United News of Bangladesh

“Saturday Night Live” returns with a new season in New York, blending fresh faces with familiar favorites. Following a fanfare-filled 50th anniversary season, the long-running sketch show introduces five new featured players and kicks off with superstar Bad Bunny as host on Saturday. The music icon, who recently concluded a historic residency in Puerto Rico, will be joined by musical guest Doja Cat, making her debut in that role. Bad Bunny is also set to headline the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show. Subsequent episodes will feature Amy Poehler hosting on Oct. 11 with first-time musical guest Role Model, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the show’s original episode in 1975. Sabrina Carpenter will host and perform as musical guest on Oct. 18. The season comes after the departures of several key cast members, including Ego Nwodim and Devon Walker. Writer Ben Marshall is promoted to featured player, joining newcomers Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska. “SNL” recently won 12 Emmys for its 50th season, including outstanding variety special. Creator Lorne Michaels noted he never imagined the show would continue for 50 years.  

Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was sentenced Friday to four years and two months in prison for transporting individuals across state lines for sexual encounters, concluding a high-profile federal case that exposed years of abuse and exploitation. Having already served a year in jail, the 55-year-old could be released in roughly three years. Prosecutors had sought a sentence exceeding 11 years, while Combs’ lawyers argued he should be freed immediately, saying his time in custody has led to remorse and sobriety. Combs was convicted in July of flying girlfriends and male sex workers across the U.S. to participate in drug-fueled sexual acts over many years. He was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that carried potential life sentences. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, who also imposed a $500,000 fine, criticized Combs’ use of power and resources to continue the abuse undetected. The judge praised the accusers for giving voice to countless victims of similar exploitation. Combs appeared subdued in court, apologizing to his family before leaving. His lawyers confirmed plans to appeal, arguing the judge had effectively second-guessed the jury’s verdict. During the nearly two-month trial in Manhattan, witnesses testified that Combs physically assaulted, threatened, sexually abused, and blackmailed women. Prosecutors said sparing him serious prison time would excuse years of violence and exploitation. Under the Mann Act, which prohibits transporting people across state lines for sexual crimes, Combs faced conviction despite his defense’s argument that the law was misapplied. Former girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura testified that Combs coerced her into sex with strangers hundreds of times during their decade-long relationship, and videos shown to the jury captured him dragging and beating her in a hotel hallway. Another woman, identified as “Jane,” testified she was pressured into sexual acts with male workers during drug-fueled “hotel nights” while Combs watched and sometimes filmed. Six of Combs’ seven children pleaded for leniency, with daughter D’Lila urging the judge to allow the family to heal. Outside the courthouse, fans and onlookers expressed mixed reactions. Sade Bess, a Combs supporter, said the sentence balanced mercy for the artist with recognition of the victims’ suffering.

Bangladeshi filmmaker Abu Shahed Emon’s Japanese-language short Tenement of Secret Talk is competing at the 17th Fukuoka Independent Film Festival (FIDFF), running from October 3–5 at the Fukuoka Art Museum Museum Hall. The festival features 19 competition films alongside invited works from Japan, Bangladesh, Korea, and India under the theme “GOOD DAYS: Bursting Dreams, Seventeen”. Founded in 2009, FIDFF provides a platform for independent filmmakers from Japan and abroad, offering screenings, post-show discussions, and networking opportunities. This year’s competition includes titles such as Goodbye Raifutei, My Father is Afraid of Water, Analog Boy and the Visiting Old Woman, Grandma’s Moving Day, LOCA! Gemini, A Premonition of a Story, and Becoming a Kappa. Tenement of Secret Talk is a period drama (jidaigeki) developed through the Kyoto Filmmakers Lab under the Kyoto HISTORICA International Film Festival and shot at Kyoto’s Shochiku Studio. It follows a masterless samurai who, while awaiting his reward, receives a mysterious bottle of sake and learns an enigmatic story about a stone rumored to hold secrets. The film has appeared at numerous Japanese festivals, including the Karatsu International Film Festival (2025), Hokkaido International Film Festival (2024), Iwatsuki Film Festival (2025), Niigata Indies Movie Festival (2024), Kumagaya Ekimae Short Film Festival (Excellence Award, 2025), Tsukuba Short Movie Competition (Runner-Up Prize, 2025), Tachikawa Meigazadori Cinema Festival (10th edition, 2024), Nasu Short Film Festival (2024), Hakodate Harbor Illumination Film Festival (2024), and Tokyo Arts Center Japan Video Grand Prix (2024). Internationally, it was screened at India’s South Asian Short Film Festival (SASFF, 2024) and the Japanese Film Festival Arizona (2024) in the United States. Emon previously directed Jalal’s Story (2014), the first Bangladeshi film in Busan’s New Currents section, and produced Sincerely Yours, Dhaka (2018) and No Ground Beneath the Feet (2021), which represented Bangladesh at the Oscars in 2016, 2020, and 2023. His other producing credits include Komola Rocket (2018), Damal (2022), Paap Punyo (2022), Beauty Circus (2022), Roktojoba (2023), A House with No Names (2023), and Jaya Aar Sharmin (2025). He has also directed shorts such as The Container (2012), Arai Mon Shopno (2020), and the web series Mercules (2023). Festival committee member Katsuichiro Ota said the 2025 competition includes “memorable works exploring family, friendship, individuality, minorities, and disability.” Representative Sachiko Harada added that the films “move hearts and inspire emotions that cannot be put into words,” noting that the festival continues to champion independent cinema with the same commitment as in its early years.

Veteran Bollywood fashion designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla have shared their thoughts on the latest generation of star kids, praising Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh’s son, Ibrahim Ali Khan, as a “born” superstar. Speaking on The Namrata Zakaria Show, the duo described Ibrahim as having a unique charm and energy that sets him apart. “Ibrahim is a born star. He is the superstar. He is a new-age Salman Khan. He has this pizzazz which nobody else has,” they said. His sister, Sara Ali Khan, they noted, is “intelligent” and focused, having studied in New York and once aspired to become a lawyer. The designers also discussed other star kids, like Rinke Khanna’s daughter Naomika, highlighting how today’s young celebrities are independent and make their own choices. Abu Jani remarked on how polite and well-mannered these children are, noting that they greet elders first and are very grounded despite their fame. They also spoke about Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson Agastya, praising his talent and wishing him success in his upcoming role in director Sriram Raghavan’s war drama Ikkis. Ibrahim, who made his debut this year in the Dharmatic Entertainment film Nadaaniyan alongside Khushi Kapoor, gained attention despite mixed reviews. He also appeared in the OTT film Sarzameen with Kajol and Prithviraj Sukumaran, further establishing his presence in the industry. Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla’s remarks reinforce the growing buzz around Ibrahim as a promising new face in Bollywood, combining charisma, talent, and a fresh appeal.   Source: NDTV

Ozzy Osbourne said he “wouldn’t change a thing” about his life in a moving BBC documentary filmed before his death. The rock legend passed away in July at age 76, less than three weeks after his star-studded farewell concert in his hometown of Birmingham. The one-hour film, Sharon & Ozzy Osbourne: Coming Home, aired on BBC One Thursday and chronicles the final three years of his life, including his and Sharon’s plans to move back to the UK from Los Angeles. Originally scheduled for August, the broadcast was delayed to respect the family’s wishes. Reflecting on his farewell show at Villa Park, Ozzy said it was a “humbling” experience, noting how his emotions nearly got the better of him while performing Mama, I’m Coming Home. A serious spinal injury forced him to perform sitting on a throne for nine songs, which he described as “torture.” The event featured Black Sabbath and performances from artists influenced by Ozzy, including Metallica and Guns N’ Roses. Despite health struggles, including Parkinson’s disease and injuries from a 2003 quad bike accident and a 2019 fall, Ozzy remained determined to return to the stage one last time. The documentary shows him undergoing physiotherapy and using prosthetic supports to regain mobility. Ozzy, a Birmingham-born pioneer of heavy metal, also discussed his decision to move back to the UK, saying he didn’t want to be buried in America. He humorously noted replacing his old addictions with a love for Pink Lady apples. Following his death, Ozzy received an emotional send-off in Birmingham, with thousands of fans paying tribute. His memoir, Last Rites, will be published posthumously next week, and a second documentary covering his final six years, Ozzy: No Escape From Now, will air on Paramount+ on October 7.   Source: BBC

Taylor Swift has returned with her 12th album, The Life of a Showgirl, a bright and jubilant collection that reflects a stark contrast to the emotional turbulence of her previous release, The Tortured Poets Department. That album chronicled heartbreak from her failed relationship with actor Joe Alwyn, leaving Swift at a low point. Eighteen months later, Swift, 35, is energized, happy, and newly in love with NFL star Travis Kelce. The album, recorded in between performances during her record-breaking Eras tour, captures her offstage life, revealing a playful, exuberant, and vibrant side. For this project, Swift teamed up with Swedish pop producers Max Martin and Shellback rather than longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff. The aim was to craft a concise, high-energy collection of “bangers” with catchy, irresistible melodies. At just 41 minutes, it’s her shortest album since her 2006 debut and a sharp contrast to the sprawling wordiness of her previous work. The 12-track album explores two main themes: the thrill of falling deeply in love and the darker realities of fame. Fans encounter witty imagery, from a burlesque dancer “glowing like the end of a cigarette” to critics likened to “a toy chihuahua barking from a tiny purse.” Playful and cheeky moments, including songs with innuendo, punctuate the collection. The opening track, The Fate of Ophelia, subverts expectations with Swift singing about being “saved” by Kelce, referencing their romance and incorporating playful nods to their relationship. Other highlights include Opalite, a breezy love song, Wi$h Li$t, celebrating domestic life, and Wood, a flirtatious, staccato track filled with double entendres celebrating her relationship with Kelce. Swift also delivers clever, sarcastic takes on rivals in Actually Romantic and industry betrayal in Father Figure, continuing her legacy of revenge anthems. The emotionally resonant ballad Ruin The Friendship reflects on high school nostalgia and regret, while the title track, a duet with Sabrina Carpenter, critiques the cutthroat world of show business with a playful tap-dancing interlude. With The Life of a Showgirl, Taylor Swift celebrates love, growth, and stardom, cementing her status as one of pop’s most enduring icons. The album is a confident, glittering victory lap, underscoring her position in the music world.   Source: BBC

Kim Kardashian and her mother, Kris Jenner, have filed a defamation lawsuit against Kardashian’s ex-boyfriend Ray J, accusing him of spreading false claims that they are under federal investigation and facing imminent indictment. The lawsuit, lodged Wednesday in Los Angeles Superior Court, is a swift response to what the reality TV stars and entrepreneurs say are baseless allegations. Ray J, whose real name is Ray Norwood Jr., allegedly claimed he was collaborating with federal authorities on a racketeering case against them that would soon lead to criminal charges. According to the court filing, Ray J’s remarks are part of a “sustained campaign of harassment and defamation” spanning several years. The lawsuit notes that he has repeatedly tried to attach himself to the Kardashians’ fame following the end of his relationship with Kim over two decades ago. Two recent statements reportedly triggered the legal action. In a May TMZ special, Ray J suggested racketeering charges against the Kardashians “would be appropriate” and expressed belief in potential charges. Later, during a September 30 livestream viewed by millions, he claimed, “The federal RICO I’m about to drop on Kris and Kim is about to be crazy,” and added, “the feds is coming,” comparing the case to one involving Sean “Diddy” Combs. The lawsuit emphasizes that Ray J provided no evidence to support his “blatantly false” statements. It states that no federal investigation or criminal proceeding exists against Kardashian or Jenner and that the allegations are completely unfounded. Ray J, a singer and actor and brother of pop star Brandy, is best known for his past relationship with Kim Kardashian and a leaked 2007 sex tape. The lawsuit describes his comments as part of a deliberate attempt to defame the Kardashians and revive his fading fame. The plaintiffs claim the statements have caused reputational and financial harm, to be proven at trial. Kardashian and Jenner are represented by attorney Alex Spiro, known for handling high-profile cases, including defending Alec Baldwin.  

Sean “Diddy” Combs is set to be sentenced Friday in a federal criminal case that could result in years of imprisonment. The hip-hop mogul, 55, was convicted in July of transporting people across the country for sexual encounters—including girlfriends and male sex workers—violating the federal Mann Act. He was acquitted of more serious racketeering and sex trafficking charges, which carried the possibility of a life sentence. Prosecutors are seeking more than 11 years in prison for Combs on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. His lawyers argue the proposed sentence is “wildly out of proportion” and are asking for his release. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, who will hand down the sentence, has indicated Combs is unlikely to be released soon. The judge previously denied bail twice, and Combs has been held at a Brooklyn federal detention center since his arrest a year ago. The nearly two-month trial featured testimony from women describing beatings, threats, sexual assault, and blackmail. Former girlfriend R&B singer Casandra “Cassie” Ventura testified that Combs forced her into hundreds of sexual encounters with strangers over a decade-long relationship. Video evidence showed Combs dragging and hitting Cassie in a hotel hallway. Another woman, identified as “Jane,” said she was subjected to violence and coerced to engage in sexual acts with male sex workers at drug-fueled hotel parties, sometimes filmed by Combs. Other witnesses recounted additional violent acts, including rape, assault, and threats. Kid Cudi testified that Combs broke into his home over a personal dispute. Although acquitted of racketeering, Combs could still face a sentence influenced by the trial testimony. The judge will also consider letters from Combs and his accusers. In his letter, Combs claimed he has changed and promised never to reoffend. Cassie described him as a manipulative abuser unlikely to change, while a former assistant called for a sentence reflecting the ongoing danger he poses. Combs will address the court, and his defense team plans to present an 11-minute video. Lawyers maintain that the encounters were consensual and argue that his time in jail has reformed him, claiming he has already faced significant punishment.

Actor Rani Mukerji on Friday highlighted the growing threat of cybercrimes, particularly against women and children, and called for collective action to ensure a safer digital environment. She spoke at the inauguration of Cyber Awareness Month 2025 at the Maharashtra State Police Headquarters. “Cybercrimes are silently rising within our homes. As a woman and a mother, I understand how crucial awareness is. Families must know how to stay safe and where to seek help,” Rani said. The actor, who is currently shooting Mardaani 3, praised the Maharashtra Police for their initiative and acknowledged the guidance of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Additional Chief Secretary Iqbal Singh Chahal, and DGP Rashmi Shukla. Shah Rukh Khan becomes Bollywood’s first billionaire with $1.4bn fortune Rani also emphasized the importance of government helplines, including dial 1930 and 1945, calling them “a blessing to all citizens.” She urged everyone to pledge to “stay alert, speak up, and stand together for a safer digital world.” Known for portraying strong women in her films, Rani said, “As an actor, I may bring stories to life on screen. But as a citizen, it is our responsibility to ensure no child cries in silence, no woman feels unsafe, and no family loses peace of mind due to cybercrime.” The event was attended by Maharashtra CM Fadnavis, DGP Shukla, ACS Chahal, and actor Akshay Kumar among others. Source: NDTV 

Actor Raghav Juyal is winning hearts with his quirky portrayal of Parvaiz in Netflix’s The Ba**ds of Bollywood, but a scene that has gone viral was not part of the original script. In the clip, Juyal passionately performs the song Kaho Na Kaho from Murder, including its Arabic verses, in front of Emraan Hashmi, leaving audiences amused and impressed. Speaking to NDTV, Juyal said the moment was born out of improvisation. “It wasn’t in the script. Aryan and I were unsure what to do when Emraan sir entered. Then Aryan suddenly said, ‘You’ll sing a song.’ We debated between Bheege Honth Tere and Kaho Na Kaho and finally chose the latter because its Arabic portions let me perform more,” he explained. Juyal added that the first take left him shaking and in tears, a reaction that even surprised the director, Aryan Khan. “It happened organically, and I think that’s why it looked so genuine,” he said. Initially, Juyal was unsure about his role, as Parvaiz lacked a defined backstory. “Aryan told me, ‘I know you. I have full faith. This is my favourite character. We’ll create it together on set.’ And that’s exactly what happened,” he shared. The Ba**ds of Bollywood, directed by Aryan Khan, premiered on Netflix on September 18 and stars Lakshya, Bobby Deol, Mona Singh, and cameo appearances from Emraan Hashmi, Shah Rukh Khan, SS Rajamouli, Aamir Khan, and Salman Khan.                          Source: NDTV