United News of Bangladesh

The iconic anti-heroine Hedda Gabler, often dubbed the “female Hamlet,” returns to the screen in a bold new adaptation, simply titled Hedda, now showing in select US and UK cinemas and set for international streaming on Prime Video from October 29. The film, directed by Nia DaCosta (Candyman, The Marvels), reimagines Ibsen’s 1891 play in 1950s England, exploring themes of desire, power, gender, race, and class. Tessa Thompson stars as Hedda, a complex, manipulative, yet vulnerable woman navigating societal constraints, while Nina Hoss plays the gender-swapped former lover, Eileen. Hedda Gabler, a discontented bride trapped in a loveless marriage, has fascinated audiences for over a century. Known for her cunning, cruelty, and unpredictable impulses, the character continues to divide opinion. The film condenses the story into one night, during a decadent soirée where Hedda manipulates those around her, questioning norms and testing human behavior. Scholars note that Ibsen created Hedda as a woman who defied contemporary expectations of femininity, a reflection of the patriarchal society of his time. Over the decades, celebrated actresses including Cate Blanchett, Maggie Smith, and Fiona Shaw have portrayed the role, cementing its status as one of the greatest female roles in theatre history. DaCosta said the film highlights Hedda’s many masks, her vulnerability, and the tension between survival and desire. The adaptation also emphasizes the interplay of three women—Hedda, Eileen, and Thea—each negotiating freedom and power in a restrictive society. The film’s release continues Hedda Gabler’s enduring legacy as a complex figure, both monstrous and sympathetic, whose story resonates across different eras.   Source: BBC

Renowned actor Satish Shah, celebrated for his role as Indravadan Sarabhai in the popular sitcom Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai, passed away on Saturday at the age of 74 due to kidney failure, confirmed filmmaker Ashoke Pandit. Pandit shared the news on Instagram, saying Shah fell seriously ill at home and was rushed to Hinduja Hospital in Shivaji Park, where he later died. “It is a huge loss for our industry. Satish was not only a brilliant actor but also a wonderful human being,” he added. A Kutchi Gujarati from Mandvi, Shah studied at St. Xavier’s College and later joined the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). He appeared in several notable films, including Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983), Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), Main Hoon Na (2004), and Om Shanti Om (2007). Shah gained immense popularity through his television roles in Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi, Filmi Chakkar, Ghar Jamai, and Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai. He also co-judged the reality show Comedy Circus in 2008 and served as a member of the FTII society from 2015. He was last seen in the 2023 TV series United Kacche alongside Sunil Grover, Manu Rishi, Sapna Pabbi, and Nayani Dixit. His final film appearance was in Dibakar Banerjee’s Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar, featuring Arjun Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra. Shah is survived by his wife, Madhu Shah.   Source: NDTV

Malaika Arora marked her 50th birthday in grand fashion on Wednesday, with a glittering party attended by close friends and family. However, as pictures from the celebration surfaced online, many social media users jokingly remarked that “the math isn’t mathing.” The star’s sister, Amrita Arora, and close friend Kareena Kapoor Khan led the flood of heartfelt tributes on Instagram, calling Malaika their “golden girl.” Inside photos from the event showed Malaika posing beside a towering cake decorated with the number 50, surrounded by friends from the film industry. Amrita shared glimpses from the bash, including a photo of the cake, writing: “For all the years of being 50, you are finally 50, my beautiful sister.” In another post, she added, “Mallaaa, you are finally 50. Could there be a better 50-year-old? I love you deep. What a magical night!” Kareena Kapoor also penned a warm birthday message for her best friend, saying, “Happy Birthday, darling Malla. Golden girl, golden birthday! Have the best one ever. Love you.” Photos and clips from the star-studded evening quickly went viral, with fans showering Malaika with praise for her ageless looks — and some playfully questioning if she could really be turning 50.

Stree director Amar Kaushik has described his upcoming mythological film Mahavatar, starring Vicky Kaushal, as one of the most significant and spiritually driven projects of his career. The filmmaker, known for shaping Maddock Films’ hit horror-comedy universe, said preparations for Mahavatar are underway, with work progressing on costumes and set designs. Shooting is expected to begin next year. “This film is a very big responsibility for me. It has come from God because this character has been with me since childhood,” Kaushik told PTI in an interview. “We used to live near the Parashuram Kund in Arunachal Pradesh and visited it often. Every visit fascinated me deeply, and that connection has stayed with me.” Kaushik admitted he had long wanted to bring the story to life but was unsure how to approach it due to the scale and visual demands. “It required huge resources and extensive VFX. I wanted to make sure the film stayed true to the vision I have carried in my mind for years,” he said. Speaking about his collaboration with Vicky Kaushal, the director said the actor’s sincerity and humility made him the perfect choice for the role. “Whenever I meet him, I see a lot of purity in him. He’s the best person to portray this character. We will begin shooting once Vicky completes his current commitments,” Kaushik said. Alongside Mahavatar, Kaushik continues to expand the Maddock Films horror-comedy universe as a producer. His next production, Shakti Shalini, stars Saiyaara actor Aneet Padda and joins the successful lineup that includes Stree, Bhediya, Stree 2, Munjya, and the recently released Thamma. Asked if he plans to move beyond the genre, Kaushik said, “That’s why I am working on Mahavatar and that’s why I directed Bala. I’m producing other films too. But I can’t leave the horror-comedy universe because people have showered so much love on it. I can’t ignore that responsibility.” Kaushik added that while his creative ambitions span multiple genres, he feels deeply committed to audiences who have embraced his storytelling. “I want to keep building on that connection and continue entertaining them for many years to come,” he said.   Source: NDTV

Filmmaker Abhinav Kashyap has stirred controversy again with strong remarks about Bollywood star Aamir Khan, calling him “the most cunning fox” and accusing him of being overly controlling on set. In an interview with Bollywood Thikana, the Dabangg director shared his difficult experience working with Aamir during ad film shoots. “He’s very manipulative. Working with him is exhausting — he interferes in everything: editing, direction, everything. It’s an entire ecosystem built for control,” Kashyap said. He also mocked Aamir’s reputation for perfectionism, calling it a “myth.” “If Aamir gives 25 takes, his first and last are often the same. He keeps saying, ‘One more, one more,’ but there’s nothing new in it,” Kashyap said, adding that the actor’s insistence on retakes gives only the illusion of hard work. Kashyap questioned why top directors continue working with Aamir despite his alleged interference. “Why do Rajkumar Hirani and Rakesh Omprakash Mehra keep going back to him? What does Aamir have that others don’t?” he asked. He also criticised Aamir’s social image, claiming the actor hasn’t contributed enough during national crises. Referring to Dangal, Kashyap said Aamir profited massively but “did nothing” to help Mahavir Phogat, whose life inspired the hit film.   Source: NDTV

Broadway’s musicians have reached a tentative labor agreement with commercial producers, narrowly avoiding a strike that could have silenced nearly two dozen musicals. The American Federation of Musicians Local 802, representing about 1,200 musicians, had threatened to walk off the job if no deal was reached by Thursday morning after mediation began on Wednesday. Early Thursday, the union announced a tentative three-year deal that includes wage increases and higher health fund contributions. “This agreement provides meaningful wage and health benefit increases that will preserve crucial access to healthcare for our musicians while maintaining strong contract protections,” said AFM Local 802 President Bob Suttmann. The agreement now awaits member ratification. The deal covers 23 shows, from megahits like Hamilton and The Lion King to new productions such as Queen of Versailles and Chess. It marks the second Broadway labor settlement in a week, following a similar three-year deal between producers and the Actors’ Equity Association over the weekend. Both unions had been operating under expired contracts. Broadway’s recovery from the pandemic shutdown has been strong, with the 2024–2025 season earning a record $1.9 billion—surpassing pre-pandemic highs. Unions cited the industry’s robust finances to justify better pay and benefits, while producers warned that higher costs could push up ticket prices. The last major strike on Broadway occurred in 2007, when a 19-day walkout by stagehands shut down over two dozen shows. On Wednesday, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand, Cory Booker, and Andy Kim urged both sides to negotiate in good faith, noting Broadway’s importance to nearly 100,000 jobs and New York’s broader economy.

Smriti Irani has confirmed that businessman and philanthropist Bill Gates will make a special appearance in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, calling it a “historic moment” for Indian television. Reports earlier suggested that Gates would appear via video call in three episodes of the limited series. Speaking to CNBC-TV18, Irani said, “This marks a historic moment in Indian entertainment. For far too long, women’s and children’s health has remained at the margins of mainstream dialogue. This initiative is a powerful step towards changing that.” A new promo for the series, featuring Irani as Tulsi Virani, teases the guest appearance with the caption: “Kaun hai yeh mehmaan... jisse milne ka sabko intezaar hai?” According to a source quoted by ETimes, the storyline around Gates’ cameo will focus on maternal and newborn health awareness. “Since the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation actively works on these causes, the collaboration happened naturally. Smriti wanted to use the show as a platform to promote health and social awareness through storytelling,” the source said. Bobby Deol recalls being sidelined in Bollywood Irani, who returned to acting with the revival of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, has been weaving social issues into the show’s narrative. “We took up the issue of ageing and body shaming because these are fundamental challenges women face every day,” she told Mumbai Mirror. She also discussed a recent plotline involving her on-screen daughter filing a false case of domestic violence against her in-laws, saying, “Can we stand up for such men? That is not something you would normally expect on a television show or film.” In short, Smriti Irani confirmed Bill Gates’ guest appearance in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, describing it as a groundbreaking collaboration blending entertainment with social impact. Source: NDTV 

Actress Ana De Armas reportedly remains close to Tom Cruise despite recent breakup reports. Sources say the duo decided to end their romantic relationship after realizing “the spark had gone,” but they continue to share mutual respect and maintain a friendship. A source close to Ana told People that she views Cruise as a “dear friend and mentor” and “very much enjoys spending time” with him. The pair are also set to work together on an upcoming film project. RadarOnline reported that there is “no tension” between them and that their relationship has evolved into a healthier dynamic, marked by genuine affection and mutual respect. The rumors of their dating surfaced in July after they were seen together in Vermont. Though they never publicly confirmed being a couple, they were spotted attending high-profile events, including David Beckham’s 50th birthday, vacationing in Madrid and London, and attending an Oasis concert at Wembley Stadium. Tom Cruise has also praised Ana’s action-thriller Ballerina, calling it “right in that tone,” highlighting their professional admiration alongside their personal friendship.   Source: NDTV

South Korean actor Lee Jung-Jae, famous for Squid Game, was impersonated by a scammer who defrauded a woman of 500 million KRW (around $360,000), police said. The victim, identified as Ms A, in her 50s, was contacted by the impersonator claiming to be Lee Jung-Jae. The scammer used AI-generated images, edited photos, and fake airport and film set pictures to gain her trust. He even provided a forged ID card and gradually developed a personal relationship with her, addressing her with affectionate terms like “darling” and “honey.” Once the victim was convinced, the impersonator asked for money and succeeded in taking $360,000 from her. Miryang Police in Gyeongnam Province are investigating and said the scammer was part of a Cambodian crime network. The group allegedly continued communication with the victim even as police probed the case. The incident has raised concerns among fans worldwide about online impersonation and scams targeting celebrity admirers.   Source: NDTV

Actor Bobby Deol has opened up about the difficult phase in his Bollywood career when his films stopped performing at the box office, leaving him isolated in social and professional circles. Speaking on Shubhankar Mishra's podcast, Deol said the sidelining was gradual. “People would meet me politely but soon drift away and form their own groups. I was left alone,” he recalled. He added that party invitations also decreased, though the Deol family traditionally attends few social events. “Those who were warm with me at the top started ignoring me. People are with you as long as you have something to offer,” he said. Deol, however, holds no grudges. “It happens in every industry. The same people now come to me with offers, but I don’t hold anything against them,” he added. The actor is now back in the spotlight with his latest project, The Ba*ds of Bollywood**, a Netflix series where he plays Ajay Talvar, a Bollywood superstar. The show, produced by Lakshya, follows an outsider’s journey to make it big in the Hindi film industry. Other cast members include Raghav Juyal, Sahher Bambba, Anya Singh, and Manoj Pahwa. Deol previously gained acclaim with Aashram (2020) and his role as a villain in Animal (2023), marking his strong return to the industry.   Source: NDTV