For his contribution to the country’s culture, popular magazine show “Ityadi”’s host and creator Hanif Sanket (A K M Hanif) has been awarded the Independence Award (Swadhinata Padak) 2026 by the government.

Meghdol is set to perform alongside Indian band Chandrabindoo for the first time in a joint concert in Kolkata on September 5.

Florence Pugh, Pedro Pascal, Edward Norton and comedian Atsuko Okatsuka are among the latest Hollywood figures to sign an open letter opposing the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros merger, with the number of signatories now surpassing 2,000. Early supporters of the campaign included Joaquin Phoenix, Ben Stiller and Kristen Stewart.

Iron Maiden, one of heavy metal’s most enduring acts, debuted in 1980 and has been recording and touring ever since. Their induction ends one of the longest waits in the Hall’s history. Band manager Rod Smallwood shared a statement on behalf of the group following the announcement.

Panahi’s career has long been shaped by confrontation with Iranian authorities. He has faced imprisonment and travel bans, yet continued to produce films—often under severe constraints—earning him global recognition as a leading voice of dissent in contemporary cinema.

Acclaimed actor and director Afzal Hossain—also a filmmaker, painter, and writer—has once again turned to memory and reflection, revisiting the people and moments that shaped his journey in theatre and beyond. Known for weaving society, culture, and the human psyche into his writing, this time he pays tribute to his fellow fighters, colleagues, and companions from a transformative era.

A day-long retrospective honouring actor-director Tauquir Ahmed will be held on April 19 at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, bringing together artists and cultural practitioners to revisit his work across film, theatre and television.

Actor Ziaul Faruq Apurba, a popular face on the small screen, has seen his popularity grow steadily over the years. Through a wide range of roles, he has established himself in diverse dimensions of acting. In recent times, Apurba has reduced his work in television dramas and shifted his focus more towards OTT content.

I give credit to everyone who was with me during the making, including the artistes, scriptwriters, cinematographers, and the entire team who gave 100% of their labour and love.

Warner Bros and New Line have officially revealed the cast for “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt” for Gollum, ending months of speculation with a major announcement at CinemaCon.

A new song created with the help of artificial intelligence has joined this year’s Pahela Baishakh  releases, adding a technological twist to the Bengali New Year celebrations.

Swift already holds the record for the most wins in the history of the awards. This year, she has the chance to extend that lead.

Currently a member of the association’s executive committee, Mukti said her decision is shaped both by professional experience and a personal commitment to fulfil the wishes of her mother, veteran actor Anwara Begum.

BotTala Theatre staged the 100th performance of its production “Khona” at Central Shaheed Minar on April 11, marking a rare milestone for a Bangladeshi stage play.

Two web films have been released on local OTT platforms to mark the Bengali New Year, featuring performances by Pritom Hasan, Xefer Rahman, Safa Kabir, and Partho Sheikh, among others.

From vibrant street processions to intimate family gatherings, Bengalis across the world have welcomed the new year with enthusiasm. Social media, too, has been abuzz, offering glimpses into how public figures and celebrities are celebrating the day with their fans and well-wishers.

Her professional life has extended beyond studio practice into art education, children’s culture, and publication. She is also the author of two books, “Surrealism in Painting” and “Drawing and Reading of Pictures”.

For actress Quazi Nawshaba Ahmed, the festival is about love and unity. “My desire to celebrate is always there,” she says. “Given my work, I usually collaborate with friends from Charukola, theatre colleagues, and younger artists from Gen Z.”

Artist Suporna Alice Gomes inaugurated her first solo art exhibition, “Burnt Expressions: The Realms of Fantasy,” today at Safiuddin Shilpalay in Dhanmondi, marking a significant milestone in her artistic journey.

For Bengalis, Pahela Baishakh is more than just the first day of the year—it is a feeling, a rhythm of life that returns with colour, music, and the promise of renewal. Long before city processions and curated celebrations, the day lived in simpler, more intimate moments—village fairs, homemade delicacies, and shared joy.