United News of Bangladesh

Confusion arose on Sunday regarding the reported death of popular film actress Tanin Subha, after a miscommunication led to widespread but premature announcements of her passing. According to hospital sources and colleagues present at the scene, Tanin has been declared brain dead by doctors, but her heart is still beating. She remains on life support on Sunday. The confusion began when her younger brother misunderstood the doctor’s statement. When the doctor informed him that Tanin was "brain dead," he mistakenly believed it meant she had died.  This misinterpretation quickly circulated as news of her death; and upon hearing the news, many of her colleagues and well-wishers rushed to the hospital, only to learn that while her brain had ceased functioning, her heartbeat continued. Actress Rumana Islam Mukti, who was at the hospital along with actor Joy Chowdhury, wrote on Facebook, “Joy and I are at the hospital. The doctors have not made any official declaration. Tanin Subha’s brain is not functioning, but her heart is still beating.” The decision to remove life support might be made in consultation with the family, according to the doctors. Although an official statement was expected between the evening, the family and close friends decided to keep her on life support as long as her heart continued to beat.  However, recovery from such a condition is extremely rare and would require a miracle, according to her doctors. Tanin was admitted to a private hospital in Dhanmondi on June 2 after her condition deteriorated. She had initially fallen ill that evening and was first taken to a clinic in Aftabnagar. Following a brief recovery, her condition worsened again, prompting further hospitalization. With a career spanning over two decades, Tanin Subha worked across TV dramas, telefilms, and films. She also ran her own beauty care center alongside her work in the entertainment industry. She entered the media industry through the audition round of “CloseUp 1” on January 1, 2012. Although she began her career as a singer, she later focused on acting. Tanin's first on-screen appearance was in a TV commercial, followed by her small-screen debut opposite Mosharraf Karim in the drama “Jamaj.” She made her silver screen debut with the film Abastab Bhalobasha, although it was never released. Her major breakthrough came with Matir Pori, establishing her position in the film industry. Throughout her career, Tanin Subha acted in several films including Bhalo Theko, Tui Amar, Demag, Begumjan, Bir Bangali, and Raja Ranir Golpo. Some of her upcoming unreleased films include Bir Mata, Dui Rajkonna, and Premer Bandhon.

Iranian rapper Amir Hossein Maghsoudloo, better known as Tataloo, now awaits execution, his tattooed face a stark contrast to the gray prison uniform he wears. Once a supporter of a hard-line presidential candidate, his case reflects the shifting and turbulent political climate in Iran over the past decade. Tataloo has been sentenced to death for allegedly “insulting Islamic sanctities.” Once embraced by Iran's youth for his rebellious music, he now faces the regime’s harshest punishment. His songs resonated with many young Iranians who felt alienated in a country with fragmented opposition and limited freedoms. Following the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini and the resulting protests, Tataloo's music grew more politically charged, and he appeared in videos directly criticizing the regime. “By showing your face in a music video, you're challenging authority,” said former BBC journalist Ali Hamedani, who interviewed him in 2005. “It was a bold move.” Iran’s Supreme Court upheld his death sentence last month. “This verdict is final and prepared for enforcement,” judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir announced. Activists have condemned the ruling, particularly after reports that Tataloo attempted suicide in prison. From Underground Music to State Endorsements Tataloo began his career in 2003, blending Western musical styles with Persian lyrics. His 2011 debut album drew mixed reactions. Since concerts in Iran are regulated by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, he never performed officially in his home country. In 2015, he released a video supporting Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and its nuclear ambitions, likely in an attempt to curry favor with authorities. The video, titled “Energy Hasteei” (“Nuclear Energy”), featured him singing aboard the Iranian warship Damavand, which later sank in 2018. He even publicly endorsed conservative cleric Ebrahim Raisi during the 2017 presidential election. Raisi later won the presidency in 2021 but died in a helicopter crash in 2024. Exile, Controversy, and Return to Iran In 2018, after facing legal issues in Iran, Tataloo moved to Turkey, where he maintained a strong online presence and performed for Persian-speaking audiences. Known for his extensive tattoos — including an Iranian flag and a tribute to his mother — he drew a large following, referred to as “Tatalities.” However, Instagram removed his account in 2020 after he made controversial comments about underage girls. He also admitted to drug use. “Tataloo, though divisive, has a large fanbase in Iran,” said analyst Holly Dagres. “They have often rallied behind him during his past arrests.” His lyrics increasingly criticized the regime, especially after Amini’s death. In one song, “Enghelab Solh” (“Peace Revolution”), he directly addressed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: “We don’t want tear gas, because everyone’s eyes are already filled with tears.” Tataloo’s situation worsened in late 2023, when he was deported from Turkey for having an expired passport and arrested upon re-entry to Iran. Public Outcry Over Death Sentence Initially sentenced to five years for blasphemy, Tataloo's conviction was later overturned, only to be replaced by a death sentence in January. He already faced an additional ten-year term on other charges, including promoting prostitution and moral corruption. “Tataloo is in grave danger of execution,” said Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam of Iran Human Rights. “Global voices — including artists and the public — must intervene.” At his trial, Tataloo expressed regret. “I’ve made many mistakes,” he said, according to Iranian state media. “I apologize for my actions.” While on death row, he reportedly got married, and recently survived a suicide attempt. Analysts believe his sentence comes at a sensitive time for Iran. The nation remains politically isolated and is attempting to revive nuclear talks with the U.S. “The government doesn’t need to provoke Tataloo’s fans right now,” said Iran expert Abbas Milani.

Aamir Khan recently hosted an intimate musical evening at his home, celebrating the upcoming release of his film Sitaare Zameen Par. The event drew several well-known faces from the entertainment and sports worlds. Highlights from the Evening: Comedian and actor Kapil Sharma shared a viral video from the gathering, where he performed classical raagas alongside renowned composer Shankar Mahadevan. Aamir Khan also joined the duo during the jam session. Kapil, who received praise from both Shankar and Aamir, captioned the post: “A special evening with the special sitaare of Sitaare Zameen Par. Thank you Aamir bhai for the most beautiful evening & wish you the best for #SitaareZameenPar releasing on 20th June (sic).”Aamir’s partner, Gauri Spratt, was seen seated next to him during the event. His former wife, filmmaker Kiran Rao, was also present. A widely shared clip from the night showed a clean-shaven Ranbir Kapoor posing for a group photo with the film’s cast. Aamir joined in at the request of the guests. The evening brought together notable personalities such as director RS Prasanna and music trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy. After 'Spirit', Deepika Padukone may be dropped from 'Kalki 2' over reported on-set tensions Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and his wife Anjali made a surprise appearance. Aamir warmly welcomed them as guests applauded and chanted Sachin’s name.About the Film: Sitaare Zameen Par is a Hindi adaptation of the Spanish movie Champions. It stars Aamir Khan and Genelia Deshmukh alongside ten newcomers. Directed by RS Prasanna and co-produced by Aamir Khan and Aparna Purohit, the film is set to hit theaters on June 20. Aamir’s Personal Update: In March 2025, during his 60th birthday celebration, Aamir publicly introduced Gauri Spratt as his partner. He revealed they had been in a relationship for 18 months and had already introduced each other to their families. Summary: Ahead of Sitaare Zameen Par’s release on June 20, Aamir Khan hosted a star-studded musical evening featuring performances by Kapil Sharma and Shankar Mahadevan. The gathering included Gauri Spratt, Kiran Rao, Ranbir Kapoor, and Sachin Tendulkar, among others, making it a memorable celebration. Source: With inputs from NDTV 

Universal Pictures has tapped “Hustle & Flow” filmmaker Craig Brewer to direct its upcoming biopic on rap icon Snoop Dogg. The currently untitled film will chronicle the hip-hop legend’s rise to fame and is the first project under Death Row Pictures’ deal with NBCUniversal Entertainment & Studios. Brewer, also known for “Dolemite Is My Name”, is revising the existing script written by “Black Panther” co-writer Joe Robert Cole. Casting details and a release date have yet to be announced. According to Variety, the film is being produced by Snoop Dogg himself, alongside Brian Grazer and Death Row Pictures president Sara Ramaker. Universal’s senior vice-president of production development, Ryan Jones, is overseeing the project for the studio. This marks a continuation of Snoop Dogg’s collaboration with NBCUniversal. The rapper is set to return as a coach for season 28 of NBC’s “The Voice” this autumn and also participated in NBC and Peacock’s coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. 'Flow’ crosses $50 million globally, becomes top indie animated Oscar hit Snoop Dogg, a 17-time Grammy nominee, first burst onto the scene in 1993 with his debut album “Doggystyle”, released under Death Row Records. The album, produced solely by Dr Dre, featured hit singles such as “What’s My Name?” and “Gin and Juice”. Universal has a track record of successful music biopics, including 2015’s “Straight Outta Compton”, which grossed over $200 million worldwide and featured LaKeith Stanfield as Snoop. The studio also released the Oscar-winning “8 Mile” in 2002, starring Eminem in a role that mirrored his own life. Music biopics continue to perform strongly at the box office, with recent hits like “Bob Marley: One Love” and the Dylan-centred “A Complete Unknown”, which earned eight Oscar nominations. Upcoming projects include a Bruce Springsteen biopic and a four-film Beatles project set for release in 2028.

British pop singer Jessie J has announced that she has been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and plans to undergo surgery following her upcoming performance at Capital’s Summertime Ball in London. The 37-year-old singer shared the news in a video posted to Instagram on Wednesday. “I’ve been diagnosed with early breast cancer,” she said. “Cancer in any form is awful, but I’m focusing on the word ‘early.’” With her trademark humor, she added, “It’s a pretty dramatic way to get a boob job. After the Summertime Ball, I’ll be taking some time off for surgery — I’ll come back with bigger (expletive) and more music.” The Summertime Ball is set to take place at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, June 15. Jessie J said she felt it was important to speak publicly about her diagnosis. “I wanted to be open about it. Partly because I haven’t really talked about it — I’m not processing it because I’m so busy. But also, in the past, sharing things has helped me through the love and support I’ve received, and hearing other people’s stories. I’m an open book,” she said. “It breaks my heart knowing so many others are going through the same or worse — that’s what hurts the most.” The Grammy-nominated artist is known for her powerhouse vocals and chart-topping hits, including “Bang Bang” with Nicki Minaj and Ariana Grande, and “Domino.” She has released five albums, the most recent being 2018’s This Christmas Day. Jessie J has been releasing new music in 2025, including singles like “Living My Best Life” and “No Secrets,” and is expected to release a new album later this year. She is also the mother of a son, Sky Safir Cornish Colman, born in 2023. A representative for the singer did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press.   

Trailer for “Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow” unveiled; film to release in Japanese, English, and Hindi on June 27 across 200+ screens. For the first time ever, the globally popular anime franchise “Naruto” is making its theatrical debut in India. Reliance Entertainment, in collaboration with TV Tokyo and Happening 365 Synergies, is set to release “Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow” in cinemas across India on June 27. According to Variety, the release marks a significant milestone in anime distribution in India, with the film being dubbed into three languages -- Japanese, English, and Hindi -- to cater to the country’s diverse linguistic audience. A trailer for the movie was recently unveiled, building anticipation among anime fans nationwide. “We are proud to announce the launch of a special cinematic journey for Indian audiences,” said Hiroaki Saiki, head of global distribution at TV Tokyo. Patrick Schwarzenegger steps out of shadow with ‘The White Lotus’ breakthrough “The first of the 11 theatrical films produced so far is set to release this month in theatres across the country, and we hope to see the fans in India discover them all.” Saiki added that this initiative marks a major milestone in our global strategy and we are thrilled to bring the “Naruto” legacy to the big screen in India, one of their fastest growing international markets. To bolster the franchise’s reach in India, Reliance Animation CEO Tejonidhi Bhandare announced plans for extensive engagement programmes across educational institutions. “We’re focused on building the ‘Naruto’ brand in India through extensive school and college contact programmes across the country,” Bhandare said. “This grassroot engagement will help nurture a new generation of anime fans and firmly establish ‘Naruto’ as a cultural phenomenon among young Indian audiences.” Bhandare also noted that the success and inspiration of “Naruto” have influenced Reliance Animation’s original content development efforts. With a nationwide release planned across more than 200 screens, Reliance Entertainment sees this as an opportunity to honour Naruto’s dedicated fanbase and test the waters for future anime releases in Indian theatres.

After years of being best known as Arnold Schwarzenegger’s son, 2025 has marked a breakthrough year for actor Patrick Schwarzenegger. With the success of The White Lotus season 3, Patrick has finally carved out his own identity in the entertainment industry. Yet, his rise to fame has not been without challenges — even prompting him at one point to consider changing his surname. In a candid conversation with his father Arnold Schwarzenegger for Variety’s Actors on Actors 2025 edition, Patrick reflected on the pressure of having famous parents and how it influenced his career choices. When Arnold asked if the Schwarzenegger name had ever felt like an obstacle, Patrick responded, “I feel it in multiple different ways. Mike White (creator of The White Lotus) said that it comes with baggage, the idea that when you have successful parents like I do with you and Mom, there’s an added level of what other people think. Mike was worried about, if he cast me, what other people would think.” “Which they did — they did care about that; people said I got the role because of you and Mom. There were times earlier in my career where I was wondering, does it make sense to go under an alias? It took a while for me to get to a point where I was less worried about living in your shadow versus wanting to do it the way I thought I should do it.” Prabhas’ horror-comedy ‘The Raja Saab’ set for Dec 5 release Arnold Schwarzenegger, who began his career as a bodybuilder before becoming a global movie icon through roles in Conan the Barbarian and The Terminator, acknowledged the pressures his son must have faced. In the 1980s and 1990s, Arnold was among the biggest stars in the world, alongside the likes of Tom Cruise and Sylvester Stallone, a legacy that inevitably cast a long shadow over Patrick’s early career. Reacting to his son's remarks, Arnold said, “I’m glad you kept the name, because now I can take credit. You joined a very short list of people; You know, Jamie Lee Curtis — I think she’s one of the greatest actors in history. If you show you have the substance, you can get rid of the whole idea of nepotism.” Patrick, the son of Arnold and journalist Maria Shriver, began acting in the 2000s with minor roles in films like Stuck in Love, Grown Ups 2, and Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse. He landed his first lead role in the 2018 romantic drama Midnight Sun and later gained attention for his part in Gen V. But it was his acclaimed performance in The White Lotus that established him as a rising star in his own right.

Metro In Dino marks Aditya Roy Kapur’s second collaboration with acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Basu, following their earlier work on Ludo. During the promotions for the upcoming film, Aditya opened up about what attracted him to the project and the experience of working with Basu again. What's New This Time Returning to work under Anurag Basu’s direction, Aditya shared that Metro In Dino offered a fresh creative challenge—blending music seamlessly into dialogue-driven scenes. He described the process of transitioning naturally between speech and song as both difficult and rewarding, something he hadn’t tackled before. Talking about Basu’s unique working style, Aditya said, “With Dada, every single day is full of surprises. It’s always a discovery. He constantly brings new, unexpected ideas to the table, and that unpredictability is what makes working with him so enjoyable.” He emphasized how the film’s musical storytelling presented an exciting opportunity for growth as an actor. The Cast and Creative Team Metro In Dino features a star-studded ensemble, including Anupam Kher, Pankaj Tripathi, Konkona Sen Sharma, Sara Ali Khan, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Ali Fazal, and Neena Gupta. The film also reunites Anurag Basu with composer Pritam, their first collaboration since Ludo. Their creative partnership dates back to their first project, Gangster. The Story Set in a modern urban landscape, Metro In Dino delves into the complexities of human relationships, exploring the different facets, emotions, and experiences of love between diverse individuals. Maalik Teaser: Gangster Rajkummar Rao becomes "Hero" of his own tale Aditya Roy Kapur expressed his appreciation for being part of such a dynamic project and highlighted the valuable lessons he gained through his second outing with Basu.   Source: NDTV

The teaser for Rajkummar Rao’s much-anticipated film Maalik dropped earlier today, showcasing the actor in a gritty gangster avatar that promises an intense cinematic experience. Set in Allahabad during 1988, Maalik features Rajkummar Rao on a merciless killing spree, sparing no one in his path. The teaser hints at gripping action, numerous gun battles, and a dark gangster narrative. At its core, it's Rao’s rugged and fierce portrayal that stands out, commanding attention. Maalik Marks a Notable Shift in Rajkummar Rao's CareerRajkummar Rao’s role as a gangster in Maalik marks a significant shift from the relatable, small-town characters he’s known for.His recent films, including Stree 2, Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video, and Bhool Chuk Maaf, have all seen him excel in slice-of-life and comedy roles. Maalik allows Rao to explore a different side of his acting range, embracing a more intense and raw character. Prabhas’ horror-comedy ‘The Raja Saab’ set for Dec 5 release About the FilmDirected by Pulkit, Maalik is produced by Kumar Taurani and Jay Shewakramani under the Tips Films and Northern Lights Films banners. Originally slated for a June 20 release, the film is now set to hit theatres on July 11, 2025. In SummaryRajkummar Rao’s transformation into a gangster in Maalik has generated considerable buzz. The teaser, unveiled today, offers a glimpse into this gritty action thriller, presenting a stark contrast to his previous role in Bhool Chuk Maaf.

The long-standing rift between Dhallywood superstar Shakib Khan and actor Afran Nisho appears to have come to an end, as they were seen together in a now-viral photo taken at Shakib’s office on late Tuesday. According to sources close to both, Nisho visited Shakib’s office for a lengthy conversation that lasted several hours. Also present at the meeting were Shahriar Shakil, Managing Director of Alpha-i; Redoan Rony, CEO of Chorki; and Javed Sultan Pias, Chief Digital Business Officer of Prothom Alo. Around 12:30 am on early Wednesday, Shahriar, Redoan, and Javed shared a stage to take for a photo with the same caption "Brothers" on Facebook, showing Shakib and Nisho side by side in a friendly pose. 'Taandob' director Raihan Rafi was not present in the photo; however, he also shared the image with the caption "#Taandob" - indicating the core reason which finally made this union possible. Although neither actor never made any official comment regarding their dispute, fans and industry insiders suggest that tensions stemmed from some of the remarks Nisho made ahead of the release of his debut film, the Raihan Rafi directed 'Surongo' in 2023 Eid-Ul-Azha, when Shakib Khan-starrer blockbuster 'Priyotoma' was also released. Those comments were perceived by many as indirect personal attacks on Shakib, the current undisputed megastar of Dhallywood - and caused a rift between the two, further fueled by social media clashes among their fanbases. Parambrata, Piya Chakraborty become parents to baby boy The two superstars once again battled this year's Eid-Ul-Fitr with the dominant presence of both of their films in the box office. The Shakib-starrer 'Borbaad', and Nisho-starrer 'Daagi' - both became two of the most commercially successful films of all time in Dhallywood. However, in recent interviews, Nisho spoke highly of Shakib Khan who made his 26th anniversary in Dhallywood this year - and both of them recently shared the stage, dancing in the Meril-Prothom Alo Awards 2025 alongside Pritom Hasan and Tasnia Farin. Recently, it was revealed that Nisho would be making a cameo appearance in the upcoming Eid release 'Taandob' by Raihan Rafi, starring Shakib Khan. Unfortunately, some of the fans and Shakib loyalists expressed dissatisfaction online regarding the cameo, intensifying the divide. However, with the producers stepping in, the stars appear to have resolved their differences—an act symbolised by the now-iconic photo that quickly made waves across social platforms on late Tuesday night. 'Taandob' is set for release during Eid-ul-Azha and also stars popular actress Jaya Ahsan and renowned model-television actress Sabila Nur, who makes her silver screen debut in the film. Shakib Khan marks 26 years in Dhallywood, continues to reign supreme While there has been no official confirmation yet, sources reveal that both Siam Ahmed—who made waves with 'Jongli' during Eid-ul-Fitr—and Afran Nisho will appear in cameo roles in the film. The internet-breaking image may have just paved the way for a new era of collaboration in Bangladeshi cinema.