing on the character in the upcoming episodes,” she added.

Apart from Deepabali, Orsha has recently worked on a few interesting projects which are expected to be aired on this Eid.

“A few days ago, I completed the shooting of an interesting play Tirondaj which is likely to be aired on this Eid on ntv. Directed by Saeed Tinku, the production features Azad Abul Kalam as my co-actor. I have recently worked on Tillo Express, a telefilm by Krishnendu Chattopadhyay. The telefilm is an adaptation of Time, a novel that deals with a peculiar psychological world of human beings,” said Orsha.

“I am also making my debut on the silver screen through Ferari Fanoosh. Directed by Abir Shreshtha, the film zooms in the life of a music composer. Though the shooting of the film has been started, we are now taking a break and we will restart the shooting in the month of November,” she said.

Looking back on her early days in the glamour world, Nazia Haque Orsha recalled, “When I was a student of HSC, I realised first to become self-reliant. I wanted to do something through I can get name, fame and money. And it is worth mentioning here that working on TV has served my purpose. My mother inspired me most in turning my dreams into reality.”

“I came under limelight through Lux Channel i Superstar 2009 contest. In that beauty contest, I grabbed the 4th position and won the title of Close-Up Miss Beautiful Smile,” she continued.

From then on, she has been stepping up her efforts to become a successful actor. Her positive outlook, confidence and pragmatic efforts are noticeable in everything she does.

“I am choosy and selective in everything I do. I do not want to appear on the TV channels frequently and to receive instant popularity. I am here to play an innings of a Test match rather than a T-20. So, I am now going steady,” said Orsha.

“I think that a good theatre-base is essential for every actor. So, I wish to join a theatre troupe in future,” she concluded.

Online adda with Nirab, Sarika at Banglanews24

As a part of a regular programme Banglanews24.com will arrange a two-hour online adda from 10:00pm on September 22. Popular actors and models Nirab and Sarika will be guests for this episode.

Nirob and Sarika

They will come at the news portal’s office and attend the online chat. They will answer questions of their fans through the chat-box links.

The portal’s web radio and web television will air the programme live.

The organisers will give award to a person for the best question to the actors.

For more information visit www.banglanews24.com.

Earlier, the programme was started with an adda with country’s one of the young music stars Mila and eared huge response from the online audience.

News Source: BanglaNews24

Youth will change the nation, hope Nirab, Sarika

The young generation of Bangladesh will one day change the nation, hope both Sarika and Nirab, two of country’s popular models and actors, during an online adda or chat on the night of September 22.

Nirob and Sarika

As a part of a regular programme, banglanews24.com arranged a nearly two-hour online adda. The adda began at 10:00pm. Popular actors and models Nirab and Sarika talked to the online visitors as guests for this episode.

They came to the news portal’s office on time and attended the online chat. They thanked the organisers for arranging this kind of programme at the beginning.

They answered different questions of their fans through two chat-box links titled ‘Premer Nam Bedona’ and ‘Bondhu Tumi Shotru Tumi’.

Responding to a question, Sarika said she equally loves modelling and performance. ``But it will take some time to perform on big screen.``

Nirab said he also equally loves performance but he enjoys big screen rather than small screen.

About Nirab, Sarika commented that he is very ‘down to earth’ and he has ‘no false pride.’

Commenting on Sarika, Nirab said, ‘She has many things to like and dislike as well’.

The portal’s web radio and web television aired the programme live.

The organisers will give award to a person for the best question to the actors. Meanwhile, the organisers awarded Rahitul Islam Ruwel selecting from others for proposing the names of the couple.

For more information visit www.banglanews24.com.

Earlier, the programme was started with an adda with country’s one of the young music stars, Mila, and earned huge response from the online audience.

Chanchal Chowdhury's new avatar for Television

Chanchal Chowdhury had to grow long hair for Giasuddin Selim's blockbuster “Monpura”. For “Moner Manush”, he had to lose weight.

Now the actor will go nearly bald for Mostofa Sarwar Farooki's next film “Television”. “I'll have to get rid of my hair shortly. I've mentally prepared myself to lose my beloved hair,” said Chanchal.

Chanchal Chowdhury

He is rehearsing for “Television” at Farooki's office everyday. “I've acted in many TV plays and feature films, but never had to master the dialect of Noakhali. I'll have to speak in the Noakhali dialect for Farooki bhai's film,” he added.

How is he learning the dialect? “Farooki bhai and his crew are pretty fluent in the Noakhali dialect. I'm taking lessons from them,” said Chanchal.

The committed thespian also said that he wouldn't work in any more TV plays this year, as he will be staying in Noakhali for two months.

“The character I'm going to play is named Solaiman. He is the son of a village chairman. He meanders around the village on his motorbike. Mosharraf Karim will be playing the part of his friend, informed the actor.

The last TV play featuring Chanchal is Salauddin Lavlu's “Harkipta”.

News Source: The Daily Star

Poonam Pandey does it again!

India's Controversial bikini model Poonam Pandey shares another picture to 'motivate' our men in blue. this one's tame...untill you look closely! 

The lass with the ass-ets is at it again! Poonam Pandey who recently shared a picture of herself in barely-there underwear has tweeted another picture of herself to 'motivate' the men in blue.

Poonam Pandey

Makes one wonder, with the bad condition that the team is in, if Ms. Pandey's pictures are actually motivating them or leading to well...nightmares.

In a picture that she tweeted recently, Poonam is seen in a more conservative avatar... until you look closely of course. 

The model and headline seeker's picture shows her bending over in a seductive pose, complete with a good 'view' of what according to Ms.

Pandey is 'motivational'. Here's hoping our boys aren't too distracted to save face against England!

Poonam Pandey Biography

Poonam Pandey, a dusky model, is one of the girls to sizzle on the Kingfisher Calendar 2011.

Poonam’s main asset is her svelte figure and sensuous looks. She’s as much comfortable posing in skimpy bikinis as in single-piece swimsuits.

- Times of India.

Masuma Rahman Nabila - Firmly anchored

Masuma Rahman Nabila is widely recognised as a TV anchor. She is currently hosting two live TV programmes: a musical programme on Banglavision and a quiz show on ntv. She has also made her debut as a model in a TVC for a cellular phone company this year.

Masuma Rahman Nabila

 

Nabila stepped into the media world in 2006 when Banglavision had just been launched. She was proposed by the channel to anchor “Ebong Classer Baire”. She worked in the programme for about a year. Then she did another show titled “Bocap”.

“I never entertained the dream of becoming a media personality. I just happened to meet some guys from the media circuit at a party after my SSC exam. They made me an offer, and I gave my consent. That is how it all started,” says Nabila.

Nabila was born and raised in Saudi Arabia but graduated from BRAC University, and is settled in Dhaka now. She lives with her mother and siblings. When asked about acting in TV plays, she says: “I'm lazy. And I think I'm not good enough as an actor. I worked as a model once. But in the end, I want to stick to anchoring.”

Anchoring is definitely under favourable stars. As Nabila says, where once only top models, actors or singers enjoyed the status of superstars, today TV anchors are also becoming much sought-after celebrities.

Nabila spends her leisure hours reading and watching movies.

Does she enjoy live anchoring? “A lot. I think there are more advantages than drawbacks of hosting a live show,” she asserts. “I can directly interact with the audience for one thing. For another, there is no such thing as a script or an editing process. Most of all, there is no one to tell me what I should do. But I often get scared when I think of what may happen if anything goes wrong.” Nabila also points out that she can fit in the two live shows anchored by her with ease.

Talking about her dreams and aspirations, she said: “I have a lot of dreams as an anchor but I don't know if they will ever be fulfilled. The programmes of Bangladeshi TV channels often lack diversity and innovation. Nevertheless, I want to stick to anchoring.”

Often, TV hosts treat their profession as a stepping stone for greener pastures. However, Nabila believes that one should respect one's work and only then does the question of fulfillment arise.

News Source: The Daily Star

It’s away from home - Eid for Swagata

This year Swagata will be spending the Eid far away from home. The actress/singer will be celebrating her Eid in Qatar with millions of Bangladeshis living at the Gulf state. She leaves Dhaka on 5 November.

Swagata

“I am flying to Qatar to attend an Eid-reunion programme of Bangladeshi expatriates. Every year thousands of Bangladeshis in Qatar celebrate Eid through a grand event. They all gather at a venue and enjoy themselves on the day,” says Swagata.

“I will be attending the event as its anchor. So I will be hosting the whole event,” adds Swagata.

So how does it feel to spend the Eid far away from home, family, friends and loved ones? Answering the question Swagata says, “On Eid day I will miss them a lot. I will be returning to Bangladesh right after the programme. So it is only a few days away from home.”

The Eids of our childhood times were certainly the best Eids of our lives. When asked about her take on this matter Swagata replies, “The Eid during those care-free days were certainly my favourite ones. I enjoyed those Eids a lot. I used to spend the occasion at my great grandmothers place at Gulbagh. 

The main attraction of the day was Selami. I used to team up with my cousins and friends and visit my relatives in the area to collect Selami and at the end of the day we used to spend what we collected. We used to have a lot of fun together, laughing, screaming in joy and so on.”

“These days life offers so little free time on Eid holidays; I usually stay at home for the whole day. I spend the day welcoming the guests and my relatives who come to visit me at our home on the day,” Swagata says.

On this Eid a number of TV plays will be aired on private TV channel featuring Swagata in different characters. Sharing her Eid offerings Swagata said, “Last three months I have been working crazily to finish the TV plays on time and as Eid approached I even had to do shooting all night,” informs Swagata.

“This Eid the audience will see me on almost all the leading TV channels in single episode TV plays, special programmes and Eid special drama serials,” Swagata adds.

“One of the main Eid offerings for my fans on this Eid is the first solo album of my band Mohakaal. The album is a self titled album and comes after eight years of band formation. The album releases today from G-series.” she concludes.

the city of joy thru lens - Kolkata

A solo photography exhibition of eminent photographer Anwar Hossain is going on at the Dhaka Art Center in Dhanmondi. The event titled Calcutta – Kolkata was inaugurated by Sanjay Bhattacharya, the Deputy High commissioner of Indian High Commission in Bangladesh on 1 November. Renowned poet Belal Chowdhury and journalist Shaheen Reza Noor attended the event as guests of honour.

Photographer Anwar Hossain visits Kolkata on regular basis. The displayed photographs depict the lives and happenings of the important and richly traditional city of India. The photos reveal a scenario of present day Kolkata.

Common scenes of the everyday life on the streets of an ever- busy Kolkata has been skilfully captured through the lens of the charismatic Bangladeshi-French photographer who is prominent since the early 70s for his worthy contribution in the field of visual imageries. Complex yet eternal relationship of man with nature and related subjects, desire, passion and emotional upheavals of the unpredictable mind and spirit apart from various non-human topics appears as major elements and ingredients in the displayed photographs.

Homeless floating mass of the urban communities and their struggles and hardship have been captured skilfully through Hossain’s lens. A number of photographs have deep symbolic undertone showing stray dogs at the roadside neighbourhood as key characters of the indifferent community.

The famous Howrah Bridge above the river Ganges and decorative garlands of the orange gendha flower have projected strong symbolic connotation those carry many of us back to the good old days of rich Bangalee tradition of rituals and festivities which till today is a vital incorporation between the past, present and the upcoming future of the fashion-oriented young generation.

The shabby, dilapidated walls of the ancient city with muddy puddles of the roadside potholes are too, quite artistic and significant in their very own ways in terms of relationship between the human world and that of the surrounding backdrop.

The word Popcorn and a sculpture of a dinosaur are again some symbolic signatures of the contemporary society those help to reminisce the conventional past.

Close-up portraits of human subjects provide mixed sense of wit, truthfulness, anguish and disappointment of the ongoing times to the simpler days of the unfussy past. In fact, the title of the exhibition itself has been a good explanation of the theme where Calcutta is a hint of the past alongside Kolkata, the contemporary version of the same.

Most of the photographs of Anwar Hossain seems to present a contrasting scenario between several timelines of the common society, hence creates a mixed inter-relationship between man and the inevitable destiny, a most inexplicable phase of creation from which none is to receive any compassion or relief, whatsoever.

Award-winning Bangladeshi productions like Emiler Goenda Bahini, Puroshkar, Dohon, Hulia, Chitra Nadir Parey, Nadir Nam Modhumoti, Lalshalu and most importantly Surjo Dighal Bari are some of the memorable titles those bear key contributions of leading photographer-cum-camera artiste Anwar Hossain, who is also an architect and international photography judge.

The exhibition is open from 3:00pm to 8:00pm till 13 November.

News Source: The Daily Sun

Transformers arriving in Dhaka for Eid

On the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, Star Cineplex is bringing Hollywood blockbuster “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” for local movie enthusiasts. 

The Bangladesh premiere of the film will be held today. The film will have its public released tomorrow (November 4). Directed by Michael Bay and produced by Steven Spielberg, the film was released worldwide on June 23 this year.

The story revolves around a NASA manned mission to the Moon. Three years after the events of the second film and 42 years after the Apollo 11 space race, the Autobots continue to work for the NEST (Networked Elements: Supporters and Transformers) military force. Meanwhile, the Decepticons unveil a plan to use the new groundbreaking technology, the Pillars, to enslave humanity in order to save the home planet of the Transformers, Cybertron.

Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, and John Turturro reprise their starring roles, with Peter Cullen and Hugo Weaving returning as the voices of Optimus Prime and Megatron. English model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley replaced Megan Fox as the lead female character.

“Dark of the Moon” has grossed $1.12 billion worldwide to become the fourth highest-grossing film of all time, the second highest grossing film of 2011 (behind “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2”), the highest grossing film in the “Transformers” series, and the tenth film to gross over $1 billion.

News Source: The Daily Star

Krishoker Eid Ananda - on Channel i - Eid ul Adha Specials

Channel i will treat its viewers with the special agro-based entertainment show “Krishoker Eid Ananda”. The programme, planned, directed and hosted by Shykh Seraj, will be aired on the third day of Eid at 4pm.

Usually the game show zeroes in on people of remote areas and reveals how they enjoy Eid day through some rural and traditional events. This episode features the people of Majher Char under Pathoghata Upazila of Barguna district, which were badly affected by Sidr.

Thousands of people from the village and adjacent areas gathered during the shooting of the programme. Regular segments included traditional games such as pillow fight, walking on a horizontally placed bamboo, chocolate race, frying hilsha fish and many more.

Apart from entertaining rural people, a core aspect of the programme is to highlight the lifestyle and struggle of people who live in remote areas in the country.

News Source: The Daily Star

‘Milon Mahmud featuring Shima’ launched

Promising singer Shamim Afroz Shima’s second solo album titled “Milon Mahmud featuring Shima” was launched at a function in a city restaurant on Tuesday night.

By this album Milon Mahmud has featured any musical album. All the lyrics and tunes of the album were composed by him.

In the album launching ceremony, besides Milon Mahmud, promising music director FA Sumon, singer Shima, Proprietor of G-Series and Agniveena Nazmul Haque Bhuiyan Khaled, among others, were present at the function.

After launching ceremony, Shima, FA Sumon and Milon Mahmud rendered some tracks in the programme.