United News of Bangladesh

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.

Television actor Vibhu K Raghave, known for portraying Saurav in the series Nisha Aur Uske Cousins, passed away after a prolonged three-year struggle with an aggressive and rare form of stage 4 colon cancer. He was reportedly in his late 30s. Vibhu had been receiving treatment at a hospital in Mumbai and died on the night of Monday, June 2. His close friend and television actress Saumya Tandon confirmed the news on Instagram the following morning. In a heartfelt tribute, Saumya wrote, “My beautiful friend Vibhu Raghave is now with the angels. He left us last night. Vibhu, you were beautiful — inside and out. You showed me how to smile through adversity and how to seek light in darkness. You were a true warrior, fighting till the end. Even when others lost hope, you never gave up.” Dhanush reunites with ex-wife Aishwarya Rajinikanth at Son Yatra’s Graduation: “Proud Parents” She continued, “We had plans, Vibhu. We wanted to create videos to express what you were going through. We thought we had time — but we didn’t. Now, I carry your voice, your smile, and your love with me. I will miss you always. Life is so short, and I will try to live it the way you did — passionately, wholeheartedly, and with purpose. Thank you for being a part of my life. Thank you to everyone who supported Vibhu through prayers and contributions. Your kindness gave him a chance to fight, and for that, I’m forever grateful.” Saumya also included details about Vibhu’s funeral in her post. Vibhu had openly shared his journey with cancer on Instagram — from his diagnosis and chemotherapy sessions to updates about his condition and messages of gratitude to his supporters. In January, he posted a vlog revealing that the cancer had spread to his liver, spine, lungs, and other areas. He first disclosed his diagnosis in February 2022 through a video from his hospital bed, saying, “I’m in the hospital and wanted to update you all. I was unwell for a while, and about two weeks ago, doctors diagnosed me with stage 4 cancer — it’s a rare and aggressive form. I never saw this coming. Life flipped overnight. Still, we are trying to stay strong and move forward.” Vibhu K Raghave also featured in the show Suvreen Guggal – Topper of the Year and the 2016 film Rhythm. He is survived by his mother, brother, and sister. Source: With inputs from NDTV

The proposed national budget for the fiscal year 2025–2026 has allocated Tk 824 crore for the country’s cultural sector, with Tk 487 crore earmarked for operational expenses and Tk 337 crore for development. The budget announcement was made by Finance Adviser Salehuddin Ahmed on Monday. While the allocation marks a slight increase from the current fiscal year’s original allotment of Tk 779 crore (revised to Tk 742 crore), longstanding demands from artists and cultural professionals for dedicating 1% of the national budget to culture remain unmet. Ministry of Youth & Sports allocated Tk 2423 crore for 2025-26 fiscal  In the proposed budget of Tk 7,90,000 crore, the combined allocation for the entertainment, culture, and religious affairs sector stands at just 0.8%. This sector includes four ministries: Information and Broadcasting, Cultural Affairs, Religious Affairs, and Youth and Sports; and together, these ministries have been allocated Tk 6,540 crore—less than 1% of the total budget. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs plans to undertake a range of programmes in the coming year, including observance of national days, stipends for financially vulnerable artists and writers, grants for theatre groups and private libraries, and cultural exchange programmes with other countries. The ministry also aims to protect copyrights of creative cultural works, modernise galleries at the National Museum by expanding collections of heritage and contemporary art, and identify, excavate, and preserve new archaeological sites across the country. People first, not mega projects: Interim govt unveils first national budget Despite these plans, cultural stakeholders have expressed concerns over the continued marginal allocation for the sector, calling for more robust financial support to preserve and promote Bangladesh’s diverse cultural heritage.

In a first for Bangladesh’s OTT industry, popular streaming platform Chorki is set to stream four blockbuster Eid-ul-Fitr films together on the upcoming Eid-Ul-Azha under a special collection titled “Birat Guru’r Hat,” powered by Grameenphone. The four films – 'Borbaad' starring Shakib Khan, 'Daagi' featuring Afran Nisho, 'Chokkor 302' led by Mosharraf Karim, and 'Jongli' starring Siam Ahmed – were among the most talked-about releases in cinemas during Eid. Now, just two and a half months after their theatrical premieres, the films will be available for streaming in one platform. ‘Priyo Satyajit’ premieres on Chorki marking Bengali maestro's 104th birth anniversary Chorki CEO Redoan Rony said, “Audiences want joy, good times, and quality films with family during Eid. This special lineup is a response to that demand.” He added that many viewers across the country did not get the chance to watch all four films due to limited cinema access or screenings, and Chorki is bridging that gap. “Now, those audiences—whether at home or abroad—can easily enjoy the Eid blockbusters in one place,” he said. Redoan Rony emphasized that providing access to Bengali-language films for the global diaspora has been one of Chorki’s goals from the beginning, and this initiative is part of that mission. The exact release dates for the films on Chorki will be announced soon through the platform’s official social media channels. Meanwhile, ahead of Eid-ul-Azha, two more films, Shakib Khan-starrer 'Tandob' by Raihan Rafi, and the Tanim Noor-directed 'Utshob' featuring an ensemble cast of powerful screen actors, are slated for theatrical release - both co-produced by Chorki, reinforcing the platform’s growing presence in Bangladesh’s film industry.

The cost of streaming services in Bangladesh is set to rise as the proposed national budget for the fiscal year 2025–2026 includes a 10% supplementary duty on Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms. The announcement was made on Monday by finance adviser Salehuddin Ahmed during the unveiling of the national budget. The supplementary duty will apply to both local and international OTT services. Popular platforms such as Chorki, Hoichoi, Bongo, and Binge operate widely in Bangladesh, alongside global streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max, which many Bangladeshi users access through subscription payments. In addition to the duty on OTT services, Value Added Tax (VAT) on commissions from online product sales has been increased to 15%, up from last year’s 5%. In his budget speech, the adviser said the definition of OTT platforms has been outlined clearly, and the new 10% supplementary duty will now apply accordingly. As there is currently no parliament in place, the budget was broadcast simultaneously on state-run BTV and several private media outlets. This marks the 54th national budget and the first under the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus. Use of OTT platforms has surged in recent years in tandem with the growing penetration of smartphones and internet access across the country.