United News of Bangladesh

Vishal Punjabi, widely known as The Wedding Filmer, has credited Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and Red Chillies Entertainment for shaping his cinematic journey as he completes 15 years in the industry. Punjabi, the creative mind behind the breathtaking visuals of celebrity weddings — from Deepika Padukone-Ranveer Singh to Virat Kohli-Anushka Sharma — said in an interview with NDTV, “Everything I know about filmmaking, I have learnt from my time at Red Chillies.” Before becoming India’s foremost name in wedding cinematography, Punjabi worked as a line producer and visual artist with Red Chillies, contributing to films like Asoka, Main Hoon Na, and Paheli. He later shifted to directing TV commercials within the company. Saiyaara Box Office Day 10: Ahaan Panday’s debut flm earns Rs 30 crore, aims for Rs 250 crore milestone Reflecting on a memorable lesson from Shah Rukh Khan, he recalled being told: “Filmmaking requires a lot of maturity, time and love. Only make a film when you reach that level of maturity.” Now, having filmed over 50 celebrity weddings, Punjabi says, “It’s been quite a journey.” Source: NDTV 

Musician AK Ratul, vocalist, bassist and sound engineer of the popular rock band ‘Owned’, was laid to rest beside his father, legendary Bangladeshi actor Jashim, at Banani Graveyard on Monday morning. Ratul passed away on Sunday afternoon after suffering a cardiac arrest, leaving behind a profound void in the country’s music industry. He was the middle son of late film star Jashim, among three brothers—all of whom are active in the local band music scene. His elder brother AK Samee is the drummer of Owned, while the youngest, AK Rahul, has been affiliated with the bands Trainwreck and Poraho and a prominent music content creator. Sharing his grief on Facebook, AK Samee wrote, “I just buried my baby brother...” while Rahul posted a childhood photo with Ratul and their father, writing in Bangla, “My hand on my brother’s chest.” Ratul’s untimely demise sparked an outpouring of tributes across Bangladesh’s music fraternity. Prominent bands and artists expressed their condolences and memories of Ratul, highlighting his immense talent, kindness, and influence behind the scenes. Veteran band Warfaze posted, “We are deeply saddened and shocked by the news of Ratul’s passing. The Warfaze family expresses heartfelt condolences to his family and prays for his departed soul. The music industry has lost a true gem.” Popular rock band Artcell shared: “We were devastated to hear the news. Ratul was a gifted vocalist, bassist, composer, producer, and sound engineer. His departure is an irreparable loss to our music industry. The time we spent together at his studio and during concerts will forever remain in our hearts. Rest in peace, Ratul, in music and melody.” Ratul also worked with multiple other bands as a sound engineer, notably contributing to Aurthohin’s "Phoenix er Diary 1." Mourning his death, Aurthohin wrote: “Our sound engineer AK Ratul left us today due to cardiac failure. Please keep him in your prayers. You made us all cry, bro. Wherever you are, be well. Love and respect.” Another band Ratul worked closely with, Level Five, penned an emotional tribute: "He was not only a top-class producer but a true friend and humble soul. He believed in us when no one did. Ratul, your smile, your heart, and the memories will live with us forever. Only God knows how much we’ll miss you.” Band Shunno expressed disbelief, saying: "Ratul produced some of our songs with unmatched heart and talent. This loss feels surreal. You’ll be deeply missed.” Popular rock band Nemesis shared: “We’ve lost a gem, an immensely talented human, a brother and a friend. You were one of the kindest among us. You’ll live forever in our hearts, Ratul. Rest in peace.” Many other renowned bands including Black, Shironamhin, Chirkutt, Ashes, Indalo, Arbovirus, Shonar Bangla Circus, Arekta Rock Band, Dads In The Park, Dreek, Aftermath, Aseis, and EIDA also posted tribute messages honoring Ratul’s contribution to Bangladesh’s independent and mainstream music scenes. Individual tributes also poured in from celebrated musicians such as Bappa Mazumder, Raef Al Hasan Rafa, Md Zohad Reza Choudhury, Sufi Maverick (Ashrafuzzaman Yousufi), Zunayed Evan, Oni Hasan, Elita Karim, Alif Alauddin, and Sharmin Sultana Sumi, among others. AK Ratul’s death is being widely mourned not only for the loss of a talented artist but for the departure of a beloved figure in the country’s modern music movement.

Chaos erupted at the premiere of the Hindi crime thriller So Long Valley on Friday night when actress-model Ruchi Gujjar publicly confronted and allegedly slapped co-producer Karan Singh, accusing him of financial fraud. In a viral video from the event, Gujjar is seen hitting Singh with her sandal while arguing with him in the presence of protestors. Some held placards defaming the producers and shouted slogans during the premiere. Gujjar claims Singh took ₹23 lakh from her between July 2023 and January 2024, promising a co-producer role and profit share in a Sony TV-bound project that never materialised. She alleges the funds were instead used to make So Long Valley. Loved Saiyaara? Here Are 10 Intensely Romantic Films to Watch on OTT A case has been filed at Mumbai’s Oshiwara police station under cheating charges. Gujjar’s lawyer also plans to lodge a separate assault complaint. In response, director Man Singh dismissed the allegations as a “publicity stunt,” claiming the court had already rejected Gujjar’s attempt to stay the film’s release. So Long Valley, starring Tridha Choudhury and Vikram Kochhar, was released as scheduled on July 27. Source: NDTV

In the 1980s, Hulk Hogan burst into American pop culture at the perfect moment. When Rick Derringer’s electric guitar riff from “Real American” hit the loudspeakers, tens of thousands of Hulkamaniacs would leap to their feet, ready to cheer on their hero as he charged into the ring. Dressed in his signature half-torn T-shirt and with a bandanna clenched between his teeth, Hogan took on the villains of the decade — whether they were Russian, Iranian, or simply represented any threat to the WWF title or the ideals of America itself. With his heavily oiled biceps gleaming under the lights, he would point defiantly at opponents like “Rowdy” Roddy Piper or Jake “The Snake” Roberts — wrestlers whose nicknames hinted at just how dangerous they were — as patriotic music blared and the crowd roared. In the Reagan-era vision of an idealized America, no one embodied the image of the heroic, flag-waving American more than Hulk Hogan. “We had greats like Gorgeous George, Buddy Rogers, and Bruno Sammartino,” said WWE Hall of Famer Sgt. Slaughter, “but nobody captured the spotlight like Hogan. He wanted to be unforgettable — and he pulled it off.” A Symbol of American Heroism — and Excess Hogan, who died Thursday in Florida at 71, crafted a persona as the quintessential all-American hero. With the physique of a comic book character and the charisma of a movie star, he was like John Wayne and Sylvester Stallone rolled into one — only fans could actually reach out and touch him. He stood for virtue, always playing by the rules, waving the American flag, and delivering clean victories over "evil" opponents. He urged young fans to “train, say your prayers, and eat your vitamins.” Outside the ring, Hogan appeared everywhere — from Saturday Night Live to action films — and was one of the most recognizable figures in entertainment. His promotional rants were wild and loud, his physique jaw-dropping, and his larger-than-life stories (true or not) only added to the myth. But behind the character was Terry Gene Bollea, a man whose real-life struggles with fame, scandal, and personal contradictions caught up with him. He admitted to using steroids, was embroiled in a sex-tape controversy, and faced backlash over racist remarks — scandals that marred his legacy and strained his ties with fans and WWE. A Hero With Flaws — In and Out of the Ring Though the wrestling was scripted, the physical toll was real — and so were the emotional consequences. Hogan, once WWE’s crown jewel, was later suspended from the organization amid scandal and criticism. Even die-hard wrestling fans found it hard to ignore his missteps. His final WWE appearance came in January during the company’s first Netflix event, following a fiery speech at the Republican National Convention in support of Donald Trump. But instead of nostalgia and cheers, Hogan faced hostility from the crowd, partly due to his perceived alignment with MAGA politics, past controversies, and a growing disconnect with modern fans. He wasn’t there to reclaim past wrestling glory. Instead, he was promoting his own beer brand — one many saw as aimed at a conservative audience. But this time, no theme music or heroic promo could save him from being nearly booed offstage. “This wasn’t the fun, storyline booing like in his ‘Hollywood’ Hogan era,” said ESPN’s Marc Raimondi. “This was the real kind — people didn’t want him there.” Even Hogan admitted the political fallout played a role. “I think the politics had a whole lot to do with it,” he said in an interview earlier this year. A Complicated Legacy in Wrestling History Hogan envisioned himself as pro wrestling’s Babe Ruth. With Vince McMahon’s backing, he helped transform wrestling from a Saturday morning niche into a prime-time juggernaut with massive live shows, pay-per-view events, and global appeal. He became a cornerstone of WWE’s rise to a billion-dollar empire. At his peak, fans bought into the image — not necessarily of Terry Bollea, but of the larger-than-life figure Hulk Hogan had become. He had the fame, the money, the championships — all thanks to a persona crafted for and by the cultural moment of the 1980s. “He didn’t just become a legend,” Sgt. Slaughter said. “He became legendary.”

Hulk Hogan, the iconic mustachioed showman who helped transform professional wrestling into a pop culture powerhouse, died Thursday at the age of 71, police confirmed. Authorities responded to a cardiac arrest call at his Clearwater home, and Hogan—born Terry Bollea—was pronounced dead at the hospital. “No foul play is suspected,” said Maj. Nate Burnside. One of the most recognizable figures in wrestling history, Hogan headlined the inaugural WrestleMania in 1985 and became a defining face of WWE, battling legends like Andre the Giant, Randy Savage, and The Rock. He held at least six WWE titles and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. “Hulkamania” swept through the 1980s, turning Hogan into a larger-than-life American hero, complete with his signature red and yellow attire and “24-inch pythons.” Beyond wrestling, he appeared in films, TV shows, and starred in VH1’s reality series Hogan Knows Best. In recent years, Hogan waded into politics, endorsing Donald Trump at the 2024 Republican National Convention with his signature flair. He also turned his attention to a new wrestling venture, becoming commissioner of the Real American Freestyle league, billed as the first unscripted pro wrestling platform. Hogan’s wrestling journey began in 1984, launching what would become the WrestleMania era. His victory over Andre the Giant in 1987 and feud with Randy Savage cemented his legacy. In 1996, he reinvented himself as Hollywood Hogan, helping WCW dominate during the Monday Night Wars. A showman in and out of the ring, Hogan’s legacy lives on in fans’ hearts. “Everywhere I go, people treat me like I’m still the champ,” he once said. Source: Agency

The first death anniversary of iconic Bangladeshi rockstar and former Miles frontman Shafin Ahmed is being observed on Thursday, marking a year since the celebrated vocalist and bassist passed away in Virginia, United States, at the age of 63. On July 24 last year, during the July mass movement and internet blackout, Shafin died of cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment after falling ill before a scheduled concert — the second show of his US tour — in Virginia. His body was brought to Bangladesh on July 30, and he was buried at the Banani Graveyard on the same day. Marking the legendary rockstar's maiden death anniversary, tributes have been pouring in from musicians, fellow artists, record labels, and fans across the country and abroad on social platforms. Miles, where Shafin served as lead vocalist and bassist for decades, remembered their late vocalist-bassist in a social media tribute: “Today marks the first death anniversary of Shafin Ahmed. He left behind his magical voice, unique bass grooves and timeless songs, which will live forever in Bangla music. May Allah (SWT) grant him eternal peace. Please keep him in your prayers.” His elder brother and longtime Miles bandmate Hamin Ahmed said, “One of the most iconic music personalities, a true rockstar of Bangladesh, left us on this day. His voice, style, bass grooves and unforgettable songs live on. Please pray for Shafin Ahmed.” Popular rock band Warfaze drummer and band leader Sheikh Monirul Alam Tipu wrote: “A legend, a warrior, an artist — Shafin Bhai elevated Bangladeshi music through his voice and vision. His presence, bass-playing and musical sense continue to live on in the hearts of countless listeners.” Remembering the iconic rock legend, singer Alif Alauddin shared one of her Facebook posts from 2021, featuring a rendition of Shafin Ahmed playing and singing the song ‘Shukhe Thako O Amar Nandini’, originally composed by her late father Alauddin Ali. She wrote: “Shafin Bhai, I never got to bid you farewell, but I’m glad I told you time and again that I was your biggest fan. You are missed every day. Thank you for this beautiful version.” Shafin Ahmed, Hassan Abidur Reja Jewel laid to rest at Banani Graveyard Musician and composer Shouquat Ali Imon recalled, “Exactly one year ago, Shafin Bhai joined my National Award celebration and gifted me flowers. He was smiling and interacting with everyone warmly — just like always. Life is truly unpredictable. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannah.” Record label Gaanchil Music also paid tribute to the revered artist on a Facebook post: “Today, we remember Shafin Ahmed.... with sorrow and deep respect for the legend he was and the legacy he leaves behind. In solemn remembrance and heartfelt tribute, we honour the voice that touched countless hearts.” Born on February 14, 1961, in Kolkata’s West Bengal, India, to the subcontinent’s pioneering music artists Kamal Dasgupta and Feroza Begum, the popular Bangladeshi rock bassist, singer-songwriter, and record producer, Shafin Ahmed, has cemented his legacy with the Miles band, which he joined with brother Hamin Ahmed in 1980. The songs of Shafin Ahmed's voice in the tune of Manam Ahmed started setting milestones one after another, including popular tracks like 'Phirye Dao', 'Dhikhi Dhikhi', 'Chand Tara', ‘Jala Jala’, 'Piyashi Mon' and more. Despite his creative disputes with his bandmates at Miles because of which he left and rejoined the band several times, Shafin Ahmed performed and collaborated on every album of the band, starting with ‘Miles’ (1982) and progressing to ‘A Step Farther’ (1986), ‘Protisruti’ (the band’s maiden Bengali album, 1991), ‘Prottasha’ (1993), ‘Prottoy’ (1996), ‘Proyash’ (1997), ‘Probaho’ (2000), ‘Protiddhoni’ (2006), ‘Proticchobi’ (2015), and ‘Proborton’ (2016). Shafin Ahmed simultaneously established himself as one of the country's most popular and iconic singers in the music industry, thanks to his popular songs, including “Aj Jonmodin Tomar,” which is often regarded as the anthem of birthday celebrations in the country. Written and composed by eminent music producer Prince Mahmud, the song was first featured in Prince’s mixed album ‘Daag Theke Jay’ (2004). He also released several solo albums, including ‘Tomakey’ (1987), ‘Pagla Ghonti’ (1998), ‘Chobi Ar Sritigulo’ (1999), ‘Best of Shafin Ahmed’ (2001), ‘Kotodin Dekhina Tomay’ (2006), ‘Virus’ (2006), ‘Harano Shukh’ (2007), ‘My Love Songs’ (2010), and ‘Mone Pore Aj’ (Nazrul Songs, as a tribute to his mother Feroza Begum, 2016). Rock icon Shafin Ahmed’s body arrives home, burial Today In his later years, he became involved in politics, joining the National Democratic Movement (NDM) in 2017 and subsequently the Jatiya Party in 2018, holding key positions in both organisations. He also contested the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) election in 2019 for the Mayor position from the Jatiya Party. As fans and peers remember him today, Shafin Ahmed remains immortal through the music he created and the legacy he left behind.

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is set to return as the host of Bigg Boss Season 19, and reports suggest he will be paid between ₹120 to ₹150 crore for his role this season. According to The Indian Express, Salman will earn approximately ₹8–10 crore each weekend over a 15-week hosting stint. The upcoming season is expected to premiere on JioCinema (Jio Hotstar) on August 30, 2025, with episodes airing on Colors TV shortly after the digital release. Unlike previous editions, Bigg Boss 19 will mainly be an OTT-first show, with a comparatively smaller budget. Despite this, Salman's pay remains substantial, especially given that other guest hosts will also take over later in the season. The show will reportedly run for five months, with Salman hosting the first three months, after which celebrities such as Anil Kapoor, Karan Johar, and Farah Khan are being considered to take over hosting duties for the remainder. Salman Khan’s hosting fees for Bigg Boss have varied over the years. In 2023, he was reportedly paid ₹96 crore for hosting Bigg Boss OTT 2, while previous seasons of the TV version earned him ₹200 crore for Season 17 and ₹250 crore for Season 18. Several celebrities are rumored to have been approached for this season, including Gautami Kapoor, Dheeraj Dhoopar, Alisha Panwar, Khushi Dubey, Mr. Faisu, Gaurav Taneja, Dhanashree Verma, and Sriram Chandra, among others. With Salman Khan’s star power returning to the Bigg Boss stage and a new format in place, expectations are high for the upcoming season’s digital and TV performance. Source NDTV

Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda’s debut film Saiyaara is set to continue its box office dominance with no major Hindi film releases scheduled for July 25, giving it an uninterrupted two-week theatrical run. Directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Yash Raj Films, Saiyaara released on July 18 and has already crossed the ₹100-crore mark within just four days, placing it among the top five highest-grossing films of 2025. The film debuted alongside Anupam Kher’s Tanvi the Great, which opened to lukewarm reviews and posed little competition. With no new Hindi titles hitting theatres this Friday, Saiyaara will continue its solo streak. Notably, Ajay Devgn and Sanjay Dutt’s Son of Sardaar 2, initially slated for July 25, has been pushed to August 1 to avoid direct competition with the Saiyaara juggernaut. The film will now clash with Dharma Productions’ Dhadak 2. Meanwhile, Kajol and Prithviraj Sukumaran’s Sarzameen is skipping a theatrical release altogether and will premiere directly on JioHotstar on July 25. Similarly, Param Sundari starring Sidharth Malhotra and Janhvi Kapoor, which was earlier expected to release this week, has been delayed. The only potential challenger to Saiyaara at the box office is Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps, releasing the same day. With a massive $200 million budget, the film marks the 37th installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the second reboot of the Fantastic Four series. Anurag Kashyap’s ‘Bandar’ starring Bobby Deol to premiere at TIFF 2025 Saiyaara, a romantic drama, has captivated audiences with strong performances and a compelling narrative. Its rapid ascent at the box office places it in elite company alongside Chhaava (₹601 crore), Housefull 5 (₹183 crore), Raid 2 (₹173 crore), and Sitaare Zameen Par (₹163 crore), the spiritual sequel to Aamir Khan’s 2007 classic Taare Zameen Par. In summary: With no Hindi competition until August, Saiyaara is poised to extend its theatrical success and could significantly climb the year’s box office rankings. Source: NDTV 

Bobby Deol’s upcoming film Bandar (Monkey in a Cage), directed by acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, is set to have its world premiere at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2025. Inspired by true events, Bandar will be screened at TIFF, which runs from September 4 to 14 in Canada. Deol announced the news on Instagram, unveiling the film’s poster and writing, “The story that should not have been told… but is the official selection at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival 2025.” The film also features actress Sanya Malhotra in a pivotal role. Fellow actors including Vikrant Massey and Chandan Roy Sanyal congratulated Bobby on the milestone. ‘Superman’ tops box office again with $57.3 million in second weekend Deol was last seen in Daaku Maharaaj and has a lineup of upcoming films including Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1, Alpha, and Jana Nayagan. Kashyap, known for films like Gangs of Wasseypur and Dev.D, last premiered Kennedy at Cannes 2023. Bandar continues his streak of dark, socially charged cinema. Source: NDTV

Debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda's romantic drama Saiyaara has taken the box office by storm, collecting ₹83 crore in its opening weekend and securing a spot among the top five biggest opening weekends of 2025. Directed by Mohit Suri and produced by Yash Raj Films, Saiyaara earned ₹21 crore on Friday, ₹25 crore on Saturday, and peaked on Sunday with ₹37 crore, according to Sacnilk. The film's strong performance has already outpaced the opening weekend collections of Suri’s previous hits such as Ek Villain (₹16 crore) and Aashiqui 2 (₹6.1 crore). The film recorded high occupancy rates, with 78.53% in afternoon shows, 88.15% in evening screenings, and 79.32% at night. These figures signal strong word-of-mouth and sustained audience interest. New Korean Drama Lineup for August 2025 : 10 Binge-worthy Releases Starring Ahaan Panday as a struggling musician and Aneet Padda as a young writer diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, Saiyaara tells a poignant tale of love and heartbreak. It has set a new benchmark for films fronted by newcomers, surpassing the lifetime India net collection of Student of the Year (₹70 crore) and is now close to overtaking Dhadak (₹95.12 crore). With emotional storytelling and a musical backdrop, Saiyaara is now positioned as one of 2025’s most successful Bollywood debuts — both critically and commercially.