United News of Bangladesh

Global music stars Madonna, Justin Bieber, BTS and Shakira headlined the FIFA World Cup's first-ever halftime show on Sunday, delivering a fast-paced performance featuring several international artists, Muppets characters and Hollywood celebrities. Held at MetLife Stadium near New York, the 11-minute show was designed to bring a Super Bowl-style halftime spectacle to football's biggest tournament. Unlike the Super Bowl's single-headliner format, the World Cup show featured several performers, each taking the stage for about two minutes. Madonna opened the performance with her 2000 hit Music, joined by Brazilian football legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. After appearing in a pre-recorded roller rink sequence, she entered the stadium in a dune buggy before performing live. Renowned Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel then led an orchestra in a performance of Seven Nation Army, the popular football anthem by The White Stripes. Members of the Muppets, including Animal on drums, also appeared during the performance. K-pop group BTS followed with their global hit Dynamite, wearing red-and-black outfits in a colourful stage performance. Actors Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt, appearing as their popular "Ted Lasso" characters, introduced Justin Bieber, who performed Everything Hallelujah with an acoustic guitar in a more relaxed segment. Shakira and Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy then performed Dai Dai, the tournament's official World Cup anthem, which had been played before every one of the tournament's 104 matches. Shakira, dressed in a colourful feathered outfit, was joined by dancers, including children, before Burna Boy joined her on stage. Shakira is well known for World Cup songs, including the iconic 2010 anthem Waka Waka (This Time for Africa). The halftime show concluded with the PS22 Chorus from Staten Island performing alongside Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who curated the event, Gustavo Dudamel, Shakira and several Muppets and Sesame Street characters, including Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, Cookie Monster and Count von Count. Although Dudamel conducted about 40 musicians from the New York Philharmonic and Venezuela's Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra on the field, the orchestral music had been pre-recorded earlier in the week. Following Spain's victory over Argentina in the World Cup final, Oscar-winning actor Javier Bardem celebrated enthusiastically with Spanish supporters inside the stadium. Among other celebrities attending the final were Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Timothée Chalamet, Kylie Jenner and actor Matt Damon, who attended with his wife, Luciana Barroso Damon. Jennifer Hudson, Post Malone and Tom Cruise feature in pre-match ceremony Before kickoff, Jennifer Hudson, Robbie Williams, Post Malone and Tom Cruise led the World Cup closing ceremony with musical performances and speeches. British singer Robbie Williams performed FIFA anthem Desire, joined by Nicole Scherzinger and Italian singer Laura Pausini. Online personality IShowSpeed performed his football-themed song Champions, while Post Malone sang his new track Chrome Heartbreaker before teaming up with Swae Lee for their hit Sunflower. Actor Tom Cruise then addressed fans, celebrating the tournament and welcoming the finalists, Spain and Argentina. The national anthems were performed live before the match. Jennifer Hudson sang the US national anthem, while Spain's La Marcha Real was performed by Spanish Brass. Argentine singer María Becerra sang Argentina's national anthem before kickoff.

Social media influencers Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan Tate were arrested in Miami on Saturday after British authorities requested their extradition over rape and human trafficking charges, the US Marshals Service confirmed. The brothers, who hold dual US and British citizenship, were taken into custody on a sealed arrest warrant, according to US Marshals Service spokesperson Brady McCarron. British prosecutors said they are seeking the brothers' extradition over allegations that they raped and trafficked women between 2010 and 2017. Andrew, 39, and Tristan, 38, moved to Romania in 2016. They were arrested there in 2022 on separate allegations of human trafficking and sexual exploitation, but the case has yet to proceed because of legal and procedural issues. The brothers have denied all allegations. Romanian authorities allowed them to leave the country last year, after which they travelled to Florida on a private jet. The Tate brothers are expected to appear before a federal court in Miami early next week, according to a person familiar with the case who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the investigation. The latest charges filed in the UK relate to alleged offences involving women in an area north of London, where the brothers grew up. Their lawyers have denied the accusations. Joseph McBride, a lawyer representing the brothers, criticised the new charges, calling them an attempt to undermine defamation lawsuits the brothers have filed in the United States. He said he had not yet been able to speak with his clients but expressed confidence they would ultimately be cleared. Andrew Tate first gained public attention in 2016 as a contestant on the British reality television show Big Brother. He was removed from the programme after a video emerged that appeared to show him assaulting a woman. The brothers have built a large online following by promoting wealth, masculinity and controversial views. Andrew Tate has more than 10 million followers on X, although he has been banned from platforms including YouTube, TikTok and Instagram for violating policies on hate speech. He has faced widespread criticism for comments about women, sexual assault and mental health, which critics describe as misogynistic. Tate has repeatedly said his remarks were taken out of context or intended as jokes. In a statement on Saturday, the UK's Crown Prosecution Service said prosecutors had added 38 new charges involving four additional alleged victims, alongside charges announced previously in 2025 involving three women. Both brothers face charges of rape and human trafficking. Andrew Tate also faces an additional charge related to profiting from prostitution, along with 19 further charges involving alleged indecent images of a child and extreme pornography, according to UK authorities. "There is no place for violence against women and girls," said Bedfordshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Karena Thomas, adding that police would continue to support victims and investigate all reported offences. The Tate brothers continue to deny all allegations against them.

Article 370 emerged as the biggest winner at the 72nd National Film Awards of India, taking home the Best Feature Film award, while Yami Gautam was named Best Actress and Kartik Aaryan and Malayalam superstar Mammootty shared the Best Actor honour. The awards, recognising excellence in Indian cinema for 2024, were announced at a press conference in New Delhi on Saturday, honouring outstanding achievements across feature and non-feature films in multiple Indian languages. Yami Gautam won the Best Actress award for her performance in Article 370, which also secured awards for Best Feature Film and Best Background Music, composed by Shashwat Sachdev. Kartik Aaryan received the Best Actor award for his role in the Hindi film Chandu Champion, sharing the honour with Mammootty for his acclaimed performance in the Malayalam film Bramayugam. Tamil filmmaker Rajkumar Periasamy was named Best Director for Amaran, while Srikanth won the award for Best Hindi Film. Science-fiction epic Kalki 2898 AD won Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment and Best Production Design. Pushpa: The Rule Part 2 earned two awards for Best Costume Design and Best Screenplay. Among regional cinema winners, Raayan was named Best Tamil Film, Committee Kurrollu won Best Telugu Film, Feminichi Fathima was selected as Best Malayalam Film, Mithya won Best Kannada Film, Chalvhitra Ekhon claimed Best Bengali Film, while Mukkam Post Bombilwadi took the Best Marathi Film award. In the technical categories, Shehnad Jalal won Best Cinematography for Bramayugam, R. Kalaivannan received Best Editing for Amaran, and Manas Choudhury won Best Sound Design for Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. Sanjay Mishra was named Best Supporting Actor for Bhakshak, while Sachana Namidass won Best Supporting Actress for the Tamil film Maharaja. The Best Children's Film award went to 35 – Chinna Katha Kaadu, while Captain Miller received the honour for Best Film Promoting National or Social Values. Swatantrya Veer Savarkar was recognised as Best Debut Film. In the music categories, Vaikom Vijayalakshmi won Best Female Playback Singer for the Malayalam song Angu Vaana Konilu from A.R.M., while Abhay Jodhpurkar received the Best Male Playback Singer award for the Marathi song Navasachi Gauri Mazi from Gharat Ganpati. The awards also recognised achievements in non-feature films. Bhangaar (Obsolete) won Best Non-Fiction Film, while Ram-Nami was named Best Documentary Film. Marathi short film Hamsafar received the Best Short Film award, and Touched As Water won Best Animation Film. Piplantri: A Tale of Eco Feminism was honoured as the Best Non-Feature Film Promoting Social and Environmental Values, while filmmaker Aanand L. Rai won Best Direction in the non-feature category for Statue of Unity: Ekta Ka Prateek. The National Film Awards are India's highest official recognition for cinematic excellence and celebrate achievements across mainstream, regional and independent filmmaking. Source: NDTV

As football fans around the world prepare for Sunday's FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, music can be the perfect way to build the excitement. Whether fans are cheering for defending champions Argentina to win back-to-back World Cups or hoping Spain's teenage star Lamine Yamal shines on the biggest stage, these 10 songs capture the spirit, energy and celebration of the tournament. Here are AP's picks: 1. "Dai Dai" — Shakira and Burna Boy (2026)The official song of the 2026 World Cup combines Latin rhythms with Afrobeats in a multilingual anthem celebrating unity, passion and victory. Colombian singer Shakira said a World Cup song should reflect the emotions and excitement that football brings to people around the world. 2. "DNA (More Than A Game)" — Andrea Bocelli, David Guetta, EJAE and Megan Thee Stallion (2026)This unique collaboration blends opera, pop, electronic dance music and rap in English, Italian and Korean. The song highlights football as more than a sport, describing it as part of people's identity. 3. "La Copa de la Vida (The Cup of Life)" — Ricky Martin (1998)One of the most memorable World Cup anthems ever released, Ricky Martin's energetic hit became the soundtrack of the 1998 tournament in France and remains a fan favourite. 4. "Despechá" — Rosalía (2022)The upbeat Latin pop hit has become a celebration song for Spain's national team, often played after goals and victories. It is expected to feature again if Spain succeeds in the final. 5. "Mi Gran Noche" — Raphael (1967)Spanish music legend Raphael's classic song has become a regular feature of football celebrations across Spain, thanks to its lively melody and timeless appeal. 6. "La Roja Baila" — Sergio Ramos, Niña Pastori and RedOne (2016)Recorded as Spain's official anthem for the 2016 European Championship, the song celebrates the national team's nickname, "La Roja," and continues to be popular among Spanish supporters. 7. "La Cumbia de los Trapos" — Yerba Brava (2000)This energetic cumbia track has become closely linked with Argentina's football team. It was widely associated with the country's World Cup triumph in Qatar in 2022 and remains a favourite among Argentine fans. 8. "Matador" — Los Fabulosos Cadillacs (1993, remastered 2008)Often played after Argentina scores, the song combines ska, reggae and Latin rhythms. While known as a football anthem, it also carries a deeper message about Argentina's military dictatorship. 9. "Dumbai" — Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso (2024)The Argentine duo's modern Latin pop hit mixes trap, electronic and tropical sounds, making it a popular addition to football celebrations. 10. "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" — Shakira featuring Freshlyground (2010)Widely regarded as one of the greatest World Cup songs ever made, the official anthem of the 2010 tournament in South Africa remains a global favourite for football fans. Its catchy rhythm and uplifting message continue to make it a must-play during every World Cup season.

Filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga has praised the Mahesh Babu-backed psychological drama Rao Bahadur, calling it a rare film that reminds audiences why they love cinema. After watching the film, the Animal director shared his appreciation on X, applauding its storytelling, performances and filmmaking. He urged movie lovers to give the film a chance. "Just watched Rao Bahadur. This is one of those rare, rich films that reminds you why we fell in love with cinema in the first place," Vanga wrote. "I have one request to every genuine film lover... give this film three hours of your life. It deserves your attention, your patience, and your applause," he added. Vanga also praised director Venkatesh Maha for bringing his vision to life despite budget limitations, saying it required courage and conviction. He described lead actor Satyadev's performance as "sensational" and commended the entire team for delivering "pure filmmaking" without relying on shortcuts. His praise comes shortly after actor Mahesh Babu also applauded the film following a special screening. Mahesh Babu described Rao Bahadur as a gripping and emotionally powerful film with unique storytelling. He praised director Venkatesh Maha for creating a compelling cinematic world and lauded Satyadev's performance in the lead role. He also appreciated Deepa Thomas, the supporting cast and the technical team, saying he was proud of everyone involved and encouraged audiences to watch the film in theatres. Rao Bahadur, which stars Satyadev in the title role, has been receiving positive feedback from both audiences and members of the film industry for its unconventional storytelling and strong technical quality. Mahesh Babu and his wife Namrata Shirodkar are presenting the film under their banner, GMB Entertainment. Written, directed and edited by Venkatesh Maha, the film also stars Deepa Thomas and Vikas Muppala. Set against the backdrop of a once-prominent aristocratic family, Rao Bahadur blends psychological drama, suspense, dark comedy and magical realism to tell its story. Source: NDTV

New Zealand actor Sam Neill, the acclaimed performer known for his roles in blockbuster films such as Jurassic Park and The Piano, has died at the age of 78, his family announced. Neill died on Monday in Sydney, according to a statement shared on his official social media accounts. The statement described his death as “sudden and unexpected” and said he was surrounded by family at the time of his passing. The family added that Neill had remained cancer-free when he died. No cause of death was disclosed. In 2023, Neill revealed that he had been diagnosed with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. “Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life,” his family said. Neill became internationally recognised during the rise of Australian cinema in the late 1970s and built a career spanning independent films, Hollywood blockbusters and television dramas. He first gained global attention through films such as Gillian Armstrong’s 1979 drama My Brilliant Career and Phillip Noyce’s thriller Dead Calm, which also featured a young Nicole Kidman. His wide-ranging performances included roles opposite Helena Bonham Carter in Sweet Revenge, as Holly Hunter’s husband in The Piano, and as a troubled astronaut in the science-fiction horror film Event Horizon. He also portrayed Damien Thorn in Omen III: The Final Conflict and Cardinal Thomas Wolsey in the television series The Tudors. Neill twice worked alongside Meryl Streep in Plenty and A Cry in the Dark. He earned Emmy nominations for his performance in the 1998 miniseries Merlin and for narrating the 2017 documentary series Wild New Zealand. His most recognisable role came in Steven Spielberg’s 1993 blockbuster Jurassic Park, where he played palaeontologist Dr Alan Grant. The film, featuring Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum and Richard Attenborough, became one of the biggest successes of his career. Neill reprised the role in Jurassic Park III in 2001 and returned for Jurassic World: Dominion in 2022. Born Nigel Neill in Northern Ireland in 1947, he moved with his family to New Zealand when he was seven. He later adopted the name Sam because, as he explained in interviews, there were too many people named Nigel at his school. Raised in Dunedin, Neill began his acting career in New Zealand and starred in Sleeping Dogs in 1977, the country's first feature film in more than a decade. His other notable film roles included a Soviet submarine officer in The Hunt for Red October and an investigator in John Carpenter’s In the Mouth of Madness. On television, he appeared as Chester Campbell in Peaky Blinders, played Thomas Jefferson in Sally Hemings: An American Tragedy, starred in Apple TV+’s Invasion, and appeared opposite Annette Bening in the 2024 series Apples Never Fall. In New Zealand, Neill was admired for his humble personality and reluctance to embrace celebrity status. He frequently shared pictures of his farm animals on social media, naming some after famous friends and colleagues, including a chicken named Laura Dern, a duck named Kylie Minogue and a cow named Helena Bonham Carter. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon paid tribute to Neill, calling him “one of the greats” and praising his role in bringing New Zealand stories to global audiences. Beyond acting, Neill was also a winemaker and produced pinot noir and riesling under his Two Paddocks label from his vineyard in Central Otago. His memoir, Did I Ever Tell You This?, was published in 2023. The same year, he received a knighthood for his outstanding contribution to film. Reflecting on his cancer diagnosis and treatment in a 2023 interview, Neill said the difficult period had deepened his appreciation for life and friendships. He is survived by his four children and eight grandchildren.  

Filmmaker Md. Borhanul Ashekin (Borhan Khan) has been honoured with the prestigious Best Short Film Director award at the AJFB Star Awards 2025 for his socially conscious short film, Blind Road. The award was presented at a gala ceremony held recently at the BIAM Auditorium in the capital. Organised by the Artist and Journalist Foundation of Bangladesh (AJFB), the 19th edition of the awards celebrated outstanding achievements by established stars and emerging talents in the country's film and music industries. The evening featured vibrant cultural performances, adding to the grandeur of the ceremony and making it a memorable occasion for the attendees. Beyond his creative pursuits, Borhanul Ashekin is a successful textile entrepreneur with extensive experience in international garment exports. Despite his professional commitments in business, his passion for the arts has remained a driving force. His ability to balance entrepreneurial success with social responsibility has resonated well with audiences. As a social activist, he has frequently stepped forward to support the community; notably, he gained significant recognition and acclaim for his COVID-19 awareness campaign, ‘Pashe Achi’ (I Am By Your Side). In addition to filmmaking, Borhanul Ashekin is an accomplished author. He has published several literary works, with his poetry collection ‘Sobuj Prem’ (Green Love) receiving notable appreciation from readers at the 2019 Amar Ekushey Book Fair. Active in the media industry for years, Borhan Khan has demonstrated his expertise through television dramas, commercials, and documentaries. His commitment to socially conscious and life-oriented storytelling is evident in his work. Speaking about the recognition, Borhan Khan said, “Cinema is not merely a medium of entertainment; it is a powerful tool for social change. ‘Blind Road’ is a very special project for me, and this award represents the love and trust the audience has placed in my work.”    

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.  

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.