United News of Bangladesh

Malayalam film actor Santhosh K Nayar died in a road accident in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala early Tuesday. His car collided with a van in the early hours. His wife, who was travelling with him, sustained injuries and is undergoing treatment at a hospital, reports NDTV. Santhosh K Nayar, who made his film debut with the 1982 movie Ithu Njangalude Katha, appeared in more than 100 films over his career. He was widely recognised for his roles portraying villains as well as comic characters. Born on November 12, 1960, in Thiruvananthapuram, he hailed from an educated family. His father, C N Kesavan Nair, was a retired headmaster, while his mother, P Rajalakshmiamma, was a retired teacher. During his college years, he was actively involved in politics. Although his sisters pursued careers in medicine as gynecologists, he chose acting as his profession. He also shared a close association with Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, as both studied at MG College. Santhosh pursued a degree in Mathematics, while Mohanlal studied Commerce. In interviews, he often recalled their college days, noting that despite being of similar age, Mohanlal became his senior after Santhosh temporarily left his studies to pursue engineering before completing his degree later. His final on-screen appearance was in Mohaniyattam, which is currently running in theatres. The film, released on April 10, serves as a sequel to Bharathanatyam and is set to stream on Netflix from May 8. Directed by Krishnadas Murali, the film follows the story of Sasidharan Nair’s family caught in a tense situation. The cast also includes Suraj Venjaramoodu, Vinay Forrt and Jagadish.  

Legendary singer of Bangladesh Runa Laila was honored with the prestigious “Minar-e-Delhi” Award at the Delhi International Film Festival. The event was held held at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts on May 4. She also shared the stage with legendary Indian singer Usha Uthup. The evening reached a magical high when both icons performed ‘ Ishtishoner ralgarita’ together, creating a truly unforgettable and emotional moment.

Colombian pop icon Shakira delivered a huge free concert on Copacabana Beach on Saturday night, with city officials estimating a turnout of around 2 million people. The show followed similar large-scale performances by Madonna in 2024 and Lady Gaga last year, both of which also attracted massive crowds to the famous shoreline. Shakira’s concert is part of her ongoing “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” world tour, named after her 2024 album. Taking the stage at about 11 p.m., more than an hour behind schedule, Shakira was greeted by loud cheers as drones illuminated the sky with the message “I love you Brazil” in Portuguese. Reflecting on her early career, the singer recalled first visiting Brazil nearly 30 years ago as a teenager with dreams of performing for local fans. “And now look at this. Life is magical,” she told the audience. During the performance, she delivered a series of hits including “Hips Don’t Lie,” “La Tortura,” and “La Bicicleta,” before closing with “BZRP Music Sessions #53/66,” a track released after her separation from Spanish footballer Gerard Piqué. She also highlighted themes of resilience, telling the crowd that women grow stronger and wiser through challenges. Rio’s mayor, Eduardo Cavaliere, said the concert made history, noting the massive turnout and referencing Shakira’s hit song “She Wolf.” Experts say Shakira’s enduring popularity in Brazil dates back to the 1990s, helped by cultural similarities between Brazil and her home country, Colombia. Fans at the event expressed deep admiration, with many describing her as a symbol of Latin strength and identity. Some attendees also noted that performances by artists like Shakira and Bad Bunny reinforce a shared Latin American cultural identity beyond the United States. Large crowds began gathering early Saturday to secure spots, while street vendors sold food, drinks, and even items like sandbags to help spectators get a better view near the stage, set up opposite the iconic Copacabana Palace. City officials say the free concert is part of a broader effort to boost the local economy between major festive periods such as Carnival, New Year celebrations, and June’s Saint John’s Day events. According to estimates, the event could generate around 777 million reais (about $155 million) through increased tourism and spending in local businesses. Data from previous years also show a significant rise in visitors during similar events. Travel platform Airbnb reported a surge in bookings ahead of the concert, with visitors arriving from across Brazil, Latin America, and European cities. For many fans, the concert was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with some traveling long distances just to attend.  

Colombian pop icon Shakira is set to perform a free concert on Copacabana Beach on Saturday night, with Brazilian authorities expecting around 2 million people to gather at the famous seaside venue. The show comes after similar large-scale performances by Madonna in 2024 and Lady Gaga last year, both of which drew huge crowds to the beach. Shakira’s concert is part of her “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” world tour, named after her 2024 album. Speaking to Brazil’s TV Globo, Shakira said the Copacabana show could be the biggest of her career. She described performing on the beach as a lifelong dream, calling it a “magical place,” and noted that she learned Portuguese before English. Music experts say Shakira’s strong connection with Brazilian fans dates back to the 1990s, when she first performed in the country. Felipe Maia, an ethnomusicologist at Paris Nanterre University, said cultural similarities between Colombia and Brazil helped her build a lasting bond with audiences. He added that Saturday’s concert reflects that long-standing relationship. Fans have already begun arriving early to secure good spots. Vendors lined the beach selling snacks, drinks and even items like toilet paper and sandbags to help people get a better view of the stage, set up near the Copacabana Palace hotel. Street vendor Simone Paula da Cunha, who came a day early to sell drinks, said she also hoped to watch the performance live. Despite being tired, she said she has been a fan of Shakira since her early days. Entertainment on the beach will begin in the afternoon with DJs, while Shakira is expected to take the stage at 9:45 p.m. local time for a performance lasting about two hours. Another DJ will perform afterward to help manage the crowd as they leave. City officials say the free concert is part of efforts to boost Rio’s economy between major festive periods such as Carnival, New Year celebrations and the June Saint John’s Day events. Mayor Eduardo Cavaliere said such events help create jobs, generate income and strengthen the city’s identity. He added that the financial return from the concert could be up to 40 times the city’s investment. According to estimates by City Hall and Riotur, the show could generate about 777 million reais, or roughly $155 million, driven by increased spending in hotels, restaurants and shops. Officials also noted a sharp rise in tourist arrivals during similar events in previous years. Data shows visitor numbers grew significantly in early May in 2024 and 2025 compared to 2023. Airbnb said bookings have increased ahead of the concert, with visitors expected from across Brazil, Latin America and cities such as Paris and London. Wanderson Andrade, an architect who traveled from central Brazil for the show, said he had missed the chance to see Shakira last year and was determined not to miss this one. “Today is a dream come true,” he said.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has, for the first time, introduced rules addressing the use of artificial intelligence in films for the 2027 Oscars, while also expanding eligibility for international entries. Announcing updated guidelines on Friday, the Academy said AI tools will not be banned but stressed that human creativity must remain central to any film’s eligibility. Under the new rules, the use of AI “neither helps nor harms” a film’s chances of getting nominated. However, voters will consider how much human input was involved in the creative process when selecting nominees and winners. “Humans have to be at the center of the creative process,” said Lynette Howell Taylor, adding that the organisation will continue reviewing its approach as technology evolves. In acting categories, only performances clearly carried out by human actors, with their consent, will be eligible. The Academy said it will review cases involving AI-generated performances individually. The rules are stricter for writing categories, stating that screenplays must be written by humans to qualify. Academy CEO Bill Kramer said the updates reflect ongoing changes in filmmaking and the growing influence of AI across the industry. The Academy also announced major reforms to the international feature film category, which has long faced criticism over fairness and political influence. Films that win top awards at major festivals — including the Palme d’Or at Cannes Film Festival, the Golden Lion at Venice Film Festival and key prizes at Toronto International Film Festival — will now be eligible for Oscar consideration even if they are not officially submitted by their home countries. Additional qualifying festivals include Berlin International Film Festival, Busan International Film Festival and Sundance Film Festival. This change means films like ‘It Was Just an Accident’ by Iranian director Jafar Panahi could qualify based on festival success rather than national selection. The Academy also said international films will now be recognised by their titles rather than the countries submitting them, with awards presented directly to filmmakers. Directors’ names will be included on Oscar plaques. In another change, actors will now be allowed to receive multiple nominations in the same acting category for different performances in the same year, aligning with rules already applied in other categories. The organisation also clarified rules for original songs, saying tracks used in end credits must begin before the credits roll and overlap with at least the final 15 seconds of the film to qualify. Officials said the updates are part of ongoing efforts to modernise the Oscars and reflect the increasingly global and technology-driven film industry.

Robot dogs fitted with lifelike silicone heads resembling famous personalities such as Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso are drawing attention at a Berlin museum, where they wander around and occasionally “produce” printed images captured earlier through built-in cameras. The unusual installation is part of an interactive exhibition by American digital artist Mike Winkelmann, widely known as Beeple, currently on display at the Neue Nationalgalerie. Each robot dog generates images that reflect the artistic or personal style of the figure it represents. For example, the Picasso-inspired dog creates Cubist-style visuals, while the Warhol version produces pop art-like images. The concept highlights how artificial intelligence can reshape reality based on different perspectives. According to the exhibition organisers, the project explores how algorithms and technology platforms increasingly influence the way people see the world. Beeple said that in the past, artists like Picasso and Warhol shaped public perception through their work. Today, he argues, that influence has shifted to powerful tech leaders who control algorithms determining what people see online. He warned that such control gives immense power to a few individuals, allowing them to make sweeping changes without going through political or institutional processes. Some of the robot dogs also feature Beeple’s own likeness. Curator Lisa Botti said the exhibition focuses on the growing impact of artificial intelligence, adding that museums provide a space for society to reflect on these changes. The installation, titled “Regular Animals,” was first introduced at the Art Basel Miami Beach 2025. Beeple, a graphic designer from South Carolina, is known for his “everyday” project, where he has created and shared a digital image daily for years. His work has gained global recognition, making him one of the most valuable living artists, alongside David Hockney and Jeff Koons. In 2021, auction house Christie's sold his digital collage “Everydays: The First 5000 Days” for more than $69 million, marking a major moment for digital art and NFTs. Non-fungible tokens, or NFTs, are digital certificates stored on blockchain technology that verify ownership of digital items. They have become increasingly popular as part of the broader rise in cryptocurrencies. At Art Basel, Beeple even distributed the images produced by his robot dogs to visitors, sometimes including QR codes that provided access to free NFTs, effectively allowing recipients to own and potentially profit from his digital creations.

Bollywood star Aamir Khan has spoken candidly about his personal life, past relationships and regrets, saying he now feels “complete” with his partner Gauri Spratt. In a recent interview with Navbharat Times, Aamir reflected on his relationships, children and personal growth, sharing that he is currently in a peaceful and happy phase of life. “I am very lucky that I met Gauri, and our relationship started together. She is great, I feel at peace with her. Although my relationship with (ex-wives) Kiran (Rao) and Reena (Dutta) was also very deep, but things didn't work out. When you asked, I felt that I am very blessed that Gauri entered my life. We are very happy together. Mujhe lagta hai ab mai jaake mukammal hua hu (I feel complete today),” he said. The actor also spoke about learning from mistakes and personal evolution, saying self-awareness has helped him grow both as a person and as an artist. “I am the way I am. Every person makes mistakes in their life; no one is perfect. If you understand and accept your mistake, it doesn't make you small. Even I am learning from my own life and mistakes. I will always try not to repeat those mistakes, and I grow as a person, and as an actor. This will only happen if I understand and admit my mistakes. I am a very straightforward man, whatever I feel, I say,” he added. Aamir further described his biggest regret as not spending enough time with his close family and relationships, admitting that work had dominated most of his life for decades. “The one mistake that I have already started rectifying is not giving enough time to my closed ones and relationships. I was only addicted to work, filmmaking, and acting for 30-35 years. I got a chance to examine my life again during the COVID pandemic. I wasn't able to work at that time, then I realised that I had lost many things and this time would not come again,” he said. Aamir was earlier married to Reena Dutta, with whom he has two children, Ira and Junaid. The couple divorced in 2002. He later married filmmaker Kiran Rao in 2005, and they separated in 2021. They continue to co-parent their son Azad. #From NDTV

Actress Deepika Padukone made her first public appearance after announcing her second pregnancy, as she was seen with husband Ranveer Singh at Mumbai airport. The couple, who shared the news on April 19 through a joint social media post, kept a low profile during the brief outing and did not interact with photographers. Deepika opted for a comfortable look, wearing a loose blue co-ord set with a button-down shirt and straight trousers, paired with yellow sneakers. She carried a black handbag and kept her hair neatly tied back. Ranveer followed closely behind in a casual outfit featuring an oversized white T-shirt and baggy cargo jeans, along with sunglasses and a crossbody bag. He was seen assisting Deepika as she stepped out of the car and walked beside her into the airport. Earlier, the couple announced their second pregnancy through a post showing their daughter holding a positive pregnancy test kit. Deepika and Ranveer got married on November 14, 2018, in Lake Como, Italy, in ceremonies reflecting their respective cultural traditions. They first met while working on the film Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela and later made their relationship public before tying the knot. They welcomed their first child, daughter Dua, in September 2024. Source: NDTV

Veteran Indian photographer Raghu Rai, considered a pioneer of photojournalism in India, died on Sunday after battling cancer for two years. He was 83. His son said Rai was first diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago and had recovered after treatment. However, the disease later spread to his stomach and, more recently, to his brain, along with other age-related complications. Born on December 18, 1942, in Jhang, now in Pakistan, Rai went on to become one of the most respected photographers in India and internationally. He began his career in the mid-1960s and later joined ‘The Statesman’as a staff photographer. In 1976, he left the newspaper to work as a freelance photographer. From 1982 to 1992, he served as Director of Photography at ‘India Today’. He was also a jury member of the World Press Photo from 1990 to 1997. Rai was mentored by renowned French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson, who was impressed by his work and recommended him for membership in Magnum Photos in 1977, one of the world’s most prestigious photography organisations. His work is widely seen as a visual record of modern India. He captured some of the most powerful images of the Bhopal gas tragedy, one of the world’s worst industrial disasters. He also photographed prominent figures such as Mother Teresa and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Rai received several honours during his career, including the Académie des Beaux-Arts Photography Award in 2019, one of the top global recognitions in the field. In 2017, he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. With inputs from NDTV

Members of the screenwriters’ union in the United States have overwhelmingly approved a new four-year contract with Hollywood studios and streaming platforms, marking a smooth and quick negotiation process compared to previous disputes. Union leaders said about 90 percent of members voted in favour of the agreement reached between the Writers Guild of America West, Writers Guild of America East and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. With the deal finalised, studios are now expected to begin contract talks with actors and directors. Union officials highlighted improvements in health benefits as a key achievement. “In the face of industry slowdown and rising healthcare costs, writers secured a deal that puts our Health Fund on a stable path and builds on gains from the 2023 strike,” said Michele Mulroney, president of WGA West. The agreement also includes increases in minimum pay, especially for comedy and variety writers, along with higher residual payments when their work is re-aired. The producers’ group welcomed the approval, saying the agreement reflects cooperation that supports both writers and the long-term stability of the industry. The deal was reached on April 4, about three weeks after negotiations began, a much faster process than the prolonged and tense talks in 2023 that led to major strikes by writers and actors and halted much of Hollywood production. Meanwhile, actors represented by SAG-AFTRA are still negotiating their own contract. Talks have been ongoing for about a month and are expected to resume on Monday after a short break. SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin earlier said there are signs that studios are willing to work together more cooperatively. The Directors Guild is scheduled to begin its contract negotiations on May 11.