United News of Bangladesh

The largest outdoor concert of the year, titled ‘Shobar Agey Bangladesh’ (Bangladesh First), took place on Victory Day on Monday under the sponsorship and initiative of the BNP at the capital's Manik Mia Avenue. Several of the country’s popular artists and bands performed in the mega concert, sharing the joy of Victory Day in the grandest musical rendezvous of the year. The concert began with eminent playback singer Khurshid Alam’s solo performance. After a group song by the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal, Nasir, a well-known performer from the 1990s, took the stage. The main concert started at 2:15 pm with popular music artist Pritom Hasan's performance of his fan-favourite songs 'Khoka', 'Deora', and 'Laage Uradhura'. Then music director Ethun Babu and singer Moushumi Chowdhury performed protest songs written about the dictatorial activities of the former Awami League government. After that, popular playback artist Alam Ara Minu took the stage and performed 'Je Matir Buke', and 'Sona Dana’, two of her most popular tracks. Then popular singer Monir Khan, who suffered in the previous regime due to his political stance, greeted the crowd and performed 'Chithi Likheche Bou Amar' and 'Premer Tajmahal'. Kanak Chanpa, one of the country’s most popular playback singers known for her songs for many commercially successful Dhallywood films, came on stage and performed two of her popular songs - 'Tomay Dekhle Mone Hoy' and 'Sagorika'. After the performance of these popular artists, Baul music took over the concert as singers Putul and Golapi performed 'Milon Hobe Koto Diney'. Renowned Baul artists Aleya Begum and her son Shovon performed the Coke Studio Bangla-famed fan-favourite track 'Kotha Koiyo Na', and eminent Baul singer Chishti Baul performed his popular songs 'Behaya Monta Loiya' and 'Jodi Thake Nosibe'. Imran Mahmudul and Dilshad Nahar Kona took the stage at around 4:30 pm. Imran performed 'Bolte Cheye' and 'Dil Dil', while Kona performed 'Ohey Shyam' and her 2024 chartbuster track 'Dushtu Kokil'. By 5:30 pm, the entire Manik Mia Avenue was packed and the crowd went crazy when renowned singer Asif Akbar came on stage. He started with ‘Shobujer Buke Laal' and went on performing his famous songs 'O Priya', and 'Shabash Bangladesh'. One of the major attractions of the day was the National Award-winning artiste Baby Naznin, who had not performed in the country for a long time due to her affiliation with BNP. She took the stage and performed a new song titled 'Our Bangladesh', followed by 'Surjodoye Tumi, Surjaasteo Tumi' and 'O Bondhu Tui Koi'. The band performance part of the concert started later in the evening with the famous 90s’ band Different Touch, which performed several songs, including its tantalisingly popular track, ‘Sraboner Meghgulo’. Rock artist Xefer then took the stage and performed some of her popular songs including ‘Jhumka’. The band performances then continued as Sonar Bangla Circus came out next, followed by the mesmerising performances of the bands - Shironamhin, Ark, Souls, and AvoidRafa. Unfortunately, one of the bands scheduled to perform, the crowd favourite Artcell, could not perform due to security measures, which the band addressed in a social media post following the event while lauding the fans and organizers.  

Ustad Zakir Hussain, the legendary Indian tabla virtuoso, passed away on Monday in San Francisco, United States, at the age of 73. Hussain’s family confirmed his death in a statement, attributing it to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. He had been hospitalized for two weeks and was moved to the intensive care unit (ICU) after his condition worsened, according to Hindustan Times. Widely regarded as one of the greatest tabla players of all time, Ustad Zakir Hussain was also a celebrated composer, percussionist, music producer, and film actor. Born on March 9, 1951, to legendary tabla player Ustad Alla Rakha Qureshi, Zakir Hussain exhibited prodigious musical talent from an early age. By the age of seven, he was performing alongside his father, showcasing the virtuosity that would later define his career. He attended St. Michael's High School in Mahim and graduated from St. Xavier's College in Mumbai. Ustad Zakir Hussain in critical condition, family urges prayers Hussain’s collaborations with Indian classical legends such as Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan brought him global acclaim. He also revolutionized Indian classical music by fusing it with other genres, most notably as the co-founder of the fusion band Shakti with guitarist John McLaughlin. His work elevated the tabla to international prominence, capturing the hearts of audiences worldwide. Zakir Hussain’s contributions to music earned him some of India’s highest civilian honors, including the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023. Internationally, he garnered numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award in 2009 for the collaborative album “Global Drum Project”. He received a total of seven Grammy nominations throughout his career, with four wins, the latest being three Grammy awards in February 2024. In the United States, he was honored with the National Endowment for the Arts' National Heritage Fellowship, the highest award for traditional artists and musicians. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on X, writing, "Deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary tabla maestro, Ustad Zakir Hussain Ji. He will be remembered as a true genius who revolutionized the world of Indian classical music." Modi added, "He also brought the tabla to the global stage, captivating millions with his unparalleled rhythm. Through this, he seamlessly blended Indian classical traditions with global music, thus becoming an icon of cultural unity." Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman also paid tribute, writing on X: "Zakir Bhai was an inspiration, a towering personality who elevated the tabla to global acclaim. His loss is immeasurable for all of us. I regret not being able to collaborate with him as much as we did decades ago, though we had planned an album together." The passing of Ustad Zakir Hussain has left a profound void in the cultural and musical world. His unparalleled contributions to music and his ability to transcend boundaries have solidified his legacy as one of the greatest musicians of the modern era.

D's Bistro, a casual dining destination, celebrated its first anniversary with three nights of unforgettable events from December 12-14, that brought together art, music, culture, and culinary excellence. The evenings featured various renowned musical artists (Band Caramel, Limon, Rafi Alam), with electrifying musical performances by various artists (DJ Ethereon, DJ Aks, Omar Faruk), as well as stand-up comedy by Sami Doha, creating an atmosphere of joy and entertainment for the attendees. D's Bistro owner Sababa Sabnin said, "When we started this journey, our vision was simple: to create a space where great food, culture, and people come together. At D's Bistro, we’re proud to serve authentic flavors and memorable experiences. Whether you're here for our signature seafood dishes, our Vietnamese Pho, or just a cozy corner to relax, we aim to make every visit special." She also looked back fondly on their journey over the last 12 months. Saudi Arabia’s film industry thrives as Red Sea festival highlights growth

Popular actor in southern India Allu Arjun was released from jail on bail on Saturday, a day after he was arrested by police in connection with a stampede that led to the death of a woman at the premiere of his movie earlier this month. A 35-year-old woman died and her 8-year-old son was critically injured in the stampede, which occurred during the screening of Arjun’s release for “Pushpa 2: The Rule” in southern Telangana state's Hyderabad city on Dec. 4. Arjun was arrested after the woman’s husband filed a case against him, his security team and the theater's management for not informing police of the actor’s plan to attend the screening, which resulted in a larger-than-expected crowd. Police charged the actor, his security team and the theater’s management staff with culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Police have already arrested the theater’s owner and two of his employees in connection with the case. Allu Arjun arrested over woman’s death at 'Pushpa 2' Screening A local court on Friday ordered the actor to spend 14 days in jail, but within hours the Telangana High Court granted him bail. However, the actor had to spend the night in jail because prison authorities did not receive a copy of the bail until late Friday, the Press Trust of India reported. The accident happened after the 41-year-old actor made a surprise appearance at a local theater where the movie was being screened. As his fans surged toward the venue, the theater’s main gate collapsed, resulting in the stampede. The actor did not comment on the police charges or his arrest. But shortly after the accident, Arjun wrote on the social platform X that he was “heartbroken by the tragic incident.” He later announced financial assistance of $29,000 for the woman’s family and promised to take care of the medical expenses for her injured son.  

After a 35-year cinema ban, Saudi Arabia's film industry is rapidly evolving, marked by the success of the Red Sea International Film Festival. This transformation was celebrated when Roula Dakheelallah, star of *My Driver and I,* received the Chopard Emerging Saudi Talent award on Thursday.  “My heart is attached to cinema and art; I have always dreamed of a moment like this,” said Dakheelallah, reflecting on her journey from volunteering in small productions to her first major film role.  Saudi Arabia's cultural shift began in 2018 with the reopening of cinemas, ending a ban imposed under ultraconservative religious influence. The kingdom has since invested heavily in its film sector, building cinemas and launching programs to support local talent. The Red Sea International Film Festival, launched in 2019, showcases Saudi films and international productions, attracting stars like Viola Davis and Priyanka Chopra Jonas.  These developments align with Vision 2030, a reform initiative aimed at reducing the kingdom's reliance on oil. As part of the plan, Saudi Arabia aims to construct 350 cinemas with over 2,500 screens. By April 2024, 66 cinemas were already operating in 22 cities.  Allu Arjun arrested over woman’s death at 'Pushpa 2' Screening The industry’s growth includes the opening of Al Hisn Studios near Riyadh, a production hub with film studios and workshops for carpentry, blacksmithing, and fashion. “These facilities will stimulate filmmakers,” said actor Mohammed Elshehri, emphasizing that creators now have the resources to bring their visions to life.  Media company Telfaz11, a key player in this transformation, has partnered with Netflix to produce original Saudi content. Films like Mandoob (Night Courier) and Naga explore sensitive social issues, marking a shift in Saudi storytelling. “When you tell your story naturally, it will resonate globally,” said Elshehri.  Some films like “The Goat Life” remain unavailable domestically. Even “My Driver and I, a story about a Sudanese driver caring for a girl, initially faced resistance due to its sensitive themes.  Filmmaker Ahd Kamel and Dakheelallah represent a growing number of women shaping Saudi cinema. “I see the change in Saudi cinema, a very beautiful change,” Dakheelallah remarked. “We need to guide the truth of this artistic movement at a steady pace.”   

Selena Gomez is having an exciting year, and it’s ending on a high note with an engagement to music producer and songwriter Benny Blanco. The Grammy- and Emmy-nominated artist shared the news on Instagram Wednesday, posting a photo of her engagement ring and a warm embrace with her fiancé. The caption read, “Forever begins now.” Celebrity fans sent their congratulations, with rapper Lil Nas X writing “So happy for you both” and Taylor Swift saying “Yes I will be the flower girl.” Well-wishes were also sent by Gwyneth Paltrow, Lily Collins and Padma Lakshmi. Gomez became a Golden Globe double nominee Monday for her roles in “Emilia Pérez” and “Only Murders in the Building.” In 2020, Gomez started the Rare Impact Fund and her Rare Beauty line of cosmetics, pledging to donate 1% of all sales to the fund to help expand mental health services and education for young people. Blanco and Gomez worked together on the 2019 song “I Can’t Get Enough,” which also featured J Balvin and Tainy. In 2018, Blanco released his first song — “Eastside” — with Khalid and Halsey, and the trio performed it at the 2018 American Music Awards. Among the songs he’s credited on as a writer and producer include Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream,” Kesha’s “Tik Tok,” “Circus” by Britney Spears and Maroon 5’s “Moves Like Jagger.”

Papia Sarwar, one of Bangladesh's most renowned and prolific Rabindra Sangeet artistes, passed away at a private hospital in the capital on Thursday. She was 72. She breathed her last at the hospital around 8 am, her husband Sarwar Alam told media. The Ekushey Padak-winning revered singer , who had been battling with cancer for three years, was admitted to the ICU and placed on life support following a deterioration in her health condition on Wednesday. ‘Ei Padma Ei Meghna’ lyricist Abu Zafar no more She is survived by her husband and two daughters- Zaara Sarwar and Jisha SarwarPapia Sarwar . Born on November 21 into a musically inclined family in Barisal, Papia Sarwar pursued Rabindra Sangeet at Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan in 1973 through a scholarship offered by the government of India. She was the first recipient of this scholarship after the country's independence. Earlier, she had received her initial music training from renowned mentors Atiqul Islam, Waheedul Haq, Sanjida Khatun, and Zahidur Rahim at Chhayanaut in 1966, later continuing at the Bulbul Academy of Fine Arts (BAFA). Throughout her illustrious musical career, Papia Sarwar earned widespread admiration and numerous accolades for her expertise in Rabindra Sangeet. In 1996, she established a music group named Geetosudha to share her knowledge with aspiring learners. Ex-Chief Justice Ruhul Amin dies at 83 Her modern song, ‘Nai Telephone Nai Re Peon Nai Re Telegram’, gained immense popularity among Bengali music enthusiasts. Besides, she became a well-known and beloved figure in the television industry through her regular musical performances. For her outstanding contributions to the country’s music scene, Papia Sarwar was honoured with the Rabindra Award from Bangla Academy in 2013, a Bangla Academy Fellowship in 2015 and the Ekushey Padak in 2021.

Papia Sarwar, one of Bangladesh's most renowned and prolific Rabindra Sangeet artistes, was admitted to the ICU and placed on life support at a private hospital in the capital following a deterioration in her health condition on Wednesday. The Ekushey Padak-winning revered singer has been battling cancer for the past three years, said her husband Sarwar Alam. He said the artist is nearing the end of her life, with doctors losing hope and her family preparing for the inevitable. Alam mentioned that their two daughters, Zaara Sarwar and Jisha Sarwar, live in the USA and Canada, respectively. The final decision will be made after their return. Papia Sarwar has been battling a complex health condition for a long time, and she was taken to Delhi, India, for advanced treatment last year. Born on November 21 into a musically inclined family in Barisal, Papia Sarwar pursued Rabindra Sangeet at Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan in 1973 through a scholarship offered by the government of India. She was the first recipient of this scholarship after the country's independence. Earlier, she had received her initial music training from renowned mentors Atiqul Islam, Waheedul Haq, Sanjida Khatun, and Zahidur Rahim at Chhayanaut in 1966, later continuing at the Bulbul Academy of Fine Arts (BAFA). Throughout her illustrious musical career, Papia Sarwar earned widespread admiration and numerous accolades for her expertise in Rabindra Sangeet. In 1996, she established a music group named Geetosudha to share her knowledge with aspiring learners. Her modern song, ‘Nai Telephone Nai Re Peon Nai Re Telegram’, gained immense popularity among Bengali music enthusiasts. Besides, she became a well-known and beloved figure in the television industry through her regular musical performances. For her outstanding contributions to the country’s music scene, Papia Sarwar was honoured with the Rabindra Award from Bangla Academy in 2013, a Bangla Academy Fellowship in 2015 and the Ekushey Padak in 2021.

Although 2024 may not have been the strongest year for television, it still delivered some remarkable new series. Despite delays in highly anticipated shows like the final season of Stranger Things and The White Lotus, there were fresh comedies, dramas, reality shows, and remakes that resonated with audiences and critics alike. Here's a look at 10 standout new series from 2024 worth exploring before the year ends: Nobody Wants This Netflix's Nobody Wants This brought Adam Brody back into the spotlight. In this romantic comedy by Erin Foster, Brody stars as Noah, a rabbi navigating the challenges of dating Joanne (Kristen Bell), a non-Jewish woman. Despite hurdles such as family expectations and career conflicts, the duo’s chemistry shines through. The series also boasts a stellar supporting cast. Supacell Netflix's British series Supacell offers a refreshing take on superhero narratives. Created by Rapman, it follows a group of Black, working-class Londoners who discover they have superpowers linked to a shared family history of sickle cell disease. The show explores themes of racial disparity, poverty, and societal neglect, earning a renewal for a second season. Taylor Swift 'Eras' tie-in book is a smash, selling more than 800,000 copies in first week The Penguin Max’s The Penguin, a spin-off from The Batman (2022), shifts focus to Colin Farrell's portrayal of Oz Cobb. Set in Gotham’s criminal underworld, the series also features Cristin Milioti as Sofia Falcone, earning her critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination. Matlock CBS reimagined the classic Matlock with Kathy Bates in the lead. Bates plays Madeline Kingston, a retired lawyer who resumes her career under an alias, driven by both financial need and personal vengeance. Addressing age-related stereotypes with humor and depth, the series streams on Paramount+. The Valley Bravo's The Valley, a spin-off of Vanderpump Rules, revisits the lives of Jax Taylor, Brittany Cartwright, and Kristen Doute. While showcasing their personal and marital struggles, the new cast members also bring drama and intrigue. The series streams on Peacock. Mr. & Mrs. Smith Amazon’s Mr. & Mrs. Smith, starring Donald Glover and Maya Erskine, reinvents the concept of the 2005 film. Playing spies posing as a married couple, their evolving relationship forms the crux of the series. With star-studded guest appearances, the show garnered numerous Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. A list of mispronounced words provides a retrospective of 2024, from Kamala to Chappell Ripley Netflix’s Ripley, a neo-noir adaptation of Patricia Highsmith’s novel, stars Andrew Scott as the titular con artist. The series captures Tom Ripley’s journey of deceit and murder as he becomes entangled in the luxurious lifestyle of a wealthy heir in Italy. English Teacher FX's English Teacher, created by and starring Brian Jordan Alvarez, centers on Evan, a high school teacher navigating modern-day challenges like societal labels and gun safety. The series, streaming on Hulu, is praised for its humor, social commentary, and memorable soundtrack. Shōgun FX’s Shōgun, based on James Clavell’s novel, is set in feudal Japan. With stunning production value and standout performances by Hiroyuki Sanada and Anna Sawai, it swept 18 Emmy awards. Initially planned as a limited series, its success has led to the announcement of two additional seasons. Presumed Innocent Jake Gyllenhaal makes his TV debut in Apple TV+’s Presumed Innocent. Playing Rusty Sabich, a prosecutor accused of murder, Gyllenhaal is joined by Peter Sarsgaard in this adaptation of Scott Turow’s novel. The series has become the platform’s most-watched drama and will return for a second season.

Renowned filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki’s latest venture, 840, is slated for nationwide release on December 13. The filmmaker shared the information in a Facebook post on Sunday evening. The trailer of the film “840: Democracy Pvt Ltd” was released on Friday night. Mehazabien set to debut on silver screen with ‘Priyo Maloti’ Featuring a stellar cast, including Nasir Uddin Khan, Marzuk Russell, Fazlur Rahman Babu, and Zakia Bari Mamo, the film also highlights local talents from Rajshahi and Naogaon. Farooki, known for his sharp satirical lens, had previously captured attention with his film 420, which critiqued contemporary social and political anomalies. Chhayanaut to publish all content across various social platforms The film is produced by Nusrat Imrose Tisha in association with Impress Telefilm.