United News of Bangladesh

Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor on Thursday called himself “a product of nepotism” but emphasized that being born into the legendary Kapoor family did not guarantee success in the film industry. Speaking at the Celebrate Cinema 2025 festival at Whistling Woods in Mumbai, Ranbir, 43, said he always had to work hard and develop his own approach to acting to prove his talent. “You celebrate my family’s successes, but there are many failures too. You learn from both,” he said. The Animal actor, son of Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor, also shared insights from his early experiences observing music directors, lyricists, and filmmakers at his grandfather Raj Kapoor’s home. He highlighted filmmaking as a collaborative art and stressed flexibility in acting, noting that each director has a unique style. Ranbir expressed his desire to mentor young actors, saying film institutes inspire him with their energy and talent. At the event, filmmaker Subhash Ghai announced scholarships in the names of Raj Kapoor and Guru Dutt for acting students.   Source: NDTV

After earning widespread acclaim for his two original series ‘Shaaticup’ and ‘Sinpaat’ on OTT platforms, filmmaker Mohammad Touqir Islam is set to make his debut in full-length feature filmmaking with his new film, ‘Delupi’. Released in 2022, ‘Shaaticup’, set in the city of Rajshahi, drew praise from critics and audiences alike for its authentic storytelling and strong local essence. Two years later, Touqir followed it up with ‘Sinpaat’, further cementing his reputation as one of the country’s most promising young directors. Speaking about his latest project, Touqir said the name ‘Delupi’ is inspired by Deluti Union in Paikgacha upazila of Khulna. “The story is a work of ‘fictional reality,’ drawn from the lives, struggles and relationships of people in that region,” he said. He added that ‘Delupi’ goes beyond one locality, reflecting experiences of people from all walks of life across the country, making it universally relatable. From filming locations to the cast, everything about the production is local. “I have always wanted to tell stories about real people,” Touqir said, adding: “The film ‘Delupi’ is a continuation of that effort. Every character and every frame in this film reflects real lives and emotions. Conveying genuine feelings mattered far more to me than big budgets or star names.” Produced by Footprint Film Production House, the film was officially announced through the company’s social media pages on Thursday, October 9. According to the director, ‘Delupi’ is  

A novel exploring identity and loss, a sweeping history of Iran’s revolution, and a children’s book celebrating the humble belly button have been named this year’s winners of the Kirkus Prize — each receiving a $50,000 award. Lucas Schaefer won in the fiction category for “The Slip,” which follows a man’s search for his long-missing nephew. The nonfiction prize went to Scott Anderson for “King of Kings: The Iranian Revolution: A Story of Hubris, Delusion and Catastrophic Miscalculation,” an account of the downfall of the Shah of Iran. In the young readers’ category, Thao Lam received the award for “Everybelly,” a playful, illustrated look at belly buttons and the stories they tell. Founded in 2014, the Kirkus Prize is administered by the trade publication Kirkus Reviews. “This year’s Kirkus Prize winners bring us vital messages for our time — about the joys of community, the power of self-transformation, and the mutability of history — all delivered through exhilarating prose and pictures,” said Kirkus Editor-in-Chief Tom Beer in a statement on Wednesday. The finalists included Angela Flournoy’s “The Wilderness”; Nicholas Boggs’ “Baldwin: A Love Story,” a biography of writer James Baldwin; and “Mother Mary Comes to Me,” a memoir by Arundhati Roy. Source: AP

Actor-director Ben Affleck and singer-actress Jennifer Lopez reunited on the red carpet in New York City months after their divorce, showing mutual respect and support for each other’s work. Lopez, 56, attended the premiere of her upcoming musical Kiss of the Spider Woman, which Affleck co-produced through his and Matt Damon’s Artist Equity company. The former couple posed together and interacted on the carpet, while Affleck also spoke to the press about the film. For the occasion, Lopez wore a sculptural gown from Harris Reed’s Spring 2026 collection. During her introduction, she thanked Affleck, saying the film “wouldn’t have been made without Ben and Artist Equity,” expressing her excitement over performing in the project. Affleck, 53, continues to publicly support Lopez following their 2025 divorce. The couple first met in 2002, had an on-and-off relationship over the years, remarried in 2022, and finalized their separation in February 2025.   Source: NDTV

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Bollywood production house Yash Raj Films will shoot three major films across the United Kingdom starting early 2026, following his visit to the studio in Mumbai on Wednesday. The agreement is expected to create over 3,000 jobs and inject millions of pounds into the UK economy, Starmer said. “Bollywood is back in Britain, bringing jobs, investment and opportunity, while showcasing the UK as a world-class destination for global filmmaking,” he added, highlighting the benefits of the UK-India trade deal. Yash Raj Films CEO Akshaye Widhani noted the historic ties between the studio and the UK, citing iconic films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge that were shot in the country. He added that the company is also producing the UK-based stage adaptation of DDLJ, titled Come Fall in Love. The announcement comes after an eight-year pause in Yash Raj Films’ UK productions. A cooperation agreement between the British Film Institute (BFI) and India’s National Film Development Commission (NFDC) will support co-productions and shared resources between filmmakers from both countries.   Source: NDTV  

BLACKPINK’s Jisoo is set to release a new single, Eyes Closed, in collaboration with British singer Zayn Malik, the former One Direction member. Jisoo shared the official poster on Instagram, giving fans a first look at the duo together. In the image, both artists appear stylish in matching black outfits, with Jisoo confidently in the foreground and Zayn slightly behind. The post read: “JISOO X ZAYN Digital Single ‘EYES CLOSED’.” This marks Jisoo’s first release since her solo EP Amortage in February, which featured four tracks: Earthquake, Your Love, Tears, and Hugs & Kisses. For Zayn, it continues his successful solo career in R&B and alternative pop after leaving One Direction in 2015. Fans had already spotted a connection between the two. In July, Zayn attended BLACKPINK’s concert at New York’s MetLife Stadium with his daughter, Khai, later posting on Instagram: “@BLACKPINKOFFICIAL THANK YOU :) ME & KHAI LOVED IT.” The single comes while Jisoo takes a break from BLACKPINK’s Deadline world tour, making it a perfect release to keep fans engaged. With Jisoo’s vocals and Zayn’s distinctive tone, Eyes Closed promises to be a treat for fans worldwide.   Source: NDTV

Several prominent Turkish entertainers, including singers, television actors, and social media figures, were questioned and given blood tests on Wednesday as part of a drug investigation, according to officials and local media reports. Istanbul’s chief prosecutor launched the inquiry into individuals suspected of using narcotic or stimulant substances, the prosecutor’s office said. State-run Anadolu Agency reported that 12 well-known figures were summoned, though none were taken into custody and all were expected to be released after testing. The investigation comes amid a broader government clampdown on artists and dissenting voices under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Pop singer Mabel Matiz is already facing up to three years in prison over alleged “obscenity” in his song lyrics, while prosecutors accuse the girl-band Manifest of “indecent acts” during a recent performance.  

A week after Dhanashree Verma alleged that she caught her ex-husband, cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal, cheating in the second month of their marriage, Chahal has responded, dismissing the claims and saying he has moved on with his life. He also suggested that Dhanashree continues to use his name for publicity. Chahal’s response to cheating claims “I am a sportsperson and I do not cheat. If someone were to cheat in the second month, how could the relationship have lasted this long?” Chahal told Hindustan Times. “For me, this chapter is over, done and dusted. I have moved forward with my life, and everyone else should too.” He added, “Our marriage lasted 4.5 years. If cheating had occurred in the second month, who would have continued? I have already moved on from the past, but some people are still stuck there. Some continue to live in that narrative, but I am neither concerned nor affected. I feel this is the last time I will address this chapter of my life.” The 35-year-old further stated, “I have moved on from this chapter. People may say anything on social media — a hundred claims circulate, but the truth is one, and those who matter know it. For me, the chapter is closed. I do not intend to address it again. I am focusing on my life and my game.” Dhanashree Verma’s claims Dhanashree recently appeared on the reality show Rise and Fall, where she hinted at Chahal’s alleged infidelity. Actress Kubbra Sait asked her, “When did you realise your marriage was falling apart?” Dhanashree responded, “First year. Caught him in the second month,” implying that Chahal had an extramarital relationship. Divorce proceedings In February 2025, Dhanashree and Chahal were seen outside Bandra Family Court, filing for divorce by mutual consent. They requested a waiver of the six-month cooling-off period, which the court denied. After living separately for 18 months, the couple officially divorced on 20 March 2025. Source: Agency

Weeks after the death of Indian singer Zubeen Garg, a Pakistani band paid a heartfelt tribute to him by performing his iconic Bollywood song “Ya Ali” during a live concert in Karachi. A video of the performance went viral on social media, showing the audience singing along as the band recreated Garg’s famous track from Gangster (2006), composed by Pritam and starring Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut, and Shiney Ahuja. Fans across borders praised the tribute, calling it a reminder that “music has no borders or religion.” Zubeen Garg, a celebrated artist who sang in more than 40 languages, died in Singapore on September 19 from accidental drowning. The 52-year-old singer, widely loved in Assam and beyond, had made his Bollywood debut with “Ya Ali,” which became one of the most memorable songs of the 2000s. His death drew wide attention after a bandmate alleged foul play. Following an investigation, Garg’s manager Siddhartha Sharma and North East India Festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta were arrested in India on charges of culpable homicide, conspiracy, and negligence. Zubeen’s final rites and Adya Shraddha were held last week in Jorhat, Assam, where his musical journey began.   Source: NDTV

Aurthohin , the powerhouse of Bangladeshi rock music, is set to globally release their highly anticipated new album, ‘Phoenixer Diary 2’. This sequel is poised to bring a dramatic and dark turn for the band and their music. ‘Phoenixer Diary 1’ established the 'Bangla Nu Rock' genre, which was officially recognized by Spotify. This new album from Aurthohin is expected to transcend musical boundaries telling a story of intense rage and revenge. While the first album depicted the Phoenix’s endurance and rebirth, ‘Phoenixer Diary 2’ sees the character, ravaged by extreme loss, transformed from a symbol of hope into an emblem of destruction, consumed by the fire of vengeance. The band promises this album will be darker, more intense, and musically richer than its predecessor. At the Skyfall restaurant in the capital's SKS Tower, Mohakhali, Aurthohin  met with media personnel to officially announce the global release date of their new album and share details of an exclusive secret listening party for fans. It was announced at the event that ‘Phoenixer Diary 2’ will be released on October 17, across all major streaming platforms, including YouTube Music, Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and Qobuz. Furthermore, Aurthohin announced a highly secret and special event, the ‘Secret Listening Party,’ for their dedicated fans known as 'Oddbhut', which will be held on October 10. A song from the ‘Phoenixer Diary 2’ album, ‘Unmad’, was released on the band's YouTube channel on October 2 and can be heard by clicking the link provided: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuzPfe2Gezk. Aurthohin expressed special gratitude for the patronage of Mercedes-Benz Bangladesh, the cooperation of Shell, Framework Finance Limited, Get Set Rock, and Verse Imagine, and the partnerships with Heavy Metal T-shirt, Music Castle, SP Rhythm, Skyfall, Tune & Bite Music Cafe, Universal Medical College & Hospital Ltd, and Cool Exposure for the album release and associated events. The album will feature several collaborations with internationally renowned artists, including Grammy nominee guitarist Frank Gambale; saxophone player Bob Franceschini (known for his work with Mike Stran and Paul Simon); bass player Bubby Lewis (known for his work with Snoop Dogg, Stevie Wonder, and Dr. Dre); and Ahnaf, son of Bassbaba Sumon. The album is dedicated to the memory of music director and artist A K Ratul.