United News of Bangladesh

The 31-year-old popstar has surprised fans with his second new album of 2025, Swag II, following July’s Swag. Both albums appeared after cryptic billboards teased their arrival in major cities. This eighth album mirrors its predecessor in sound, theme, and energy, offering a 23-track collection for diehard fans—or 44 tracks if played alongside Swag, totaling two hours and 11 minutes. Swag II continues Bieber’s return to his soulful, alternative R&B-pop roots first explored on Swag. Collaborators Mk.gee and Dijon return, along with Lil B and Eddie Benjamin, while new voices include Tems, Hurricane Chris, and Bakar. The album balances romantic odes to his wife Hailey Bieber with religious reflections, most notably in the nearly eight-minute coda, Story of God. Sonically, the dreamy production of Swag carries over. Some tracks feel raw or unfinished, like Dotted Line, while others shine, including Love Song, Petting Zoo, and Michael Jackson-inspired tracks Eye Candy and Don’t Wanna featuring Bakar. Fans will find both experimental moments and heartfelt love songs throughout. Three stars out of five.On repeat: Love SongSkip it: Dotted LineFor fans of: Swag, the Rhode skincare brand, the 2011 film Justin Bieber: Never Say Never

Sydney Sweeney drew a rousing reception at the Toronto International Film Festival for her performance in Christy, David Michôd’s biopic of trailblazing boxer Christy Salters Martin. The 27-year-old Emmy-nominated actor transforms into the “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” portraying Martin’s rise in boxing alongside her years of abuse by trainer-husband Jim Martin, who later tried to kill her. Ben Foster co-stars as Jim. Sweeney, who trained intensively for the role, called it the experience of her life. Martin, praising the performance, said Sweeney captured both her rugged boxing persona and her private struggles. The screening sparked immediate Oscar buzz, with critics hailing it as Sweeney’s strongest and grittiest performance yet. Christy, co-produced by Sweeney and Black Bear, opens in theaters November 7.

The 82nd Venice Film Festival concludes Saturday with the announcement of its top prizes, including the Golden Lion for best film. This year’s lineup featured several Oscar contenders. Kathryn Bigelow drew attention with her nuclear thriller A House of Dynamite, while Guillermo del Toro presented his gothic Frankenstein starring Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi. Park Chan-wook impressed with the satire No Other Choice, and Dwayne Johnson surprised with a dramatic turn in The Smashing Machine. Other highlights included Yorgos Lanthimos’s Bugonia with Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, George Clooney’s Hollywood reflection Jay Kelly, and Jude Law as Vladimir Putin in The Wizard of the Kremlin. Tunisian director Kaouther Ben Hania made waves late in the festival with The Voice of Hind Rajab, a searing Gaza war drama that received a 22-minute standing ovation. Alexander Payne headed the main jury, which also included filmmakers and actors from Brazil, Iran, France, Italy, China and Romania. Past Venice winners such as Lanthimos and del Toro went on to triumph at the Oscars, cementing the festival’s reputation as a launchpad for award season.

Actor Arjun Bijlani opened up about the heartbreak he felt after the death of his colleague and neighbour, Sushant Singh Rajput, who was found dead in his Bandra apartment on June 14, 2020. Speaking to TV host Siddharth Kannan, Arjun described Sushant as “a remarkable artist, a wonderful friend, and incredibly committed to his craft.” He shared a personal memory of swapping T-shirts with Sushant and said he still keeps the orange tank top Sushant wore. Arjun also revealed the last message he sent to Sushant on Instagram, expressing concern and wishing him happiness. On Sushant’s first death anniversary in 2021, Arjun posted a throwback picture, writing, “You will always be alive in millions of hearts, my friend. I’m sure you’re happy in your happy place.”   Source: NDTV

Stars from various sectors of showbiz including Dhallywood megastar Shakib Khan Have extended their heartfelt wishes to legendary Bangladeshi singer Sabina Yasmin on her  71st birthday. Sharing an emotional tribute from his verified Facebook page on Thursday, the actor praised her timeless voice and enduring impact on generations of listeners. Shakib wrote, “There is a strange magic in her voice that touches the morning light as well as the silence of the night. Sometimes through songs of old films, sometimes behind the radio, or in the echoes of our lives, yet her name remains immaculate in our hearts — Sabina Yasmin.” He added, “Generations have changed, times have shifted, technology has brought a new era. Yet, the charm of her voice remains equally popular and relevant.” “Listening to any song she sang 50 years ago still touches the heart and soothes the soul today. On the birthday of this legendary singer, I offer my heartfelt greetings and love. Wishing you good health and a long life,” Shakib concluded. Born Dilshad Yasmin on September 4, 1954, Sabina Yasmin made her first playback debut in the 1967 film 'Agun Niye Khela', produced by Zahir Raihan with music by Altaf Mahmud. She had earlier sung as a child artist in the film 'Notun Sur'. Sabina Yasmin returns home from hospital Over her illustrious career, Sabina Yasmin has recorded thousands of songs and won countless admirers. Her accolades include the Independence Award, Ekushey Padak, and 14 National Film Awards. Celebrating 71 years today, she continues to mesmerize listeners with her music. Age has not dimmed her voice, which still shines as brightly as it did on her very first day.

After a seven-year break, iconic British rock band Radiohead is set to return to live performances, following a summer marked by the Oasis reunion. The band — Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Ed O’Brien, Colin Greenwood, and Phil Selway — will play 20 shows across five European cities this November and December: Madrid, Bologna, London, Copenhagen, and Berlin, performing four nights in each city. Ticket registration opens Friday on Radiohead.com, with general sales starting Sept. 15. Radiohead last toured in 2018 supporting their 2016 album, A Moon Shaped Pool. While no new studio album has been announced, the band will release a live album, Hail to the Thief — Live Recordings 2003-2009, on Oct. 31. Selway said rehearsing together last year reignited their musical connection and inspired the upcoming shows. In the meantime, members have pursued solo projects: Yorke and Jonny Greenwood with The Smile, Colin Greenwood with Nick Cave’s band, O’Brien with his solo debut Earth (2020), and Selway with Strange Dance (2023).

A woman known as the “Ketamine Queen” pleaded guilty Wednesday to selling the drug that killed actor Matthew Perry. She became the fifth and final defendant to admit guilt in the case. Jasveen Sangha, 42, a citizen of both the U.S. and U.K., admitted to five federal charges, including providing the fatal ketamine dose. She faces up to 65 years in prison when sentenced on December 10, though prosecutors said they will recommend less than the maximum. Sangha was portrayed by prosecutors as a major drug dealer with wealthy clients. In court, she admitted her role while standing beside her lawyer, Mark Geragos. Perry’s mother Suzanne Perry and stepfather, journalist Keith Morrison, were present for the first time during the proceedings. The actor, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on Friends, was found dead at his Los Angeles home on Oct. 28, 2023. The medical examiner ruled ketamine overdose as the primary cause of death. Sangha’s guilty plea followed earlier deals by four others, including doctors and a middleman, who also admitted involvement in supplying drugs. Perry had been legally using ketamine for depression but sought extra supplies, leading him to Sangha through a friend. According to prosecutors, Perry bought 25 vials for $6,000 in cash just four days before his death. Sangha has been in custody for nearly a year, while the other defendants remain free on bond.

Janhvi Kapoor opened up about the challenges she faced after her mother Sridevi’s death in 2018. Despite making her Bollywood debut with Dhadak just months later, she said public empathy was lacking. In an interview with Vogue, Janhvi said both she and her sister Khushi hid their grief, which led people to treat them harshly. She called the experience “cynical,” noting that media scrutiny amplified their pain. “Imagine losing your mother and it’s entertainment for half the nation,” she said, recalling constant paparazzi attention and criticism over her every reaction. On the work front, Janhvi’s latest film, Param Sundari, starring Sidharth Malhotra, is currently in theatres.   Source: NDTV

French cinema icon Gérard Depardieu has been ordered to stand trial in Paris on charges of rape and sexual assault involving fellow actor Charlotte Arnould. Arnould welcomed the decision, writing on Instagram Tuesday that she felt “relieved” by the judge’s order, calling it “a form of judicial truth.” Her lawyer, Carine Durrieu-Diebolt, told Franceinfo she was “extremely satisfied,” describing the ruling as a key step in the case. The allegations date back to 2018, when Arnould accused Depardieu of raping her at his home. Prosecutors launched an investigation and last year requested the case be sent to trial. “The acts of rape and sexual assault have been acknowledged,” Arnould said, adding that she now awaits the next stage of the proceedings. Depardieu, 76, was convicted earlier this year of sexually assaulting two women on a film set in 2021, receiving an 18-month suspended sentence and being added to France’s sex offender registry. Once nominated for an Oscar for Cyrano de Bergerac in 1991, the veteran actor has appeared in more than 250 films. Over 20 women have accused him of sexual misconduct in recent years, but most cases were dismissed for lack of evidence or expired limitations.

Renowned artist and cultural personality Mustafa Monwar was celebrated on his 90th birthday through a special television programme titled 'Amader Mustafa Monwar', aired on Channel i at 6:15 pm on Monday. The programme, directed and produced by Anonna Ruma, highlighted Monwar’s illustrious life and contributions to art, puppetry, theatre, and television.  Eminent painter Monirul Islam and renowned actor-filmmaker–painter Afzal Hossain joined the show to share their reflections on Monwar’s extraordinary career. Fulfilling the artist’s birthday wish, over a hundred birds were released into the sky as a symbolic gesture of freedom. A group of young performers also sang to honour him, while rare artworks painted by Mustafa Monwar were showcased at the programme. Born on September 1, 1935 in Jashore, Monwar was the youngest of six siblings. His father was renowned poet Golam Mostafa. Mustafa Monwar studied at Narayanganj Government School before briefly enrolling in science at Scottish Church College, Kolkata. He later shifted to the Government College of Art & Craft, Kolkata, graduating in 1959 with first class first in Fine Arts. After beginning his professional career as a lecturer at the then East Pakistan College of Arts and Crafts, Mustafa Monwar went on to serve as Deputy Director General of Bangladesh Television, Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy and National Institute of Mass Communication.  In his illustrious career Mustafa Monwar also held the positions of General Manager at BTV's Dhaka station, and Managing Director of Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC). He also chaired the Population Development Centre and directed the Educational Puppet Development Centre. An eminent cultural personality in the country, Mustafa Monwar made remarkable contributions to fine arts, puppetry, theatre, and television. He received the Ekushey Padak in 2004, along with numerous other honours including the Tenashinas Award for television drama (1990), Bangladesh Charushilpi Sangsad Award for fine arts (1992), Kids Honour Medal from Chittagong’s Kids Cultural Institute (1999), and special recognition from Shishu Kendra in 2002 for his contributions in painting, theatre direction, and puppet-making. Mustafa Monwar married Mary Monwar in 1965, and the couple has a son, Sadat Monwar, and a daughter, Nandini Monwar.