United News of Bangladesh

Hollywood celebrities' homes were at risk on Wednesday night as a fierce wildfire broke out in the Hollywood Hills, just a mile from the Hollywood Walk of Fame. While some stars lost their homes, others are perilously close to the uncontained flames. Celebrity homes at risk or damaged The homes of several Hollywood stars are in close proximity to the advancing wildfires. Page Six released a map of the affected zone, highlighting celebrity residences in the area. National Board of Review Awards hold space for ‘Wicked’ Schitt's Creek actor Eugene Levy’s house has already been destroyed, as shown in an image shared by the outlet. The homes of Nobody Wants This actor Adam Brody, his wife and Gossip Girl actress Leighton Meester, Anna Faris, James Woods and reality TV duo Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt have also been lost.  In Malibu, the fire threatens properties belonging to actor-singer Miley Cyrus and Star Wars actor Mark Hamill. In Santa Monica, the home of actress Jamie Lee Curtis faces danger, while farther north are the residences of Michael Keaton, Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson. Beyond Pacific Palisades are properties owned by filmmaker Steven Spielberg and actors Diane Keaton and Ben Affleck. Affleck, whose $20 million bachelor pad is at risk, was seen fleeing to ex-wife Jennifer Garner’s house for safety.  What to know about wildfires raining embers onto the Los Angeles area Meanwhile, stars like Mandy Moore, Cary Elwes and Paris Hilton confirmed on Wednesday that their homes were destroyed. Actor Billy Crystal and his wife Janice also lost their Palisades home of 45 years.  Overview of the LA wildfires Over 1,000 structures, primarily homes, have been reduced to ashes and more than 130,000 residents in the metropolitan area are under evacuation orders. Despite the arrival of hundreds of firefighters from other states, the four uncontrolled blazes remain a significant threat. Combined, the fires have scorched roughly 42 square miles — an area comparable to the size of San Francisco.   Source: With inputs from wires

A Chinese actor who disappeared after traveling to Thailand and was found near the border of Myanmar in an area where online scam networks operate was a victim of human trafficking, Thai police said Wednesday. Chinese state-owned newspaper The Global Times reported Monday that the family of Wang Xing requested help from the Chinese Embassy in Thailand after the actor went missing at the Thailand-Myanmar border. Authorities found Wang on Tuesday in Myanmar and brought him to Thailand for questioning, Thai police said. Photos and videos showed Wang sitting with the police in the Thai border town of Mae Sot with his head shaved. Wang told the police that he was lured by a promise of a job casting by a major Thai entertainment company, but instead was taken across the border into Myanmar, where police believe he was put to work in a call scam operation targeting Chinese people, said Senior Inspector General Thatchai Pitaneelaboot. Salman Khan's Galaxy apartment undergoes security enhancements amid threats The area is known as a haven for criminal syndicates who have forced hundreds of thousands of people in Southeast Asia into participating in online scams including false romantic ploys, bogus investment pitches and illegal gambling schemes. Many of the victims are trapped in virtual slavery. There also are allegations of drug trafficking. An initial review of chat logs on Wang's phone confirmed his story, Thatchai told the Thai PBS TV. He said Wang told police there were about 50 other Chinese at the same location. Like him, all had their heads shaved, he told police. He said he was too scared to resist or try to escape. Criminal activity has flourished in border areas of military-ruled Myanmar, where fighting has pitted armed ethnic groups against the army for decades. Chinese authorities have said they had cracked down on criminal syndicates in joint operations with neighboring countries that led to thousands of people being returned to China, but those campaigns did not include arrests of ring leaders in Myanmar. Chinese investors operate casino complexes in what amounts to autonomous development zones in cooperation with Myanmar's Border Guard Force, a militia belonging to the ethnic Karen minority. Wang’s disappearance received attention after an internet user who claimed to be his girlfriend posted about it on Chinese social media, according to The Global Times. Wang has featured in popular Chinese TV dramas. Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on Tuesday said the government was working as best it could to mitigate any impact the case might have on the reputation of Thailand as a safe tourist destination.

Days after “Wicked” went home from the Golden Globes with a single award for box office achievement, the National Board of Review Awards held space for the smash hit musical, celebrating its cast and director in the New York group's annual gala Tuesday. The untelevised but starry NBR Awards were a chance for many of the nominees who didn’t win Sunday to trot out their would-be acceptance speeches, including Daniel Craig, Kieran Culkin and Nicole Kidman. Accepting the award for best actress for her performance in the erotic thriller “Babygirl,” Kidman celebrated by chugging a glass of milk, a nod to some of the film's kinky sex games. After finishing, Kidman triumphantly announced “Good girl!" and left the stage. It also was an opportunity for some jabs at the Globes. “Isn’t this room just a little bit classier than the Beverly Hilton?“ quipped presenter Christine Baranski, looking around the elegant marble-columned midtown venue, Cipriani’s. Others were less impressed by the old-school New York vibe. “The bathroom attendant, that shouldn’t exist anymore,” Culkin said during a typically free-form acceptance speech for best supporting actor for his role in “A Real Pain.” The night belonged to Jon M. Chu's “Wicked.” The musical was the board's pick for best film, best director for Chu and a special award for the creative collaboration of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The two, in back-and-forth remarks, continued their mutual praise of each other. “Also you’re welcome,” added Grande. “I truly think you would have murdered anyone else.” “Probably true,” responded Erivo. Chu, who was introduced by Lin Manuel-Miranda, used the moment to reflect on his yearslong journey with “Wicked,” which will be followed by an already-shot part two due out this November. So lengthy has his time in Oz been that the director noted he had three children during its making, including one born the day of the movie's premiere. Read: Zendaya sparks engagement speculation at Golden Globes with a sparkling ring “No twins, same mom,” assured Chu. “I know what you guys are whispering.” Ryan Reynolds, an avowed fan of the film, took up the topic in his introduction to the film's final award. “The man missed the premiere of his own film so he could attend the birth of his fifth child,” Reynolds said. “I barely made it to the inception of my own children.” The common theme of the night was community and togetherness. Coming a day after the anniversary of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot and less than two weeks before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, many alluded to Hollywood's role in the coming years.   Marc Platt, producer of “Wicked,” spoke about the deeper meanings of the film and having “the courage to speak truth to power especially when that power is manifested by those who come to it by blame or divisiveness.” Craig, the best actor winner for his performance in Luca Guadagnino’s William S. Burroughs’ adaptation, “Queer,” declared: “We are in good shape.” “If we continue to make and produce movies like this, our industry is going to continue to thrive,” said Craig, who dedicated his award “to the dreamers in the room.” “We need you now more than ever.” A key feature of the NBR Awards, which were founded in 1909 by film enthusiasts, is its style of award presentation. Each winner is introduced by a close friend, collaborator or admirer. Last year’s surprise guest was Daniel Day-Lewis, who presented for Martin Scorsese and the best-film winner “Killers of the Flower Moon." This year, Robert Pattinson dropped in to introduce India Donaldson, winner of the breakthrough director award for her acclaimed debut “Good One.” Pattinson called Donaldson “one of the most exciting filmmakers working today.” Sofia Coppola presented best supporting actress to Elle Fanning, who starred as a 12-year-old in 2010's “Somewhere,” for her performance in “A Complete Unknown.” “She’s really the same person that I met when she was 11,” Coppola said. Read more: Golden Globes Fashion: Ariana Grande eschews Glinda pink for pale yellow  silk Other introductions were more surprising. John Lithgow, there as part of the “Conclave” group that won best ensemble, introduced breakthrough performance winner and “Anora” star Mikey Madison. Lithgow had only just met her but profusely praised her performance, listing a wide array of its traits, one of which drew giggles from the crowd, and the 25-year-old Madison. “I never thought John Lithgow would call me ‘sexually athletic,’” said Madison, who plays a Brooklyn sex worker in the film. Carol Kane presented best animated film to the wondrous Latvian film “Flow,” about a cat and other animals in a flooded world. She didn’t, at first, seem well-suited to the job. “I don’t get animation. I like to watch people, you know,” Kane said. Then she relented, calling “Flow” a revelation. “Animals, for a long time now, have been some of my favorite people.”

Fasten your seatbelts, fashion fans! With some of Hollywood's most fashion-forward stars up for awards this year, it's going to be an eventful season. And the Golden Globes gets it all started, with stars (and their stylists) marking their territory at one of Hollywood's splashiest events. Big this year: lots of sparkle and shine. Here are some of the looks catching attention Sunday at the Golden Globes: Ariana Grande: From Glinda pink to Hepburn yellow She didn't wear pink, the favored color of Glinda the Good. But “Wicked” star Grande evoked another Ozian color — yellow (of the yellow brick road, of course) in Givenchy haute couture. The gown was in pale silk with a hand-beaded bodice, a vintage 1966 gown from what the designer calls the Audrey Hepburn era of Givenchy. She wore a Swarovski choker and white opera gloves. Mikey Madison: New movie star, new fashion star Few red-carpet arrivals were more anticipated than that of Mikey Madison, the breakout “Anora” star who's been making waves in the fashion world, too, this season. Madison wore a shiny gold, strapless column gown from Bottega Veneta that emphasized her much-discussed fashion transformation into classic movie-star glamour. Cate Blanchett: Glistening in gold Actor Blanchett looked like an awards statue come to life in a glistening gold gown with a ruched top by Louis Vuitton — one that she also wore at the Cannes Film Festival. New gold stones were added to the gown, designed by Nicholas Ghesquière, to freshen the look. Nicole Kidman: Sparkling in silver Where Blanchett glistened in gold, Kidman sparkled in silver, in a daring, one-shoulder backless Balenciaga gown. The “Babygirl” star polished off the look with a chic, voluminous half-ponytail. Ali Wong: Fiery in red Actor-comedian Wong wasn’t easy to miss on the carpet: She wore a cascading gown of bright fire-engine red tulle. The grand Balenciaga number was accessorized with a satin belt and glamorous black spandex opera gloves, almost up to the shoulder. Hania Aamir describes India and Pakistan as ‘distant cousins’ Zoë Kravitz: Old-school glamour, a pink bow The “Don’t Blink Twice” director went traditional with a black velvet Saint Laurent gown featuring a plunging neckline, with a sweet pastel pink silk bow around her waist. She was a favorite of Kevin Hyunh, InStyle’s fashion director, who said he loved how she “channeled old-school Hollywood glamour.” Timothée Chalamet: No wool beanie here Globes host Nikki Glaser zeroed right in on Chalamet, one of the hottest stars in Hollywood, in her monologue, telling him: “You have the most gorgeous eyelashes on your upper lip.” As for the clothes on his body, Chalamet went more traditional than other recent trips to the carpet, wearing a sleek Tom Ford black suit with embellished jacket, a white shirt and a blue scarf tossed around his neck (or was it a tie?) No wool beanie like in the Dylan-inspired look he wore to the New York premiere of his film, “A Complete Unknown.” Kerry Washington: Opera gloves are a thing Those opera gloves are really a thing this year: Also wearing them was actor Washington, who sported a neon pink silk taffeta gown, also from Balenciaga, with a train – the combo providing “a bit of edgy glamour, Hyunh said. Armeen Musa and Ghaashphoring Choir boycott tobacco sponsorships Tyler James Williams: Schooling the masses in fashion Williams, of “Abbott Elementary,” is never safe or boring on the carpet. On Sunday he sported a gray pinstripe suit with cropped, double-breasted jacket with dramatic shoulder pads and a bare chest peeking out, over loose trousers. Quinta Brunson: Sequins to spare WIlliams’ colleague, “Abbott Elementary” creator and star Quinta Bronson, looked sleek in a heavily embellished custom Roberto Cavalli gown. Hyunh called the color, chocolate brown, “the color of the season.” Glen Powell: A (fashion) hitman in Armani Powell eschewed the tie and instead channeled casual glamour in an open-necked brown shirt and black velvet jacket, by Giorgio Armani.

Renowned Pakistani actress Hania Aamir recently described the relationship between India and Pakistan as that of "distant cousins" in an interview with CNN. She spoke candidly about the strong cultural similarities between the two countries and the potential for cross-border collaboration. Hania was asked about the importance of the relationship between India and Pakistan, to which she responded, "We're like distant cousins. We're just so similar in so many ways. It's absolutely lovely to see that we can collaborate and are just so appreciative of each other." Tahsan finally confirms his marriage to Roza Ahmed She also addressed the pressures of being labeled the "face of Gen-Z" in Pakistan. Hania shared that she does not feel overwhelmed by the title, saying, "I don't take a lot of pressure. I just try and be myself and whatever comes my way, I just try and do it with as much honesty as I can." Hania, who enjoys a substantial fan-base in India, has often expressed her love for Indian music. She has been spotted dancing to popular Bollywood tracks at various events, including the wedding of Arooba Gill in Pakistan. Notable songs she grooved to include "Badi Mushkil" from Lajja (2001) and "Aaila Re Ladki Mast Mast" from Jung (2000). The actress has also shared videos on her social media of herself dancing to Indian music hits like Chikni Chameli from Agneepath (2012) and Jazzy B’s Dil Lutiya. In addition to her cross-border musical interests, Hania has gained recognition in Bangladesh, Pakistan and India for her acting talent. Amitabh’s tributes to heroes: ‘A Parsi, A Muslim, A Sikh, A Hindu’ Her career began with the comedy film Janaan (2016), followed by roles in successful television dramas such as Titli (2017) and Anaa (2017). Hania continued to rise to prominence through films like Na Maloom Afraad 2 (2017) and Parwaaz Hai Junoon (2018) and more recently in the romantic dramas Mere Humsafar (2022) and Kabhi Main Kabhi Tum (2024). Fans can look forward to her next project, the Netflix series Jo Bachay Hain Sang Samait Lo, which will also feature famous Pakistani actors Fawad Khan and Mahira Khan.Source: With inputs from indian media

Popular singer and actor Tahsan Khan sparked widespread buzz on Friday night and throughout Saturday after posting two photos with his speculated fiancée, Roza Ahmed and he officially confirmed their marriage to media on Sunday. “We got married today (Saturday) in the presence of our two family members. I wanted to inform everyone after we got married. That's why I didn't tell anyone before. I pray that we can walk the path beautifully together," Tahsan said. On Saturday evening, the heartthrob artist shared a new photo with Roza Ahmed again, with a lyrical tribute and the hashtag #homeforlife. Earlier that day, Tahsan informed a prominent local media outlet that he was not married till then and no formal ceremony had taken place, further stating that the (viral) photographs had been captured at a household event on Friday. Despite Tahsan's statement that he would disclose additional details on Saturday evening, he only posted the couple's supposedly newlywed photo on social media without any detailed information. The post has received over a million reactions on Facebook. Fans, well-wishers and their colleagues in the entertainment and make-up sectors congratulated the newlywed on the post. #homeforlife: Tahsan and Roza Ahmed still teasing followers, with no confirmation of relationship status Following her graduation from New York University, Roza Ahmed obtained her license as a cosmetologist and went on to open "Roza's Bridal Makeover" in Queens, New York. She has a large following on social media. Tahsan was previously married to actress-development professional Rafiath Rashid Mithila. The popular artist couple's divorce in 2017 shocked their fans and admirers.

Writer-director Jeff Baena, whose darkly comedic independent films included “The Little Hours” and who was married to his frequent creative collaborator Aubrey Plaza, has died. He was 47. Baena was found dead Friday morning at a Los Angeles home, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office. The circumstances of his death remained unclear Saturday, and the office said it was investigating and a full report would not be available until the case is closed. Baena co-wrote David O. Russell's 2004 film “I Heart Huckabees” and wrote and directed five of his own films, four of which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. He had been dating Plaza for three years before she starred in his 2014 directorial debut, the zombie comedy “Life After Beth." His next film, 2016's “Joshy,” featured Thomas Middleditch as a man who gets together with friends months after his fiancee commits suicide. The son of an attorney and teacher, Baena grew up in Miami and attended film school at New York University. He told podcaster Marc Maron in a 2017 interview that his interest in cinema was sparked after watching Stanley Kubrick's “A Clockwork Orange” and Federico Fellini's “8 1/2” as a child. “I was always drawn to left-of-center things,” he told Jim Alexander two years ago in an interview for the Reel Talker YouTube channel. Read: Film fraternity bids tearful adieu to Anjana Baena said in the same interview that it was “amazing” to work with Plaza, who appeared in four of his five films. The 40-year-old actor and producer rose to fame playing April Ludgate on the television series “Parks and Recreation” and was nominated for an Emmy for her role on “The White Lotus.” The couple married in 2021. “The opportunities to create together, to do something creative where we're both fulfilled, it's like how rare is that? She's down and she's so talented, so I'm really lucky," Baena said. A representative for Plaza said that in addition to Plaza, Baena is survived by his mother, Barbara Stern, stepfather Roger Stern, father Scott Baena, stepmother Michele Baena, brother Brad Baena and stepsiblings Bianca Gabay and Jed Fluxman.

Dhallywood’s one of the most renowned and popular actresses Anjana passed away on Friday night, and her longtime colleagues, admirers and journalists bid a tearful adieu to the actress for the last time today at BFDC in the capital. A mournful situation arose when the vehicle carrying Anjana's body reached FDC today. Several of her colleagues including actors Ilias Kanchan, Ujjal, Alamgir, Mehedi, Subrata; actresses Nuton, Apu Biswas, Nasrin; President of Bangladesh Film Artists Association Misha Sawdagar, directors Chhatku Ahmed, Shahin Suman, Mushfiqur Rahman Gulzar, Chayanika Chowdhury, producer leader Khorshed Alam Khosru and many others came to FDC to bid farewell to Anjana. They were joined by the members of various film organizations, including the Producers' Association, Bangladesh Film Exhibitors' Association, and Cinematographers' Association, among others. Eminent actress Anjana passes away Remembering Anjana, actress Nuton said, "We have been together for a long time - we were like two sisters. We last met on December 6 - and right now, I feel void thinking that we will not meet ever again." Bangladesh Film Artists Association President Misha Sawdagar said, "Apart from being a good artist, she was an incredibly good person; and we will miss her lively and smiling face. Everyone will pray for the forgiveness of her departed soul." Following her first namaz-e-janaza after the Zuhr prayers, her body was taken to the Channel-i premises. There, after the second namaz-e-janaza, she was buried at the Banani Cemetery. Born on June 27, 1965, in Dhaka (then part of East Pakistan), Anjana was celebrated as one of the country’s finest actresses, particularly for her dancing skills. She acted in more than 300 movies during her illustrious career. Renowned Indian filmmaker Shyam Benegal passes away Anjana's first released film was Doshshu Bonhur (1976), directed by Shamsuddin Togor, although her acting career began in 1976 with the film Setu, directed by Babul Chowdhury. Her breakthrough came with the movie Matir Maya in 1976. She won the National Film Award for Best Actress twice for her performance in Gangchil (1981) and Parineeta (1986), and also received the Bachsas Award three times in the Best Film Actress category for Mohona (1983), Parineeta (1986) and Ram Rahim John (1989).

News and images regarding popular singer and actor Tahsan Khan's marriage have been circulating on social media platforms since Friday night.  According to many media outlets, Tahsan Khan is married to Roza Ahmed, a makeover artist based in the United States. Since the pictures of Tahsan and Roza went viral on social media and news media outlets, netizens showered the artist with greetings and love. Armeen Musa and Ghaashphoring Choir boycott tobacco sponsorships Tahsan’s entertainment industry colleagues also congratulated the artist. However, regarding the matter, Tahsan told a prominent local media: "I'm not married yet and no formal ceremony took place. These (viral) photographs were captured at a household event. I will provide more information later tonight (Saturday evening).” Roza Ahmed has been working for a decade as a bridal makeup artist in Bangladesh and the United States. Popular Characters of Squid Game Season 2: Who's Your Favourite? Following her graduation from New York University, she obtained her license as a cosmetologist and went on to open "Roza's Bridal Makeover" in Queens, New York. She has a large following on social media. Tahsan Khan and actress-development professional Rafiath Rashid Mithila were married on August 7, 2006. The couple announced their separation and divorce on October 4, 2017. 

As the world steps into 2025, Indian cinema icon Amitabh Bachchan took a poignant moment to honour the luminaries India lost in 2024. The megastar shared a heartfelt illustration titled "Our Heroes in Heaven" that depicted Ratan Tata, Shyam Benegal, Zakir Hussain, and Manmohan Singh together, embodying India’s unity in diversity. Accompanying the powerful artwork, Bachchan wrote, “.. the picture says it all.” His post, which quickly gained traction on social media, served as a reminder of the shared humanity and collective mourning that transcends religious and cultural boundaries. The illustration highlighted four distinguished figures—a Parsi, a Muslim, a Sikh, and a Hindu—whose contributions to the nation left an indelible mark. Bachchan’s caption read: "A Parsi, a Muslim, a Sikh, and a Hindu passed away in 2024, and the whole nation mourned and remembered them only as Indians!" Family confirms death of tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain The tribute resonated deeply with fans and netizens, drawing comments such as, “How thoughtful,” and, “One nation, one religion ~ Humanity.” Among the mourned was former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away on 26 December 2024. Known as the architect of India’s economic liberalisation, Singh’s tenure as Finance Minister (1991–1996) and later as the 13th Prime Minister (2004–2014) ushered in transformative changes for the nation. Ratan Tata, revered for his contributions to industry and philanthropy, and Zakir Hussain, celebrated for his exceptional contributions to music, also left a void in their respective fields. Shyam Benegal, a pioneer of Indian cinema, was remembered for his groundbreaking films that redefined storytelling. Bachchan’s tribute underscored the essence of India's unity amid diversity. In a nation often defined by its rich mosaic of cultures, his message served as a poignant reminder of the shared values that bind its people together. India's former prime minister Manmohan Singh passes away As India remembers its heroes, the sentiment expressed by Amitabh Bachchan resonates profoundly: these individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, will forever be cherished as Indians first. Source: With inputs from wires