United News of Bangladesh

Popular singer Arijit Singh, who announced in January that he would no longer take on new playback singing assignments, has shared his first direct message to fans since making the decision. In a heartfelt post on X on Tuesday, Arijit said the note was meant only for his listeners. Expressing gratitude and affection, he thanked fans for their continued kindness and support, saying their love mattered deeply to him in what he described as a harsh world. The singer clarified that while he has stopped accepting new playback projects, many previously recorded songs are still pending. He said those tracks would continue to be released over time, possibly throughout the year and even into the next. Arijit urged fans to remain calm, avoid unnecessary debates, and focus on peace, self-care and positivity. Ireland introduces world’s first permanent basic income scheme for artists The message follows his earlier announcement in which he revealed his decision to step back from playback singing, calling an end to a journey he described as fulfilling and memorable. At the time, he thanked listeners for their years of support and said he was grateful for the love he had received. Arijit first came into the spotlight as a contestant on the reality show Fame Gurukul in 2005. He later made his Hindi film playback debut with the song Phir Mohabbat from the movie Murder 2, which became widely popular. Despite his retirement announcement, Arijit will still be heard in upcoming releases, including the film Ek Din, starring Sai Pallavi and Junaid Khan, as he completes his remaining commitments.

Singer Mainul Ahsan Nobel has been granted bail in a case filed over allegations of fraud involving a young woman on Tuesday. Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Raju Ahmed approved his bail, with the condition that he reach a settlement with the complainant. Nobel was produced before the court by police in the afternoon. Anannya Shabnam Roz (Anannya), plaintiff in the case, was also present in court during the hearing. Nexus TV’s grand Eid celebration: A week of music and entertainment Nobel’s lawyer, Md. Rana Sheikh, filed the bail petition on his behalf. During the hearing, the court inquired if both parties were willing to settle. Both Nobel and Anannya agreed, following which the bail was granted. After the order, Nobel was seen smiling in court. According to the case, Nobel allegedly defrauded the complainant of Tk 13,18,540 between August 25, 2023 and June 2025 by luring her with promises of marriage. Father's Day 2023: Entertainment stars on social media, in reminiscence of loving fathers Other accused in the case, including Nobel’s mother Nazma Hossain, his wife Israt Jahan Priya, and associates, allegedly assisted in the fraud and in attempts to intimidate the complainant. The complainant had previously filed a case against Nobel on August 13, last year. After a PBI investigation confirmed the allegations, a report was submitted on January 7 against five accused. Nobel has a prior history of legal issues, including a previous fraud and sexual assault case, in which he was granted bail after marrying the plaintiff.

Nick Reiner, 32, son of Hollywood director Rob Reiner and actress-producer Michele Singer Reiner, pleaded not guilty Monday to charges of murdering his parents in Los Angeles. Reiner appeared in a Los Angeles court over the deaths of his parents, who were found with multiple stab wounds at their Brentwood home in December. He is accused of fatally stabbing his father, 78, and mother, 70, in a bedroom before fleeing. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty. The couple’s daughter discovered the bodies on December 14. According to the LA County medical examiner, both died from multiple sharp force injuries. Reiner was arrested the same day and is being held in custody. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 29. Originally set for January, the arraignment had been postponed after Reiner’s previous lawyer withdrew from the case. His current attorney, Kimberly Greene, entered the not guilty plea on his behalf. Reiner is receiving publicly funded legal representation. The couple’s other children, Jake and Romy, expressed their grief over the “horrific and devastating loss” in a statement following the deaths.   With inputs from BBC

The wedding venue of actors Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda in Rajasthan’s Udaipur has been finalised, with heightened security at the airport ahead of their arrival for the celebrations. The ceremony is confirmed to be held at ITC Mementos Udaipur, a secluded luxury property about 25 kilometres from the city. Nestled in the Aravalli hills, the venue offers complete privacy, making it suitable for the couple’s low-key wedding plans. The resort features 117 private villas and includes both a river and a lake within the estate. It also has a private helipad and is spread across a hill in the Aravalli range, ensuring minimal public access. Vijay Deverakonda’s Hyderabad home illuminated ahead of wedding with Rashmika Mandanna Sources said the couple and around 50 close guests are expected to arrive in Udaipur on commercial flights before the festivities begin. Security measures at Udaipur Airport have been increased as several celebrities are likely to land for the three-day celebration. However, no major film stars are expected, while a few politicians from Telangana and some film directors may attend. The total guest list is likely to remain around 100 people. The couple has also announced that their wedding will be titled “The Wedding of VIROSH,” a name coined by fans by combining their names. In a note to supporters, they said the title is a tribute to the love and support they have received over the years. The wedding is scheduled for February 26. With inputs from NDTV

In war-hit Kyiv, wounded Ukrainian veterans are turning classic poetry into a powerful stage performance that reflects their own wartime experiences and resilience. The play, directed by Olha Semioshkina, is based on “Eneida” by Ivan Kotliarevskyi, an 18th-century adaptation of Virgil’s epic. With the war nearing its fourth year after Russia’s full-scale invasion, the production blends myth with modern reality. The cast includes veterans in their 20s to 60s who returned from the front with amputations, severe burns and vision loss, as well as civilians affected by the conflict. Many had never acted before. It took over a year of preparation for the premiere at the National Academic Molodyy Theatre. Semioshkina said the team first focused on basic movement and communication, even practicing without prosthetic limbs to help actors reconnect with their bodies. Her idea was simple: every man represents Aeneas and every woman represents Dido — symbols of struggle, loss and the search for home. During rehearsals, veteran Yehor Babenko, who suffered severe burns early in the invasion, used humor while delivering lines that echoed his own injuries. He said theatre has helped him heal both mentally and physically, boosting confidence and self-expression. In the final act, actors step out of character to share their real stories — from losing limbs in drone attacks to living under occupation. Veteran medic Andrii Onopriienko, who lost his sight in an artillery strike near Avdiivka in 2023, narrated much of the performance in a deep voice, later joining the cast in song. The realities of war were never far away. Before the show, audiences were warned about possible air raid sirens and blackouts. During one performance, the power went out, but actors continued using flashlights as the audience stayed, some in tears. The cast received a standing ovation when the curtain fell, underscoring the play’s message of courage and hope. Semioshkina urged veterans watching from home to step forward, live fully and stay connected despite the scars of war.

Actor Vijay Deverakonda’s Hyderabad residence was seen lit up ahead of his highly anticipated wedding with actress Rashmika Mandanna, fueling excitement among fans. The couple is reportedly set to marry on February 26 in Udaipur in a private ceremony with close family and friends. Although both Vijay and Rashmika have not publicly confirmed the venue, social media has been buzzing with speculation, especially after a wedding invitation signed by the duo went viral earlier this week. The invite read, “With the love and blessings of our families, Rashmika and I will be getting married on 26.02.26 in a small and intimate ceremony. Your presence and blessings would make this occasion even more special for us.” It also included details of a wedding reception in Hyderabad on March 4 at Taj Krishna, Banjara Hills. On Monday, Rashmika, spotted at Mumbai airport, was wished “Shadi mubarak ho (congratulations on your wedding)” by a paparazzo, to which she replied, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” The couple got engaged in an intimate ceremony on October 3 last year, sources told NDTV. Rashmika had shared pictures in a saree with a tilak on her forehead, hinting at the engagement. Later, she showcased her engagement ring on a reality show. Vijay and Rashmika’s relationship reportedly began in early 2023 after a vacation in the Maldives. Since then, the pair has often been spotted together, and fans have followed their journey closely. The two first met during the shoot of ‘Geetha Govindam (2018)’ and later collaborated on ‘Dear Comrade (2019)’. From attending film promotions together to celebrating birthdays in exotic locations, the couple has remained in the public eye, keeping fans eager for every update ahead of their wedding. With inputs from NDTV

Oscar-winning Hollywood actor Robert Duvall, best known for his roles in The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, has died at the age of 95. Duvall died peacefully at his home in Middleburg, Virginia, on Sunday, according to a statement issued by his public relations agency on behalf of his wife, Luciana. She described him as not only an award-winning actor and filmmaker but also her entire world, praising his deep commitment to his craft and his love for storytelling, food and lively conversation. Tributes quickly poured in from across the film industry. Fellow Godfather star Al Pacino said it was an honour to work with Duvall, calling him a natural actor whose talent and understanding of the art would never be forgotten. Over a career spanning more than six decades, Duvall became renowned for portraying strong, often hard-edged characters. He played mafia consigliere Tom Hagen in The Godfather and The Godfather Part II, and a commanding US army officer in Apocalypse Now, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. His brief but memorable performance in Apocalypse Now, including the iconic napalm line, became one of cinema’s most quoted moments. Coppola described Duvall’s death as a major loss, saying he was an essential part of American Zoetrope from its earliest days. Duvall later revealed that he deliberately toned down his Apocalypse Now character to make it more believable. Duvall received seven Oscar nominations during his career and won best actor in 1983 for his role as a troubled country singer in Tender Mercies. His wide-ranging filmography also included Network, The Great Santini, The Handmaid’s Tale and The Judge. He often said his favourite role was Texas Ranger Augustus McCrae in the television miniseries Lonesome Dove. He made his screen debut in To Kill a Mockingbird, delivering a powerful, wordless performance as Boo Radley that earned lasting acclaim. Actor Alec Baldwin later said the role was emotionally devastating despite the absence of dialogue. Beyond acting, Duvall also wrote and directed films, including The Apostle, in which he played a conflicted evangelical preacher. Colleagues and co-stars remembered him not only for his immense talent but also for his warmth, humour and love of simple pleasures. In a closing message, his wife thanked fans for their support over the years and asked for privacy as the family remembers and celebrates a life that left a lasting mark on cinema.   With inputs from BBC

Major Hollywood studios have demanded that ByteDance, the Chinese owner of TikTok, immediately stop its new AI video tool, Seedance 2.0, over alleged copyright violations involving clips based on existing films and TV shows. The Motion Picture Association (MPA), representing leading US studios including Netflix, Paramount Pictures, Amazon MGM Studios, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, The Walt Disney Studios, and Warner Bros Discovery, said the AI service engaged in “unauthorised use of US copyrighted works on a massive scale” in a single day. Seedance 2.0 allows users to generate highly realistic clips from short text prompts, including scenes featuring actors such as Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt, as well as reimagined TV characters. The tool has gone viral on social media, with users posting AI-generated scenes based on franchises like The Lord of the Rings, Seinfeld, Avengers, and Breaking Bad. MPA chairman Charles Rivkin criticized ByteDance for operating “without meaningful safeguards against infringement,” warning that the tool undermines copyright protections and threatens millions of jobs in the US entertainment industry. ByteDance said it has suspended the ability to upload images of real people and will implement robust monitoring to ensure compliance with intellectual property laws. The company described the AI-generated content as part of a limited pre-launch testing phase and stressed that it takes potential copyright issues seriously. Hollywood creators have expressed concern over the technology’s implications. Deadpool writer Rhett Reese described the AI-generated fight between Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt as “professional” and said the industry could face a major disruption. Heather Anne Campbell, writer for Saturday Night Live and Rick & Morty, noted that while AI allows limitless creative possibilities, original ideas remain challenging, comparing many outputs to fan fiction. The rapid rise of AI-generated video is prompting urgent discussions in the US entertainment sector on how to balance innovation with copyright protection and preserve jobs in the creative industry.   With inputs from BBC

Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri’s O’Romeo had a steady opening at the Indian box office on Friday, earning early praise for its performances and direction. Box Office Performance According to preliminary estimates from Sacnilk, the film collected around ₹8.25 crore nett on its first day. Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, the romantic-action drama recorded a theatrical occupancy of 14.86% on Day 1. In comparison with Kapoor’s recent films, O’Romeo opened stronger than Deva (₹5.50 crore), Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (₹6.70 crore), and Jersey (₹3.2 crore). While not a blockbuster start, it ranks among Shahid Kapoor’s better opening-day performances in recent years. Cast and Crew The film also stars Nana Patekar, Avinash Tiwary, Vikrant Massey, and Tamannaah Bhatia in pivotal roles, and is produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment. Before the release, Vishal Bhardwaj shared an emotional note on Instagram expressing pride in the project, saying it made him realise his capacity for both “love and violence.” He wrote, “Before the critics speak and before the box office delivers its verdict, I feel compelled to share how deeply proud I am of this film. Before the accolades or the criticism arrive, I must thank, from the deepest part of my being, all my HODs who gave far more than was ever asked of them…” Critical Response Film critic Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars, describing it as “a vivid, visceral, and visually varied film” that uses music as a narrative backbone. He added that it tells the story of flawed characters struggling with adversaries and inner conflicts, with few predictable moments. Source: NDTV

Australian actor Rose Byrne, fresh from winning a Golden Globe and earning an Oscar nomination for her lead role in “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” will be honored as the 2026 Woman of the Year by Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals on Friday. Byrne, known for her roles in films such as “Bridesmaids,” “Neighbors,” “Insidious” and the TV series “Damages,” will join a celebratory parade through the streets of Cambridge, Massachusetts. She will later receive the traditional pudding pot award at a roast ceremony and attend a performance of the troupe’s 177th production, “Salooney Tunes.” In a review of the film, AP critic Jocelyn Noveck said Byrne was given “a chance to display versatility and grit in surely the toughest dramatic role of her career.” Sonam Kapoor hosts heartfelt Baby Shower, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Anil Kapoor among guests Actor Michael Keaton, famed for “Batman,” “Birdman,” “Beetlejuice” and “Spotlight,” was named the 2026 Man of the Year and received his pudding pot on Feb. 6. “We are thrilled to honor Rose Byrne as our Woman of the Year,” Hasty Pudding Theatricals President Daisy Nussbaum said in a statement, noting that her recent Golden Globe win and Oscar nomination made the recognition fitting. The Hasty Pudding Theatricals is the oldest theatrical organization in the United States and among the oldest globally. Since 1951, it has presented the annual award to leading actresses including Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Scarlett Johansson and Annette Bening. Last year’s recipient was “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo. Byrne has also appeared in “Juliet, Naked,” “Get Him to the Greek” and “28 Weeks Later.” Her stage work includes productions at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and she is set to star opposite Kelli O’Hara in the Broadway revival of “Fallen Angels” beginning in March. Ireland introduces world’s first permanent basic income scheme for artists