United News of Bangladesh

Indian actor Mrunal Thakur has warned people against creating or sharing AI-generated deepfake content using her image, saying any further misuse of her identity will lead to legal action. The actor issued the warning on Instagram on Tuesday, although she did not say what specific incident prompted the notice. “Creating or sharing deepfake content using my likeness is illegal and unacceptable,” she wrote, calling on people to stop such activities immediately. She also warned that any further misuse of her identity would result in legal action. A growing number of Indian actors have recently turned to the courts to protect their image, identity and personality rights from unauthorised use of artificial intelligence. Actors including Akshay Kumar, Varun Dhawan, Anil Kapoor, Shilpa Shetty, Preity Zinta, Kartik Aaryan and Suniel Shetty have taken legal steps over the misuse of their identities. Rashmika raises concern over AI misuseActor Rashmika Mandanna also previously spoke out against the misuse of AI to create vulgar and harmful images targeting women. In a post on X last December, she warned that the ability to manipulate images and information through AI could make it increasingly difficult to distinguish truth from fabrication. She said AI could be a powerful tool for progress, but its misuse to target women and create offensive content reflected a serious moral problem. Rashmika urged people to use AI responsibly and called for strict action against those who misuse the technology. Earlier, a person was arrested for allegedly spreading deepfake content involving Rashmika. Mrunal’s upcoming filmMrunal Thakur is currently associated with the much-anticipated action drama Raaka, directed by Atlee Kumar. The film features a star-studded cast, including Allu Arjun, Deepika Padukone and Rashmika Mandanna. The makers are reportedly targeting a December 2027 release, although the date has not yet been officially confirmed. Source: NDTV

The High Court on Sunday granted bail to television actor Niamat Ullah Bhuiya, popularly known as Zaher Alvi, in a case filed over his wife’s death. The HC bench of Justice KM Zahid Sarwar and Justice Sheikh Abu Taher passed the order after hearing a petition. On June 30, a Dhaka court sent Alvi to jail after end of his two-day remand in the case. Earlier on June 18, a Dhaka court sent Zaher Alvi to jail when he surrendered before the court. The court also rejected the bail petition of Alvi. Earlier on February 28,  Afra Ivnath Khan Ikra, wife of television actor Zaher Alvi, reportedly committed suicide in the capital’s Mirpur DOHS. Alvi disclosed it in a post on his verified Facebook page but did not mention any reason behind it. In the post, the actor wrote, “This noon, my wife Ikra committed suicide at our Mirpur DOHS residence. Now, I am in Nepal for a shooting project. Since hearing the news, I have not been in a state to speak. I do not understand why she chose to leave this way without thinking about our child and me.” He further wrote, “I request my well-wishers and journalist brothers to please give me some time. I am trying to return to Dhaka as soon as possible and will speak to everyone after I get back. Until then, during this moment of grief, please allow me and my family some mental peace. For the sake of our child’s future, please do not spread any misleading information. Please pray for my Ikra.” Alvi and Ikra were married in 2010 and they have a son. Ikra’s father filed a case against the actor on charge of provoking her to commit suicide.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day brought in $927m (£687m) of global ticket sales to make it the second-biggest opening weekend ever as it shot past its estimated $225m production budget. The superhero movie - starring real-life husband and wife Tom Holland and Zendaya - is only behind Avengers: Endgame, which took in more than $1.2bn in its opening weekend in 2019. Brand New Day also set a second-best North American record, with box office takings of $335m. The film's strong performance gives a much-needed boost for Marvel Studios ahead of the highly-anticipated December release of Avengers: Doomsday, after a string of Marvel movies under-performed in recent years. Brand New Day, which opened in cinemas last week, picks up a few years after 2021's Spider-Man: No Way Home as Peter Parker continues to fight crime in a world that has forgotten he is the masked superhero. The latest instalment of the hugely popular franchise received largely positive reviews, with some calling it Holland's best Spider-Man performance yet. Brand New Day made $572m from more than 73,000 screens outside the US, including $121m from China, distributor Sony Pictures said. That included $49m in UK ticket sales over the weekend. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige said the opening of Brand New Day was "truly phenomenal", adding that he was grateful to audiences for "coming out and experiencing our film the way it was meant to be seen." The film is Marvel's last big-screen outing before Doomsday, the long-awaited culmination of multiple superhero story arcs after Avengers: Endgame. Marvel films released since Endgame have struggled to attract the same broad audiences as they did at their peak. Big budget films like The Marvels and Thunderbolts recouped their production costs but were among the studio's lowest-grossing films. Spider-Man remains one of Marvel's most lucrative franchises, with No Way Home making nearly $2bn in ticket sales. Cinema attendance has slowed since the Covid-19 pandemic, which accelerated the shift to home-streaming options like Netflix. But the big screen has staged something of a comeback this year, with the North American box office takings on track to pass $10bn for the first time since 2019. That was helped by blockbuster hits by including Toy Story 5, Michael, and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie - which have made more than $1bn each. July releases Brand New Day and The Odyssey - director Christopher Nolan's take on the epic Greek poem - are also on track to top the $1bn mark. Source: BBC

Veteran actor Vincent Pastore, best known for playing Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero in the acclaimed television series The Sopranos, has died at the age of 80. Bob McGowan, who managed Pastore during and after his time on The Sopranos, told The meida that actor Vincent Curatola informed him of the death on Saturday. Pastore was found at his home on New York’s City Island after friends and colleagues had been unable to contact him for several days. McGowan remembered Pastore as a loyal client, generous supporter of charities and someone always willing to help others. Longtime representative Robert Attermann described him as kind, warm and devoted to his fans, noting he never refused requests for photographs or autographs and regularly encouraged aspiring actors. Actor Michael Imperioli paid tribute on Instagram, recalling decades of friendship, work and travel together, and praised Pastore’s deep commitment to his family and friends. Pastore began his acting career in the 1980s and appeared in films including Goodfellas and Awakenings in 1990. He became widely recognized for his 30-episode portrayal of FBI informant “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero in The Sopranos. Born in the Bronx and raised in New Rochelle, New York, Pastore served in the US Navy during the Vietnam War before attending Pace University. He is survived by his daughter, Renee Pastore.

Zendaya's fashion choices during the promotional tour for Spider-Man: Brand New Day have sparked online speculation that her character, MJ, could face a tragic fate in the new Marvel film. Fans on social media have pointed to the actor's mostly black outfits during the press tour, suggesting they may hint at a major storyline involving MJ. However, there has been no official confirmation from Marvel Studios or the filmmakers. Zendaya and her longtime stylist, Law Roach, are well known for using fashion to reflect themes from the films they promote. During the tour, Zendaya wore a blue-and-red outfit in Rome, colours closely linked to Spider-Man's costume. She also appeared in a grey-blue dress featuring web-inspired details. For most of the remaining promotional events, however, she chose black outfits, a colour often associated with mourning in Western cultures. At an event in China, she wore a black Versace gown with black net detailing, even though white is traditionally considered the colour of mourning in China and several other Asian countries. These fashion choices have led some fans to speculate that MJ may die in Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The theory gained further attention after Zendaya said in a recent interview: "As a fan of Peter Parker, I always want him to have a happy ending, but I don't know, guys... it's not looking good." Marvel actors are generally bound by strict non-disclosure agreements that prevent them from revealing plot details before a film's release. Fans have shared various theories online, with some suggesting the outfits were carefully chosen to hint at MJ's storyline. Others believe they are simply part of Zendaya's signature fashion-forward promotional style. For now, the speculation remains unconfirmed. Audiences will learn what happens to MJ when Spider-Man: Brand New Day opens in cinemas worldwide.

Ariana Grande is showing a quieter side on her latest album “Petal,” stepping away from the powerful vocal performances that have long defined her music. Her eighth studio album and first full-length release since the end of her “Wicked” run and 2024’s “Eternal Sunshine,” “Petal” features 12 tracks that see the pop star taking a more inward and controlled approach. The change is clear from the lead single “Hate That I Made You Love Me.” With its smooth hook and understated vocals, the song offers an early glimpse of the album’s new direction. It became Grande’s 10th No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Rather than relying on her trademark vocal power, Grande delivers the song in a softer style, allowing the bubbling synths and gentle pop arrangement to take center stage. The track was produced with Ilya Salmanzadeh, who has worked with Grande since 2018’s “Sweetener,” and Swedish hitmaker Max Martin. For an artist famous for effortlessly hitting big notes, the restrained performance feels almost like an experiment. But it works, giving the song an easy, relaxed quality. That sense of effortlessness runs through much of “Petal.” On “Oh Well,” upbeat production contrasts with lyrics that deliver a clear message of moving on from a troubled relationship. “Petal” also offers a range of musical textures, though most of them are cooler and more laid-back than what listeners may expect from Grande. The album occasionally comes close to sounding carefree, but it still maintains the charm associated with her music. The record carries a moody R&B feel, with some of its smoothness reminiscent of SZA. “Freak” feels more like a dream—or perhaps a nightmare—with hazy layers of vocals creating an intimate and slightly mysterious atmosphere. Grande largely avoids the elaborate vocal runs and huge vocal moments that have become her trademark. Instead, she embraces a more controlled style. While the change shows artistic growth, some longtime fans may wonder whether the subtle approach will keep them fully engaged. The album becomes more energetic in its final third. Grande brings back some of her more dynamic style on “Like I Do,” particularly over its heavy bass, while “Never Get Over Me” builds slowly around the line, “The grass is way greener / Since I been beneath ya.” “Bad Thing (Bunny Hop)” is one of the album’s strongest moments. It captures the excitement of a new crush through dreamy guitars, a driving beat and playful lyrics. Grande’s distinctive way of shaping her words adds to the song’s appeal. The album closes with “Nowhere, Nobody,” which combines a retro-style vocal melody with vocoder effects. In promotional material for “Petal,” Grande described the album as something “full of life and growing through the cracks” of something difficult and challenging. That idea fits the record to some extent. Its 12 songs find moments of happiness beneath atmospheric production and subdued melodies. More importantly, “Petal” shows what happens when one of pop’s most powerful vocalists deliberately chooses to hold back. Rather than trying to prove what her voice can do, Grande seems more interested in exploring what it can say when she turns down the volume.

Actress Storm Reid wants her new music to show fans a side of her they may not often see — a young woman still figuring out love, relationships and life. Reid, 23, released her new single “Shotty” on Friday, hoping listeners will get to know the more personal and less polished side of the actor they have seen on screen. “I think people might think I have it all together when I really don’t,” said Reid, known for her roles in “Euphoria,” “A Wrinkle in Time” and “The Last of Us,” for which she won an Emmy in 2024. “I’m a normal girl trying to figure it out,” she said. “Shotty” follows her debut single, “Clean Sweep,” and marks another step in her music career, which she began pursuing more seriously over the past year. She has already recorded more than 25 songs. Reid said she plans to focus on creating her first EP after completing work on Teyana Taylor’s directorial debut, “Get Lite.” She wants to take her time developing a project with a clear and connected story. She is releasing her music independently through her own label, 1720 Music, a move she said gives her more creative control while keeping open the possibility of working with a major label later. “With the indie route, you have a little bit more autonomy of what you want to do and how you do things,” she said. Reid also hopes her label can help create opportunities for other musicians. “I want to sign people. I want to sign songwriters and producers and artists, and give them opportunities,” she said. Music has quickly become almost as important to Reid as acting, although she plans to continue working in film and television. Her upcoming projects include Netflix’s “Roommates” and “Get Lite.” Working on “Get Lite” also pushed her to develop her dancing and become more comfortable performing, skills she hopes will help when she eventually takes her own music to the stage. “It’s as big and as important as acting is,” Reid said of music. “It’s something that I want to continue to do and want to continue to grow at.” Reid said her years in Hollywood have helped her deal with criticism, including comments from people who questioned whether she deserved her Emmy. “People didn’t feel like I deserved to win an Emmy, but it’s still sitting in my house,” she said. “It’s still in my mama’s house, so I don’t really care what people say.” Since releasing “Clean Sweep,” Reid said she has mostly avoided reading online comments so that negative reactions do not affect her. She said the response so far has been largely positive and supportive, adding that she is excited for listeners to hear more of her music. For Reid, the move into music is ultimately about showing that she is more than the polished image people may have of her. “Not everything is gonna be perfect. Not everything is gonna be prim, proper and pristine and eloquent,” she said. “Like yeah, that’s a part of me, and I can do that, and I can do it really well. But also … this is me too.”

Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard, who won an Academy Award for the 2007 film Once, died in a motorcycle crash near Dublin early Wednesday, his management company said. He was 56. ATC Management told Irish broadcaster RTE that Hansard’s family was “deeply shocked and heartbroken” by his death. Tributes poured in from fellow musicians and artists, including Bruce Springsteen, who said he was “heartbroken” by the loss of “a great musician, a good friend and a generous and gracious man.” Irish police said a man in his 50s died after a single-vehicle motorcycle crash in Lucan, west of Dublin, shortly before 4:30 a.m. Wednesday. Police did not identify the man, saying he was treated at the scene but was later pronounced dead. Hansard built a career in both acting and music. He appeared as a member of a Dublin soul band in the 1991 hit film The Commitments before gaining international recognition as a singer-songwriter. He won the Oscar for best original song in 2008 for “Falling Slowly,” which he co-wrote with his Once co-star Markéta Irglová. The film tells the story of two struggling musicians who form a close bond while pursuing their musical ambitions. Once was later turned into a Broadway musical featuring songs by Hansard and Irglová. The stage production won eight Tony Awards in 2012, including best musical. Hansard was the longtime frontman of the rock band The Frames and also formed the musical duo The Swell Season with Irglová. He released several solo albums, including Didn’t He Ramble, which earned a Grammy nomination for best folk album in 2016. Ireland’s President Catherine Connolly described Hansard as one of the country’s great singer-songwriters. “Glen was one of the vital driving influences of the Irish music world, bringing people together in the sharing of live music,” Connolly said. “He will be sorely missed by all who knew him or experienced his work.” Actor and comedian Chris O’Dowd praised Hansard’s “energizing melodies and soulful, searching voice,” saying his music helped make difficult times easier, quiet periods more beautiful and happy moments more memorable. Hansard began his musical journey as a street busker in Dublin. He later became known for leading the city’s annual Christmas Eve busk outside the Gaiety Theatre, where well-known Irish musicians perform for the public to raise money for a homelessness charity. Former Irish President Michael D. Higgins remembered Hansard as a “wonderful musician and performer” who also devoted much of his life to addressing social problems. In 2023, Hansard performed a powerful rendition of The Pogues’ “Fairytale Of New York” with Irish singer Lisa O’Neill at the funeral of The Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan. The performance moved mourners, with some members of the congregation dancing in the church aisles. Hansard is survived by his wife, Finnish poet Maire Saaritsa, and their 3-year-old son, Christy.

As Lock Upp 2 heads toward its finale, the latest season has continued to deliver intense drama, heated confrontations and plenty of entertainment. One of the season's major turning points came with the entry of content creator Apoorva Mukhija, popularly known as The Rebel Kid, who joined the show as an informer. Her arrival led to new rivalries, arguments and emotional confrontations among the contestants. After her brief but eventful stint on the show, Apoorva took to her Instagram Stories to respond to the criticism she faced during her time on the programme. Currently vacationing in Ibiza, Apoorva said she was contractually prohibited from revealing that she had already been eliminated from the show. "People abused me so much, and I couldn't post anything because I was under contract and wasn't allowed to reveal that I was out of the show. My job was to provoke people and pick fights with them," she said. 'I got my fat cheque,' says Apoorva Apoorva said her responsibility inside the house was to provoke conflicts among the contestants. When others refused to engage in arguments, she had to confront them herself. "I tried very hard to create conflicts between contestants, but nobody wanted to fight. It was my job, and I was paid to do it. I couldn't just not do it. So, when nobody else was fighting, I had to go and fight with people because that usually creates a ripple effect," she said. Concluding her message, Apoorva said viewers could either like or dislike her, adding that she had earned her payment, created content for social media and was now enjoying her vacation in Ibiza. Apoorva denies fighting for screen time Apoorva also rejected claims that she deliberately picked fights simply to get more screen time. She said that as the Jailor's informer, her role was naturally going to make her an important part of the episodes. "I don't need to steal anyone's footage. If they brought me onto the show for five days, they had to show me to recover their costs," she said. The content creator added that because she entered the house as the Informer, the makers had to feature her in the episodes. "Whatever I did, they had to show me because I entered the house as the Informer. So, I didn't need to fight with people just to get screen time. Those episodes were always going to revolve around me," she added. Apoorva backs Shreya Kalra, Shilpa Shinde In another Instagram clip, Apoorva expressed her support for contestants Shreya Kalra and Shilpa Shinde, saying she believed either of them should win the show. About Lock Upp 2 Hosted by Riteish Deshmukh and Farah Khan, Lock Upp 2 features Akanksha Chamola, Harshad Chopda, Ram Kapoor, Shreya Kalra, Shilpa Shinde, Akanksha Choudhary, Pamala Serena, Shivangi Joshi, Yogesh Rawat and Varun "Laila" Yadav. The winner of the season will receive a cash prize of Rs 1 crore. #From NDTV

Acclaimed Kolkata-based vocalist Sumana Chatterjee, currently in Bangladesh to participate in the Nazrul Festival 2026 organised by the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, will perform at a special musical evening hosted by Artist Club on Thursday. During the programme, Sumana Chatterjee will present timeless Nazrul Sangeet along with popular songs associated with legendary singers Arati Mukherjee, Nirmala Mishra, Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar, according to a press release. Born in Silchar, Assam, Sumana Chatterjee developed her passion for music from an early age in a culturally enriched family. She later moved to Kolkata, where she received formal training under renowned music maestros and established herself as a versatile performer of Nazrul Sangeet, modern Bengali songs and Bengali film music. Sumana Chatterjee first came into the limelight through a popular television reality show in 2005. Since then, she has performed extensively at cultural festivals, concerts and international events across India and Bangladesh, earning widespread appreciation for the richness of her voice, musical excellence and expressive stage performances. Artist Club believes this special musical evening will further strengthen the cultural ties between Bangladesh and India while celebrating the rich heritage of Bengali music.