United News of Bangladesh

A major mishap occurred on the set of “The India House”, the upcoming production venture of “RRR” star Ram Charan, earlier this week when a large water tank burst during filming near Shamshabad on the outskirts of Hyderabad. According to Variety, the incident happened while the crew was shooting an elaborate ocean sequence on a specially built set. The water tank, constructed to simulate tidal waves, gave way unexpectedly, releasing a powerful rush of water across the location. Viral footage circulating on social media shows crew members struggling to navigate the sudden flooding while attempting to protect filming equipment. Production staff were seen evacuating the site and working swiftly to manage the situation. Lead actor Nikhil Siddhartha addressed the incident on X, writing, “We r all Safe. Sometimes in our Quest to give the Best cinematic Experience we take Risks. Today we survived a Huge mishap thanks to the Alert Crew and Precautions taken. We lost Expensive Equipment but by gods grace there was no human damage. #IndiaHouse.” How Johnny Depp once earned $10m per minute, outshining Hollywood’s top stars Producer Abhishek Agarwal also confirmed the incident, posting, “A mishap occurred on the sets of #TheIndiaHouse while shooting today. Everyone on the set is safe and sound. Thank you for all your concern. #JaiMataDi.” “The India House”, directed by Ram Vamsi Krishna, is a period drama starring Nikhil Siddhartha, Saiee Manjrekar, and veteran actor Anupam Kher. It is being produced by Abhishek Agarwal Arts and V Mega Pictures.

Shah Rukh Khan’s 2004 film Swades, directed by Ashutosh Gowariker, earned critical acclaim for its compelling narrative and powerful performances. But did you know the film may have drawn inspiration from a 1990s television series titled Yule Love Stories? The anthology series, which aired daily episodes, featured a segment called Vapasi. Interestingly, Ashutosh Gowariker himself starred in this episode, playing the character Mohan—coincidentally, the same name as Shah Rukh Khan's role in Swades. Much like the film, Vapasi focused on an NRI named Mohan who returns to India for his beloved Kaveri Amma and ends up falling in love with a woman named Geeta. The striking similarities between the two have resurfaced online after a clip from the TV episode was shared on platform X (formerly Twitter). The post read: “Hardly anyone knows SRK lowkey lifted Swades from a ’90s Zee TV episode. Bro really made a movie outta a TV serial and y’all out here calling it a masterpiece.” The resurfaced video clip gained attention shortly after actor Aamir Khan revealed in an interview that he had initially turned down Swades, finding the story unengaging. Speaking to Zoom, Aamir said, “I found it very boring! I told this to Ashu when he narrated it to me. Aamir Khan reflects on divorce, marriage, choosing honesty over appearance In fact, he shared the story with me while we were working on Lagaan. Back then, it was titled Kaveri Amma.” He added, “It was a three-hour-long narration. When he asked for my thoughts, I said I wanted to be honest—‘I got bored.’ I felt it was important to share my initial reaction.” Meanwhile, Aamir Khan is set to appear next in Sitare Zameer Par, which also marks the return of Genelia D’Souza to Bollywood. Source: With inputs from NDTV 

Several photos circulating on social media since Thursday afternoon  showing popular stage, television, and film actor Somu Chowdhury lying under a tree in an apparent state of mental disorientation has spared concern among fans and citizens. The images and captions shared by several netizens claimed that the veteran actor was seen lying beneath the historic Gab tree at the Shah Miskin shrine in Gafargaon, Mymensingh. “It seems he has lost his mental stability, please help this talented individual from our film industry so that he can return to his loved ones in good health,” one Facebook user named SM Sumon shared. Aamir Khan reflects on divorce, marriage, choosing honesty over appearance Responding to the situation, popular actor and member of Actors Equity Bangladesh, Rashed Mamun Apu, confirmed in a Facebook post that Somu Chowdhury is now under the care of the organisation. “As soon as we received the news, Actors Equity Bangladesh took immediate steps to locate him. He has been moved to a nearby safe place,” Apu wrote. “Based on his physical and mental condition, we are preparing to bring him to Dhaka as soon as possible. His family has also been contacted.” He added that the entire process is being coordinated under the special supervision of Actors Equity Bangladesh and requested everyone to keep the actor in their prayers. Somu has earned acclaim over the decades for his contributions to Bangladeshi theatre, television, and cinema.    

After a string of underwhelming films and nearly four years in a slump, Akshay Kumar is finally back in form — thanks to the roaring success of Housefull 5. The comedy franchise’s latest installment has crossed the ₹100 crore milestone at the domestic box office since its release on June 6, offering a much-needed boost not only for the actor but also for the struggling Hindi film industry. Kumar, who had earlier admitted to facing a period of “16 consecutive flops,” stayed committed to working hard despite the setbacks. At the trailer launch of Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, he had remarked, “I stood there and kept on doing work. I'll still do that.” That perseverance seems to have paid off. Directed by Tarun Mansukhani, Housefull 5 — made on an estimated ₹300 crore budget — has drawn audiences with its star-studded cast and dual endings (Housefull 5A and 5B). It features actors such as Riteish Deshmukh, Abhishek Bachchan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Sonam Bajwa, and Sanjay Dutt, among others. Promotional strategies played a key role in the film's reach. Media professionals were given BookMyShow coupons to attend the release day screening, while multiplexes like PVR INOX offered discounted tickets to lure audiences. In addition, fans could access the second version of the film at half price if they had already seen one. Aamir Khan recalls his height insecurity early in career This marks Akshay Kumar’s third release of the year, following Kesari Chapter 2 and Sky Force — both of which fell short of turning a profit despite strong opening numbers. While Sky Force almost broke even with ₹149 crore earnings on a ₹150 crore budget, Kesari Chapter 2 collected around ₹120 crore. Housefull 5 comes as a ray of hope for Kumar, whose recent outings like Samrat Prithviraj, Ram Setu, and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan failed to impress at the box office. His appearances in films like OMG 2, Stree 2, and Singham Again were limited to cameos, while titles such as Atrangi Re and Cuttputlli were released directly on OTT platforms. Speaking at the Sky Force trailer launch, Kumar reflected on his journey, acknowledging the tough phase but reaffirming his commitment to hard work. “People suggest I do one or two films a year, but if I can work, why not? That’s what my career has been built on,” he said. If the current momentum holds, Housefull 5 may well mark a turning point for the actor — and reestablish his box office dominance. Source: With inputs fron NDTV 

Popular Bangladeshi singer, composer and music artist Pritom Hasan has embarked on an extensive North American tour, performing in 25 consecutive concerts across the United States and Canada over the next three months — marking the longest international concert series of his career. The tour officially began on May 31 in Dallas, Texas. His second performance is scheduled for June 15 at the LaGuardia College Performing Arts Center in New York. Titled ‘Pritom Hasan Live in New York Powered by River’, the show is being jointly organised by Deshi Music and Entertainment, Priyojon Films, and Toaster Production. The final concert of the tour will be held in Buffalo on August 31, wrapping up a three-month musical journey. During this period, Pritom is set to perform in major cities including New Jersey, Los Angeles, Austin, Houston, Miami, Boston, Washington DC, Michigan, Atlanta, Seattle, San Jose, Portland, Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary, among others—focusing especially on cities with large Bangladeshi communities. Adding to the excitement, his elder brother and fellow singer Protic Hasan will also join him on stage for select shows throughout the tour. While Pritom is making waves abroad, back home his songs continue to dominate digital platforms and social circles. His latest track ‘Lichur Bagane’ from this Eid's most-anticipated film 'Taandob' is currently the most trending film song in the nation. His other fan-favourite tracks are ‘Laage Ura Dhura’, ‘Chand Mama’, ‘Dewra’, ‘Ma Lo Ma’, ‘Local Bus’, ‘Beainshab', 'Shoroter Shesh Theke' and more. The singer expressed hope that this tour will not only entertain Bangladeshi expatriates but also serve as a memorable milestone in his musical journey.

Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan, known for his active presence on social media, continues to connect with fans by sharing thoughts on life, cinema, and more. Affectionately referring to his followers as his “extended family” (EF), the actor frequently posts reflections on X (formerly Twitter) and his personal blog. On Monday, he tweeted:“T 5405 - Gadgets break .. Longevity lasts!!!” While many appreciated the message, one user took a dig at the 82-year-old’s age, commenting:"Samay se so jaaya karo, varna lambi umar bhi nahi tikegi."(“Try to sleep on time, or even a long life won't last.”) Responding with his trademark dignity and sharp wit, Bachchan replied:“Mere maran ki baat karne ke liye dhanyawad; Ishwar ki kripa.”(“Thank you for speaking of my death; God bless you!”) BTS aims for 2025 reunion as RM and V complete military service In another interaction referencing his iconic 1988 film Shahenshah, a fan joked:“Andheri raaton mein Shahenshah kyu jaag rahe ho... So jayiye ab, umar ho gayi aapko.”(“Why is Shahenshah awake in the dark of night? You should sleep, you're old now.”) Bachchan responded, “Ek din tumhari bhi umr ho jayegi.. Ishwar ne chaha.”(“One day, you too will grow old… God willing.”)However, this tweet was later deleted, according to Times of India. Just last month, the legendary actor expressed frustration over constant nitpicking of his online presence. In a blog post, he wrote: “They tell me to change my signature, to not use dots, not draw curves... to wear this, not wear that... not go here or there... to not speak — and when I do, they ask why I did... When I don’t, they ask why I didn’t.”He concluded with a philosophical note, crediting his father, the late poet Harivansh Rai Bachchan, for teaching him to live with quiet strength, like the sea: Inside Aamir Khan’s musical bash with girlfriend Gauri, ex-wife Kiran Rao “I have learnt how to live life, from the seas and oceans; to flow quietly and to exist in your own ardor…”On the professional front, Amitabh Bachchan was last seen in Vettaiyan alongside Rajinikanth. He will next appear in the sequel to Kalki 2898 AD, featuring Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Kamal Haasan.

A judge on Monday dismissed the lawsuit that actor and director Justin Baldoni filed against his “It Ends With Us” costar Blake Lively after she sued him last year for sexual harassment and retaliation. US District Court Judge Lewis Liman's decision is the latest development in the bitter legal battle surrounding the dark romantic film, reports AP. Baldoni and production company Wayfarer Studios countersued in January for $400 million, accusing Lively and her husband, “Deadpool” actor Ryan Reynolds, of defamation and extortion. The New York judge ruled that Baldoni can’t sue Lively for defamation over claims she made in her legal claim, because allegations made in a lawsuit are exempt from libel claims. Liman also ruled that Baldoni's claims that Lively stole creative control of the film didn't count as extortion under California law. The judge, however, said Baldoni could revise the lawsuit if he wanted to pursue different claims related to whether Lively breached or interfered with a contract. His legal team indicated it planned to do so. “Ms Lively and her team’s predictable declaration of victory is false,” one of Baldoni's lawyers, Bryan Freedman, said in a statement. Doechii uses BET Awards win to speak out on immigration raids He said that Lively's claims that she was sexually harassed on the film set, and then subjected to a secret smear campaign intended to taint her reputation, were “no truer today than they were yesterday.” “It Ends With Us,” an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling 2016 novel that begins as a romance but takes a dark turn into domestic violence, was released in August, exceeding box office expectations with a $50 million debut. But the movie’s release was shrouded by speculation over discord between Lively and Baldoni. The judge also dismissed Baldoni's defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, which had reported on Lively's sexual harassment allegations. “Today’s opinion is a total victory and a complete vindication for Blake Lively, along with those that Justin Baldoni and the Wayfarer Parties dragged into their retaliatory lawsuit, including Ryan Reynolds, (publicist) Leslie Sloane and The New York Times," Lively's attorneys, Esra Hudson and Mike Gottlieb, said in a prepared statement. The lawyers said they “look forward to the next round” of seeking attorneys’ fees, treble damages and punitive damages.

BTS members RM and V have officially completed their mandatory military service in South Korea, becoming the latest members of the group to be discharged. The two idols saluted fans as they were released Tuesday in Chuncheon City, greeted by about 200 supporters — some of whom traveled from countries like Mexico, Turkey, and Brazil. Reina Lorena Quintero Sevilla, who flew nearly 18 hours from Mexico City, shared her excitement: “It didn’t feel that long because we were just thrilled to be here, to witness the boys’ discharge, and to be in the homeland of the idols we love.” RM and V enlisted in December 2023, joining other members who had already begun their service. Jin, the eldest member, completed his duty in June 2024, while J-Hope finished in October. Jimin and JungKook are expected to be discharged on Wednesday. Suga is fulfilling his conscription through an alternative service as a social service agent and is expected to finish later this month. The group is expected to reunite sometime in 2025, once all members have completed their service. South Korea mandates military service of 18–21 months for all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28, as a measure against threats from North Korea. While exemptions exist for athletes and artists who win major awards and bring national recognition, K-pop stars do not qualify. However, a revision to the Military Service Act allowed K-pop idols to delay enlistment until the age of 30. Though there was significant public debate over whether BTS should receive special treatment, their agency announced in 2022 that all members would serve.    

Grammy winner Doechii turned her BET Awards moment into a powerful call for justice, using the stage to highlight the immigration raids and protest crackdowns happening just miles from where the ceremony is taking place in Los Angeles. After being named best female hip-hop artist — her first-ever BET Award — Doechii acknowledged her fellow nominees, then shifted the spotlight to the issues unfolding outside the venue. “There are ruthless attacks that are creating fear and chaos in our communities in the name of law and order,” said Doechii, who won a Grammy for best rap album, only the third woman to win in that category. “Trump is using military forces to stop a protest," she said. "I want you all to consider what kind of government it appears to be when every time we exercise our democratic right to protest, the military is deployed against us. What type of government is that?” Doechii's words drew applause from the audience at the Peacock Theater, where the awards airing live. “People are being swept up and torn from their families,” she continued. “I feel like it’s my responsibility as an artist to use this moment to speak up for all oppressed people. … We all deserve to live in hope and not fear. I hope we stand together.” The show's host pokes fun at honorees Kevin Hart kicked off the awards with a flurry of jokes, poking fun at everything from celebrity names to slippery afterparties. “There won’t be any afterparties tonight. Things could get slippery,” he quipped, referencing baby oil that's been frequently mentioned in the criminal case against Diddy. Hart set the tone for a night full of humor and on a night honoring the awards show's 25th anniversary. The comedian also joked about the pronunciation of GloRilla and Snoop Dogg ’s real names, drawing laughs from the crowd before turning sincere. Thug Life Box Office Collection Day 4: Kamal Haasan's Film Witnesses A Dip Hart paid tribute to Jamie Foxx and teased gospel star Kirk Franklin, who — along with Snoop and Mariah Carey — was honored with the Ultimate Icon Award for his contributions to entertainment, community work, and advocacy. “When you get your award tonight, don’t come up here front twerking,” Hart said, as the crowd erupted in laughter. The jab was a nod to Franklin’s viral moment when he playfully twerked on gospel legend Jacky Clark Chisholm during a live performance. “Don’t come up here poppin’,” Hart added, as cameras caught Franklin bowing his head and chuckling. “Don’t try to blame it on the Lord. The Lord didn’t ask for that. Put it away, Kirk.” Singer Amerie and rapper Jim Jones were the first performers of the show. The BET Awards is bringing major star power with Kendrick Lamar who leads the pack with 10 nominations, including album of the year for his critically acclaimed project “GNX.” His ubiquitous diss track “Not Like Us,” emanating from the Drake feud, received nominations for video of the year and viewer’s choice award. Lamar made waves with his Grammy triumph, winning song and record of the year for “Not Like Us.” He followed up with a groundbreaking halftime show, becoming the first solo hip-hop performer to headline the coveted slot. The rap megastar is currently on the Grand National Tour with SZA. Who else is nominated? Doechii, Drake, Future and GloRilla tied for the second-most nominations with six. Metro Boomin pulled in five nods, while SZA and The Weeknd each scored four. Who are the show’s performers? Rap icon Lil Wayne, rapper GloRilla and singer Teyana Taylor will hit the BET Awards stage. The lineup of performers also includes rapper Playboi Carti and singer Leon Thomas. Will there be any tributes? The BET Awards will offer tributes to former popular hosts and performances, including the network’s once-flagship program “106 & Park. ” "’106 & Park’ was more than just a music countdown show; it was the heartbeat of Black youth culture and one of the highest-rated BET programs for over a decade,” said Scott Mills, BET’s president and CEO. The weekday show launched in 2000 and lasted for more than a decade. The show thrived with a video countdown, interviews and performances. The show will reunite past hosts A.J. Calloway, Free, Julissa Bermudez, Keshia Chanté, Rocsi Diaz and Terrence J. The tribute will feature performers such as Bow Wow, Amerie, B2K, Jim Jones, Mya, T.I. and Mr. 106 & Park. Craig Brewer to direct Snoop Dogg biopic for Universal It is not yet known whether Carey, Snoop, Foxx and Franklin will receive individual tributes during the ceremony. Are there any other standout nominees? There’s a competitive list of top-notch actors looking to take home the top award in their category. For best actor, the category includes: Aaron Pierre, Aldis Hodge, Anthony Mackie, Colman Domingo, Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Joey Bada$$, Kevin Hart, Sterling K. Brown and Will Smith. For best actress, the nominees include: Andra Day, Angela Bassett, Coco Jones, Cynthia Erivo, Keke Palmer, Kerry Washington, Quinta Brunson, Viola Davis and Zendaya. Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Simone Biles, Angel Reese and Jalen Hurts are among the sports stars competing for awards.

Dhallywood superstar Shakib Khan recently took his fans by surprise by expressing his support for fellow actor Arifin Shuvoo’s new Eid release 'Neelchakra'. In a recent Facebook post, Shakib shared the official poster of Neelchakra and wished the film's team success.  “Best wishes to the team of 'Neelchakra',” he wrote, prompting a wave of appreciation from fans and fellow artistes on social media. The unexpected gesture was warmly received by 'Neelchakra's lead actor Arifin Shuvoo, who expressed his gratitude in the comments. The film's lead actress Mandira Chakraborty and director Mithu Khan also responded, thanking Shakib for his support. ‘Taandob’ is Raihan Rafi’s best film yet: Shakib Khan 'Neelchakra' revolves around a gripping investigation into a criminal syndicate responsible for leaking 16 videos online over two years — a chain of events that led to five suicides. The story unfolds through the lens of a determined investigator, played by Arifin Shuvoo. Apart from 'Neelchakra', several films hit cinemas across the country this Eid, including Shakib Khan’s own 'Taandob', along with Tanim Noor's multi-starrer film 'Utshob', Shariful Razz-Mosharraf Karim's action-packed film 'Insaaf, Ador Azad and Puja Cherry's 'Togor' and Azmeri Haque Badhan starrer thriller 'Esha Murder: Kormofol'.