United News of Bangladesh

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck officially became divorced and single Friday. A Los Angeles Superior Court judge approved their divorce settlement on Jan. 6, and declared that it would take effect on Feb. 21, after California's required six months passed since Lopez filed to dissolve their two-year-old marriage. The document said they settled through mediation in September, avoiding the kind of drawn-out court fight that other celebrity couples have gone through. Lopez now drops the Affleck from her legal name. Most of the financial details were kept private, but neither star will pay the other spousal support, and they have no children together so custody is not an issue. The superstar pairing married in July 2022. Lopez filed for divorce in August 2024. The filing said they had separated more than a year earlier. It was their second stint as a couple. In the early 2000s, they met, fell in love, got engaged and starred together in the infamous “Gigli” and “Jersey Girl” in 2004. They split up that same year, blaming in part the pressure of the public eye. Music Review: Sam Fender's pop-rock soars on his third album, 'People Watching' But to the joy of many fans and perhaps the doubt of others, they got back together two decades later and got married. Affleck divorced Jennifer Garner, with whom he has three children, in 2018. Lopez has been married four times and has twins with singer Marc Anthony.

As its title “People Watching” suggests, Sam Fender spends the bulk of his third studio album putting his observations about others — their histories, their futures, their troubles, their hopes — to music. The concept is simple. The results are anything but. Written by the English singer-songwriter over two years, the album’s 11 pop-rock tracks reveal a tender, strong-willed and observant lyricist. They also show off Fender's skills as a musician and co-producer, capable of tying together instrumental threads into rich productions that enliven his stories. None of that is news to his fans, who have already sold-out tour dates ahead of the album's release. Like the best of his previous releases, the project's titular opening track is anthemic and robust. Its Springsteen-style makes you want to move, or at least, shout along with Fender. That energy is achieved through a fast-paced and meticulously arranged production: Guitar and piano are layered over strings. Metallic cymbals punctuate the chorus, cut by a saxophone solo. The drumbeat is steady but quick, standing in for Fender's racing heart. “I can't stop running,” he sings, “I see the whole town fall." That town, his home of North Shields, England, serves as inspiration throughout the album. Meghan Markle faces criticism over name choice for new lifestyle brand On “Crumbling Empire,” atop grooving electric guitar, Fender appears to describe his family and the systems they were failed by: “My mother delivered most of the kids in this town / My stepdad drove in a tank for the crown," before summarizing his album in a few lines: “I don't wear the shoes I used to walk in / But I can’t help but thinking where they’d take me / In this crumbling empire.” He speaks of specific struggles, but his observations are built upon the understanding that pain is always universal. On “Something Heavy,” he offers reprieve: “Everybody here's got, something heavy / I'll shoulder it a while if you just want a night off.” The album closes with “Remember My Name,” a tribute to Fender’s late grandparents. It is written from the perspective of his grandfather as he cared for Fender's grandmother, who had dementia. Absent the upbeat guitars and drum beats that accompany much of the album, Fender’s vocals are strikingly crisp. Featured instead is the muffled, nostalgic sound of horns, performed by Northeast England's Easington Colliery Band. 'Wicked' choice: Cynthia Erivo to host 2025 Tony Awards in June  The song's chorus is tight but powerful. “Humor me / make my day / I'll tell you stories / kiss your face / and I'll pray / you'll remember / my name," Fender sings as his grandfather, his voice soaring with aching emotion. Closer to his roots here than anywhere else on the album, his people watching is complete.

Shah Rukh Khan, one of Bollywood's most iconic stars, has made headlines yet again, this time for leasing two luxurious duplex apartments in Mumbai's upscale Pali Hills, Khar West. According to reports, the actor has signed a three-year lease for the properties, owned by the Bhagnani family, at an annual rent of Rs 2.9 crore, totaling Rs 8.67 crore over the lease period. The monthly rent for both apartments combined amounts to Rs 24.15 lakh. The duplexes are located in the Puja Casa building, spanning the first, second, seventh, and eighth floors. One of the units is owned by actor-producer Jackky Bhagnani and his sister Deepshikha Deshmukh, leased by Shah Rukh Khan for Rs 11.54 lakh per month, with a security deposit of Rs 32.97 lakh. Meghan Markle faces criticism over name choice for new lifestyle brand The other unit, owned by producer Vashu Bhagnani, has been rented for Rs 12.61 lakh per month, with a security deposit of Rs 36 lakh. The lease agreements were officially registered on February 14, with a stamp duty of Rs 2.22 lakh and a registration fee of Rs 2,000. This move comes shortly after Shah Rukh Khan's wife, Gauri Khan, applied for permission to expand their iconic Mumbai bungalow, Mannat. The proposal, submitted to the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA), seeks to add two floors to the six-storey annexe behind the residence, increasing the built-up area by 616.02 square meters. On the professional front, Shah Rukh Khan had a stellar 2023 with two blockbuster hits, Jawan and Pathaan. He is now preparing for his next project, King, directed by Siddharth Anand. The film is rumored to feature Abhishek Bachchan and Shah Rukh's daughter, Suhana Khan, adding to the anticipation surrounding the project. Salman Khan and Atlee's Mega Reincarnation Film to be Made on Rs 500 Crore Budget Renting luxury properties is a common practice among Bollywood celebrities. For instance, in December 2024, Shraddha Kapoor reportedly leased a plush apartment in Mumbai’s Juhu locality for Rs 6 lakh per month. Shah Rukh Khan's latest lease further underscores the trend of high-profile actors opting for luxurious rentals in prime locations. Source: Indian media

Meghan Markle’s newly announced lifestyle brand, “As Ever”, has sparked controversy due to its name, which is identical to an existing clothing company in New York.  The Duchess of Sussex introduced her brand on Instagram, describing it as a passion project centred on food, gardening, entertaining, and “thoughtful living.” Set to launch in Spring 2025, the venture will not include clothing. “I’m thrilled to introduce “As Ever” — a brand that I created and have poured my heart into,” Markle wrote.  However, a New York-based clothing brand, also called “As Ever”, has responded to the name overlap. Founded in 2017, the company’s co-founder, Mark Kolski, addressed the situation on Instagram. “We are aware. We are not affiliated,” he stated, thanking supporters for their concern. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Kolski revealed that he only discovered Markle’s brand after being informed by a friend. He is now seeking legal advice.  Meghan Markle spends heavily on wardrobe ahead of showbiz comeback The similarity in names has led to backlash on social media, with some accusing Markle of failing to conduct proper research. One X user wrote, “‘As Ever’ is a well-known fashion brand in NYC. Meghan Markle stole their name! Did she not do a business search?” Another added, “She took the name of an already established, trademarked store.”  The controversy emerges just ahead of Markle’s upcoming Netflix series, “With Love, Meghan”, which is now set to premiere on March 4 after being postponed due to the Los Angeles wildfires. 

Award-winning actress Cynthia Erivo has been chosen to host this year’s Tony Awards, set to take place on June 8 at Radio City Music Hall.  Erivo, known for her role in Wicked, has received numerous accolades, including a Grammy, Emmy, and Tony, along with a Golden Globe, SAG Award, and three Oscar nominations. She expressed her excitement about the opportunity, calling it a "glorious honour." She hopes to guide the theatre community through a night dedicated to celebrating outstanding performances from the past year.  The Tony Awards, presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing, will be broadcast live on CBS and streamed on Paramount+.  Heather Hitchens, president and CEO of the American Theatre Wing, and Jason Laks, president of The Broadway League, praised Erivo’s contributions to musical theatre. A$AP Rocky acquitted of firearm assault charges in LA They highlighted how her performances on stage and screen have introduced the art form to millions worldwide—aligning perfectly with the Tony Awards’ mission.  With Erivo at the helm, the event promises to be a remarkable tribute to Broadway’s best, honouring excellence in live theatre. Source: with inputs from wires  

Rapper A$AP Rocky, whose legal name is Rakim Mayers, has been acquitted of charges related to firing a gun at a former friend during an altercation in Los Angeles. A jury found him not guilty of two felony assault charges, which could have resulted in a 24-year prison sentence. The charges stemmed from an incident on November 6, 2021, when Terell Ephron, also known as A$AP Relli, accused Mayers of shooting at him during an argument on a Hollywood street, grazing his knuckles with one of the bullets. Mayers, who is also a fashion mogul and Rihanna's partner, denied the allegations, claiming the weapon was a prop gun and that Ephron was motivated by financial gain. The verdict was met with cheers and applause in court, with Mayers quickly embracing his family, including Rihanna, who attended the trial with their young sons. Rapper Aly Hasan collaborates with Toffee for World Cup song Mayers thanked the jury and expressed relief, stating, “Thank God for saving my life.” The altercation occurred after a disagreement between the two men the previous day. Prosecutors alleged that Mayers drew the gun, threatened to kill Ephron, and fired several shots.  However, the defense argued the weapon was a non-lethal prop gun. The firearm was never recovered, and the prosecution's case relied partly on surveillance footage, but there was no direct evidence showing the shooting. Ephron took two days to report the incident and was unable to provide supporting evidence, including missing shell casings and surveillance footage. Rapper and singer Aaron Carter passes away at age 34 in California Mayers, who is preparing for the release of his first solo album in nearly a decade, is also scheduled to perform at the Rolling Loud festival in Los Angeles in March 2025 and stars in Spike Lee’s upcoming film Highest 2 Lowest.    

Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma and Canadian model Winnie Harlow are engaged. The couple revealed the news in an Instagram post Tuesday that showed Harlow displaying her engagement ring as they kissed. Harlow, 30, appeared on “America’s Next Top Model” in 2014. A mainstay of fashion week runway shows and magazine covers, she founded the sunscreen brand Cay Skin. Anuv Jain ties the knot with Hridi Narang; shares photos Harlow has vitiligo, a skin condition that causes loss of pigmentation. She has described the condition as “a treasured part of my identity as a woman, activist and model.” She was the first model with vitiligo to walk in the Victoria’s Secret fashion show. Kuzma, 29, joined the Bucks earlier this month in a trade-deadline deal that sent Khris Middleton and AJ Johnson to the Washington Wizards. Kuzma played for the Wizards from 2021-25 after spending his first four NBA seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.

South Korean actor Kim Sae-ron’s death this week has triggered an outpouring of grief and calls for changes to the way the country’s celebrities are treated in the public arena and on social media, which critics say can foster a culture of harassment. The 24-year-old, who began her career as a child actor and earned acclaim for her roles in several domestic films, including the 2010 crime noir “The Man from Nowhere,” was found dead by a friend at her home in the country’s capital, Seoul, on Sunday. The National Police Agency has said that officers are not suspecting foul play and that Kim left no note. Once among the brightest stars on South Korea’s vibrant movie and television scene, Kim struggled to find work after a 2022 drunk driving incident, for which she was later fined in court. Online posts in South Korea are notoriously harsh toward celebrities who make missteps, especially women, and Kim faced constant negative coverage from news organizations that capitalized on public sentiment. Newspapers and websites criticized her whenever she was seen partying with friends, or when she complained about her lack of work and nasty comments on social media. She was even criticized for smiling while filming an independent movie last year. “I’m Not Bangladeshi, I'm an English Cricketer”: Sylhet’s Samit Patel Sparks Controversy with Media Outburst Following Kim’s death, several of the country’s major newspapers on Tuesday published editorials and opinion pieces lambasting the toxic online comments about the actor. Some invoked the 2019 deaths of K-Pop singers Seol-li and Goo Hara and the 2023 death of “Squid Games” actor Lee Sun-kyun while calling for a change in the “harsh, zero-tolerance” culture toward celebrities. The Hankook Ilbo newspaper said the country's media outlets were part of the problem, lamenting that some outlets continued to exploit Kim for clicks even after her death, using provocative headlines that highlighted her past struggles. The watchdog Citizens’ Coalition for Democratic Media on Tuesday criticized news organizations for blaming social media without considering their own “sensational and provocative reporting." Born in 2000, Kim began her acting career at age 9, with the 2009 film “A Brand New Life,” portraying a girl’s struggles to adjust to a new life after being left at an orphanage by her father. She rose to stardom with “The Man from Nowhere,” which was one of the biggest hits in the South Korean movie scene that year and won her a domestic acting award. First Arabic Netflix film tackles taboos, sparks controversy She starred in various movies and TV shows before the 2022 drunk driving incident. Gold Medalist, Kim's former management agency, did not immediately answer calls for comment.

Colombian superstar Shakira canceled her Sunday concert in Lima after being hospitalized with an abdominal condition, the singer said. Shakira shared a statement on her Instagram and X accounts Sunday afternoon, saying she is currently hospitalized and that doctors informed her she was not in condition to perform. “I am very sad that I will not be able to take the stage today. I have been deeply emotional and excited about reuniting with my beloved Peruvian audience,” she said. The singer arrived in Peru Friday evening, where she was scheduled to perform Sunday and Monday. The country is the second stop on her Latin American tour, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, following two nights in Brazil last week. Latin fans have given Shakira a warm welcome, with crowds gathering at airports to greet her. “Thank you for such an emotional welcome, Lima!” she posted Saturday on Instagram. In her statement, Shakira said she hopes to recover soon. “My plan is to perform this show as soon as possible. My team and the promoter are already working on a new date,” she said. The singer is touring in support of her latest album, Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran, in which she channels her highly publicized divorce into music. The record includes the global hit “Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53” and won Best Latin Pop Album at the 2024 Grammy Awards earlier this month. Shakira’s tour continues across Latin America before heading to Canada and the U.S. in May for a series of concerts through June.

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has teamed up with renowned filmmaker Atlee for an upcoming reincarnation drama, tentatively titled A6. According to reports, the film is being made on a staggering budget of Rs 500 crore, making it one of the most expensive projects in Indian cinema. As per a report by Bollywood Hungama, Atlee is focused on crafting an entirely new cinematic world for Salman Khan, ensuring a visual spectacle unlike anything seen before. Salman Khan reveals his sleep “paradox” A source close to the production revealed, "A6 is a period drama with reincarnation elements, and Atlee is planning to create a never-seen-before world with the film." While Salman Khan is currently occupied with Sikandar, he has already begun preparations for A6. The actor is undergoing an intensive fitness regime to shed weight and achieve a particular physique required for his role. The source added, "Salman is excited to explore something fresh with Atlee and is highly motivated to achieve the desired look for A6." There has been ongoing speculation regarding the film’s cast, with rumours suggesting that legendary Tamil superstar Rajinikanth might play a significant role. However, no official confirmation has been made about his involvement. If Rajinikanth joins the project, A6 is expected to become an even grander cinematic experience. Salman Khan's Galaxy apartment undergoes security enhancements amid threats Salman Khan has a packed schedule ahead with several high-profile projects. In addition to Sikandar and A6, the superstar is also working on Kick 2, an untitled film with Sooraj Barjatya, and the much-anticipated Tiger vs Pathaan. With a massive budget and an ambitious storyline, A6 is set to become one of the most talked-about films in Bollywood. Fans eagerly await further announcements regarding the project, which promises to deliver a power-packed blend of drama, action, and romance. ‘Mocking Tagore’: Salman’s team denies ties to Kapil Show amid legal trouble