Maisha Islam Monamee

Contributing writer for Arts & Entertainment and Star Youth.

‘Nostalgia Dhanmondi’ journeys through Dhanmondi’s timeless alleys

Dhanmondi has always had a cultural identity of its own – be it the grand two-storeyed family bungalows, the sounds of rehearsals at Chhayanaut, the majestic Eidgah Masjid, or the playfields that kids flocked to. Even with the sprawling high-rise buildings, Dhanmondi, its lake, and its street stalls still maintain its rustic charm.

1d ago

The evolution of holiday films: From classics to contemporary gems

The holiday season has always been synonymous with warmth, joy, and the timeless tradition of watching festive films that capture the spirit of the festivities. Over the years, these films have undergone a remarkable evolution, transitioning from timeless classics to contemporary gems. The golden age of holiday films is often associated with timeless classics that have become an integral part of our holiday traditions. 

1w ago

‘The Archies’ is Riverdale’s nostalgia-tinted musical

"The Archies", directed by Zoya Akhtar, is a heartfelt journey down memory lane interwoven with the chords of a teen musical. This highly-anticipated Netflix film thereby presents a nostalgia-tinted fairytale-esque musical that resonates with both longtime fans and those new to the iconic characters.

3w ago

Portrayal of disability through Bollywood films over the years

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.

Marking two decades of ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’s’ exuberance

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).

Souls intertwined with nature and melody: Zahangir Alom’s solo exhibition underway

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

‘Dream Girl 2’: An erroneous comedy

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.'

Rezaul Hoque’s unique approach to art with ‘burning’ technique

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”.

January 2, 2024
January 2, 2024

‘Nostalgia Dhanmondi’ journeys through Dhanmondi’s timeless alleys

Dhanmondi has always had a cultural identity of its own – be it the grand two-storeyed family bungalows, the sounds of rehearsals at Chhayanaut, the majestic Eidgah Masjid, or the playfields that kids flocked to. Even with the sprawling high-rise buildings, Dhanmondi, its lake, and its street stalls still maintain its rustic charm.

December 25, 2023
December 25, 2023

The evolution of holiday films: From classics to contemporary gems

The holiday season has always been synonymous with warmth, joy, and the timeless tradition of watching festive films that capture the spirit of the festivities. Over the years, these films have undergone a remarkable evolution, transitioning from timeless classics to contemporary gems. The golden age of holiday films is often associated with timeless classics that have become an integral part of our holiday traditions. 

December 9, 2023
December 9, 2023

‘The Archies’ is Riverdale’s nostalgia-tinted musical

"The Archies", directed by Zoya Akhtar, is a heartfelt journey down memory lane interwoven with the chords of a teen musical. This highly-anticipated Netflix film thereby presents a nostalgia-tinted fairytale-esque musical that resonates with both longtime fans and those new to the iconic characters.

December 3, 2023
December 3, 2023

Portrayal of disability through Bollywood films over the years

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.

November 28, 2023
November 28, 2023

Marking two decades of ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’s’ exuberance

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).

November 4, 2023
November 4, 2023

Souls intertwined with nature and melody: Zahangir Alom’s solo exhibition underway

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

October 30, 2023
October 30, 2023

‘Dream Girl 2’: An erroneous comedy

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.'

October 26, 2023
October 26, 2023

Rezaul Hoque’s unique approach to art with ‘burning’ technique

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”.

October 16, 2023
October 16, 2023

25 Years of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai: A holistic approach to love

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.

October 15, 2023
October 15, 2023

Dhaka Divisional Book Fair ended amidst the need for more visibility

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

push notification