United News of Bangladesh

As December ushers in the end of 2024, Netflix is rolling out an exciting array of original films and series perfect for festive binge-watching. From heart-racing thrillers and magical fantasies to action-packed adventures, romantic tales, and sharp comedies, December’s releases promise something for every mood. Dive into the top 10 Netflix English originals for December 2024, each offering a unique twist to keep the year-end entertaining and unforgettable. Must-Watch English Language Netflix Films and Series for this December That Christmas / Fantasy Comedy / December 4, 2024 Animated by DNEG Animation, this Christmas film boasts production by Locksmith Animation. Simon Otto debuts as a director with this comedy movie adapted by screenwriter Peter Souter from Richard Curtis's beloved children’s book series. ‘That Christmas’ stars the voices of Brian Cox, Lolly Adefope, Fiona Shaw, Alex Macqueen, Jodie Whittaker, Katherine Parkinson, Bill Nighy, and Paul Kaye. Read more: Netflix’s October 2024 Korean Releases: Films, Series, and Shows This family film weaves together intertwined stories of love and loneliness, exploring the bonds of family and friendship. Meanwhile, Santa Claus grapples with a monumental blunder involving an overwhelming number of turkeys! Black Doves / Spy Thriller / December 5, 2024 Developed by Noisy Bear and Sister, this British spy series flourishes with Joe Barton as its creator. The narrative follows Helen whose carefully guarded secret got threatened when her lover falls victim to London’s underworld. It prompts her employers to send an old acquaintance for her protection. The action series features a star cast including Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw, Sarah Lancashire, Andrew Koji, Omari Douglas, Kathryn Hunter, and Tracey Ullman. Read more: Amazon Prime Originals Releasing in October 2024: Films, Series, and Reality Shows Mary / Political Thriller / December 6, 2024 Produced by Mary Aloe, Hannah Leader, Gillian Hormel, and Joshua Harris, this British movie thrives with the director D. J. Caruso and the writer Timothy Michael Hayes. This thriller movie tells the story of Mary who is thrust into hiding after the miraculous birth of Jesus. With Herod’s decree for the Massacre of the Innocents, she, Joseph, and Jesus must flee to Egypt to escape danger. This epic biblical movie features an ensemble cast that includes Noa Cohen, Stephanie Nur, Ido Tako, Susan Brown, Anthony Hopkins, Hilla Vidor, Dudley O'Shaughnessy, and Mehmet Kurtulus. A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter / Variety Musical Show / December 6, 2024 Directed by Sam Wrench, this holiday special features pop icon Sabrina Carpenter performing tracks from her festive EP Fruitcake, along with popular holiday covers. Viewers can also expect surprise duets, guest artists, and plenty of comedic cameos. Read more: October 2024 Bollywood Release Lineup: Top 10 Hindi Movies to Watch The show makes its way to Netflix courtesy of producers Carpenter, along with Michael D. Ratner, Scott Ratner, Kfir Goldberg, and Simone Spira of OBB Pictures. The production team also includes Bill Perlman and Janelle Lopez Genzink. Maria / Biographical Psychological Drama / December 11, 2024 Based on the life of opera singer Maria Callas, this biopic is shaped by the direction of Pablo Larrain and the writing of Steven Knight. This psychological film marks the third and final installment in Larrain's trilogy centered on significant 20th-century women, following Jackie (2016) and Spencer (2021). Set in the 1970s during Callas' final years, this biographical drama explores her life in Paris. Starring Angelina Jolie in the title role, this cinematic venture is an international co-production between the United States, Italy, and Germany. The supporting roles are played by Alba Rohrwacher, Valeria Golino, Pierfrancesco Favino, Kodi Smit-McPhee, and Haluk Bilginer. Read more: Netflix English Originals Coming in October 2024: 10 Most-hyped Releases

Ekushey Padak-winning veteran actor Masud Ali Khan passed away today. He was 95. He breathed his last at 4:20 pm at his residence in the capital’s Kalabagan, confirmed by his caretaker. Masud Ali was suffering from several age-related complications and was receiving treatment at home. Details regarding his last rites are yet to be decided, according to family sources. Masud Ali Khan was born on October 6, 1929, in Paril Naudha village of Manikganj. He made his debut on the small screen with the drama 'Bhai Bhai Sobai' after Bangladesh Television’s establishment in Dhaka. The actor made his silver screen debut with Sadek Khan's film 'Nodi O Nari' (1964) and continued with ‘Dipu Number Two’ (1996), ‘Dui Duari’ (2000), ‘Matir Moyna’ (2002), ‘Molla Barir Bou’ (2005), and ‘Priyotomeshu’ (2009), to name a few. Masud Ali Khan is known for playing many fan-favourite roles in popular television dramas and series, including ‘Kothao Keu Nei’, ‘Ei Shob Din Ratri’, Badol Diner Prothom Kodom Ful’, ‘69’, ‘Shukhi Manush Project’, ‘Din Choley Jay’, ‘Gulshan Avenue’ and more. He also worked in various government departments. In 1988, he retired as secretary of Bangladesh Tourism Corporation. For his contributions to the country’s television and film industry, Masud Ali Khan received the Ekushey Padak (2023) and Meril-Prothom Alo Lifetime Achievement Award 2023, to name a few. His death has cast a grim shadow in the country’s cultural sphere.

Korean dramas have captivated global audiences with their gripping storylines, emotional depth, and standout performances, firmly establishing themselves in the world of entertainment. Netflix, a leading OTT platform, continues to fuel this cultural wave by bringing fresh K-drama releases to screens worldwide. Here’s a look at the highly anticipated new Korean series and shows coming to Netflix in November 2024. Dive in and find your next binge-worthy favorite! New Korean Dramas Streaming on Netflix This November .Mr. Plankton / Romantic Comedy Series / November 8, 2024 Scripted by Jo-young, this romantic series thrives under the meticulous directing of Hong Jong-chan. The series follows Hae-jo, a man whose life took a strange turn when he was mistakenly given the wrong name at birth. His unusual journey becomes even more chaotic when he's forced to team up with the world’s unluckiest woman. Read more: Top 12 South Indian Movies Releasing in November 2024 Woo Do-hwan, Lee Yoo-mi, Kim Min Seok, Kim Hae-sook, and Oh Jung-se play pivotal roles in the comedy series. The K-drama makes its way to the OTT (Over-The-Top) platform, courtesy of production companies HighZium Studio and Base Story. When the Phone Rings / Mystery Thriller Series / November 15, 2024 Inspired by the hit Kakao Page web novel ‘The Number You Have Dialed’ by Geon Eomul Nyeo, this series boasts Kim Ji-woon as the screenwriter. Park Sang-woo and Wi Deuk-gyu’s direction elevates the thriller series to vibrant life. Read more: November 2024 Bollywood Movies: Top 10 Must-Watch Hindi Films You Can’t Miss The mystery series stars Chae Soo-bin, Yoo Yeon-seok, Jang Gyu-ri, and Heo Nam-jun. In this romantic thriller, a Show Window couple who have been estranged for three years in their arranged marriage. They find themselves pulled into a terrifying situation when a kidnapper’s threatening phone call shatters their silence. The production credit goes to Baram Pictures and Bon Factory. Read more: November 2024 Video Game Releases: Must-Play Titles You Don’t Want to Miss Zombieverse: Season 2 (New Blood) / Horror Reality Show / November 19, 2024 Set in Seoul, South Korea, this survival competition centers on a game show where contestants must outsmart the undead amidst a zombie outbreak. ‘Zombieverse’ returns for a gripping second season, taking the action beyond the streets of Seoul as survivors face an even deadlier post-apocalyptic landscape. Ro Hong Chul, Lee Si-young, DinDin, Dex, Tsuki, and Yiombi Patricia return to their roles from the previous season. New cast members include Cho Saeho, Defconn, Taeyeon, Yook Sung Jae, Code Kunst, Kwon Eunbi, Kim Seon Tae, and Andre Rush. Read more: Amazon Prime Originals List for November 2024: Exclusive Shows, Films and Web Series The horror series excels with executive producers Park Jin-kyung and Moon Sang-don at the helm, who are also directing the new chapter. Bottom Line In November 2024, Netflix is set to release three new K-drama series. ‘Mr. Plankton’ brings a charming blend of romance and comedy, perfect for fans craving lighthearted love stories. ‘When the Phone Rings’ cranks up the suspense as a nail-biting thriller. ‘Zombieverse’ redefines horror reality, plunging participants into terrifying, unscripted thrills with spine-chilling encounters. On the whole, these three unique releases bring a fresh spark to the month’s Korean extravaganza. Read more: Top 10 Netflix English Originals to Watch in November 2024

Ron Ely, the tall, musclebound actor who played the title character in the 1960s NBC series “Tarzan,” has died at age 86. Ely's daughter, Kirsten Casale Ely, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that her father died Sept. 29 at his home in Los Alamos, California, an unincorporated community in Santa Barbara County. While Ron Ely was not quite as well-known as Johnny Weismuller, the Olympic swimmer who played Tarzan in movies in the 1930s and 1940s, Ely helped form the image of the shirtless, loincloth-wearing character further immortalized by Disney. “He was an actor, writer, coach, mentor, family man and leader,” Kirsten Ely said in an Instagram post. “He created a powerful wave of positive influence wherever he went. The impact he had on others is something that I have never witnessed in any other person - there was something truly magical about him.” In 2019, he tragically returned to the news when his 62-year-old wife, Valerie Lundeen Ely, was stabbed to death at their Santa Barbara, California, home by their 30-year-old son, Cameron Ely, who was subsequently shot and killed by police. Ron Ely, who was home during the stabbing, challenged the prosecutor's report that his son's shooting was justified. “If he didn’t have a gun or he didn’t have a weapon, what was the basis of shooting him?” Ely's attorney John Burris said in 2020. “They may have very well thought he was involved in some other activity involving the mom. But that’s not a basis to shoot and kill him. You have to have a lawful basis to do that.” In the early 1980s, Ely was host of the Miss America pageant and met Valerie, a Miss Florida, there. They married in 1984. The couple had three children, and Ely retired from acting to focus on his family in 2001. “Late in life I had a young family. I decided to stop acting and work at home, as an author, that way I could be with the kids all through school and be able to attend their sports games and things,” he told London's Daily Express in 2013, expressing interest in the time at reentering acting. He would return briefly in the 2014 TV movie “Expecting Amish.” Ely’s Tarzan didn’t speak in the monosyllabic grunts often associated with the character, originally created by novelist Edgar Rice Burroughs. He was instead an educated bachelor who had grown sick of civilization and had returned to African jungle where he was raised. Ely said in interviews that he did his own stunts on the show, working directly and precariously with the tigers, chimpanzees and other wild animals that were Tarzan’s friends and servants. “They first tried to cast a former American football player called Mike Henry but he didn’t like chimpanzees and from the moment he got on set, things went south in a hurry,” Ely told London’s Daily Express in 2013. A chimp attacked Henry and injured his jaw when the show’s pilot was being filmed, and Ely was cast in his place at the last moment. “I met with them on a Monday and when they offered me the role I thought: ‘No way do I want to step into that bear trap. You do Tarzan and you are stamped for life’,” Ely told the Daily Express. “Was I ever right! But my agent convinced me it was a quality show and was going to work. So on the Friday I was on a plane to Brazil to shoot the first episode.” Ely also played the title character in the 1975 action film “Doc Savage: The Man of Bronze,” but otherwise had mostly small roles in TV and films, including the 1958 movie musical “South Pacific.” He also wrote a pair of mystery novels featuring a detective named Jake Sands, 1994’s “Night Shadows” and 1995’s “East Beach.” Born in Hereford, Texas, and raised in Amarillo, he married his high school sweetheart in 1959, but divorced two years later. Along with Kirsten Casale Ely, he is survived by daughter Kaitland Ely Sweet.

Despite facing death threats from gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, actor Salman Khan has not let security concerns delay his professional commitments. The Bollywood superstar has begun filming his highly anticipated movie Sikandar as scheduled, on October 22, maintaining his focus on work without any interruptions. Sources close to the production revealed to India Today that Salman is fully committed to his projects. "Salman Khan has been shooting for Bigg Boss 18 under heightened security measures, and now he has moved on to shooting Sikandar. His team has taken extensive steps to ensure safety, but Salman has been determined not to let the situation cause any delays," a source explained. Gunshots fired outside Salman Khan's Mumbai home He will likely be shooting continuously until Diwali next week. Sikandar marks Salman's major return to the silver screen following the success of Tiger 3, which released last year during the Diwali period. The film, directed by AR Murugadoss and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, is already generating significant buzz as one of the most awaited releases. It boasts an ensemble cast featuring Rashmika Mandanna, Suniel Shetty, Kajal Aggarwal, Sharman Joshi, Anjini Dhawan, Prateik Babbar and Sathyaraj. Despite the threats, Salman Khan remains unwavering in his professional approach, following the originally designed schedule to ensure the film is ready for its grand Eid release on 30th March 2025. India tightens Salman Khan's security after death threat Fans are eagerly anticipating the film, which promises to deliver another high-octane performance from the actor. Salman’s dedication to his work amidst these challenging times has impressed many in the industry, with his team ensuring that safety remains a top priority while the show goes on. Source: A revised version an India Today report

The South Indian film industry, renowned for its bold storytelling and diverse genres, is gearing up for a thrilling November 2024. With a lineup of star-studded releases in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada, fans can expect everything from gripping thrillers to laugh-out-loud comedies, action-packed spectacles, and mind-bending fantasy films. As excitement builds, here’s a look at the top South Indian films set to take over cinemas this November. 12 Must-see South Indian Movies Set to Hit the Screen This November . Jathara / Telugu Thriller / November 8, 2024 In this thriller, Sathish Babu Ratakonda makes his acting debut, starring in dual roles while directing the film and crafting its script. Navachethan Reddy, Naresh Paruchuri, Raman Goud, and Dinesh Vadduri joined him in the screenplay. The additional cast includes Deeya Raj, Mahaboob Pasha Shaik, Galla Manjunath, Srinivas Reddy, Battula Lakshmi, and Gopal Reddy.  Bankrolled by Radhakrishnaa Production Company, the adventure film intricately weaves together themes of betrayal, revenge, divine intervention, and folklore. All set against a dark backdrop in the 19th century as it explores mortal actions and celestial forces that shape destinies. Amazon Prime Originals Releasing in October 2024: Films, Series, and Reality Shows Matka / Telugu Periodic Drama / November 14, 2024 Spanning the years 1958 to 1982, the drama delves into the Matka gambling scams that shook the nation during the 20th century. Karuna Kumar’s writing and directing bring the drama film to vibrant life. Starring Varun Tej and Meenakshi Chaudhary in the lead roles, this period drama marks Nora Fatehi in her Telugu cinema debut. Saloni Aswani, P. Ravi Shankar, Kishore, Naveen Chandra, and Ajay Ghosh round out the supporting cast. The film’s production is spearheaded by Rajani Talluri and Vijender Reddy Teegala, under SRT Entertainments and Vyra Entertainments, respectively. October 2024 Bollywood Release Lineup: Top 10 Hindi Movies to Watch Mechanic Rocky / Telugu Action Comedy / November 22, 2024 Written and directed by Ravi Teja Mullapudi, this comedy film serves as his directorial debut. Vishwak Sen takes on the titular role while Meenakshi Chaudhary and Shraddha Srinath are featured as the female leads. The supporting roles are played by Sunil, Naresh, Hyper Aadi, Harsha Vardhan, Harsha Chemudu, and Raghu Ram. The movie follows a mechanic who finds his life upended when a notorious villain’s car unexpectedly arrives at his garage for repairs. The movie boasts production by Ram Talluri under the banner of SRT Entertainments. Must-watch South Indian Films Releasing in October 2024 Kanguva / Tamil Fantasy Action / November 14, 2024 Produced by Studio Green and UV Creations, this fantasy movie thrives under the direction of Siva who also crafts the story along with Adhi Narayana. Jointly screenplay by Adhi Narayana and Madhan Karky, the action film stars Suriya in dual roles. The other key cast members are Disha Patani, Bobby Deol, Jagapathi Babu, Yogi Babu, Natarajan Subramaniam, Redin Kingsley, K. S. Ravikumar, Anandaraj, and Kovai Sarala. Kanguva unfolds as an epic saga that juxtaposes the bravery of ancient heroes with the indomitable spirit of contemporary warriors. The storyline centers on the ancient struggle of a warrior fighting to protect his people a millennium ago with the enigmatic quest of a shadowy detective in the present. Phoenix / Tamil Action / November 14, 2024 Also titled ‘Veezhaan’, the action film features Surya, son of Vijay Sethupathi, in the lead role. Accompanying him are Harish Uthaman and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar in pivotal roles. Besides writing, the action choreographer Anl Arasu made his directorial debut with this movie. Netflix English Originals Coming in October 2024: 10 Most-hyped Releases Bankrolled by Brave Man Pictures, the film follows the journey of a professional boxer whose life takes a dramatic turn when he is incarcerated. Amidst his struggles in prison, the boxer remains focused on his sport, unaware that a group is secretly plotting his daring escape. Eleven / Tamil and Telugu Thriller / November 15, 2024 Flourished with Lokkesh Ajls as the director and writer, this bilingual thriller revolves around a dedicated cop determined to crack an unsolved murder case. The mystery thriller stars Naveen Chandra in the lead role opposite Reyaa Hari who also produced the movie along with Ajmal Khan under the AR Entertainment banner. The supporting cast includes Shashank, Dileepan, Abhirami, Riythvika, Arjai, Ravi Varma, Kireeti Damaraju, and Aadukalam Naren. October 2024 Video Games: Exciting Virtual Games Scheduled for Launch

On Friday, the nation commemorates the fifth death anniversary of Bangladesh’s iconic rock superstar, singer, guitarist, composer, and music director Ayub Bachchu. Unanimously revered as one of the most coveted rockstars in the country, Ayub Bachchu passed away on this day in 2018 at the age of 56 from a cardiac attack at his home in the capital’s Moghbazar. The legendary frontman and founding leader of the popular Bangladeshi rock band Love Runs Blind, popularly known as LRB, is being remembered and honoured on this day by his family, followers, friends, admirers, and media. Among the events, the Chittagong Musician's Club, Ayub Bachchu Foundation and friends-admirers of the beloved rock icon are set to organise a special ‘Dowa Mahfil’ at the Celebration Community Point in Moghbazar at 6:30 pm. Besides, fans and admirers of Ayub Bachchu are also commemorating the legend with commemorative events throughout the country. Born in Patiya at Khorna Union in Chittagong on August 16, 1962, to Mohammad Ishaque Chowdhury and Nurjahan Begum, Bachchu started his band LRB in his hometown, Chittagong, in 1991. Read: Rafiqul Alam’s new Liberation War song released in Ayub Bachchu’s composition Prior to that, Bachchu began his career as a musician with the band "Golden Boys" (later renamed "Ugly Boys"), which he co-founded with his childhood friend and renowned Bangladeshi singer Kumar Bishwajit. He also played an important role in other well-known Bangladeshi bands including Feelings and Souls. During his time with Feelings, he played with another contemporary rock icon of Bangladesh - James. With Bachchu being the frontman of LRB, the band performed more than thousands of concerts at home (500+ open-air & 2000+ indoor) and abroad. They went on their first international tour in the USA and they played in 7 states. In his lifetime, Ayub has created a total of 16 solo albums, a full-fledged studio-turned-production house named ‘AB Kitchen’, numerous super hit playbacks such as ‘‘Ammajaan’’, ‘’Sagorika”, “Ononto Prem”, “Ami to Preme Porini” and many other scores in Bangladeshi commercial movies. “Rupali Guitar,” “Cholo Bodle Jai,” “Ekhon Onek Raat,” “Koshto”, ‘‘Shei Tumi Keno Eto Ochena Hole,” ‘’Ferari Ei Monta Amar,” ‘’Ekdin Ghum Bhanga Shohore,’’ ‘‘Hashte Dekho Gaite Dekho’’ are some of his most iconic tracks with his beloved LRB. For his contribution to the country’s music industry, he received a record six Meril Prothom Alo Awards, one Citycell-Channel I Music Award with LRB and won the Bachsas Awards in the Best Male Vocal category in 2004. In 2017, he won the Tele Cine Lifetime Achievement Award. The rock legend was buried in Chaitanya Goli in Chittagong, beside his mother's grave.

As part of the celebrations for the 65th Anniversary of Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), a unique fusion pop concert presenting the fusion of Afro-Bangla pop sounds was held at the AFD courtyard on Thursday night. Renowned French musicians Bibi Tanga and Eric Kerridge alongside Bangladeshi music artists Mithun Chakra and Saad Chowdhury enthralled at the concert with their electrifying performances, showcasing a vibrant celebration of cross-cultural collaboration and musical innovation. Bibi Tanga, a renowned artist known for his eclectic mix of Afrobeat, funk, and soul, took the stage alongside two talented Bangladeshi pop artists. This fusion of Afro and Bangla pop sounds enamored music lovers through blending the rich rhythms and melodies of African and Bangladeshi music traditions. This concert is more than just a performance; it is a celebration of the cultural connections that music can forge across continents. By bringing together these diverse sounds, the concert reflects the spirit of Alliance Française de Dhaka - building bridges between cultures and fostering creativity through the universal language of music, according to AFD. The esteemed French educational and cultural institution is hosting a handful of engaging events recently, as part of its 65th anniversary in the country.

Renowned actor and freedom fighter Masud Parvez Sohel Rana, in a Facebook post on Wednesday, strongly criticised the interim government’s Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Adviser Nahid Islam’s statement on cancellation of eight national days. On his verified Facebook account, Sohel Rana wrote, “Brother Nahid, it is inappropriate for you to talk about the country and leaders of a time when you were not even born. Don't make us call you ignorant.” His post came after the comment of Nahid to the media regarding the interim government’s official announcement of the cancellation of eight national days, including March 7, which commemorates Sheikh Mujirbur Rahman's historic speech, and August 15, marking the assassination of Bangabandhu and his family. BSA to host three-day Lalon Festival starting tomorrow Stating that the ousted Awami League regime imposed several days on the citizens, adviser Nahid Islam said Bangladesh’s interim government did not recognise Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the sole father of the nation. He made these comments in response to a question while talking to reporters at the Secretariat on Wednesday. As soon as the news spread, social media was flooded with reactions coming from people representing all walks of life, including actor-politician Sohel Rana. Actor Sohel Rana launches Bangladesh Justice Party In the comment box of that public post, famous stage actress and director Nuna Afroz commented, “How can 71, liberation war, Bangabandhu be erased by the people who were not born on the soil of this country! Who are they really?” In another post soon after that, Sohel Rana further wrote, “It was necessary to leave the scene after the March 7 speech. He wrote, 'YouTubers and Television (channels) are interviewing you. They should have left the place right after your statement about the 7th March speech.” Dhallywood’s one of the most popular ‘Golden Era’ actors and a famed politician throughout his life, Sohel Rana has recently launched his new political unit titled ‘Bangladesh Justice Party’ (‘Bangladesh Insaf Party’ in Bangla).   

Former One Direction singer Liam Payne, 31, whose chart-topping British boy band generated a global following of swooning fans, was found dead Wednesday after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, local officials said. Buenos Aires police said in a statement that Payne fell from the third floor of the Casa Sur Hotel in the trendy Palermo neighborhood of Argentina's capital, resulting in “extremely serious injuries.” Medics confirmed his death on the spot, the statement said. Pablo Policicchio, the communications director for the Buenos Aires Security Ministry, said in a statement to The Associated Press that Payne “had jumped from the balcony of his room.” Police rushed to the hotel in response to an emergency call just after 5 p.m. local time, he said, warning of an “aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.” The hotel manager can be heard on a 911 call obtained by the AP saying they had "a guest who is overwhelmed with drugs and alcohol ... He’s destroying the entire room and, well, we need you to send someone, please.” The manager's voice became more anxious as the call went on, noting the room had a balcony. Alberto Crescenti, head of the state emergency medical system, told Argentina’s Todo Noticias TV channel that authorities were investigating the circumstances of his death and conducting an autopsy. Maggie Smith, a favourite among fans of 'Harry Potter' and ‘Downton Abbey,’ dies at 89 Payne had been vocal about struggling with alcoholism, posting a video in July 2023 to his YouTube channel where he said he had been sober for six months after receiving treatment. Representatives for Payne did not immediately return emails and calls. Dozens of One Direction fans flocked from across Buenos Aires to the Casa Sur Hotel after the news broke, forming lines that spilled into the cordoned-off street outside the hotel where police stood sentinel. Forensic investigators were seen exiting the hotel, from where Payne’s body was removed around three hours after the fall. Young women filming with their cellphones expressed shock and heartbreak as a makeshift memorial with rows of candles and bouquets quickly grew outside the hotel. “I didn’t think he was going to die so young,” 21-year-old Isabella Milesi told the AP. Payne was one of five members of One Direction, which formed when they each auditioned for the British singing competition series “The X Factor” in 2010, two years after Payne's first attempt to get on the show. At 16 the second time around, Payne sang Michael Bublé’s version of “Cry Me a River,” appearing nervous at the start but warming up with the audience’s cheers and applause. After each singer failed to make it through the competition as solo acts, Simon Cowell and his fellow judges combined Payne, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson into what would become one of the most successful boy bands — even though they lost the competition. Each member had their own persona, with Payne — who hailed from Wolverhampton, a city in the West Midlands region of England — being known as the responsible one. The band became known for their pop sound and romantic hits like “What Makes You Beautiful,” “Night Changes” and “Story of My Life.” Payne had prominent solos on songs including “Stole My Heart” and “Change Your Ticket,” co-writing several of the band's hits. They had six Top 10 hits on the Billboard charts by the time they disbanded in 2016 and a highly loyal fan base, known as “Directioners,” many of whom were teen girls. Alberto Fujimori, a former president of Peru who was convicted for human rights abuses, dies at 86 “I’ve always loved One Direction since I was little,” said 18-year-old Juana Relh, another fan outside Payne’s hotel. “To see that he died and that there will never be another reunion of the boys is unbelievable, it kills me.” With his meteoric rise to fame, Payne had said that it took some time to adjust to the public eye. “I don’t think you can ever deal with that, it’s all a bit crazy for us to see that people get in that sort of state of mind about us and what we do,” he said in a 2013 interview with the AP after recounting an experience where a fan was in a state of shock upon meeting him. After the group's dissolution, Payne — like each of his erstwhile bandmates — pursued a solo career, shifting toward EDM and hip-hop. His 2017 single “Strip That Down,” featuring Quavo, reached the Billboard Top 10, and stayed on the charts for several months. He put out an album “LP1” in 2019, and his last release — a single called “Teardrops” — was released in March. Payne had a 7-year-old son, Bear Grey Payne, with his former girlfriend, the musician Cheryl who was known as Cheryl Cole when she performed with Girls Aloud. She was an “X Factor” judge during One Direction's season, although their relationship began years later. Payne was previously engaged to Maya Henry, from August 2020 to early 2022. Henry released a novel earlier this year that she said was based on their relationship. In addition to his son, he is survived by his parents, Geoff and Karen Payne, and his two older sisters, Ruth and Nicola.