United News of Bangladesh

Broadway’s musicians have reached a tentative labor agreement with commercial producers, narrowly avoiding a strike that could have silenced nearly two dozen musicals. The American Federation of Musicians Local 802, representing about 1,200 musicians, had threatened to walk off the job if no deal was reached by Thursday morning after mediation began on Wednesday. Early Thursday, the union announced a tentative three-year deal that includes wage increases and higher health fund contributions. “This agreement provides meaningful wage and health benefit increases that will preserve crucial access to healthcare for our musicians while maintaining strong contract protections,” said AFM Local 802 President Bob Suttmann. The agreement now awaits member ratification. The deal covers 23 shows, from megahits like Hamilton and The Lion King to new productions such as Queen of Versailles and Chess. It marks the second Broadway labor settlement in a week, following a similar three-year deal between producers and the Actors’ Equity Association over the weekend. Both unions had been operating under expired contracts. Broadway’s recovery from the pandemic shutdown has been strong, with the 2024–2025 season earning a record $1.9 billion—surpassing pre-pandemic highs. Unions cited the industry’s robust finances to justify better pay and benefits, while producers warned that higher costs could push up ticket prices. The last major strike on Broadway occurred in 2007, when a 19-day walkout by stagehands shut down over two dozen shows. On Wednesday, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand, Cory Booker, and Andy Kim urged both sides to negotiate in good faith, noting Broadway’s importance to nearly 100,000 jobs and New York’s broader economy.

Smriti Irani has confirmed that businessman and philanthropist Bill Gates will make a special appearance in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, calling it a “historic moment” for Indian television. Reports earlier suggested that Gates would appear via video call in three episodes of the limited series. Speaking to CNBC-TV18, Irani said, “This marks a historic moment in Indian entertainment. For far too long, women’s and children’s health has remained at the margins of mainstream dialogue. This initiative is a powerful step towards changing that.” A new promo for the series, featuring Irani as Tulsi Virani, teases the guest appearance with the caption: “Kaun hai yeh mehmaan... jisse milne ka sabko intezaar hai?” According to a source quoted by ETimes, the storyline around Gates’ cameo will focus on maternal and newborn health awareness. “Since the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation actively works on these causes, the collaboration happened naturally. Smriti wanted to use the show as a platform to promote health and social awareness through storytelling,” the source said. Bobby Deol recalls being sidelined in Bollywood Irani, who returned to acting with the revival of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, has been weaving social issues into the show’s narrative. “We took up the issue of ageing and body shaming because these are fundamental challenges women face every day,” she told Mumbai Mirror. She also discussed a recent plotline involving her on-screen daughter filing a false case of domestic violence against her in-laws, saying, “Can we stand up for such men? That is not something you would normally expect on a television show or film.” In short, Smriti Irani confirmed Bill Gates’ guest appearance in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, describing it as a groundbreaking collaboration blending entertainment with social impact. Source: NDTV 

Actress Ana De Armas reportedly remains close to Tom Cruise despite recent breakup reports. Sources say the duo decided to end their romantic relationship after realizing “the spark had gone,” but they continue to share mutual respect and maintain a friendship. A source close to Ana told People that she views Cruise as a “dear friend and mentor” and “very much enjoys spending time” with him. The pair are also set to work together on an upcoming film project. RadarOnline reported that there is “no tension” between them and that their relationship has evolved into a healthier dynamic, marked by genuine affection and mutual respect. The rumors of their dating surfaced in July after they were seen together in Vermont. Though they never publicly confirmed being a couple, they were spotted attending high-profile events, including David Beckham’s 50th birthday, vacationing in Madrid and London, and attending an Oasis concert at Wembley Stadium. Tom Cruise has also praised Ana’s action-thriller Ballerina, calling it “right in that tone,” highlighting their professional admiration alongside their personal friendship.   Source: NDTV

South Korean actor Lee Jung-Jae, famous for Squid Game, was impersonated by a scammer who defrauded a woman of 500 million KRW (around $360,000), police said. The victim, identified as Ms A, in her 50s, was contacted by the impersonator claiming to be Lee Jung-Jae. The scammer used AI-generated images, edited photos, and fake airport and film set pictures to gain her trust. He even provided a forged ID card and gradually developed a personal relationship with her, addressing her with affectionate terms like “darling” and “honey.” Once the victim was convinced, the impersonator asked for money and succeeded in taking $360,000 from her. Miryang Police in Gyeongnam Province are investigating and said the scammer was part of a Cambodian crime network. The group allegedly continued communication with the victim even as police probed the case. The incident has raised concerns among fans worldwide about online impersonation and scams targeting celebrity admirers.   Source: NDTV

Actor Bobby Deol has opened up about the difficult phase in his Bollywood career when his films stopped performing at the box office, leaving him isolated in social and professional circles. Speaking on Shubhankar Mishra's podcast, Deol said the sidelining was gradual. “People would meet me politely but soon drift away and form their own groups. I was left alone,” he recalled. He added that party invitations also decreased, though the Deol family traditionally attends few social events. “Those who were warm with me at the top started ignoring me. People are with you as long as you have something to offer,” he said. Deol, however, holds no grudges. “It happens in every industry. The same people now come to me with offers, but I don’t hold anything against them,” he added. The actor is now back in the spotlight with his latest project, The Ba*ds of Bollywood**, a Netflix series where he plays Ajay Talvar, a Bollywood superstar. The show, produced by Lakshya, follows an outsider’s journey to make it big in the Hindi film industry. Other cast members include Raghav Juyal, Sahher Bambba, Anya Singh, and Manoj Pahwa. Deol previously gained acclaim with Aashram (2020) and his role as a villain in Animal (2023), marking his strong return to the industry.   Source: NDTV

Actor Pooja Bedi recently spoke candidly about her decision to step away from films following her marriage to Farhan Furniturewala, citing cultural differences and family expectations as key reasons. In an interview with Siddharth Kannan, Bedi explained that Farhan came from a conservative Muslim family that could not accept a daughter-in-law actively working in films. “In those days, there was a lot of gossip in the film industry. Every time a film released, they tried to link you up with the heroes, all that drama would go on. I don’t think there was any way they were going to accept a bahu of the house who was still working in films,” she said. She added that at the time, married women were generally expected to quit acting. “Today, you can be married and still be in films. You could have kids and still be welcome to play the heroine. Cinema has evolved, and audiences have evolved a lot as well,” Bedi noted. The actor revealed that she returned signing amounts for several films, including a lucrative Kamasutra ad campaign, in order to fully embrace her new life. “I thought about it, and I was like, ‘If I’m going to do something, I want to do it well and with full respect. I don’t want to make people in the family uncomfortable,’” she said. Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh reveal daughter Dua’s face in Diwali celebration Reflecting on their relationship, Bedi described it as respectful and amicable. “We have two beautiful children, and we are best friends today. I love his current wife, Laila,” she said. Pooja Bedi and Farhan Furniturewala married in 1994, welcomed daughter Alaya F in 1997 and son Omar, and divorced in 2003 after nearly a decade together. Source: NDTV

Bollywood stars Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have finally shared a glimpse of their daughter, Dua, on Instagram, giving fans a peek into their Diwali celebrations. In the photos, the couple is seen in elegant traditional attire. Ranveer wore an off-white kurta with a matching coat and neck ornament, while Deepika dazzled in a red suit paired with statement jewellery. Dua looked adorable as she twinned with her mother, smiling for the cameras. The little one stole the show with her cute poses as Deepika held her in her arms and Ranveer embraced both. The final slide featured Deepika and Dua performing the Diwali puja together. Celebrities quickly reacted to the family pictures, with Hansika Motwani writing, “So cute,” Rajkummar Rao commenting, “So cute. God bless you guys,” and Ananya Panday exclaiming, “Oh my god.” Fans were also thrilled to see Dua Padukone’s first-ever appearance. Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh married on November 14, 2018, in a grand ceremony at Lake Como, Italy, reflecting Deepika’s Konkani heritage and Ranveer’s Sindhi background. The couple welcomed their first child, Dua Padukone, on September 8, 2024.   Source: NDTV

Veteran Bollywood actor and comedian Govardhan Asrani, popularly known as Asrani, passed away on Monday at the age of 84 after a prolonged illness. He had been hospitalized for five days due to age-related ailments. Born on January 1, 1940, in Jaipur to a middle-class Sindhi family, Asrani chose acting over his father’s carpet business. He completed his schooling at St. Xavier’s School and graduated from Rajasthan College, supporting his studies by working as a voice artist at All India Radio, Jaipur. Asrani trained under Sahitya Kalbhai Thakkar from 1960 to 1962 and later joined the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, in 1964. He made his Bollywood debut in 1967 with Hare Kaanch Ki Choodiyan and also appeared as a lead actor in several Gujarati films. He gained immense popularity for his role as the jailer in Sholay and delivered notable performances under directors like Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Gulzar, and B.R. Chopra. Asrani also shared the screen with Rajesh Khanna in around 25 films, including Bawarchi (1972). In the 2000s, he became a prominent figure in Priyadarshan’s comedies, starring in films such as Hera Pheri, Aamdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiyaa, Baghban, Chup Chup Ke, Garam Masala, and Bol Bachchan. He also appeared in the 2023 comedy Dream Girl 2. Asrani is survived by his wife, actress Manju Bansal, whom he met during the filming of Aaj Ki Taaza Khabar and Namak Haram, and their son, Naveen Asrani. With a career spanning over five decades, Asrani’s contribution to Hindi cinema as an actor and director will be remembered for generations.   Source: NDTV

In the bustling heart of Mumbai, Maratha Mandir cinema stands as a relic of old-world charm, its faded posters and single-screen aura offering a glimpse into a bygone era. Yet inside, a cinematic phenomenon continues unabated: for 30 years, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) has played here every day at 11:30 a.m., drawing audiences as fervently as ever. Despite a city constantly chasing new releases, DDLJ has become more than just a film — it is a ritual, a shared memory, and a celebration of love. On its 30th anniversary this Diwali, early morning screenings transformed into a festival of nostalgia, with crowds queuing hours in advance, hand-painted placards in hand, and selfies in front of the iconic posters. Among the audience were families spanning generations: a father returning with his wife and three children, hoping to pass on the magic of his own first viewing, and a father who travelled over 2,000 kilometres from Shantiniketan to watch the film with his teenage daughter, an aspiring actress and Shah Rukh Khan fan. Enthusiasts even brought mementos from Switzerland — echoing the film’s memorable overseas locations — while international tourists lined up, captivated by the film’s global legacy. Palash Muchhal confirms wedding plans with cricketer Smriti Mandhana Inside, the theatre brimmed with shared excitement: cheers greeted Shah Rukh Khan’s grand entrances, dialogues were recited in unison, and songs like Tujhe Dekha Toh Yeh Jaana Sanam became collective karaoke. The smell of popcorn, the creak of wooden seats, and the aroma of samosas added to the nostalgic charm. Manoj Pandey, Maratha Mandir’s manager for over 20 years, highlighted the theatre’s commitment to accessibility, keeping ticket prices low and adapting from physical prints to digital projection. “There are days when DDLJ draws more viewers than new releases,” he said. As fans celebrated with a cake printed with Raj and Simran’s iconic embrace, it was clear that DDLJ at Maratha Mandir is more than a movie — it is a timeless testament to love, cinema, and enduring hope, uniting generations even after three decades. Source: NDTV 

Popular Bangladeshi rock band Artcell expressed deep regret over the cancellation of their scheduled concert in Sylhet on Saturday, after a massive fire at the Cargo Village of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport disrupted flight operations. In a Facebook post on Sunday, the band said they had waited at the airport with their instruments until the last moment, hoping their flight would be cleared. “We were at the airport till the very end, hoping for a call anytime. You (the fans) were waiting with love; yet, we couldn’t meet yesterday,” Artcell wrote. The band explained that the fire, which broke out on Saturday afternoon, led to a suspension of all flights. Although limited operations resumed later in the night, their Sylhet-bound flight was eventually cancelled. According to reports, several warehouses at the airport’s Cargo Village were destroyed in the blaze, causing extensive financial losses estimated in millions of dollars. Many workers, traders, and members of the security forces, including police and Ansar personnel, were injured in the incident. Artcell said they had been fully prepared for the Sylhet performance and were eager to connect with their fans there. They also thanked the concert organiser Flames Musical Club for their professionalism and constant communication throughout the disruption. “They were extremely professional, friendly, and cooperative from the beginning. We remain in close contact with them and stand beside them with all possible support,” the post read. The band further praised the Sylhet audience for their patience and discipline, noting that despite their absence, the concert went on successfully. Artcell expressed gratitude to fellow band Highway and the audience for offering a heartfelt tribute during the show. “We witnessed an immense outpouring of love even in our absence. Though we couldn’t be there in person, we deeply felt your love,” the band added.