United News of Bangladesh

Stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze will host the 77th Emmy Awards, CBS announced Wednesday. One of the most popular stand-ups currently working, Bargatze will emcee the Sept. 14 ceremony at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. While the Oscars have found success with Conan O'Brien, set to return in 2026, and the Golden Globes with returning host Nikki Glaser, the Emmys have had a harder time finding a regular host. The last four Emmys have been hosted by Eugene and Dan Levy, Anthony Anderson, Kenan Thompson and Cedric the Entertainer. “Nate is one of the hottest comics in the business with a remarkable and hilarious brand of comedy that deeply resonates with multi-generational audiences around the globe,” said Cris Abrego, chair of the Television Academy. ‘The Great Moose Migration’ captivates devoted fans of Swedish slow TV sensation Bargatze, while yet to emcee a major awards show, is among the most sought-after entertainers, releasing three Netflix specials including December's “Your Friend, Nate Bargatze” and hosting “Saturday Night Live.” With more than 1.2 million tickets sold in 2024, according to Pollstar, he was the top-earning comedian of the year. “It’s a huge honor to be asked to host such an iconic awards show and I’m beyond excited to work with CBS to create a night that can be enjoyed by families around the world,” Bargatze said. Last year's Emmys, hosted by the father-son Levy duo, reached 6.87 million average viewers, according to Nielsen, up 54% from the previous year.

Ibrahim Ali Khan, son of actors Saif Ali Khan and Amrita Singh, has been the subject of ongoing dating rumours involving Palak Tiwari, daughter of Shweta Tiwari and Raja Chaudhary. Even before his film debut, speculations about their relationship made headlines. In a recent conversation with Filmfare, Ibrahim finally addressed the rumours, offering a subtle response when asked about Palak. “She’s a good friend. Yeah, she’s sweet. That’s all,” he said, without divulging further details. The duo has been spotted together in public on several occasions and are said to have vacationed together in destinations like the Maldives and Goa. Palak herself has previously stated that she and Ibrahim share a good friendship. During the same interview, Ibrahim opened up about having a childhood crush on actress Deepika Padukone. He recalled realizing his father's stardom when Saif Ali Khan starred alongside Deepika in Love Aaj Kal. “I must have been seven or eight. My dad was shooting for Imtiaz Ali’s Love Aaj Kal in the UK. I was like, wow, Deepika Padukone! That was my first-ever crush. I was so little, but obsessed. That’s when I realised—my dad's a big star, if he’s acting with Deepika,” he shared. Akshay backs Salman amid ‘Sikandar’ setback: ‘Tiger Zinda Hai, Hamesha Rahega’ Recently, Ibrahim enjoyed a vacation in Switzerland with his sister Sara Ali Khan and their mother Amrita Singh. Sara posted a series of cheerful photos from the trip on social media. Ibrahim made his Bollywood debut alongside Khushi Kapoor in Shauna Gautam’s Nadaaniyan, which premiered on Netflix. Despite the hype, the film faced criticism online for its storyline and performances. His grandmother, veteran actress Sharmila Tagore, also commented on the film. “He looked handsome. He tried his best, but the film wasn’t good,” she remarked. Source: With inputs from agencies

Chhayanaut celebrated the Bangla New Year  on Monday morning with a vibrant cultural event held under the ancient banyan tree at Ramna Batamul. Centered around the theme “Amar Mukti Aloy Aloy” (My Liberation Lies in Light), the traditional celebration began shortly after sunrise at 6 am and concluded at 8:30 am. Over 150 male and female performers participated in the programme, which featured a total of 24 performances—including 9 group songs, 12 solo performances, and 3 recitations. Nation celebrating Pahela Baishakh with festive fervour The event showcased songs celebrating light, nature, humanity, and patriotism. A semi-circular stage, measuring 72 feet in length and 30 feet in width, was set up from east to west beneath the banyan tree, hosting the colorful performances. Chhayanaut Executive President Dr Sarwar Ali delivered the New Year’s greetings during the programme. The concluding performance was the national anthem performed collectively by the participating artists. Preparations for ‘Ananda Shobhajatra’ nearing completion amid enthusiasm Male performers wore maroon panjabis paired with white pajama trousers, while the female performers were dressed in off-white sarees with maroon borders.  

A group identifying itself as “Touhidi Janata” sent a letter to the Mohila Samity in the capital on Sunday opposing theatre shows at its venue, but the authorities said it won't give in. After informing theatre troupe Prangonemor of the objection, it later confirmed that their play adaptation of Rabindranath Tagore's 'Shesher Kobita' would proceed as scheduled. The issue came to light through a Facebook post by actress and director Nuna Afroz, a key member of the theatre troupe Prangonemor, on Sunday morning. According to Nuna Afroz, their play 'Shesher Kobita' was scheduled to be staged on Sunday, on the occasion of Chaitra Sankranti, and on Monday, marking Pahela Baishakh, at the Mohila Samity auditorium. The team had rented the hall, completed promotions, and made all necessary preparations. In her post, Nuna wrote, “Just now, Mohila Samity called to inform us that ‘Touhidi Janata’ sent them a letter demanding that no performances be held there." "We have already paid for the two-day rental, completed our publicity and incurred expenses in every sector. Our team has been working tirelessly. We asked Mohila Samity to seek assistance from the administration. If the administration expresses inability, then perhaps we won’t proceed.” She also posted a letter to the Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, urging to resolve the situation. In protest of this unexpected situation, members of Prangonemor announced a demonstration in front of Mohila Samity at 5:30 pm on Sunday. However, the protest was later suspended following assurances from the authorities. Later on Sunday afternoon, Nuna Afroz made another Facebook post confirming that the issue had been resolved. “Respected audience, journalists, theatre colleagues, and well-wishers — the state administration and Mohila Samity authorities have informed us that they are taking full responsibility to ensure our performances can proceed without disruption. They requested us not to hold a protest. As our primary task is to perform theatre; and since the authorities have taken responsibility - we are suspending the protest.” She further informed that while the administration requested them to hold Sunday’s performance, it was already 3:35 pm by then, making it impossible to organise the show. Instead, the Mohila Samity authorities rescheduled the April 13 performance for April 15, while the show scheduled for Pahela Baishakh on April 14 will go on as planned. Nuna also apologised to the audience for the inconvenience and requested ticket-holders for April 13 to either attend the April 15 show or, if possible, be accommodated on April 14. For further details, the troupe has provided a contact number: 01749826418.

A much-anticipated concert featuring popular Pakistani singer Mustafa Zahid was called off at the last moment on Friday, sparking disappointment among fans and confusion among participating artists. The concert titled 'Melody Unleashed', organised by Melody & Mind Communication, was scheduled to take place at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal on Friday evening. However, just an hour before show time, the organisers announced the concert's postponement via a Facebook post—citing “security concerns” as the reason. Zahid, who recently arrived in Dhaka to perform at the event, shared his frustration and heartbreak in a statement on his official Facebook page late Friday night.  “It truly breaks my heart to share this… We’ve just been informed by the organisers that tonight’s show in Dhaka has been called off due to security concerns,” he wrote on Friday. “To every single fan who bought a ticket please know this: we landed in Dhaka last night, rehearsed with some talented local musicians till the early hours of the morning, and prepared everything in our power to give you an unforgettable experience.” “Despite repeated miscommitments by the organisers, we still showed up because we didn’t want to let YOU down... We were ready. And we’ll be back properly, and soon.” The event was also supposed to feature local performers including singer AK Rahul, and bands Level Five and Encore. However, confusion reigned as even the participating artists reported being unable to contact the organisers. To make matters worse, officials at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center confirmed to several media that there was no confirmed booking under the name Melody & Mind Communication for Friday’s event; although they admitted the organisers had made initial contact, they never completed the payment process. Frustrated fans who showed up at the venue were met with locked gates and no signs of a concert - no posters, no lighting, and no sound setup. Many tried calling the organiser's contact number, only to find it switched off. Level Five also shared frustration in a Facebook post, stating: "We regret to inform our fans that the 'Melody Unleashed' show, featuring AK Rahul, Encore, and Mustafa Zahid, was marred by severe mismanagement and unprofessionalism from the organizers, Melody & Mind Communication. Despite our commitment, they failed to pay artists and vendors on time, lacked proper communication, and ultimately scammed the audience." "We apologize to fans who were affected by this pathetic excuse of an organizer. We remain dedicated to providing quality experiences. Thank you for your continued support," the band wrote. Tickets for the concert were sold in three categories: General (Tk 1,999), Melody Zone (Tk 3,499), and Premium (Tk 10,000).  This is not the first time Melody & Mind Communication has been accused of cancelling concerts. In February, their 'Rock the Capital' event was also postponed citing security reasons. Ticketholders from that event have reportedly not received any refunds to date. Friday’s cancellation has drawn sharp criticism from Dhaka’s music community, with several artists calling the incident not only “embarrassing” but also “shameful”. Mustafa Zahid is widely known for Bollywood hits such as “Toh Phir Aao” and “Tera Mera Rishta Purana” from 'Awarapan' (2007), “Jo Tere Sang” from 'Blood Money', “Hum Jee Lenge” from 'Murder 3', and “Yeh Junoon Mera” from 'Shootout at Wadala', to name a few - and also made a strong Bangladeshi fanbase through these songs. He is also the lead vocalist of Roxen, a Pakistani rock band formed in 2004. Despite the setback, Zahid assured fans in Bangladesh of a return, vowing to come back “properly, and soon.”  

After many years of impassioned calls for an Oscar recognizing the art of the stunt, the film academy has decided to give it an official award. An achievement in stunt design prize will be added starting with the 100th Academy Awards, which will recognize films released in 2027, the film academy said Thursday. “Since the early days of cinema, stunt design has been an integral part of filmmaking,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang said in a joint statement. “We are proud to honor the innovative work of these technical and creative artists, and we congratulate them for their commitment and dedication in reaching this momentous occasion.” The film academy’s production and technology branch has more than 100 stunt performers among its ranks. David Leitch, who directed “The Fall Guy,” which was itself an ode to stunt performers, helped lead the charge for the new prize. Leitch began his career as a stuntman for stars like Brad Pitt before transitioning to making stunt-heavy films like “John Wick." He and stunt coordinator and designer Chris O’Hara of Stunts Unlimited made presentations to the academy advocating for the addition of a new award. “Stunts are essential to every genre of film and rooted deep in our industry’s history — from the groundbreaking work of early pioneers like Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd, and Charlie Chaplin, to the inspiring artistry of today’s stunt designers, coordinators, performers, and choreographers," Leitch said in a statement Thursday. “Chris O’Hara and I have spent years working to bring this moment to life, standing on the shoulders of the stunt professionals who’ve fought tirelessly for recognition over the decades. We are incredibly grateful.” Conan O’Brien to host 2026 Oscars again Stunt designer is a relatively new designation. For his work on “The Fall Guy” O’Hara was the first person to be credited as such. “To be seen by the film community as stunt designers hopefully brings more light to what we really do,” O’Hara told The Associated Press in 2024. “Back in the day, stunt guys were the cowboys. Now we are creative. We create amazing things, just like a production designer does or a costume designer does.” The Oscars paid tribute to the stunt community with a video montage at the 2024 ceremony, looking back at over 100 years of Hollywood stunts from Chaplin and Keaton all the way to “Mission: Impossible” and “The Matrix.” Other awards shows were ahead of the curve in celebrating stunts: The Emmys honors stunt coordination and stunt performance, while the Screen Actors Guild Awards recognize stunt ensembles in television and film. The Oscars also recently added a prize for achievement in casting, starting with films released in 2025. As with the casting award, it remains unclear whether it will be added to the live Oscars broadcast. Chad Stahelski, who co-directed “John Wick” and did stunts for Keanu Reeves, told the AP Thursday that there's still work to be done. “The idea of giving an Academy Award for stunt design is awesome – don’t get me wrong,” he said. “Now I would like to know who’s going to decide who gets it, and who actually gets the award? It’s not like it was 100 years ago when there was one person designing it. It’s a collaborative effort.” India’s official Oscar entry, which failed to make the cut, wins big at major Bollywood awards show Stahelski added: "Stunts is such a collaborative and complicated department, how are we going to determine who this goes to? We’ve spent 100 years getting the award, let’s just make sure it goes to the right people.”

The 78th Cannes Film Festival will feature new films by acclaimed directors Wes Anderson, Ari Aster, and Richard Linklater, all vying for the prestigious Palme d'Or, organizers revealed on Thursday. Following a successful 2024 edition that launched Oscar-winner Anora and award-season favorites like Emilia Pérez, The Substance, and The Apprentice, this year’s lineup is stacked with major auteurs. Cannes artistic director Thierry Frémaux and festival president Iris Knobloch made the announcement at a press event in Paris. Highlights of the competition include: Ari Aster’s Eddington, a pandemic-era Western starring Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, and Emma Stone.Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme, featuring Benicio Del Toro as a European schemer.Richard Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague, a French-language film centered on Jean-Luc Godard and the French New Wave.Julia Ducournau, who became only the second woman ever to win Cannes’ top prize with 2021’s Titane, returns with Alpha, a drama set in 1980s New York about an 11-year-old whose parent has AIDS. Cannes regulars are also back: Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne, two-time Palme winners, bring Young Mothers.Joachim Trier re-enters the competition with Sentimental Value, reuniting with The Worst Person in the World star Renate Reinsve.Scarlett Johansson’s first film as a director, Eleanor the Great, will screen out of competition. Notably absent from the lineup are highly anticipated titles like Terrence Malick’s The Way of the Wind and Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another. Previously, it was announced that Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning will premiere at the festival. Tom Cruise, who received an honorary Palme d'Or in 2022, headlines the film. This year, Robert De Niro will be honored with the same award during the opening ceremony. Juliette Binoche will serve as jury president, following last year’s Greta Gerwig. This marks the first time in six decades that two women have consecutively led the Cannes jury. The festival will take place from May 13 to May 24.

New films from Wes Anderson, Ari Aster, and Richard Linklater will compete for the Palme d’Or at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, organizers announced Thursday. Coming off a 2024 edition that produced the Academy Award best-picture winner “Anora,” as well as a number of Oscar contenders in “Emilia Pérez,” “The Substance" and “The Apprentice," the French film festival responded with a 2025 lineup bursting with big-name auteurs. Thierry Frémaux, Cannes’ artistic director, announced the selections in a news conference in Paris with festival president Iris Knobloch. Entries include Aster’s “Eddington,” a pandemic-set Western starring Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal and Emma Stone; Anderson’s “The Phoenician Scheme," starring Benicio Del Toro as a European profiteer and Linklater's appropriately French-language “Nouvelle Vague,” about Jean-Luc Godard and the French New Wave. Julia Ducournau, whose “Titane” won the Palme d’Or in 2021, making Ducournau only the second female filmmaker to ever receive Cannes’ top honor, will return to the festival with the 1980s New York-set “Alpha,” about an 11-year-old with a parent who has AIDS. Other previously Cannes regulars coming back include two-time Palme winners Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne. The Belgian filmmaking brothers’ latest is titled “Young Mothers.” Joachim Trier, whose “The Worst Person in the World” was a highlight of the 2021 Cannes, is back in competition with “Sentimental Value,” which likewise stars Renate Reinsve. Sean Baker's 'Anora' wins Palme d'Or, the Cannes Film Festival's top honor Playing outside of competition is Scarlett Johansson’s “Eleanor the Great” — the actor's directorial debut. Among the films some had hoped might show up in Cannes but that weren’t announced were Terrence Malick’s long-awaited Jesus drama “The Way of the Wind” and Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another.” Cannes earlier announced that “Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning” will launch at the festival, which three years ago bestowed an honorary Palme d’Or on Tom Cruise. This year, Robert De Niro is set to receive one during the festival’s opening ceremony. Bangladeshi critic Sadia Khalid Reeti walks official Cannes Red Carpet as FIPRESCI jury member Following in the footsteps of Greta Gerwig, Juliette Binoche will head the jury that decide this year’s Palme d’Or. Knobloch said it's the first time in 60 years that two women succeed each other in this role. The festival runs May 13-24.

Over 200 Bangladeshi musicians will come together to express solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine during this year’s Pahela Baishakh procession, singing the iconic lines: "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free." The announcement came at a press conference held on Wednesday at the Seminar Room of the National Theatre Hall in Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) where Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki shared some details of this year's Chaitra Sangkranti and Pahela Baishakh festivities, calling the initiative a “symbolic yet powerful gesture for peace.” “During this Pahela Baishakh we want to stand with the people of Palestine,” Farooki said. “Through music, we will express our wish for a peaceful world.” Prominent members of the country’s music scene and members of BAMBA (Bangladesh Musical Bands Association) including Foad Nasser Babu of Feedback, Kazi Faisal Ahmed and George Lincoln D’Costa of Artcell, Tonmoy Tansen of Vikings, Nigar Sultana Sumi of Lalon, Pinky Chiran of all female band F-Minor, Prottoy from the Rangamati-based band Invocation, and Dalchhut’s manager and lyricist Shahan Kabondho among others attended the press conference. Farooki said over 200 musicians, specifically guitarists, are expected to participate and BAMBA is actively engaging its member bands to join spontaneously. He called on the guitarists and rhythm musicians in and around Dhaka to bring their instruments and take part in the celebration and protest. He urged everyone attending the rally to carry a Palestinian flag, saying, “This year, the world is awaiting to see a new version of our Pahela Baishakh celebrations in this new and inclusive Bangladesh, and we believe the procession including our band musicians will be significant to this year’s celebration because no one else could have taken this stand for the oppressed Palestinians, the way they did.” Warfaze frontman Sheikh Monirul Alam Tipu, speaking on behalf of BAMBA and the broader rock and band musicians' community, highlighted the historic nature of their participation. “Traditionally, the Chaitra Sankranti and Pahela Baishakh events have not included our band musicians over the years. This year, for the first time, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy have invited us to be part of it - for which we are deeply grateful,” Tipu said. Mangal Shobhajatra may get a new name: Farooki He shared that BAMBA, in association with Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) and Cultural Affairs Ministry will host a grand concert on April 13, marking the Chaitra Sankranti at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital.  Tipu expressed concerns on the global unrest, especially the atrocities in Palestine, and emphasised the musicians' collective message of peace regarding their inclusion this year at the Pahela Baishakh procession. “We want a peaceful world. That’s why we’re taking part in the Baishakh's procession and will sing together in the hope of a better future," Tipu said.

Comedian Kunal Kamra recently revealed that he was approached for the upcoming season of Bigg Boss, hosted by Salman Khan. Sharing a screenshot of his exchange with a casting director on Instagram Stories, Kamra made it clear that he had no interest in joining the reality show. The message from the casting team read:"I am handling the casting for this season of Bigg Boss and your name came up as someone they might find interesting. I know it might not have been on your radar, but honestly, it's such a mad platform to show your real vibe and win over a massive audience. What do you think? Should we talk about it?" Kamra responded bluntly: “I would much rather check into a mental hospital...” He did not clarify whether the offer was for Bigg Boss OTT or Bigg Boss 19. Sunny Deol's surprising revelation about reuniting with Shah Rukh Khan Meanwhile, Kamra remains in the spotlight for his parody targeting Shiv Sena leader and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The Madras High Court recently granted him interim protection from arrest in connection with the parody. The comedian has reportedly ignored three summons issued by Mumbai Police and has now approached the Bombay High Court, seeking to have the cases against him quashed. Kamra’s petition argues that the legal action violates his constitutional rights, specifically the right to freedom of expression under Article 19 and the right to life under Article 21. Source: NDTV