United News of Bangladesh

Popular singer and composer SI Tutul has walked down the aisle once again. Tutul tied the knot to television presenter Sharmina Siraj Sonia. The couple got married on July 4 in the US, music director and writer Tanveer Tarek told UNB. The musician remarried a year after his divorce from actress Tania Ahmed. Also read: Tisha finally reveals her daughter’s picture "Tania and I were separated for five years. We officially got divorced last year," Tutul told the media. "Since then, I have been travelling to New York for different purposes, including for performing in concerts. I met Sonia through the reality show "Bangla Gayen" on RTV." Sonia said: "I have been single for 12 years. I was looking for a life partner. So, when Tutul asked for my hand in marriage, I couldn't say no." "We will celebrate our marriage with our friends and family in the US and Bangladesh very soon," she added. Also read: Pop legend Ferdous Wahid hospitalised Sonia worked as a presenter in several Bangladeshi media outlets. After that, she moved to the US and settled there.

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck were wed Saturday in a late-night Las Vegas drive-through chapel, culminating a relationship that stretched over two decades in two separate romances and headlined countless tabloid covers. Lopez announced their marriage Sunday in her newsletter for fans with the heading “We did it.” Lopez initially made their engagement public in April on the same newsletter, “On the J Lo.” “Love is beautiful. Love is kind. And it turns out love is patient. Twenty years patient,” wrote Lopez in a message signed Jennifer Lynn Affleck. Read: Indian pop singer Daler Mehndi jailed Lopez wrote that the couple flew to Las Vegas on Saturday, stood in line for their license with four other couples and were wed just after midnight at A Little White Wedding Chapel, a chapel boasting a drive-through “tunnel of love.” Lopez said a Bluetooth speaker played their brief march down the aisle. She called it the best night of their lives. “Stick around long enough and maybe you’ll find the best moment of your life in a drive through in Las Vegas at 12:30 in the morning in the tunnel of love drive through with your kids and the one you’ll spend forever with,” said Lopez. News of their nuptials first spread Sunday after the Clark County clerk’s office in Nevada showed that the pair obtained a marriage license that was processed Saturday. The marriage license filing showed that Lopez plans to take the name Jennifer Affleck. Representatives for Lopez and Affleck declined to comment. Lopez, 52, and Affleck, 49, famously dated in the early 2000s, spawning the nickname “Bennifer,” before rekindling their romance last year. They earlier starred together in 2003′s “Gigli” and 2004′s “Jersey Girl.” Around that time, they became engaged but never wed. Read: ‘Squid Game,’ ‘Abbott Elementary’ vying for Emmy nominations Affleck married Jennifer Garner in 2005, with whom he shares three children. They divorced in 2018. Lopez has been married three times before. She was briefly married to Ojani Noa from 1997-1998 and to Cris Judd from 2001-2003. She and singer Marc Anthony were married for a decade after wedding in 2004 and share 14-year-old twins together.    

National Award-winning actress Nusrat Imrose Tisha and renowned film-maker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki are celebrating their 12th marriage anniversary on Saturday.On this occasion, Tisha posted three pictures of their daughter, Ilham Nusrat Farooki, on her verified Facebook page.

Legendary pop singer Ferdous Wahid was admitted to a Dhaka hospital Friday after he suffered a heart attack in the morning. The 69-year-old musician is now undergoing treatment at Birdem General Hospital, said his cousin Tayeba Nabi Tannu while confirming the news. Ferdous has heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. Earlier, he also tested positive for Covid-19. The music icon, also the father of popular musician Habib Wahid, rose to stardom in the 70s with his sonorous voice and melodious tunes. His most popular songs include "Mamooniya," "Agey Jodi Jantam,""Emon Ekta Ma Dena," and "Ami Ek Paharadar." Also known as an actor and film director, Ferdous made his directorial debut with the film "Kusumpurer Golpo" (The Story of Kusumpur) in 2013.

A court in the northern Indian state of Punjab on Thursday sent popular pop star Daler Mehndi to jail, rejecting his appeal against a two-year prison term for trafficking migrants to the US. The singer had been out on bail since his conviction in the case in 2018. "The singer was taken into custody by police soon after the court turned down his appeal against the sentence and cancelled his bail bond. He has to undergo the prison term now," TS Bhargav, a lawyer, told the local media. Also read: James Caan, Oscar nominee for ‘The Godfather,’ dies at 82 The case was filed by Punjab Police way back in 2003 after a probe revealed that Mehndi took some 10 migrants, disguised as dancers in his troupe, to the US and returned without them. Subsequently, the singer was also booked and chargesheeted for cheating after many people lodged complaints alleging that he took large sums of money on the pretext of taking them to Western countries. Also read: Ustad Rashid Khan to sing in 'Coke Studio Bangla' Season Two The 54-year-old singer helped popularise Punjabi dance Bhangra worldwide in the late 1990s and early 2000. He also sang in several Bollywood flicks, and is best known for his dance, voice, turban, and long robes.

With its biggest artists' collaboration in a single track, Coke Studio Bangla released its seventh song Wednesday night – a fusion of Radharaman Dutta's "Lilabali" and Bari Siddiquie's "Bhaber Deshe Thako Kanya." Composed and arranged by Shayan Chowdhury Arnob, the song Lilabali features Rubaiyat Rehman, Tasfia Fatima (Tashfee), Masha Islam, Karishma Sanu Sovvota, Jannatul Firdaus Akbar, Sanzida Mahmood Nandita, Armeen Musa, Warda Ashraf and Md Makhon Mia. Read: Ustad Rashid Khan to sing in 'Coke Studio Bangla' Season Two The fusion encapsulates the many ways a bride is adorned by her bridesmaids and the rush of emotions that goes through each of them. It also shows the other side of the same coin, where the groom expresses his sentiments in a light and fun setting. Together, the song draws a complete picture of the Bangladeshi way of celebrating a wedding. The chief sound engineer of the song is Faizan Rashid Ahmad (Buno), and the track was mixed and mastered by Saadul Islam. The orchestration team features Hassan Haider Khan (shehnai), Rahin Haider (tenor saxophone), Sayonton Mangsang (alto saxophone), Saadul Islam (banjitar and electric guitar), Imran Ahmed (electric guitar), Shuvendu Das Shuvo (electric guitar), Faizan Rashid Ahmad Buno (bass), Shayan Chowdhury Arnob (guitar), Ripon Kumar Sarkar (khomok), Mithun Chakra (percussions), Mubarak Islam (percussions), Pantho Kanai (drums), Pradyut Chatterjea (keys), Adit Rahman (Keys), and Salahuddin Mahmud (harmonium). Up to now, the first season of Coke Studio Bangla has released seven complete fusion tracks – "Nasek Nasek" (Animes Roy, Pantho Kanai), "Prarthona" (Momotaz Begum and Mizan Rahman), "Bulbuli" (Ritu Raj, Nandita), "Bhober Pagol" (Nigar Sumi and Jalali Set), "Chiltey Roud" (Arnob and Boga Taleb), "Shob Lokey Koy" (Kaniz Khandaker Mitu and Murshidabadi) and Lilabali. Also read: Coke Studio Bangla concert held at Army Stadium Music enthusiasts can enjoy the fusion performances on Coca-Cola Bangladesh's official Facebook page, YouTube channel and Spotify. Coke Studio Bangla is produced by Grey Advertising Bangladesh, with Syed Gousul Alam Shaon being the creative producer of the show and Shayan Chowdhury Arnob as the curator and music producer.

“Succession” and “Ted Lasso” are in the hunt for Emmy nominations that could add to their previous trophy hauls, but they’re up against hungry newcomers. When the bids are announced Tuesday, the social satire “Succession,” a 2020 top-drama winner, may face a showdown with “Squid Game.” The South Korean hit about a brutal survival contest is vying to become the first non-English language Emmy nominee. The Emmys once were dominated by broadcast networks and then cable, with the rise of streaming services changing the balance of power and perhaps the awards themselves. The possibility of Netflix’s “Squid Game” joining the Emmy mix is the result of streaming’s global marketplace focus. Other possible drama contenders include the modern Western “Yellowstone,” workplace thriller “Severance” and “Yellowjackets,” a hybrid survival and coming-of-age tale. Potential competition for “Ted Lasso,” which claimed seven trophies including best comedy last year, includes the inaugural seasons of “Abbott Elementary” and “Only Murders in the Building” — both popular and critical successes. Also read: Walking the red carpet at Cannes, Shuvoo skims the zenith Past top comedy winner “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” also is vying for nods. There are a number of outgoing shows looking for some final Emmy love. Among dramas that includes “This Is Us,” and “Ozark,” with “Insecure” and “black-ish” on the comedy side. Jean Smart, last year’s best comedy actress winner for “Hacks,” is in the running for a nod again, as is the series, with “Ted Lasso” star Jason Sudeikis hoping to repeat his 2021 comedy actor win. Bill Hader is chasing a third award in the category for “Barry.” “The Crown,” which dominated the 2021 drama awards, wasn’t televised within the eligibility period and is sitting this year out. Also read: 'Squid Game' star Lee Jung-jae debuts as director in Cannes JB Smoove (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”), Melissa Fumero (“Brooklyn Nine-Nine”) and Television Academy Chairman and CEO Frank Scherma were to announce the nominees. The Emmy ceremony is set for Sept. 12 and will air on NBC, with a host yet to be announced.    

Music band Aurthohin's ex-drummer Rumi Rahman passed away on Monday morning. He was 45. He was also one of the founding members of the band and an integral part of its debut album Trimatrik. Read: Entertainment fraternity mourns the death of Sharmili Ahmed "We are deeply shocked to hear the news. Please pray for the departed soul," Aurthohin said in a condolence message. Rumi also played with bands like The Trap, Ark, Dalchhut, Aranyak and Symphonium.

Mourning the death of the eminent Bangladeshi actress Sharmili Ahmed on Friday morning, television and film celebrities expressed deep shock and paid tearful tributes over their social media handles. The forever caring-loving motherly figure who is best known for playing the role of mother since 1976 in films and television dramas, Sharmili Ahmed has always been a highly respected actress among the acting fraternity for her utmost dedication and skilled acting. Remembering the legend, golden-era film actress Anjana Rahman wrote on her Facebook: “Sharmili Aunty played the role of my mother in my blockbuster film ‘Premik.’ What an impeccable and heart-touching performance it was! Also in many more films, she played the role of my mother and my older sister. Sincere respect, the dear legend - your contribution to Bengali cinema will be immortal forever.” Read: Eminent actress Sharmili Ahmed departs Dhallywood superstar Shakib Khan wrote, “Being an eminent actress and mother, Sharmili Aunty was successful in both of her responsibilities. She always projected a motherly vibe with her humble, sweet smile and caring notion.” Mentioning her contributions to the entertainment industry, Shakib Khan added, “Sharmili Aunty is one of the few people we see in Bengali films and dramas, who successfully portrayed motherly characters. We express our deepest condolences on the death of this wise and virtuous actress.” Versatile actor-singer Chanchal Chowdhury wrote, “It is hard to believe that one of the country's finest actresses has passed away. I wish eternal peace to her soul. Humble respect, to the legend.” Actor Shatabdi Wadud wrote, “We are slowly becoming guardianless! Legendary actress Sharmili Ahmed passed away this morning (Inna Allahi Wa Inna Ilahi Rajiun!).” Sharing some recent pictures, popular actress Deepa Khandakar posted: “Today I am sharing this sad news with all these happy photographs of the moments that we shared together. Wishing you the utmost peace on your eternal journey.” New generation actress Nazia Haque Orsha wrote: “We celebrated uncountable memories together, and I have learned a lot from you. I do not know what to say regarding your departure. Wherever you are, rest in peace.” Actor Mukit Zakaria wrote: “Legendary Actress Sharmili Ahmed Ma has passed away in peace today morning. She was a mother figure to me, and she considered and took care of me like her own Son. Please keep her in your prayers.” Music director-composer-singer Adit Rahman wrote, “We have lost one of the most eminent actors in our country. May her soul rest in eternal peace.” Besides, many other celebrities including Iresh Zaker, Shazu Khadem, Ziaul Faruque Apurba, Mehazabien Chowdhury and more have written heartfelt tributes to the legendary actress on their social media handles.

On the occasion of the second death anniversary of the legendary Andrew Kishore, hailed as the 'Playback King' and widely regardd as one of the most iconic voices of Bangladesh, eminent media personality Hanif Sanket recalled his friendship with the late singer and asserted as much he was a great artist, he was a compassionate human being as well. “Today is the second death anniversary of my friend Andrew Kishore. It has been two years since his passing - he is undoubtedly an asset to Bangla Music whose voice was brighter than his fame. People loved him for his songs,” the host of Bangladesh’s most popular magazine programme ‘Ittyadi’ poured his emotional tribute through a Facebook post on Wednesday. Since 1989, Hanif Sanket directed-hosted satire magazine show ‘Ittyadi’ is the longest-running show in the Bangladeshi television industry and also the longest-running magazine show in the world, and Andrew Kishore was a regular cast member of the show as a singer with many solo and group songs, and popular singles such as “Padma Patar Pani Noy” and more. Sharing an old image with his late friend and another image standing beside Kishore’s grave, Hanif Sanket wrote: “A great singer who could sing with his flamboyant and melodic voice with an open heart, Kishore also had the ability to mix with people with his open soul. He was an ideal artist, a compassionate human who can only be compared with himself.” “Through all of his amazing songs, Andrew Kishore’s legacy will be carried forward from generation to generation. My dear friend, I haven't forgotten you - I won't forget - I can't forget. Be in peace, wherever you are,” Hanif Sanket wrote. Born to Khitish Chandra Baroi and Minu Baroi on November 4, 1955, at Rajshahi in Bangladesh (then East Pakistan), Kishore, a Christian by birth, passed away on July 6, 2020, due to Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Kishore's great adventure in Dhallywood began with the film 'Mail Train' (1977). 'Ochinpurer Rajkumari Nei Je Tar Keu,' composed by Saley Alam Khan, was his debut playback song. After receiving critical recognition for the song 'Ek Chor Jay Chole' penned by Alam Khan in 'Protigga' (1979), Kishore never had to look back on his great musical career. Remembered by music lovers for his iconic tracks including “Jiboner Golpo, Achhe Baki Olpo,” “Amar Buker Moddhe Khane,” “Dak Diyachhen Doyal Amare,” “Hayre Manush Rongin Fanush,” “Amar Shara Deho Kheyo Go Mati,” “Amar Babar Mukhe Prothom Jedin Shunechilam Gaan,” “Bhengeche Pinjor, Meleche Dana,” “Bhalobese Gelam Shudhu,” “Shobai To Bhalobasha Chae” and more - Andrew Kishore has performed approximately 15,000 songs throughout his legendary career. For his tremendous contribution to the film industry of the country, Andrew Kishore won Bangladesh National Film Award eight times as the ‘Best Male Playback Singer’ for ‘Boro Bhalo Lok Chhilo’ (1982), ‘Surrender’ (1987), ‘Khotipuron’ (1989), ‘Padma Meghna Jamuna’ (1991), ‘Kabul’ (1996), ‘Aaj Gaye Holud’ (2000), ‘Saajghor’ (2007) and ‘Ki Jadu Korila’ (2008); alongside five prestigious Bachsas Awards and three Meril-Prothom Alo Awards, to name a few.