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Lady Gaga draws over 2 million fans to free concert on Copacabana Beach
Lady Gaga delivered a monumental free concert on Saturday night at Copacabana Beach, performing for an estimated 2.1 million fans in what became the largest show of her career.
“Tonight, we’re making history... Thank you for being part of it,” she told the ecstatic crowd.
Taking the stage around 10:10 p.m. local time, Gaga opened with her 2011 hit "Bloody Mary." The beach erupted with excitement as fans danced and sang along, packed shoulder-to-shoulder on the iconic stretch of sand.
She performed fan favorites like “Poker Face” and “Alejandro,” donning multiple outfits throughout the night, including one inspired by the Brazilian flag.
Many fans had staked out their spots early, arriving at dawn equipped with food and drinks, while some climbed trees for a better view. Among them was 27-year-old designer Manoela Dobes, who wore a dress featuring a photo from when she met Gaga in 2019. “This is the best day of my life,” she said.
The concert followed in the footsteps of last year’s massive Madonna show on the same beach and is part of a broader effort by Rio’s City Hall to attract visitors during the post-Carnival, pre-Saint John’s Day season.
According to city officials, the event is expected to inject around 600 million reais (roughly $106 million) into the local economy by boosting hotel stays, restaurant spending, and retail activity. The plan is to hold similar beach concerts every May through at least 2028.
Lady Gaga arrived in Rio early Tuesday, and excitement has been building ever since. Metro staff danced to her song “LoveGame” in a promotional video, and a free exhibit about her career quickly sold out.
While the majority of attendees were locals, many traveled from other parts of Brazil and abroad. Over 500,000 tourists arrived in Rio ahead of the show—more than double the original estimate.
Ingrid Serrano, a 30-year-old engineer from Colombia, came specifically for the concert. Wearing a shirt showcasing Gaga’s bold fashion choices, she said, “She represents complete freedom—being yourself without shame.”
Copacabana Beach has hosted record-breaking crowds before, including Madonna’s 2023 concert and a Rod Stewart performance in 1994 that drew 4 million people, the largest free rock concert ever according to Guinness World Records.
To accommodate the massive crowd, organizers installed 16 sound towers along the beach. Security included over 3,000 military personnel, 1,500 police officers, and 400 firefighters.
Among the crowd were longtime fans like Ricardo Filho, 25, who remembered Gaga’s last-minute cancellation in 2017 due to health reasons. “It was worth the wait,” he said. “She’s the best artist in the world.”
7 months ago
This summer at the movies, superheroes, from ‘Superman’ to ‘Fantastic Four,’ return
Superman is gearing up for a major comeback — and he's not alone. As one of the most iconic figures in the comic book world, his return to the big screen comes at a pivotal time for Hollywood, which is still finding its footing years after pandemic shutdowns and industry-wide strikes.
But Superman won’t be carrying the weight of the box office on his own shoulders. Marvel Studios is also staging a bold return with two anticipated releases this summer: Thunderbolts and The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
While some critics have claimed that audiences are growing tired of superhero films, the genre remains a crucial pillar of summer box office success — particularly when the films deliver strong stories and fan appeal.
The $4 billion success of the “Barbenheimer” summer may have been driven by two standout hits, but that record-breaking haul also relied on superhero entries like Guardians of the Galaxy and Spider-Man, which were the second- and third-highest grossers of the season.
As Hollywood looks to rebound in 2025, top filmmakers behind this year’s most anticipated releases shared insights with The Associated Press, offering a glimpse into what could be a defining summer for the industry.
Summer Movie Math
Summer begins early in Hollywood, on the first weekend in May. Kids might still be in school, and pools might still be closed, but that kickoff can make or break that pivotal 123-day corridor that has historically accounted for around 40% of the annual box office. Last year was the first in many that didn’t launch with a Marvel movie and it showed — the business limped along for weeks until Disney came to the rescue with “Inside Out 2” and “Deadpool & Wolverine.”
This year, the powerful studio is back in that familiar spot with “Thunderbolts,” which brings together misfits and antiheroes like Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Red Guardian (David Harbour) and Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan).
“It’s a fun twist on what a movie like this could be,” said director Jake Schreier. “There are some places we’re gonna go that are different from what you would normally expect.”
He added: “It’s trying to be a movie about something and the moment we’re in — not in a political sense, but just where everybody’s at and what everyone’s been going through.”
The Memorial Day weekend could also be a behemoth a few weeks later with the live action “Lilo & Stitch” and “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” storming theaters. With a new “Jurassic World,” a live-action “How to Train Your Dragon” and a Formula One movie also on the schedule through June and July, the summer 2025 season has the potential to be the biggest in the post-COVID era.
Before the pandemic, all but one summer since 2007 broke the $4 billion mark. Since 2020, only one has: 2023, led by “Barbie.”
Saving Superman (and the DC Universe)
After three “Guardians” movies, James Gunn knows enough to know that he doesn’t have much control over whether people buy tickets for his movies. His job is to make something good, entertaining and “worthy” of the audience.
But that’s also possibly underplaying the pressure of taking on Superman and overseeing a unified DC universe that kicks off with “Superman” on July 11. He considers it the first true superhero movie he’s ever made.
Cannes Festival's social media handles feature Adnan Al Rajeev’s short film 'Ali'
“It’s a personal journey for Superman that’s entirely new,” Gunn said. “It is, first and foremost, about what does Superman learn about himself. But it’s also about the robots and the flying dogs and all that stuff. It’s taking a very real person and putting them in the middle of this outrageous situation and outrageous world and playing with that. I think it’s a lot of fun because of that.”
The film introduces a new actor to the role of Superman/Clark Kent in David Corenswet, who stars alongside Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Gunn said to expect different things from both.
“It was a lot of fun making a Lex that is actually going to kill Superman,” he said. “He’s pretty scary.”
The film is also “seeding the rest of the DCU,” Gunn said. “If it works as a movie in a basic way, that’s what we need to happen, that’s what I care about.”
Superman as a brand has always trailed Batman at the box office. None of the Zack Snyder films crossed $1 billion, not accounting for inflation, while both Christopher Nolan “Dark Knight” sequels did. But Gunn isn't thinking a lot about that.
“I just want to make a decent movie that makes a little money,” Gunn said.
Marvel’s First Family
Superman’s not the only legacy brand getting a splashy reintroduction this summer. A new Fantastic Four crew, assembled for the first time under umbrella of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Kevin Feige, is heading to theaters July 25.
“Fantastic Four is a comic I’ve loved since I was a kid,” said director Matt Shakman. “They are the legendary heroes of the '60s that the Marvel silver age was built on.”
Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, The Fantastic Four is among Marvel’s longest-running comics series. But it has not had the most distinguished history on film, including two with Chris Evans and one with Michael B. Jordan.
“The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is set in a retro-futuristic 1960s New York, where Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards is “basically Steve Jobs meets Einstein who’s creating technology that’s changing the world” and Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm is “essentially the secretary-general of the U.N.,” Shakman said.
A television veteran with directing credits on shows like “WandaVision” and “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” Shakman said he wants to do right by the characters, and audience.
“It’s working on an incredibly large scale in terms of world building, but it’s also no different from all of the great comedies and dramas that I’ve done,” Shakman said. “In the end, it comes down to character, it comes down to relationships, it comes down to heart and humor.”
7 months ago
Cannes Festival's social media handles feature Adnan Al Rajeev’s short film 'Ali'
Bangladeshi filmmaker Adnan Al Rajeev’s short film 'Ali' has been officially recognized by the social media platforms of the prestigious Festival de Cannes, marking a proud moment for the country’s film industry.
The announcement was made on Friday through the festival’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts, listing 'Ali' among the 11 films selected for the Short Film Competition at Cannes 2025.
A total of 4,781 films were submitted, out of which 9 fiction and 2 animated films were chosen. Five of the selected works were directed by women.
The Cannes post on its official Facebook and Instagram pages stated, “The films of the Short Film Competition #Cannes2025 in pictures. The Palme d’Or of the short film will be awarded by the Jury chaired by Maren Ade at the Palmares ceremony, on Saturday, May 24, 2025.”
Following the announcement, Adnan Al Rajeev shared his emotional reaction on Facebook, reflecting on the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
"My lifelong dream was to one day have my work featured on the official social media page of Festival de Cannes. That dream came true today," Rajeev wrote.
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He added, "My work on the Cannes page — what a beautiful feeling. My heart trembles with fear, but it still feels good."
"My name will be there, our name will be there, my country’s name will be there. Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps. I feel scared — I don’t know why!," Rajeev shared in his emotional Facebook post.
The recognition of 'Ali' at Cannes adds to the growing presence of Bangladeshi filmmakers on the global stage, and comes as a major milestone in Adnan Al Rajeev’s career.
More details on the selected films can be found on the official Cannes link:
https://f.mtr.cool/rhkhiosbwh
7 months ago
Jill Sobule, the singer-songwriter known for 'I Kissed a Girl,' has died in a fire
Jill Sobule, the award-winning singer-songwriter whose witty and poignant writing first attracted widespread attention with the gay-themed song “I Kissed a Girl,” died in a house fire Thursday. She was 66.
Her death was confirmed by her publicist, David Elkin, in an email Thursday afternoon. It was not immediately clear how the fire in Woodbury, Minnesota, started.
“Jill Sobule was a force of nature and human rights advocate whose music is woven into our culture,” John Porter, her manager, said in a statement. “I was having so much fun working with her. I lost a client & a friend today. I hope her music, memory, & legacy continue to live on and inspire others.”
During her more than three decades of recording, Sobule released 12 albums that addressed such complex topics as the death penalty, anorexia nervosa, reproduction and LGBTQ+ issues.
Her first album, “Things Here Are Different,” was released in 1990. Five years later, she received widespread attention for her hit singles, “Supermodel,” from the movie “Clueless,” and “I Kissed A Girl," which, despite being banned on several southern radio stations, made it into the Billboard Top 20.
She also starred in an autobiographical off-Broadway musical that initially premiered at the Wild Project in New York in 2022 and includes songs and stories about her life.
Sobule was known for taking control of her career by fundraising so she could make her next album. In 2008, after two major record companies dumped her and two indie labels went bankrupt beneath her, she raised tens of thousands of dollars from fans so she could make a new album.
“The old kind of paradigm, where you’ve always waited for other people to do things, you’d have your manager and your agent,” she said at the time. “You’d wait for the big record company to give you money to do things and they tell you what to do. This is so great. I want to do everything like this.”
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Sobule was scheduled to perform in Denver on Friday night. Instead, there will be an informal gathering hosted by her friend Ron Bostwick from 105.5 The Colorado Sound at the performance space where attendees can "share a story or song,” according to her publicist.
A formal memorial to celebrate her life and legacy will be held later this summer.
“No one made me laugh more. Her spirit and energy shall be greatly missed within the music community and beyond,” Craig Grossman, her booking agent, said in a statement.
Born in Denver, Colorado, on Jan. 16, 1959, she has described herself as a shy child who preferred observing over participating.
Sobule was known for playing dozens of shows a year and has described her live performances as vulnerable experiences. She said she often doesn’t have a set list and wings it.
She's performed with such icons as Neil Young, Billy Bragg and Cyndi Lauper, and also inducted Neil Diamond into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, according to her website. She also sang a song as herself on an episode of “The Simpsons” in 2019.
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“In a good way, I feel like I’m still a rookie," she told The Associated Press in 2023 in an interview about her musical. "There’s so much more to do and I haven’t done my best yet.”
She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, James and Mary Ellen Sobule, along with her nephews and cousins.
7 months ago
Bipasha Basu and Karan Singh Grover celebrate 9th wedding anniversary with heartfelt tributes
Actors Bipasha Basu and Karan Singh Grover marked their ninth wedding anniversary on April 30 with a celebration filled with love, memories, and a special appearance by their daughter, Devi Basu Singh Grover. The couple, who tied the knot in 2016 and welcomed their daughter in August 2022, took to social media to share their joy with fans.
Bipasha posted a touching video montage capturing moments from their wedding day to the present. The clip featured glimpses of past anniversaries, birthdays, and family getaways, including holidays in the Maldives. The video ended with a heartwarming scene of the couple cutting an anniversary cake by the beach, joined by their daughter.
In her post, Bipasha wrote, “Happy 9th Monkeyversary To My Everything. Monkeylove Forever,” using their signature nickname for each other — “monkey.”
Karan also shared a sweet selfie with Bipasha, writing, “Happy 9th anniversary, my love! Thank you for loving me the way you do and being mine forever. #monkeylove #grateful #gratitude.”
Deepika Padukone, Shah Rukh reuniting for fifth time in ‘King’
Though Bipasha has stepped away from the limelight in recent years, she remains known for her roles in hits like Dhoom 2, Race, and Jism. Karan, meanwhile, rose to fame as Dr. Armaan Mallik in the popular TV series Dill Mill Gayye.
The couple first met on the sets of the 2015 film Alone and soon fell in love. Before marrying Bipasha, Karan was previously married to actresses Shraddha Nigam and Jennifer Winget, the latter being his co-star in Dill Mill Gayye.
Wedding party without a couple!
Now celebrating nearly a decade of marriage, Bipasha and Karan continue to share their lives — and their “monkey love” — with fans, cherishing each new chapter as a family.
Source: With input from NDTV
7 months ago
Deepika Padukone, Shah Rukh reuniting for fifth time in ‘King’
Fans of Bollywood’s beloved power couple, Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padu13kone, are in for a treat as the duo is set to reunite for their fifth on-screen collaboration in the highly anticipated film King.
The film, which marks Suhana Khan's big Bollywood debut, will be directed by Siddharth Anand, known for his previous hits like War and Pathaan.
While there has been ongoing speculation about Padukone’s involvement in the film, reports suggest that she is now officially on board after finalising her shooting schedule.
Pinkvilla reported that the star's dates have finally aligned with the film's shooting timeline, allowing her to join the cast.
Initially, Padukone was unavailable due to personal commitments, including spending time with her newborn and focusing on her fitness. However, delays in the King shoot have now made it possible for her to sign on.
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Contrary to earlier reports that suggested Padukone would be making only a cameo appearance, sources have confirmed that the actor will play a significant role in the film.
This isn't just a fleeting appearance; she will feature in a full-length part, much to the excitement of her fans. "Shah Rukh Khan always had Deepika in mind for the role, and after discussions and adjustments, everything has fallen into place," a source close to the production shared.
Filming for Padukone's scenes is set to begin in the latter half of 2025, with the movie slated for release in the second half of 2026. With King promising to be a major spectacle, the reunion of Khan and Padukone is expected to be one of the film's highlights.
This marks the fifth collaboration between the two stars, who first teamed up in Om Shanti Om (2007).
Their on-screen chemistry has since been showcased in Happy New Year (2014), Pathaan (2023), and Jawan (2023), with each film further cementing their status as one of Bollywood’s most iconic pairings.
Apart from Khan and Padukone, King will feature notable actors such as Abhishek Bachchan and Jaideep Ahlawat in pivotal roles, making this film one to watch out for in the coming years.
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Fans of Shah Rukh and Deepika will certainly be thrilled to see them back together, and with King promising an action-packed storyline, the excitement surrounding this reunion is palpable.
Source: With inputs from India Today
7 months ago
Wedding party without a couple!
In a twist on traditional celebrations, Delhi's vibrant party scene is now buzzing with a new trend: fake wedding parties. Imagine dressing up in your finest ethnic attire, heading to a venue that’s been decked out like a real shaadi, and dancing the night away to dhol beats and wedding playlists – but with no couple in sight.
The latest craze isn't about exchanging vows, but about embracing the wedding atmosphere and having fun with friends.
The concept first came to the attention of Avantika Jain, a Delhi-based social media professional, when she stumbled upon an advertisement for a “Fake Sangeet” bash on Instagram. Intrigued by the idea, she immediately shared it with her friends.
"Back in college, we always dreamed of throwing a wedding-themed party. This event felt like the perfect chance to finally make that happen — we were all instantly on board," Jain recalls. The excitement was palpable, and soon enough, the group had signed up for the event, each paying around Rs 550 to attend.
On April 25, Jain and around a hundred other young partygoers made their way to Mehrauli Lane, a renowned hub of premium restaurants and clubs, for what promised to be a unique celebration.
The venue? Zylo, a rooftop restaurant that looked nothing like your typical club, but rather resembled a festive wedding venue. The dress code was strictly traditional, and guests turned up in their most elaborate ethnic wear – from lehengas to kurtas, the atmosphere was unmistakably shaadi-esque.
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Jain, initially hesitant about her outfit, was surprised to find that her plum-hued pleated lehenga was not only appropriate but rather common among the other partygoers, many of whom were sporting glittering ethnic finery.
The décor was unmistakably wedding-inspired, with vibrant yellow and magenta drapes, marigold garlands, and quirky photo booths. Mehndi artists were also on hand, offering henna designs to complete the 'wedding feels.'
The highlight of the evening? The music. The playlist was packed with Punjabi and Hindi wedding bangers, while dhol wallahs kept the energy high between sets. The crowd, full of youthful enthusiasm, danced their hearts out in a celebration that felt as authentic as any wedding party — minus the actual couple, of course.
For many attendees like Jain, these fake weddings have become the ideal way to experience the joy and excitement of a celebration without the formalities of an actual marriage. "It’s all about the vibe, not the vows," says Jain, summing up the growing appeal of these fun-filled events that are taking over the capital’s nightlife scene.
As the trend gains traction, it’s clear that fake wedding parties are here to stay — providing the ultimate opportunity for Delhi’s young crowd to dress up, dance, and enjoy a wedding-inspired party without the pressure of being part of the main event.
Story Credit: India Today
7 months ago
Best 10 Korean Dramas Releasing in May 2025
Korean dramas hold an irresistible charm that continuously captivates global audiences. The May 2025 lineup, filled with romance, comedy, thriller, action, and fantasy genres, is ready to enrich screens. Each new title promises an unparalleled plot layered with emotion, leaving viewers with feel-good experiences. Let’s unveil the 10 most hyped Korean dramas set to dominate screens this May.
10 Must-See Binge-Worthy K-Dramas Arriving This May
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Spring of Youth | Teen Romance | May 6, 2025
Centred on youth and music, this drama series flourishes with Kim Min-cheol as its writer and Kim Sung-yong as the director.
Starring Lee Seung-hyub, Ha Yoo-joon, and Park Ji-hu in lead roles, the series boasts a supporting cast that includes Jo Han-chul, Seo Hye-won, and Cha Chung-hwa.
The storyline follows Sa-gye, a K-pop singer, unexpectedly forced to enrol at a university campus. Amid the unfamiliar academic world, she forms a four-member coed band. Through music and companionship, Sa-gye discovers both the rhythm of passion and the depth of young love.
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Tastefully Yours | Comedy Romance | May 12, 2025
Created by Han Jun-hee and with a screenplay by Jung Soo-yoon, this comedy series thrives under the direction of Park Dan-hee.
Go Min-si, Kang Ha-neul, Yoo Soo-bin, Kim Shin-rok, and Hong Hwa-yeon portray the key characters.
This cooking comedy stirs romance into a culinary rivalry between Han Beom-woo and Mo Yeon-joo. One is a tasteless fine-dining heir, and the other is a countryside chef obsessed with flavour. Their clash leads to love while running a small restaurant in Miraek, Jeonju.Viewers can catch this release unfolding on Netflix.
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Second Shot at Love | Romantic Comedy | May 12, 2025
Diagnosed with alcohol dependency, Han Geum Ju seeks sobriety and reunites with Seo Ui Jun, her once-kind best friend, now cold and distant. His indifference drives her to uncover the reason behind his change.
With this plot, “Second Shot at Love” features Choi Soo Young, Gong Myung, Jo Yoon Hee, and Kang Hyung Suk in central roles.
Jang Yoo-Jeong steers the rom-com series as its director, with Myung Soo-Hyun and Jun Ji-Hyun writing the script.
Shark 2: The Storm | Action Thriller | May 15, 2025
The crime thriller series is adapted from Shark, a webtoon brought to life with illustrations by Kim Woo Sub and written by Woon.
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Kim Geon takes on the directorial seat, and Min Ji serves as the screenwriter.
Led by Kim Min Seok and Lee Hyun Wook, the cast includes Lee Jung Hyun, Bae Myung Jin, and Park Jin. Wi Ha Joon, who was one of the lead characters in the first season, Shark: The Beginning (2021), will appear as a guest this time.
The first season followed Woo-sol’s youth, shaped by an encounter with mixed martial arts champion Jeong Dohyun inside a juvenile detention centre. The second season explores his life after release, as he faces new battles in an unfamiliar world.
Dear Hongrang | Historical Thriller | May 16, 2025
Based on Jang Da-hye’s Tangeum: Swallowing Gold, this thriller series is brought to fruition by the writer Kim Jin-ah and director Kim Hong-sun.
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This melodrama unwraps Jae-yi’s search for the truth behind Hong-rang’s disappearance. The story deepens as she confronts a man who claims to be the missing son of a wealthy Joseon merchant family.
Lee Jae-wook and Jo Bo-ah assume the protagonist roles with a supporting cast including Jung Ga-ram, Uhm Ji-won, Park Byung-eun, and Kim Jae-wook.
“Dear Hongrang” is scheduled to stream on Netflix.
7 months ago
Entertainment industry stands for Iresh Zaker on social media after murder case
Bangladesh’s entertainment sector has condemned the inclusion of actor Iresh Zaker in a murder case over the death of BNP activist Mahfuz Alam Shrabon, calling the charges unfounded and a misuse of legal procedures to target a public figure.
The case, filed by Shrabon’s brother Mostafizur Rahman Bappi on April 20 at the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court in Dhaka, accuses 408 people, including Iresh, of involvement in a shooting incident during an anti-discrimination demonstration in Mirpur.
Soon after the case came to light, director Ashfaque Nipun recalled that on August 1, Iresh Zaker and his wife had stood alongside protesters at Farmgate in a demonstration against the 'July killings.'
"Investigations into corporate matters may proceed, but implicating him in a murder case is absurd. Ghost cases like this only shield the real perpetrators," Nipun wrote on his Facebook on Sunday night.
Renowned director Shihab Shaheen similarly criticised the move, stating, "Iresh Zaker was actively involved in the July movement. Now he finds himself accused of murder — this is simply unbelievable."
Renowned journalist David Bergman added, "A criminal case against Iresh Zaker over the July/August killings is just another example of how badly things are going."
Farooki terms murder case against Iresh Zaker 'deeply troubling and disturbing'
Nazim Farhan Chowdhury, managing director of Adcomm Limited, also voiced outrage, describing the case as “beyond ridiculous” and warning that such politically motivated actions are driven by “petty jealousy” and risk undermining public trust.
YouTuber Md Golam Kibria Sarker (RJ Kibria) questioned the process by which the list of accused was prepared, suggesting that the real perpetrators of the July incidents might be escaping justice.
Actress Azmeri Haque Badhan posted a heartfelt message expressing her deep sorrow, stating, "Seeing Iresh subjected to such harassment breaks my heart. We have seen it before — those who stand up for the truth often become targets; and it is deeply painful and disappointing to witness this again when we dared to hope for a better country."
Other prominent cultural figures, including Chorki CEO Redoan Rony, actress and development professional Rafiath Rashid Mithila, cartoonist Morshed Mishu, actor-director Sumon Anwar, activist Mabrur Rashid Bannah, musician Shakib Chowdhury of Cryptic Fate, director Abrar Athar, actor Mostafa Monwar and many others have also expressed their solidarity and demanded justice for Zaker.
Meanwhile, on April 25, the National Board of Revenue’s Central Intelligence Cell (CIC) froze all bank accounts of Asiatic Marketing Communications Limited, the parent company of Asiatic 360, over separate allegations of tax evasion. Iresh Zaker is the Managing Director and his mother, eminent thespian Sara Zaker, serves as Chairperson.
Responding to questions about how Zaker’s name appeared in the murder case nine months after the incident, plaintiff Bappi said he had gathered information from newspapers, police, and lawyers, and admitted he was not present when the accused list was finalised.
"The incident happened in Dhaka while I live in Naogaon, and it is difficult for me to know everyone personally," Bappi told media.
8 months ago
Farooki terms murder case against Iresh Zaker 'deeply troubling and disturbing'
Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki on Monday said the filing of a murder case against actor Iresh Zaker is 'deeply troubling and disturbing."
"I personally know Iresh Zaker. He was involved in the July movement. So this is deeply troubling and deeply disturbing," he said while addressing a press conference at the Secretariat organised to discuss the invitation for Bangladeshi short film Ali to the Cannes Film Festival..
"Now I am part of the government, not an activist. If I were an activist, I would have spoken more. As a government official, I have to work more and talk less," he said when asked about suing Iresh Zaker in BNP activist Mahfuz Alam Shraban murder case during the July movement.
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Farooki said the case was filed by a person and not by the state. "We fought for independence and with that came the right to file cases. Unfortunately, some are misusing that freedom," he said.
Farooki said, "I believe police will investigate the matter properly. They will support what is true and reject what is false."
8 months ago