United News of Bangladesh

After years of leading major commercial films, Deepika Padukone says she has deliberately begun stepping back from projects that don’t resonate with her personal values or creative instincts. In a recent conversation with Harper’s Bazaar, she explained that the traditional benchmarks of success no longer hold meaning for her. A Shift in Priorities Beyond Fame and Massive Box-Office Hits Deepika, who has increasingly used her influence to promote fair working hours and equal pay in the film industry, said her goals have changed dramatically. “At this point, that’s not what drives me anymore. It’s not about doing Rs 100-crore films, or even Rs 500–600 crore ones,” she said. In recent months, she reportedly exited two major films with Prabhas—Spirit and Kalki 2898 AD—due to her insistence on reasonable working hours and fair pay. Discussing her evolving approach, she added, “If something doesn’t feel genuine to me, I can’t do it. Sometimes people assume throwing money at you is enough, but it isn’t. And the opposite is true too—some projects may not be massive commercial ventures, but if I believe in the people or the message, I’ll support it.” Redefining Her Creative Purpose Deepika is increasingly focusing on supporting new creators rather than simply starring in big films herself. After producing projects like Chhapaak under KA Productions, she says she now finds greater fulfillment in backing stories and creative talent. “What excites me today is empowering others. My team and I are committed to nurturing storytellers—writers, directors, even emerging producers. That’s what feels meaningful now,” she said. Her evolving priorities come alongside a broader critique of the industry’s work culture, especially the glorification of burnout. “We’ve normalized overworking. We confuse burnout with dedication. The human body and mind need only eight hours of work a day. You can only give your best when you’re healthy. Bringing an exhausted person back onto a set does no one any good,” she told the magazine. As one of India’s highest-earning actors, Deepika’s move away from chasing massive paychecks and huge box-office numbers marks a significant reimagining of success—one grounded in authenticity, well-being, and long-term creative purpose. Source: NDTV

An FIR has been registered against actor and Bigg Boss contestant Ajaz Khan for allegedly circulating fake news and objectionable content on social media. Rajesh Dandotiya, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch, Indore), confirmed that Khan was summoned to the police station after the FIR was filed. His mobile phone was seized in connection with a two-month-old case. The ADCP said 32 social media accounts were blocked and complaints were filed against 68 others over the circulation of misleading content. Coke Studio Bangla concludes Season 3 with Runa Laila’s iconic ‘Mast Qalandar’ The case pertains to a video allegedly shared on Khan’s social media handle containing highly objectionable material. Khan attended the station for questioning for three hours after receiving the notice and cooperated with authorities, Dandotiya added. This is not the first time Khan has faced legal action over social media posts. Earlier, an FIR was filed against him for an offensive video targeting a YouTuber and his family. In October, the Delhi High Court granted him anticipatory bail on furnishing a Rs 30,000 bond and one surety. Source: NDTV 

Coke Studio Bangla unveils the Season 3 finale with a stirring, contemporary evocation of the revered Sufi classic ‘Mast Qalandar’, rendered by Bangladesh's cherished luminary Runa Laila. Arriving on 16 November – on the threshold of her birthday – this release is an intimate homage to a voice that has shaped the subcontinent’s musical imagination and holds enduring reverence in Bangladesh’s cultural heart. Re-envisioned and produced by Shayan Chowdhury Arnob and Adit Rahman, this version blends the contemplative spirit of timeless Qawwali with the distinct contours of Bangladesh’s musical heritage. The track begins with a poignant Bangla verse by Hason Raja, rendered with aching tenderness by Makhon Mia, before unfurling into a luminous fusion of Sufi gravitas, folk earthiness, and contemporary craft. The piece assembles a cross-generational ensemble featuring stalwarts like Foad Nasser Babu alongside Coke Studio Bangla’s new-wave voices, crafting a sonic tapestry that feels both nostalgic and fresh. ‘‘Mast Qalandar’’ occupies a cherished place in Runa Laila’s storied legacy. With a career spanning more than six decades and performances in over 18 languages, she has served as a cultural conduit, linking Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and the wider South Asian diaspora. This rendition bows to the version made indelible by her voice, now tenderly reintroduced for a new generation through Coke Studio Bangla. Read more: Top 10 Netflix Originals Releasing in December 2025 Reflecting on the piece, Runa Laila shared that, “Mast Qalandar has always been close to my heart. To perform it again in a new style alongside younger musicians has been a rewarding experience, and I am happy that this song finds life across generations.” As curator, singer, and composer, Shayan Chowdhury Arnob has led Coke Studio Bangla’s artistic compass since its inception, cultivating a space where inheritance and innovation converse. His collaboration with producer and composer Adit Rahman, celebrated for modern arrangements in Shondhatara, Nasek Nasek and Bhober Pagol, delivers a contemporary yet deeply soulful coda to Season 3. Speaking about the song, Arnob said, “This song carries the weight of memories, devotion, and cultural selfhood. Bringing Runa Laila apu’s voice back into this enduring anthem stands as a moment of collective pride for all of us. ‘Mast Qalandar’ is more than music, it is a living bridge between those who have loved, learned and lived with it.” A tribute to heritage, voice, and culture, ‘Mast Qalandar’ emerges as a resonant finale to Season 3 of Coke Studio Bangla. Read more: Café: Coke Studio Bangla Presents A Timeless Fusion of Heartbeats and Nostalgia

Filmmaker Priyadarshan has stirred fresh excitement around his upcoming Hindi film Haiwaan by sharing a behind-the-scenes photo featuring actors Saif Ali Khan and Mohanlal from the film's set. The director had earlier announced the film in July, confirming that it reunites Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan. He later revealed that Mohanlal would appear in a surprise role. “His character will definitely be a surprise for the audience,” Priyadarshan had said. On Instagram, Priyadarshan posted a striking image of himself with Saif Ali Khan and Mohanlal taken during filming. Mohanlal shared the post with the caption: “Look at life and the way it turns... Here I am, on the shooting sets of HAIWAAN, working with the son of one of my biggest cricket heroes and my favourite film icon. Truly, God is kind.” The Malayalam superstar has reportedly completed shooting for his cameo in the film, which is being filmed across Kochi, Vagamon, Ooty and Mumbai. A long creative bond ‘Everyone should have a Vijay Deverakonda in their lives’, says Rashmika Priyadarshan and Mohanlal’s partnership dates back to Thiranottam (1978), in which Mohanlal played the lead while Priyadarshan worked as an assistant director. Although the film released much later in 2005, it marked the beginning of their decades-long collaboration. Their first official outing as actor and director came with the 1984 hit Poochakkoru Mookkuthi. Haiwaan is the Hindi remake of Mohanlal’s Malayalam thriller Oppam. It is produced by KVN Productions in association with Thespian Films, with Venkat K Narayana and Shailaja Desai Fenn serving as joint producers. The release date has not yet been announced. In short: Priyadarshan has shared a BTS image from Haiwaan featuring Saif Ali Khan and Mohanlal, heightening anticipation ahead of the film’s release. Source: NDTV

There’s something magical when winter pairs perfectly with Netflix, as the entertaining content line-up warms up the cold days and nights. The December 2025 slate of Netflix Originals brings a rush of fresh movies, series, and animations, as well as a bunch of long-awaited sequels. With genres spanning action, fantasy, thriller, adventure, comedy, romance, horror, and drama, Netflix aims to cherish audiences of every taste in the last month of the year. So let’s unwrap the Netflix Originals lineup that turns December 2025 into pure cinematic comfort. 10 Must-watch Netflix Originals Premiering This December . Troll 2 | Fantasy Adventure | December 1, 2025 A Norwegian mountain rumbles again in ‘Troll 2’, penned by Espen Aukan, with Roar Uthaug directing. The Motion Blur production, known as the largest production in Nordic film history, returns to the mythology that first stirred audiences in 2022. Read more: Upcoming South Indian Movies in November 2025: Top 12 Releases The fantasy movie centres on Nora, Andreas, and Captain Kris who are thrust back into chaos when another ancient troll awakens. As cities brace for ruin, the trio finds help in unexpected corners, piecing together courage as vast as the landscapes they protect. Ine Marie Wilmann, Jon Ketil Johnsen, Mads Sjogard Pettersen, Kim S. Falck-Jorgensen, Sara Khorami, Aksel Almaas, Trond Magnum, and Gard B. Eidsvold portray the pivotal roles. The Abandons | Western Action | December 4, 2025 In the rugged stillness of the 1850s American frontier, ‘The Abandons’, a creation of Kurt Sutter under the Sutter Ink production. The western TV series focuses on Fiona Nolan, an Irish immigrant haunted by loss, believes she can heal her emptiness by adopting four orphans. Her dream of building a family, however, collides with a darker reality. Aristocrats from across the ocean lay claim to her Oregon land, dragging her into a moral and physical war she never sought. Read more: New Bollywood Movie List for November 2025: 10 Best Hindi Films The ensemble includes Lena Headey, Gillian Anderson, Lucas Till, Aisling Franciosi, Nick Robinson, Diana Silvers, and Lamar Johnson. Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft (Final Season) | Animated Action | December 11, 2025 The popular animated series ‘Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft’, inspired by the iconic video game, approaches its end with Season 2. Lara’s journey spirals deeper into the lost histories of Orisha, uncovering relics that whisper of power and peril. A shadowy billionaire pursues the same secrets, forcing Lara into a race where every clue could destroy her or the world around her. Hayley Atwell returns as the voice of Croft, joined by Karen Fukuhara, Earl Baylon, Allen Maldonado, O-T Fagbenle, and Richard Armitage. Behind the project stand Crystal Dynamics, Legendary Television, DJ2 Entertainment, Powerhouse Animation Studios, and Panda Burrow. Man vs Baby | Comedy Family | December 11, 2025 Some disasters arrive quietly, wrapped in charm and chaos. That’s exactly the case for ‘Man vs. Baby’, the latest quirky comedy from Rowan Atkinson, who once again finds trouble in the most ordinary places. Following the events of ‘Man vs. Bee’ (2022), Trevor Bingley is back, this time housesitting a lavish London penthouse. But instead of an insect, he’s left to manage a far more unpredictable companion: a baby. Read more: New Korean Drama Lineup for October 2025: The 10 Biggest Releases Alanah Bloor joins the cast as Trevor’s daughter Maddy, a role previously played by India Fowler. Under the writing of Atkinson and William Davies, the slapstick show boasts David Kerr as its director. Had I Not Seen the Sun (Part 2) | Romantic Thriller | December 11, 2025 What begins as a prison interview spirals into something far more haunting in ‘Had I Not Seen The Sun’, a two-part Taiwanese series from Make a Deal International Production. A documentarian’s meeting with a serial killer ignites strange dreams and eerie encounters with the ghost of a dead student. Read more: South Indian Films Releasing in October 2025: 12 Must-watch Pan-Indian Lineup Directors Chiang Chi-Cheng and Chien Chi-Feng, with Chi-Feng co-writing alongside Lin Hsin-huei, shape the narrative into a slow descent between memory and madness. The cast, Moon Lee, Tseng Jing-hua, Lyan Chen, Umin Boya, Chiang Chi, Yao Chun-yao, and Shih Chih-tian, grounds the story with unnerving realism.

Shah Rukh Khan attended a lavish event in Mumbai alongside Rizwan Sajan, founder and chairman of the Dubai-based Danube Group, to launch a landmark property named Shahrukhz. Hosted at a luxury hotel, the event marked a major milestone — SRK is now the first actor to have a tower named in his honor. SRK shared that Rizwan insisted the launch happen in India rather than Dubai.“I really wanted this event to take place here because this is where I come from,” he said. “As this project progresses, I hope it helps people build better and more fulfilling lives.” SRK Says His Mother Would Have Been Proud“My mother would be very happy. It’s a huge honor,” he remarked. “When my kids visit, I’ll tell them, ‘Look, your dad’s name is written here.’ I’ve reviewed the building plans for the last two months — it’s modern, accessible, and perfect for people beginning their journey in Dubai.” SRK’s Stage Moments Go ViralShah Rukh delighted fans by striking his iconic arms-wide-open pose on stage. He also mimicked his famous “Don” walk and delivered the memorable Om Shanti Om line: “Itni shiddat se maine tumhe paane ki koshish ki hai…” He kept the energy high as he danced to “Chaiyya Chaiyya” with Farah Khan and Rizwan Sajan. About the TowerThe Shahrukhz project is expected to take three to four years to complete and will stand 56 stories tall. A statue of SRK’s classic pose will greet visitors at the entrance, offering a perfect photo spot. Sharing what drew him to the project, SRK said:“When Rizwan explained the vision — creating a place for people coming to Dubai with dreams of homes and businesses — I knew that if I could contribute or inspire them, it would be the greatest gift.”

Actors Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda were full of praise for each other at a recent event celebrating the success of Rashmika’s new film The Girlfriend, adding further fuel to ongoing rumours about their engagement. Rashmika, addressing her Dear Comrade co-star affectionately as “Viju,” thanked Vijay for supporting her throughout the film’s journey. “You’ve been a part of this film from the very beginning. You’re also a part of its success. You have been there personally through the entire journey. I hope everyone has a Vijay Deverakonda in their lives. It’s a blessing,” she said. Vijay, in turn, applauded Rashmika’s growth and her decision to take on a challenging script. “To the woman she has become today… At the peak of her career, she chose a story she wasn’t sure how many people would come to see, but she wanted to tell something meaningful. Russie, I’m proud of your journey, and of the woman you are,” he said, according to a video shared by Geetha Arts. A separate clip from the event has also gone viral, showing Vijay greeting Rashmika with a gentle kiss on her hand — a rare public display of affection that quickly delighted fans. The pair, long speculated to be in a relationship, are reportedly engaged after a private ceremony held on October 3 at Vijay’s residence in Hyderabad, attended by both families. However, neither actor has issued an official confirmation or shared photos from the event. According to sources, the wedding has been scheduled for February 2026. With inputs from NDTV

Zayn Malik has formally rejoined One Direction as a company director, nearly a decade after his dramatic exit from the band. The 32-year-old Pillowtalk singer, who is set to launch his first Las Vegas residency in January, has been reinstated as an “active director” of PPM Music Limited, the band’s business entity, according to new documents filed with Companies House on November 3. Zayn joins former bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan, all of whom are listed at the same central London address associated with the law firm Lee and Thompson LLP, which specializes in music and media law. The firm previously managed Liam Payne’s solo career. Malik’s previous role with the company was terminated on June 20, 2016, following his departure from One Direction in 2015. His return marks the first official sign of the group’s renewed collaboration since their hiatus began in January 2016. Industry insiders say Liam Payne’s recent passing has brought the remaining members closer, with sources describing the move as a “huge moment” for the band. “Liam was always the biggest supporter of a reunion,” one insider told The Sun. The name PPM refers to Princess Park Manor, the gated London complex where the band lived after forming on The X Factor. Although no new music or tour has been confirmed, reports suggest Zayn and Louis Tomlinson have been filming a TV project together across the U.S. Music manager Alan McEvoy, who previously worked with One Direction, Olly Murs, and JLS, is also listed among the company’s directors — further fueling speculation of an upcoming reunion. Source: The Sun  

The makers of SS Rajamouli’s highly anticipated action-adventure film, starring Mahesh Babu, have released the first look of Priyanka Chopra Jonas as Mandakini, marking her much-awaited return to Indian cinema. The film, tentatively titled SSMB29, is Chopra’s first collaboration with the director of RRR and Baahubali. In the character poster, Priyanka is seen in a mustard yellow saree, wielding a gun, and striking a commanding pose over rocky terrain in a dramatic, windswept setting. Sharing the image on social media, she wrote: “She’s more than what meets the eye… say hello to Mandakini.” Globetrotter is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious Indian films in recent years, reportedly drawing inspiration from African exploration adventures. Earlier, Rajamouli had unveiled Mahesh Babu’s first-look poster on the actor’s 50th birthday, featuring a rugged chest adorned with a rudraksh mala with a trishul and Nandi pendant, hinting at the film’s mythic undertones. The director also introduced Prithviraj Sukumaran’s character, Kumbha, described as “sinister and ruthless,” in a menacing all-black outfit seated on a high-tech wheelchair. The makers confirmed that the official title and first full glimpse of Globetrotter will be revealed on November 15 at a major launch event at Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad. The event will also be live-streamed on JioHotstar.   With inputs from NDTV

South Korean actor Oh Young-soo, best known for his role in the global hit series Squid Game, has been cleared of assault charges after a local court found insufficient evidence to uphold his earlier conviction. The ruling, announced Tuesday, overturned a previous verdict and concluded that prosecutors failed to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt. According to the court, the evidence and testimonies presented during the trial lacked consistency and corroboration, falling short of the standard required for a criminal conviction. As a result, the earlier guilty verdict for indecent assault was dismissed. Throughout the proceedings, the veteran actor maintained his innocence, with his lawyers arguing that the allegations were not supported by credible or conclusive proof. The court agreed, emphasizing that the prosecution had not provided enough evidence to justify a conviction under South Korean law. While the court did not release specific details of the evidence reviewed, it reaffirmed the principle of “innocent until proven guilty.” The verdict marks the end of Oh Young-soo’s lengthy legal battle, offering relief to the 80-year-old actor, who gained international fame for his award-winning performance in Squid Game.   Source: NDTV