United News of Bangladesh

Hollywood is increasingly embracing microdramas, a fast-growing mobile-first storytelling format that is attracting celebrities, major studios and media companies as audiences shift toward consuming content on smartphones. Emmy-nominated actor and producer Issa Rae became interested in the format after studying China’s booming market for short, mobile-first soap operas while much of Hollywood focused on the streaming wars. Seeing its potential to build audiences and intellectual property, Rae’s Hoorae Media released the thriller Screen Time in May, one of the first studio-quality microdrama projects developed by an established Hollywood production company. Backed by TikTok, the series drew nearly 75 million views in its first week. Rae said lower production costs allow creators to take more risks than traditional television and film, while faster production schedules make it easier to produce timely and relevant stories. She also praised the format’s interactive nature, saying viewers can engage with creators and one another through real-time comments. Typically filmed vertically with episodes lasting one to three minutes, microdramas originated in China during the pandemic. Omdia estimates the global market will generate $14 billion in revenue by the end of 2026. Peacock, Fox Entertainment and TelevisaUnivision have already expanded into the rapidly growing microdrama business.

Giorgio Armani’s creative legacy remained at the center of attention in Milan as his fashion house presented a new runway collection at its historic headquarters, followed by a relaxed garden dinner attended by celebrities and industry figures. As the Giorgio Armani Foundation continues efforts to find a buyer for a 15% stake in the company, as directed in the late designer’s will, each runway show is now seen as a test of how successfully his design philosophy can endure and evolve under the stewardship of his heirs and longtime collaborators. “We tried to continue the message that he wanted to convey,” said Silvana Armani, Armani’s niece and head of womenswear design, speaking to reporters after the co-ed show that closed Milan Fashion Week on Monday evening. The latest Giorgio Armani menswear collection for next summer, combined with womenswear cruise pieces, reflected the brand’s signature relaxed elegance. Models moved with casual ease, reinforcing the house’s long-standing emphasis on understated style. One model was seen idly turning a ring while walking toward photographers, while another casually carried a jacket over his shoulder, highlighting the effortless mood of the presentation. Silvana Armani and menswear designer Leo Dell’Orco introduced subtle adjustments to the familiar Armani silhouette, including slightly longer jackets and slimmer trousers, creating a refined balance in proportion. Longtime observers noted that the roughly 160 looks presented conveyed the impression of real people dressed for everyday life rather than conventional runway models. “When the models came for their fittings, they were always a bit taken aback,” Dell’Orco said. “It felt as though they could easily just walk out onto the street.” The collection drew inspiration from a Mediterranean summer mood, featuring safari jackets, lightweight blazers, shawl-collar vests, and fluid tailoring. A palette of sun-faded greens, cobalt blues, and sandy neutrals reinforced the seasonal theme, while fabrics such as linen, cotton, and textured knits emphasized comfort and ease. The womenswear cruise pieces, the first led by Silvana Armani, were integrated into the show with dresses, coats, and jackets designed to drape naturally over the body. “I think he would have applauded,” Dell’Orco said. The front row included actors Chiwetel Ejiofor, Mark Strong, Lucy Boynton, and singer Conan Gray. Following the show, guests including filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino and former Gucci CEO and Armani board member Marco Bizzarri joined a casual garden cocktail gathering at the venue. Under Armani’s will, his heirs are required to sell a 15% stake in the company—covering labels such as Emporio Armani, Armani/Casa, and Armani Hotels—within 18 months of his death last September. For now, Silvana Armani and Dell’Orco, both longtime collaborators of the designer, are leading the creative direction of the house while overseeing its continuity. Dell’Orco, who also serves as chairman of the Armani Foundation and holds a significant voting stake in the company, dismissed reports linking former Versace executive Dario Vitale to Emporio Armani, calling them “not true,” according to ANSA.

When a large tent appeared next door to Taylor Swift’s Watch Hill estate this week, it didn’t take long for speculation about the superstar's impending nuptials to ripple through the affluent New England seaside village — and the internet. Soon, fans were swapping theories online, photographers were staking out vantage points and residents found themselves fielding questions about a wedding that never was. Or at least, a wedding that seems yet to happen. The rumors, so far, have proved unfounded. But they offered a glimpse into life in Watch Hill, the Rhode Island beach community in the town of Westerly, close to the Connecticut border, where Swift has owned a home for more than a decade and where curiosity about the singer has become woven into everyday life. Rumors take hold From the nearby lighthouse, visitors craned for a better view of Swift’s mansion, a sprawling white home perched atop a rocky bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Security cameras dotted the property, and a guard called out to visitors who strayed too close. Wedding planner Nicole Simeral, dressed in black, stood outside the small white chapel across from the massive yellow Ocean House hotel — Swift's neighbor on the beach — waving along cars and buses that slowed and directing traffic to keep moving. She watched visitors speculate about a wedding she said she knew wasn’t Swift's. She's working a different wedding every weekend in June in that spot. Still, the questions kept coming. “Is Taylor Swift getting married here? Many, many, many have asked,” Simeral said. She said there had been “a lot of chitter chatter” as people tried to connect sightings of people who know Swift in local shops to impending nuptials. But she doubted Watch Hill would be practical for a wedding of that scale because of its limited luxury lodging. The Watch Hill rumors also dovetailed with separate online speculation that Swift and her fiance, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, were planning a celebration at Madison Square Garden, though no details about the pair’s wedding have been released, despite multiple requests for comment to Swift’s spokesperson. The tent itself, Simeral said, was hardly unusual. “Next weekend, there’ll be another tent just like this.” For two summers, Westerly Police Department community service officer Nick Quaratella has stood at the entrance to a public path leading to the beach beside Swift’s estate, answering questions from beachgoers and keeping traffic moving. “They come to the beach, but then they also ask if she’s here or not,” Quaratella said. He said he can't help but joke around with some fans. “I’ll say, ‘Oh, did you hear that she moved?’” he said. “And they’ll say, ‘No.’ And I say, ‘Yeah, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson moved in.’ And they’ll go, ‘Oh, really?’ and then they’ll walk away.” “That's pretty funny,” he concluded. Over the years, he’s seen plenty of unusual reactions. His coworker once spotted a fan on their knees, bowing toward the entrance gate near the property. Visitors have shouted “I love you, Taylor!” from the roadside. One woman convinced her granddaughter he was Swift’s security guard and posed for a photo with him. Quaratella has fielded a few questions about the supposed wedding, but not as many as he expected. “At this point, it’s part of my job,” he said. “It makes me smile. It makes me laugh. I have no problem with it. It makes the day go by.” Living with Taylor Swift Down near a strip of beach boutiques, lifelong resident Lauren Nigrelli said the frenzy surrounding the star has eased since Swift first moved into the neighborhood in 2013. Back then, Nigrelli recalled, fans would drive around in circles by her shop playing Swift’s songs. “Things have definitely calmed down since then,” she said. Today, Swift’s presence remains a fixture among local businesses in what she described as a “quaint New England coastal community.” Nigrelli, a Realtor who owns the boutiques Tide and Tide Kids, said she began selling apparel emblazoned with “Holiday House,” the nickname associated with Swift’s mansion, after children began coming into the store asking for it. On Saturday, she was also selling a Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce wedding sticker book. “I think every shop has something related to her,” Nigrelli said. On the beach below the mansion, Audrey and John Curtis, a married couple from Connecticut who have been vacationing in Westerly for years, settled into beach chairs and debated the wedding rumors. “We were just looking up at her house,” Audrey Curtis said, pointing toward the mansion. “She’s not getting married here now, though.” Curtis said she had heard various theories, including speculation that a wedding might be held at Ocean House. But as she thought through the logistics, she became skeptical. “Then I was thinking about, ‘How would everybody get here?’” she said. “In New York, you’ve got JFK, you’ve got LaGuardia, and she’s got two penthouses in New York that she combined, so I figured they could obviously have more people there.” Her husband wasn’t so sure. “They could lie and say it’s happening there, but it’s happening here,” John Curtis said. “When important people do things, they don’t want people to know.” Six friends from New York, posing for photos in matching Watch Hill sweatshirts while celebrating a birthday, said Swift wasn’t the reason they chose the beach town, though they weren’t sure they would have discovered it if not for the singer. Leslie Aucapina, 24, who attended Swift’s Eras Tour in Philadelphia, said she grew up listening to Swift’s music and thought the Taylor-themed merchandise was “really cute.” She liked that the excitement surrounding Swift helped local businesses and enjoyed visiting the inspiration for “the last great american dynasty,” a song about Holiday House from Swift’s 2020 Grammy Album of the Year-winning album, folklore. But she said the speculation at times crosses a line. “If she wants to share it, she wants to share it,” she said. “At the end of the day, it’s someone’s house.”

Actor Ram Charan and his wife Upasana Kamineni Konidela have revealed the face of their daughter Klin Kaara for the first time as she celebrated her third birthday. The couple shared a family photograph on social media on Saturday, featuring them lovingly holding their daughter. Until now, they had only offered glimpses of Klin Kaara in public appearances and on social media. In a joint post, the couple wrote: "Happy Birthday Klin Kaara our precious little one," accompanied by heart emojis. Ram Charan and Upasana, who had known each other for several years, got engaged in December 2011 and tied the knot in June 2012. The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Klin Kaara, in June 2023. During Diwali last year, they announced that they were expecting their second child. In February this year, the couple welcomed twins – a boy and a girl. Sharing his happiness at becoming a father again, the actor had posted on social media that he and his wife had been blessed with a baby boy and a baby girl, adding that having two daughters and a son filled him with immense gratitude. He also thanked fans, family members and well-wishers for their continued support throughout the journey. Earlier this month, the couple shared the first glimpse of their newborn twins on the occasion of their 14th wedding anniversary, posting a photograph showing the tiny hands of their three children. The image was captioned simply: "Heart is full," along with an infinity symbol.

The romantic drama Cocktail 2, starring Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna, has made an encouraging start at the box office following its release on June 19. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, the film earned Rs 13.50 crore on its opening day. This makes it the second-biggest opening of Shahid Kapoor’s career, behind the blockbuster Kabir Singh, which debuted with Rs 20 crore and later grossed Rs 279 crore in India. Directed by Homi Adajania, Cocktail 2 recorded an overall Hindi occupancy rate of 20.04 percent across 10,458 screenings on Friday. Audience turnout gradually increased throughout the day, with occupancy rising from 11.08 percent during morning shows to 21.38 percent in the afternoon and 23.69 percent in the evening. Night screenings saw the strongest response, reaching 37.62 percent occupancy. Among major markets, the Delhi-NCR region registered 16.3 percent occupancy across 1,199 shows, while Mumbai reported 19.7 percent occupancy from 745 screenings. The film entered theatres amid competition from several other releases, including Bandar starring Manoj Bajpayee, Hai Jawaani Toh Ishq Hona Hai featuring Varun Dhawan, the Hollywood horror movie Obsession, Main Vaapas Aaunga by Imtiaz Ali, and Haunted 3D: Echoes Of The Past directed by Vikram Bhatt. Prior to the release, Shahid Kapoor commented on the decision by the Central Board of Film Certification to award the movie an Adult (A) certificate. Speaking with fans, he expressed surprise at the rating, saying he did not find anything objectionable in the film and believed it was suitable for family viewing. Describing the movie as a story centered on three individuals, Shahid said he hoped audiences would leave the theatre with a positive outlook on life and an appreciation for its memorable moments. Cocktail 2 serves as a spiritual successor to the 2012 hit Cocktail. The film is directed by Homi Adajania and written by Luv Ranjan. It also features Pulkit Sharma and Tiku Talsania in supporting roles. Source NDTV

American actor Daveigh Chase, best known for her chilling role as the ghostly figure Samara in ‘The Ring’ and as the voice of Lilo in ‘Lilo & Stitch’, has died at the age of 35, her longtime manager confirmed. Her manager John Ryan Jr. told BBC News that Chase died on Tuesday from complications linked to meningitis, which developed into a bloodstream infection and later sepsis. He also said she had earlier been hospitalised due to malnourishment. Ryan, who worked with her for 15 years, described her as a private person who stayed away from Hollywood’s spotlight. “She was the greatest. She loved cats,” he said, adding that she often spent long periods at home in Las Vegas and preferred independent projects over big studio films. “She was not very Hollywood,” he said. “She’d rather eat at Bob’s Big Boy and go home with the cats. She loved acting but wasn’t into the fame scene.” Chase rose to fame in 2002 with her breakout role as Samara Morgan in the horror film ‘The Ring’, a remake of the Japanese classic about a cursed videotape. Her performance as the eerie, long-haired ghost crawling out of a television became one of the film’s most iconic images. She later won the MTV Movie Award for Best Villain in 2003 for the role. Reflecting on the character at the time, Chase said she enjoyed playing something so unusual and dark, telling the Los Angeles Times that she gave the role her own creative twist. In the same year, she voiced Lilo, a young Hawaiian girl, in Disney’s animated hit ‘Lilo & Stitch’. The role earned her an Annie Award for voice acting, and she continued to reprise the character in later spin-offs. Chase also appeared in several television series, including ‘Charmed’, ‘ER’, and ‘Touched by an Angel’. She had a recurring role in HBO’s ‘Big Love’, where she played Rhonda Volmer over 32 episodes. Source: NDTV

Actor Tom Holland has appeared to confirm that he and his longtime partner Zendaya are already married, ending months of speculation about their relationship status. Rumours about the couple intensified after Zendaya’s stylist Law Roach suggested in March that the pair had already held a wedding ceremony. The discussion resurfaced again after artificial intelligence-generated images showing a supposed wedding of the two circulated online. When asked by ‘Esquire U.K.’ whether he had informed family members about the fake AI images, Holland responded, “No, because they were all there.” “That’s all you’ll get on that,” he added, without giving further details. In the same interview published Tuesday, Holland spoke warmly about his relationship with Zendaya, describing her as a strong source of emotional support in his life and career. “Our business can present very stressful situations and it’s really nice to have a bedrock of a relationship that will stand the test of time,” he said. “I found my person. She’s my best friend,” he added. “I’m the happiest I’ve ever been when I’m with her, and I’ve never felt so supported and safe.” Holland and Zendaya first met while working together on the 2017 film ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’. The pair continue to collaborate professionally, with both set to appear in upcoming major releases, including ‘The Odyssey’ and ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’.

A late goal by Canada striker Cyle Larin not only rescued a result for the host nation but also sparked celebrations among thousands of fans, including several well-known Canadian celebrities, during the country's first-ever men's FIFA World Cup match on home soil. Among the 43,002 spectators at BMO Field were actor and Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds, NHL star Connor McDavid and actor Mike Myers. Myers attended the match wearing a Canada jersey and a red bucket hat, while Reynolds joined the crowd in celebrating when Larin scored a late equaliser to secure a 1-1 draw against Bosnia. The result marked a historic moment for Canada, which earned its first-ever point in a men's World Cup match. The stadium was largely filled, with only a few empty seats visible. Canada coach Jesse Marsch said he was aware that many notable Canadians were following the tournament but remained focused on his team's performance. He mentioned spotting music producer Boi-1da on television and said his priority was ensuring the team gave Canadians something to be proud of. Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette also attended the event and concluded the opening ceremony with a performance of Canada's national anthem, "O Canada." While Canada has previously hosted major international sporting events, including the 2015 Women's World Cup, two Winter Olympics and the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, this is the first time the men's World Cup is being held in the country. Canada is set to host 13 matches across Toronto and Vancouver during the tournament. Canadian defender Alistair Johnston praised the atmosphere inside the stadium, saying fans were fully engaged and emotionally invested in the match rather than simply attending for entertainment.

Tamar Braxton opened a spirited 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony Thursday night with a tribute to a new inductee — the game-changing R&B songwriter, producer and rapper Christopher “Tricky” Stewart — with one of the biggest songs he's known for: Beyoncé's “Single Ladies.” A few other tracks he's responsible for? Rihanna’s “Umbrella,” Mariah Carey's “Touch My Body” and Justin Bieber's “Baby.” Dallas Austin, a songwriter and producer known for work with Boyz ll Men and Madonna, introduced Stewart. “Think about that catalog,” he said, listing off those zeitgeist-shifting records. “Those are cultural moments." Stewart thanked God, his family, artists he's worked with and mentors — giving a special shout out to Grammy award-winning music producer Antonio “L.A.” Reid and the iconic singer-songwriter Babyface. “I wanted to be like L.A. and Baby,” he reflected. It set the tone for an event with a lot to celebrate. The gala, held at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City, also features a wide variety of inductees: Taylor Swift, Kiss’ Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, Alanis Morissette, Kenny Loggins, the songwriting duo Terry Britten and Graham Lyle (known for Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got To Do With It"), and songwriter Walter Afanasieff (Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You"). Swift has no doubt brought new eyes to this year's ceremony, and with good reason — her songwriting has undeniably shaped contemporary pop music trends. She is the youngest woman to ever be inducted in the Hall of Fame. (The man who beat her? Stevie Wonder, who started his recording career at 13, it was announced on stage.) Kiss founders Simmons and Stanley — fresh off the band’s farewell — will also be recognized for their glam rock classics “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “I Love It Loud.” In addition to Swift, Simmons and Stanley, nominees this year include the soft rock legend Loggins (“Footloose,” “Danny’s Song”) and the alt-rock icon Morissette (“You Oughta Know,” “Ironic”). Last year's inductees included George Clinton, The Doobie Brothers, Ashley Gorley, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, The Beach Boys’ Mike Love and Tony Macaulay. The Songwriters Hall of Fame was established in 1969 to honor those creating popular music. A songwriter with a notable catalog of songs qualifies for induction 20 years after the first commercial release of a song. Some already in the hall include Gloria Estefan, Carole King, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, Elton John and Bernie Taupin, Brian Wilson, James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Lionel Richie, Bill Withers, Neil Diamond and Phil Collins.  

Actor Arjun Rampal has spoken about what he described as the “darkest phase” of his life, revealing that he was dealing with a failing marriage at the same time his mother was diagnosed with cancer. In a recent interview on YouTube talk show Cancelled to Crown, Rampal said the period left him feeling deeply isolated and emotionally drained. “I think the loneliest I have ever felt is when I was not connected with myself the way I am today,” he said, adding that his personal relationships were falling apart while he was struggling internally. He said his marriage was going through serious difficulties and reflected on how relationships often change over time. “Love is not constant. Everything in life is not constant. We are not constant,” he said, adding that sometimes people simply do not grow in the same direction. Rampal said the situation became even more difficult as his mother was battling cancer at the same time. He also mentioned that he had recently lost his father and was drifting away from friends, leaving him feeling as though he was “losing everything” he had built. On the personal front, Rampal is now in a relationship with model and designer Gabriella Demetriades, whom he met in 2018. The couple have since built a family together, welcoming their son Arik in 2019 and Ariv in 2023. The actor separated from his former wife, model and producer Mehr Jesia, in 2018. Reflecting on Gabriella’s role in his life, Rampal said she became a strong support system during a turbulent period. “I was very lucky because I got somebody like Gabriella into my life who I think was a very strong anchor,” he said, adding that she was also going through her own struggles at the time. He said both leaned on each other through difficult circumstances and eventually moved forward together. Rampal also stressed the importance of taking responsibility during hardships instead of blaming others. “You can’t blame. If you blame, you are going to become even more miserable,” he said. With inputs from NDTV