Shamitabh: Dhanush sells bus tickets, like Rajinikanth

TBT Entertainment Desk:

While Balki is trying to keep the details of his yet-to-be released Amitabh Bachchan-Dhanush starrer under wraps, Mirror has learnt that Dhanush’s character in Shamitabh, Danish, has a striking resemblance to his father-in-law, Rajnikanth.
READ: Big B plays frustrated man in ‘Shamitabh’
A source close to the unit informed that before Danish becomes an actor, he does odd jobs to make ends meet, one of them being that of a bus conductor. “It’s no secret that Rajinikanth too started off as a bus conductor before going on to become the South supremo. Danish’s career graph also follows a pattern similar to Rajini sir’s though it never reaches the insane levels of super-stardom,” the source added.
Confirming the same, Balki told Mirror, “Yes, Dhanush does play a bus conductor in my film. His character lives around a bus-stop and picks up odd jobs, one of them being selling tickets in a bus. However, it wasn’t a conscious decision to incorporate this detail into the screenplay. It is purely incidental.”
When it was pointed out to him that the audience will draw parallels, Balki said, “Yes, I’m sure they will, and their interpretation is as good as mine!”

John Abraham denies animosity with ‘good friend’ Akshay Kumar

john-abraham-post_1375259551 (307 x 430)Entertainment Desk
Actor John Abraham has replaced Akshay Kumar in ‘Welcome Back’ and ‘Hera Pheri 3′. But he says this has not had any effect on their camaraderie.
Asked about it, John said: “When I signed ‘Welcome Back’, I called up Akshay and I gave him the news first. He was very happy and said, ‘It’s a great film to do’.”
“During ‘Hera Pheri 3′, I told him about it and he is a friend…we have worked together before. We are good friends. There is no animosity between us.”
John Abraham has replaced Akshay Kumar in ‘Welcome Back’ and ‘Hera Pheri 3′. ‘Hera Pheri 3′, to be directed by Neeraj Vora, also stars Abhishek Bachchan, Paresh Rawal and Suniel Shetty.
John was last seen in ‘Madras Café’, which was also his home production.
Asked why he took such a long break to come up with his next acting project, John said: “I act in films and I also produce films. My production house makes different kind of films, and as an actor, I enjoy certain films.”

“I loved ‘Hera Pheri’ and ‘Welcome’, so I’m working in the new films. It was a long break, and I am okay with long breaks.”

Don't prefer to talk about my personal life: Ileana

Actress Ileana D'Cruz, who is reportedly dating Australian Andrew Kneebone, says she prefers not to talk about her personal life with everybody.

"I have never said anything about my personal life. I am single until I am married. I like to keep my personal life very private. As long as my family is aware about it, I am fine with that. I don't want everyone to know about my personal life," she told IANS.

Ileana, who made her Bollywood debut with Ranbir Kapoor starrer "Barfi!", is now gearing up for the release of her next film, "Happy Ending" featuring Saif Ali Khan, Govinda, Kalki Koechlin and Ranvir Shorey.

The actress revealed that Kneebone has a special appearance in the film too.

"Andrew Kneebone has got a little bit of role but that happened for fun," she said.

Mosharraf Karim-Jui again in TV play

Popular celebrity couple actor Mosharraf Karim and his wife actress Jui Karim again performed together in a TV play. Directed by Alamgir Rumman they acted together in a play titled Kshuda.

Shooting of the play has already been done in different locations in the city’s Uttara area recently.

The play Kshuda will go on air in any satellite channel soon, said its director Alamgir Rumman.

It may be mentioned that Mosharraf and Jui Karim last worked together in a faction play titled Props. Directed by BU Shuvo shooting of the play had done in Nepal. They first acted together in Nasir Al Monir’s a play titled Similar 2.

They also worked together in Rajib Rasul’s play Gate.

Poribanu Sonia…

In Habibul Islam Habib’s movie Ratrir Jatri, reputed actors have been attached one after another. At first, popular film actress Moushumi was confirmed to act in the title role. Later ATM Shamsuzzaman, Salauddin Lavlu, Anisur Rahman Milon and Aruna Biswas confirmed their participation in the movie.

Actress Sonia Hossain also confirmed to act in Ratrir Jatri recently. She will act in an important role Poribanu in the movie.

Though she had acted in many plays in role of actress, for the first time Sonia acted in role of heroine in Alvi Ahmed directed movie U-Turn, which was produced under the banner of Versatile Media.

Sonia has already finished work of her first acted movie. In the meantime, she has finalised to act in role of Poribanu in Ratrir Jatri.

Meanwhile, Sonia acted in a television commercial titled My Cash directed by Mostafa Sarwar Farooki, will go on air in different satellite channels soon.

Badhon in new serial

Actress, model and Lux superstar Azmeri Hoque Badhon acted new drama serial Dolchhut Projapoti is being telecast on ntv. Its first episode was telecast at 8:20pm on Saturday.

Directed by Arif Khan under the story written by Faria Hossain, Kolyan Coraiya is acting against Badhon in the serial.

Under the direction of Arif Khan, Badhon earlier worked in another drama serial titled Chand Phul Omaboshya.

Therefore, another specialty of this serial is Sabina Yasmin and Runa Laila gave their vocals for the title song of the serial.

This is for the first time two legendary singers jointly rendered the title song of a drama serial.

Farid Ahmed composed music of the song under the lyrics written by Rabiul Islam Jibon.

Badhon first acted in Humayun Ahmed’s play Chandra Karigar. Later she acted in several other plays.

On Saturday she took part in shooting of play Moogly under the direction of Amirul Islam Arun in the city’s Agargaon slum.

Last week Badhon fisnihed shooting of Aruna Biswas’ telefilm Othoba Prem Noyto Bhalobasha, she said.

- Source: New Nation

‘Esho Mili Shobey Nabanner Utshabey’

With the theme “Esho Mili Shobey Nabanner Utshabey”, Nabanna Utshab – 1421 (late-autumnal festival) was held yesterday at Bakultala, Faculty of Fine Arts on Dhaka University campus.

Nabanna or “the festival of new harvest” is celebrated by rural people across the country during the Bangla month of Agrahayan.

Jatiyo Nabanna Utshab Udjapan Parshad (JNUUP) has been holding the festival in Dhaka since 1999.

Traditionally poets, painters, musicians, bauls and people from all walks of life come together at this festival. A big attraction of the celebration is food. Nabanna Mela (fair) is generally held in the countryside.

The festival that is celebrated by diverse communities brings a smile to hard-working farmers of Bangladesh.

Nabanna Utshab in Dhaka was celebrated with great enthusiasm. Language Movement veteran Ahmad Rafiq inaugurated the festival.

Convener of the festival, Shahriar Salam delivered the welcome address, while Ekram Ahmed, chairman of Public Service Commission and many others spoke at the programme. Laila Hasan, chairperson of JNUUP presided over the inaugural ceremony.

The daylong programme featured solo and choral rendition of folk songs, songs composed by Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam, group dance performances, recitation, and a colourful rally that circled Teachers’ and Students’ Centre.

Children distributed muri, murki and khoi among the audience.

The programme began in the morning with classical flute recital by Murtaja Kabir Murad. Artistes of Rabindra Sangeet Sammilan Parishad presented a choral song “Choron Nimney Utshabmoyi”, composed by Rajanikanta Sen. Folk singer Abu Bakar Siddique soulfully rendered “Mone Sadh Loy”.

Artistes of Udichi and Satyen Sen Shilpi Goshthi performed choral songs while artistes of Nataraj, Bhabna, Spondon, Bangladesh Academy of Fine Arts and Nandan Kalakendra with indigenous Marma artistes danced to folk and traditional songs.

Bangladesh has an age-old cultural heritage. This rich tradition was on the verge of oblivion in the cities of Bangladesh. The celebration of Nabanna begins soon after harvest. There is joy everywhere, the children frisk in the yard as the cattle go round and round threshing the paddy, separating it from the stalks.

The festival gave city dwellers a unique opportunity to spend their weekly holiday joyously. Many came with their families to connect the new generation to their cultural roots.

Visitors had the opportunity to enjoy many rural delicacies like pitha, muri, khoi, kheer sold at small stalls at the venue. City dwellers also had a taste of traditional delicacies.

In the evening the audience enjoyed baul songs, poetry recitation and dance.

Rockstrata returns at last

Heavy Metal band Rockstrata is back again in the market with the album Notun Shadher Khoje after 22 years.

A pioneering Metal band in the country that started its journey in the late 80s released their self-titled debut album in 1992. In 1986, Rockstrata made its debut at a concert at the Institution of Engineers, Dhaka.

Notun Shadher Khoje features 11 tracks all blending the flavor of metal from the 80’s with the contemporary rock music of the country.

With the presence of celebrated musicians Maksudul Huq, Ayub Bachchu, and Shumon, Rockstrata unveiled the band at the Institution of Engineers on Friday at an event titled The Return of Rockstrata.

The event also screened music videos of two songs from the album – Ei Amar Jibon and Dui.

The members of the 80s’ rock band expressed delight as most of them are settled abroad, and this was an opportunity for them to reconnect after a long time.

Arshad, Bass guitarist of the band, said: “We are releasing the album after 22 years. It was tough on my part to release it alone in the country.

But it has been possible because of the immense support that we received from the young rock musicians.”

The event ended with a conjuring performance by Arshad, Ibrahim Ahmed Kamal and Shakib Chowdhury, who played a few tracks from the self titled album.

In 1987, Rockstrata participated in the BAMBA concert. Later it toured around the country and introduced the Heavy Metal music to the people of Bangladesh.

The lineup of the band is Mushfiq Ahmed (Vocal), Shoeb Rahman (Vocal), Imran Hussain (Lead and Rhythm guitars), Mainul Islam (Lead and Rhythm guitars), Arshad Amin (Bass), and Mahbubur Rashid (Drums)

Pink Floyd top British album charts

Advertising for the new Pink Floyd album ”The Endless River” is installed on a four sided billboard on the South Bank in London September 22, 2014.

British progressive rock group Pink Floyd topped the album charts for the first time in nearly 20 years on Sunday with “The Endless River”, the Official Charts Company said.

The newly-released album, which the band says will be their last, became the third fastest-selling by a single group or artist this year after shifting more than 139,000 copies during the last week.

A tribute to the band’s keyboardist Rick Wright who died in 2008, it is their sixth British number one album and their first since “Pulse” in 1995.

Foo Fighters were also a new entry at number two with “Sonic Highways,” while last week’s chart topper “X” by Ed Sheeran slid two places to number three.

Sheeran also featured in the singles chart, where his track “Thinking Out Loud” stayed in second place, ahead of One Direction’s “Steal My Girl”, which climbed six places to third.

NADIA NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

This was the night that everyone was waiting for. How do I know? Simple. I was there and I saw everything with my own eyes. Starting from the amount of security to the amount of people turning up to see it live from the venue, not to mention all the television channels sending their reporters to cover the event live for all their viewers across the country. So what's all the hubbub about? Well it's the grand finale of the Lux Channel i Superstar 2014. This is one of the, if not the most important event in the media calendar. This grand finale brings a new star into the media limelight. The event was beautifully organized and it's easy for anyone to tell how much attention had gone into the planning and execution of the event by simply looking at the stage.

The show started at half past seven to a magnificent song and dance. The host then spoke to some of the celebrity guests about their feelings regarding the competition. After this, the judges for this event were introduced and finally the show really began. The performance started with scenes of previous entries and their journey and elimination. After this, the top five were officially brought out on stage for all to see through a very impressive dance sequence. The incredible entrance set the stage for the announcement of the winners and runner ups from previous Lux Channel i Superstar pageants, who got together for a fantastic dance number. The top ten for this year's competition was brought out on stage so that they could receive Close-up Beautiful Smile, Ponds Miss Beautiful Skin and Sunsilk Miss Beautiful Hair awards.
The last session of the superstar program was held live in front of the audience. The top five were brought out back on stage so that they could compete in a Q&A challenge with the judges consisting of two questions for each contestant. After this, the popular singer and musician James performed live on stage, to the joy of many of the audiences, and previous Lux Superstars performed in each song. And finally, the time for announcing had arrived and it was clear, despite the smiles on the top five's faces, that they were truly nervous. The order for the announcement would be second runner-up, first runner-up and finally, the winner. Neela was announced to be the second runner-up and won Tk 3 lac. The first runner-up position went to Nazifa, who won Tk 5 lac. Finally, the winner, who stood to win Tk 10 lac in addition to being crowned the new face of Lux, was announced and it was none other than Nadia! The announcement instantaneously shot her into the mind-space of the public and her nomination was met with widespread appreciation from the audience.
Star Showbiz caught up with her afterwards.
How did you feel when you won?
It felt unreal. I went through the competition without focusing on the prize. I was focusing on just doing everything I was asked to do as best as I possibly could. But I honestly didn't think I was going to win. I felt like I was dreaming when I was being crowned. I was so overjoyed that I thought I might cry!
What's your family's reaction to your participation and win in the competition?
My parents thankfully supported me wholeheartedly right from the beginning. After my win, that support has grown tenfold. A good example is my own mother. When I won, I felt that I would tear up in joy. When I went home and my mom embraced me, I could tell she was crying in joy. I honestly believe that my family is more overjoyed with my win than me.
Are you still friends with the other contestants from your camp?
We were always good friends, right from day one, despite the fact that at the end of the day we were still contending in the same competition. I think the reason why we became friends is because there has been a great amount of understanding between us from the start. Regardless of our positions in the contest, we are still good friends.
How would you have felt if you didn't win?
I would have taken things very positively and I truly mean it. If I was faking it, everyone would have been able to spot it right away. The reason for this positive confidence was because of the judges. The judges have been fair and wise and that's why we were the top five. Even if they didn't pick me as a winner, sure I would have been a little heartbroken but I would have understood soon after that it was probably the right decision. In the end, I believe whatever ALLAH does is for the best.
What are your immediate plans now?
Well, I want to complete my education first. Competing in Lux has hampered my studies a bit but now I want to get back to it. I just finished my H.S.C. I originally wanted to try to apply for BUET but I missed the entrance exam, so now I think I will enroll in a BBA program. I need to study and work in the media so I need to balance the workload accordingly. I also plan to study on media as well but I plan to do that after my graduation.
About yourself, what do you consider to be positive and negative?
I believe that I have confidence in myself. I always try to stay as positive as I can be. I am a good learner. I like to be disciplined in my life and I think I give value to time. As for the negatives, I believe that I get angry too quickly. I also lose my patience with irregularity, which might seem like a good trait but it isn't because it's not right to lose your temper everywhere. Thankfully the grooming I received in Lux is helping me already.
How would you tackle any negativity in the media which is likely to be present to some extent?
I am positive and also very patient. And I will deal with this as calmly as possible. I believe that if I can stay good in the eyes of the audience and make the audience trust me, I won't have to worry about any negativity affecting my reputation. I also don't plan on giving up in the media because of any negative issue.
Do you have any tips for future newcomers in the Lux Superstar Competition?
I would say that newcomers shouldn't get hung up on beauty. True beauty isn't on the outside, it's on the inside. At the end of the day, the lasting impression one creates on the audience exudes from one's personality. And if you are confident then you can succeed in any field not just the media.
By Rafi Hossain and S.M. Intisab Shahriyar