United News of Bangladesh

URenowned guitarist and songwriter Mick Ralphs, best known for his work with Mott The Hoople, has passed away at the age of 81, the band’s official page has confirmed. A statement from the group read: “Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.” Born in Hereford, Ralphs was a founding member of Mott The Hoople, formed in 1969, though he eventually left to become part of Bad Company. According to tributes, Ralphs was devoted to his partner Susie, his two children, three step-children, and bandmates Simon Kirke and Paul Rodgers. Rodgers expressed his grief, saying: “Our Mick has passed, my heart just hit the ground.” Ralphs was part of Mott The Hoople during their 1972 success with All The Young Dudes, written by David Bowie, which reached number three on the UK singles chart that year. Verden Allen, one of the band’s founding members, said of Ralphs’ death: “It’s very sad to hear that he is gone. We have lasting memories, fond memories.” Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 brings back Tom Holland’s iconic red and blue suit; fans go Ralphs last performed with Bad Company in October 2016 before suffering a stroke the following month. The band was set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame later this year. Rodgers reflected on his memories with Ralphs, describing him as a friend, songwriting partner, and “a wonderful and versatile guitarist with the greatest sense of humour.” He added: “In our last conversation a few days ago we shared a laugh but it won’t be our last. There are many memories of Mick that will create laughter.” “Condolences to everyone who loved him, especially his one true love, Susie. I will see you in heaven,” Rodgers concluded. Drummer Simon Kirke also paid tribute, saying: “He was a dear friend, a wonderful songwriter, and an exceptional guitarist. We will miss him deeply.” Source: BBC

After the record-breaking success of Pushpa 2, Allu Arjun has begun work on his next major project, this time under the direction of blockbuster filmmaker Atlee. The much-anticipated film, being produced on a massive scale with extensive use of VFX, began shooting its first schedule in Mumbai on the 12th of this month. The latest reports reveal that this schedule will span three months, making it the longest outdoor schedule of Allu Arjun’s career. The shoot is crucial for the film’s action sequences and is taking place on a specially built, massive set.  According to Asianet News, director Atlee asked his production design team to construct a set capable of handling all the major scenes. The set has been built using blue matte technology and is equipped with state-of-the-art cameras, making it suitable for extensive AI-enhanced post-production. This film marks the 22nd in Allu Arjun’s career and the sixth for Atlee, who has delivered several major hits, including Jawan. The film is being produced by Sun Pictures, a well-known Tamil production banner. Tere Naam look inspired by former president: Salman Khan In a unique turn, Allu Arjun will be seen portraying three different roles in the film, which is said to explore a parallel universe. One of these characters is reportedly an animated figure. Earlier reports had pegged the budget of the film at a massive ₹800 crore. Of this, ₹250 crore is being allocated to the overall production cost, with ₹200 crore specifically designated for shooting. Notably, Sun Pictures is investing ₹250 crore solely for VFX, which is being handled by top Hollywood studios. Director Atlee is charging ₹100 crore for his sixth film, while Allu Arjun will receive ₹175 crore as remuneration, along with 15 percent of the profits. It is learnt that Atlee is planning the project as a pan-Indian release, aiming to draw global attention. With its star power, high production values, and cutting-edge technology, the film is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious projects in Indian cinema.

Bobby Sherman, the pop singer and heartthrob whose charming smile and signature shaggy hairstyle helped make him a teen idol in the 1960s and 1970s with hits like “Little Woman” and “Julie, Do Ya Love Me,” has passed away at the age of 81. Sherman’s wife, Brigitte Poublon, announced his death on Tuesday. Actor John Stamos shared her message on Instagram: “Bobby left this world holding my hand — just as he held up our life with love, courage, and unwavering grace.” Sherman revealed earlier this year that he had been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. Sherman became a fixture on the covers of popular teen magazines like Tiger Beat and Sixteen, known for his boyish looks, hair falling over his eyes, and trendy chokers. His face appeared on lunchboxes, cereal boxes, and posters adorning fans’ bedroom walls. He ranked eighth on TV Guide’s list of “TV’s 25 Greatest Teen Idols.” Part of a long line of teen sensations dating back to Ricky Nelson in the 1950s, Sherman helped pave the way for stars like David Cassidy and later, Justin Bieber. He enjoyed four Top 10 singles on the Billboard Hot 100, including “Little Woman,” “Julie, Do Ya Love Me,” “Easy Come, Easy Go,” and “La La La (If I Had You).” His album Here Comes Bobby spent 48 weeks on the Billboard 200, peaking at No. 10. Sherman’s career gained momentum when he appeared on ABC’s rock music show Shindig! in the mid-60s. He later starred in the TV series Here Come the Brides (1968-70) and Getting Together (1971). Celebrities paid tribute on social media. Actress Patricia Heaton wrote, “Hey all my 70s peeps, let’s take a minute to remember our heartthrob Bobby Sherman,” while Lorenzo Lamas shared memories of listening to “Easy Come, Easy Go” on the school bus. After stepping away from fame, Sherman became a certified emergency medical technician (EMT) and instructor with the Los Angeles Police Department, teaching first aid and CPR to police recruits, donating his salary in the process. Reflecting on his fame in a 1997 interview with The Tulsa World, Sherman said, “A lot of times, people say, ‘Well, if you could go back and change things, what would you do?’ And I don’t think I’d change a thing — except to maybe be a little bit more aware of it, because I probably could’ve relished the fun of it a little more. It was a lot of work. It was a lot of blood, sweat and tears. But it was the best of times.” From Teen Stardom to Hollywood Breakthrough Born and raised in California’s San Fernando Valley, Sherman grew up singing Ricky Nelson songs and playing with a high school band. “I was brought up in a fairly strict family,” Sherman told The Sunday News in 1998. “Law and order were important. Respect your fellow neighbor, remember other people’s feelings. I was the kind of boy who didn’t do things just to be mischievous.” Brian Wilson, Beach Boys visionary leader and summer's poet laureate, dies at 82 Sherman was studying child psychology at a community college when his girlfriend took him to a Hollywood party that changed his life. After performing onstage, he was approached by celebrities including Jane Fonda, Natalie Wood, and Sal Mineo. Within days, he landed an audition and joined Shindig!. Sherman’s true rise to fame came in 1968 with his role in Here Come the Brides, a comedy set in 1870s Seattle. He sang the theme song, “Seattle,” and portrayed Jeremy Bolt, often clashing with his brother, played by David Soul. His follow-up show, Getting Together, a spinoff of The Partridge Family, made him the first entertainer to headline three TV shows before turning 30. His first major single, “Little Woman,” earned him a gold record in 1969. The Tulsa World described Sherman’s influence as a comforting presence for teens during turbulent times, saying, “While the rest of the world seemed jumbled up and threatening, Sherman’s smiling visage beamed from the bedroom walls of hundreds of thousands of teenage girls, a reassuring totem against the riots, drugs, war protests and free love that raged outside.” Sherman also appeared in films such as Wild in the Streets, He Is My Brother, and Get Crazy. A New Chapter: From Music to Medicine After years of relentless touring and filming, Sherman decided to leave the spotlight. “I’d film five days a week, get on a plane on a Friday night and go someplace for matinee and evening shows Saturday and Sunday, then get on a plane and go back to the studio to start filming again,” Sherman told The Washington Post. “It was so hectic for three years that I didn’t know what home was.” Sherman’s passion for medicine grew as he raised his sons with his first wife, Patti Carnel. He became the go-to first-aid provider at home, which led him to formal training with the Red Cross. “If I see an accident, I feel compelled to stop and give aid even if I’m in my own car,” Sherman told The St. Petersburg Times. “I carry equipment with me. And there’s not a better feeling than the one you get from helping somebody out. I would recommend it to everybody.” Sherman worked as a reserve deputy with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, providing security at courthouses. He estimated he assisted with the delivery of five babies in emergency situations, including one born on a sidewalk, later named Roberta in his honor. Later Years and Philanthropy Sherman was named LAPD’s Reserve Officer of the Year in 1999 and received honors from the FBI and the Los Angeles County Reserve Foundation. In 2004, former Congressman Howard McKeon praised Sherman on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, saying, “Bobby is a stellar example of the statement ‘to protect and serve.’ We can only say a simple and heartfelt thank you to Bobby Sherman and to all the men and women who courageously protect and serve the citizens of America.” Sherman occasionally returned to the stage in the 1990s, joining the “Teen Idols Tour” alongside Micky Dolenz and Davy Jones of the Monkees and Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits. The Chicago Sun-Times described Sherman’s performances as filled with fan adoration, teddy bears, and autographs. Frederick Forsyth, author of 'The Day of the Jackal,' dies at 86 He also co-founded the Brigitte and Bobby Sherman Children’s Foundation, which provides health, education, and welfare programs for underprivileged children in Ghana. Sherman is survived by his wife, Brigitte, and two sons, Christopher and Tyler. “Even in his final days, he stayed strong for me. That’s who Bobby was — brave, gentle, and full of light,” Poublon wrote. Source: 

Insomniac Games has introduced the fan-favourite "Red and Blue Suit" in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 for PlayStation 5, a design inspired by Tom Holland’s final look in Spider-Man: No Way Home. The suit, unlockable at level 58, closely reflects Peter Parker’s classic comic-style appearance and has sparked excitement among fans. The suit, seen in the closing scenes of No Way Home, was crafted by Peter Parker himself after parting ways with Stark technology. Many believe it pays tribute to the iconic suits worn by Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield while offering a fresh, polished design unique to Tom Holland’s Spider-Man. Unlike other in-game suits, this version retains its cinematic finish and offers no alternative styles, staying true to its MCU origins. Meanwhile, Tom Holland is set to reprise his role as Peter Parker in the upcoming film Spider-Man: Brand New Day, directed by renowned filmmaker Destin Daniel Cretton. The film is scheduled for release on July 31, 2026, with production beginning this summer. In a major casting reveal, The Punisher star Jon Bernthal will return as Frank Castle, marking his entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe's next chapter of Spider-Man. His involvement suggests a darker, more grounded tone for the film. Spider-Man comic page sells for record $3.36M bidding Holland will be joined by returning cast members Zendaya (MJ) and Jacob Batalon (Ned), while Stranger Things breakout star Sadie Sink has also been added to the cast, though her role remains under wraps. According to The Hollywood Reporter, rumours suggest the film could feature multiple villains and possibly variants of the Hulk, though Marvel Studios has yet to confirm any plot details. Fans of both the game and the MCU now eagerly await what's next for Spider-Man, both in the digital world and on the big screen. Source: agency

In the final stretch of Panchayat Season 4, streaming on Prime Video from June 24, Raghubir Yadav’s Brij Bhushan Dubey, better known as Pradhan ji, sums it up well: "Politics isn’t a child’s game where everything goes smoothly." That line reflects the season itself, where the once-endearing charm of the show begins to dim as the village politics of Phulera grow murkier. Glimpses of Old Humour Amidst Political Drama While the third season's heavier tone divided fans, Panchayat tries to balance things in Season 4, bringing back a few slices of its signature humour. Sachiv Abhishek (Jitendra Kumar) receives a casual "Hi" from Pradhan ji in their men’s group chat—a familiar signal to gather for drinks, rants, and lighthearted banter. The addition of Ram Gopal Bajaj as Pradhan ji’s father-in-law adds to the laughs, especially when Pradhan ji casually drops his famous "Aye sasur!" catchphrase in his real father-in-law's presence. Faisal Malik, portraying Prahlad-cha, continues to deliver a nuanced performance, his occasional chuckles offering brief relief from the grief of losing his soldier son in Season 2. Lauki vs. Pressure Cooker and Muddy Politics The symbolic battle between Manju Devi’s lauki (bottle gourd) and Kranti Devi’s pressure cooker intensifies, reflecting the dirty, personal nature of village politics. Kranti Devi (Sunita Rajwar) even stoops to spreading false rumours about Khushboo (Tripti Sahu), wife of Vikas (Chandan Roy), leading to emotional fallout and damage control. Meanwhile, toilet humour returns as both camps weaponise Swachh Bharat themes in their election campaigns. Kuberaa: Dhanush’s Political Thriller Marches On With Its Elegant Box Office Journey Food as a Political Weapon Food plays a recurring role, from sly nods to Welcome's "aaloo le lo" dialogue to samosas and sweets becoming tools for political gain. Manju Devi smartly uses free samosas to sway voters, while laddoo orders—based on ghee quality—serve as a quirky indicator of election confidence. Secondary characters like Binod and Madhav (Ashok Pathak and Buloo Kumar) also get more screen time beyond comic relief, adding depth to the opposition camp. Even Manju Devi tries to woo Binod to her side with delicious food. Rinky (Sanvikaa) continues to wrestle with family pride and ego, suggesting that while ambition may skip a generation, family pride runs deep. Romance, Exams, and Future Crossroads After much teasing, Abhishek and Rinky's relationship finally blossoms, though Abhishek’s uncertain CAT exam results loom over their future. His desire to escape Phulera remains intact, though Rinky’s pointed reaction hints at the personal sacrifices such ambitions demand. Verdict: Should You Watch? For long-time Panchayat fans, the ensemble cast and familiar village setting make Season 4 worth sticking with, despite the heavier political overtones and slightly diminished charm. Casual viewers drawn in by its trending status may find the new season a mixed bag. Mamitha on whether Jana Nayagan is Vijay’s last film as he enters politics As Abhishek’s friend advises him in the first episode, "Don’t stress, everything will be fine"—perhaps the show's creators are offering the same reassurance as they lay the groundwork for Season 5 and the next chapter of Phulera’s increasingly complex politics. Source: NDTV 

Dhallywood megastar Shakib Khan conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the audiences for rallying behind his Eid-ul-Azha release ‘Taandob’ despite its early piracy, and vowed strong stance against piracy in the industry at the special screening of the film held on Sunday night at Star Cineplex’s Sony Square branch in the capital. Shakib joined the cast and crew to watch the film alongside his co-actress and the debutant Sabila Nur, the film’s producer Shahriar Shakil, director Raihan Rafi, co-producer and Chorki CEO Redoan Rony, and the rest of the cast and crew of the film, journalists and renowned media personalities. Despite being one of the most hyped films of this Eid, ‘Taandob’ fell victim to online piracy just a week into its release. However, audiences across the country have continued to flock to theatres, rejecting pirated copies and demonstrating strong support for local cinema. Addressing the press before the screening, Shakib Khan condemned the piracy, calling it a deliberate attack on the country’s cultural progress. “A vested quarter circulated pirated copies of 'Taandob', yet our audience has given a bold response; they said no to piracy and came to theatres to watch the film, and I’m truly grateful for this love,” he said. Ali Fazal Exclusive: "Mirzapur Is Only Growing, I'm Glad People Connect With It" Calling cinema one of the most powerful cultural mediums, Shakib expressed concern over the repeated targeting of major local releases. “We’ve seen this before with films like ‘Borbaad’, and now ‘Taandob’ which was pirated just within a week. It’s clear that when a film starts to succeed globally, it’s being sabotaged,” he added. Despite the setback, he noted that ‘Taandob’ continues to run housefull shows at many theatres, calling it a sign of the growing awareness and loyalty among Bangladeshi moviegoers. “We must all be vocal against piracy. The way audiences are showing up even after the leak proves we’re united. With this support, we’ll push back against those trying to destroy our film industry,” Shakib said. He also thanked law enforcement for arresting three individuals allegedly involved in the piracy. “They’ve taken quick action, and investigations are ongoing to find the main culprits. Those who act against our cultural interests must be held accountable,” he stated. Speaking at the event alongside Shakib Khan, producer of the film Shahriar Shakil remarked, “The audience has rejected pirated versions and embraced the theatrical experience. That is the strongest message we could hope for.” According to the Facebook-based Bangla Movie Review-BMR, ‘Taandob’ has made a grand total of 9.05 crore taka in 16 days, and Shakil also announced the film as a ‘Blockbuster’ at the special screening. ‘Taandob’ is a joint production of SVF Alpha-i Entertainment Ltd and OTT platform Chorki, with support from Deepto TV. The story of the film revolves around an attack made on a private television channel which leads to unfold several socio-political issues such as unemployment, exploitation of power, enforced disappearance and extrajudicial killing.    

A new DIY trend is lighting up social media quite literally.  Known as "TurmericGlow," this viral experiment uses just turmeric, water, and a phone flashlight to create a glowing golden effect that's captivating millions on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and WhatsApp. This at-home science activity is incredibly simple: Place your phone flashlight facing up on a flat surface. Set a clear glass of water on top. Turn off the room lights. Add a pinch of turmeric or crushed Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) capsule.Instantly, a glowing yellow swirl appears, sparking amazement—especially among kids.  Why Is #ArrestKohli Trending on Social Media? The reaction videos, often showing young children mesmerized by the glow, are winning hearts and going viral. What makes this trend so popular?  It combines wonder, fun, and a touch of science with easy-to-find ingredients. Families are using it as a creative indoor activity, and users are adding music, commentary, and even memes—some joking about turmeric selling out in stores. For those wanting a brighter effect, some are replacing turmeric with Vitamin B2 tablets like Becosules and using UV light instead. The riboflavin in the vitamin glows a vivid yellow-green under UV, adding a cool science twist. Trending #1 on YouTube: ‘Toofan’ reigns supreme with ‘Dushtu Kokil’ Whether it’s for fun, education, or just to join in on the trend, this glowing water experiment is one of the hottest things on social media right now—blending science, joy, and a little bit of magic.  

Popular K-pop band BTS has come back to enlighten fans from their two-and -a-half-year break from their military service. Last week, RM, V, Jimin, and Jung Kook first got discharged followed by Suga after a few days. It was quite heartbreaking for their fans ( BTS ARMY) when the band hit a pause in 2022 for their mandatory 18 months in the military. Some fans also confessed that Kpop has changed it’s momentum, faced with stalled album sales and shaken by scandals. Although the seven members have not announced to appear together, restless queue to the bus station an hour before gate opening , shows that fans still have huge hopes from them. Fans also became emotional when they entered the voice zone, a phone booth where fans can listen to BTS members’ messages, and expressed how much they missed BTS. Fans from various countries are seen in the queue. All BTS members officially complete military service as Suga gets discharged According to some opinions, K-pop idols become a bit dull after returning from the military, but fans believe that BTS could break this curse. K-pop’s third generation groups such as BLACKPINK have also not dropped albums since BTS was on a pause. Whereas, BTS still remains a top band in Korea and worldwide, the constant start of new bands make it a older generation band for the teenagers. Revenue from albums is still strong, but album sales have been declining since a peak in 2023. Due to the controversies of girl band NewJeans such as the headline making dispute, album sales started to drop. After this, K-pop fans are eagerly waiting for BTS to bring back the charm in K-pop industry. The members have also showed positive approaches to the fans. Like, RM ( the group leader) said he will quickly make and album, and return to the stage the day he was discharged. Lastly, some fans are simply happy from the news that they are back. Source: BBC

Marking a significant moment in Dhanush’s film career, ‘Kuberaa’ has sparked fresh conversations across the industry. Released on June 20, 2025, this political thriller film has quickly ignited interest among fans and analysts alike. With growing buzz around its storyline and star power, its box office journey is drawing widespread attention. Let’s explore how this much-anticipated release is performing where it matters most – at the ticket counters. About Kuberaa Starring Dhanush, this crime drama boasts the directorial mark of Sekhar Kammula. He also co-wrote its screenplay with Chaithanya Pingali. Backed by Amigos Creations and Sree Venkateswara Cinemas LLP, the movie was simultaneously shot in Tamil and Telugu. In this star-studded production, Dhanush’s co-stars were Nagarjuna, Rashmika Mandanna, Jim Sarbh, Sunaina, Dalip Tahil, and Nassar. Devi Sri Prasad’s music intensifies the emotional and dramatic arcs. Notably, Dhanush lent his voice to the catchy track ‘Poyiraa Mama’ in Telugu and its Tamil counterpart ‘Poyivaa Nanba’. Read more: Amazon Prime Video Originals' Lineup For July 2025 The plot centres on a beggar’s transformation as he navigates moral complexities in his pursuit of wealth. The digital streaming rights were secured by the renowned OTT, Amazon Prime Video. Kuberaa’s Box Office Performance A steady and confident start at the box office marked the arrival of ‘Kuberaa’. It opens with a solid Rs 14.75 crore India net on Day 1. The film’s momentum was primarily driven by its performance in the Tamil and Telugu markets. Telugu audiences contributed Rs 10 crore, while the Tamil version followed with Rs 4.5 crore. According to Sacnilk, the movie recorded a global first-day collection of Rs 27.50 crore. This marked the highest opening for Dhanush in his career, surpassing ‘Raayan’ (2024), which had debuted at Rs 23 crore. ‘Kuberaa’s Day 1 record included Rs 14.75 crore from the Indian net market and Rs 10.15 crore from overseas territories. Smaller contributions came from Kannada (Rs 2 lakh) and Hindi (Rs 23 lakh) versions, underscoring its broad release strategy. A positive trend continued into Saturday, with an additional Rs 17.75 crore added to the tally. Read more: Netflix Originals July 2025 Lineup: Top 10 Must-Watch Titles The latest update adds a new figure, USD 2.20 million (Rs 19 crore), from overseas markets to the title. This brings the worldwide total to Rs 53.75 crore. Made on a Rs 120 crore budget, it is now firmly on track. The global earnings are expected to near Rs 80 crore within three days. Nationwide Occupancy Rates Strong regional turnout played a vital role in shaping the theatrical success of ‘Kuberaa’ over the weekend. The significant momentum came from Telugu-speaking territories, where packed theatres became a common sight by Saturday. Telugu screenings recorded an overall occupancy of 66.19%. Night shows surged further, touching an impressive 83.67%. Tamil audiences responded with moderate enthusiasm. The version maintained a 35.89% occupancy, which strengthened during the evening and night slots. In the Hindi belt, initial footfall was slow but showed promise by the end of the day. From a 4.68% occupancy in the morning, it climbed steadily to reach 19.91% by night, averaging at 10.87%. Location-specific data painted a clearer picture of regional engagement. For Tamil, Chennai led with 48%, followed by Dindigul, Mumbai, Trichy, and Vellore. Telugu saw the highest turnout come from NCR at 78.50%, closely followed by Mahbubnagar, Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad. Read more: June 2025 South Indian Film Slate: Top 12 Pan-Indian Releases Verdict ‘Kuberaa’ draws a wide audience nationwide, thanks to the stardom of Dhanush, Nagarjuna, and Rashmika Mandanna. This Sekhar Kammula-directed film offers yet another showcase of Dhanush's singing prowess. Building on the record first-day momentum, Saturday maintained strong performance and pushed the total higher. Regional occupancy rates, especially in the Telugu zone, played a key role in driving footfall. This strong local response has significantly boosted the film’s theatrical performance and overall gross earnings.

Ever since Tamil actor Vijay announced the launch of his political party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, in February last year, there has been speculation about whether Jana Nayagan, directed by H Vinoth, will be his final film. His co-star Mamitha Baiju recently addressed the matter at an event, offering fans a glimmer of hope. Speaking at the Kerala Carnival in Ireland, Mamitha recalled a conversation with Vijay during the shoot. She said in Malayalam, “One day, when we were shooting together, I casually asked him whether Jana Nayagan is truly his last movie. Vijay sir candidly responded that it will depend on how the elections go. He said, we’ll see what happens.” Hailey Bieber deflates divorce rumours ; poses with a sparkly ring on her Instagram account Mamitha also spoke about the emotional atmosphere during the film’s final days of shooting. “In the last days of shooting, I got very emotional along with everyone else, and on the final day, he got emotional too.” Vijay was reportedly so overwhelmed that he was unable to pose for photographs with the cast and crew. A video of Mamitha’s comments has since gone viral on social media, giving fans hope that Vijay might return to cinema, depending on the outcome of the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections. Jana Nayagan features an ensemble cast including Mamitha, Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol, Gautham Vasudev Menon, Prakash Raj, Narain and Priyamani. A teaser titled The First Roar was released on Vijay’s birthday, June 22, showcasing the 51-year-old actor in a police uniform. Vijay was last seen in The Greatest of All Time (The GOAT), directed by Venkat Prabhu, in which he portrayed both a father and son. The film also starred Sneha and Meenakshi Chaudhary, and is now streaming on Netflix. Jana Nayagan is slated for release on January 9, 2026.