Entertainment
Music lovers enamoured by the accompaniment of Santoor and Tabla by Indian artists
Rewaz Performing and Arts Society and Bangladesh Jute Research Institute presented a unique night of music on Saturday (March 2) at the Bangladesh Jute Research Institute, organizing an enthralling session of Santoor and Tabla.
At the event, Santoor and Tabla accompaniment was performed by two young talented artists from India - Anannya Bagh and Rahul Chatterjee.
The audience who joined the event was immersed in the magic of the melody of Anyanya Bagh's Santoor and Rahul Chatterjee's Tabla accompaniment, drifting the music lovers into a whole new world.
Md Abdul Awal, Director General of Bangladesh Jute Research Institute was present as the chief guest on this musical night, which was also joined by Shaheen Samad, the Ekushey Padak winner music artist and freedom fighter, as the special guest.
Professor Dr AHM Mostafizur Rahman, Advisor of Rewaz Performing and Arts Society and former teacher of Dhaka University delivered the welcome speech at the event.
“Rewaz Performing and Arts Society always wants the development of music practice in the country. We are organizing this event to encourage those involved in the classical music practice of the country and to exchange ideas and experiences between the artists of the two countries,” Dr AHM Mostafizur Rahman said.
Santoor is a popular stringed instrument used in classical music and a famous local musical instrument of Jammu and Kashmir, India; but it originally came from Persia. Although this instrument is very popular in India, the practice of santoor is very few in Bangladesh.
“This particular instrument is practised by very few people, among them women artists are even less. Anyanya Bagh is one of the few artists who are currently practising santoor in the subcontinent, and Rahul Chatterjee is one of India's brightest stars who is known for his unique playing style,” he added.
Md Abdul Awal, Director General of Bangladesh Jute Research Institute thanked Rewaz Performing and Arts Society for joining them in organizing the event. He reiterated his commitment to continue any cooperation to encourage music practice in the future.
Shaheen Samad expressed his admiration for Santoor and Tabla's accompaniment and praised Rewaz Performing and Arts Society for playing a significant role in the cultural scene of the country.
Tecno Spark 20 Series Music Fest enthrals Dhaka crowd
Tecno Spark 20 Series Music Fest, organized by WebAble Digital, has recently electrified the ICCB Expo Zone in the capital with an unforgettable night of music and entertainment.
The event, held on Friday, March 1st, brought together music enthusiasts from across the region for an evening of stellar performances by some of the most renowned artists.
Headlining the event was the Indian sensation Badshah, whose energetic performance captivated the audience and set the stage on fire. Joining him were acclaimed Bangladeshi artists Fuad & Friends, Pritom Hasan, Xefer, Sanjoy, and Blackzang, who each delivered electrifying sets, showcasing their immense talent.
The venue buzzed with excitement as attendees packed the ICCB Expo Zone to capacity, creating an electric atmosphere that pulsated with energy throughout the night. Despite the large turnout, security measures were meticulously implemented, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
The event concluded on a high note, with attendees raving about the outstanding performances and seamless organization. From start to finish, the Tecno Spark 20 Series Music Fest delivered an unforgettable experience that will be remembered for years to come.
The organizer of the event, WebAble Digital, is a leading digital marketing agency committed to creating impactful experiences and driving meaningful connections through innovative digital solutions. With a focus on creativity, technology, and data-driven strategies, WebAble Digital empowers brands to reach their full potential in the digital landscape.
Tycoons, heads of state, Hollywood and Bollywood stars show up as Asia’s richest man celebrates son’s wedding
What happens when the son of Asia's richest man is about to get married?
His father throws a three-day prenuptial bash four months before the actual ceremony.
Tycoons from around the world, heads of state, as well as Hollywood and Bollywood stars descended on the small western Indian city of Jamnagar on Friday where billionaire industrialist Mukesh Ambani is kickstarting a big fat wedding celebration for his youngest son.
The nearly 1,200-person guest list includes pop superstar Rihanna, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Sunder Picha, Ivanka Trump and Bollywood celebrity Shah Rukh Khan.
Iris Apfel, fashion icon known for her eye-catching style, dies at 102
All eyes are on Anant Ambani, 28, and his long-time girlfriend Radhika Merchant, 29, who will tie the know in July. Radhika is the daughter of Viren Merchant, CEO of Encore Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., and entrepreneur Shaila Merchant.
Such festivities keep up with the Ambani family's tradition of lavish and over-the-top parties while displaying the Indian billionaire’s economic and political clout
Here is everything you need to know about the family and the prenuptial bash that captivated the country.
Who is Mukesh Ambani?Mukesh Ambani, 66, is currently the world’s 10th richest man with a net worth of $115bn, according to Forbes. He is also the richest person in Asia.
His Reliance Industries is a massive conglomerate, reporting over $100 billion in annual revenue, with interests ranging from petrochemicals, and oil and gas to telecoms and retail.
Under Ambani’s leadership, Reliance — founded by his father in 1966 — sparked a telecom price war with the launch of the 4G phone and broadband service Jio in 2016. Today, it has more than 420 million subscribers and offers 5G services. Earlier this week, Disney struck an $8.5bn deal to merge its India business with Ambani’s Reliance Industries, forming a new media giant.
The Ambani family owns, among other assets, a 27-storey private apartment building, named Antila, worth $1 billion in Mumbai. It has three helipads, a 160-car garage, a private movie theatre, a swimming pool, and a fitness center.
Ambani’s critics say his company has flourished mainly because of political connections during the Congress governments in the 1970s and 80s and subsequently under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rule after 2014. They say “crony capitalism” in India has helped certain corporations, such as Ambani's, thrive.
Mukesh Ambani, 66, has started passing the torch to his two sons and daughter. The oldest son, Akash Ambani, is now chairperson of Reliance Jio; his daughter, Isha, oversees retail; and the youngest, Anant — who will wed in July— has been inducted into the new energy business.
Iris Apfel, fashion icon known for her eye-catching style, dies at 102
Iris Apfel, a textile expert, interior designer and fashion celebrity known for her eccentric style, has died. She was 102.
Her death was confirmed by her commercial agent, Lori Sale, who called Apfel “extraordinary.” No cause of death was given. It was also announced on her verified Instagram page on Friday, which a day earlier had celebrated that Leap Day represented her 102nd-and-a-half birthday.
Born Aug. 29, 1921, Apfel was famous for her irreverent, eye-catching outfits, mixing haute couture and oversized costume jewelry. A classic Apfel look would, for instance, pair a feather boa with strands of chunky beads, bangles and a jacket decorated with Native American beadwork.
With her big, round, black-rimmed glasses, bright red lipstick and short white hair, she stood out at every fashion show she attended.
Her style was the subject of museum exhibits and a documentary film, "Iris," directed by Albert Maysles.
“I'm not pretty, and I'll never be pretty, but it doesn't matter,” she once said. “I have something much better. I have style."
Apfel enjoyed late-in-life fame on social media, amassing nearly 3 million followers on Instagram, where her profile declares: “More is more & Less is a Bore.” On TikTok, she drew 215,000 followers as she waxed wise on things fashion and style and promoted recent collaborations.
UK's Prince William pulls out of memorial service for his godfather because of 'personal matter'
“Being stylish and being fashionable are two entirely different things," she said in one TikTok video. “You can easily buy your way into being fashionable. Style, I think is in your DNA. It implies originality and courage.”
She never retired, telling “Today”: "I think retiring at any age is a fate worse than death. Just because a number comes up doesn’t mean you have to stop.”
“Working alongside her was the honor of a lifetime. I will miss her daily calls, always greeted with the familiar question: “What have you got for me today?,” Sale said in a statement. “Testament to her insatiable desire to work. She was a visionary in every sense of the word. She saw the world through a unique lens – one adorned with giant, distinctive spectacles that sat atop her nose.”
Apfel was an expert on textiles and antique fabrics. She and her husband Carl owned a textile manufacturing company, Old World Weavers, and specialized in restoration work, including projects at the White House under six different U.S. presidents. Apfel’s celebrity clients included Estee Lauder and Greta Garbo.
Apfel’s own fame blew up in 2005 when the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City hosted a show about her called “Rara Avis,” Latin for “rare bird.” The museum described her style as “both witty and exuberantly idiosyncratic.
Her originality is typically revealed in her mixing of high and low fashions — Dior haute couture with flea market finds, 19th-century ecclesiastical vestments with Dolce & Gabbana lizard trousers.” The museum said her “layered combinations” defied “aesthetic conventions” and “even at their most extreme and baroque” represented a “boldly graphic modernity.”
The Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts, was one of several museums around the country that hosted a traveling version of the show. Apfel later decided to donate hundreds of pieces to the Peabody — including couture gowns — to help them build what she termed “a fabulous fashion collection.” The Museum of Fashion & Lifestyle near Apfel’s winter home in Palm Beach, Florida, also plans a gallery dedicated to displaying items from Apfel’s collection.
Apfel was born in New York City to Samuel and Sadye Barrel. Her mother owned a boutique.
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Apfel’s fame in her later years included appearances in ads for brands like M.A.C. cosmetics and Kate Spade. She also designed a line of accessories and jewelry for Home Shopping Network, collaborated with H&M on a sold-out-in-minutes collection of brightly-colored apparel, jewelry and shoes, put out a makeup line with Ciaté London, an eyeglass collection with Zenni and partnered with Ruggable on floor coverings.
In a 2017 interview with AP at age 95, she said her favorite contemporary designers included Ralph Rucci, Isabel Toledo and Naeem Khan, but added: "I have so much, I don't go looking." Asked for her fashion advice, she said: "Everybody should find her own way. I'm a great one for individuality. I don't like trends. If you get to learn who you are and what you look like and what you can handle, you'll know what to do."
She called herself the “accidental icon,” which became the title of a book she published in 2018 filled with her mementos and style musings. Odes to Apfel are abundant, from a Barbie in her likeness to T-shirts, glasses, artwork and dolls.
Apfel’s husband died in 2015. They had no children.
Bollywood power couple Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh Announce Pregnancy
In a delightful revelation to their fans, Bollywood’s beloved duo Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh announced they are expecting their first child. The couple took to Instagram to share the news, posting an image adorned with baby-related emojis and revealing a due date in September 2024. The simplicity of their announcement, using just a stream of emojis for a caption, was enough to send the internet into a frenzy, as highlighted by NDTV.
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The comments section of Deepika’s post quickly became a hotspot for celebrity reactions. Priyanka Chopra, who has shared the screen with both stars in the epic “Bajirao Mastani” and with Ranveer in “Dil Dhadakne Do” and “Gunday”, extended her congratulations with a “Mubarak” and a heart emoji. Co-star from “Chhapaak”, Vikrant Massey, offered heartfelt blessings with a “Bahut bahut shubhkamnaen,” while Sonakshi Sinha playfully remarked, “Your best production yet.”
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Other stars such as Kriti Sanon, Sonam Kapoor, and Varun Dhawan also joined in with messages of congratulations, with Neha Dhupia, a mother of two, welcoming Deepika to “the best hood ever.”
This announcement puts an end to weeks of speculation, especially after Deepika’s appearance at the BAFTAs. Dressed in a saree, she seemed to subtly conceal her stomach, fuelling rumours of her pregnancy.
Deepika and Ranveer’s journey began years ago, culminating in a fairy-tale wedding in Italy in 2018, celebrated with grand festivities in Mumbai and Deepika’s hometown, Bengaluru. The couple’s on-screen chemistry has been undeniable, starring together in blockbusters like “Goliyon Ka Raasleela Ram-Leela”, “Bajirao Mastani”, and “Padmaavat”. Their recent appearance on Karan Johar’s “Koffee With Karan” was notably memorable, further cementing their status as one of Bollywood’s most iconic pairs.
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The joyous news has undoubtedly thrilled fans and colleagues alike, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the newest addition to the Singh-Padukone family.
UK's Prince William pulls out of memorial service for his godfather because of 'personal matter'
Kensington Palace says Britain's Prince William has pulled out of attending a memorial service for his godfather, the late King Constantine of Greece, because of a personal matter.
The palace declined to elaborate on Tuesday but said his wife, the Princess of Wales, who is recovering from abdominal surgery, continues to do well.
It said William called the Greek royal family, which is attending the memorial service in St. George’s Chapel in Windsor, to let them know he was unable to attend. Constantine II of Greece died in January of last year at the age of 82.
King Charles III, who is being treated for an undisclosed form of cancer, also will not attend the service for his cousin. The monarch has canceled all his public engagements while he receives treatment.
Indian Ghazal legend Pankaj Udhas passes away
Pankaj Udhas, the subcontinent’s one of the most popular ghazal and playback singers, breathed his last at 72 on Monday.
The Padma Shri-famed singer’s family said that he died around 11 am at the Breach Candy hospital in Mumbai, reported by the Indian media outlets.
Pankaj Udhas' daughter Nayaab Udhas shared a statement on Instagram, stating, “With a heavy heart, we are saddened to inform you of the sad demise of Padmashri Pankaj Udhas on 26th February 2024 due to a prolonged illness.”
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Fans and admirers of the eminent singer flooded social media with condolences after the news of his passing. His family sources informed Indian media outlets that his final rites will be held on Tuesday.
Pankaj Udhas was born in Jetpur, Gujarat on May 17, 1951 to Keshubhai Udhas and Jituben Udhas.
His most well-known songs are "Chitthi Aayi Hai" from Mahesh Bhatt's 1986 crime thriller "Naam," "Chandi Jaisa Rang Hai Tera" from Pravin Bhatt's 1998 film ‘Ek Hi Maqsad,” "Aaj Phir Tumpe" from Feroz Khan's 1988 action thriller "Dayavan," "Jeeye To Jeeye Kaise" from Lawrence D'Souza's 1991 romantic film "Saajan," and "Chhupana Bhi Nahi Aata" from Abbas-Mustan's 1993 revenge thriller "Baazigar," among other notable tracks.
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His ghazal career includes reputed albums like ‘Aahat’ (1980) and tracks like “Na Kajre Ki Dhaar,” “Aur Ahista Kijiye Baatein,” “Ek Taraf Uska Ghar,” and “Thodi Thodi Piya Karo.” He is also widely revered by the listeners of Bengal for his famous Bangla ghazals and modern songs including “Bhalobasha,” “Chokh Tar Chorabali,” “Ami Tomay Niye” and more, from the 1989 album ‘Bhalobasha.’
For his majestic contribution to the art of Ghazal and the Indian music industry, Pankaj Udhas received the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award of the Republic of India, in 2006.
Joy Bangla Concert coming to Port City
This year's must-attend musical fiesta for the youth, the Joy Bangla Concert, is taking a groundbreaking leap by stepping outside Dhaka for the first time, promising an array of surprises.
Young Bangla, the nation's largest youth network, sparked a social media frenzy with its announcement, revealing Chattogram as the new host city to the delight of eager fans.
The buzz began with a simple yet compelling Facebook post: "Coming to Chattogram." Shared by Young Bangla and CRI, the announcement has since been echoed across social platforms by hundreds of enthusiastic fans, reminiscing over the concert's past glories.
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Set to light up the MA Aziz Stadium, this year's concert aims to resurrect the spirit of Bangabandhu's historic March 7 speech, featuring a blend of iconic and up-and-coming rock bands ready to rock the audience.
Since its inception in 2015, the Joy Bangla Concert has quickly ascended to the pinnacle of musical celebrations, captivating the youth and setting a new benchmark for musical gatherings.
After a brief intermission due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the concert made a triumphant return in 2023.
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What sets this concert apart is its dedication to reliving the pivotal moments leading to the 1971 Liberation War, offering not just music but a journey through history.
A university student's Facebook post captured the anticipation: "I had the time of my life at the last concert and cherished every moment. I'm planning my trip to Chattogram already because missing this year's edition is simply not an option."
Bappa Mazumder's Odyssey set to enamor music lovers on Friday
Fresh off his 52nd birthday, singer Bappa Mazumder is set to perform at his upcoming solo concert, Bappa Mazumder's Odyssey, on Friday in Dhaka's KIB Auditorium.
Set to perform his 28 iconic and popular songs as part of a three-hour set, this is only Bappa Mazumder's second solo concert in a career spanning more than three decades.
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Bappa's first solo offering, "Alive Experience," was a smash-hit concert held in September 2022.
"It's always a dream for an artist to be able to do a solo concert. You're under no pressure to play only your hits but can perform many finely crafted songs that perhaps did not do as well commercially," Bappa said during a Facebook Live session from his official page while promoting the event.
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Besides Bappa, the show will also feature popular singer Masha Islam as the special opening act.
Tickets for the concert are available at getsetrock.com.
Most-hyped Bollywood Movies Releasing on March 2024
Springtime in Bollywood brings a bouquet of cinematic delights. Directors' artistic flair and the magnetic allure of star actors turn into a kaleidoscope of diverse genres – from comedy to thriller. As the season unfolds, anticipation mounts for stunts, dialogues, and music. Let's see what surprises Bollywood films releasing in March 2024 have in store for movie lovers.
10 Must-see Bollywood Films Coming This March
Accident or Conspiracy: Godhra / March 1, 2024
This drama, produced by OM Trinetra Films and Artverse Studios, is directed by M.K. Shivaaksh. It delves into the intricacies surrounding the 2002 Godhra train burning in Gujarat, India.
Drawing from the authoritative findings of the Nanavati-Mehta Commission, assigned to investigate the incident, the film aims to unearth the truth. Was it an impulsive act borne of chaos, or a meticulously orchestrated scheme?
Accident or Conspiracy: Godhra has an ensemble cast including Ranvir Shorey, Denisha Ghumra, Manoj Joshi, and Hitu Kanodia. The movie’s inaugural song is performed by the renowned Kailash Kher under the composition of V. Rakx.
Read more: February 2024 Amazon Prime Originals: Most-Hyped Shows, Series, and Movies
Operation Valentine / March 1, 2024
This historical action thriller marks the directorial debut of Shakti Pratap Singh Hada and is produced by Sony Pictures and Sandeep Mudda, with co-production by God Bless Entertainment and Nandkumar Abbineni.
Set to be a patriotic, edge-of-the-seat entertainer, the movie will spotlight the Indian Air Force heroes on the front lines, depicting the challenges they faced during one of India's biggest aerial attacks.
Simultaneously shot in Telugu and Hindi, it stars Manushi Chhillar, Varun Tej, Mir Sarwar, and Navdeep in pivotal roles. Mickey J Meyer crafted the evocative soundtrack and background score.
Shaitaan / March 8, 2024
This supernatural horror thriller, directed by Vikas Bahl, is produced under Ajay Devgn FFilms, Jio Studios, and Panorama Studios. The film stars Ajay Devgn, Janki Bodiwala, Jyothika, and R. Madhavan, and is a remake of the 2023 Gujarati film ‘Vash’.
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The story follows a happy family on vacation to a secluded village, where they encounter a mysterious man claiming to be their well-wisher. However, his intentions turn sinister as he resorts to black magic to manipulate and torment them. As the family realizes they are in grave danger, they must fight for survival against the malevolent forces at play.
Yodha / March 15, 2024
Directed by Sagar Ambre and Pushkar Ojha, this action thriller movie is bankrolled by Karan Johar, Hiroo Yash Johar, and Apoorva Mehta under Dharma Productions. The film features Raashii Khanna, Sidharth Malhotra, and Disha Patani in leading roles.
The story unfolds as terrorists hijack a passenger plane, prompting an off-duty soldier aboard to devise a strategy for defeating the hijackers and ensuring the passengers' survival amidst engine failure.
Yodha's music is composed by Tanishk Bagchi and B Praak, with lyrics penned by B Praak and Manoj Muntashir.
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Bastar: The Naxal Story / March 15, 2024
Directed and written by Sudipto Sen, this crime genre movie is produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah. Adah Sharma portrays I.G. Neerja Mathur, alongside an ensemble cast including Shilpa Shukla, Raima Sen, Yashpal Sharma, and Subrat Dutta.
‘Bastar’ draws inspiration from the real-life events surrounding the Naxals in Chhattisgarh. The narrative is rooted in the historical context of the Bastar rebellion that erupted in 1910, offering a poignant reflection on the region's tumultuous past.