Arifamin (Pte). Ltd

Interview With Nancy Rahman

The song ‘Didha’ from the soundtrack of the film 3rd Person Singular Number, appeared to have struck quite a chord with young listeners. In a short span of time, its appeal spread like a rumour, being played in music stores, aired on FM radio and of course, set as the caller tune by many a mobile phone user. Composed by Habib and featuring Nancy, the intrigue with the song has to be noted as a vital element in drawing cinema-goers to Farooki’s film.

And Nancy, who has lent her voice to the song that deals with the universal topic of ‘confusion’ that human beings tend to suffer from every now and then, seems to have reached the vertex of fame overnight on the back of it.

Surprisingly enough, her personal traits are diametrically opposite to the splendour of her songs, voice and indeed her name. She leads a very simple life that would surprise most of her fans.

Jeans and fatuas for instance does not find its way in her wardrobe, neither does she have much time for dancing with her hips swaying during shows and perhaps most notably, Nancy does not fuse English or Hindi in her predominantly Bangla diction, like most pop singers seem to. Although her simplicity has come at the expense of having to stomach a few insults at times, nothing seems to be able to sway her from her set path.

Nazmun Munir Nancy was born on December 13, 1987. Her father, Naimul Hoque, deputy director of the Defence Audit Directorate and mother Josna Hoque, a social worker both have high hopes about Nancy excelling in whatever field she chooses to ply in.

‘While we lived in Faridpur, my mother wanted to be a singer and take lessons on music. One day, when my father came to know of the matter, he brought a music teacher home and my mother started taking lessons from the local teacher, Tarapada Das,’ she said.

When Nancy was about five years old, she also began taking lessons on classical and Nazrul from Tarapada Das and later, when the family moved to Netrokona, she took lessons from Gopal Dutta. Nancy did a five-year course on song and dance at the local branch of Shilpakala Academy and then at the local unit of Bangladesh Udichi Shilpi Gosthi for another five years.

Nancy’s turning point was a jingle for Meril beauty soap. Before coming to Dhaka, her family arranged a familial occasion in their house in Netrokona which popular singer Ferdous Wahid happened to attend.

‘I sang a song in his presence during the gathering and later, when his son Habib Wahid, needed of female vocalist for a jingle for a television commercial, Ferdous Wahid told Habib about me, that I was a good singer and he could use my voice in his work,’ said Nancy, who subsequently worked in that project.

Then Mostofa Sarwar Farooki started working on the film Third Person Singular Number and the song Didha was composed. Farooki wanted Nancy to lend her voice to the song and the rest is history.

She has bagged many a prize at different music competitions. In the year 2000, she stood first in the category comprising students of high school and she received the prize from the hands of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during a National Education Week function at Osmani Memorial Auditorium. She believed it to have been a great inspiration in helping her move forward.

Again, in the years 1999, 2000 and in 2001, she bagged prizes at National Education Week programmes.

She became an enlisted artiste at Bangladesh Betar in 2002 as a Nazrul, modern and folk song singer in C-Grade and began performing for BTV in several programmes, including Saptaya Dinga and Jiban Bangladesh Maran Bangladesh till 2005.

Nancy had always been a bright student, standing first from class one to class ten. ‘But I was very sad because I could not acquire an A+ in my higher secondary examination,’ she said.

She has been married to her husband, a businessman since 2006 and has a three-year- old baby girl named Rodela.

Nancy is currently engaged in her stage performances and playbacks for the film ‘Speed’, ‘Bailey Road’, ‘Love 21’.

‘Now I have the desire to play a role in Mostofa Sarwar Farooki’s drama. He can represent a character exactly how he or she is seen in reality. Not that I will act professionally in dramas though, as I want to persist with my musical career.’

‘I have another plan and that involves dancing. Since I took lessons on classical dance for many years during my childhood, I want to present my dance performances soon and release a CD with Nazrul songs,’ she concluded.

Add By aminfarshin (Pte.) Ltd

Mehazabien Chowdhury crowned Lux-Channel i Superstar 2009

Five finalists paired with five popular singers for live performances. Shafin Ahmed with Mehezabien, Sumon of Aurthohin with Ishana, Bappa Majumdar with Swarna, Topu with Orsha and Ayub Bachchu with Tahsin.

This year the ‘Lux Channel-i Superstar’ title went to Mehazabien Chowdhury. Highlight of the event: Each of the five finalists paired with five popular singers for live performances. Shafin Ahmed with Mehezabien, Sumon of Aurthohin with Ishana, Bappa Majumdar with Swarna, Topu with Orsha and Ayub Bachchu with Tahsin performed five songs - “Prothom Prem-er Moto”, “Tumi Aashley Abar”, “Megh Balika”, “Meye, Tumi Ekhono Amaye” and “Oi Mukh-er Koto Hashi”. Next the contestants took part in the catwalk round.

Another major attraction was a dance performance by former Lux-Channel i Superstars — Shanu (2005), Mim (2007) and Chaity (2008) - with music by Fuad Al Muqtadir. Tansen choreographed the number.

One of the key parts of the event was the Q&A session, where the finalists had to face the judges — litterateur Syed Shamsul Haq, Asaduzzaman Noor MP [deputy managing director, Asiatic Marketing Communications Ltd]; director [news] of Channel i, Skykh Seraj; former Lux star and noted actress Subarna Mustafa; designer Mahin Khan and actress Afsana Mimi.

At the beginning of the event, the three main judges of the competition - Syed Shamsul Haq, Subarna Mustafa and Afsana Mimi - spoke on the qualities that a ’superstar’ should have. Based on the previous three episodes, the winners were selected through a combination of SMS votes and scores given by the judges.

Konal wins Channel i Shera Kontho 2009

“And the winner is …Konal,” TV presenter Farzana Brownia dramatically announced at end of the four-hour grand finale of “Channel i Shera Kontho 2009″, a musical talent hunt, held at Rajshahi District Stadium on Thursday night.

With the announcement, the chilly winter night in the northwestern city warmed up for some moments as 25000 people at the stadium and some 50,000 outside jumped up in joy and fireworks lit the sky. It was a night to remember in Rajshahi.

The announcement came as a relief to millions of Bangladeshis at home and abroad glued to the TV screen, waiting for the result.

Somnur Monir Konal from Dhaka won the title, while Chaitee Mutsuddi Liza and the youngest finalist Moumita Tasrin Nadiraj won the first and second runner-up positions respectively.

Konal received a cheque worth Tk eight lakh, while Chaitee got Tk five lakh and Nadiraj got Tk three lakh. They also received monetary and other gifts from different organisations, including a Tk 25,000 award from Rajshahi City Corporation.

The finale featured spirited live performances by the seven finalists and the results were based on points given by the judges and SMS votes from the audiences.

Renowned artistes Runa Laila, Sabina Yasmin, Subir Nandi and veteran music composer Alauddin Ali were present as the judges at the finale, adding grandeur to the programme that left a lasting impression on the people of Rajshahi.

The programme began with speeches by Channel i Managing Director Faridur Reza Sagar and Rajshahi Mayor AHM Khairuzzaman Liton.

The main event began with the performances of renowned dancers Shibli Mohammad and Shamim Ara Nipa accompanied by around 100 young dancers of Rajshahi; the song “Aguner Poroshmoni Chhoao Praney” played in the background.

The mega event changed the city mood. Four big screens were set up inside the stadium and six at different city points.

Head of News and Director, Channel i, Shykh Seraj, however, explained that the total amount of money would not be given to the winners right away. The winners will receive scholarships to acclaimed musical institutions abroad. He said, “A sudden rush of money often corrupts young minds.”

The event, “Channel i Shera Kontho 2009″ began in May with the slogan ‘Gaaney… Awaz Tolo Praney.” Some 92,000 contestants from seven zones of the country — Dhaka Metro, Dhaka, Barisal, Rajshahi, Chittagong, Khulna and Sylhet — took part in the competition.

On the occasion of the grand finale in Rajshahi, Channel i covered special reports highlighting the economy, environment and culture of the city during the last few days.

Farzana Brownia and Robin Khan directed the even jointly.

Add By aminfarshin (Pte.) Ltd

After a year-long hiatus, celebrated rock musician Ayub Bachchu has returned with his 15th solo album titled Bolini Kokhono. The album features mellow, romantic tracks in which, the singer delves into the deepest pits of his heart to extract the somewhat clichéd emotions and feelings – both of exuberance and melancholy – that typically ensues from a love affair. The 10 tracks comprising the album are Proshno, Anubhab, Swapno bhango, Moner kotha, Bolini kokhono, Fera, Ronggin, Prithibi, Onek diner pore, Beche thaka, and Shangshar.

The title track Bolini Kokhono tells the tale of a romantic affair built upon high expectations of one partner on the other, which s/he obviously tries to fulfil on the basis of her unconditional love.

The song Anubabh is a reminiscence of the pleasant experiences one endures when in love, relating to the raindrops, the flowing rivers or the shining stars in the sky, before it all crashes down upon the break up.

The song Shangshar defines the rights a couple have on each other, the least of which include loyalty and compassion towards each other, starting with the verse, ‘Shangshar, Tomar proti amar chiro-odhikar, prokhkhoney keu karo nai ar.’

All the songs in the album were composed by Ayub Bachchu and Rahbar Anwar while the lyrics were written by Shahed Ahmed Siddik, Sazzad Hossain, Farjana Hossain Tania and Asif Ahmed

Finally, the sound quality of the album deserves praise as the mixing and the recording quality enhances the listening experience. Bolini Kokhono has been sponsored by Nuvista Ltd, presented by Marvelon and produced by AB kitchen, Ayub Bachchu’s music studio.

All the songs in the album were composed by Ayub Bachchu and Rahbar Anwar while the lyrics were written by Shahed Ahmed Siddik, Sazzad Hossain, Farjana Hossain Tania and Asif Ahmed

Finally, the sound quality of the album deserves praise as the mixing and the recording quality enhances the listening experience. Bolini Kokhono has been sponsored by Nuvista Ltd, presented by Marvelon and produced by AB kitchen, Ayub Bachchu’s music studio.

Entertainment News, Interviews & Reviews

Interview With Nancy Rahman

And Nancy, who has lent her voice to the song that deals with the universal topic of ‘confusion’ that human beings tend to suffer from every now and then, seems to have reached the vertex of fame overnight on the back of it.

Surprisingly enough, her personal traits are diametrically opposite to the splendour of her songs, voice and indeed her name. She leads a very simple life that would surprise most of her fans.

Nazmun Munir Nancy was born on December 13, 1987. Her father, Naimul Hoque, deputy director of the Defence Audit Directorate and mother Josna Hoque, a social worker both have high hopes about Nancy excelling in whatever field she chooses to ply in.

‘While we lived in Faridpur, my mother wanted to be a singer and take lessons on music. One day, when my father came to know of the matter, he brought a music teacher home and my mother started taking lessons from the local teacher, Tarapada Das,’ she said.

Nancy’s turning point was a jingle for Meril beauty soap. Before coming to Dhaka, her family arranged a familial occasion in their house in Netrokona which popular singer Ferdous Wahid happened to attend.

Then Mostofa Sarwar Farooki started working on the film Third Person Singular Number and the song Didha was composed. Farooki wanted Nancy to lend her voice to the song and the rest is history.

Again, in the years 1999, 2000 and in 2001, she bagged prizes at National Education Week programmes.

She became an enlisted artiste at Bangladesh Betar in 2002 as a Nazrul, modern and folk song singer in C-Grade and began performing for BTV in several programmes, including Saptaya Dinga and Jiban Bangladesh Maran Bangladesh till 2005.

Nancy had always been a bright student, standing first from class one to class ten. ‘But I was very sad because I could not acquire an A+ in my higher secondary examination,’ she said.

She has been married to her husband, a businessman since 2006 and has a three-year- old baby girl named Rodela.

Nancy is currently engaged in her stage performances and playbacks for the film ‘Speed’, ‘Bailey Road’, ‘Love 21’.

‘Now I have the desire to play a role in Mostofa Sarwar Farooki’s drama. He can represent a character exactly how he or she is seen in reality. Not that I will act professionally in dramas though, as I want to persist with my musical career.’

‘I have another plan and that involves dancing. Since I took lessons on classical dance for many years during my childhood, I want to present my dance performances soon and release a CD with Nazrul songs,’ she concluded.

Five finalists paired with five popular singers for live performances. Shafin Ahmed with Mehezabien, Sumon of Aurthohin with Ishana, Bappa Majumdar with Swarna, Topu with Orsha and Ayub Bachchu with Tahsin.

Another major attraction was a dance performance by former Lux-Channel i Superstars — Shanu (2005), Mim (2007) and Chaity (2008) - with music by Fuad Al Muqtadir. Tansen choreographed the number.

Konal wins Channel i Shera Kontho 2009

“And the winner is …Konal,” TV presenter Farzana Brownia dramatically announced at end of the four-hour grand finale of “Channel i Shera Kontho 2009″, a musical talent hunt, held at Rajshahi District Stadium on Thursday night.

With the announcement, the chilly winter night in the northwestern city warmed up for some moments as 25000 people at the stadium and some 50,000 outside jumped up in joy and fireworks lit the sky. It was a night to remember in Rajshahi.

The announcement came as a relief to millions of Bangladeshis at home and abroad glued to the TV screen, waiting for the result.

Somnur Monir Konal from Dhaka won the title, while Chaitee Mutsuddi Liza and the youngest finalist Moumita Tasrin Nadiraj won the first and second runner-up positions respectively.

Konal received a cheque worth Tk eight lakh, while Chaitee got Tk five lakh and Nadiraj got Tk three lakh. They also received monetary and other gifts from different organisations, including a Tk 25,000 award from Rajshahi City Corporation.

The finale featured spirited live performances by the seven finalists and the results were based on points given by the judges and SMS votes from the audiences.

Renowned artistes Runa Laila, Sabina Yasmin, Subir Nandi and veteran music composer Alauddin Ali were present as the judges at the finale, adding grandeur to the programme that left a lasting impression on the people of Rajshahi.

The programme began with speeches by Channel i Managing Director Faridur Reza Sagar and Rajshahi Mayor AHM Khairuzzaman Liton.

The main event began with the performances of renowned dancers Shibli Mohammad and Shamim Ara Nipa accompanied by around 100 young dancers of Rajshahi; the song “Aguner Poroshmoni Chhoao Praney” played in the background.

The mega event changed the city mood. Four big screens were set up inside the stadium and six at different city points.

Head of News and Director, Channel i, Shykh Seraj, however, explained that the total amount of money would not be given to the winners right away. The winners will receive scholarships to acclaimed musical institutions abroad. He said, “A sudden rush of money often corrupts young minds.”

The event, “Channel i Shera Kontho 2009″ began in May with the slogan ‘Gaaney… Awaz Tolo Praney.” Some 92,000 contestants from seven zones of the country — Dhaka Metro, Dhaka, Barisal, Rajshahi, Chittagong, Khulna and Sylhet — took part in the competition.

On the occasion of the grand finale in Rajshahi, Channel i covered special reports highlighting the economy, environment and culture of the city during the last few days.

Farzana Brownia and Robin Khan directed the even jointly.

Interview with Sara Billah

Khairul Anam Shakil and Farida Parveen are Sara’s favourite singers and she also enjoys listening to Arnob’s music. Irish vocalist and composer, also a four-time Grammy Award winner, Enya, is Sara’s role model.

“Music is universal. It appeals to people of all origins and orientations; it is a form of a

Bolini Kokhono by Ayub Bachchu

The title track Bolini Kokhono tells the tale of a romantic affair built upon high expectations of one partner on the other, which s/he obviously tries to fulfil on the basis of her unconditional love.

The song Anubabh is a reminiscence of the pleasant experiences one endures when in love, relating to the raindrops, the flowing rivers or the shining stars in the sky, before it all crashes down upon the break up.

The song Shangshar defines the rights a couple have on each other, the least of which include loyalty and compassion towards each other, starting with the verse, ‘Shangshar, Tomar proti amar chiro-odhikar, prokhkhoney keu karo nai ar.’

All the songs in the album were composed by Ayub Bachchu and Rahbar Anwar while the lyrics were written by Shahed Ahmed Siddik, Sazzad Hossain, Farjana Hossain Tania and Asif Ahmed

Finally, the sound quality of the album deserves praise as the mixing and the recording quality enhances the listening experience. Bolini Kokhono has been sponsored by Nuvista Ltd, presented by Marvelon and produced by AB kitchen, Ayub Bachchu’s music studio.

All the songs in the album were composed by Ayub Bachchu and Rahbar Anwar while the lyrics were written by Shahed Ahmed Siddik, Sazzad Hossain, Farjana Hossain Tania and Asif Ahmed

Finally, the sound quality of the album deserves praise as the mixing and the recording quality enhances the listening experience. Bolini Kokhono has been sponsored by Nuvista Ltd, presented by Marvelon and produced by AB kitchen, Ayub Bachchu’s music studio.