United News of Bangladesh

Kaylee Hottle, a deaf actor best known for her starring role in two “Godzilla” films, died in a car crash in Maryland early Tuesday morning, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office said. She was 18. Hottle was one of two passengers in the car when it went off the road and hit a culvert in Ijamsville before 3 a.m. The driver was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and the other passenger declined medical treatment, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office. Excessive speed is believed to be a factor in the crash, which is under investigation, the sheriff’s office said. Hottle was a native signer of American Sign Language, and her family members are also deaf. Her parents, Joshua and Ketsi Hottle, shared emotional video statements about her death on social media sites. “Kaylee’s mom and four siblings are crushed,” her father said in ASL in a post from an airport. “They are together at home, grieving. I am on my way to Maryland to bring Kaylee’s body back home.” Hottle’s heart stopped before she arrived at a hospital, transported by air from the scene of the accident, her father said. “Very grateful for the 18 years we had together — and wish we had more,” he said. Joshua Hottle also reached out to the driver, described by the sheriff’s office as a 19-year-old Frederick man. “I have forgiven you,” her father said. “Don’t let this incident ruin the rest of your life.” “I still feel Kaylee is with us,” her mother said in ASL in a post. In “Godzilla vs. Kong” and the sequel, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” Hottle played an orphaned girl named Jia who sees beyond Kong’s threatening appearance and forms a special bond with the monster, communicating with him using sign language. “I’m so devastated to hear this. You will be deeply missed Kaylee,” her “Godzilla” co-star Millie Bobby Brown posted on Instagram. Co-star Alexander Skarsgård, who learned ASL to communicate with Hottle, told the pop culture website Junkee in 2021 that he and others were impressed by the young ingenue’s professionalism and her ability to quickly incorporate the director’s notes into her acting. In a 2024 interview with The Associated Press, Hottle said through an interpreter that she hadn’t watched monster movies before she was cast in “Godzilla,” so her father helped her understand the genre. “I look up to a lot of people, but the one person I look up to, the few people I look up to mostly, are my parents and my sisters,” Hottle said. Hottle said that when she was working on the first film, she was a bit concerned about whether she would be able to return to her “normal life,” afterward. “People do recognize me at school, yes, but it’s not as bad as I thought it would be,” Hottle said. Hottle previously appeared in a 2021 television episode of “Magnum P.I.” She was listed as appearing in the upcoming film “What Doesn’t Kill Us.” “I’m so heartbroken. My heart goes out to her family during this unimaginable time,” Alaqua Cox, her co-star in that film and fellow deaf actor, wrote on Instagram. Other prominent deaf actors also shared messages of grief online. “I am absolutely gutted about the passing of sweet Kaylee Hottle. May her beauty and talent be a memory for eternity,” Oscar winner Marlee Matlin wrote on Instagram. Fellow Oscar winner Troy Kotsur, who starred in the film “Coda,” wrote that Hottle’s death made him think of his own daughter, and reminded him not to take time for granted. “I have no words to express on what happened this morning,” Kotsur wrote, offering his “deepest condolences” to the Hottle family. Officials with Texas School for the Deaf in Austin also announced Hottle’s death on Facebook, writing that counseling and support services would be available to her classmates and friends. “Please keep Kaylee’s loved ones in your thoughts as we mourn this tremendous loss together,” the school wrote. ___ Boone reported from Boise, Idaho. Lage reported from Ann Arbor, Michigan.    

The Dink, a new sports comedy arriving on Apple TV this Friday, mixes underdog humour with a familiar redemption story, using the fast-growing sport of pickleball as its backdrop. The film follows Dusty, played by Jake Johnson, a former tennis prodigy whose promising career ended early after a loss to a young Andy Roddick. Now working as a tennis coach at his father's exclusive club, Dusty spends more time talking about his past than building a future. His father Chuck, played by Ed Harris, raised him with dreams of becoming a tennis champion and has nothing but contempt for pickleball. Dusty shares that attitude until a wrist injury forces his doctor, played in a brief but funny appearance by Ben Stiller, to recommend pickleball as part of his recovery. Reluctantly taking up the sport, Dusty finds himself playing alongside a lively group of older women, including characters played by Mary Steenburgen, Cleo King and the late Lynne Marie Stewart. As he spends more time with them, he gradually changes his view of both the sport and himself. Jake Johnson delivers another strong performance as an imperfect but likable underdog. Mary Steenburgen adds warmth and humour, while Ed Harris is convincing as Dusty's demanding father. The supporting cast includes Patton Oswalt as an enthusiastic pickleball player, Chloe Fineman as Dusty's unpredictable former girlfriend and Chris Parnell as a tennis professional. Directed by Josh Greenbaum and written by Sean Clements, the film balances comedy with emotional moments without making pickleball or its players the target of constant jokes. One standout comedy sequence, involving minor characters rather than the main storyline, is described as one of the film's funniest moments. Greenbaum, known for directing Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar and the upcoming Spaceballs sequel, continues to establish himself as a dependable comedy director at a time when big-screen comedies have become increasingly rare. The review also notes that although audiences still enjoy going to cinemas, many mainstream comedies are now being released directly on streaming platforms instead of theatres. While films like The Dink and Kevin Hart's 72 Hours continue the tradition of straightforward comedy, the reviewer suggests something is lost when audiences cannot share the experience of laughing together in a movie theatre. The Dink begins streaming on Apple TV on Friday. The Motion Picture Association has given the film a PG-13 rating for strong language and sexual material. It runs for 102 minutes and receives two-and-a-half stars out of four.

Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar and his wife, singer-host Shibani Dandekar, have drawn criticism on social media after a video of them performing at a wedding went viral. The clip, widely shared on social media, shows Farhan, dressed in a black suit, singing Pichle Saat Dinon Mein from the 2008 film Rock On!!. Shibani later joined him on stage to perform Pehli Baar from the 2015 film Dil Dhadakne Do. While some users enjoyed the performance, many criticised the couple, saying they appeared "out of sync" and questioning their vocal performance. Several social media comments also suggested that Farhan's singing was below his earlier standards. The viral video comes as Farhan remains in the spotlight over developments surrounding Don 3. The filmmaker has faced speculation about the project following reports that actor Ranveer Singh had exited the film. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Farhan described the past few years as "challenging" and said the experience had taught him to "expect the unexpected." He said no project should be considered certain until filming is complete but stressed that Don 3 remains one of the stories he is committed to bringing to the screen. Source: NDTV

Global music stars Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS and Shakira headlined the FIFA World Cup's first-ever halftime show on Sunday, delivering a fast-paced performance featuring several international artists, Muppets characters and Hollywood celebrities. Held at MetLife Stadium near New York, the 11-minute show was designed to bring a Super Bowl-style halftime spectacle to football's biggest tournament. Unlike the Super Bowl's single-headliner format, the World Cup show featured several performers, each taking the stage for about two minutes. Madonna opened the performance with her 2000 hit Music, joined by Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. After appearing in a pre-recorded roller rink sequence, she entered the stadium in a dune buggy before performing live. Renowned Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel then led an orchestra in a performance of Seven Nation Army, the popular football anthem by The White Stripes. Members of the Muppets, including Animal on drums, also appeared during the performance. K-pop group BTS followed with their global hit Dynamite, wearing red-and-black outfits in a colourful stage performance. Actors Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt, appearing as their popular "Ted Lasso" characters, introduced Justin Bieber, who performed Everything Hallelujah with an acoustic guitar in a more relaxed segment. Shakira and Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy then performed Dai Dai, the tournament's official World Cup anthem, which had been played before every one of the tournament's 104 matches. Shakira, dressed in a colourful feathered outfit, was joined by dancers, including children, before Burna Boy joined her on stage. Shakira is well known for World Cup songs, including the iconic 2010 anthem Waka Waka (This Time for Africa). The halftime show concluded with the PS22 Chorus from Staten Island performing alongside Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who curated the event, Gustavo Dudamel, Shakira and several Muppets and Sesame Street characters, including Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Cookie Monster and Count von Count. Although Dudamel conducted about 40 musicians from the New York Philharmonic and Venezuela's Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra on the field, the orchestral music had been pre-recorded earlier in the week. Following Spain's victory over Argentina in the World Cup final, Oscar-winning actor Javier Bardem celebrated enthusiastically with Spanish supporters inside the stadium. Among other celebrities attending the final were Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Timothée Chalamet, Kylie Jenner and actor Matt Damon, who attended with his wife, Luciana Barroso Damon. Jennifer Hudson, Post Malone and Tom Cruise feature in pre-match ceremony Before kickoff, Jennifer Hudson, Robbie Williams, Post Malone and Tom Cruise led the World Cup closing ceremony with musical performances and speeches. British singer Robbie Williams performed FIFA anthem Desire, joined by Nicole Scherzinger and Italian singer Laura Pausini. Online personality IShowSpeed performed his football-themed song Champions, while Post Malone sang his new track Chrome Heartbreaker before teaming up with Swae Lee for their hit Sunflower. Actor Tom Cruise then addressed fans, celebrating the tournament and welcoming the finalists, Spain and Argentina. The national anthems were performed live before the match. Jennifer Hudson sang the US national anthem, while Spain's La Marcha Real was performed by Spanish Brass. Argentine singer María Becerra sang Argentina's national anthem before kickoff.

Social media influencers Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan Tate were arrested in Miami on Saturday after British authorities requested their extradition over rape and human trafficking charges, the US Marshals Service confirmed. The brothers, who hold dual US and British citizenship, were taken into custody on a sealed arrest warrant, according to US Marshals Service spokesperson Brady McCarron. British prosecutors said they are seeking the brothers' extradition over allegations that they raped and trafficked women between 2010 and 2017. Andrew, 39, and Tristan, 38, moved to Romania in 2016. They were arrested there in 2022 on separate allegations of human trafficking and sexual exploitation, but the case has yet to proceed because of legal and procedural issues. The brothers have denied all allegations. Romanian authorities allowed them to leave the country last year, after which they travelled to Florida on a private jet. The Tate brothers are expected to appear before a federal court in Miami early next week, according to a person familiar with the case who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the investigation. The latest charges filed in the UK relate to alleged offences involving women in an area north of London, where the brothers grew up. Their lawyers have denied the accusations. Joseph McBride, a lawyer representing the brothers, criticised the new charges, calling them an attempt to undermine defamation lawsuits the brothers have filed in the United States. He said he had not yet been able to speak with his clients but expressed confidence they would ultimately be cleared. Andrew Tate first gained public attention in 2016 as a contestant on the British reality television show Big Brother. He was removed from the programme after a video emerged that appeared to show him assaulting a woman. The brothers have built a large online following by promoting wealth, masculinity and controversial views. Andrew Tate has more than 10 million followers on X, although he has been banned from platforms including YouTube, TikTok and Instagram for violating policies on hate speech. He has faced widespread criticism for comments about women, sexual assault and mental health, which critics describe as misogynistic. Tate has repeatedly said his remarks were taken out of context or intended as jokes. In a statement on Saturday, the UK's Crown Prosecution Service said prosecutors had added 38 new charges involving four additional alleged victims, alongside charges announced previously in 2025 involving three women. Both brothers face charges of rape and human trafficking. Andrew Tate also faces an additional charge related to profiting from prostitution, along with 19 further charges involving alleged indecent images of a child and extreme pornography, according to UK authorities. "There is no place for violence against women and girls," said Bedfordshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Karena Thomas, adding that police would continue to support victims and investigate all reported offences. The Tate brothers continue to deny all allegations against them.

Article 370 emerged as the biggest winner at the 72nd National Film Awards of India, taking home the Best Feature Film award, while Yami Gautam was named Best Actress and Kartik Aaryan and Malayalam superstar Mammootty shared the Best Actor honour. The awards, recognising excellence in Indian cinema for 2024, were announced at a press conference in New Delhi on Saturday, honouring outstanding achievements across feature and non-feature films in multiple Indian languages. Yami Gautam won the Best Actress award for her performance in Article 370, which also secured awards for Best Feature Film and Best Background Music, composed by Shashwat Sachdev. Kartik Aaryan received the Best Actor award for his role in the Hindi film Chandu Champion, sharing the honour with Mammootty for his acclaimed performance in the Malayalam film Bramayugam. Tamil filmmaker Rajkumar Periasamy was named Best Director for Amaran, while Srikanth won the award for Best Hindi Film. Science-fiction epic Kalki 2898 AD won Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and Best Production Design. Pushpa: The Rule Part 2 earned two awards for Best Costume Design and Best Screenplay. Among regional cinema winners, Raayan was named Best Tamil Film, Committee Kurrollu won Best Telugu Film, Feminichi Fathima was selected as Best Malayalam Film, Mithya won Best Kannada Film, Chalvhitra Ekhon claimed Best Bengali Film, while Mukkam Post Bombilwadi took the Best Marathi Film award. In the technical categories, Shehnad Jalal won Best Cinematography for Bramayugam, R. Kalaivannan received Best Editing for Amaran, and Manas Choudhury won Best Sound Design for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. Sanjay Mishra was named Best Supporting Actor for Bhakshak, while Sachana Namidass won Best Supporting Actress for the Tamil film Maharaja. The Best Children's Film award went to 35 – Chinna Katha Kaadu, while Captain Miller received the honour for Best Film Promoting National or Social Values. Swatantrya Veer Savarkar was recognised as Best Debut Film. In the music categories, Vaikom Vijayalakshmi won Best Female Playback Singer for the Malayalam song Angu Vaana Konilu from A.R.M., while Abhay Jodhpurkar received the Best Male Playback Singer award for the Marathi song Navasachi Gauri Mazi from Gharat Ganpati. The awards also recognised achievements in non-feature films. Bhangaar (Obsolete) won Best Non-Fiction Film, while Ram-Nami was named Best Documentary Film. Marathi short film Hamsafar received the Best Short Film award, and Touched As Water won Best Animation Film. Piplantri: A Tale of Eco Feminism was honoured as the Best Non-Feature Film Promoting Social and Environmental Values, while filmmaker Aanand L. Rai won Best Direction in the non-feature category for Statue of Unity: Ekta Ka Prateek. The National Film Awards are India's highest official recognition for cinematic excellence and celebrate achievements across mainstream, regional and independent filmmaking. Source: NDTV

As football fans around the world prepare for Sunday's FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, music can be the perfect way to build the excitement. Whether fans are cheering for defending champions Argentina to win back-to-back World Cups or hoping Spain's teenage star Lamine Yamal shines on the biggest stage, these 10 songs capture the spirit, energy and celebration of the tournament. Here are AP's picks: 1. "Dai Dai" — Shakira and Burna Boy (2026)The official song of the 2026 World Cup combines Latin rhythms with Afrobeats in a multilingual anthem celebrating unity, passion and victory. Colombian singer Shakira said a World Cup song should reflect the emotions and excitement that football brings to people around the world. 2. "DNA (More Than A Game)" — Andrea Bocelli, David Guetta, EJAE and Megan Thee Stallion (2026)This unique collaboration blends opera, pop, electronic dance music and rap in English, Italian and Korean. The song highlights football as more than a sport, describing it as part of people's identity. 3. "La Copa de la Vida (The Cup of Life)" — Ricky Martin (1998)One of the most memorable World Cup anthems ever released, Ricky Martin's energetic hit became the soundtrack of the 1998 tournament in France and remains a fan favourite. 4. "Despechá" — Rosalía (2022)The upbeat Latin pop hit has become a celebration song for Spain's national team, often played after goals and victories. It is expected to feature again if Spain succeeds in the final. 5. "Mi Gran Noche" — Raphael (1967)Spanish music legend Raphael's classic song has become a regular feature of football celebrations across Spain, thanks to its lively melody and timeless appeal. 6. "La Roja Baila" — Sergio Ramos, Niña Pastori and RedOne (2016)Recorded as Spain's official anthem for the 2016 European Championship, the song celebrates the national team's nickname, "La Roja," and continues to be popular among Spanish supporters. 7. "La Cumbia de los Trapos" — Yerba Brava (2000)This energetic cumbia track has become closely linked with Argentina's football team. It was widely associated with the country's World Cup triumph in Qatar in 2022 and remains a favourite among Argentine fans. 8. "Matador" — Los Fabulosos Cadillacs (1993, remastered 2008)Often played after Argentina scores, the song combines ska, reggae and Latin rhythms. While known as a football anthem, it also carries a deeper message about Argentina's military dictatorship. 9. "Dumbai" — Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso (2024)The Argentine duo's modern Latin pop hit mixes trap, electronic and tropical sounds, making it a popular addition to football celebrations. 10. "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" — Shakira featuring Freshlyground (2010)Widely regarded as one of the greatest World Cup songs ever made, the official anthem of the 2010 tournament in South Africa remains a global favourite for football fans. Its catchy rhythm and uplifting message continue to make it a must-play during every World Cup season.

Filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga has praised the Mahesh Babu-backed psychological drama Rao Bahadur, calling it a rare film that reminds audiences why they love cinema. After watching the film, the Animal director shared his appreciation on X, applauding its storytelling, performances and filmmaking. He urged movie lovers to give the film a chance. "Just watched Rao Bahadur. This is one of those rare, rich films that reminds you why we fell in love with cinema in the first place," Vanga wrote. "I have one request to every genuine film lover... give this film three hours of your life. It deserves your attention, your patience, and your applause," he added. Vanga also praised director Venkatesh Maha for bringing his vision to life despite budget limitations, saying it required courage and conviction. He described lead actor Satyadev's performance as "sensational" and commended the entire team for delivering "pure filmmaking" without relying on shortcuts. His praise comes shortly after actor Mahesh Babu also applauded the film following a special screening. Mahesh Babu described Rao Bahadur as a gripping and emotionally powerful film with unique storytelling. He praised director Venkatesh Maha for creating a compelling cinematic world and lauded Satyadev's performance in the lead role. He also appreciated Deepa Thomas, the supporting cast and the technical team, saying he was proud of everyone involved and encouraged audiences to watch the film in theatres. Rao Bahadur, which stars Satyadev in the title role, has been receiving positive feedback from both audiences and members of the film industry for its unconventional storytelling and strong technical quality. Mahesh Babu and his wife Namrata Shirodkar are presenting the film under their banner, GMB Entertainment. Written, directed and edited by Venkatesh Maha, the film also stars Deepa Thomas and Vikas Muppala. Set against the backdrop of a once-prominent aristocratic family, Rao Bahadur blends psychological drama, suspense, dark comedy and magical realism to tell its story. Source: NDTV

New Zealand actor Sam Neill, the acclaimed performer known for his roles in blockbuster films such as Jurassic Park and The Piano, has died at the age of 78, his family announced. Neill died on Monday in Sydney, according to a statement shared on his official social media accounts. The statement described his death as “sudden and unexpected” and said he was surrounded by family at the time of his passing. The family added that Neill had remained cancer-free when he died. No cause of death was disclosed. In 2023, Neill revealed that he had been diagnosed with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. “Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life,” his family said. Neill became internationally recognised during the rise of Australian cinema in the late 1970s and built a career spanning independent films, Hollywood blockbusters and television dramas. He first gained global attention through films such as Gillian Armstrong’s 1979 drama My Brilliant Career and Phillip Noyce’s thriller Dead Calm, which also featured a young Nicole Kidman. His wide-ranging performances included roles opposite Helena Bonham Carter in Sweet Revenge, as Holly Hunter’s husband in The Piano, and as a troubled astronaut in the science-fiction horror film Event Horizon. He also portrayed Damien Thorn in Omen III: The Final Conflict and Cardinal Thomas Wolsey in the television series The Tudors. Neill twice worked alongside Meryl Streep in Plenty and A Cry in the Dark. He earned Emmy nominations for his performance in the 1998 miniseries Merlin and for narrating the 2017 documentary series Wild New Zealand. His most recognisable role came in Steven Spielberg’s 1993 blockbuster Jurassic Park, where he played palaeontologist Dr Alan Grant. The film, featuring Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum and Richard Attenborough, became one of the biggest successes of his career. Neill reprised the role in Jurassic Park III in 2001 and returned for Jurassic World: Dominion in 2022. Born Nigel Neill in Northern Ireland in 1947, he moved with his family to New Zealand when he was seven. He later adopted the name Sam because, as he explained in interviews, there were too many people named Nigel at his school. Raised in Dunedin, Neill began his acting career in New Zealand and starred in Sleeping Dogs in 1977, the country's first feature film in more than a decade. His other notable film roles included a Soviet submarine officer in The Hunt for Red October and an investigator in John Carpenter’s In the Mouth of Madness. On television, he appeared as Chester Campbell in Peaky Blinders, played Thomas Jefferson in Sally Hemings: An American Tragedy, starred in Apple TV+’s Invasion, and appeared opposite Annette Bening in the 2024 series Apples Never Fall. In New Zealand, Neill was admired for his humble personality and reluctance to embrace celebrity status. He frequently shared pictures of his farm animals on social media, naming some after famous friends and colleagues, including a chicken named Laura Dern, a duck named Kylie Minogue and a cow named Helena Bonham Carter. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon paid tribute to Neill, calling him “one of the greats” and praising his role in bringing New Zealand stories to global audiences. Beyond acting, Neill was also a winemaker and produced pinot noir and riesling under his Two Paddocks label from his vineyard in Central Otago. His memoir, Did I Ever Tell You This?, was published in 2023. The same year, he received a knighthood for his outstanding contribution to film. Reflecting on his cancer diagnosis and treatment in a 2023 interview, Neill said the difficult period had deepened his appreciation for life and friendships. He is survived by his four children and eight grandchildren.  

Filmmaker Md. Borhanul Ashekin (Borhan Khan) has been honoured with the prestigious Best Short Film Director award at the AJFB Star Awards 2025 for his socially conscious short film, Blind Road. The award was presented at a gala ceremony held recently at the BIAM Auditorium in the capital. Organised by the Artist and Journalist Foundation of Bangladesh (AJFB), the 19th edition of the awards celebrated outstanding achievements by established stars and emerging talents in the country's film and music industries. The evening featured vibrant cultural performances, adding to the grandeur of the ceremony and making it a memorable occasion for the attendees. Beyond his creative pursuits, Borhanul Ashekin is a successful textile entrepreneur with extensive experience in international garment exports. Despite his professional commitments in business, his passion for the arts has remained a driving force. His ability to balance entrepreneurial success with social responsibility has resonated well with audiences. As a social activist, he has frequently stepped forward to support the community; notably, he gained significant recognition and acclaim for his COVID-19 awareness campaign, ‘Pashe Achi’ (I Am By Your Side). In addition to filmmaking, Borhanul Ashekin is an accomplished author. He has published several literary works, with his poetry collection ‘Sobuj Prem’ (Green Love) receiving notable appreciation from readers at the 2019 Amar Ekushey Book Fair. Active in the media industry for years, Borhan Khan has demonstrated his expertise through television dramas, commercials, and documentaries. His commitment to socially conscious and life-oriented storytelling is evident in his work. Speaking about the recognition, Borhan Khan said, “Cinema is not merely a medium of entertainment; it is a powerful tool for social change. ‘Blind Road’ is a very special project for me, and this award represents the love and trust the audience has placed in my work.”