United News of Bangladesh

The excitement surrounding Argentina's World Cup quarterfinal against Switzerland reached beyond the stadium on Saturday, as the stars of the hit Apple TV series Ted Lasso joined fans in Kansas City to celebrate the tournament. Actor Jason Sudeikis, who plays fictional AFC Richmond coach Ted Lasso, hosted a watch party at CPKC Stadium while Lionel Messi's Argentina played Switzerland at nearby Arrowhead Stadium for a place in the semifinals. Dustin Hoffman, Sachin Tendulkar among celebrities attending Wimbledon semifinals Sudeikis said his appreciation for football had grown since working on the show and noted that many scenes from the upcoming fourth season, which premieres on Aug. 5, were filmed around Kansas City, including CPKC Stadium, home of the National Women's Soccer League's Kansas City Current. Actress Juno Temple, who plays Keeley Jones, said she was excited that the new season would focus on AFC Richmond's newly formed women's team, adding that she hoped viewers would value its emphasis on women's football. Brendan Hunt, who portrays Coach Beard and also writes for the show, said Ted Lasso had helped introduce many viewers to football. Comparing the current World Cup with the 1994 tournament hosted by the United States, he said American fans were now far more engaged with the sport. Hunt jokingly described the timing of the show's return after the World Cup as more than just a coincidence.

Hollywood actor Dustin Hoffman and Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar were among the high-profile guests at Wimbledon on Friday as defending champion Jannik Sinner faced Novak Djokovic in the men's singles semifinal on Centre Court. Several well-known British actors, including Benedict Cumberbatch, Hugh Laurie and Damian Lewis, watched the match from the Royal Box. Fashion designer Tom Ford and Vogue editor Anna Wintour were also among the invited guests. Tendulkar, widely regarded as one of cricket's greatest players, retired in 2013 after playing his 200th Test match. Wimbledon described him as "cricket royalty." Former West Indies captain Brian Lara also attended the match from the Royal Box, which is reserved for special guests invited by the All England Club. Liverpool captain and Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk was another notable spectator. The Dutch team was eliminated in the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup. Oscar-winning actor Dustin Hoffman, 88, attended the match but was not seated in the Royal Box. He had been a guest there during last year's tournament. Earlier on Centre Court, Germany's Alexander Zverev secured a place in Sunday's Wimbledon final after defeating British wild card Arthur Fery.  

Christopher Nolan's upcoming film The Odyssey brings Homer's ancient Greek epic to the big screen with a star-studded cast, aiming to make the classic story easy for modern audiences to enjoy. Nolan said viewers do not need to be familiar with the original poem to follow the film. "It's something that we all know a little bit about, some of us know a lot about it, some of us know nothing about it," Nolan told The Associated Press. "We're making the film for that whole range of people's relationship with this foundational text." The film will be released in theatres on July 17. Here is a look at the main characters and the actors portraying them: ·         Matt Damon plays Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, whose long and dangerous journey home after the Trojan War forms the heart of the story. Damon described Odysseus as a deeply human character who struggles with the consequences of his own decisions. ·         Anne Hathaway portrays Penelope, Odysseus's loyal wife, who waits 20 years for his return while resisting more than 100 men seeking to marry her and claim the throne of Ithaca. ·         Tom Holland stars as Telemachus, the son of Odysseus and Penelope. Having grown up without knowing his father, he sets out to learn what happened to him. Nolan said the film is both a homecoming story and a coming-of-age adventure. ·         Robert Pattinson plays Antinous, the leading suitor trying to marry Penelope. Nolan said Pattinson gives the character a memorable mix of menace and dark humour. ·         Zendaya appears as Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, who guides Odysseus throughout his journey. Zendaya said she wanted to present the goddess with both strength and humanity. ·         Lupita Nyong'o takes on two roles — Helen of Sparta, whose abduction sparked the Trojan War, and her sister Clytemnestra. She said the film explores the lasting emotional cost of war rather than simply retelling familiar myths. ·         Charlize Theron plays Calypso, the nymph who keeps Odysseus on her island during his long voyage home. ·         John Leguizamo portrays Eumaeus, the faithful swineherd who remains loyal to Odysseus despite his long absence. In the film, the character is nearly blind as a tribute to Homer, who some historians believe was blind. ·         Jon Bernthal appears as Menelaus, the King of Sparta and husband of Helen, who shares memories of Odysseus with Telemachus. ·         Benny Safdie plays Agamemnon, commander of the Greek forces during the Trojan War. ·         Samantha Morton portrays Circe, the powerful sorceress who crosses paths with Odysseus and his crew. ·         Himesh Patel plays Eurylochus, Odysseus's trusted second-in-command who accompanies him through many of the epic's greatest challenges. ·         Elliot Page appears as Sinon, a veteran of the Trojan War drawn from Greek mythology. ·         Bill Irwin portrays the Cyclops, the one-eyed giant and son of Poseidon. Nolan said the production combined puppetry, animatronics and computer-generated effects to bring the character to life while giving him emotional depth rather than presenting him as simply a monster. ·         Mia Goth plays Melantho, one of Penelope's servants. ·         Corey Hawkins portrays Polybus, one of Penelope's suitors. ·         Travis Scott appears as a bard in the royal court of Ithaca. With its mix of myth, adventure and an all-star cast, Nolan's adaptation aims to introduce one of literature's greatest stories to a new generation of moviegoers.  

Paris Haute Couture Week ended on Thursday after four days of dramatic fashion shows that highlighted three major themes — the human body, fantasy and technology — as designers unveiled creations blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. One of the week's biggest highlights was designer Pierpaolo Piccioli's first haute couture collection for Balenciaga, presented on Wednesday before celebrities including Demi Moore, Cynthia Erivo and Gigi Hadid. Piccioli's collection featured oversized gowns, hooded feather designs and a dramatic finale with Hadid wearing a creation covered in rooster feathers. He received a standing ovation after appearing on the runway with his entire atelier dressed in white coats. The show marked Balenciaga's biggest haute couture presentation since the fashion house revived its couture line in 2020. Around 30 fashion houses, including five making their couture debut, explored different ways of presenting the human form. Some designs revealed the body, while others hid or reshaped it with dramatic silhouettes and sculptural garments. At Armani Privé, designer Silvana Armani presented a collection titled "Boudoir" that focused on elegance rather than revealing clothing. The show featured embroidered garments, tailored jackets and subtle details that balanced modesty with style. Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett attended the show alongside Rosamund Pike and **Anna Wintour>. At Schiaparelli, designer Daniel Roseberry experimented with body-inspired creations, including sculpted corsets, silicone details and inflatable elements, giving the collection a futuristic appearance. Piccioli at Balenciaga and Dutch designer Iris van Herpen took a different approach by using oversized shapes and delicate handcrafted materials that almost completely concealed the human figure. Fantasy was another major theme throughout the week, with designers presenting collections inspired by fairy tales, classic Hollywood and nature against the backdrop of a summer heat wave and global uncertainty. Elie Saab showcased glamorous evening wear inspired by Truman Capote's famous 1966 Black and White Ball and old Hollywood stars such as Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Zuhair Murad presented richly decorated designs inspired by gardens, flowers and butterflies, while Stéphane Rolland paid tribute to late singer Dalida with an almost entirely white collection. At Chanel, new designer Matthieu Blazy transformed the Grand Palais into a fairy-tale setting with giant beanstalks, pea-pod-shaped heels and golden eggs. At Dior, Jonathan Anderson presented sculptural designs inspired by American artist Lynda Benglis. Technology also played a central role during the week as designers explored new materials while emphasising the value of hand craftsmanship. Schiaparelli used unusual handmade materials including baked fish scales, painted surfaces and hand-shaped silicone. Van Herpen experimented with science by exposing one dress to a particle accelerator before the show. The garment was intended to produce electrical effects on the runway, although the experiment affected the fabric before the presentation. Balenciaga also introduced garments made with laboratory-grown Amsilk silk, which the fashion house says is stronger than steel. Despite the growing use of technology, designers across Paris couture week stressed that traditional handcraft remains at the heart of haute couture, combining innovation with the artistry that defines the world's most exclusive fashion collections.  

Lebanese authorities on Wednesday released singer-turned-militant Fadel Shaker on bail after he spent several months in custody awaiting a retrial on charges including membership in an armed group and money laundering, judicial officials said. Shaker surrendered to Lebanon's military intelligence in October last year after spending 12 years in hiding in the Palestinian refugee camp of Ein el-Hilweh near the southern port city of Sidon. He had been convicted in absentia in 2020 and sentenced to 22 years in prison for supporting what authorities described as a terrorist group following deadly clashes between Sunni militants and the Lebanese army near Sidon in 2013. According to four judicial officials, Shaker paid bail of 500 million Lebanese pounds (about $5,500) before being released on Wednesday. Before his release, he was questioned over several allegations, including belonging to an armed group, financing militant groups, money laundering and his alleged involvement in the 2013 Sidon clashes. The officials said the investigation is still ongoing and none of the cases against him has been closed. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the case publicly. After leaving the military facility on the outskirts of Beirut where he had been detained, Shaker moved into a rented apartment, the officials said. Neither Shaker nor his lawyer responded to requests for comment. Under Lebanese law, Shaker's earlier conviction was cancelled after he surrendered, allowing him to face a new trial that began in January. During the court proceedings, Shaker said he had once been close to Sunni cleric Ahmed al-Assir but claimed he had later fallen out with him before the 2013 violence. He also testified that he had received threats from Hezbollah and supporters of former Syrian President Bashar Assad. Shaker repeatedly denied taking part in the fighting near Sidon. In 2017, al-Assir was convicted and sentenced to death for his role in the clashes, which killed 18 Lebanese soldiers after a two-year trial. He remains on death row. However, prosecutors have pointed to a video posted on YouTube during the 2013 fighting that appears to show a bearded Shaker insulting his opponents and mocking the Lebanese military while referring to the deaths of two pro-Hezbollah fighters. The clashes intensified sectarian tensions between Lebanon's Sunni and Shiite communities at a time when the civil war in neighbouring Syria was fuelling divisions. Hezbollah had backed Assad's government, while many Sunni militants supported rebel groups fighting to overthrow him. Before becoming involved in militant circles, Shaker was one of the Arab world's most popular singers, rising to fame with a hit song released in 2002. Many fans were surprised when he later appeared alongside al-Assir at public rallies and announced he was giving up music to focus on religion. Despite remaining a fugitive for years, Shaker continued releasing songs, including one with his son Mohammed last July that became widely popular across the Arab world.

Veteran actor Kanwaljit Singh has criticised the removal of Diljit Dosanjh's film Satluj from the streaming platform ZEE5, questioning the state of freedom of speech in India. The film, based on activist Jaswant Singh Khalra's efforts to expose alleged mass killings during Punjab's militancy era, was taken down from ZEE5 within 48 hours of its release. The move has drawn criticism from actors, directors and other members of the creative community. Kanwaljit, who portrayed a Punjab police director general (DGP) in the film, said he was surprised by the decision. "I spoke to Honey after the film was taken down, and he has said that they will be taking the matter to court. But what I don't understand is why they had to take it off? Even people who weren't going to see it will want to see it now. It has also been downloaded by so many people, so even though lots of people would be watching it, the producers will be losing out. But I want to ask, what is this freedom of speech? Tell me, I really want to know. That right is being strangled," Kanwaljit told The Free Press Journal. Responding to speculation that his character was based on former Punjab Director General of Police KPS Gill, Kanwaljit said the role was not modelled on any one individual. "People are assuming that I'm playing Gill. However, the brief I followed was to study clippings of different DGPs and police chiefs, and I also have a friend who is a retired DGP with whom I discussed how the character should be," he said. Originally titled Panjab 95, Satluj was submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in 2022 but has yet to receive a clearance certificate. The filmmakers had earlier alleged that the CBFC sought 127 cuts before certification. The film was also scheduled to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2023, but the screening was reportedly cancelled following objections from Indian authorities. Despite the certification issues, Satluj was quietly released on ZEE5 on July 3 without any promotional campaign. However, after the film began receiving positive reviews, it was removed from the platform. In a statement, ZEE5 said it continues to support the film but, without specifying the reason for its removal, stated that "in light of current developments" the film is currently unavailable for streaming. #From NDTV

British pop star Harry Styles has earned a Guinness World Record after completing 12 consecutive sold-out concerts at Wembley Stadium, setting a new mark for the longest concert residency by a musician at the iconic venue. The 32-year-old singer surpassed the previous record of 10 Wembley shows, set by Coldplay in 2025. Guinness World Records adjudicator Will Munford praised the achievement, saying Styles' 12-show run highlighted the scale, ambition and cultural impact of his live performances, as well as his strong connection with fans. Styles began the London leg of his Together, Together tour on June 12, with the final performance held on Saturday before an audience of about 80,000. During the closing concert, Styles reflected on his journey with former boy band One Direction and thanked his bandmates for their role in his career. "I wouldn't be on this stage if it wasn't for four friends of mine that were a massive part of this journey," he told the crowd. He thanked Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Liam Payne, saying their friendship and shared experiences made his success possible. One Direction was formed in 2010 on the television talent show The X Factor and went on an indefinite break in 2016. Former band member Liam Payne died in 2024 at the age of 31. Styles also looked back on his early career, noting that it had been 16 years since he first appeared on The X Factor, which was filmed next to Wembley Stadium. He said returning to Wembley always brought back memories and thanked fans for their continued support. After launching his solo career in 2017, Styles has won six Brit Awards, three Grammy Awards and two Ivor Novello Awards. His fourth studio album, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally, was released in January. Before Saturday's concert, Wembley Stadium unveiled a commemorative banner recognizing the record. In a post on X, the stadium wrote: "12 shows. One record. A place in Wembley history." The Wembley residency was initially planned for six concerts but was expanded to 12 because of overwhelming demand. London was the only UK stop on Styles' current tour. Other artists to stage extended runs at Wembley include Taylor Swift, who performed eight concerts at the stadium in 2024. Following the record-breaking achievement, Styles' mother, Anne Twist, shared childhood photos of the singer alongside his sister Gemma, as well as pictures from Saturday's concert. In a social media post, she said she had believed since 1996 that her son would one day perform on stage, though she never imagined he would go on to break records and become the kind of person "the world needs right now." Source: BBC  

Actor Akshay Kumar's production company, Cape of Good Films, has issued a public notice claiming exclusive worldwide rights to Hera Pheri 3 and warning the film industry against any unauthorised use of the movie's intellectual property. The notice cautions distributors, cinema owners, OTT platforms, television channels, advertisers and other industry stakeholders not to sign any agreement with individuals or companies claiming rights to the film without prior written approval from Cape of Good Films. According to the notice, Cape of Good Films LLP holds the sole and exclusive worldwide licence to produce, distribute, market, commercialise and otherwise manage Hera Pheri 3. The company said its rights cover all forms of media, platforms, technologies and formats, both existing and future. The production house also urged everyone in the film industry to recognise it as the only authorised rights holder for the film. It warned that anyone entering into deals with third parties claiming rights to Hera Pheri 3 without its written permission would do so at their own risk. The company added that it reserves the right to take legal action against any unauthorised use or agreement involving the film. The public notice comes as Hera Pheri 3 continues to face several controversies and production setbacks. In recent weeks, director Priyadarshan announced that he had withdrawn from the project, alleging that producer Firoz Nadiadwala had repeatedly insulted him during their interactions. The film was originally expected to reunite the franchise's popular trio of Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal, with Priyadarshan returning to direct. The project has, however, faced multiple obstacles. In May 2025, Paresh Rawal announced that he was leaving the film before later rejoining the cast. Despite his return, the movie has continued to face delays and legal disputes over its production and ownership rights. Source: NDTV

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has married his longtime partner Gauri Spratt in a private ceremony at his residence in Bandra, Mumbai, after the couple dated for more than two years. According to NDTV, the couple officially registered their marriage by signing the required legal documents during the intimate ceremony. Aamir, 61, publicly confirmed his relationship with Gauri on June 4, saying they had known each other for 25 years before beginning their relationship two years ago. The wedding was attended by close family members, including Aamir's three children and Gauri's son. Aamir was previously married to film producer Reena Dutta, with whom he has two children, Junaid Khan and Ira Khan. He later married filmmaker Kiran Rao in 2005. The couple separated in 2021 but continue to co-parent their son, Azad. Gauri, who keeps a low public profile, also has a six-year-old son. Around 150 guests, including relatives who travelled from abroad, attended the wedding. Originally from Bengaluru, Gauri is the daughter of Rita Spratt, a former salon owner. According to her LinkedIn profile, she studied at Blue Mountain School and completed a fashion course in Styling and Photography at the University of the Arts London in 2004. She currently manages a BBlunt salon in Mumbai, according to the profile.

After spending four years caught in censorship hurdles, "Satluj", previously known as Punjab '95, has finally been released on Zee5, drawing widespread praise for its powerful storytelling and uncompromising portrayal of political oppression and human rights abuses. Directed by Honey Trehan, the film explores the dark chapter of Punjab's militancy era in the 1980s and 1990s. Critics have described it as a hard-hitting political drama that examines how state institutions and police can violate the very laws they are meant to uphold. The film is inspired by the life of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra, who investigated cases of disappearances, illegal detentions and mass cremations in Punjab before he himself disappeared in the mid-1990s. While the film changes some names, its central story remains largely faithful to real events. The story follows Jaswant, played by Diljit Dosanjh, a bank employee whose search for a missing friend uncovers evidence of widespread human rights violations. His investigation leads him to police stations, morgues and crematoriums, where he discovers records of hundreds of unidentified bodies, exposing a much larger pattern of abuse. Despite threats from authorities and political leaders, Jaswant continues his investigation with the support of his wife Paramjit, portrayed by Geeta Vidya Ohlyan. His childhood friend, police constable Satnam Singh, played by Saurabh Sachdeva, secretly helps him by sharing information, despite putting his own life at risk. The film also features Suvinder Vicky as a ruthless senior police officer accused of abusing power in the name of fighting militancy. One of the film's most praised scenes shows the officer intimidating Satnam's family, highlighting the fear and misuse of authority during the period. Arjun Rampal plays a senior Central Bureau of Investigation officer who arrives from Delhi to investigate Jaswant's disappearance, while Varun Badola appears as a lawyer representing families seeking justice for victims of alleged extrajudicial killings. Reviewers say the film offers a disturbing but compelling look at the dangers of unchecked state power and the erosion of democratic values. Although some parts are considered slightly longer than necessary, the film has been praised for its gripping narrative, strong performances and emotional impact. Diljit Dosanjh's performance has received particular acclaim for portraying Jaswant with restraint, determination and quiet courage. Critics say he fully immerses himself in the role, allowing the story rather than his star image to remain at the centre of the film. Despite its title change from Punjab '95 to Satluj, reviewers say the film has retained its original message and emotional strength, making it one of the year's most significant political dramas. Source: NDTV