United News of Bangladesh

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.

The trailer for the second season of Citadel has been released, with the new instalment set to premiere on Prime Video on May 6. The action-packed preview of the spy drama, starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Richard Madden, was unveiled on Tuesday, confirming the return date of the series. The show follows elite agents Mason Kane and Nadia Sinh, played by Madden and Chopra Jonas, along with Bernard Orlick, portrayed by Stanley Tucci. The trio were once part of a powerful global agency that was destroyed by Manticore, a shadowy network backed by influential families. According to the official synopsis, a new and dangerous threat forces the former operatives back into action. They must assemble a team of skilled recruits and carry out a worldwide mission to stop a conspiracy that could have far-reaching consequences. The upcoming season will see the return of cast members Lesley Manville and Ashleigh Cummings. New additions to the cast include Jack Reynor, Matt Berry and Lina El Arabi, along with Merle Dandridge, Gabriel Leone and Rayna Vallandingham. Produced by Amazon MGM Studios and AGBO, the series is executive produced by Anthony Russo, Angela Russo-Otstot and Scott Nemes. David Weil serves as showrunner, director and executive producer, while Joe Russo and Greg Yaitanes also direct and executive produce the series. #From NDTV

South Korean police Tuesday said they seek an arrest warrant for Bang Si-Hyuk, Hybe chairman and BTS agency head, over alleged investor fraud exceeding $100 million. Police said they asked prosecutors for court warrant as probe expands. Bang is accused of misleading investors in 2019 by saying Hybe would not list, prompting share sales to a private fund before IPO. Authorities suspect a 200 billion won ($136m) side deal granting him 30% IPO profit share. His lawyers said he regrets the arrest move despite full cooperation, and denies wrongdoing. He is barred from leaving Korea since August.The case hits Hybe as BTS returns after four-year military hiatus. The group held comeback shows in Seoul, Goyang and Tokyo, and will tour US starting Tampa, Florida. Deepika continues filming action scenes during pregnancy for RaakaBang founded Hybe (Big Hit) in 2005 and built it into a K-pop giant, later buying Ithaca Holdings for $1 billion in 2021, managing Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande. Hybe includes Seventeen, Le Sserafim and Katseye. The company also faced dispute between Bang and producer Min Hee-jin over Ador and NewJeans in 2024; court ordered NewJeans to honor contract until 2029 according to officials and court rulings the investigation remains ongoing at this stage police said report adds.

The Russian House in Dhaka inaugurated a Film Festival dedicated to the 30th Anniversary of the China–Russia Strategic Partnership, with its opening ceremony held at the campus of R. P. Shaha University (RPSU). The event brought together approximately 250 students and faculty members, marking a vibrant beginning to the festival aimed at fostering cultural dialogue and enhancing international understanding through cinema. The programme commenced with an opening session featuring welcome addresses by Professor Dr. Manindra Kumar Roy, Vice-Chancellor of RPSU, Alexandra Khlevnoy, Director of the Russian House in Dhaka, and Li Shaopeng, Cultural Counselor of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China. In her remarks, Ms. Khlevnoy highlighted the historical significance of the Russia–China Strategic Partnership, tracing its development over the past three decades and emphasizing its foundation in mutual trust, cooperation, and a shared vision for a multipolar world. She also noted the strengthening partnership between Russia and Bangladesh, particularly in the areas of energy, education, and cultural exchange.  A special address was delivered by Li in the form of a video message, underscoring the importance of cultural cooperation and people-to-people engagement. Following the formal session, attendees enjoyed screenings of the films “Red Silk,” a Russian feature reflecting rich cultural values and storytelling traditions, and “I Am What I Am,” a Chinese animated film celebrating perseverance, identity, and self-discovery. The festival reflects a continued commitment to strengthening cultural ties and promoting mutual understanding among nations through the universal language of cinema.

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have revealed that they are expecting their second child together. Along with the announcement, they shared a sweet glimpse of their daughter, Dua, who was born in September 2024. The couple posted jointly on Instagram, where the image featured little Dua holding a positive pregnancy test kit. Deepika kept the caption minimal, adding just two evil eye emojis. Deepika and Ranveer tied the knot on November 14, 2018, in an elaborate wedding ceremony at Lake Como. The celebrations included two traditional ceremonies honoring Deepika’s Konkani roots and Ranveer’s Sindhi heritage. Their relationship began while filming Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela in 2013, followed by a private engagement in 2015 before they went public with their marriage. The couple welcomed their first child, Dua, on September 8, 2024. Speaking about motherhood at the WAVES 2025 summit, Deepika shared how becoming a parent transformed her outlook on life. She described the experience as deeply emotional and grounding, shifting her focus from personal ambition to caring for her child and being more present in everyday moments. She has also expressed a desire to give her daughter a normal upbringing, away from constant public attention. On the professional front, Ranveer is enjoying the continued success of Dhurandhar 2, while Deepika has a busy lineup ahead. She will appear alongside Shah Rukh Khan in King, directed by Siddharth Anand, and will also star with Allu Arjun in AA22xA6. Source NDTV  

Hollywood actress Natalie Portman is expecting her third child at the age of 44, her first with partner Tanguy Destable. In an interview with Harper's Bazaar, Portman said she feels “very grateful” about the pregnancy and described it as both a privilege and a miracle. She added that she and Destable are very excited about welcoming their child. Portman already has two children 14-year-old son Aleph and 9-year-old daughter Amalia with her former husband Benjamin Millepied. The couple divorced in 2024. Her publicist, Keleigh Morgan, confirmed the pregnancy but did not provide further details. Speaking about her personal experience, Portman said she grew up understanding how difficult pregnancy can be, as her father worked as a fertility doctor. She noted that while having a child is a joyful experience, it is not always easy for many people, and she wants to remain mindful of that. She also said she is feeling physically well and has more energy than she expected

Bhooth Bangla has opened on a solid note, marking a strong comeback at the box office for Akshay Kumar. After a preview release earlier in the week, the film saw a sharp rise in earnings on Friday. The horror-comedy collected ₹12.15 crore from over 12,000 shows, a significant 250% jump from its preview earnings of ₹3.50 crore on April 16. With this boost, its total gross collection in India has reached ₹18.90 crore, while the net domestic figure stands at ₹15.75 crore. Worldwide, the film has earned ₹23.90 crore so far. Despite the upward trend, the opening performance presents a mixed picture compared to Akshay Kumar’s recent films. Jolly LLB 3 opened slightly higher at ₹12.5 crore, while Housefull 5 debuted strongly with around ₹24 crore. On the lower end, Kesari Chapter 2 had an opening of ₹7.76 crore. Still, Bhooth Bangla stands as his biggest opener since Sooryavanshi, which earned about ₹26.29 crore on day one. Within the horror-comedy genre, however, the film lags behind recent hits. Thamma opened at ₹24 crore last year, while Stree 2 set a high benchmark with ₹51.8 crore on its first day. It also trails Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2 (₹14.11 crore) and Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 (₹35.5 crore). At the same time, the film faces competition from Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar 2, which continues to perform steadily even after a month in theatres. On its 30th day, the spy thriller added ₹2.70 crore, pushing its total net collection past ₹1,105 crore. Directed by Priyadarshan, the film marks his reunion with Akshay Kumar after several successful collaborations, including Hera Pheri, Garam Masala, Bhagam Bhag, Bhool Bhulaiyaa, De Dana Dan, and Khatta Meetha. The movie features a strong ensemble cast including Wamiqa Gabbi, Tabu, Rajpal Yadav, and Jisshu Sengupta. Addressing controversy over a song allegedly resembling one from Goopy Gyne Bagha Byne by Satyajit Ray, Priyadarshan dismissed concerns, stating that similarities can occur and emphasizing his deep respect for the legendary director. Source NDTV

A lifetime devoted to music brought Asha Bhosle immense fame, but her personal life was shaped by profound love and deep heartbreak. The singer had three children-Hemant, Varsha, and Anand-from her first marriage to Ganpatrao Bhosle. Her eldest son, Hemant Bhosle, composed songs for films such as Dharam Shatru, Sansani: The Sensation, and Raja Jogi, and was also known for Kishore-Asha duets such as "Aji Kaho Kya Haal Hai" from Anpadh. Her daughter Varsha Bhosle chose a different path, working as a columnist for well-known publications. Meanwhile, her youngest son, Anand Bhosle, took charge of managing his mother's professional commitments. Two Personal Losses Despite her success, Asha Bhosle endured the pain of losing two of her children. Varsha died by suicide in 2012 at the age of 56. A few years later, in 2015, Hemant died after battling cancer. These tragedies came after an already difficult early phase in her personal life. At just 16, she had married Ganpatrao against her family's wishes, but the relationship turned troubled. After facing mistreatment from her in-laws, she returned to her maternal home with her children while pregnant with her third child. The couple eventually separated in 1960. About Her Family Born into the renowned Mangeshkar family, Asha was the daughter of Deenanath Mangeshkar and Shevanti. After her father's death when she was nine, the family moved from Pune to Kolhapur and later Mumbai, where she and her elder sister Lata Mangeshkar began working in films to support the household. Her siblings, including Usha Mangeshkar, Meena Khadikar, and Hridaynath Mangeshkar, also contributed to India's rich musical heritage. Years after her first marriage ended, Asha found companionship again with legendary composer RD Burman, forming one of Bollywood's most iconic singer-composer partnerships. Though they had no children together, their creative bond defined an era. Her family today extends to her grandchildren, including Chaitanya Bhosle and Zanai Bhosle. The legendary singer, whose versatile voice captivated generations of music lovers, breathed her last at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on Sunday at the age of 92. The veteran singer was admitted to the hospital after suffering from extreme exhaustion and a chest infection, according to her granddaughter, Zanai Bhosle. Doctors later confirmed that she died due to multi-organ failure. She will be cremated at 4 pm with full state honours at Shivaji Park, Mumbai. Several political leaders and Bollywood celebrities rushed to pay their last respects.   # With input from media reports