United News of Bangladesh

British actor Stephen Graham faced a brief scare after he was separated from his Golden Globe trophy while rushing to catch a flight just a day after winning the prestigious award. Graham, who won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Limited Series or Television Film for his role in Adolescence, said his packed travel schedule led to the mix-up. He had to fly from Los Angeles to Madrid the morning after the ceremony to report for filming. Speaking to a UK radio show, Graham said he was rushed through the airport and driven directly to the aircraft, leaving him worried that his luggage would not make it onto the plane. Later, he learned that his suitcase, which contained his clothes and the Golden Globe trophy, had been left behind in Atlanta. The actor clarified that he did not personally misplace the award, but that it was inside the delayed suitcase. Thankfully, the missing bag was located and delivered to him two days later, bringing the stressful episode to a happy end. Graham also won an Emmy last year in the same category for Adolescence, a series about a father whose life is turned upside down after his teenage son commits a serious crime.   With inputs from NDTV

Netflix has revised its $72 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery into an all-cash transaction, streamlining the deal and providing greater certainty for Warner Bros. shareholders. The streaming giant initially proposed a combined cash-and-stock offer, valuing Warner Bros. shares at $27.75 each, with a total enterprise value of $82.7 billion including debt. Under the amended all-cash structure, the per-share value remains unchanged at $27.75, while Warner Bros. stockholders will also receive additional value through shares of Discovery Global following its separation from Warner Bros. Both companies’ boards have approved the revised all-cash deal, which is expected to simplify the transaction process and accelerate the timeline for a shareholder vote.   With inputs from NDTV

Legendary filmmaker James Cameron has once again addressed the long-running debate over the ending of Titanic, saying Leonardo DiCaprio’s character Jack Dawson could not have survived by sharing the floating raft with Rose. Speaking on The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, Cameron said he was tired of being asked whether Jack could have lived if he had climbed onto the raft with Rose. “Don’t ask me about the raft, people,” Cameron, 71, was quoted as saying by People. The director, who won three Academy Awards in 1997 for writing, directing and producing Titanic, said the question has already been examined scientifically. He revealed that experiments were carried out to determine whether Jack could have survived the freezing Atlantic waters. Cameron said survival would have required highly specialised knowledge that did not exist at the time of the Titanic disaster in 1912. “If Jack somehow was an expert in hypothermia and somehow knew what science now knows back in 1912, it is theoretically possible, with a lot of luck, that he might have survived,” he said. “But the conditions were not met. There’s no way.” Cameron recently became the first director to deliver four films that crossed the 1 billion dollar mark at the global box office. Alongside Titanic, his Avatar franchise has also enjoyed massive commercial success.   With inputs from NDTV

A security vehicle escorting Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar was involved in a road accident in Mumbai on Monday evening (January 19, 2026) while the actor and his wife Twinkle Khanna were returning home from the airport. According to preliminary information, a car hit an auto-rickshaw from behind, causing the three-wheeler to overturn and crash into Akshay Kumar’s escort vehicle. The impact led to the security car toppling onto its right side on the road. Read more: Race 4 casting update: Akshaye Khanna not part of new film Police and emergency officials reached the spot shortly after the incident and brought the situation under control. No serious injuries were reported. Videos circulating on social media showed the escort vehicle lying on its side, while the auto-rickshaw appeared badly damaged. Akshay Kumar and Twinkle Khanna were travelling back to their Juhu residence after returning from abroad, where they had marked a personal milestone. The couple recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Further details about the accident were awaited. Read more: James Cameron shuts down Titanic raft debate, says Jack could not have survived With inputs from NDTV

HBO’s new Game of Thrones prequel, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, has been praised for its humour, action, and engaging storytelling, offering a fresh take on Westeros. The six-episode series follows Ser Duncan, an inexperienced knight, and his clever squire, Egg, as they journey to a tournament at Ashford Meadow. The story focuses on their adventures and relationship, blending light-hearted comedy with thrilling battles. Unlike previous shows, the prequel features a single narrative thread, less CGI, and short episodes averaging 35 minutes. It also highlights the lives of common people rather than the nobility. Critics have praised the chemistry between the leads, Peter Claffey as Ser Duncan and Dexter Sol Ansell as Egg, calling it “extraordinary.” The show mixes physical comedy, dry humour, and dramatic fight sequences, making it accessible even to viewers unfamiliar with the Game of Thrones universe. The series debuts on HBO and HBO Max in the U.S. on Jan 18, and on Sky Atlantic and NOW on Jan 19, with weekly episodes. Season 2 is already in production.   With inputs from BBC

Leonardo DiCaprio delivered a passionate reminder about the soul of filmmaking at the Palm Springs Film Festival on Friday night, urging Hollywood to prioritize cinema over disposable content. “Films are meant to be experienced together, in a theater,” DiCaprio said in a pre-recorded message. “That belief matters now more than ever. Original films are becoming harder to make and harder to protect. But movies still matter not content  cinema. Stories created by people, meant to be shared in a dark room as a communal experience.” The “One Battle After Another” star accepted his honor virtually, as he was unable to attend the festival in person. According to Variety, DiCaprio’s absence was due to ongoing political tensions involving Venezuela, which triggered widespread flight cancellations across the Caribbean, where the actor had been spending the holiday season. His co-stars Chase Infiniti and Teyana Taylor stepped in to accept the award on his behalf. The 37th annual International Film Awards, held in Palm Springs, California, marked the ceremonial launch of Hollywood’s annual awards-season spring, spotlighting many of the year’s most buzzed-about films and performances. The evening unfolded as a celebration of artistry and solidarity, with speakers repeatedly stressing the importance of original storytelling and the preservation of movie theaters as cultural spaces. Michael B. Jordan, honored with the Icon Award, encouraged fellow artists to keep creating stories that connect and uplift audiences. “The films we’re honoring tonight push us to be better, to understand one another more deeply,” he said. “And maybe when the theater lights come up, we can step back into the world together.” Recording artist Cyrus accepted the Outstanding Artistic Achievement Award for her song “Dream As One” from Avatar: Fire and Ash, calling on artists to move beyond competition and focus on community. “Performance isn’t a scoreboard,” she said. “Every artist bares their soul in a unique way, and each contribution leaves a lasting mark.” Jane Fonda briefly guided the audience through a breathing exercise before presenting the Vanguard Award to Hamnet collaborators Chloé Zhao, Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley. Fonda credited Zhao for inspiring the moment, noting the director often leads similar grounding exercises before screenings. Guillermo del Toro received the Visionary Award alongside his Frankenstein cast and reflected on the recent loss of his older brother. He spoke about the enduring relevance of Mary Shelley’s novel in an era shaped by technological anxiety and social division. “We never learn,” del Toro said, “and sometimes the only way to talk about humanity is through monsters.” Timothée Chalamet was presented with the Spotlight Award and spoke about ambition and self-belief through the lens of his “Marty Supreme”character. Mahershala Ali later honored Ethan Hawke with the Career Achievement Award, recalling how Hawke’s early performances helped shape his own path as an actor.In his speech, Hawke reflected on the friends, collaborators and mentors who influenced his life and career, including the late River Phoenix. “I’m the sum of everyone who helped shape me,” he said. Hawke returned to the stage later alongside former “First Reformed”co-star Amanda Seyfried to present her with the Desert Palm Achievement Award for Actress. Seyfried noted the full-circle moment of receiving the same honor as DiCaprio. “Leo inspired me to become an actor,” she said. “So sharing the same award title feels strange  and kind of amazing.” The mood lightened when Adam Sandler accepted the Chairman’s Award from Laura Dern, delivering a brief stand-up routine that imagined a quieter version of his life. “I’d still have a Netflix deal,” he joked, “except I’d be paying them to watch the last season of Stranger Things.” The ensemble cast of “Sentimental Value”received the International Star Award, while Rose Byrne earned the Breakthrough Performance Award for Actress for “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You”, humorously acknowledging the irony of receiving a “breakthrough” honor in her 40s. The ceremony concluded with Kate Hudson accepting the Icon Award for Actress for her role in “Song Sung Blue”. Awards season continues this week with the Critics’ Choice Awards, followed by the Golden Globes next Sunday. Leonardo DiCaprio, Taika Waititi react to Oscar nominations  

Once a regional treasure, Korean dramas have grown into a global phenomenon, cherished by fans across continents. The October 2025 lineup of K-dramas spans fantasy, history, family, and drama, yet romantic comedy takes the lead. With unparalleled twists and emotion, these stories promise to leave audiences both captivated and perplexed. Let’s enjoy the charm of the top 10 K-dramas releasing in October 2025. Top 10 New K-Dramas Arriving This October . Genie, Make a Wish | Fantasy Romance | October 3, 2025 Reimagining the age-old fantasy, Netflix original ‘Genie, Make a Wish’ flourishes with Ahn Gil-ho as director and Kim Eun-sook as writer. After centuries of silence, a weary genie stirs awake, only to collide with Ka-young, a young woman. She is suffocated by the rigid expectations of her grandmother and the quiet despair of her own stalled life. Their unlikely connection begins with three simple wishes, yet what unfolds is hardly simple. Moments of absurd comedy and sharp conflict arise as the two test the limits of desire, freedom, and consequence. Read more: South Indian Films Releasing in October 2025: 12 Must-watch Pan-Indian Lineup Kim Woo-bin steps into the role of the enigmatic genie, opposite Bae Suzy. Hwa&Dam Pictures and Studio Dragon oversee the production. Hwajas Scarlet | Family Drama | October 3, 2025 Directed by Yoo Si-yeon, ‘Hwajas Scarlet’ thrives under the writing of Kang Seul. At its centre is a daughter sent away for adoption at birth, raised oceans apart, who eventually comes back to Korea. Now she is long transformed, almost unrecognisable, as the blonde-haired Scarlet. Produced by Studio Dragon and Blitzway Studio, the series stars Seo Young-hee, Oh Na-ra, and Kim Si Eun in the lead roles. Read more: Bollywood Hindi Movies List for October 2025: Top 10 Biggest Premieres Would You Marry Me | Romantic Comedy | October 10, 2025 Romance collides with calculation in ‘Would You Marry Me’, a drama that asks how far two strangers will go for the promise of security. Choi Woo-shik and Jung So-min star as a man and woman who agree to a 90-day marriage of convenience. This is not for love but for the glittering reward of a luxury home reserved for newlyweds. Hwang In-hyeok and Song Hyun-wook take on the director’s seats, while writing credit goes to Lee Ha-na. The production comes from the banner of Samhwa Networks and Studio S. Read more: Best 10 Amazon Prime Originals Coming in October 2025 Typhoon Family | Historical Drama | October 11, 2025 Also known by its working title ‘Typhoon Boss’, ‘Typhoon Family’ sets its sights on one of Korea’s most turbulent eras: the 1997 financial crisis. This upcoming Netflix drama tells the coming-of-age story of a young CEO caught between personal ambition and the daunting responsibility of keeping his father’s modest company alive. His journey intertwines with the sacrifices of both family and employees, painting a portrait of resilience when survival itself is uncertain. Headlined by Kim Min-ha and Lee Jun-ho, the historical series boasts Lee Na-jeong as director and Jang Hyun-sook as writer. Imaginus, Studio PIC, and Tree Studio stand behind production. Read more: Netflix Originals Coming in October 2025: Top 10 Binge-worthy Releases Marie and Her Three Daddies | Family Dramedy | October 13, 2025 Directed by Seo Yong-soo and penned by Kim Hong-joo, ‘Marie and Her Three Daddies’ is brought to life under the KBS1 banner. The story revolves around Kang Ma-ri, a woman navigating her search for identity as she encounters three men who all, in different ways, represent fragments of her past. The drama lingers on pain, forgiveness, and healing, yet it insists that chosen families can be more steadfast than biological ones.  The ensemble cast features Hyun Woo, Ha Seung-ri, Park Eun-hye, Ryu Jin, Hwang Dong-joo, and Kong Jeong-hwan. Read more: Top 10 Korean Dramas Releasing in September 2025

The death of renowned Assamese singer Zubeen Garg on September 19 in Singapore has rekindled reflection on the enduring cultural bonds between the Indian state of Assam and Bangladesh. Garg, aged 52, died from drowning while swimming at Lazarus Island without a life jacket. While initial reports speculated about scuba diving, a post-mortem conducted in Singapore confirmed drowning as the official cause of death. He was transported to Singapore General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead in the ICU at approximately 3 pm BST. A voice beyond borders Though widely recognized for his contributions to Assamese and Bollywood music, Garg also left a lasting imprint on Bangladeshi audiences through his Bengali songs. Tracks such as Aaina Mon Vanga, Mon Mane Na, Piya Re Piya Re, and Mayabini are celebrated on both sides of the border for their lyrical emotion and melodic sophistication. His music often blurred linguistic and cultural lines, resonating with listeners in both Assam and Bangladesh and emphasizing their shared heritage. Garg often spoke of his multicultural roots. In an interview with TV9 Bangla, he remarked: “I say I am half Bengali. From childhood, I grew up with Bengali and Assamese together.” His understanding of identity as layered rather than rigid reflects a broader cultural sentiment - similar to the views of Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, who in the 1970s asserted a pan-regional sense of belonging: “Assam is mine, West Bengal is mine, Tripura is also mine…” (Weekly Haq Katha, February 25, 1972). These expressions champion a vision of cultural unity that transcends political boundaries. Historical and linguistic linkages The Barak Valley region of Assam, comprising Silchar, Hailakandi, and Karimganj, is predominantly Bengali-speaking and has historical ties to linguistic activism. In 1961, when Assamese was proposed as the sole official language, widespread protests in the Barak Valley led to the deaths of 11 demonstrators at Silchar Railway Station. This event is commemorated annually as Bhasha Shahid Divas (Language Martyrs’ Day), and it eventually led to Bengali being granted official status in the region. Moreover, the dialect spoken in Barak Valley closely aligns with Sylheti, a language widely used in Bangladesh’s Sylhet region. These linguistic overlaps reflect the deep-rooted cultural affinities between the two areas. Several reports state that Zubeen Garg spent a part of his childhood in Karimganj (officially Sribhumi) and maintained ties there. People in Silchar within Barak Valley recall his early days, school friends and teachers in Karimganj. He completed his Higher Secondary education at Karimganj College. Local news also mentions that his father (pen name Kapil Thakur) stayed in a government magistrate’s quarter in the Settlement area of Hatment Road, Karimganj, where Zubeen’s family lived during some of his early years. Bangladesh itself is linguistically diverse. For instance, the Chatgaiya dialect spoken in Chattogram differs significantly from standard Bengali in both vocabulary and pronunciation. Such internal linguistic variation underscores the multifaceted nature of cultural identity, even within a single nation. Grief and recognition in Bangladesh The reaction from Bangladesh to Zubeen Garg’s death has been heartfelt and multifaceted. Bangladesh’s Assistant High Commissioner, Z. Hasan Fahad, acknowledged Garg’s cross-border appeal, stating: “His music transcended borders and touched countless hearts, including in Bangladesh, where his soulful voice and Bangla compositions were warmly cherished.” Also, he emphasized that Garg’s artistic legacy would endure across generations. Fans in Bangladesh responded with deep sorrow, sharing his music on social media, reminiscing about his influence and expressing collective grief. Many Bangladeshi commentators recognized Garg’s passing as not just a loss for Assam or India, but for a broader community connected through language, art, and shared cultural identity. Md Mokbul Hasan, a Bangladeshi fan, wrote on the Memorial Tribute by Eskay Movies’ YouTube channel: “My heart is bleeding. We will miss you forever.” Sara Begum commented: “Huge respect for you from Bangladesh. You brought life to our childhood.” Another fan, AS Mahid, wrote: “Why did you have to leave so early? It should have been me instead of you.” Garg’s personal identification as part Bengali and part Assamese mirrors the lived experiences of many across South Asia whose identities straddle artificial borders. His Bengali songs evoke deep emotional responses in regions like Barak Valley and Sylhet, where language and identity have long been subjects of both pride and struggle. Undoubtedly, he has a special place in the hearts of Bengali talking people, all over the world. Garg’s ability to bridge dialects, cultures, and regions through his music serves as a reminder that diversity—within and across borders—can be a unifying force rather than a dividing one.  

Bollywood actress Tanushree Dutta, who made headlines two months ago with an emotional video alleging harassment at her home, has revealed that she turned down an offer worth Rs 1.65 crore to participate in the reality show Bigg Boss. Speaking to Bollywood Thikana, the Chocolate actress said she has been approached for the show every year for the past 11 years but has never been interested. “Do you really think I would go to a show like that? I can’t stay in a place like that; I don’t even stay with my own family. They offered me ₹1.65 crore. Even if they give me a piece of the moon, I wouldn’t go,” she said. Tanushree stressed that her decision was rooted in maintaining dignity and privacy. “Men and women sleep in the same hall, fight there, eat there. Do I seem like the kind of woman who will sleep on the same bed with a man for a reality show? I’m not that cheap. My privacy is valuable to me. I know I can earn more than that if I’m allowed to work in peace,” she added. The actress, who won the title of Femina Miss India Universe in 2004 and is known for films such as Aashiq Banaya Apne, Dhol and Bhagam Bhag, also recalled her struggles since the #MeToo movement in 2018, when she accused actor Nana Patekar of harassment during the filming of Horn ‘Ok’ Pleassss. Although police cleared Patekar of the charges in 2019, Tanushree has repeatedly said she has faced continuous harassment since then, which she claimed has affected her health. The 19th season of Bigg Boss, hosted by Salman Khan, is currently streaming on Jio Hotstar and airs later on Colors TV. Source: NDTV

Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina, widely popular in Tamil Nadu for his successful stint with the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, is all set to make his acting debut in a Tamil film. Raina, often fondly called "Chinna Thala" by CSK fans, will be seen on the big screen receiving full mass-hero treatment, complete with dramatic low-angle shots and cheerleaders welcoming him into the frame. The upcoming film is being produced under the Dream Knight Stories (DKS) banner. Ranbir Kapoor-Yash Starrer Ramayana: India's most expensive film franchise Suresh Raina's massy film entry Dream Knight Stories (DKS) announced Suresh Raina’s acting debut through a video shared on their official Instagram handle. In the video, Raina — fondly known as 'Chinna Thala' among Chennai Super Kings fans — is seen walking into a cricket stadium as a massive crowd cheers for him. The film, which is yet to be titled, is expected to revolve around the sport of cricket. It will be directed by Logan and produced by D Saravana Kumar under the DKS banner. While releasing the video, the makers captioned it, “Welcoming Chinna Thala @sureshraina3 on board for #DKSProductionNo1!” #With inputs from Hindustan Times