United News of Bangladesh

American singer Beyoncé has officially become a billionaire, Forbes announced, making her the fifth musician to reach a 10-figure fortune. Beyoncé joins an exclusive group of musicians with immense wealth, including Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Bruce Springsteen, and her husband Jay-Z, whose net worth Forbes estimates at $2.5 billion. Earlier this month, Forbes valued Beyoncé’s fortune at $800 million and predicted she would cross the billionaire mark after years of successful music, tours, and business ventures. Her 2023 Renaissance World Tour alone grossed nearly $600 million, making her one of the world’s top pop icons. Beyoncé also produced a concert film from the tour, distributed through AMC theaters, earning her nearly half of the film’s $44 million global box office revenue. Her 2024 album, Cowboy Carter, celebrated the black roots of country music and won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year — her first Grammy win in that category. The accompanying tour, featuring Jay-Z, their children, and former Destiny’s Child members, generated over $400 million in ticket sales and $50 million from merchandise. Despite some slow ticket sales leading to price cuts, the tour set records at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Paris’ Stade de France, with ticket prices ranging from £71 to £950. Additional earnings came from a Netflix halftime show for the NFL and Levi’s commercials. Forbes’ announcement confirms Beyoncé’s position among the world’s wealthiest musicians, marking a major milestone in her career.   With inputs from BBC

A wide range of Britons, from internationally known actors Idris Elba and Cynthia Erivo to a 102-year-old judo teacher, have been included in King Charles III’s New Year’s Honours list, which annually recognizes individuals for their service and contributions to public life in the United Kingdom. Idris Elba, famed for his roles in The Wire and as a U.S. president in A House of Dynamite, was awarded a knighthood in recognition of his work supporting young people. Alongside his wife Sabrina, Elba founded the Elba Hope Foundation, which focuses on tackling knife crime, improving education, and addressing poverty. Elba said he accepted the honor on behalf of the young people the charity supports, emphasizing the need for long-term, practical efforts to help steer youth away from violence. Celebrated ice dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, who captured Olympic gold at the 1984 Winter Games in Sarajevo, were also among the top recipients. Torvill was made a dame, while Dean received a knighthood. Actress and singer Cynthia Erivo, known for her role in Wicked, was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her contributions to music and drama. John Hearn, popularly known as “Judo Jack,” received a British Empire Medal after being recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest judo instructor. Other notable honorees include author and comedian Richard Osman, creator of The Thursday Murder Club series, who was named an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE); former marathon world-record holder Paula Radcliffe, also awarded an OBE; and 101-year-old D-Day veteran Mervyn Kersh, who received a British Empire Medal for his educational work on Holocaust remembrance and his wartime service. Britain’s honors system dates back to medieval times, when monarchs rewarded loyalty and service with land, wealth, and titles. Today, it has evolved into a structured system of ceremonial awards granted by the monarch on the advice of the government. Modern honors recognize achievements across a broad range of fields, including public service, academia, the arts, and sports. While high-profile figures often feature on the list, many recipients are everyday community contributors such as librarians, charity volunteers, and civil servants. A total of 1,150 people were recognized in this year’s New Year’s Honours. The highest distinctions are knighthoods and damehoods, which allow recipients to use the titles “Sir” or “Dame.” Below these are the ranks of the Order of the British Empire—Commander (CBE), Officer (OBE), and Member (MBE)—with recipients entitled to use post-nominal letters. Honours are announced twice annually, at New Year and on the monarch’s birthday, and are formally presented by the king or another senior royal at ceremonies held throughout the year.

Bollywood stars gathered in Mumbai on Monday for a special screening of Ikkis, the final film of legendary actor Dharmendra, who passed away on November 24 at the age of 89. The event drew actors Salman Khan, Rekha, Tabu, Jeetendra, Sunny Deol, Bobby Deol, Agastya Nanda, and others. The film also features newcomers Simar Bhatia and Agastya Nanda in leading roles, alongside Jaideep Ahlawat, Sikandar Kher, and Vivaan Shah. Salman Khan was seen paying an emotional tribute to Dharmendra by standing beside a poster of the late actor. Sunny Deol also appeared moved but posed for photographs with a calm smile. Bobby Deol attended with his wife Tanya, son Aryaman, and cousin Abhay Deol. Ikkis marks Dharmendra’s final on-screen appearance and tells the story of Arun, played by Agastya Nanda, the son of Dharmendra’s character Brigadier ML Khetarpal. The film is scheduled for release on January 1, 2026. The screening reflected an emotional evening for the film industry as colleagues and fans honored Dharmendra’s legacy.   With inputs from NDTV

Television viewers may see some of the strongest programming in years in 2026, with the return of popular series and the launch of several high-profile new shows, according to media reports. Broadcasters and streaming platforms are lining up a mix of long-awaited sequels, finales and fresh productions, although some schedules may change and a few shows could air later than planned. Among the major highlights is the second series of The Night Manager, nearly a decade after its debut, with Tom Hiddleston and Olivia Colman returning. ITV’s thriller Red Eye will also return for a second season, while Netflix is set to air the final chapter of the global hit Stranger Things. BBC’s reality hit The Traitors will come back with a new season, while fans of classic drama will see new adaptations such as Seven Dials, based on an Agatha Christie novel. The Game of Thrones universe will expand further with A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, set a century before the original series. Several well-known shows are also scheduled to return or reboot in 2026, including Scrubs, Doctor Who and Malcolm in the Middle. Sporting events are expected to draw huge audiences as well, with the 2026 Football World Cup set to run from June to July. Other confirmed projects for 2026 include dramas such as Dear England, The Lady and Rivals, along with major entertainment shows like Strictly Come Dancing, which will see new hosts after long-serving presenters step down. Meanwhile, highly anticipated series such as Line of Duty are confirmed for filming, though their broadcast dates are yet to be announced, meaning they could air in late 2026 or 2027. Industry observers say the mix of returning favourites, star-studded casts and major global events could make 2026 one of the most exciting years for television in a long time.   With inputs from BBC

The Malayalam film industry stood out in 2025 with notable successes such as Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra and L2: Empuraan. The Indian film industry enjoyed an exceptional year in 2025, delivering everything from grand historical spectacles to heartfelt dramas. Films across languages and genres captivated audiences both in India and internationally. While Bollywood had its share of releases, South Indian cinema emerged as a dominant force at the box office worldwide. Among all regional industries, Malayalam cinema made a strong impact with standout films like Lokah: Chapter 1 – Chandra and L2: Empuraan, proving once again its strength in storytelling and production quality beyond regional boundaries. Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu industries also contributed major hits that earned both commercial success and critical praise. Here’s a look at the top 10 highest-grossing South Indian films of 2025. Kantara: Chapter 1Directed by Rishab Shetty, Kantara: Chapter 1 was produced on an estimated budget of Rs 125 crore. The film became a massive blockbuster, grossing over Rs 852 crore globally. Serving as a prequel to the 2022 hit Kantara, it earned acclaim for its stunning visuals, gripping narrative, and powerful action. The story delves into the origins of the Bhuta Kola tradition and the mythology surrounding divine guardians of the land. CoolieMade on a reported budget of Rs 400 crore, Coolie starred Rajinikanth in the lead role. Although expectations were high, the film received a mixed response from audiences. Still, it managed to earn Rs 518 crore worldwide. The storyline follows a former gold smuggler driven by vengeance, with Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Shruti Haasan, and Sathyaraj playing key roles. Mahavatar NarsimhaDirected by Ashwin Kumar, Mahavatar Narsimha became a landmark success, emerging as India’s highest-grossing animated film. Produced on a modest budget of Rs 40 crore, the film went on to collect Rs 326.82 crore worldwide. It narrates the mythological tale of Lord Vishnu’s Narasimha avatar and the clash between the demon king Hiranyakashipu and his devoted son Prahlada. Lokah: Chapter 1 – ChandraThis film marked a historic milestone for Malayalam cinema by becoming its first movie to surpass Rs 300 crore globally. Produced by Dulquer Salmaan and featuring Kalyani Priyadarshan, the film was made on a budget of around Rs 30 crore. The plot follows a mysterious woman who uncovers her supernatural powers after surviving a near-fatal incident involving a bat bite. They Call Him OGWith worldwide earnings of Rs 293.65 crore, They Call Him OG also achieved remarkable overseas success, including a record-breaking North American premiere. Starring Pawan Kalyan, the film spans multiple decades and locations, from 1940s Japan to 1990s Mumbai. It centers on Ojas Gambheera, aka OG, who returns after a decade to reclaim his criminal empire and protect his mentor from rival gangster Omi Bhau. L2: EmpuraanThe second chapter in the Lucifer trilogy, L2: Empuraan, starred Mohanlal alongside Prithviraj Sukumaran, Tovino Thomas, and Manju Warrier. Produced with a budget of approximately Rs 175 crore, the film earned Rs 266.81 crore worldwide. The narrative follows crime lord Khureshi Ab’raam as he re-enters Kerala amid political unrest and rising extremist forces led by antagonist Balraj. Sankrathiki VastunamReleased in January 2025, this film quickly rose to become one of the year’s biggest South Indian earners, grossing Rs 255.2 crore worldwide. Featuring Venkatesh Daggubati, Aishwarya Rajesh, and Meenakshi Chaudhary, the story revolves around a retired police officer drawn back into action to rescue a kidnapped tech tycoon, with unexpected comedic twists involving his wife and former lover. ThudarumThudarum reunited iconic actors Mohanlal and Shobana after 15 years. The film tells the story of a humble taxi driver from Pathanamthitta who shares a deep bond with his old Ambassador car. The plot takes a darker turn when the car is confiscated in a drug-related investigation. The film earned over Rs 234.5 crore globally. Good Bad UglyDirected by Adhik Ravichandran, Good Bad Ugly starred Ajith Kumar, Trisha Krishnan, and Arjun Das. Ajith portrayed a former gangster striving for a peaceful life, only to be pulled back into violence after his son is falsely accused of a crime. Made on a budget of around Rs 300 crore, the film collected Rs 248.25 crore worldwide. Su From SoThis Kannada horror-comedy emerged as an unexpected breakout hit in 2025. Set in the coastal village of Marlur, the story follows a carefree young man who pretends to be possessed by a ghost named Sulochana to escape trouble. His act spirals into chaos as villagers conduct bizarre exorcisms. The film earned Rs 122.83 crore worldwide, gaining both commercial success and critical praise.

Suniel Shetty recently revealed that he turned down a ₹40 crore endorsement deal for a tobacco brand, saying he did not want to compromise his values or set a negative example for his children, Ahan and Athiya. The actor, whose career spans more than three decades, said his personal principles have always guided his choices, both professionally and personally. Speaking to Peeping Moon, Suniel said he made a firm decision long ago never to promote tobacco products, regardless of the financial incentive. He recalled being offered ₹40 crore for a tobacco advertisement but refusing the proposal outright, explaining that money alone could not sway him. Although he acknowledged that he could have used the money at the time, he said endorsing something he does not believe in was never an option. He added that he would not do anything that might reflect poorly on his children, and as a result, such offers no longer come his way. Suniel also spoke about a difficult period following the illness and death of his father, Veerappa Shetty, in 2017. He said his father had been unwell since 2014, and caring for him took an emotional toll that led him to step away from acting entirely. After a break of six to seven years, Suniel returned to films, though the comeback was challenging. He said that on the morning his father passed away, he received an offer to host a health show, which he viewed as a sign to resume work. He later took on a few South Indian film projects but admitted feeling uncertain after such a long gap, as the industry had changed and many faces were new. Reflecting on the post-pandemic period, Suniel said he experienced a personal transformation. He began focusing on fitness, learning and self-improvement, which boosted his confidence and helped him realize that he no longer needed external validation. The actor also expressed gratitude to his fans and the media for continuing to support and remember him during the years he was away from the spotlight.  source : NDTV

A Minecraft Movie, based on the popular video game, has emerged as one of the most significant films of 2025 after topping the US box office and drawing large global audiences, industry analysts say. The film, which stars Jack Black, has become the highest-grossing movie of the year in the United States and ranks among the top films worldwide. Its success highlights changing patterns in cinema-going since the Covid-19 pandemic, with audiences increasingly seeking shared and interactive viewing experiences. Although reviews were mixed, the movie performed strongly from its opening weekend, attracting families, young viewers and long-time fans of the game. Many screenings featured lively audience participation, including cheering, shouting familiar lines and recording moments for social media. The film’s popularity follows a broader trend in Hollywood, where video game adaptations have become major box office draws as superhero films lose dominance. Recent successes include The Super Mario Bros Movie, Sonic the Hedgehog sequels and television series based on popular games. Cinema owners and industry experts say such interactive screenings have helped revive theatres after years of disruption caused by streaming platforms and pandemic closures. Special participation-friendly shows of A Minecraft Movie have since been officially introduced in several markets. Observers note that the film’s rapid rise to cult status reflects how social media and smartphones now shape audience behaviour, turning movie-going into a communal event rather than a quiet, individual experience. With more studios exploring similar releases, analysts expect interactive cinema events to play a growing role in the film industry’s future.   With inputs from BBC

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan marked his 60th birthday on Friday with a grand midnight celebration at his Panvel farmhouse, attended by celebrities from the film, sports and public life. Videos and photos from the celebration quickly went viral on social media, showing the actor cutting his birthday cake in the garden surrounded by close friends and guests. Actor Sanjay Dutt shared a picture with Salman Khan from the event and wished him health and success. Politician Beena Kak also posted several photos from the party, offering a glimpse of the guest list that included actors Sanjay Dutt, Aditya Roy Kapur and Maniesh Paul, along with singer Mika Singh. In her post, she described the gathering as a warm and joyful celebration among loved ones. Salman Khan’s longtime bodyguard Shera shared a heartfelt photo with the actor from the venue, while actress Jannat Zubair posted a smiling picture with the birthday star, extending her wishes on Instagram. Another widely shared photograph featured Salman Khan with former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni, who attended the celebration in a casual yet stylish look. Several other celebrities were also present at the bash, including Karisma Kapoor, Genelia Deshmukh, Rakul Preet Singh, Huma Qureshi, Sangeeta Bijlani, Pragya Jaiswal, Zeeshan Siddiqui and Rahul Kanwal.   With inputs from BBC

Drishyam 3 is generating strong buzz, especially after reports that Akshaye Khanna has exited the project following the success of Dhurandhar. Amid the excitement, actor Rajat Kapoor, who reprises his role as Mahesh Deshmukh—the husband of Tabu’s character, Meera Deshmukh—has shared a humorous take on his character’s journey in the upcoming film. What he said In a recent interview with SCREEN, Kapoor was asked whether his character would be given more depth in the third installment. Responding with wit, the actor dismissed the idea of a character arc, saying there was nothing new to explore. He joked that his role simply involved standing behind Tabu, adding that nothing had changed this time either. On playing officials in films Kapoor also reflected on his frequent casting as government officials. He has previously portrayed a senior income tax officer in Ajay Devgn’s Raid 2 and a police officer in Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s Raat Akeli Hai: The Bansal Murders. Speaking candidly, he said such roles can feel limiting when they lack depth. While he emphasized that every role is about reacting to the script, he noted that generic authority figures—especially those without a strong narrative purpose—often leave actors with little to do. He contrasted this with more layered characters, like Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s role, which offered greater scope. About Drishyam 3 The Hindi Drishyam franchise, adapted from the Malayalam original starring Mohanlal, has turned Ajay Devgn’s Vijay Salgaonkar into a memorable on-screen figure—a common man who relies on intelligence and emotional resilience to protect his family. Filming for the third chapter is currently in progress at multiple locations. The original cast, including Ajay Devgn, Tabu, and Shriya Saran, is set to return, along with other prominent actors. The makers have teased heightened suspense and intense drama as the story continues. The film is presented by Star Studios and produced by Panorama Studios. It is directed by Abhishek Pathak, who has also co-written the script with Aamil Keeyan Khan and Parveez Shaikh. Producers include Alok Jain, Ajit Andhare, Kumar Mangat Pathak, and Abhishek Pathak.   source NDTV

Mohammad Bakri, a Palestinian director and actor who sought to share the complexities of Palestinian identity and culture through a variety of works in both Arabic and Hebrew, has died, his family announced. He was 72. Bakri was best known for “Jenin, Jenin,” a 2003 documentary he directed about an Israeli military operation in the northern West Bank city the previous year during the second Palestinian intifada, or uprising. The film, focusing on the heavy destruction and heartbreak of its Palestinian residents, was banned by Israel. Bakri also acted in the 2025 film “ All That’s Left of You,” a drama about a Palestinian family through more than 76 years, alongside his sons, Adam and Saleh Bakri, who are also actors. The film has been shortlisted by the Academy Awards for the best international feature film. Over the years, he made several films that spanned the spectrum of Palestinian experiences. He also acted in Hebrew, including at Israel’s national theater in Tel Aviv, and appeared in a number of famous Israeli films in the 1980s and 1990s. He studied at Tel Aviv University. Bakri, who was born in northern Israel and held Israeli citizenship, dabbled in both film and theater. His best-known one-man-show from 1986, “The Pessoptimist,” based on the writings of Palestinian author Emile Habiby, focused on the intricacies and emotions of someone who has both Israeli and Palestinian identities. During the 1980s, Bakri played characters in mainstream Israeli films that humanized the Palestinian identity, including “Beyond the Walls,” a seminal film about incarcerated Israelis and Palestinians, said Raya Morag, a professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem who specializes in cinema and trauma. “He broke stereotypes about how Israelis looked at Palestinians, and allowing someone Palestinian to be regarded as a hero in Israeli society,” she said. “He was a very brave person, and he was brave by standing to his ideals, choosing not to be conformist in any way, and paying the price in both societies,” said Morag. Bakri faced some pushback within Palestinian society for his cooperation with Israelis. After “Jenin, Jenin,” he was plagued by almost two decades of court cases in Israel, where the film was seen as unbalanced and inciting. In 2022, Israel's Supreme Court upheld a ban on the documentary, saying it defamed Israeli soldiers, and ordered Bakri to pay tens of thousands of dollars in damages to an Israeli military officer for defamation. “Jenin, Jenin” was a turning point in Bakri’s career. In Israel, he became a polarizing figure and he never worked with mainstream Israeli cinema again, Morag said. “He was loyal to himself despite all the pressures from inside and outside,” she added. “He was a firm voice that did not change during the years.” Local media quoted Bakri's family as saying he died Wednesday after suffering from heart and lung problems. His cousin, Rafic, told the Arabic news site Al-Jarmaq that Bakri was a tenacious advocate of the Palestinians who used his works to express support for his people. “I am certain that Abu Saleh will remain in the memory of Palestinian people everywhere and all people of the free world,” he said, using Mohammed Bakri's nickname.