United News of Bangladesh

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have reached a divorce settlement, ending one of the longest and most contentious divorces in Hollywood history but not every legal issue between the two. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Scott J. Nord approved the agreement Tuesday, a day after Jolie and Pitt signed off on it. “More than eight years ago, Angelina filed for divorce from Mr. Pitt,” Jolie's attorney, James Simon, said in a statement. “She and the children left all of the properties they had shared with Mr. Pitt, and since that time she has focused on finding peace and healing for their family. This is just one part of a long ongoing process that started eight years ago. Frankly, Angelina is exhausted, but she is relieved this one part is over.” The filing says they give up the right to any future spousal financial support, but gives no other details. An email to Pitt's attorney seeking comment was not immediately answered. Jolie, 49, and Pitt, 61, were among Hollywood’s most prominent pairings for 12 years, two of them as a married couple. The Oscar winners have six children together. Jolie filed for divorce in 2016, after a private jet flight from Europe during which she said Pitt physically abused her and their children. The FBI and child services officials investigated Pitt's actions on the flight. Two months later the FBI released a statement saying it would not investigate further, and the U.S. attorney did not bring charges. A heavily redacted FBI report obtained by The Associated Press in 2022 said that an agent provided a probable cause statement to prosecutors on Pitt, but that after discussing the merits, “it was agreed by all parties that criminal charges would not be pursued.” The document said Jolie was “personally conflicted" about supporting charges, and in a later court filing she said she opted not to push for them for the sake of the family. A source familiar with the child services inquiry told the AP in 2016 that the child services investigation was closed without a finding of abuse. A judge in 2019 declared Jolie and Pitt divorced and single, but the splitting of assets and child custody needed to be settled separately. Read: Angelina Jolie lauds Bangladesh’s leadership role in Rohingya crisis Both have been free to marry again since that declaration, but neither has. The marriage was the third for Jolie, who was previously married to Jonny Lee Miller and Billy Bob Thornton, and the second for Pitt, who was previously wed to Jennifer Aniston. Soon after, a private judge that the two had hired to handle the case reached a decision that included equal custody of their children, but Jolie filed to have him removed from the case over an unreported conflict of interest. An appeals court agreed, removing the judge and vacating his decision. The couple had to start the process over. During the long divorce fight, four of their children became adults, negating the need for a custody agreement for them. The only minors that remain are 16-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne. The court will maintain jurisdiction over the child custody even with the finalized agreement, as it does in all California cases. In June, one of their daughters, then known as Shiloh Nouvel Jolie-Pitt, successfully petitioned to remove Pitt's name from hers. The couple's use of private judges — an increasingly common move among splitting celebrities in recent years — kept the details of the divorce largely under wraps. There had been no official court actions in the case in nearly a year, and no indication that the two were near agreement. Some elements of their disputes, however, have been revealed through a separate lawsuit filed by Pitt over Jolie's sale of her half of a French winery they owned. Pitt had wanted to buy her half of the winery, Chateau Miraval, and said she abandoned their negotiations and sold her part to the Tenute del Mondo wine group. Pitt said it was a “vindictive” and “unlawful” move that should not have been made without his consent and ruined a private space that had been a second home. Jolie and her attorneys said that Pitt had demanded she sign a wide-ranging non-disclosure agreement about him as part of the proposed deal that was an attempt to cover up his abuse of her and the children. Read more: California high court won't hear Brad Pitt divorce appeal The divorce agreement does not affect the winery lawsuit, where the legal battle between the two stars could continue. Publicly, both Pitt and Jolie have been extremely tight-lipped on everything surrounding their split, despite robust promotional tours for various projects. Pitt said in a 2017 interview with GQ that he had had a drinking problem at the time of the plane incident and the split, but had since become sober and was going to therapy. He has not defended his behavior on the family flight. Both were among the most elite stars in film when they began dating in 2004, after co-starring as hitman-and-hitwoman spouses in “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” and remained atop the Hollywood A-list throughout their coupling. The star of “Maleficent” and “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider,” Jolie won an Oscar for her performance in 1999’s “Girl, Interrupted.” Pitt, the star of “Fight Club” and “Inglourious Basterds,” thrived as both actor and producer after the split. He won his own Academy Award for 2019’s “Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood,” the crowning achievement in an awards season that some in media framed as a redemption and brought major public affection for him. Jolie kept a less visible profile in the years since the divorce, though she directed several films and appeared in several more while trying to focus on raising the children. She has very much returned to the Oscar conversation this year for her portrayal of the legendary soprano Maria Callas in “Maria.”

Bangladesh's music industry, in comparison to previous years, had a comparatively successful year in 2024. This year was celebrated with a plethora of big-scale concerts and programs immediately following the chaotic July Uprising events; however, the industry was busy throughout the year with several noteworthy incidents. On the day before Pahela Baishakh this year, the third edition of Coke Studio Bangla came out to enamour the fans after its first two successful seasons. Developed and curated by the incredible singer, songwriter, and music producer Shayan Chowdhury Arnob, Coke Studio Bangla immediately captivated listeners with three of its releases - ‘Tati’ (Arnob, Oli Boy, Jaya Ahsan and Gonjer Ali), ‘Ma Lo Ma’ (Pritom Hasan, Sagor Dewan, Arif Dewan, Aly Hasan) and the much-acclaimed remake of legendary band Warfaze’s evergreen song ‘Obak Bhalobasha’ by its original singer and former Warfaze vocalist Babna Karim, alongside the current line-up of the band. Showcasing a promising line-up including some of the country’s most popular music stars such as Habib Wahid, Emon Chowdhury and others, Coke Studio Bangla’s third season suddenly went on a lengthy hiatus 7 months ago after the release of ‘Obak Bhalobasha’. Even though the three songs garnered multi-million views, music lovers are still patiently awaiting the rest of the third season, and Arnob told local media that the songs will surely hit the platforms YouTube, Spotify and Facebook of Coke Studio Bangla very soon. 2024 has also been the year of several mega concerts, most notably the much anticipated one-night-only reunion of the popular Bangladeshi band ‘Black’, the eminent Indian-Bengali actor-filmmaker-musician Anjan Dutt’s mesmerizing ‘Anjan Dutt Metropolis Volume-2’, the blissful solo concert of Bappa Mazumder at KIB, the much-hyped throwback concert to the golden days of band music in Bangladesh titled ‘Dhaka Retro’, and several other concerts featuring prominent Bangladeshi bands and music artists including Nagar Baul James, Miles, Artcell, Shironamhin, ARK, KaakTaal and more. Read: Star-studded ‘Shobar Agey Bangladesh’ concert draws massive crowd at Manik Mia Avenue The July Revolution became a significant changemaker in the country’s music industry. Many prominent music artists such as Prince Mahmud, Latiful Islam Shibli, Asif Akbar and others and several bands publicly joined the movement. A number of bands boycotted their future participation in the ousted Awami League’s yearly flagship event, the ‘Joy Bangla Concert’ - and protested on the streets when young rapper Hannan Hossain Shimul (Rapper Hannan) was arrested due to his rebel rap track “Awaaz Utha” that resonated with the rebellious reform movement in July-August. The entertainment industry also protested when popular band ‘Joler Gaan’s vocal Rahul Ananda’s Dhanmondi home was burnt and looted on August 5 as a result of the post-revolution outbreaks of violence. Bangladesh Musical Bands Association [BAMBA] initiated the inaugural major live event, the ‘Mukti Concert’ in remembrance of the revolutionaries and their families who suffered injuries during the student movement, which was later cancelled. However, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) surprised the netizens with the largest open-air concert of the year titled ‘Shobar Agey Bangladesh’ (Bangladesh First), celebrating the 54th Victory Day on December 16 at the capital's Manik Mia Avenue. Interestingly, Bangladesh also welcomed and celebrated several major Pakistani music artists and bands this year, with the ‘Legends of the Decade’ concert featuring Pakistan's rock icon Jal, ‘Magical Night 2.0’ in Dhaka featuring the popular Pakistani music artist Atif Aslam, and the most recent two nights performances of the subcontinent’s eminent singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. Back in March this year, the ‘Tecno Spark 20 Series Music Fest’ was headlined by the Indian sensation Badshah, alongside several acclaimed Bangladeshi artists. Venue selection has been a recurring issue in this year’s concert, most notably after the July Revolution and the unavailability of the city’s go-to venue for the concerts, the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB). Due to mob attacks on shows and other security reasons, many organizers had to shift their concerts to other venues - and the ‘Legends of the Decade’ concert featuring Pakistan's legendary rock band Jal fell victim to this, as the concert - which also marked the long-awaited return of Aurthohin’s Sumon after his life-threatening illnesses, had to be shifted from Purbachal’s Dhaka Arena to the North Court of Jamuna Future Park in Dhaka, which disappointed many concertgoers. Due to these situations, Army Stadium had been the default venue of the later major concerts featuring Atif Aslam, Abdul Hannan and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, but the venue’s strict restrictions (such as the prohibition of cameras-power banks etc) and its location in the busy area of the airport created dissatisfaction among audiences and media professionals. Another venue of the Bangladesh Army, Senaprangon at Mirpur hosted the ‘Dhaka Retro’ concert, but that location too was a hassle for the fans. Read more: Rahat Fateh Ali to perform in concert to raise funds for Shaheed July Smrity Foundation Even though the majority of the artists are not affiliated with politics, several artists, unfortunately, fell victim due to their political ideology and identity. Artists namely Baby Naznin, Ethun Babu, Monir Khan and several others could not perform on the country's stage for a long time due to their political affiliation with BNP, and these popular artists have now returned to the industry with their full potential after the July Revolution. Several of the movie songs captivated the audiences throughout 2024, and the top chartbusters ‘Dushtu Kokil’ ‘Laage Uradhura’ and ‘Pheshey Jai’ were from Shakib Khan starrer superhit film ‘Toofan’. Many other notable songs also enamoured the audiences including ‘Beche Jaoa Valobasa’ from ‘Deyaler Desh’, ‘Borbaad’ and ‘Rajkumar’ from the film ‘Rajkumar’, ‘Manush Keno Erokom’ (‘Last Defenders of Monogamy’) and ‘Megh Balika’ (‘Kacher Manush Dure Thuiya’), to name a few. At the end of the year, it can be stated that 2024 was an active year in the Bangladeshi music industry, and listeners-concertgoers are looking forward to another wonderful year ahead, hoping to be delighted by a plethora of events.

The highly anticipated second season of Squid Game, the acclaimed South Korean Netflix series, premiered on December 26. At the heart of its success lies an extraordinary ensemble of characters who bring depth and intensity to the show’s ruthless survival games. These compelling figures not only endure life-threatening challenges but also illuminate profound ethical conflicts, revealing the complex nature of human desperation. Here’s a closer look at eight of the most unforgettable characters in this gripping K-drama phenomenon. 8 Most Impactful Characters of Squid Game Season 2 . Seong Gi-hun: Player 456 | Lee Jung-jae Over three years since emerging as the lone survivor, Seong Gi-hun channels his wealth and resolve into dismantling the deadly games, relentlessly pursuing the elusive recruiter. Once a compulsive gambler buried in debt, his transformation into a compassionate and morally conflicted figure is both profound and inspiring. His journey from defending Il-nam (Player 001) to embracing his role as a solitary challenger to the game’s system epitomizes growth and resilience. Lee Jung-jae’s masterful portrayal imbues the character with tenderness and unwavering resolve, solidifying him as a protagonist audiences won’t forget. Read more: January 2025 K-drama Lineup: 10 Must-watch Premieres Kim Jun-hee: Player 222 | Jo Yu-ri Entering the tournament while pregnant, Kim Jun-hee embodies determination and grit throughout the games. Her ability to stand up to Lee Myung-gi reflects her evolution, even as her backstory remains unseen. A blend of pragmatism and vulnerability makes her relatable, while her acceptance of Kim Young-mi’s fate showcases her unflinching realism. Her quieter demeanor and refusal to adopt the hero archetype set her apart, earning respect through subtle strength rather than spectacle. From her anguish in vulnerable moments to her unshakable resolve, she leaves an indelible mark on the season. Cho Hyun-ju: Player 120 | Park Sung-hoon Driven by her desire to fund her transformation and inspire others like her, Cho Hyun-ju’s journey in the tournament is both powerful and poignant. In the heart-stopping Glass Bridge game, her heartfelt confession about joining not just for herself but for those who feel unseen resonates deeply. Read more: January 2025 South Indian Movie Releases: 12 Must-Watch Films to Kick Off the New Year Her vulnerability stands in stark contrast to the game’s calculated cruelty, bringing a humanizing element to the chaos. Her selflessness and bravery shine through, making her one of this season’s most impactful characters. Jang Geum-ja: Player 149 | Kang Ae-shim Steered by her son’s overwhelming debts, Jang Geum-ja enters the deadly tournament only to discover her son is also a participant. Despite her initial shock and regret after the harrowing Red Light Green Light round, she pushes forward with unwavering courage. Her fiery spirit, shaped by her experiences in the Vietnam War, and her compassionate nature make her an unexpected highlight of the season. While her occasional prejudiced remarks prevent her from topping the rankings, her evolving friendship with Cho Hyun-ju hints at her capacity for growth. Jang Geum-ja’s grit and depth ensure she remains a standout figure in the series. Read more: January 2025 Hindi Films Lineup: 10 Most-hyped Bollywood Releases

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have finally reached a divorce settlement, bringing an apparent conclusion to their lengthy and highly publicized legal battle, Jolie's lawyer announced Monday. Attorney James Simon confirmed the agreement to The Associated Press, following an initial report by People magazine. "Angelina filed for divorce over eight years ago," Simon stated. "Since then, she and the children have left the shared properties with Mr. Pitt and focused on healing and peace. This marks the resolution of one aspect of a prolonged process. While Angelina feels exhausted, she is also relieved that this chapter is now closed." Olivia Hussey, acclaimed Star of Romeo and Juliet, dies at 73 Court approval is still required, as no official documents have been filed yet. Pitt's lawyer did not respond immediately to requests for comments sent late Monday. Jolie, 49, and Pitt, 61, were among Hollywood's most high-profile couples, sharing 12 years together and raising six children. Jolie initiated divorce proceedings in 2016, citing abusive behavior by Pitt during a private jet flight from Europe. Though a judge declared them legally single in 2019, disputes over child custody and asset division continued. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan reveals how he learned Bangla  A private judge initially ruled for joint custody, but Jolie later challenged his involvement due to a conflict of interest. An appeals court supported her motion, leading to the judge's removal and forcing the process to restart. Details of the settlement remain undisclosed, with the use of a private judge maintaining the confidentiality of proceedings. However, parts of the case emerged through a separate lawsuit filed by Pitt, who accused Jolie of violating an agreement to sell him her share of their jointly owned French winery. It remains unclear how this settlement may impact that lawsuit.

Family-friendly films dominated the holiday box office, with “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” narrowly surpassing Disney’s “Mufasa: The Lion King” over the three-day weekend. Paramount’s “Sonic 3” grossed $38 million, while “Mufasa” earned $37.1 million in U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to studio estimates. However, when analyzing the extended five-day holiday period, “Mufasa” took the lead with $63.8 million. The strong box office was further supported by “Wicked” and “Moana 2,” which continue to perform well in their sixth and fifth weekends, respectively. January 2025 K-drama Lineup: 10 Must-watch Premieres Robert Eggers' horror remake “Nosferatu” had a successful debut, earning $21.2 million over the weekend and $40.3 million in five days. The R-rated vampire film, released by Focus Features, achieved the best Christmas Day opening for a genre movie, bringing in $11.6 million. Despite opening alongside other high-profile releases, “Nosferatu” appealed to younger audiences and even inspired collectors, with themed merchandise reselling for over $100. Other notable releases included the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown,” which earned $11.6 million over the weekend and $23.2 million in five days. Critics and audiences responded positively, making it the top five-day opening for Searchlight Pictures since its Disney acquisition. Meanwhile, A24’s erotic drama “Babygirl” grossed $4.4 million over the weekend and $7.2 million in five days, while Amazon MGM Studios’ “The Fire Inside” struggled with $4.3 million overall. Thanksgiving releases also remained strong. “Wicked” added $19.5 million, pushing its domestic total to $424.2 million, though it will soon be available for digital purchase, sparking debate about its impact on box office revenue. “Moana 2” continued its impressive run, earning $18.2 million and approaching $400 million domestically with $882.5 million globally. January 2025 South Indian Movie Releases: 12 Must-Watch Films to Kick Off the New Year Christmas Day generated $61 million in ticket sales, followed by $50 million on Thursday, contributing to an overall box office total projected to reach $8.75 billion this year. This marks a slight decline from last year’s $9 billion and the pre-pandemic average of $11 billion. Top 10 Weekend Box Office Estimates (Friday-Sunday): “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” - $38 million.“Mufasa: The Lion King” - $37.1 million.“Nosferatu” - $21.2 million.“Wicked” - $19.5 million.“Moana 2” - $18.2 million.“A Complete Unknown” - $11.6 million.“Babygirl” - $4.4 million.“Gladiator II” - $4.2 million.“Homestead” - $3.2 million.“The Fire Inside” - $2 million. 

The world of Korean dramas unfolds like a vivid tapestry, weaving timeless tales that captivate hearts across borders. The January 2025 releases promise an exciting array of genres, including romance, comedy, thriller, action, and fantasy. With unparalleled storylines and suspense fueling fan anticipation, this lineup is set to leave viewers spellbound. Let’s enter the universe of K-dramas and explore the titles defining the start of a new year. Top 10 Korean Dramas Releasing this January . Love Scout / Romantic Comedy / January 3, 2025 Written by Ji Eun, this workplace drama thrives under the meticulous directing of Kim Jae-hong and Ham Joon-ho. The romance drama unravels the journey of Yoo Eun-ho, who takes on the role of secretary to Kang Ji-Yoon, the accomplished CEO of a thriving headhunting firm. Despite her inability to navigate life beyond her work, their evolving dynamic becomes a poignant tale of mutual growth. Read more: January 2025 Hindi Films Lineup: 10 Most-hyped Bollywood Releases Starring Han Ji-min and Lee Joon-hyuk as leads, the romantic series features a supporting cast that includes Kim Do-hoon, Kim Yoon-hye Lee, Sang-hee, Park Bo-kyung, and Lee Jae-woo. The drama series flourishes with Studio S and EO Contents Group as its production houses. When the Stars Gossip / Sci-fi Romance / January 4, 2025 Created by Studio Dragon, this rom-com series highlights Seo Sook-hyang's writing and Park Shin-woo's direction. The sci-fi series chronicles a serendipitous encounter between a space tourist and an astronaut aboard a space station. Read more: Amazon Prime Video Originals’ List for January 2025: Most Hyped Films, Series, and Shows The science fiction drama stars Lee Min-ho, Gong Hyo-jin, Han Ji-eun, and Oh Jung-se, supported by Kim Joo-hun, Lee El, Lee Cho-hee, and Park Ye-young. Credit for producing the series goes to MYM Entertainment and KeyEast. The Queen Who Crowns / Period Drama / January 6, 2025 Produced by Studio Dragon and JS Pictures, this drama series boasts Lee Young-mi as its writer and Kim Sang-ho as the director. Featuring Cha Joo-young in the title role, the historical series stars Lee Hyun-wook, Lee Yi-dam, and Lee Si-a. Read more: Top 10 Video Games Launching in January 2025: Must-Play Titles for the New Year The political drama delves into the ambitious reign of Queen Wongyeong, who rose to power alongside King Taejong Yi Bang-won, her husband. Against their shared vision for a new era, it unveils the hidden stories between them, navigating power and personal ties. The additional cast includes Park Ji-il, Lee Sung-min, Choi Deok-moon, So Hee-jung, and Hwang Young-hee. Return to the Palace / Fantasy Romance / January 6, 2025 Penned by Yoon Soo Jung, this fantasy drama tells the tale of eight vengeful ghosts harboring grudges against the King, and the courageous shaman who rises to confront him in a battle.  Helmed by Yoon Sung Shik, this romantic comedy series features Yook Sung-jae, Kim Ji-yeon, and Kim Ji-hoon, with a special cameo appearance of Kim Young Kwang. Read more: January 2025 Netflix English Originals Lineup The series production is spearheaded by Studio S and I Will Media. Motel California / Coming-of-age Drama / January 10, 2025 Adapted from the novel Home, Bitter Home by Shim Yoon-seo, this first-love remodeling romance drama is set in the rustic charm of a rural town. It traces a woman's journey, born and raised in a motel, as she returns to her hometown after 12 years to rekindle a romance with her first love. Lee Seo-yoon’s writing and the direction of Kim Hyung-min and Lee Jae-jin bring the romance series to vibrant life. Led by Lee Se-young and Na In-woo, the cast comprises Kim Tae-hyung, Choi Min-soo, and Choi Hee-jin. Bankrolled by HB Entertainment, this drama series boasts a supporting cast including Seo Ye-hwa, Woo Mi-hwa, and Koo Ja-sung. Read more: Most Awaited Films of 2025: Sneak Peek at Hollywood's Biggest Releases

Veteran actress Olivia Hussey, celebrated for her role as Juliet in Franco Zeffirelli’s iconic 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, has passed away at the age of 73. Hussey died at her home on December 27, surrounded by her family. Her passing was confirmed via a heartfelt announcement on her official Instagram account, which described her as “a remarkable soul whose warmth, wisdom, and genuine kindness left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her.” Acclaimed singer Papia Sarwar no more Born on 17 April 1951 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Olivia Hussey’s father was the renowned Argentine opera singer Osvaldo Ribó, and her mother, Joy, was an English-born legal secretary. Hussey’s acting journey began at a young age, leading to her breakthrough role as Juliet when she was just 15 years old. She starred opposite 16-year-old Leonard Whiting in Zeffirelli’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy. The film, distributed by Paramount Pictures, earned four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. For her outstanding performance, Hussey was awarded a Golden Globe and a David di Donatello award, cementing her place in cinematic history. Hussey’s collaboration with Franco Zeffirelli extended beyond Romeo and Juliet. She portrayed Mary in his 1977 epic miniseries Jesus of Nazareth, delivering a performance that further highlighted her extraordinary talent. In 2003, she once again captivated audiences with her portrayal of Mother Teresa in the film Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Ron Ely, TV's 'Tarzan' in the 1960s, dies at 86 Olivia Hussey’s life was not without challenges. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008, a battle that returned in 2018. Despite her health struggles, she remained resilient and continued to inspire those around her. Hussey is survived by her husband of 35 years, David Glen Eisley, a musician and son of actor Anthony Eisley (Hawaiian Eye). She also leaves behind her daughter, India; her two sons, Alexander and Max; and her grandson, Greyson. Fans and colleagues have taken to social media to pay tribute to the actress, whose grace and talent left an indelible impact on the world of film and television. Olivia Hussey will be remembered not only for her unforgettable performances but also for the kindness and warmth she brought to those around her. Source: From wirers

Like it or not, LeBron James and the NBA are going to have to make room for the NFL no matter what day of the week Christmas Day falls. Netflix set records as the most-streamed NFL games in U.S. history while the NBA had its best holiday numbers in five years according to Nielsen. The NFL and Nielsen said 65 million U.S. viewers tuned in for at least one minute of one of the two NFL games. The Baltimore Ravens' 31-2 victory over the Houston Texans averaged 24.3 million while Kansas City's 29-10 win at Pittsburgh averaged 24.1 according to early viewer figures released by Nielsen on Thursday. The NBA's five-game slate averaged about 5.25 million viewers per game across ABC, ESPN and its platforms, according to the league and Nielsen. “I love the NFL,” James said in his televised postgame interview Wednesday night. “But Christmas is our day.” However, Wednesday's ratings showed that there is room for both. Even though the NBA had the sports calendar to itself on Dec. 25 for many years, the NFL has made Christmas one of its tentpole events during the regular season, joining Kickoff Weekend and Thanksgiving. Hans Schroeder, the executive vice president of NFL Media, took James' comments in jest while also being joyful about the first season of the league's three-year partnership with Netflix. “The numbers speak for themselves and LeBron can have his own view, and I’m sure more people will look at that because of this," he said. "But, you know, we’re focused on the NFL and we’re thrilled with the results this year with the Christmas on Netflix and we’re excited to continue to build that over the next couple of years.” Both NFL games surpassed the previous mark of 23 million for last season’s AFC wild-card game between the Miami Dolphins and Chiefs on Peacock. Viewership for Ravens-Texans peaked with the Beyoncé Bowl. The nearly 13-minute halftime performance averaged over 27 million viewers. The viewer figures include the audience on Netflix, mobile viewership on NFL+ and those who tuned in on CBS stations in Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Baltimore and Houston. Global ratings and final U.S. numbers are expected to be available on Tuesday. Read: January 2025 Netflix English Originals Lineup The NFL’s Christmas numbers decreased from last season, but not at the rate that usually happens when something goes from broadcast to streaming. Last year’s three games averaged 28.68 million viewers. The early afternoon contest between the Las Vegas Raiders and Chiefs led the way, averaging 29.48 million on CBS. Once global and Netflix’s first-party data is released, both Christmas games should surpass 30 million. The games were the second- and third-most popular live titles in Netflix history, surpassed only by the Nov, 14 fight between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson. That bout averaged a worldwide audience of 60 million and peaked at 65 million concurrent streams, including 38 million concurrent streams in the United States. According to Netflix, 108 million worldwide viewed at least one minute of the fight card. There will be at least two NFL games on Christmas next year, but with the holiday falling on a Thursday it is more likely to be three with two afternoon and one prime time. The NFL has had three Thanksgiving Day games since 2006. “Everything Netflix put into the entire day, from the quality of the stream, the production and the graphics, made it feel like such a special Christmas Day,” Schroeder said. You had the opening with Mariah (Carey), you had Beyonce, it all took things to another level.” The biggest victory for Netflix though is that there were very few streaming complaints. The only gripe from most is that the stream did not immediately go to live action if someone tuned in after the game started. “Bringing our members this record-breaking day of two NFL games was the best Christmas gift we could have delivered,” Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s chief content officer, said in a statement. “We’re thankful for our partnership with the NFL, all of our wonderful on-air talent, and let’s please not forget the electrifying Beyoncé and the brilliant Mariah Carey.” Beyoncé’s performance was trending number one worldwide socially on X , formerly known as Twitter. The hashtag #NFLonNetflix also trended around the world, reaching a peak of second in Australia, third in the United Kingdom and Germany, fifth in Brazil and France, and sixth in the U.S. The NBA said all five Christmas games on its schedule — San Antonio at New York in Victor Wembanyama’s holiday debut, Minnesota at Dallas, Philadelphia at Boston, Denver at Phoenix and Lakers-Warriors — saw year-over-year viewership increases. Read more: Top 10 Netflix English Originals to Binge-Watch in December 2024 The NBA’s lineup saw an 84% rise over 2023. One reason for the increase is that all five games were on ABC, compared to two last year. The Lakers’ 115-113 victory over the Warriors — a game pitting Olympic teammates James and Stephen Curry — averaged 7.76 million viewers and peaked with about 8.32 million viewers toward the end of the contest, the league said. Those numbers represent the most-watched NBA regular season game in five years. Wednesday’s numbers pushed NBA viewership for the season across ESPN platforms to up 4% over last season. The league also saw more than 500 million video views on its social media platforms Wednesday, a new record. For the NBA, those are all good signs amid cries that NBA viewership is hurting. “Ratings are down a bit at beginning of the season. But cable television viewership is down double digits so far this year versus last year,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said earlier this month. “You know, we’re almost at the inflection point where people are watching more programing on streaming than they are on traditional television. And it’s a reason why for our new television deals, which we enter into next year, every game is going to be available on a streaming service.” Part of that new package of television deals that the NBA is entering into next season also increases the number of regular season games broadcast on television from 15 to 75. Under the 11-year agreement, ESPN and ABC will continue air the Christmas Day games.

Pakistani music star Rahat Fateh Ali Khan captivated music lovers in Dhaka on Monday evening when he took part in the BPL Music Fest. The seasoned musician surprised Bangladeshi fans by singing a famous Bangla song which was originally sung by Runa Laila. Rahat Fateh Ali later revealed how he learned Bangla to surprise the Dhaka audience.  “Runa Laila helped me to perfect my Bangla pronunciation,” he told the media. “She is our senior, and she is so popular in both Pakistan and Bangladesh. These are beautiful memories.” Rahat Fateh Ali Khan offers his services to cultural development of Bangladesh He sang a Bangla song titled Bhalobasa Amar Por Hoyeche. Before starting the song to leave thousands of fans surprised, he said: “Now I will sing a Bangladeshi song.” His announcement prompted fans to clap. He performed for two hours at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.  This is the first time Rahat Fateh Ali performed in Bangladesh. In his first appearance in Bangladesh, he attended a concert at Dhaka’s Army Stadium. The concert was organised to raise funds for the families of the victims of the July- August atrocities orchestrated by the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her regime.  There will be two more musical events which are part of BPL Music Fest. On December 25, fans in Sylhet will enjoy music, and on December 27, fans in Chattoram will witness the same.  This year’s BPL will begin December 30 in Dhaka. Matches will also take place in Sylhet and Chattogram. 

Shyam Benegal, the celebrated filmmaker who spearheaded India’s parallel cinema movement with his groundbreaking, socially-conscious films in the 1970s and 1980s, passed away at the age of 90. Known for redefining Indian cinema with his realism and poignant storytelling, Benegal leaves behind a towering legacy. The iconic filmmaker is survived by his wife, Nira Benegal, and daughter, Pia Benegal. He had been undergoing treatment at Mumbai’s Wockhardt Hospital, where he was admitted shortly after celebrating his 90th birthday on December 14. Eminent poet Helal Hafiz passes away According to Pia, her father had been battling chronic kidney disease and undergoing dialysis three times a week. Despite his health challenges, Benegal remained deeply engaged with his passion for filmmaking. On his birthday, he shared with PTI, “I’m working on two to three projects; they are all different from one another. It’s difficult to say which one I will make. They are all for the big screen.” Benegal’s last film was the 2023 biographical drama “Mujib: The Making of a Nation”. Over the course of his illustrious career, Benegal created an impressive portfolio of films, documentaries, and television serials that left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. Ekushey Padak-winning eminent artist Shujeo Shyam passes away His works include classics such as “Ankur” (1973), “Nishant” (1975), “Manthan” (1976), “Bhumika” (1977), “Junoon” (1978), “Mandi” (1983), “Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda” (1992), “Mammo” (1994), and “Sardari Begum” (1996). He also directed acclaimed television series like “Bharat Ek Khoj”, which explored India’s cultural history.