United News of Bangladesh

Global pop superstar Taylor Swift and American footballerr Travis Kelce tied the knot in a closely guarded ceremony at Madison Square Garden on Friday evening, attended by an array of celebrities from the worlds of entertainment and sports. The wedding was officiated by actor Adam Sandler, while the couple opted against having traditional bridesmaids and groomsmen. Swift's younger brother, Austin Swift, served as her man of honor, while Kelce's brother and podcast co-host, Jason Kelce, was his best man, according to a statement from Swift's publicist. Following the ceremony, a marquee outside the iconic New York arena displayed the message "JUST&T MARRIED," confirming the marriage after weeks of speculation. Swift and Kelce wore custom Christian Dior Haute Couture outfits designed by Jonathan Anderson, paired with bespoke Christian Louboutin shoes. Swift also wore Cartier jewelry. The guest list featured prominent names from film, music and sports, including Bradley Cooper, Hugh Grant, Zoë Kravitz, Steven Spielberg, Chris Rock, Gigi Hadid, Karlie Kloss, Camila Cabello and author Jenny Han. The National Football League (NFL)  personalities, including Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, several Chiefs players, retired quarterback Tom Brady and broadcaster Stephen A. Smith, also attended. The ceremony remained largely private despite intense public interest, with guests reportedly prohibited from using mobile phones inside the venue. Outside, hundreds of fans gathered around Madison Square Garden hoping to witness the occasion, though most details remained hidden from public view. Swift and Kelce began dating in 2023 after the Kansas City Chiefs tight end attended one of Swift's Eras Tour concerts. Their relationship quickly became one of the most closely followed celebrity romances, culminating in Friday's highly anticipated wedding.   

UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has announced that she and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) will stop using Elon Musk's social media platform X, saying it no longer supports healthy public debate. In what appeared to be her final post on X, Nandy said the platform had become harmful to democracy and communities. She said a platform that was originally created to promote free speech and expression now gives greater space to abuse and misinformation than to meaningful discussion. Nandy added that she would continue communicating through Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. Her decision was criticized by Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, who argued that the DCMS should confront misinformation rather than leave the platform. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's office said the government regularly reviews its use of social media but confirmed that Downing Street would continue using X. The spokesperson added that individual ministers and government departments can decide for themselves whether to remain on the platform. DCMS is the second UK government department to leave X after the Attorney General's Office stopped posting on the platform last month. Attorney General Lord Hermer defended that decision, telling lawmakers in June that X frequently became a place for racism and misogyny and that his department could better engage in respectful and detailed public discussions through other channels. He said while some government departments may need to interact with the public on X, the Attorney General's Office did not. Prime Minister Starmer has also been critical of X owner Elon Musk, accusing him of using the platform to increase divisions in the UK following the murder of student Henry Nowak last month. The case sparked violent protests in Southampton after police body-camera footage showed officers handcuffing the 18-year-old as he lay dying. His killer, Vickrum Digwa, had claimed he was acting in response to a racist attack. The release of the footage triggered widespread political debate and drew criticism from Musk over the police's handling of the incident. Earlier this year, several Members of Parliament, including Liberal Democrats Layla Moran and Vikki Slade and Labour MP Darren Paffey, also left X after reports that its Grok artificial intelligence tool had been used to create sexualized images, including images involving children. X has previously said that anyone who uses or prompts Grok to create illegal content will face the same consequences as users who upload such material.

The makers of ‘Jailer 2’ have announced that the much-awaited sequel starring Rajinikanth will hit theatres on ‘October 15, 2026’, during the Dussehra festival. The release date was revealed on Thursday through a special action-packed promotional video. Directed by Nelson, the teaser builds excitement without revealing key details about the story. The promo mostly shows Rajinikanth in silhouette before ending with the superstar making a powerful walk down a road. Anirudh Ravichander's background score adds to the dramatic atmosphere, but the teaser does not reveal Rajinikanth's full look or provide hints about the plot. The original ‘Jailer’, released on August 10, 2023, marked Nelson's first collaboration with Rajinikanth. The action film became a huge box office success and was the highest-grossing Tamil film of the year. The movie also drew praise for special appearances by Mohanlal and Shivarajkumar, while Vinayakan received acclaim for playing the main villain. Alongside Rajinikanth, the first film featured Ramya Krishnan, Tamannaah, Vasanth Ravi, Yogi Babu, Mirnaa Menon and Sunil in key roles. For ‘Jailer 2’, Vijay Kartik Kannan is handling cinematography, while R. Nirmal is in charge of editing. The film is being produced by Sun Pictures, with Anirudh Ravichander returning as the music composer. Rajinikanth is also preparing for another major release. He will next appear in ‘Dharman’, which reunites him with Kamal Haasan. Directed by Ashwath Marimuthu and produced by Raaj Kamal Films International, the film is among the most anticipated upcoming Tamil releases. Source: NDTV

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay's much-awaited film Jana Nayagan is expected to hit theatres in July, with its long-awaited censor certificate likely to be issued this weekend, according to sources. The film has faced months of delay due to complications in the certification process. Sources had earlier told NDTV in May that the Revising Committee of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) had cleared the movie, bringing it a step closer to release. Although the film was initially reviewed by the CBFC's Examining Committee in December 2025, which recommended a few cuts that the makers said they implemented, the certification process stalled after a member of the committee reportedly objected to certain scenes and wrote to CBFC chairperson Prasoon Joshi. Following the objections, the CBFC referred the film to its Revising Committee for another review. The delay prompted the film's director to seek legal intervention, first approaching the Madras High Court and later the Supreme Court over the pending certification. According to sources, the certificate was also held back because of the Model Code of Conduct. The producers are now waiting for the final censor certificate before announcing the official release date. The film has attracted widespread attention because it stars sitting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay, making it one of the most anticipated Tamil releases in recent years. Producer Venkat K Narayana, founder of KVN Productions, recently told NDTV that the team is ready to release the film as soon as the CBFC issues the final certificate. "We are awaiting the certificate from the CBFC. Once they give their final approval, we will immediately release the film in theatres," he said. Venkat also said Vijay's political rise has given the film's title a new significance. He noted that many fans have suggested replacing the opening title "Thalapathy Vijay" with "Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu." "When we started the film, we never imagined this situation. It is a happy moment that Vijay sir has become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and truly the 'Jana Nayagan' (People's Leader) of the state. Perhaps it was destined that the film would release after he became Chief Minister," he said. Explaining the certification delay, Venkat said the film was initially expected to receive a U/A 16+ certificate after the Examining Committee completed its review in December 2025. However, instead of receiving the certificate, the producers were informed that a complaint had been filed against the film, leading the CBFC to refer it to the Revising Committee. The producers challenged the move in court, arguing that objections had been raised before the film's release. During the proceedings, they learned that the complaint had reportedly come from a member of the Examining Committee, who had earlier approved the film. Venkat said the producers immediately applied to the Revising Committee and have since been completing the required formalities while waiting for the final certificate. Directed by H. Vinoth and produced by KVN Productions, Jana Nayagan also stars Pooja Hegde, Bobby Deol and Mamitha Baiju. The film recently made headlines after an illegal online leak. According to PTI, a freelance assistant editor and several others were arrested in connection with the incident. Source: NDTV

Veteran actor and activist Danny Glover has revealed that he is living with Alzheimer's disease, saying he is still trying to come to terms with the diagnosis. Glover, widely known for playing the calm and dependable police officer in the Lethal Weapon film series, said he was diagnosed with the progressive brain disease three years ago. The four-time Emmy Award nominee, who will turn 80 on July 22, shared the news in separate interviews with NBC's Today show and People magazine. "I'm still not accepting in my mind all parts of it," Glover told People. "There are the moments that you keep remembering that validate the fact that you can remember stuff. And there are moments I'll never forget." Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. It gradually affects memory, thinking and daily functioning. More than 6 million people in the United States and millions more worldwide are living with the condition. Throughout his career, Glover has received four Emmy Award nominations and was honoured with an honorary Oscar in 2022. He has also been recognised by the NAACP and Black Entertainment Television, and has earned nominations from the Screen Actors Guild. Beyond acting, Glover has been active in humanitarian work. From 1998 to 2004, he served as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme, supporting efforts to address poverty, disease and economic development in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Actor Kangana Ranaut gave television star Ram Kapoor a stern reality check during the latest episode of Lock Upp Season 2, telling him to stop defending his behaviour if he wanted to improve. Kangana entered the reality show as "Janta Ki Awaaz", joining hosts Farah Khan and Riteish Deshmukh, and interacted with the contestants during the episode. Addressing Ram Kapoor, known for the television series Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, Kangana said he appeared to be taking the competition too seriously. "Ramji, you shouldn't have taken the game so seriously. And if you think that you are too big for this jail, then why did you come here? To show your stupidity?" she said. Ram defended his approach, saying, "When the time comes, I will own my truth as well as, or better than, anybody here." Kangana responded with another piece of advice, saying, "Don't defend yourself if you want to improve." Earlier in the show, filmmaker Farah Khan had also criticised Ram during the "chargesheet" segment, saying he had failed to stand out despite usually playing lead roles in his projects. "I want to ask you, in every show you do, you're playing the lead. But after coming here, you have become a background actor," Farah told him. Ram, however, did not appear to welcome the feedback and casually raised his hand as if to stop her from speaking. Reacting to his gesture, Farah said, "From what I can see, I don't want this Ram. It is not funny." Ram remained firm, replying, "For me, it is funny. I am the way I am, just like this." Farah made another attempt to convince him, saying, "What you are doing, this lecturing, you're not like that at all." But Ram refused to change his stance. "Toh nikaal do. I am not going to change. I am the way I am," he said. Farah then joked, "Those people who don't change become dinosaurs." Ram replied with a smile, "I will become a dinosaur." The second season of Lock Upp premiered on June 27. #From NDTV

Milwaukee paid tribute to legendary Brewers broadcaster Bob Uecker on Tuesday with the unveiling of a giant mural in downtown Milwaukee, celebrating the man whose voice became synonymous with the team's baseball history. Fans gathered for the dedication ceremony to honor Uecker, who spent 54 seasons calling Milwaukee Brewers games before his death on Jan. 16, 2025, at the age of 90. Standing before the mural, which stretches 80 feet wide and 100 feet high, former broadcast partner Lane Grindle said Uecker's legacy would continue to inspire both the local community and the baseball world. "We always said Bob was larger than life, and now he literally is," Grindle said. Although Uecker became a nationally recognized figure through movies, television appearances and commercials, he remained devoted to Milwaukee throughout his career. The new artwork shows Uecker wearing one of his signature plaid blazers and includes his autograph along with his famous nickname, "Mr. Baseball." It is displayed on the north side of the Wintrust Financial Center at 731 N. Jackson Street. The mural was created by artist Mauricio Ramirez, who also designed the large downtown mural of former Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2022. Work on the Uecker mural began in mid-May. The dedication ceremony featured Brewers manager Pat Murphy, outfielder Christian Yelich, president of baseball operations Matt Arnold and several members of Uecker's family. Murphy remembered Uecker as someone who genuinely cared about players at every level of the team. "He cared about everyone, whether it was a star like Christian Yelich or a young player just called up from Triple-A," Murphy said. "The clubhouse was like family to him." Yelich said spending time with Uecker off the field was one of the highlights of his career. He recalled Uecker's endless stories about baseball, acting, television appearances, and memorable experiences with celebrities, astronauts and even U.S. presidents. "It was a privilege just to listen to his stories and learn about the incredible life he lived," Yelich said. As part of the celebration, the first 500 attendees of legal drinking age received a complimentary can of Miller Lite from Molson Coors for a toast in Uecker's honor. Brewers president of business operations Rick Schlesinger said Uecker turned down opportunities to work nationally and with other Major League Baseball teams because of his deep connection to Milwaukee. "He had chances to leave, but Milwaukee was always his home," Schlesinger said. "Loyalty defined who he was, and he never left us."

Naomi Osaka once again made a bold fashion statement at Wimbledon, arriving for her first-round match in a flowing white kimono inspired by a character from Quentin Tarantino's film ‘Kill Bill’. Despite Wimbledon's famous all-white dress code, Osaka embraced the tradition in her own way by wearing a white embroidered kimono with wide sleeves as she walked onto Court No. 3 for her match against Elsa Jacquemot. The four-time Grand Slam champion then defeated Jacquemot 6-1, 7-5 to advance to the second round. Speaking after the match, Osaka said the outfit reflected her Japanese heritage and was inspired by Lucy Liu's character O-Ren Ishii in ‘Kill Bill’. "My Japanese heritage means a lot to me," Osaka said. "Since Wimbledon requires players to wear white, I thought it would be special to come out in a white kimono." She added that she enjoys drawing inspiration from different sources and often likes to imagine herself as a video game character rather than being herself while competing on court. The crowd welcomed Osaka's entrance with loud cheers, with many fans raising their phones to capture the moment. One supporter shouted, "Come on, queen!" as she walked onto the court. Former top-10 player Alicia Molik, who was commentating for the BBC, said Osaka's arrival had become one of the day's most anticipated moments. Osaka kept the kimono on during the pre-match instructions at the net before removing it and placing it on her chair ahead of the warm-up. She is no stranger to making memorable entrances at Grand Slam tournaments. Earlier this year at the Australian Open, she appeared wearing a wide-brimmed hat, a veil and carrying a white parasol. At the French Open, she entered the court in a black ceremonial skirt and beaded bodice before revealing a gold playing outfit underneath. Off the court, Osaka also attracted attention at this year's Met Gala, where she wore a striking white sculptural gown designed by Robert Wun, complete with red feathers, a matching headpiece and two-tone red gloves. Her Wimbledon outfit drew attention even before she reached the court, as she walked through the tournament grounds. Osaka said she noticed people turning around to get a better look, adding that she found their reactions entertaining. She also revealed that fellow players had been asking practical questions, including whether she owned only one white kimono and what she would do if it got stained. At her post-match press conference, Osaka highlighted another part of her heritage by wearing the red-and-blue football jersey of Haiti after the country's national team qualified for the FIFA Women's World Cup for the first time since 1974. "I felt really proud of them," she said.

Even before its release, Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated film The Odyssey has become one of the most debated movies of 2026, drawing criticism over its casting choices, dialogue and interpretation of Homer's ancient Greek epic. The film, featuring Matt Damon, Zendaya, Tom Holland, Lupita Nyong'o and several other stars, is scheduled to hit cinemas on July 17. While many movie lovers are eagerly waiting for Nolan's latest project after the Oscar-winning Oppenheimer, the film has also sparked heated discussions online. Most of the controversy has focused on the cast. Some conservative critics questioned Nolan's decision to cast transgender actor Elliot Page and rapper Travis Scott in key roles. Others criticised the selection of Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o as Helen of Troy, arguing that Homer's original poem described the character as "white-armed." Right-wing commentator Matt Walsh claimed Nolan made the casting choice to avoid accusations of racism, although he provided no evidence for the claim. Tech billionaire Elon Musk also expressed support for the criticism on social media. In response, many users accused Walsh and Musk of promoting racial prejudice. Scholars, however, dismissed much of the debate. Professor Daniel Mendelsohn, whose English translation of The Odyssey was published last year, said the criticism was exaggerated because Helen plays only a small role in the story. He also suggested that Nyong'o's casting fits the poem's long-standing exploration of beauty, arguing that selecting a beautiful African actress continues an ancient discussion rather than contradicting it. Nyong'o herself brushed off the criticism, telling Elle magazine that The Odyssey is "a mythological story" and that the cast reflects today's global society. However, some critics raised a different concern, saying Hollywood once again overlooked Greek actors in a story deeply rooted in Greek culture. Greek-British journalist Chris Cotonou argued that if the film aims to represent the world, it should also include performers with direct cultural ties to the source material. The debate has not been limited to casting. After the first trailer was released, some viewers complained that Agamemnon's dark armour looked too similar to Batman's costume, while others argued that Odysseus' ship resembled a Viking vessel instead of one from ancient Greece. Experts say such criticism overlooks the nature of mythology. Professor Susan Deacy, author of The Greek Gods and Their Worlds, said Greek myths have always been reinterpreted by different generations, and each era creates its own version of Homer's stories. Another issue that drew attention was the film's dialogue. Many viewers were surprised to hear British actors, including Tom Holland, speaking with American accents and using modern expressions. Some social media users argued that contemporary speech weakened the historical atmosphere of the film. Deacy said such criticism is based more on cinematic tradition than historical accuracy. She noted that ancient Greeks did not speak either modern American English or formal British English. According to her, conversational language may actually be closer to the original spirit of Homer's oral storytelling than the formal style often used in historical films. Film experts believe the controversy reflects today's online culture, where major productions often become part of wider political and cultural debates. Author Tom Shone, who has written extensively about Nolan's work, said the director's films often allow audiences with different political views to interpret them in different ways. He added that some conservative viewers may feel disappointed because Nolan's latest film appears more progressive than they expected. Despite the criticism, many analysts believe the controversy may ultimately help the film by generating even greater public interest. With its large-scale production, famous cast and fresh interpretation of one of history's greatest literary works, The Odyssey is expected to remain one of the year's biggest cinematic events when it opens in US and UK theatres on July 17. With inputs from BBC.

Comedian and digital creator Druski will become the youngest host in BET Awards history when he emcees Sunday's ceremony at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, surpassing Kevin Hart's record set in 2011. The 31-year-old will host the live event, which will also honour Lauryn Hill, Teyana Taylor and music executive Sylvia Rhone for their contributions to the entertainment industry. Cardi B leads this year's nominations with six, followed by Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist with five each. Doechii, Doja Cat, Clipse, Teyana Taylor, Olivia Dean and Latto received four nominations apiece. The ceremony will feature performances by Cardi B, Common, Doechii, Don Toliver, French Montana, Jill Scott, Kehlani, Queen Latifah, Rick Ross, Tems, T.I. and The War And Treaty, while MC Lyte returns as announcer. Hill will receive the Living Legend Icon Award for her lasting influence on hip-hop and R&B, while Taylor will be presented with the Icon of the Year Award for her achievements as a singer, actor, director, producer and choreographer. Rhone will receive the Ultimate Icon Award in recognition of her pioneering leadership in the music industry. The show will also present awards recognising creators and cultural impact in fashion.