United News of Bangladesh

Ba***ds actor Rajat Bedi has accused veteran actor Mukesh Khanna of misquoting him in an old interview, alleging that Khanna used his comments “to generate views.” In a recent conversation with Siddharth Kannan, Rajat clarified that he has great respect for filmmaker Rakesh Roshan and that his earlier remarks were taken out of context. “I share a good bond with Rakesh Roshan sir. He is the most helpful director I’ve worked with. As for my comment about moving to Canada, it was blown out of proportion because of Mukesh Khanna,” Rajat said. He claimed Khanna twisted his statement from an earlier 2023 interview to imply that he left India after being sidelined during the promotions of Koi Mil Gaya. “I told him I moved to Canada after the film’s release, but he made it sound like I left because I was ignored. That was wrong. A week before that interview came out, I had actually met Rakesh ji,” he added. In the 2023 interview, Rajat had expressed disappointment over being “cut out” from the publicity campaign of Koi Mil Gaya and said several of his scenes with Hrithik Roshan and Preity Zinta were removed from the final version. Explaining his decision to move to Canada, Rajat said he struggled financially despite working on several projects. “I was getting films and fame, but no financial stability. Some producers’ cheques even bounced,” he recalled. Rajat Bedi, who began his acting career in 1998, appeared in over 40 films including Rakht (2004), Khamoshh... Khauff Ki Raat (2005), and Rocky – The Rebel (2006). He also gained recognition on television through Kasautii Zindagii Kay and Aahat. Most recently, Bedi played Jaraj Saxena in Aryan Khan’s Netflix series Ba**ds*, earning praise for portraying a forgotten actor trying to reclaim his fame.   Source: NDTV

Star Cineplex, a popular multiplex chain in the country, is set to celebrate its 21st anniversary on October 8 with a special event for moviegoers. The multiplex chain is marking the milestone with a gesture of appreciation for its loyal audience - the moviegoers. Marking the occasion, Mesbah Uddin Ahmed, AGM of the media and marketing department of Star Cineplex, said that the viewers will receive a special gift on the anniversary. On October 8, at all branches of Star Cineplex and for all shows, customers can buy one ticket and get another ticket free for any movie. He also said that entertainment journalists have supported and collaborated with the cineplex since its inception. “Along with the love of viewers, the support from journalists has played a vital role in bringing Star Cineplex to this stage,” he added. Started in 2004, Star Cineplex was the country’s first multiplex chain. At present, it operates a total of 22 halls across Dhaka and other regions, with additional branches under construction. The authorities have announced that the number of halls will increase further next year.

Rishab Shetty’s Kantara Chapter 1 continues its blazing run at the box office, collecting Rs 223.25 crore across all languages by Sunday — maintaining figures close to its opening day numbers. The film grossed Rs 61 crore on Sunday, after an opening day haul of Rs 61.85 crore across Kannada, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, Kantara Chapter 1 had earned Rs 47.6 crore in Kannada alone till Saturday, while its Hindi version continued strong with Rs 50.5 crore at the domestic box office. Produced on a budget of Rs 125 crore, the film has already broken multiple records and is now the second highest-grossing Kannada film of 2025, trailing only Mahavatar Narsimha, which has earned between Rs 300–325 crore worldwide. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh hailed the film’s performance on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “#KantaraChapter1 roars back on Saturday, witnessing a solid jump over Friday, powered by glowing word of mouth. Sunday’s numbers are expected to further strengthen its business, and going by current trends, a ₹70 cr extended opening weekend total looks well within reach... EXCELLENT.” Bollywood actress Rani Mukerji urges public to fight rising cybercrimes About the film Directed and written by Rishab Shetty along with Anirudh Mahesh and Shanil Guru, Kantara Chapter 1 stars Rishab Shetty, Jayaram, Rukmini Vasanth, and Gulshan Devaiah in lead roles. The film serves as a prequel to the 2022 blockbuster Kantara, which also starred and was directed by Shetty. The original Kantara had earned Rishab Shetty the National Award for Best Actor in 2024, while the film won the National Award for Best Popular Film. Critical reception In his review for NDTV, critic Saibal Chatterjee described the film as “a manic, sometimes befuddling, mix of history, myth, cinematic craft, and performative power.” He added: “When the disparate components and conceits blend well, it is an undeniably compelling watch. At all other times, it is immersive enough to keep the audience glued to the screen in an attempt to scan and decipher the riot of colours, the grand gestures, the larger-than-life action sequences, and the portentous dialogue that have gone into the project.” Source: NDTV

A 15-day training workshop on wood carving began on Sunday at the National Art Gallery auditorium under the auspices of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) and organized by its Training Division. The inaugural ceremony was held at 12 pm on Sunday. Sheikh Rezauddin Ahmed (poet Rezauddin Stalin), Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, attended the event as the chief guest. Shaheen Dill-Riaz, Director of the Training Division, delivered the welcome speech. The workshop’s chief instructor, Dr Pintu Chandra Dev, and assistant instructor, Dr Md Mofidul Alam Khan, were also present. In his inaugural speech, Sheikh Rezauddin Ahmed said, “The aim and philosophy of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy is to preserve and promote traditional art forms that are on the verge of extinction, and today’s workshop is a step forward in implementing that mission. Participants should not only take training but also apply the skills in personal and social life for the benefit of the nation, and BSA always supports creative and thoughtful work.” Following the speech, the Director General distributed bags and training materials to the participants. The workshop will continue daily from 10 am to 5 pm until October 19, at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Twenty participants from various universities are attending the 15-day programme. Begum Kamrun Nahar, course coordinator of the Training Division, is serving as the course director, while Jannatul Ferdous Keya, instructor (Fine Arts), is the course coordinator.

As speculation continues over Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda’s reported engagement, an old interview of the actress has resurfaced in which she firmly addressed rumours about her relationship with the Arjun Reddy star. According to sources close to the actors, the two got engaged in an intimate ceremony on Friday (October 3) in the presence of family members and close friends. The couple is reportedly planning to marry in February 2026, although neither has officially confirmed the engagement. Rashmika and Vijay first starred together in the 2018 romantic hit Geetha Govindam and later appeared in Dear Comrade (2019). Since then, rumours about their off-screen relationship have circulated widely, though both have repeatedly avoided confirming them. In a throwback interview with Hindustan Times, Rashmika urged fans not to draw conclusions based on gossip. Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda engaged, wedding set for February 2026 “You can talk nonsense about us, you can say negative things about it,” she said. “Because, in the end, we are public figures. We can’t choose only the good bits — thinking people will focus on work and not our personal life. They are free to talk about anything, just don’t conclude. Until you hear from me, that is not true.” As fans continue to speculate online, neither Rashmika nor Vijay has commented publicly on their reported engagement. Source: NDTV

In a dramatic twist to the probe into the death of Assamese music icon Zubeen Garg, his bandmate Shekhar Jyoti Goswami has alleged that the singer’s manager Siddharth Sharma and festival organiser Shyamkanu Mahanta may have poisoned him and tried to pass off his death as accidental. According to statements recorded under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Goswami told investigators that Sharma behaved suspiciously in the hours before Garg’s death in Singapore. Sharma, named in the FIR, faces serious non-bailable charges including criminal conspiracy, murder, and culpable homicide not amounting to murder. Goswami claimed that during the yacht trip where the incident occurred, Sharma took control of the vessel and later stopped others from arranging drinks, saying he would provide them himself. He further alleged that when Garg began gasping for breath, Sharma was heard saying, “Let him go.” The bandmate said Garg was an experienced swimmer and could not have drowned accidentally. He accused Sharma and Mahanta of poisoning the artist and choosing Singapore as the venue to cover up the act. Both Sharma and Mahanta have denied the allegations during police interrogation. Assam Police sources said evidence, including documents and financial records, indicates Sharma’s possible involvement. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax Department are also likely to join the probe into suspected financial crimes linked to Mahanta, who is additionally under CID investigation for alleged irregularities during his previous job at a non-banking financial company.   Source: NDTV

Popular actors Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda are engaged and plan to marry in February 2026, sources close to the couple confirmed. The engagement took place on Friday, October 3, in an intimate ceremony attended by family and close friends. While the couple has not officially announced the news, fans were quick to speculate following Rashmika’s recent viral social media post. On Dussehra, Rashmika shared a picture in traditional attire with a tilak on her forehead, captioning it with gratitude for the support she has received for her upcoming film Thamma and its song. The post fueled excitement among fans about her engagement. Professionally, Rashmika will next appear in the horror-comedy Thamma, directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, starring opposite Ayushmann Khurrana and featuring actors like Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Paresh Rawal. The film is scheduled for release on October 21, 2025. Vijay Deverakonda was last seen in the Telugu spy action-thriller Kingdom (2025). The couple had previously worked together in hit films Geetha Govindam and Dear Comrade.   Sourc:NDTV

“Saturday Night Live” returns with a new season in New York, blending fresh faces with familiar favorites. Following a fanfare-filled 50th anniversary season, the long-running sketch show introduces five new featured players and kicks off with superstar Bad Bunny as host on Saturday. The music icon, who recently concluded a historic residency in Puerto Rico, will be joined by musical guest Doja Cat, making her debut in that role. Bad Bunny is also set to headline the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show. Subsequent episodes will feature Amy Poehler hosting on Oct. 11 with first-time musical guest Role Model, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the show’s original episode in 1975. Sabrina Carpenter will host and perform as musical guest on Oct. 18. The season comes after the departures of several key cast members, including Ego Nwodim and Devon Walker. Writer Ben Marshall is promoted to featured player, joining newcomers Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska. “SNL” recently won 12 Emmys for its 50th season, including outstanding variety special. Creator Lorne Michaels noted he never imagined the show would continue for 50 years.  

Hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs was sentenced Friday to four years and two months in prison for transporting individuals across state lines for sexual encounters, concluding a high-profile federal case that exposed years of abuse and exploitation. Having already served a year in jail, the 55-year-old could be released in roughly three years. Prosecutors had sought a sentence exceeding 11 years, while Combs’ lawyers argued he should be freed immediately, saying his time in custody has led to remorse and sobriety. Combs was convicted in July of flying girlfriends and male sex workers across the U.S. to participate in drug-fueled sexual acts over many years. He was acquitted of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that carried potential life sentences. U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, who also imposed a $500,000 fine, criticized Combs’ use of power and resources to continue the abuse undetected. The judge praised the accusers for giving voice to countless victims of similar exploitation. Combs appeared subdued in court, apologizing to his family before leaving. His lawyers confirmed plans to appeal, arguing the judge had effectively second-guessed the jury’s verdict. During the nearly two-month trial in Manhattan, witnesses testified that Combs physically assaulted, threatened, sexually abused, and blackmailed women. Prosecutors said sparing him serious prison time would excuse years of violence and exploitation. Under the Mann Act, which prohibits transporting people across state lines for sexual crimes, Combs faced conviction despite his defense’s argument that the law was misapplied. Former girlfriend Casandra “Cassie” Ventura testified that Combs coerced her into sex with strangers hundreds of times during their decade-long relationship, and videos shown to the jury captured him dragging and beating her in a hotel hallway. Another woman, identified as “Jane,” testified she was pressured into sexual acts with male workers during drug-fueled “hotel nights” while Combs watched and sometimes filmed. Six of Combs’ seven children pleaded for leniency, with daughter D’Lila urging the judge to allow the family to heal. Outside the courthouse, fans and onlookers expressed mixed reactions. Sade Bess, a Combs supporter, said the sentence balanced mercy for the artist with recognition of the victims’ suffering.

Bangladeshi filmmaker Abu Shahed Emon’s Japanese-language short Tenement of Secret Talk is competing at the 17th Fukuoka Independent Film Festival (FIDFF), running from October 3–5 at the Fukuoka Art Museum Museum Hall. The festival features 19 competition films alongside invited works from Japan, Bangladesh, Korea, and India under the theme “GOOD DAYS: Bursting Dreams, Seventeen”. Founded in 2009, FIDFF provides a platform for independent filmmakers from Japan and abroad, offering screenings, post-show discussions, and networking opportunities. This year’s competition includes titles such as Goodbye Raifutei, My Father is Afraid of Water, Analog Boy and the Visiting Old Woman, Grandma’s Moving Day, LOCA! Gemini, A Premonition of a Story, and Becoming a Kappa. Tenement of Secret Talk is a period drama (jidaigeki) developed through the Kyoto Filmmakers Lab under the Kyoto HISTORICA International Film Festival and shot at Kyoto’s Shochiku Studio. It follows a masterless samurai who, while awaiting his reward, receives a mysterious bottle of sake and learns an enigmatic story about a stone rumored to hold secrets. The film has appeared at numerous Japanese festivals, including the Karatsu International Film Festival (2025), Hokkaido International Film Festival (2024), Iwatsuki Film Festival (2025), Niigata Indies Movie Festival (2024), Kumagaya Ekimae Short Film Festival (Excellence Award, 2025), Tsukuba Short Movie Competition (Runner-Up Prize, 2025), Tachikawa Meigazadori Cinema Festival (10th edition, 2024), Nasu Short Film Festival (2024), Hakodate Harbor Illumination Film Festival (2024), and Tokyo Arts Center Japan Video Grand Prix (2024). Internationally, it was screened at India’s South Asian Short Film Festival (SASFF, 2024) and the Japanese Film Festival Arizona (2024) in the United States. Emon previously directed Jalal’s Story (2014), the first Bangladeshi film in Busan’s New Currents section, and produced Sincerely Yours, Dhaka (2018) and No Ground Beneath the Feet (2021), which represented Bangladesh at the Oscars in 2016, 2020, and 2023. His other producing credits include Komola Rocket (2018), Damal (2022), Paap Punyo (2022), Beauty Circus (2022), Roktojoba (2023), A House with No Names (2023), and Jaya Aar Sharmin (2025). He has also directed shorts such as The Container (2012), Arai Mon Shopno (2020), and the web series Mercules (2023). Festival committee member Katsuichiro Ota said the 2025 competition includes “memorable works exploring family, friendship, individuality, minorities, and disability.” Representative Sachiko Harada added that the films “move hearts and inspire emotions that cannot be put into words,” noting that the festival continues to champion independent cinema with the same commitment as in its early years.