How Zaineen became ‘The Difficult Bride’
1 August 2026
When Rubaiyat Hossain's "The Difficult Bride" made history as the first feature-length film from Bangladesh to compete at the Venice International Film Festival, it wasn't just the film that had everyone talking. Curiosity quickly turned to its leading lady, Zaineen Karim Chowdhury, who, interestingly, shares her first name with the character she plays. One question lingered above all else: what made Rubaiyat believe that Zaineen was her "Difficult Bride"?
1 August 2026
Recognising those behind the lens
1 August 2026
Some photographs document history. Others preserve grief, resilience, and everyday realities that might otherwise fade with time.
1 August 2026
Crowning the champions of free press: Bangladesh Press Photo Competition 2026 announces winners
31 July 2026
Some photographs document history. Others preserve the grief, resilience and everyday realities that might otherwise fade with time. Bringing together many of those defining moments from 2025, the fifth edition of the Bangladesh Press Photo Competition 2026 commenced at Drik, where the winners of this year were announced.
31 July 2026
'We couldn't believe it': Nandita and Shuvo elated as AR Rahman shares their cover
19 July 2026
When Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman shared their rendition of "Saanwariya Saanwariya" from the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer "Swades" on his Instagram Story, it was a moment that left musicians Sanzida Mahmood Nandita and Shuvendu Das Shuvo both stunned and deeply inspired.
19 July 2026
Road to the World Cup final: Celebrities share predictions, excitement
19 July 2026
Ahead of Monday's showdown between Argentina and Spain, The Daily Star spoke to several celebrities about who they are backing and how they plan to spend football's biggest night.
19 July 2026
The many faces of Yash Rohan
18 July 2026
Yash Rohan is making headlines in more ways than one these days. With the release of his Hoichoi web series “Headline” and his strikingly unrecognisable appearance in the trailer for "ANNiE," the actor seems determined to keep audiences guessing. Whether through unconventional characters or intriguing storylines, Yash is making it clear that he is not afraid to take risks—and that he is here to stay.
18 July 2026
FS Nayeem recalls a night of Messi magic at the World Cup
18 June 2026
Watching Lionel Messi from just a few rows away was the highlight of FS Nayeem’s recent World Cup adventure in the United States. Alongside his wife, actress Nadia Ahmed, the actor attended Argentina’s clash against Algeria and experienced the tournament atmosphere firsthand.
18 June 2026
Nazifa Tushi keeps the momentum going with ‘Annie’
10 June 2026
From winning hearts as the quirky Reshma Pakhi in “Pressure Cooker” to portraying Sadu’s wife in “Roid”, Nazifa Tushi has steadily established herself as one of the most versatile performers of her generation.
10 June 2026
11 individuals will travel to China to learn drone operations
To help Bangladeshi youth learn the art of drone programming from China, a specialised training programme has been launched as a joint initiative between the Chinese Embassy and Bangladesh’s Ministry of Cultural Affairs. As part of this programme, 11 individuals have been selected to travel to China — nine as trainees, one as team leader, and one official.
13 August 2025
My father's music always heals: Alif Alauddin
On his fifth death anniversary this year, Alif Alauddin has paid a heartfelt tribute by collaborating with several musicians for an unplugged session of his most popular songs, works that continue to influence and inspire others.
9 August 2025
Drishsho Madhyam Shilpi Shomaj makes bold statement with daylong programme
Throughout last July, Drissho Madhyam Shilpi Shomaj stood as a powerful voice of resistance – uniting artists, cultural activists, and public figures against the state-led oppression faced by protesting students. A year later, they came together to invoke the spirit of that movement with a daylong event held at the Bangladesh National Museum, bringing together survivors, families of martyrs, and cultural members together under one room.
3 August 2025
How artistes flamed cultural defiance in July
From stage to street, artistes and activists led a cultural revolt against brutality and censorship
1 August 2025
Dristi Chakma defies the odds, wins international recognition in architecture
Recently, social media was flooded with her success story, as her work was selected as one of the top entries from over 7,000 submissions for London’s prestigious Drawing of the Year Awards. Her illustration was also featured in the Drawing of the Year 2025 book, earning her international recognition.
29 July 2025
Rappers are not being given the respect they deserve: Shezan
A year removed, the rapper has now voiced his frustration in an exclusive interview with The Daily Star, about how hip-hop artistes are being treated in shows organised in the aftermath of the July movement.
28 July 2025
A tribute to the prince of darkness
And just like that, the ‘Prince of Darkness’ is back in his kingdom. While the world mourns, afterlife welcomes him home, with open arms. Ozzy is finally reunited with his beloved mama and his dearest friend, Randy Rhoads.
23 July 2025
‘We must stay united for Bangladesh’: Drissho Madhyam Shilpi Shomaj announces July plans
One year after the July Movement peaked, the Drissho Madhyam Shilpi Shomaj—a collective of theater, television, and movie artistes, filmmakers, cinematographers, and cultural activists—reconvened. Last year, they had staged a protest at Farmgate, raising their voices against the then-fascist government and supporting the students' nine-point demands.
13 July 2025
Level Five levels up
The indie rock band has steadily broken free from its ‘niche’ label, surging in popularity during the pandemic. Their riveting lyrics, dynamic vocals, punchy guitar riffs, and tight rhythm section struck a chord with audiences, particularly through their breakout hit, “60’s Love”.
11 July 2025
‘Aap Jaisa Koi’: R Madhavan and Fatima Sana Shaikh bring sweet romcom back
Being a ’90s kid, I’ve been a fan of R Madhavan since his stint in “Banegi Apni Baat”—the cute boy in glasses with the most adorable smile. Later on, Madhavan became the heartthrob of an entire nation when he made us fall in love with the charming yet problematic character ‘Maddy’ in “Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein”.
11 July 2025
‘Palabe Kothay’: Sunidhi Nayak’s take on obsession
“With this music video, we tried to do something fresh. I don’t think anything like this has been done before for a Bangla song,” Sunidhi shared with visible excitement. “The teaser’s reaction has been overwhelming. People are sharing it non-stop. Credit goes to Adnan Al Rajeev. We created a fusion—adding electronic elements while also staying rooted in Bengali instruments and language.”
26 June 2025
Zarin Mahmood Shairy: Crowned with purpose, led by passion
When Zarin Mahmood Shairy stepped onto the stage at Ms Global World Universal 2025–2026, she wasn’t just walking toward a crown—she was walking through a story years in the making.
23 June 2025
Only the beginning for Naovi
You might know him as Sameer from Bongo’s “BnG”, or perhaps you recognise him as Jaya Ahsan’s younger brother in “Taandob”—either way, Saad Salmi Naovi is fast becoming a name to remember.
20 June 2025
Cameos galore: Dhallywood adopts new trend to elevate storytelling
Cameos like these have long been a staple of Hollywood—the Marvel Cinematic Universe redefined the model, and Bollywood followed with its own versions like the YRF Spy Universe and Rohit Shetty’s Cop Universe.
10 June 2025
Heme’s stay-at-home Eid
Jannatul Sumaiya Heme, this Eid-ul-Azha will be a calm and cozy affair — a rare chance to slow down and spend time with loved ones in between a packed schedule of drama shoots.
9 June 2025
It’s all about family for Sumi
For Shahnaz Sumi, Eid-ul-Azha has been just another day-- Each year unfolds in its own unique way, bringing fresh surprises and heartwarming moments that make the festival deeply meaningful for her.
8 June 2025
For Tawsif, Eid defines who we are
For shopping and dining out, Tawsif prefers the convenience of paying by card. “It’s really hard carrying cash. With a card, you can buy anything, anywhere—it’s just more convenient,” he says.
7 June 2025
Aisha’s bittersweet reflections
A film enthusiast, Aisha’s Eid celebrations often include a trip to the theaters. “I’ve always been a big fan of Marvel and DC movies,” she beams. “But recently, my love for Bangla cinema has grown stronger. The quality and storytelling have improved so much—I now prioritise watching Bangla films during Eid.”
7 June 2025
A time of reconnection for Tama
In an industry where schedules are packed and free moments are fleeting, Eid becomes a special window for reconnecting. “Usually, we don’t really get to see our relatives often because everyone’s so busy. But during Eid, everyone is free, and that gives us the chance to meet, talk, and share time together. I’m really looking forward to those chats and moments.”
6 June 2025
Bangladeshi ‘Ken’ in Dhaka
The Bangladeshi 'Ken', known for his appearances in major Hollywood productions like “Barbie”, “Wicked”, and “Aladdin”, continues to make the country proud as he juggles acting, dancing, and interviewing some of Hollywood's biggest names.
30 May 2025