My Publications

Songs screaming Bangladesh If we had one great compilation of patriotic band songs, of contemporary nationalistic hymns, which would boil our blood with patriotic passion, give goose bumps or even make our hair standup. Which would they be? Writes Faizul Khan Tanim Bangladesh by George Harrison and friends This is the song, which ignited immense strength and power for all freedom craving Bangladeshis in 1971. And again around the early 90’s, when popular TV show Ittyadi telecasted the powerful music video of this song, once again, The Concert for Bangladesh was revisited and it oozed out inspiration about our nation’s birth for the young generation. And today, when this immortal song is played with Harrison’s words: My friend came to me, with sadness in his eyes. He told me that he wanted help before his country dies. Although I couldn’t feel the pain, I knew I had to try. Now I’m asking all of you to help us save some lives...Bangla Desh, Bangla Desh, our citizens should remi...

Powerful, perpetual, and optimistically melancholic Faizul Khan Tanim finds himself mesmerised and awestruck by Black’s latest work Finally, rock music is back again in the midst of other reigning fruity genres. Thankfully, Black’s third studio release ‘Abar’ is filled with sound of acoustic instruments and carries the essence of the prevalent international music scene. Their guitar notes are more emotional than ever. The compositions are built on simple yet energised guitar riffs, kicks, with upbeat imaginative drumming, overwhelming hollered vocals with melodic outline of the song phrases and harmonious bass lines diving into ‘stylish’ without being extravagant guitar solos – a rock music enthusiast’s dream-come-true compilation. So, welcome to this generation’s midlife emotional crisis because the songs of this compilation speak of just that. The album’s most sublime rock minutes are probably the duration of track number six Ei Gaan, a song about clutching on to a vengeance a...

Black launches 3rd album Rock band Black in cooperation with Warid Telecom released its third album titled ‘Abar’ on Thursday at the Bashundhara City Shopping Complex in the city after a break of five years. The band launched its first album in 2001 titled ‘Amar Prithibi’ and second album ‘Uthsaber Par’ in 2002. As the CD was played on the loop at the launching ceremony, it was made clear to the fans by the band that they did not fall short in creating contemporary and creative rock sound. Yes, Black did it again! From their release of the track ‘Obinashshar’ in a mixed album in 2002 onwards, they sent a bold message of creating fresh compositions. Their music always captured the essence of pre- valent international market of the time. The latest title Abar has one of the most superb album cover – a fusion of classic retro style with post-modern alternative rock attitude. All the ten songs from the album have their unique style and taste. With excellent sound production, mature composi...

Our hero on aviators One of the exceptional film actors of the silver screen, Riaz tells Faizul Khan Tanim about the struggles he has overcome from his career and his admiration for ‘Top Gun’ photo by Momena Jalil From aviation, to entertainment and now about to enter business, celebrated film actor Riaz is flying high and looks beyond. Blessed with boyish good looks, a ‘mystery-shrouded’ past, inimitable manners and appropriate acting skills, Riazuddin Ahmed Siddique today stands tall in the silver screen and is one of the most revered heroes in Bengali cinema. He has also made forays in modeling, television drama as well as art house production. Sitting for an interview with him in his house, I noticed his home décor spelled boldness and manliness in a subtle note, and with a tinge of male ego —there are vertical swords as wall hangings, the air force eagle decoration pieces, Victorian furniture, award plates and crests. Amazingly, no show-off and fancy pictures of him hugging super...

Third person singular number Faizul Khan Tanim writes on Farooki’s latest venture Dealing with the issue of a single woman living independently in our society, the movie ‘Third Person Singular Number’ asks an inevitable question- is she always meant to be treated as an outcast? If the subject itself does not excite you, than be informed, that the movie will be packed with dialogue scripted by none other than the dynamic duo of Mostafa Sarwar Farooki and Anisul Huq, while the music score will be done by contemporary musician Topu. After the success of ‘Bachelor’ and ‘Made in Bangladesh’, this will be Farooki’s third full feature film and it promises to be a trailblazer deviating from the first two in content and style, yet retaining Farooki’s signature perks. To start, Farooki never ceases enthuse audiences with his out-of-the-box titles. This time around, Farooki could not have chosen a better name to capture the plight of single woman by using a phrase from the grammar books, wh...