United News of Bangladesh

After more than two decades of celebrity revelations, candid conversations and controversies, Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar is set to bid farewell to his popular chat show ‘Koffee With Karan’. Johar has announced that the ninth season of the celebrity talk show will be its final season. The concluding chapter will premiere on JioHotstar on October 14. Launched in 2004, ‘Koffee With Karan’ has completed eight seasons and 161 episodes. The show first aired on Star World on November 19, 2004, with Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol as its inaugural guests. Over the years, the show featured generations of major Bollywood stars, including Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt. Its rapid-fire segment and Johar’s candid questioning became the show’s signature features, making it a major platform for discussions about celebrities’ personal and professional lives. The show also became associated with several controversies. One of the most prominent came in 2019, when cricketers Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul faced widespread criticism over remarks made during an episode of the sixth season. Pandya later apologised, while the BCCI issued show-cause notices to both players and temporarily suspended them during an investigation. Discussions about Bollywood nepotism, as well as comments involving co-stars, former partners and other industry figures, have also repeatedly generated headlines. After the sixth season ended in 2019, the show returned in 2022 on Disney+ Hotstar. The seventh season premiered on July 7, 2022, with Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt as the first guests. The eighth season began in October 2023 with Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone appearing together. The move to streaming brought longer episodes and more extended conversations, while retaining the format that had made the show popular. Johar has said that the programme has become a major part of his identity in the entertainment industry, making the decision to end it after 22 years of an emotional one. He now wants to focus on the next phase of his career, particularly directing more films and telling more stories. His explanation points to his future creative plans rather than declining audience interest as the reason for ending the programme. Johar has directed films including ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’, ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’, ‘My Name Is Khan’, ‘Student of the Year’ and ‘Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani’, while also remaining active as a producer. The guest line-up for the ninth and final season has not yet been officially announced.

Singer Babul Supriyo has recalled his 2005 disagreement with Sonu Nigam and compared it with the earlier dispute between legendary singers Lata Mangeshkar and Mohammed Rafi over music royalties. Supriyo and Nigam had a heated exchange at music director Aadesh Srivastava's birthday party at Mumbai's Sun-n-Sand Hotel in Juhu in 2005. What began as a discussion about music royalties eventually turned into an argument. In a recent interview with SCREEN, Supriyo said similar differences had once emerged between Mangeshkar and Rafi over the same issue. "A similar fallout happened even between Lata Mangeshkar and Rafi Sahab; it was over the same thing," he said, adding that the issue should now be left in the past. Supriyo said older musicians are helping singers secure better earnings and that music companies have also recognized the importance of royalties. He recalled that singers previously had royalty agreements and said he still receives royalties from his HMV contracts for albums released in 1998-99. However, he said payments were generally linked to successful songs and depended on what music companies agreed to pay. He said artists who had only one or two hit songs often did not receive royalties. He also recalled refusing to give up his share of earnings from live shows despite pressure from some music companies, saying the decision cost him several songs. Supriyo said the music industry's revenue model has changed significantly with the rise of digital platforms, even after CDs and cassettes declined. He added that his relationship with Nigam is now good and praised Nigam, Anup Jalota, Shaan and other senior singers for their efforts. Regarding the Lata-Rafi dispute, a biography of Rafi says differences over royalty payments on their duets led the two singers to stop recording together for around two to three years in the early 1960s. According to Mohammed Rafi: My Abba - A Memoir, Mangeshkar wanted royalty payments from producers, while Rafi believed singers should not receive royalties after being paid their agreed fees. The two eventually reconciled after music director Jaikishen helped resolve their differences. Their first duet after the dispute was recorded for the film Palkon Ki Chhaaon Mein. Source: NDTV

A claim circulating on social media that films ‘Lalsalu’ and ‘Chitra Nodir Pare’ by filmmaker Tanvir Mokammel have been banned from Biman Bangladesh Airlines is misleading, according to the national flag carrier. The films were temporarily removed from Biman’s in-flight entertainment (IFE) list as part of its regular quarterly content update cycle, not because of any ban, according to a fact-check report published by investigative platform The Dissent on Wednesday. The claim originated from a Facebook page named ‘Tanvir Mokammel’s Films’, which said Biman had declined to show the two films for an unspecified reason. The claim subsequently drew attention on social media. Citing Biman’s public relations department, The Dissent reported that the airline’s IFE system is operated in accordance with international standards and licensing agreements. Content is updated every three months based on factors including server storage capacity, licensing periods and the need to offer passengers a varied selection of entertainment. According to a source cited by the report, ‘Lalsalu’ had been shown on Biman flights from 2016 until June 2025, while ‘Chitra Nodir Pare’ remained in the system from 2016 until August 2024. The report said Biman resumed a regular quarterly content rotation for films following the 2024 mass uprising, after the two films had remained in the IFE system for several years. Citing a written statement from Biman, The Dissent said the airline purchases temporary screening rights from content service providers for specified periods. Once a licensing agreement expires, the film has to be removed from the system as a legal requirement. Biman also confirmed that another popular Tanvir Mokammel film, ‘Lalon’, is still available for passengers to watch on its flights.

Hollywood stars Tom Cruise and a new generation of ‘Resident Evil’ characters are set to arrive on Bangladeshi screens on Oct 2, with both films scheduled for release at Star Cineplex on the same day as their international theatrical openings. Tom Cruise appears almost unrecognisable in ‘Digger’, directed by two-time Oscar-winning Mexican filmmaker Alejandro G. Iñárritu. With grey-white hair, a large belly, a wrinkled face and a markedly different body language, Cruise takes on a character far removed from the action hero audiences know from ‘Mission: Impossible’ and ‘Top Gun’. The film follows Digger Rockwell, a powerful billionaire whose company is linked to a project that causes a massive glacier in Greenland to shift. What begins as an environmental crisis gradually threatens to become a global catastrophe, with scientists warning of devastating climate consequences and even the possibility of nuclear conflict. Digger initially dismisses the warnings and refuses to halt his multibillion-dollar business. As the crisis worsens, he attempts to position himself not only as a powerful businessman but as the saviour of humanity. The film has drawn attention particularly for Cruise’s transformation. He worked with Iñárritu on elements including makeup, costume, teeth, accent and mannerisms to create the eccentric character. Blending black comedy, political satire and environmental themes, ‘Digger’ marks a notable departure from the star’s familiar action-oriented roles. Also opening on Oct 2 is the latest film in the popular ‘Resident Evil’ franchise, based on Capcom’s hit video game series. The Hollywood franchise began in 2002 with Paul W.S. Anderson’s ‘Resident Evil’, starring Milla Jovovich, and later expanded into a seven-film series. Sony Pictures rebooted the franchise with ‘Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City’ in 2021. The new film, simply titled ‘Resident Evil’, is directed by Zach Cregger and serves as the franchise’s second reboot and eighth overall film. Austin Abrams, Jack Champion, Cailee Spaeny and Paul Walter Hauser are among the cast. The film is not a direct sequel to the earlier movies. Instead, it returns to the survival-horror atmosphere of the games, with the story unfolding around the time of the events of ‘Resident Evil 2’. The central character, Brian, is a medical courier who becomes trapped in Raccoon City amid a deadly infection and monstrous creatures. Unlike a trained soldier or conventional action hero, he must rely on his instincts and limited resources to survive. Cregger, who made his directorial debut with the acclaimed 2022 horror film ‘Barbarian’, has sought to give audiences the feeling of being inside a ‘Resident Evil’ game. With both films arriving at Star Cineplex on Oct 2, Bangladeshi audiences will be able to watch the two Hollywood releases on their international opening day.

Authorities in the southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu on Tuesday gave singer Na Ying a rare exemption after she performed an unapproved song at a weekend concert, drawing fresh attention to China’s strict controls over the entertainment industry. Songs and other content used in live performances, including stand-up comedy, must be approved by local authorities in advance. Artists who break the rules can face fines, bans from future performances and restrictions on public appearances. The Chengdu Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism said Na’s performance was a short part of an audience interaction rather than a full performance of the song. Therefore, it did not require additional approval. Na, one of China’s best-known female singers, performed “Curved Moon” at her concert in Chengdu on Saturday to remember fellow singer Liu Huan, who died the previous day. “I want to sing a song he sang before on this stage, to pay tribute to him,” Na told the audience, according to videos shared on social media. Dressed in black, she appeared emotional as she sang. Some social media users described the performance as an “expensive tribute,” praising Na while expressing concern that she could be fined. Liu, one of China’s most prominent musicians for nearly four decades, died Friday at the age of 63, according to an obituary published Sunday by the University of International Business and Economics. Liu was a music history professor at the university for more than three decades before retiring. He also performed the theme song of the 2008 Beijing Olympics with British soprano Sarah Brightman during the opening ceremony. Brightman described Liu as an “amazing talent and a true gentleman” and said he would be greatly missed in posts on Facebook and X on Sunday. The Chengdu decision came several weeks after authorities in the central Chinese city of Wuhan fined a prominent comedian for changing the lyrics of a patriotic song during a performance.

Raihan Rafi’s horror film “Andhar” will not be released on its previously announced October 16 date, with the director announcing that the film will now hit cinemas on March 26, 2027. Rafi said the delay is necessary to allow more time for visual effects and post-production, as releasing the film on October 16 would have compromised the quality of the work. He announced the new release date in a video message posted on social media on Tuesday night. “‘Andhar’ is the film I have shot for the longest time in my career and made with the most care. I made it with a particular vision, and I want to show the audience something they have never seen before,” the filmmaker said. “We could have released the film on October 16, but the visual effects and post-production work would not have been up to the standard. I do not want to compromise on quality when it comes to the audience,” he said.  

Nani’s much-anticipated film The Paradise has struggled to maintain the strong momentum it showed on its opening day. After a promising start, the film’s earnings have declined over the following days, with its India net collection reaching Rs 97.10 crore after five days. Day 5 box officeAccording to Sacnilk, The Paradise earned an estimated Rs 5 crore net in India on its fifth day from 5,804 shows. With this addition, the film’s total India gross collection stands at Rs 114.85 crore, while its net collection has reached Rs 97.10 crore. The film also earned Rs 0.75 crore from overseas markets on Day 5, taking its total overseas gross collection to Rs 30 crore. As a result, The Paradise has earned Rs 144.85 crore worldwide in gross collections so far. The Paradise reviewReviewing the film for NDTV, critic Saibal Chatterjee described The Paradise as a missed opportunity, particularly for director Srikanth Odela, whose debut film Dasara had received strong attention. Chatterjee noted that Nani delivers highly intense performances in parts of the film and praised the movie for staying connected to its setting. However, he said the film’s different elements feel scattered and uneven. The critic also pointed to the film’s heavy use of graphic violence, saying the action sequences repeatedly attempt to become more extreme than those before them. About The ParadiseThe Paradise reunites Nani and director Srikanth Odela after their 2023 film Dasara. Produced by SLV Cinemas, the movie also stars Mohan Babu, Kayadu Lohar, Sonali Kulkarni and Raghav Juyal. Set in 1980s Secunderabad, the film follows Jadal, played by Nani, as he challenges social discrimination and a system that has denied basic rights to his community. The movie blends period drama with action and explores themes of inequality, resistance and social injustice. Source: NDTV

A Turkish court on Monday sentenced comedian Deniz Goktas to more than 19 months in prison for insulting President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and religious values, but released him pending an appeal. Goktas, 32, had been in custody since July 3 after videos of his comedy routine circulated online. In the performance, he referred to Erdogan as a "dictator." The court convicted him of insulting the president and religious values, handing him a combined sentence of 19 months and 10 days. During his defense, which prompted laughter in the Istanbul courtroom, Goktas said he stood by a joke in which he described Erdogan as having developed from a "shy dictator" into one who was "confident in his identity." He argued that political satire had previously been tolerated in Turkey and that laws concerning insults had not changed. "What has changed? Fragile leaders who can't handle jokes or criticism," he said, according to remarks published by Birgun and other opposition-supporting media outlets. Goktas also said none of his jokes had led to complaints until excerpts were taken out of context and shared on social media. His comedy show, "Dead Sea," was recorded in Istanbul in June and received more than 9.5 million views after being uploaded to YouTube. The court was told that 185 complaints had been filed through a reporting system operated by Erdogan's office. Goktas was arrested after returning from a vacation and held at Karatepe high-security prison in Tekirdag province, west of Istanbul. Erdogan has been in power for more than two decades, during which critics say restrictions on freedom of expression have increased. Journalists and government critics regularly face investigations, detention and prosecution. Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, Erdogan's main political rival, has been imprisoned since March last year and is facing trial on corruption charges. Hundreds of mayors and other officials from Turkey's main opposition party are also facing corruption prosecutions. The party's leader was removed by a court order, moves critics describe as attempts to weaken the opposition ahead of the next elections. The Erdogan government maintains that Turkish courts operate independently and without political interference.

Actress Keya Payel believes she will eventually get married and when it happens, it could happen all of a sudden. Recently on July 15, the actress created a buzz by posting a photo with actor Arifin Shuvoo on her verified Facebook account with the words ‘Happily Married’. Many assumed she had secretly tied the knot, but it was later revealed to be the announcement of her first web film, Chorki Original ‘Happily Married’. Directed by Zahid Preetam and produced by Chorki, with Chabial as co-producer, the film under the ‘Ministry of Love’ project is scheduled to premiere on Chorki at midnight on October 7. The release announcement has once again drawn attention to the film, with many viewers expressing excitement in the comments. Some fans have also jokingly asked when Payel herself will actually become ‘happily married’ or make such an announcement on social media. Payel did not shy away from the personal question. She said she would certainly get married and would be happy when she did. “I believe in destiny. So, let’s see when it happens. It will happen when it is written in my fate, and everyone will know about it. But for some reason, I feel it might happen all of a sudden,” she said. For now, however, Payel is more focused on her work. Alongside acting in dramas, she is busy with endorsements and fashion runways. She is also scheduled to travel abroad in early October and plans to return towards the end of the month. Payel has been receiving offers for films and web films for quite some time, but she said she had been waiting for a role and story that would allow audiences to see her differently from her regular television work. “I have received many offers for films and web films. I can especially talk about web films. I have been receiving offers since web films started in Bangladesh, but I have always felt that I wanted to work in a character and a story where people could see me differently,” she said. “As I regularly work in dramas, I wanted audiences to see a different Payel when I worked in a film or web film. From that perspective, I felt ‘Happily Married’ was a film where audiences would be able to see me differently,” she added. Payel also praised the film's team, saying she had a very positive experience working with them. “The team of ‘Happily Married’ was very active and cooperative. I really enjoyed working with them and felt very comfortable. Especially our director Jahid Preetam, who is very humble. Overall, it was a very good experience for me,” she said. The film stars Arifin Shuvoo opposite Payel. His involvement also encouraged her to take on the project, she said. According to Payel, Shuvoo has the qualities and on-set presence expected of a leading actor. “Shuvoo bhai is very sincere, professional, quiet and helpful. At first, I was wondering whether I would be able to do it because he is senior and has so much experience. But while working with him, I never felt that difference. I really enjoyed working with him,” she said. Expressing her excitement about her first web film, Payel urged her fans to watch it and share their views. “As ‘Happily Married’ is releasing on October 8, I am very excited. It is my first web film, and the story is also very good," Keya Payel said. "I want my fans to watch it and then share me their opinions. And of course, I have brought something different for my fans this time. They will be able to see a special Payel,” she said.

Malaysia-Bangladesh Tourism, Arts & Cultural Network (MBTACN) was inaugurated at Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) on Monday,  aiming to strengthen tourism cooperation, cultural exchange and people-to-people connectivity between the two countries. Launched under the slogan ‘Bridging People. Celebrating Culture. Inspiring Tourism,’ the network aims to connect stakeholders from tourism, culture, arts, education, healthcare, business and youth sectors. Hazwan Hasnol, Chargé d’Affaires of the High Commission of Malaysia in Dhaka, attended the ceremony as the Guest of Honour and said the theme of MBTACN was particularly relevant as Malaysia and Bangladesh continue efforts to promote their tourism potential and unique cultural identities. “MBTACN can serve as an important bridge between these tourism initiatives, helping Malaysia discover Beautiful Bangladesh while encouraging more Bangladeshis to experience Malaysia Truly Asia,” he said. Referring to Visit Malaysia 2026, which has been extended into 2027, Hasnol said the campaign provides a platform to showcase Malaysia’s multicultural society, rich heritage, natural beauty, gastronomy and hospitality. He also highlighted Bangladesh’s tourism attractions, including the Sundarbans, Cox’s Bazar, rivers, tea gardens, historical sites, cuisine and cultural traditions. Hasnol also highlighted Malaysia’s Year of Medical Tourism 2026, saying the country offers world-class medical treatment, advanced technology, internationally recognised healthcare professionals and competitive pricing. He called for closer cooperation among hospitals, healthcare facilitators, travel agencies, hotels and tourism operators, alongside business-to-business cooperation, joint tourism packages, cultural exchanges and educational partnerships. Barrister Mutasim Billah Faruqui, Chief Executive Officer of the Bangladesh Tourism Board, attended the programme as the Special Guest. Syed Yahya Syed Othman, former Regional Director of Tourism Malaysia and a founding member of MBTACN, joined the ceremony virtually from Putrajaya, Malaysia, and delivered his remarks through a video message. The welcome address was delivered by François Chambraud, Director of Alliance Française de Dhaka, while Md. Abdus Samad, Senior Adviser of MBTACN, chaired the session. Abu Sufian, Executive Chairman of MBTACN and Editor and Publisher of Travel Magazine VROMON, is leading the initiative and moderated the ceremony. According to the organisers, MBTACN will promote cultural festivals, art and photography exhibitions, film and literary exchanges, culinary programmes, student and academic exchanges, tourism cooperation, healthcare connections and youth initiatives. The network seeks to build on the longstanding friendship, travel, professional engagement and cultural exchanges between Malaysia and Bangladesh by turning individual relationships into broader institutional and people-to-people cooperation. Hasnol also acknowledged the contribution of Travel Magazine VROMON and its editor and publisher Abu Sufian to promote exchanges between Malaysia and Bangladesh. The speakers expressed hope that MBTACN would become a lasting platform for tourism cooperation, cultural exchange, education, youth engagement and stronger people-to-people ties between the two countries.