United News of Bangladesh

It is no exaggeration to call Kishore Kumar one of the most iconic and successful singers in Indian entertainment history. Ironically, despite being regarded as one of the finest playback singers in Indian cinema, Kishore never received a National Film Award. In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, his son and singer Amit Kumar revealed that the legendary artist once came close to winning the award but refused to pay a bribe allegedly demanded by someone in the ministry. Amit recalled the incident surrounding Kishore’s 1964 film Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein, which he directed and starred in. The film marked Kishore’s shift to direction after a series of unsuccessful acting ventures and went on to become a major box office hit. When asked if it was true that a bribe was demanded for the award, Amit confirmed, “Yes, that happened. He got a call from Delhi from someone in the ministry. At that time, Haqeeqat, Dosti, and Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein were being considered (for the national award). “They told my father, ‘If you do something, give something, then we can get you nominated.’ My father was like, ‘Why are you after my life? My film is a hit.’” Mugafi joins Nagarjuna-Dhanush film ‘Kubera’ as global partner The film, inspired by the American film The Proud Rebel, received both critical and commercial acclaim. It was later remade in several Indian languages. Notably, its Tamil remake, Ramu, went on to win the national award. “The film ran for 23 weeks at Super Cinema. In Delhi-UP, the film was a silver jubilee. Then he sold the rights to a Tamil filmmaker. The remake was called Ramu. That won the national award,” Amit added. Though best known for his singing, Kishore Kumar directed 12 films in total, of which eight were released. His final directorial work, Mamta Ki Chhaon Mein—considered a spiritual sequel to Door Gagan Ki Chhaon Mein—was released in 1990, three years after his death.

Dhallywood superstar Shakib Khan on Wednesday marked 26 years in the Bangladeshi film industry, continuing his reign as the country’s most bankable and popular actor for over a decade. The Dhallywood megastar made his silver screen debut on May 28, 1999, with the romantic film ‘Anonto Bhalobasha’. Shakib considers the film’s release date as the official beginning of his acting career. A post from Shakib's official Facebook page on Wednesday commemorated the milestone, stating, “On May 28, 1999, a new star rose in Bangladesh’s film industry with the release of ‘Anonto Bhalobasha’. Through his talent, perseverance, hard work and skill, he started ruling the industry within just six years.” The post further read, “Today, his position at the top of Bangla cinema is evident to all Bangla-speaking audiences across the world. The shining star of fame completes 26 years of his royal journey.” Earlier this year, during a press conference for ‘Borbaad’—one of the most successful films of Dhallywood, released during this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr—Shakib reflected on his journey, saying, “My dream in cinema is still unfulfilled. Cinema is my passion and my profession, and this feeling is beyond words.” Shakib Khan’s ‘Borbaad’ dominates Eid box office; 'Antoratta' fizzles out “I was in my first year of college when I started acting. What was meant to be a three-month experience has turned into 25 years,” the actor recalled, reflecting on his illustrious career. Shakib has long spoken about his dream of taking Bangladeshi cinema to global stages alongside Hollywood and Bollywood. Over the years, he has become a cornerstone of the local film industry, with many theatre owners relying heavily on his films for box office returns. “My dream is becoming reality,” Shakib said in recent interviews, adding, “The demand for our films has been rising in the international arena in recent years, which brings me immense joy.” Recently, Shakib congratulated Adnan Al Rajeev, producer of the award-winning Bangladeshi short film ‘Ali’, on his official Facebook page after the film received recognition at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival this year. Following back-to-back successes with ‘Priyotoma’, ‘Rajkumar’, ‘Dorod’, ‘Toofan’, and ‘Borbaad’, the Dhallywood megastar is set to return to theatres this upcoming Eid-ul-Azha with ‘Tandob’, directed by Raihan Rafi. The announcement has sparked high anticipation among his fans, widely known as the ‘Shakibians’. Shakib Khan's 'Taandob' announced for Eid-ul-Adha 2025 As Shakib enters his 27th year in the industry, his enduring popularity and vision for Bangladeshi cinema continue to inspire both fans and fellow artists alike.

Following strong public criticism, Rio de Janeiro’s mayor has eased new regulations that would have significantly restricted live music performances on the city’s iconic beaches. Earlier this month, Mayor Eduardo Paes announced a set of new and reinforced rules aimed at enhancing public safety, preserving the environment, and promoting harmony between residents and tourists. The measures, set to take effect on Sunday, included bans on food and beverage sales without permits, chair rentals, loudspeakers, and live music at beach kiosks. However, the new restrictions sparked widespread concern, particularly among musicians and small vendors who rely on beach-based commerce for their livelihoods. In response, the city government has partially rolled back the decree. It will now allow live music performances at kiosks under less restrictive conditions and lift the ban on glass bottles. Additionally, kiosk owners will once again be permitted to display business names, not just assigned numbers, provided they adhere to approved formatting. “Music will return to the beaches,” said DJ Julio Trindade, who performs at kiosks and actively campaigned against the new rules. “Rio’s beaches are famous around the world — they deserve their soundtrack.” Despite the rollback, certain restrictions remain in force, including the ban on loudspeakers and tighter controls on unauthorized food and drink sales. “The city continues to monitor the beaches to maintain public order and ensure that shared spaces are respected,” said Brenno Carnevale, Rio’s secretary of public order. Mayor Paes defended the initial rules, saying they were necessary because some kiosks had been operating music systems beyond the allowed volume and past the 10 p.m. cutoff. “Violators will face a fine of 1,000 reais (about $180) for the first offense, 2,000 reais for the second, and on the third violation, the kiosk’s license will be revoked and reassigned,” he warned. Meanwhile, the United Street Vendors’ Movement, which held a protest at the municipal assembly on Tuesday, reported progress after meeting with assembly president Carlos Caiado. “We’ve achieved an important milestone: the formation of a working group that includes street vendor representatives to discuss safety, sanitation standards, and, most importantly, the legal recognition of our sector,” the group said.       

President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that he’s planning to pardon TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, famous for “Chrisley Knows Best,” a reality show that followed their tight-knit family and extravagant lifestyle that prosecutors said was boosted by bank fraud and hiding earnings from tax authorities. The Chrisleys were convicted in 2022 of conspiring to defraud banks in the Atlanta area out of more than $30 million in loans by submitting false documents. They were also found guilty of tax evasion, obscuring their earnings while showcasing a luxurious way of living that authorities said included high-priced cars, designer clothes, real estate and travel. Prosecutors said the couple walked away from their responsibility for repayment when Todd Chrisley declared bankruptcy and left $20-plus million in unpaid loans. Julie Chrisley was sentenced to seven years in federal prison, and Todd Chrisley got 12 years behind bars. The couple was also ordered to pay $17.8 million in restitution. “Your parents are going to be free and clean and I hope that we can do it by tomorrow,” Trump said in a call with their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, according to a video posted online by a White House aide. In a social media post, the aide declared, “Trump Knows Best!” “They’ve been given a pretty harsh treatment based on what I’m hearing,” the president added a few moments later of the couple. A White House official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss decisions that hadn't yet been made public, said the pardons would be forthcoming. The move continues a pattern of Trump pardoning high-profile friends, supporters, donors and former staffers. On Monday, Trump pardoned Scott Jenkins, a former Virginia sheriff who was sentenced to 10 years in prison after being convicted on fraud and bribery charges. The president posted online that Jenkins and his family “have been dragged through HELL by a Corrupt and Weaponized Biden DOJ.” The president has also moved to pardon Paul Walczak, a Florida health care executive imprisoned on tax charges, whose mother helped expose the contents of a diary kept by Ashley Biden, daughter of former President Joe Biden. And, in April, he pardoned Nevada Republican Michele Fiore, who was awaiting sentencing on federal charges that she used money meant for a statue honoring a slain police officer for personal costs, including plastic surgery. Housefull 5 Trailer: Akshay Kumar, £69 billion and a murder mystery The Chrisleys’ attorney, Alex Little, said the pardon “corrects a deep injustice and restores two devoted parents to their family and community.” “President Trump recognized what we’ve argued from the beginning: Todd and Julie were targeted because of their conservative values and high profile. Their prosecution was tainted by multiple constitutional violations and political bias,” Little said in a statement. Little's statement added, “Todd and Julie’s case is exactly why the pardon power exists. Thanks to President Trump, the Chrisley family can now begin healing and rebuilding their lives.” Before the Chrisleys became reality television stars, they, and a former business partner, submitted false documents to banks in the Atlanta area to obtain fraudulent loans, prosecutors said during their trial. They accused the couple of spending lavishly, then using new fraudulent loans to pay off old ones. A three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last summer upheld the Chrisleys’ convictions but found a legal error in how the trial judge had calculated Julie Chrisley’s sentence by holding her accountable for the entire bank fraud scheme. The appellate panel sent her case back to the lower court for resentencing. Savannah Chrisley spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention, where she talked about her parents’ imprisonment. She said then that they were “persecuted by rogue prosecutors” — echoing Trump’s rhetoric about the criminal justice system as he faced investigations and criminal cases of his own. She said Trump had been targeted for his politics, and said her parents likewise were targeted because of their conservative beliefs and high profile. ‘Duck Dynasty’ star Phil Robertson dies at 79 “I’ll never forget what the prosecutors said in the most heavily Democratic county in the state, before an Obama-appointed judge. He called us the ‘Trumps of the South,’” Savannah Chrisley said in her remarks at the convention, adding, “He meant it as an insult but, let me tell you, boy, do I wear it as a badge of honor.”

Phil Robertson, the founder of Duck Commander and patriarch of the family featured in the hit reality television series Duck Dynasty, has passed away at the age of 79. The news of his death was confirmed by his daughter-in-law, Korie Robertson, in a heartfelt statement on behalf of the family. “We rejoice today that our grandfather, husband, and father, Phil Robertson, is with the Lord,” the statement read. “Thank you to all of those who have lovingly supported us with prayer. His strong faith and message of grace touched countless lives.” Robertson, a former college football quarterback turned entrepreneur, rose to national fame through Duck Dynasty, which aired on A&E from 2012 to 2017. The show followed the lives of the Robertson family in West Monroe, Louisiana, and their duck call business, Duck Commander, which Phil founded in 1972. Known for his rugged lifestyle, long beard, and unwavering Christian faith, Robertson became a cultural icon, drawing both admiration and controversy for his outspoken views on faith, family, and society. Despite differing opinions about his beliefs, millions of viewers were drawn to his authenticity and commitment to his values, making Duck Dynasty one of the most-watched reality shows in American television history. Actor Mukul Dev dies at 54 The Robertson family has announced that a private funeral will be held, followed by a public memorial to honour his life and legacy. Phil Robertson is survived by wife, Kay Robertson, their children, grandchildren and an extended family that frequently appeared alongside him on the show. Fans across the world continue to pay tribute to the man whose faith-filled journey left a lasting impact. Source: With inputs from agencies

The much-loved 2012 romantic drama starring Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty, is set to return to cinemas later this month. Directed by Homi Adajania, the film will be re-released on 30 May 2025 as part of PVR INOX’s Curated Shows, following the success of recent nostalgic re-releases like Andaz Apna Apna. The film, which originally struck a chord with audiences through its modern take on friendship, love and heartbreak, has now joined the league of Bollywood classics making a comeback on the big screen. Announcing the re-release on social media, PVR Cinemas shared the film’s poster with the caption, “The iconic trio is back! Experience the unforgettable journey of 'Cocktail' once again with our Curated Shows. Cocktail re-releasing at PVR INOX on May 30!” Fans were quick to react with excitement. Comments poured in across platforms, with one user exclaiming, “Re-release every single romcom of my blood,” while another rated it a “10/10 movie.” One enthusiastic fan declared, “Manifestation is real finally. Can’t wait,” and another wrote, “OMGGGGGG Already start advance booking.” The post also received a flood of heart emojis, indicating a strong wave of nostalgia and love for the film. Bhool Chuk Maaf Box Office Collection Day 2: Rajkummar Rao’s film inches toward ₹20 crore milestone Originally released in 2012, Cocktail was praised for its fresh storytelling, vibrant performances, and memorable music. Its re-release now offers both longtime fans and new audiences a chance to experience the emotional rollercoaster on the big screen once more. With the film returning to theatres nearly 13 years after its initial release, Cocktail promises to once again stir hearts and remind viewers of the magic of Bollywood romcoms. Source: With inputs from India Today 

Recently, popular Bangladeshi actress Azmeri Haque Badhan has been the talk of the town for some of her social media posts. Continuing in that vein, on Monday, the actress shared a candid conversation between herself and Indian filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj, revealing her bold stance in accepting the challenging role she played in ‘Khufiya’. Released on Netflix in 2023, the Hindi-language spy thriller was directed by Bhardwaj. The film, through which Badhan made her Bollywood debut, was reportedly turned down by some other Bangladeshi actresses. Badhan acted as one of the agents of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), the foreign intelligence agency of India, alongside veteran actress Tabu, and other prominent actors including Ali Fazal, Wamiqa Gabbi, Ashish Vidyarthi and Atul Kulkarni. In the Facebook post, Badhan recounted a conversation where Vishal Bhardwaj asked why she agreed to the role when others from Bangladesh declined. “Sir, who would miss the chance to kiss Tabu?” Badhan recalled the laughing response she delivered to Vishal Bhardwaj, adding on a serious note: “I didn’t want to miss the chance to work with you. I’m an artist-I shouldn’t have fear or limits. I loved the character.” According to Badhan, Bhardwaj mentioned that several others from Bangladesh had refused the role when approached - some citing discomfort with a same-sex kiss scene and others objecting to the use of the word “Jamaat.” The actress responded, “Sir, I’m not a homophobic person. I believe everyone has the right to live their life freely. And I love my country—I don’t want Jamaat or any extremist group to ever come to power.” Expressing his appreciation, Bhardwaj reportedly said with a smile, “I cast the right person for this role, my dear. I’m so glad we’re working together.” The conversation sheds light on Badhan’s progressive stance and fearless approach to complex roles, further solidifying her position as a bold and socially conscious performer in the South Asian film industry.

Malvika Raaj, known for her childhood role as young Poo in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, has shared some exciting news – she’s expecting her first child with husband Pranav Bagga! The couple took to Instagram on Sunday to announce the pregnancy with a series of heartwarming photos. In the first few images, Malvika and Pranav are all smiles as she holds up a positive pregnancy test. Another photo captures the two walking hand-in-hand, wearing matching caps labeled “Mom” and “Dad.” Additional solo shots show each of them posing with their coordinated hats, accompanied by the sweet caption, “You + Me = 3.” Fans and fellow celebrities quickly flooded the post with congratulatory messages. Kriti Kharbanda wrote, “Congratulations you two!” while Ridhima Pandit commented, “Oh wow. Congratulations.” Ayesha Shroff added her excitement, writing, “Yippppppeeeee!!!! Congrats guyyyyys,” and Anita Raj sent blessings, saying, “Congratulations my kiddos! Lots of love & happiness. Guru Ji bless you both & the family abundantly.” Actress Amyra Dastur also commented, “Congratulations love. May you stay blessed.” Malvika and Pranav are no strangers to sharing their love story online. Last year, they jetted off to Paris for a romantic vacation, where Malvika posted photos in front of the Eiffel Tower, cheekily captioned “Paris.. Eiffel for you.” Bhool Chuk Maaf Box Office Collection Day 2: Rajkummar Rao’s film inches toward ₹20 crore milestone Their love story reached a milestone in August 2023 when Pranav proposed in Turkey. The couple tied the knot just a few months later in a picturesque beach wedding in Goa. Apart from her memorable childhood role in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Malvika has also appeared in the action film Squad, co-starring Rinzin Denzongpa, son of actor Danny Denzongpa. Source: With input from NDTV

Iranian dissident filmmaker Jafar Panahi won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday for his revenge thriller “It Was Just an Accident," handing the festival's top prize to a director who had been banned from leaving Iran for more than 15 years. Cate Blanchett presented the award to Panahi, who three years ago was imprisoned in Iran before going on a hunger strike. For a decade and a half, he has made films clandestinely in his native country, including one film ("This Is Not a Film") made in his living room, and another ("Taxi") set in a car. The crowd rose in a thunderous standing ovation for the filmmaker, who immediately threw up his arms and leaned back in his seat in disbelief before applauding his collaborators and the audience around him. On stage, Panahi was cheered by Cannes jury president Juliette Binoche, who in 2010 in Cannes held up Panahi's name to honor the director when he was under house arrest. On stage, Panahi said what mattered most was freedom in his country. “Let us join forces,” said Panahi. “No one should dare tell us what kind of clothes we should wear, what we should do or what we should not do. The cinema is a society. Nobody is entitled to tell what we should or refrain from doing.” The win for “It Was Just an Accident” extended an unprecedented streak: The indie distributor Neon has now backed the last six Palme d'Or winners. The latest triumph for Neon, which acquired “It Was Just an Accident” for North American distribution after its premiere in Cannes, follows its Palmes for “Parasite,” “Titane,” “Triangle of Sadness,” “Anatomy of a Fall” and “Anora.” All those films were Oscar contenders and two, “Parasite” and “Anora,” won best picture. Last year, filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof fled Iran to attend the premiere of his film in Cannes and resettle in Germany. Panahi, though, has said that unlike his friend Rasoulof, life in exile isn't for him. He planned to fly home to Tehran on Sunday. Adnan Al Rajeev's 'Ali' makes history with Cannes Special Jury Mention “It Was Just an Accident” was inspired by Panahi's experience in prison. In the film, a group of former prisoners encounter the man who terrorized them in jail, and weigh whether or not to kill him. Panahi was jailed in Tehran’s Evin Prison after going there to inquire about the then-jailed Rasoulof. Panahi was released in 2023 after going on a hunger strike. In 2009, he was banned from traveling out of Iran after attending the funeral of a student killed in the Green Movement protests. Through those years, Panahi continued to make films illegally in Iran, without a permit, and had his films smuggled to festivals on USB drives. His travel ban was lifted after his release in 2023. “The film springs from a feeling of resistance, survival, which is absolutely necessary today,” Binoche told reporters after the ceremony. “Art will always win. What is human will always win.” The Cannes closing ceremony followed a major power outage that struck southeastern France on Saturday in what police suspected was arson. Only a few hours before stars began streaming down the red carpet, power was restored in Cannes. “A day without electricity," sighed John C. Reilly, who sang an English-language “La Vie En Rose” at the ceremony. The festival's films, he said, supplied “all the needed electricity." Other winners at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival The Grand Prix, or second prize, was awarded to Joachim Trier’s Norwegian family drama “Sentimental Value,” his lauded follow-up to “The Worst Person in the World.” Some had expected “Sentimental Value” to win the Palme, but Trier — whose film reunites him with actor Renate Reinsve — still took a major prize. “We live in a time of tremendous excess and saturation of images. Moving images are being thrown at us all the time," said Trier. "And I want to give homage to the Cannes Film Festival for being a place where the big cinematic image, which is the foundation of the moving image, the free image, the image that we take time to look at, the image where we can identify with each other in contemplation and empathy, to be cherished in this place in such a way is very important in this moment.” Kleber Mendonça Filho’s Brazilian political thriller “The Secret Agent" won two big awards: best director for Filho and best actor for Wagner Moura. Though Cannes juries are generally urged to spread awards around, the two for “The Secret Agent” showed the jury's strong feelings for it. Asked about the two prizes, juror Jeremy Strong explained, simply, “That was our wish.” The wins, which followed the international film Oscar victory for Walter Salles' “I'm Still Here” in March, gave Brazil more to celebrate. On X, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, said the awards “show that our country’s cinema is second to none.” The jury prize was split between two films: Óliver Laxe’s desert road trip “Sirât " and Mascha Schilinski's German, generation-spanning drama “Sound of Falling.” Best actress went to Nadia Melliti for “The Little Sister,” Hafsia Herzi's French coming-of-age drama. Power outage hits Cannes Film Festival and traffic in southeastern France The Belgian brothers Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne, who are two-time Palme d'Or winners, won best screenplay for their latest drama, “Young Mothers.” Its their ninth prize in Cannes. The festival's award for best first film, the Camera d'Or, went to Hasan Hadi for “The President's Cake,” making it the first Iraqi film to win an award at the festival. What else shaped Cannes this year Saturday's ceremony brought to a close a 78th Cannes Film Festival where geopolitics cast a long shadow, both on screen and off. Shortly before the French Riviera extravaganza, which is also the world's largest movie market, U.S. President Donald Trump floated the idea of a 100% tariff on movies made overseas. Most filmmakers responded with a shrug, calling the plan illogical. “Can you hold up the movie in customs? It doesn’t ship that way,” said Wes Anderson, who premiered his latest, “The Phoenician Scheme” at the festival. At the opening ceremony, honorary Palme d'Or recipient Robert De Niro called Trump “America's philistine president.” Other top American films in Cannes included Spike Lee's “Highest 2 Lowest” (which pulled Lee away from his New York Knicks but not out of their blue and orange color), the Christopher McQuarrie-Tom Cruise actioner “Mission: Impossible — Final Reckoning," and Ari Aster's “Eddington,” which found a divisive reaction. Panahi's win put him in rare company. He's now won Cannes' Palme d'Or, Venice's Golden Lion (for “The Circle”) and Berlin's Golden Bear (for “Taxi”). Only three other filmmakers have done that: Henri-Georges Clouzot, Michelangelo Antonioni and Robert Altman. Addressing reporters after his win, Panahi spoke about filmmakers and artists always being able to find a way, “even in complicated situations.” Ishaan Khatter on shifting from The Royals to Homebound: "To Be Honest, It Was..." “They must realize that no powers that be can halt such people in their tracks,” said Panahi. “You have this power.”

In a historic feat for Bangladeshi cinema, filmmaker Adnan Al Rajeev and his team have brought home the country’s first-ever award from the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, winning a Special Jury Mention for their short film 'Ali'. Rajeev confirmed the news on his social media platforms from Cannes, writing: “This is for Bangladesh. Thank You Festival de Cannes.” Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki congratulated the team in a Facebook post, saying: “Congratulations Adnan Al Rajeev and team 'Ali' for winning Special Jury Mention at Festival de Cannes! Very very proud of you all.” Celebrated actress and Rajeev’s wife, Mehazabien Chowdhury, also shared her excitement, posting: “Bangladesh just got its first award from Cannes!!! Congrats Adnan Al Rajeev and Team ALI!!!!” The 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival concluded on Saturday night in the picturesque coastal town in southern France. The 12-day cinematic celebration came to an end with an award ceremony at the iconic Grand Théâtre Lumière inside the Palais des Festivals. Amid red carpet glamour, world premieres, and industry networking at Marché du Film, this year’s official selection included 11 short films from among 4,781 global submissions. 'Ali' was among the few chosen for competition and was screened at the Debussy Theatre and Bazin Theatre on Friday. Directed by Adnan Al Rajeev, 'Ali' is a 15-minute narrative that follows the story of a teenager living in a conservative coastal town in Bangladesh, where women are forbidden to sing. Hoping for a way out, the boy enters a singing competition in the city — with a twist: he can sing in a female voice. The official screening of 'Ali' was attended by the film’s director, cast, producers, and members of the Bangladeshi delegation. Cannes has long been a dream stage for Bangladeshi filmmakers. That dream was first conquered in 2002, when Tareque Masud’s 'Matir Moina' was selected for the Directors' Fortnight section.  In 2021, Abdullah Mohammad Saad’s 'Rehana Maryam Noor' became the first Bangladeshi film to be included in the festival’s official selection, under the Un Certain Regard section. With 'Ali' becoming the first Bangladeshi film to win an official Cannes award, industry insiders are hailing the moment as a significant milestone in the country’s cinematic history.