The New Nation - Internet Edition

Special: 11th anniversary of ATN Bangla today

ATN Family Star

Special telefilm 'Swapnapuran'

Special drama 'Nil Molat'

Sheikh Arif Bulbon

Today is the birthday of ATN Bangla. The popular television channel ATN Bangla will celebrate its 11th anniversary today.

It started its journey on July 15, 1997. During that time it has been playing a vital role to explore the Bengali language across the world. Dr Mahfuzur Rahman dreamt to introduce a channel in the country. Cultural exchange with the West Bengal in 1997, Islamic programmes on September 1998, transformation of analogue to digital in 1999, airing in Europe, Bengali news on August 16, 2001, airing English news on October 1, 2002, every hour news with special bulletin on Iraq War in 2003, country's first mega serial Mama-Bhagne, achieving Amy Award on November 22, 2004, staring talent hunt competition in 2006, beginning of the national debate competition and many more programmes were introduced by ATN Bangla.

To celebrate the day, the channel authority will air various programmes… On July 15, children' special programme Happy Birthday will be aired at 8:30am. Liton Adhikari Rintu has directed the programme.

TTTeen age magazine 'Shuvokhone' will be aired at 9:20am directed by Shahina Akhter. Special presentation on 'Gambhira' songs titled 'ATN Desher Ayna' will be aired at 10:30am. Chanpai Gambhira will present their traditional songs and the programme was directed by Sharful Alam. Special live talk show 'Hot Seat' will be aired from Studio No 2 of ATN Bangla at 11:05am. Special documentary 'Satellite Juger Bashinda' will be aired at 11:20am directed by Biplob Rahman. Special musical show 'Candle Light' will be aired at 12:20pm, which was jointly directed by Nazmus Sahadat Nazim and Bilash Khan. Artistes Fahmida Nabi, Nasim Ali Khan, Khalid, Sinthia and Taposh will perform in the show. Special dance programme 'Nache mon nache' will be aired at 111:25pm. The programme was presented by Shampa Mahmud and directed by Iva Rahman.

Special telefilm 'Swapnapuran' will be aired at 2:40pm where Zahid Hossain, Mou, Tomalika, Challenger, among others, will perform.

Special documentary on ATN Chairman 'Ami tomaderi lok' will be aired at 4:45pm. The programme was directed by Syed Mahmud Ahmed.

ATN Family Star participated by performers and employees of ATN Bangla will be aired at 5:45pm. Nahid Rahman and Khaleda Ahmed jointly directed the show.

Special drama 'Look Alike' will be aired at 8:00pm. Script was composed by Anisul Haque and directed by Sokal Ahmed. Taukir Ahmed, Moushumi Biswas, Dilara Zaman, Mahmudul Islam Mithu and others will perform in the drama.

Special magazine 'Panchphoron' will be aired at 9:05pm. Sanjida Hanif directed the magazine under the banner of Fagoon Audio Vision.

Solo musical programme by Iva Rahman will be aired at 11:30pm. Special drama 'Nil Molat' will be aired at 12:00am. Chayanika Chowdhury directed the drama and script was written by Raunak Hasan. Mahfuz Ahmed and Tarin will perform in lead role of the drama.

Seafood, grill @ Sonargaon

Entertainment Desk

Anybody can enjoy the mouthwatering addition to the Pan Pacific Sonargaon's restaurants. The hotel authority has arranged a appetizing journey completed with its chef's special techniques for prepping and cooking the variety of recipes of seafood at Jharna and Grill at Ciao from July 6 to 17 from 6:00pm to11:00pm everyday.

Experience the extravagant verity and choose what your heart most craves for with a whole range of assorted salads, sides, drinks, and desserts that compliments the menu.

For reservations please call at 8111005 - 4140 (Jharna) & 4240 (Ciao).

Pantene YGTL '08 starts: Looking for intellect, beauty & confidence personality

Entertainment Desk

In its seventh year, the ultimate pageant of beauty and brains - Pantene You Got the Look (YGTL) - is back for the 2008 edition. Grey Advertising Bangladesh Ltd, on behalf of Procter & Gamble Bangladesh, is back in its familiar role as organizer of this gala event.

YGTL has been taking place for six years now; every year, the show has attracted many gifted young men and women to its fold. YGTL has become, over the years, the benchmark of prestige and glamour; it has catapulted a great many of its participants to the realm of stardom.

Beginning with a nationwide call for entries, YGTL short-lists 120 young men and women for a face-to-face interview. Thereafter, 24 of the finest candidates are selected for a month long 'boot camp', where they're groomed in the art of presenting themselves- in high-strung, often stressful environments - to the outside world. This year, on the 6th of July, the 24 finalists of YGTL'08 began their journey towards achieving their personal goals at the showpiece event. All the effort at the 'boot camp' - the grooming sessions, the gruelling physical exercise, speech-coaching, the dance lessons, the endless practice-walking and ramp choreography - will eventually transform these young people, each into a potential winner; ready to unleash his/her talents on stage, satisfying the expectations of a huge viewing contingent, come the day of the final.

This year's YGTL has an impressive array of patrons. With Co-Sponsor Gallery Apex, and Herbal Solution Day Spa & Beauty Studio as hair and make-up partner, bangladeshinfo as online partner, and Radio Today as radio partner, backing the event, YGTL 2008 has all the makings of a truly spectacular affair. And as far as the finalists are concerned, they are being groomed by the finest hands in the country. There's "Xiya and Brothers" for Choreography, 'Denial,' represented by Ditan, for Styling; and dance expert Tanzim; to coach the finalists, to distil their talents and help them deliver their very best when it's down to the wire.

Bigger, better and with more event based activities, this year's Pantene YGTL promises to be a splendid exhibition of ability, beauty and poise; and ready to justify its billing as the outstanding pageant of the country.

Bollywood: Competition? Bring it on girls: Shriya Saran

Shriya Saran

Agencies

After coming into limelight with recently released film Sivaji, Shriya Saran has become a hot property in Bollywood now.

Almost every producer in this tinsel town is running behind the actress to sign her for their films. But the gorgeous babe believes in doing one film at a time giving hard time to the desired producers.

Let's see what this lady has to say about her upcoming release Mission Istanbul in which she is playing Zayed's wife who is a professional news reporter.

Q. In which genre of films does Mission Istanbul fall in?

A. The film is full of action. It's typical Appu's (Apoora Lakhia) film, which has been beautifully picturized. The story of the film revolves around the serious issue dealing with terrorism. The issues related to terrorism have been beautifully portrayed through this film.

Q. How much scope do you see for yourself in this action packed flick?

A. I don't disagree that the film has many stars and is full of action, but every character in the film is playing an important role. Every character has been beautifully scripted. The story-telling of the film is like reading a novel, which, you can't put down even if you want. When I got the script of this film, I read it at one stretch and instantly decided to be a part of the film. For me, more than the length of my character, it's the maturity in it, which matters.

Q. How did you bag this role?

A. Apoorva had seen my previous films Sivaji and Awarapan so it wasn't hard for him to find me. Frankly, I, too, was dying to work with Apoorva (laughs). I am happy that I didn't have to give any audition or look test for this character.

Q. Tell us something about your character…

A. I am playing the role of a television journalist who is very successful in her field. She is very honest with her work.

Q. Did you have any particular news reporter in your mind while preparing for your character?

Yes, I always had Barkha Dutt in my mind as she is been termed the first reporter who went across the border to report during the war scenario. I saw a lot of her shows. Apart from her, I also viewed a lot of international news channels. While playing the character of a reporter I realized that it's not only difficult to reply to answers but even throwing questions is a very difficult part.

Q. How did you feel working with Apoorva?

A. He is very intelligent director. When I met him for the first time he gave a bound script in my hand. Apart from the script, it had the information regarding the shooting locations and schedules of our film. I was very impressed with that. And frankly, like every actor I expected a lot and was meaningful regarding my part in the film, but here comes the capability if Appu, who convinced me into playing this role. Apoorva has the talent to convince any actor.