United News of Bangladesh

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.

Ann Blyth, the Hollywood actress who earned an Oscar nomination at just 17 for playing Joan Crawford's troubled daughter in the classic film *Mildred Pierce*, has died at the age of 98. Blyth died of natural causes on Wednesday at her home in Rancho Santa Fe, California, according to her daughter, Eileen McNulty. She was surrounded by family. One of the last surviving stars from Hollywood's golden studio era, Blyth built a successful career in films, television and musical theatre. She appeared alongside some of the biggest names of her time, including Bing Crosby, Gregory Peck, Robert Mitchum and Tyrone Power. Although she stopped making movies by the late 1950s to focus on raising her five children, she remained active in television, concerts and stage productions, including ‘Show Boat’ and ‘The Sound of Music’. Blyth began performing as a child. At 13, she landed her first major role in the Broadway production of ‘Watch on the Rhine’, starring alongside Bette Davis. Her performance led Universal Studios to sign her to a contract, where she first appeared in a series of low-budget musicals. Her career changed dramatically in 1945 when Warner Bros. cast her in *Mildred Pierce*. Blyth played Veda, the selfish and manipulative daughter of Joan Crawford's title character. The role earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, while Crawford won the Oscar for Best Actress. The film became a landmark of the film noir genre and established Blyth as a talented dramatic actress after she had mainly been known for light-hearted musicals. In 1946, Blyth suffered a serious back injury in a toboggan accident. She spent seven months in a full body cast and another seven months in a wheelchair. She later said her Roman Catholic faith helped her recover during the difficult period. After returning to acting, she appeared in several films, including ‘Brute Force’, ‘Killer McCoy’, ‘A Woman's Vengeance’ and ‘Another Part of the Forest’, further proving her range as a dramatic performer. Her career took another turn in the early 1950s when she returned to musicals. She starred opposite Mario Lanza in the hit film ‘The Great Caruso’ and later appeared in ‘Rose Marie’ and ‘Kismet’ with Howard Keel. Her other notable films included *Top o' the Morning* with Bing Crosby, *The World in His Arms* with Gregory Peck and *The Buster Keaton Story*. Her final movie was *The Helen Morgan Story* in 1957, which also starred Paul Newman. Born in 1928 in Mount Kisco, New York, Blyth was raised in New York City by her mother after her father left the family. She started performing on radio at the age of five and later trained with the San Carlo Opera Company. Blyth often credited her mother for encouraging her to continue pursuing acting despite early disappointments. Her mother died of cancer before Blyth achieved her breakthrough success in 'Mildred Pierce'. In 1953, Blyth married Dr. James McNulty, and the couple remained together until his death in 2007. They had five children. A memorable moment later in her career came at the 1954 Academy Awards, when she performed the song 'Secret Love' while visibly pregnant, making a rare and historic appearance on the Oscar stage.

Hollywood is increasingly embracing microdramas, a fast-growing mobile-first storytelling format that is attracting celebrities, major studios and media companies as audiences shift toward consuming content on smartphones. Emmy-nominated actor and producer Issa Rae became interested in the format after studying China’s booming market for short, mobile-first soap operas while much of Hollywood focused on the streaming wars. Seeing its potential to build audiences and intellectual property, Rae’s Hoorae Media released the thriller Screen Time in May, one of the first studio-quality microdrama projects developed by an established Hollywood production company. Backed by TikTok, the series drew nearly 75 million views in its first week. Rae said lower production costs allow creators to take more risks than traditional television and film, while faster production schedules make it easier to produce timely and relevant stories. She also praised the format’s interactive nature, saying viewers can engage with creators and one another through real-time comments. Typically filmed vertically with episodes lasting one to three minutes, microdramas originated in China during the pandemic. Omdia estimates the global market will generate $14 billion in revenue by the end of 2026. Peacock, Fox Entertainment and TelevisaUnivision have already expanded into the rapidly growing microdrama business.

Several well-known actors, including Adolescence star Christine Tremarco, Sex Education actor Asa Butterfield and Trainspotting star Jonny Lee Miller, have joined the cast of the upcoming BBC drama series Hamburg Days, which explores the early years of The Beatles. The six-part series will chronicle the legendary band's formative period in Germany, tracing their journey from a group of Liverpool teenagers to global music icons. Bafta-winning actress Tremarco, 49, has been cast as Mimi Smith, the aunt who raised John Lennon. Butterfield, 29, will portray Brian Epstein, the manager credited with helping shape The Beatles’ rise to international fame. Jonny Lee Miller, 53, is set to play Jim McCartney, the father of Sir Paul McCartney. Production on the series began in May in Germany and Liverpool. The drama focuses on the period between 1960 and 1962 when The Beatles played more than 250 shows in Hamburg, a crucial chapter in the band's development. Hamburg Days is inspired by the memoirs of Klaus Voormann, a young artist who befriended the group during their time in Hamburg. Voormann later designed the cover of The Beatles’ landmark 1966 album Revolver and collaborated with John Lennon, Ringo Starr and George Harrison on their solo projects. According to the producers, the series will depict the band's encounters with Voormann and photographer Astrid Kirchherr. At that time, the lineup included bassist Stuart Sutcliffe and drummer Pete Best, alongside Lennon, McCartney and Harrison. The series has been written by Jamie Carragher, one of the writers behind HBO's acclaimed drama Succession. Director Christian Schwochow, known for his work on The Crown, will serve as showrunner, while Bafta-winning composer David Holmes, who worked on Killing Eve and the Ocean’s film franchise, will oversee the music. The cast also includes Rhys Mannion as John Lennon, Ellis Murphy as Paul McCartney, Harvey Brett as George Harrison, Louis Landau as Stuart Sutcliffe and Patrick Gilmore as Pete Best. Luna Jordan will play Astrid Kirchherr, while Laura Tonke and Casper von Bülow will portray Nielsa Kirchherr and Klaus Voormann respectively. Widely regarded as the best-selling music act in history, The Beatles scored 18 UK number-one singles and 16 UK number-one albums during their career. The band is also the subject of four upcoming films directed by Sam Mendes. The movies are set to feature Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney, Barry Keoghan as Ringo Starr, Harris Dickinson as John Lennon and Joseph Quinn as George Harrison. With inputs from BBC

Giorgio Armani’s creative legacy remained at the center of attention in Milan as his fashion house presented a new runway collection at its historic headquarters, followed by a relaxed garden dinner attended by celebrities and industry figures. As the Giorgio Armani Foundation continues efforts to find a buyer for a 15% stake in the company, as directed in the late designer’s will, each runway show is now seen as a test of how successfully his design philosophy can endure and evolve under the stewardship of his heirs and longtime collaborators. “We tried to continue the message that he wanted to convey,” said Silvana Armani, Armani’s niece and head of womenswear design, speaking to reporters after the co-ed show that closed Milan Fashion Week on Monday evening. The latest Giorgio Armani menswear collection for next summer, combined with womenswear cruise pieces, reflected the brand’s signature relaxed elegance. Models moved with casual ease, reinforcing the house’s long-standing emphasis on understated style. One model was seen idly turning a ring while walking toward photographers, while another casually carried a jacket over his shoulder, highlighting the effortless mood of the presentation. Silvana Armani and menswear designer Leo Dell’Orco introduced subtle adjustments to the familiar Armani silhouette, including slightly longer jackets and slimmer trousers, creating a refined balance in proportion. Longtime observers noted that the roughly 160 looks presented conveyed the impression of real people dressed for everyday life rather than conventional runway models. “When the models came for their fittings, they were always a bit taken aback,” Dell’Orco said. “It felt as though they could easily just walk out onto the street.” The collection drew inspiration from a Mediterranean summer mood, featuring safari jackets, lightweight blazers, shawl-collar vests, and fluid tailoring. A palette of sun-faded greens, cobalt blues, and sandy neutrals reinforced the seasonal theme, while fabrics such as linen, cotton, and textured knits emphasized comfort and ease. The womenswear cruise pieces, the first led by Silvana Armani, were integrated into the show with dresses, coats, and jackets designed to drape naturally over the body. “I think he would have applauded,” Dell’Orco said. The front row included actors Chiwetel Ejiofor, Mark Strong, Lucy Boynton, and singer Conan Gray. Following the show, guests including filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino and former Gucci CEO and Armani board member Marco Bizzarri joined a casual garden cocktail gathering at the venue. Under Armani’s will, his heirs are required to sell a 15% stake in the company—covering labels such as Emporio Armani, Armani/Casa, and Armani Hotels—within 18 months of his death last September. For now, Silvana Armani and Dell’Orco, both longtime collaborators of the designer, are leading the creative direction of the house while overseeing its continuity. Dell’Orco, who also serves as chairman of the Armani Foundation and holds a significant voting stake in the company, dismissed reports linking former Versace executive Dario Vitale to Emporio Armani, calling them “not true,” according to ANSA.

The world of Westeros is set to return as ‘House of the Dragon’ prepares for its third season, promising bigger battles, more dragons and deeper political drama, all without revealing any spoilers. Based on George R.R. Martin’s ‘Fire & Blood’, the series explores the rise and internal collapse of House Targaryen, set generations before the events of ‘Game of Thrones’ and Daenerys Targaryen’s claim to the Iron Throne. With rival factions already formed and tensions escalating, Season 3 is expected to push the story into a more intense and large-scale civil war across the realm. War enters a more intense phase The upcoming season is likely to move beyond early political manoeuvring as the conflict becomes more open and unavoidable. Alliances have already been made, and their consequences are now set to ripple across Westeros. Viewers can expect the story to fully shift into large-scale warfare, with growing consequences for all sides involved. More dragons take centre stage One of the biggest attractions of the series — dragons — is expected to feature more heavily than ever. Season 3 will likely introduce more dragon riders and larger aerial battles, with upgraded visual effects bringing the creatures to life in greater detail. New characters enter the conflict As the war expands, new characters are expected to emerge across Westeros, including nobles, soldiers and political players looking to gain power or survive the chaos. In the world of Westeros, even minor figures can quickly become central to the story. Political intrigue remains key Despite the focus on dragons and warfare, political strategy remains at the heart of the series. Secret alliances, shifting loyalties and tense negotiations are expected to continue shaping the story. The show is known for scenes where words can be as powerful as weapons. Moral lines remain blurred One of the franchise’s defining features is its refusal to present clear heroes or villains. Season 3 is expected to continue this trend, with characters making difficult choices that challenge viewers’ loyalties. Supporters of certain characters may find their opinions shifting as events unfold. Emotional consequences deepen Beyond the battles and politics, the series continues to focus on family conflict, grief and revenge within House Targaryen. The emotional cost of the war is expected to become more prominent, showing that the impact of conflict extends far beyond the battlefield. The world of Westeros expands Season 3 is also expected to explore more regions of Westeros, introducing new locations, houses and political dynamics that broaden the scope of the story. Story moves toward a turning point While the series is not yet nearing its end, Season 3 is expected to act as a major turning point, with decisions made by key characters shaping the direction of the larger conflict. Each choice is expected to carry heavier consequences as the story progresses. Why viewers should catch up For new audiences, *House of the Dragon* offers a more focused entry into the *Game of Thrones* universe, centred mainly on one royal family and its internal war. For returning fans, Season 3 promises the familiar mix of dragons, political tension, betrayals and unpredictable twists that define the franchise. One thing remains constant in Westeros — no character is ever truly safe. Source: NDTV

When a large tent appeared next door to Taylor Swift’s Watch Hill estate this week, it didn’t take long for speculation about the superstar's impending nuptials to ripple through the affluent New England seaside village — and the internet. Soon, fans were swapping theories online, photographers were staking out vantage points and residents found themselves fielding questions about a wedding that never was. Or at least, a wedding that seems yet to happen. The rumors, so far, have proved unfounded. But they offered a glimpse into life in Watch Hill, the Rhode Island beach community in the town of Westerly, close to the Connecticut border, where Swift has owned a home for more than a decade and where curiosity about the singer has become woven into everyday life. Rumors take hold From the nearby lighthouse, visitors craned for a better view of Swift’s mansion, a sprawling white home perched atop a rocky bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Security cameras dotted the property, and a guard called out to visitors who strayed too close. Wedding planner Nicole Simeral, dressed in black, stood outside the small white chapel across from the massive yellow Ocean House hotel — Swift's neighbor on the beach — waving along cars and buses that slowed and directing traffic to keep moving. She watched visitors speculate about a wedding she said she knew wasn’t Swift's. She's working a different wedding every weekend in June in that spot. Still, the questions kept coming. “Is Taylor Swift getting married here? Many, many, many have asked,” Simeral said. She said there had been “a lot of chitter chatter” as people tried to connect sightings of people who know Swift in local shops to impending nuptials. But she doubted Watch Hill would be practical for a wedding of that scale because of its limited luxury lodging. The Watch Hill rumors also dovetailed with separate online speculation that Swift and her fiance, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, were planning a celebration at Madison Square Garden, though no details about the pair’s wedding have been released, despite multiple requests for comment to Swift’s spokesperson. The tent itself, Simeral said, was hardly unusual. “Next weekend, there’ll be another tent just like this.” For two summers, Westerly Police Department community service officer Nick Quaratella has stood at the entrance to a public path leading to the beach beside Swift’s estate, answering questions from beachgoers and keeping traffic moving. “They come to the beach, but then they also ask if she’s here or not,” Quaratella said. He said he can't help but joke around with some fans. “I’ll say, ‘Oh, did you hear that she moved?’” he said. “And they’ll say, ‘No.’ And I say, ‘Yeah, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson moved in.’ And they’ll go, ‘Oh, really?’ and then they’ll walk away.” “That's pretty funny,” he concluded. Over the years, he’s seen plenty of unusual reactions. His coworker once spotted a fan on their knees, bowing toward the entrance gate near the property. Visitors have shouted “I love you, Taylor!” from the roadside. One woman convinced her granddaughter he was Swift’s security guard and posed for a photo with him. Quaratella has fielded a few questions about the supposed wedding, but not as many as he expected. “At this point, it’s part of my job,” he said. “It makes me smile. It makes me laugh. I have no problem with it. It makes the day go by.” Living with Taylor Swift Down near a strip of beach boutiques, lifelong resident Lauren Nigrelli said the frenzy surrounding the star has eased since Swift first moved into the neighborhood in 2013. Back then, Nigrelli recalled, fans would drive around in circles by her shop playing Swift’s songs. “Things have definitely calmed down since then,” she said. Today, Swift’s presence remains a fixture among local businesses in what she described as a “quaint New England coastal community.” Nigrelli, a Realtor who owns the boutiques Tide and Tide Kids, said she began selling apparel emblazoned with “Holiday House,” the nickname associated with Swift’s mansion, after children began coming into the store asking for it. On Saturday, she was also selling a Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce wedding sticker book. “I think every shop has something related to her,” Nigrelli said. On the beach below the mansion, Audrey and John Curtis, a married couple from Connecticut who have been vacationing in Westerly for years, settled into beach chairs and debated the wedding rumors. “We were just looking up at her house,” Audrey Curtis said, pointing toward the mansion. “She’s not getting married here now, though.” Curtis said she had heard various theories, including speculation that a wedding might be held at Ocean House. But as she thought through the logistics, she became skeptical. “Then I was thinking about, ‘How would everybody get here?’” she said. “In New York, you’ve got JFK, you’ve got LaGuardia, and she’s got two penthouses in New York that she combined, so I figured they could obviously have more people there.” Her husband wasn’t so sure. “They could lie and say it’s happening there, but it’s happening here,” John Curtis said. “When important people do things, they don’t want people to know.” Six friends from New York, posing for photos in matching Watch Hill sweatshirts while celebrating a birthday, said Swift wasn’t the reason they chose the beach town, though they weren’t sure they would have discovered it if not for the singer. Leslie Aucapina, 24, who attended Swift’s Eras Tour in Philadelphia, said she grew up listening to Swift’s music and thought the Taylor-themed merchandise was “really cute.” She liked that the excitement surrounding Swift helped local businesses and enjoyed visiting the inspiration for “the last great american dynasty,” a song about Holiday House from Swift’s 2020 Grammy Album of the Year-winning album, folklore. But she said the speculation at times crosses a line. “If she wants to share it, she wants to share it,” she said. “At the end of the day, it’s someone’s house.”

Actor Ram Charan and his wife Upasana Kamineni Konidela have revealed the face of their daughter Klin Kaara for the first time as she celebrated her third birthday. The couple shared a family photograph on social media on Saturday, featuring them lovingly holding their daughter. Until now, they had only offered glimpses of Klin Kaara in public appearances and on social media. In a joint post, the couple wrote: "Happy Birthday Klin Kaara our precious little one," accompanied by heart emojis. Ram Charan and Upasana, who had known each other for several years, got engaged in December 2011 and tied the knot in June 2012. The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Klin Kaara, in June 2023. During Diwali last year, they announced that they were expecting their second child. In February this year, the couple welcomed twins – a boy and a girl. Sharing his happiness at becoming a father again, the actor had posted on social media that he and his wife had been blessed with a baby boy and a baby girl, adding that having two daughters and a son filled him with immense gratitude. He also thanked fans, family members and well-wishers for their continued support throughout the journey. Earlier this month, the couple shared the first glimpse of their newborn twins on the occasion of their 14th wedding anniversary, posting a photograph showing the tiny hands of their three children. The image was captioned simply: "Heart is full," along with an infinity symbol.