Maisha Islam Monamee

The author is a student of Institute of Business Administration (IBA) at the University of Dhaka and a contributor at The Daily Star.

‘Jigra’ packs intense action leaving emotions behind

Showcasing the versatile Alia Bhatt at her most formidable, director Vasan Bala brings a thrilling sibling drama wrapped as a jailbreak story in "Jigra". Produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Viacom18, the film follows Satya (Alia Bhatt), a fiercely protective older sister determined to save her younger brother, Ankur (Vedang Raina), from death row.

18h ago

‘Shilpa Sandhan’: Artistic reflections of contemporary and urban realities

In keeping with the exploration of the current themes in the nation’s art scene, an art exhibition displaying the windows into the complex narratives of our socio-cultural landscape was recently arranged by Zobra the Art Village and Dot to Line at Safiuddin Shilpalay in Dhanmondi. This five-day group exhibition titled, "Shilpa Sandhan", celebrated Bangladesh’s diverse and evolving art heritage, with the hosting of 55 artworks offering vibrant displays of creativity and emotion, from 24 contemporary artists.

2d ago

What it means to be a girl

To be a girl means being silent while our world is burning.

1w ago

Love, loss, and loops of life in ‘CTRL’

The world of “CTRL”, currently reigning at the top of Bangladesh’s most-watched movies on Netflix, beckons us into a juncture where technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), begins to infiltrate the most intimate corners of human life. While the theme of technology overtaking our existence is hardly new, director Vikramaditya Motwane's approach presents this circumstance with a fresh and distinctly Indian perspective — framed within the glossy yet perilous world of social media influencers.

1w ago

Taking care of your mental health as a corporate employee

While many organisations now acknowledge the importance of mental health, the practical reality for employees navigating the corporate maze often paints a different picture. So, how can corporate employees protect their mental well-being without sacrificing their professional responsibilities? On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, here are a few strategies—tempered with a dose of realism—to help manage the pressures of office life.

1w ago

Reverse brain drain: just another trend or a real opportunity?

Months after the trending 'reverse brain drain' hashtag, it appears that the initial momentum has faded. The conversation seems to have stalled, and we are yet to see a tangible wave of skilled expatriates returning home to rebuild alongside us.

1w ago

‘Invisible Stories’: Puppetry, ghosts, and traditions under one roof

Through the artistes’ use of puppetry and physical movement, the invisible becomes visible, offering a glimpse into the unseen forces shaping the world around us. From "tree ghosts" blamed for Dhaka's infamous traffic to the "ectoplasm" holding up the city’s walls, the show plays with the supernatural in ways that are both whimsical and profound.

1w ago