United News of Bangladesh

Actress Keerthy Suresh has reunited with her Dasara co-stars for a special dance number in Nani's upcoming film The Paradise. Keerthy, who shares a close friendship with Nani, posted several behind-the-scenes photos from the song ahead of the film's release. Sharing a glimpse of her chemistry with Nani, she wrote, “Just a few hours to get into the world of The Paradise!” She also congratulated Nani and director Srikanth Odela for their work on the film. “Wishing only the best to my buddies @nameisnani and @srikanthodela__ for all the hard work you guys have put in to bring Jadal's world to the audience,” she wrote. Keerthy said she was happy to work with the Dasara team again. “Super glad to have had the chance to reunite with my Dasara family for this special one,” she added. Keerthy and Nani have previously worked together in the 2017 Telugu film Nenu Local and the 2023 film Dasara. Dasara is a Telugu action drama directed by Odela and produced by Sudhakar Cherukuri. The film features Nani, Dheekshith Shetty, Keerthy Suresh, Shine Tom Chacko, Samuthirakani, P. Sai Kumar and Shamna Kasim in key roles. Source: NDTV

Salman Khan used the latest episode of Bigg Boss 20 to speak out against online trolling, body-shaming and what he called inappropriate paparazzi photographs of female celebrities. During the show’s “Weekend Ka Vaar,” Salman addressed trolls who criticized his former girlfriend Katrina Kaif over her postpartum weight following her appearance at a Ganapati Utsav in Mumbai last week. “Why do you troll somebody who gets pregnant? Pregnant hone ke baad everyone puts on weight… Jab woh pictures mein wapas aayegi toh woh fit aayengi… she wants to spend time with her family,” Salman said. A video clip of his comments quickly went viral, with social media users praising the actor and calling him “Pookie,” a Gen Z term of affection for someone seen as standing up for a good cause. “If green flag had a face,” one user wrote, while another commented, “Green flag to ab Salman Khan lagne laga mujhe.” Salman also addressed criticism about his age, saying he knows people mock him for growing older. “Of course, I'm 60 years old, yaar,” he said. “You cannot be Maine Pyar Kiya all the time… this age has become a topic suddenly. Log kehte hain woh budha ho gaya hai… what do you want to troll… mujhe pata hai mujhe kaun kaun troll karta hai… hum react nahin karte… humare fans club itne saare hain… humko kya farak padta hai… bolne do inko.” At one point, Salman removed his shirt and hat, wiped off his makeup on camera and challenged trolls to criticize him. He then showed his physique, making it clear that he was not affected by the comments. He also defended his brother Sohail Khan and others who have faced online ridicule. “Pehle apne aap ko dekho, apne jism ko dekho uske baad karna yeh sab… apne maa baap ko dekho… uske baad troll karna… mazak udana Sohail ke upar, Varun ke upar it's not done,” he said. “Jitna trolling karna hai kar lo, phate hue joote bhi pehenta hoon,” Salman added. Salman criticises paparazzi Salman also criticized paparazzi for photographing actresses from behind and taking what he described as inappropriate shots. “Paparazzi hip shots lete hain, taangon ke shots lete hain, aur agar peeche se shot mil jaaye toh woh bhi lete hain. None of these heroines, none of the girls like it,” he said. Referring to his niece, he added, “Meri apni niece chal rahi hoti hai, toh peeche se uska shot le rahe hain aur caption daalte hain ‘Pehchaano ye kaun hai?’” “I am saying all this to girls: agar aisa ho toh ghoom ke ek chamat maaro aur bolo, ‘Apni maa-behen ka shot le lo.’ Disgusting people! What is this mentality?” Salman said. Salman and Katrina reportedly began dating in the mid-2000s after working together. Katrina later said in a 2011 interview with Cosmopolitan that Salman was her first serious relationship. Katrina has been married to Vicky Kaushal since 2021. The couple welcomed their first child, son Vihaan, last November.  #From NDTV 

Hanuman Ansh, directed by Vishal Chaturvedi, has continued its strong run at the box office, showing little sign of slowing down even 46 days after its release. The film, which opened with a collection of Rs 10 lakh, has earned Rs 276 crore in net collections in India during its first 46 days. Breaking down the numbers According to Sacnilk, Hanuman Ansh earned a net Rs 4.15 crore on Day 46 from 7,629 shows. With this, the film's total gross collection in India has reached Rs 325.95 crore, while its net collection stands at Rs 276.03 crore. The film also earned Rs 0.50 crore overseas on Day 46, taking its total overseas gross collection to Rs 26.50 crore. As a result, Hanuman Ansh has now recorded a worldwide gross collection of Rs 352.45 crore. Box office performance in the initial days Sacnilk data shows that the film earned Rs 1.08 crore during its first week. Its second-week collection was only Rs 40 lakh, leaving the film with a total of Rs 1.48 crore after 14 days. The film's fortunes then changed significantly. It earned Rs 10.4 crore in its third week, with Day 17 alone contributing Rs 2.2 crore and Day 19 adding another Rs 2.35 crore. The fourth week saw an even sharper rise in collections. The film earned Rs 6.25 crore on Day 22, followed by Rs 9.25 crore on Day 23 and Rs 12.75 crore on Day 24. Notably, Hanuman Ansh earned more on Day 24 alone than it had collected during its entire first two weeks combined. #From NDTV

Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) will host artist Suborno Chakraborty Tonmoy’s first solo exhibition, ‘Splendor of Green’, from September 22 to 29, showcasing works born from his close study of leaves, flowers and grass. Curated by Sumon Wahed, the exhibition will open at 6 pm on September 22 at AFD's La Galerie. Tonmoy’s engagement with nature deepened during the COVID-19 lockdown, when the slower pace of everyday life gave him an opportunity to observe his surroundings more closely. The diversity of plants, particularly the varied forms and characteristics of leaves, gradually became a major source of inspiration for his paintings. His works explore these natural forms through colour, structure and layered shades, translating subtle variations observed in plants onto canvas. Through the exhibition, he also seeks to encourage viewers to look more closely at the details of the natural environment that often go unnoticed. A Dhaka-based contemporary painter, Tonmoy completed his BFA in 2022 and MFA in 2024 from the Faculty of Fine Art, Dhaka University. His practice focuses primarily on nature, particularly plants and leaves, and includes painting, drawing and research using oil, acrylic, watercolour and pencil. He received the Media Best Award in Watercolor at the Annual Art Exhibition of the Department of Drawing & Painting, Dhaka University, in 2023. He also received the Grand Award at the 26th Berger Young Painters’ Art Competition in 2021. Currently works as a freelance artist, Tonmoy is also a master flautist. ‘Splendor of Green’ will remain open from 3 pm to 9 pm daily through Sep 29 at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka, 26 Mirpur Road, Dhanmondi.

Daisy Edgar-Jones says she identifies strongly with Elinor Dashwood, the sensible elder sister she plays in the latest adaptation of Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility, particularly when it comes to matters of the heart. “I lead a lot with my head and try and push aside, bury my emotion,” Edgar-Jones told the BBC, describing herself as more like Elinor than her younger and more romantic sister Marianne. However, she said one of the pleasures of the film is watching Elinor discover and embrace a more passionate side of herself. “And I feel like I learnt to do that too,” the 28-year-old actress said. Best known for her breakout role opposite Paul Mescal in the hit series Normal People, Edgar-Jones now leads the latest screen adaptation of Austen’s classic novel. Directed by Georgia Oakley, the film follows the Dashwood sisters as they deal with love, loss and social expectations after their father’s death. Unlike some modern adaptations, the new film remains firmly rooted in the period in which Austen wrote. Edgar-Jones said she admired the film’s traditional setting but felt its filmmaking brought a fresh quality to the story. She stars alongside Esmé Creed-Miles, 26, who plays Marianne. The actresses had previously worked together as teenagers on the 2018 film Pond Life, which helped them develop a natural on-screen sisterly bond. Creed-Miles said they had fun working together on the earlier film, recalling that they often had sleepovers and watched Love Island. Edgar-Jones said the theme of sisterhood has remained particularly meaningful to her, despite being an only child. “I’ve heard a lot of people say that after watching the film, it either makes them want a sister or to ring up their sister and say, ‘Hey, I love you,’ and I think that’s really special,” she said. Sense and Sensibility has been adapted for the screen several times, including the acclaimed 1995 film starring Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet. Edgar-Jones said she loves that version but believes Austen’s stories continue to offer new possibilities. “She has an incredible way of articulating the female experience,” she said, pointing to Austen’s writing about love, romance, family relationships and social dynamics. Edgar-Jones also believes Austen’s themes remain relevant to younger audiences. She noted that emotions surrounding love, heartbreak and first relationships have changed little in 200 years. “We still have the same human heart as we did 200 years ago,” she said. Creed-Miles agreed, saying the characters could help viewers feel less alone in experiences they are going through. Edgar-Jones also addressed reports that Mescal could be considered for the role of James Bond. While she did not confirm whether he was in the running, she praised her former co-star. “I don’t know, but I think there’s nothing Paul can’t do,” she said.Check the copy for factual consistencyTighten the story to standard wire length Source: BBC

Ed Sheeran opened a solo concert and addressed the Gaza war before a nearly full stadium Saturday, saying the situation there is “catastrophic and unjustifiable” while stressing that his concerts should promote unity and humanity. Sheeran’s remarks came after a turbulent week surrounding his tour. Rapper Macklemore, originally scheduled as his US opener, was dropped after saying “Free Palestine” during a September 5 New Jersey concert. Sheeran said he was not responsible for the decision. Several supporting acts later withdrew. Danish band Lukas Graham, Irish singer Aaron Rowe and Finneas, Billie Eilish’s brother and collaborator, pulled out. Irish folk band Beoga continues joining Sheeran for several songs. Sheeran said the October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel were horrific and described Gaza’s situation as catastrophic. He said he did not want to become an activist musician but had been drawn into a debate over free speech and the conflict. Pro-Palestinian protesters gathered outside Saturday’s show, while some fans said concerts should remain separate from politics. Macklemore said he would donate $1 million for Palestinian relief and urged Robert Kraft to match it. Kraft’s spokesperson said Kraft and Sheeran agreed to donate $2 million each, without specifying recipients. Sheeran said everyone, regardless of views, is welcome at his concerts.

Director Atlee's upcoming sci-fi action drama Raaka, starring Allu Arjun and featuring Deepika Padukone and Rashmika Mandanna, has generated fresh excitement with a cryptic promotional teaser released by the makers. The teaser revealed little about the film but carried the message, "Get ready to witness a global triumph." Another tagline read, "Beyond what seemed possible. We dared to imagine. We dared to achieve. Raaka: A global triumph." The makers have so far kept details about the film's story, shooting locations and scale of production under wraps, adding to the anticipation surrounding the project. About RaakaAllu Arjun is reportedly set to play four different roles in Raaka — a grandfather, a father and two sons, according to reports. There is also speculation that the film may explore the idea of two parallel universes. However, the filmmakers have not officially confirmed these details. The cast also includes Janhvi Kapoor and Mrunal Thakur in key roles, alongside Deepika Padukone and Rashmika Mandanna. Produced by Sun Pictures, Raaka is described as a sci-fi action drama. The film marks the first collaboration between Allu Arjun and Atlee. NDTV

Ed Sheeran is scheduled to resume his tour Saturday, potentially performing alone, after all of his supporting acts withdrew following the removal of opening act Macklemore over pro-Palestinian remarks made during a concert. It remains unclear how Sheeran will structure his performance at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field after the departure of the opening acts and supporting musicians. Sheeran has performed much of his Loop Tour solo, although Irish folk band Beoga had joined him for several songs at each stop. Macklemore was initially scheduled as Sheeran’s US opening act but was replaced by Danish band Lukas Graham and Irish singer Aaron Rowe. Both later withdrew. Finneas, Billie Eilish’s brother and musical collaborator, was also scheduled to join Sheeran’s South American shows later this year but pulled out earlier this week. Sheeran has made no public statement since the artists withdrew. Tickets for Saturday’s concert were still available Friday, while his website listed no replacement acts. A coalition of pro-Palestinian organizations plans to protest outside the venue Saturday afternoon. The controversy began after Macklemore shouted “Free Palestine” during a Sept. 5 concert in New Jersey. Sheeran said he was not involved in the decision to remove Macklemore, which came after pressure from New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, whose company owns a stadium where Sheeran was scheduled to perform Friday. Within hours of Sheeran’s statement Tuesday, his supporting acts announced their withdrawals. Macklemore said Wednesday that he would donate $1 million to Palestinian relief efforts and urged Kraft to match the contribution. A spokesperson for Kraft said the billionaire and Sheeran had each agreed to donate $2 million, but did not say where the money would go. Sheeran’s representatives have not responded to several requests for comment. Pollstar reported in May that Sheeran’s Loop Tour was the world’s highest-grossing tour, averaging more than $7 million in box office revenue per city. Through the end of 2025, Sheeran ranked No. 3 among the highest-earning concert acts since 2021. Sheeran has said the tour promoter was ultimately responsible for dropping Macklemore. In his Tuesday statement, the Grammy-winning singer said he did not want to become involved in debate over the Gaza war, saying fans attend his concerts to hear music rather than discuss such issues. He also said he had spent much of the week speaking with venues in an effort to “build a bridge” before Macklemore was removed. Sheeran said he would never knowingly disappoint his fans or abandon members of his touring crew and others whose livelihoods depend on the tour. Although promoters and venues have significant influence over concert tours, experts say an artist of Sheeran’s stature generally has considerable control over decisions involving his shows.

New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson is set to make a guest appearance on the TV drama "Law & Order: SVU" this fall. NBC announced Thursday that Brunson will appear in the show's fifth episode of the season, scheduled to air Nov. 5. The network did not disclose details about his role. Brunson is also scheduled to host the season premiere of "Saturday Night Live" on Sept. 26. He appeared Monday during the opening segment of the Emmy Awards telecast, which was hosted by "Law & Order: SVU" star Mariska Hargitay. Hargitay is a Knicks fan and attended Game 4 of the NBA Finals, when New York overcame a 29-point deficit to beat the San Antonio Spurs 107-106. The victory helped the Knicks win their first NBA championship since 1973. Hargitay and Brunson hugged on the court after the game.

Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor says her police character in Meghna Gulzar's upcoming film ‘Daayra’ challenges the usual stereotypes associated with women police officers. Kapoor, who is returning to the big screen after a two-year break with ‘Daayra’, plays DCP Ajooni Kohli in the police procedural drama, which also stars Prithviraj Sukumaran. Women police officers in films are often portrayed through a familiar stereotype — with masculine mannerisms, a tough walk and an image of someone who carries a gun and takes part in action scenes. Kapoor said ‘Daayra’ takes a different approach to the portrayal of a female police officer. "There is this stereotypical format kind of a version that we have that she is butch, she slightly has that particular walk, she's slightly manly, gun uthake action karti hai (she picks up a gun to do action)," Kapoor said in response to an NDTV question about how portrayals of police officers have changed over time. She said Gulzar was clear from the beginning that she wanted a woman police officer to be at the center of the story. Inspired by several real-life incidents from across India, ‘Daayra’ follows two contrasting approaches to justice through Kapoor's DCP Ajooni Kohli and Sukumaran's DCP Raman Kumar. The story revolves around a gang rape and the subsequent murder of the victim. Kapoor said the sensitive nature of the subject influenced Gulzar's decision to make a woman police officer one of the film's central characters. "In this film, because of the sensitivity of the subject, Meghna was clear that she wanted a woman cop. Somebody who is a woman, is feminine, who puts lipstick, but at the same time is quite stern but does everything with a smile," she said. "Ajooni walks the straight rope but she does not pick up a gun and does her action chops. That's not her character as such," Kapoor added. Gulzar, whose previous directorial film was the 2023 biographical drama ‘Sam Bahadur’, has developed a body of work that often examines institutions, accountability and the human impact of difficult events. Her films ‘Talvar’, based on the 2008 Aarushi Talwar case, and ‘Chhapaak’, based on the life of acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal, also dealt with crime, justice and their wider social consequences. Asked whether ‘Daayra’ forms part of a similar trilogy, Gulzar said the connection was coincidental. "It's not by design. The attraction is for the story, what happens with the human quotient in it is more important for me," she said. "The overriding arches of law, justice, crime, and punishment are coincidentally similar in the film. For me, the most crucial part of the story is the human quotient," the filmmaker added. Written by Yash Keswani, Sima Agarwal and Gulzar, ‘Daayra’ is backed by Junglee Pictures and Pen Studios. The film is scheduled to hit theaters Friday, where it will compete at the box office with Kunal Kemmu's ‘Vibe’. Source: NDTV