United News of Bangladesh

Bangladeshi short film ‘Sole Mate’ has been officially selected for competition at the Antares International Film Festival, a new film festival taking place in Moscow, Russia. Directed by debutant Adel Imam Anup, ‘Sole Mate’ will compete in the official documentary film competition segment of the festival, which will be held from August 6 to 10 in Moscow. The film has a runtime of four minutes and has already drawn praise for its unique narrative approach. The festival authorities confirmed the film’s selection via email, describing it as an “outstanding achievement” for the ‘Sole Mate’ team. They noted that more than 2,400 films were submitted from various countries, out of which 104 films from 29 countries were chosen for the final competition. ‘Sardaar Ji 3’ sees strong global performance without India release Speaking about the film, Anup said, “As an independent filmmaker, it’s truly an honour to have my first work selected for an international film festival. Honestly, it feels unbelievable.” “Filmmaking here is often challenging due to various limitations, but I’m deeply grateful to those who believed in me and supported the project,” he added. The film narrates the story of a pair of shoes — exploring what emotions they might express and what their journey would be if they could speak. Notably, no human faces appear in the film; instead, it was shot by showing only feet. Konok Khandakar participated in the filming, and the narrative was told through a voiceover delivered by Rezwan Kabir Kallol. 'Sole Mate’ has so far been screened twice, both times in Dhaka. Its premiere took place at the first season of the "Friendly Neighbourhood Filmmaker Fest (FNF)" held at the National Theatre Hall of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The story of ‘Sole Mate’ was co-written by Adel Imam Anup and Rezwan Kabir Kallol. The screenplay was done by Sheikh Qorashani, while the cinematography and editing were handled by Asaduzzaman Abir, with Fazle Rabbi assisting in cinematography.  

Sardaar Ji 3, starring popular Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh, was released globally—excluding India—on June 27, and has since stirred controversy over its casting and distribution strategy. Directed by Amar Hundal, the film came under fire after its trailer release, mainly for casting Pakistani actress Hania Amir. The backlash intensified following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, prompting criticism of the film’s timing and casting choices. Despite the decision to withhold the film’s release in Indian cinemas, Sardaar Ji 3 has been performing exceptionally well in overseas markets. According to a report by entertainment portal KoiMoi, the film has grossed approximately Rs 55 crore at the international box office by the end of its third weekend, with Pakistan and Canada emerging as top markets. A recent Instagram post from Team Diljit Dosanjh hinted at the film’s “global rush,” highlighting that the horror-comedy had already earned Rs 52 crore within just two weeks of its release. Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra welcome baby girl: "Our world forever changed" Addressing the controversy in an interview with BBC Asian Network, Diljit Dosanjh clarified that when the film was shot in February 2025, the geopolitical situation was stable. “After that, many serious developments occurred, beyond our control. So the producers chose not to release it in India and opted for an international release instead,” he said. “They understand the financial loss involved in skipping an entire market, but I support their decision.” Director Kabir Khan, best known for the 2015 blockbuster Bajrangi Bhaijaan, which marked its 10th anniversary on July 17, also defended Diljit. He said it was “unfair to target” the actor, noting that external circumstances changed after the film’s production was completed. Bajrangi Bhaijaan itself centered around cross-border themes, telling the story of a mute Pakistani girl who is reunited with her family with the help of an Indian man. Sardaar Ji 3 is jointly produced by Gunbir Singh Sidhu, Manmord Sidhu, and Diljit Dosanjh. C #With inputsfrom NDTV

On February 28, 2025, Kiara Advani and Sidharth Malhotra revealed they were expecting their first child through a joint Instagram post. The post featured a tiny pair of baby socks with the caption, “The greatest gift of our lives. Coming soon.” Now, the couple has joyfully announced the arrival of their baby girl. In a heartfelt message shared on social media, they wrote: “Our hearts are full and our world forever changed. We are blessed with a baby girl. – Sidharth and Kiara.” Earlier this year, on February 7, the couple celebrated their second wedding anniversary. Kiara marked the occasion with a playful video tribute to Sidharth, humorously recreating a scene from their viral wedding clip. In the original video, Kiara walked toward Sidharth, who jokingly pointed at his watch. In her anniversary version, she pulled a sledge with Sidharth on it during a workout, captioning it, “How it started, how it's going. Happy Anniversary to my partner in everything. Love you @sidmalhotra.” Sidharth also shared a couple of never-before-seen wedding photos to commemorate the day. On the professional front, Sidharth Malhotra is preparing for the release of Param Sundari, in which he stars opposite Janhvi Kapoor.  

BTS member Jungkook has confirmed that the global K-pop sensation is preparing for a comeback album, which is expected to be released in spring 2026. The announcement came during a recent live session on the fan platform Weverse, where Jungkook reunited with fellow bandmates Jimin and Taehyung (V) to interact with fans. The group shared light-hearted moments from their military service, with Jimin recalling a humorous memory of Jungkook singing in his sleep. “It sounded amazing," Jimin said, according to a translation by @BTStranslation on X. Jungkook explained that he had a dream-within-a-dream experience and wished he could record the melody. “I could have remembered it if I had been awake," he joked, noting that phones were not allowed during service. The highlight of the session came when Jungkook discussed BTS’ upcoming album, their first full group release since BE in 2020. “We’re aiming for next spring. Now, no matter what the outcome is, we have to release something. Right?" he said. Jimin echoed the sentiment, adding, “Our ARMY has waited so long, we can’t delay it any longer." BTS’ ‘Dynamite’ ranks 34th on Apple Music’s decade list Despite the excitement, Jungkook expressed some apprehension. “We have to work hard until next spring. Honestly, I’m a bit worried,” he admitted. With all seven members now discharged from South Korea’s mandatory military service, BTS is preparing for a full-fledged return. Jin and J-Hope were the first to complete their duties, followed by the rest in recent months. Jungkook also spoke about his songwriting process, comparing it to that of leader RM (Namjoon). “I can’t write lyrics like Namjoon-hyung. I’m very straightforward and realistic, so the wording doesn’t come out,” he said. After nearly four years, BTS is officially on the path to reuniting with fans through music once again. Source: News18

Aiming to create opportunities for Bangladeshi women to represent the country on global platforms, the ‘Miss Bangladesh Impact Forum 2025’ was officially launched on Tuesday at Le Méridien Dhaka. The announcement came from Meghna Alam, Miss Earth Bangladesh 2020 and Chairperson of the Miss Bangladesh Foundation, who inaugurated the event highlighting its expanded scope from a beauty pageant to a global diplomatic and leadership platform. At the launching ceremony, it was announced that Bangladeshi women aged between 18 and 26 — who are unmarried, responsible citizens, environmentally conscious, and culturally aware — will be eligible to apply for the competition starting July 17 via www.missbangladesh.com. July Uprising: Drishawmaddhom Shilpi Shomaj announces cultural drive Following an initial selection process, 100 shortlisted participants will be invited to audition on September 26 at Le Méridien Dhaka. From them, 20 finalists will be selected for a month-long fellowship programme, where they will work on creating impactful stories using plastic and waste materials as part of their advocacy. The fellowship includes training in pageantry, advocacy speech, entrepreneurship, reproductive and mental health, and fitness. The final winner will be crowned ‘Miss Bangladesh Earth’ and will represent Bangladesh at the 25th Miss Earth pageant in the Philippines, which focuses on environmental justice and sustainable development. Last year, through the ‘Miss Bangladesh Beauty Pageant 2024’, 10 Bangladeshi women had the opportunity to represent the country in various international competitions across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The initiative culminated in the national winner participating in the Miss Earth competition, associated with the United Nations and global climate justice movements. Speakers at the event shared their personal experiences on overcoming societal pressures and promoting women’s visibility in leadership. Among the attendees were Dr Tasin Afrin Diana, SDG Coordinator of Miss Bangladesh Foundation; Tahreen Zerin, international legal advisor; Alisha Pradhan, CEO of HerNet TV; Dr Nasreen Siraj Anny, Assistant Professor at BRAC University; Konstantinos S Gabriel, GM of Le Méridien Dhaka; renowned singer Mehreen; Neela Israfil, NCP political leader; and Katerina Don, Co-Founder and Creative Director of CholPori and Curator at HerStory Foundation and Publications. Addressing the gathering, Meghna Alam said, “This forum is a response to silence, stigma, and barriers. We are uniting the nation, preserving the environment, and nurturing leadership." "Bangladesh doesn’t seek sympathy — it demands respect and partnership. What we seek is solidarity through this initiative,” Meghna Alam added. The forum’s programme includes press conferences to present participants as influential social ambassadors, dialogues on climate change, gender equality and youth leadership, and recognition of participants, journalists, NGOs and diplomats. It will also facilitate diplomatic dialogues with UN agencies and embassies. Notably, the Miss Bangladesh Impact Forum is positioning itself as Asia’s first SDG-linked, climate-focused, pageantry-based leadership model, focusing on SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 17 (Global Partnerships).

Actor and television personality Archana Puran Singh recently disclosed that she and her family were victims of an online scam during a vacation in Dubai, resulting in the loss of thousands of rupees. She shared the incident in a vlog posted to her official YouTube channel. While vacationing with her husband, actor-director Parmeet Sethi, and their sons Aaryamann and Ayushmaan, the family booked tickets for iFly Dubai, a popular indoor skydiving attraction. However, upon arriving at the venue, they were told by staff that no such booking existed under their names. “We had booked three slots at iFly Dubai, but the woman at the counter said there's no record. We’ve been scammed — the site we used to make the payment wasn’t theirs. And the tickets weren’t cheap either,” said Archana in the vlog, visibly surprised. “I never imagined something like this could happen in Dubai, where rules are so strict. I really didn’t expect it.” Parmeet Sethi echoed the shock, adding, “Thousands of rupees are gone.” He later paid in cash for new tickets so the family could still enjoy the experience. “What if this turns out to be another scam?” he joked. Aaryamann Sethi recalled noticing something unusual while booking. “I chose a four-minute package, but the site suddenly changed it to two. I thought it was just a technical issue.” He also mentioned that the website was no longer accessible. Ayushmaan added that the fake site had advertised a “Ramadan discount,” even though the holy month had already passed — a detail that seemed suspicious in hindsight. In summary, Archana Puran Singh shared that her family fell victim to a fraudulent website while trying to book an indoor skydiving session in Dubai, leading to the loss of a substantial sum of money. While the actor did not disclose the exact amount lost, she called the incident both unexpected and disappointing. Source NDTV    

The BBC on Monday announced it will no longer work with longtime MasterChef host Gregg Wallace after a report upheld dozens of sexual misconduct allegations against him. An independent legal investigation found that 45 of 83 allegations made against Wallace during his time on the show from 2005 to 2018 were substantiated. Most involved inappropriate sexual comments and humor, while some involved Wallace being in a state of undress and one instance of unwelcome physical contact. The 60-year-old stepped away from MasterChef last year as multiple complaints surfaced. Despite previous warnings from his employers — including one in 2018 — Wallace continued to appear on BBC shows for years, raising questions about how the broadcaster handles misconduct allegations. Meghan Markle spends heavily on wardrobe ahead of showbiz comeback The BBC admitted missed opportunities to address his behavior and said Wallace's return to MasterChef is “untenable.” In a statement, Wallace denied the most serious claims but said, “Some of my humor and language missed the mark. I never set out to harm or humiliate.” The UK government welcomed the BBC’s decision, calling for stronger protections against abuse in the creative industry. Source: Agency 

Prominent theatre troupe Dhaka Padatik is set to stage the 38th production of its acclaimed historical drama 'Trial of Surya Sen' on July 20 at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA). The play portrays the farcical trial and execution of anti-colonial revolutionary leader Masterda Surya Sen, who valiantly fought against British colonial rule in the Indian subcontinent.  Originally written and directed by the late Ekushey Padak-winning playwright and actor Masum Aziz, the production has now been reimagined and newly directed by celebrated actor and director Nader Chowdhury. Ahead of the upcoming performance, final rehearsals will take place on July 18 and 19. The play was well received internationally during two shows in Delhi last year, earning critical acclaim from theatre audiences and experts alike. Speaking about the new direction of the play, Nader Chowdhury said, “The play 'Trial of Surya Sen' is a significant historical play based on the anti-British movement. It was originally written and directed by our beloved late brother Masum Aziz."  "I have worked on some necessary embellishments for this re-staging while also portraying the central role of Surya Sen. Our present generation must witness this powerful historical narrative,” he added. The play features around 40 characters including Surya Sen, Pritilata Waddedar, Kalpana Dutta, Ambika Roy, Nirmal Sen, British and Bengali lawyers, and Netra Sen. The cast includes Nader Chowdhury, Mahbuba Haque Kumkum, Manzurul Islam Nantu, Shahnaz Parvin Joya, Mamun Ur Rashid, Shyamal Hasan, Sabiha Zaman, Akhtar Hossain, Tarek Ali Milon, Atik, Robiul Milton, Al Amin, Sumon Ghosh, Farzana Nipa, Arif, Maksud and others. Zakaria Kiran is in charge of lighting design, while Abul Bashar Sohel is coordinating the music for the production. Notably, the inaugural staging of 'Trial of Surya Sen' took place on January 18, 2018.  

The enduring charm of Hindi cinema continues to shape the pulse of the Bollywood movie industry. August brings a compelling blend of drama, action, romance, thrillers, and comedy to theatres. With fresh talents stepping in beside fan-favourite stars, the slate promises to engage audiences nationwide. Let’s delve into the top 10 Bollywood releases that are set to release in August 2025, ablaze with storytelling brilliance. 10 Must-see Hindi Films Releasing this August . Dhadak 2 / Romance Thriller / August 1, 2025 Directed by Shazia Iqbal, this stirring tale blends romance with realism. The screenplay, co-written with Rahul Badwelkar, picks up the thread from Dhadak (2018) but walks a more confronting path. The first instalment reimagined the 2018 Tamil movie ‘Pariyerum Perumal’ through a contemporary lens. This time, the narrative roots are in caste, love, and survival in modern India. Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri headline the romantic saga with quiet intensity. Saurabh Sachdeva and Zakir Hussain lend depth to the supporting roles. Read more: ‘Maalik’ sees box office boost on Day 2, earns Rs 9 crore in total The soundtrack features a diverse lineup, including Shreyas Puranik, Rochak Kohli, Javed-Mohsin, and Tanishk Bagchi. Zee Studios, Cloud 9 Pictures, and Dharma Productions jointly back the project. Ajey: The Untold Story of a Yogi / Political Drama / August 1, 2025 Produced by Ritu Mengi under the Samrat Cinematics banner, this political biopic boasts Ravindra Gautam as the director. The script, penned by Dilip Bachchan Jha and Priyank Dubey, draws directly from ‘The Monk Who Became Chief Minister’. Anant Joshi takes on the challenging role of Yogi Adityanath with measured restraint. The ensemble, Paresh Rawal, Dinesh Lal Yadav, Pavan Malhotra, Garima Vikrant, Rajesh Khattar, and Sarwar Ahuja, brings layered performances. Read more: Amazon Prime Originals Streaming Slate For August 2025: Exclusive Films and Series It maps the extraordinary rise of a boy from the hills to political power. Moments of solitude, spiritual awakening, and ideological clarity shape his path. The narrative explores the making of a public figure who reshaped governance in India’s most populous state. Andaaz 2 / Romantic Drama / August 1, 2025 Veteran filmmaker Suneel Darshan makes a graceful comeback with a family-centric drama. Alongside Dipan Bhatt and Parasnath Gupta, he shapes a story built on emotion and timeless values. The cast features fresh faces Aayush Kumar, Natasha Fernandez, and Akaisha Vats, backed by seasoned names like Jeetu Verma and Dolly Bindra. The story revolves around a triangular love story, layered with sensitivity and human connection. Set in today’s world, the film balances youthful romance with an old-school soul. Read more: Top 10 Netflix Originals Releasing in August 2025 Nadeem and Sameer deliver a music album steeped in melody and meaning. The project is produced under Shree Krishna International. Toofan Ek Nasha / Mystery / August 2, 2025 A gripping tale of six lives consumed by drug addiction, each drawn in by pain, desperation, or fleeting joy. But their downfall doesn’t end with them; it shatters the lives of those who love them. Director Prem Dhiraal handles the theme with raw honesty and also steers the score of the movie. Rahul Pahade's writing gives each character a unique, haunting reason for their downfall. Prem Dhiraal leads a cast that includes Avinash Arora, Shakti Veer Dhiraal, Ashwin Thakur, and Dhanashree Gadge. Read more: Top 10 Hindi Films Releasing in Bollywood in July 2025 The production credit goes to Dhanraj Harde under Dhiraal Entertainment. Heer Express / Romantic Drama / August 8, 2025 Umesh Shukla directs this heartfelt journey with writing support from Sanjay Grover and Divyanshu Rawat. At its centre is Heer, a young chef with big dreams and bold flavours. She leaves India behind to carve her path in London’s high-pressure kitchens. But chasing ambition in a foreign land brings more heat than expected. Prit Kamani and Divita Juneja lead the ensemble, joined by Gulshan Grover and Ashutosh Rana. Meghna Malik and Sanjay Mishra add weight to this flavourful story. Read more: Best 10 Korean Dramas Releasing in July 2025 With a soundtrack crafted by Tanishk Bagchi, this drama is set to stream on Netflix. Backed by Creative Strokes, Divisa, Indo-UK Film Co., and Merry Go Round Studios spearhead the film production.

Maalik, featuring Rajkummar Rao and Manushi Chhillar, registered a notable jump in box office collections on its second day after hitting theatres on Friday, July 11. Directed by Pulkit, the action thriller opened with Rs 3.75 crore on Day 1 and witnessed a 40% increase in revenue on Saturday, collecting Rs 5.25 crore, according to data from Sacnilk. With this, the film’s domestic total now stands at Rs 9 crore. On Day 2, Maalik recorded an overall Hindi occupancy of 18.84%. Night shows saw the highest turnout with 32.85% occupancy, followed by evening shows at 19.14%, afternoon shows at 16.95%, and morning shows at just 6.40%. Alongside the lead pair, the film also stars Prosenjit Chatterjee, Saurabh Shukla, Huma Qureshi, Anshumaan Pushkar, Swanand Kirkire, Rajendra Gupta, and Medha Shankr in prominent roles. Rajkummar Rao plays a fierce gangster in the film — a character unlike any he has portrayed before. Speaking to NDTV, the actor shared how he approached the intense role. Allu Arjun reportedly taking on four roles in Atlee’s big-budget film ‘AA22 X A6’ “Stepping out of such an intense role is easier than getting into it, because getting into it, you're still figuring it out,” he said. “There’s a process of growing your beard and then beating up people, so that takes time. And to understand the core of the character is another thing altogether.” He added, “I’ve never played such a ferocious character before, someone with so much power. His name itself is Maalik, which took me time to absorb. But once you get into it, it’s a lot of fun — the journey becomes very exciting.” Maalik is produced by Kumar Taurani and Jay Shewakramani under the banners of Tips Films and Northern Lights Films. Source: NDTV