United News of Bangladesh

Cricketer Virat Kohli and actress Anushka Sharma, currently in London, delighted fans with a rare glimpse of their personal life. Virat shared a smiling selfie with Anushka on Instagram, leaning his face close to hers, captioned: “Been a minute.” The post quickly drew attention, with fans flooding the comments. Some called the couple “cuties together,” while others hailed them as “King and Queen.” Ashneer Grover could join Bigg Boss 19 as wildcard, shares witty comment online Bollywood stars Alia Bhatt and Athiya Shetty were among those who liked the picture. BackgroundVirat and Anushka tied the knot on December 11, 2017, in Italy. They are parents to daughter Vamika, born on January 11, 2021, and son Akaay, born on February 15, 2024. Professionally, Anushka’s cricket biopic Chakda Xpress, based on Indian cricketer Jhulan Goswami, is yet to be released, with no confirmation on whether the project is on hold. Earlier this year, in May, Virat announced his retirement from Test cricket ahead of India’s tour of England, which also marked the start of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle. Source: NDTV 

Actor Rajat Bedi, who recently returned to the Hindi entertainment industry with his web series debut The Ba**ds of Bollywood, has climbed to the ninth position on IMDb India’s list of popular celebrities. Earlier, he was ranked 954th. IMDb India announced the update on X (formerly Twitter), sharing his picture with the note: “IMDb Popular Indian Celebrities, determined by fans always.” The caption added, “#RajatBedi ranks #9 from #954 for his portrayal of Jaraj Saxena in The Ba**ds of Bollywood*.” The show’s director Aryan Khan also rose sharply in the rankings, moving from 87th to sixth place. Female leads Anya Singh and Sahher Bambba secured the first two spots, while Lakshya ranked fourth and Raghav Juyal twelfth. Rajat later posted a photo with Aryan Khan on Instagram, where he had his arm around Aryan’s shoulder. Sharing the picture, he wrote: “When God sends you an angel, this is what he looks like.” Streaming on Netflix since September 18, The Ba**ds of Bollywood* tells the story of an ambitious outsider (played by Lakshya) trying to make his mark in the Hindi film industry. The cast includes Raghav Juyal, Manoj Pahwa, Mona Singh, Gautami Kapoor, Anya Singh, and Sahher Bambba, along with cameo appearances. Rajat Bedi, who started his acting career with Do Hazaar Ek in 1998, is known for his roles in TV shows like Humrahi, Kasautii Zindagii Kay, and Aahat. His film credits include Koi Mil Gaya, Rakht, Khamoshh Khauff Ki Raat, and Rocky – The Rebel.   Source: NDTV

Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD) inaugurated “A Healing Space – Winner’s Showcase,” an international design exhibition organized by Claymire in association with Placemaking Bangladesh, on Friday at La Galerie, Dhanmondi. The opening ceremony was attended by Dr Khandaker Shabbir Ahmed, Ashok Karmaker, and A K M Saleh Ahmed Anik as special guests. “A Healing Space” is Claymire’s second international design ideas competition, inviting participants from around the world to reimagine the built environment as an agent of care, resilience, and ecological renewal. Responding to the global disruptions of recent years, the initiative explored how design can foster healing at three interconnected scales — People, Community, and Planet. From hundreds of submissions worldwide, the exhibition presents the Top 30 shortlisted proposals, addressing themes such as urban–rural transformations, biophilic design, inclusive public spaces, therapeutic landscapes, and playful interventions. This year’s winning projects include “Beyond The Wall” by Mariom Bentee Rahman, Amit Dutta, Jannatul Ferdous Khan Joty, and Md Shihab Pramanik, which reimagines Dhaka’s boundary walls as shared community edges, transforming neglected urban margins into spaces for connection and cultural expression. Another winning project, “Komolar Daake Mononer Paane" by N M Shamsul Islam, Sadika Alam Sayma, Tanvir Ahamed, and Omar Faruk, revives a historic paddle steamer as a living cultural vessel, reclaiming the river as a site of memory, identity, and community gathering. With its preserved orange hull, the project symbolizes heritage, serenity, and civic engagement. Claymire, a creative platform for architects, artists, designers, and students, aims to promote innovative design and collaboration through competitions, exhibitions, and events. Placemaking Bangladesh works to transform everyday spaces into inclusive, ecological, and people-centered places by bridging professional expertise with grassroots perspectives. The exhibition will remain open for visitors on September 27 from 12pm to 9pm at La Galerie, Alliance Française de Dhaka.

Telugu superstar Pawan Kalyan’s latest release They Call Him OG has stormed the box office, emerging as the year’s biggest opener. According to trade tracker Sacnilk, the film grossed Rs 70 crore on its opening day in India. Combined with Rs 20.25 crore from paid previews a day earlier, the total reached Rs 90.25 crore. Globally, it is expected to cross the Rs 150 crore mark on day one. The blockbuster debut surpasses Pawan Kalyan’s own Hari Hara Veera Mallu (Rs 34 crore opening) and beats other 2025 big releases including Rajinikanth’s Coolie (Rs 65 crore), Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava (Rs 31 crore), and Ahaan Panday’s Saiyaara (Rs 21.5 crore). Salman Khan admits asking actresses to change outfits Directed by Sujeeth and produced by D. V. V. Danayya, They Call Him OG features Kalyan as a retired gangster who resurfaces in Bombay in 1993 to confront rival crime lord Omi Bhau, played by Emraan Hashmi in his Telugu debut. Priyanka Mohan, Arjun Das, Sriya Reddy and Prakash Raj also star. NDTV critic Saibal Chatterjee noted that while the screenplay falters, “Pawan Kalyan goes full tilt” and his charisma keeps the film’s momentum alive. Source: NDTV 

Coke Studio Bangla on Thursday night released its sixth track of Season 3, 'Moha Jadu,' a cross-cultural fusion of Bangla mysticism and Farsi poetry that celebrates love’s enchantment as a force moving the heart and soul. The 4:14-minute track was composed, arranged and produced by popular music artist Habib Wahid, marking his long-anticipated debut on the Coke Studio Bangla platform.  The piece was written by Baul poet Shah Khowaj Mia, a disciple of revered mystic Durbin Shah, with additional Farsi verses penned by Hadis Dehgan. Habib Wahid himself handled mixing and mastering of the release. In the rendition, Habib Wahid reinterprets the timeless verses with a vibrant electronic-folk arrangement, while Tajikistani singer Mehrnigori Rustam lends her voice, making her introduction to Bangladeshi audiences. The music video of the song, directed by popular director Adnan Al Rajeev, continues the vibrant storytelling that Coke Studio Bangla is showcasing throughout its third season. According to Coke Studio Bangla, 'Moha Jadu' highlights parallels between Bengal’s Baul traditions and Sufi-inspired Persian lineages, carried through by the shared word 'Jadu' (magic) that bridges the two cultures. Producers said the track blends fresh rhythm with devotion, bridging time and borders through music. The song also underscores how Persian once shaped Bengal’s cultural and literary heritage as the court language for centuries, leaving behind enduring words and stories that continue to influence the region’s artistic expressions. With 'Moha Jadu,' Wahid extends his longstanding journey of weaving Baul folk into modern electronic soundscapes, carrying mystic verses to a new generation of listeners while renewing tradition in a contemporary form.

Former narcotics officer Sameer Wankhede has filed a defamation lawsuit against actor Shah Rukh Khan, his production company Red Chillies Entertainment, and the makers of the Netflix series The Ba**ds of Bollywood*. The suit concerns his portrayal in the web series, which is directed by Aryan Khan. The Defamation Claim Wankhede is seeking Rs 2 crore in damages from Shah Rukh Khan and Red Chillies Entertainment, with the request that the amount be donated to Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital to help cancer patients. In his legal filing before the Delhi High Court, Wankhede has requested permanent and mandatory injunctions, a public declaration, and compensation. In his statement, Wankhede stated, "The series has maliciously portrayed me and the anti-drug enforcement agencies in a false and defamatory manner, severely damaging public trust in law enforcement." The Series' Portrayal The first episode of The Ba**ds of Bollywood* features a character resembling Wankhede, who is shown outside a Bollywood party, searching for individuals involved in drug use. Since the series began streaming on Netflix on September 18, social media users have drawn comparisons between Wankhede and this character. Wankhede's Allegations Wankhede alleges that the series was intentionally created to damage his reputation, particularly since the case involving Aryan Khan's drug charges is still ongoing in court. He also criticized the show for a scene in which a character gestures offensively with a middle finger while reciting the national motto “Satyamev Jayate,” calling it a violation of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act. Additionally, Wankhede's statement accuses the series of violating various laws, including the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), for promoting offensive material that could harm national sentiment. Background of the Case Wankhede led the Narcotics Control Bureau’s investigation into Aryan Khan and others in 2021, following a raid on a cruise ship that led to the seizure of illegal drugs. Aryan Khan, along with Ayaaz Merchant and Munmun Dhamecha, was arrested and charged with drug-related offenses. Aryan spent 25 days in jail before being granted bail. In May 2022, all charges against him were dropped, and Wankhede was removed from the case amid allegations of blackmail.   Source: NDTV

A special documentary titled 'Bhabar Bhita – The House that Held Bhaba' will premiere at Bengal Shilpalay in the capital’s Dhanmondi on Friday, commemorating the birth centenary of legendary filmmaker Ritwik Kumar Ghatak. Directed by Molla Sagar as a heartfelt tribute to Ghatak, one of South Asia’s most influential filmmakers, the documentary traces Sagar’s journey to Old Dhaka in search of the ancestral home where Ritwik and his twin sister Pratiti Devi Ghatak, affectionately known as 'Bhaba' and 'Bhabi', were born and spent their childhood. It presents the history and present condition of the house that shaped their early years. The premiere will be attended by noted artists, filmmakers, cultural personalities, critics, journalists and admirers, who will come together to honour Ghatak’s enduring legacy. Born on November 4, 1925, in a house in Old Dhaka, the twins were separated by history after the Partition of 1947 - Ritwik and his family moved to India, while Pratiti stayed back in Bangladesh. Ritwik passed away in 1976, still searching for a new home in his creative imagination. Sharing the inspiration behind the project, Sagar recalled his meeting with Pratiti in Dhaka in 2014. “She was then around 90 and had lost much of her memory, almost bedridden; I requested her for something symbolic, and she gifted me a black-and-white photo of Bhaba, and that was my priceless treasure.” “With that photo in hand, I set out with my camera to find the old house in Old Dhaka. Bhaba, through that photograph, accompanied us on the journey, while conversations with Bhabi gave birth to the film ‘Bhabar Bhita’,” Sagar added. The event is organised by Life Bangladesh in association with Chhut Chhobi Chhaya Adda.

Kajol and Twinkle Khanna welcomed Salman Khan and Aamir Khan in the premiere episode of their new talk show, Too Much With Kajol and Twinkle Khanna, where Salman spoke candidly about his career and personal views. During the episode, Salman Khan revealed that he has, at times, asked actresses on his sets to “change and come back” to avoid awkwardness for the audience. He explained, “Our culture is such that when families watch films together, including parents and grandparents, some scenes can make them uncomfortable. I believe it’s important that viewers in their 20s and 30s enjoy films without feeling awkward about the content.” On the subject of women navigating a male-dominated world, Salman added humorously, “Even in kitchens, it’s mostly men—every chef, every home chef, is male.” Kajol countered, highlighting that male chefs earn salaries while women often continue household chores unpaid. The playful discussion continued as Salman asked both Kajol and Twinkle if they cooked at home, joking about the male actors in their households. Actor Rajat Bedi: “Aryan Khan shares Shah Rukh’s confidence and focus” Salman also opened up about his personal life, sharing his desire to have children one day. “Children, I will have, one day, soon. Eventually, one will have kids, but let’s see,” he said. The premiere episode, featuring Salman and Aamir Khan, was filled with candid and entertaining moments, giving audiences insight into Salman’s unfiltered opinions on relationships, parenting, and professional conduct on film sets. Source: NDTV

Fresh speculation has gripped the Harry Potter fandom as rumours suggest HBO’s upcoming adaptation of The Philosopher’s Stone could feature a female incarnation of Lord Voldemort. The new series, billed as a fresh take on J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world, is expected to introduce Voldemort earlier than in the original films — possibly through flashbacks and his possession of Professor Quirrell. Entertainment scooper Daniel Richtman reported on X that HBO is auditioning both men and women for the role of Voldemort. “So it’s possible we could see a female Voldemort in the series,” Richtman wrote. The report has triggered heated debate online, with some fans coining names such as “Lady Voldemort” or “She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.” Reactions have been sharply divided. “Nope. No thank you. Don’t care if I sound sexist. Voldemort should not be a female character. Put the whole thing in the trash if they do that,” one user posted. Another joked: “I present to you Lady ‘She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named’ Voldemort!” Rumours have also swirled around big-name casting. Cillian Murphy, of Oppenheimer fame, dismissed speculation during Josh Horowitz’s Happy Sad Confused podcast. “I don’t know anything about that… it’s really hard to follow anything Ralph Fiennes does. The man is an absolute acting legend. So, good luck to whoever is going to fill those shoes,” he said. Ralph Fiennes, who played Voldemort in the original films, previously praised Murphy, calling him a “wonderful suggestion.” Fans have also floated names such as Tom Hiddleston, but HBO has yet to make any official casting announcements. In the original franchise, Ralph Fiennes portrayed Voldemort, while Christian Coulson, Richard Bremmer and Ian Hart played earlier versions of the character. Unlike the films, HBO’s series is expected to feature the Dark Lord from the first season, including flashbacks to Harry’s parents’ murder and Voldemort’s early return. Source: Agency

Actor Rajat Bedi has opened up about working with Aryan Khan in his directorial debut web series The Ba**ds of Bollywood* and noted the striking similarities between the Bollywood superstar and his son. Bedi, who returned to acting with the series, played Jaraj Saxena, a character on the fringes of the industry, banned by the movie mafia. In an interview with the Indian Express, he recalled his early experience working with Shah Rukh Khan in the 1995 film Zamaana Deewana, where he served as an assistant director under Ramesh Sippy. “I am grateful to be part of Aryan’s first project. My journey with his father goes way back. When I was 18, I started in the industry as an assistant director to Ramesh Sippy on Zamaana Deewana. For two and a half years, I worked closely with Shah Rukh sir,” Bedi said. He added that Aryan personally offered him the role, saying, “‘Sir, please will you consider it?’ I told him you had me at hello; there was no need to narrate. My only condition was that just as I started with his father, my son Vivaan would work with Aryan. He has assisted on the show for two years.” Speaking on Shah Rukh and Aryan, Bedi noted, “There are many similarities between Shah Rukh sir and Aryan. Both have high energy and are very clear about what they want. I often told Aryan that he is so good-looking he should be in front of the camera, but he is passionate about directing. His enthusiasm and focus are very much like his father’s.” Produced by Gauri Khan, The Ba**ds of Bollywood also features Lakshya, Raghav Juyal, and Bobby Deol, following the story of an ambitious outsider navigating the challenging world of Bollywood.   Source: NDTV