United News of Bangladesh

Former frontman of the legendary Bangladeshi band Miles and eminent singer Shafin Ahmed’s deceased body has arrived in the country on Monday from the United States. The beloved rockstar’s shocking death last Thursday (July 25) in a hospital in Virginia, United States, stunned the country’s music industry. His elder brother and Miles band leader Hamin Ahmed, who was supposed to go and receive the body in the United States on behalf of the family but could not fly at last, told the media on Monday that Shafin's body reached Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Monday (July 29) afternoon. His first namaz-e-janaza was held at Dar al Noor Islamic Community Mosque in Virginia, on Saturday at 1 pm (US local time). Hamin Ahmed informed the media that his second janaza will be held tomorrow, July 30, after Zuhr prayers at Gulshan Azad Mosque. The iconic rockstar will then be buried at Banani Graveyard. The Kulkhani of Shafin Ahmed will be held next Friday (August 2) at Gulshan Community Mosque, next to Banani Cemetery after the Jumma prayers. Hamin Ahmed, on behalf of the family and loved ones, has asked everyone to pray seeking forgiveness of the late Shafin Ahmed's soul and requested to attend his janaza and kulkhani. Born on February 14, 1961, in Kolkata’s West Bengal, India to the subcontinent’s pioneering music artists Kamal Dasgupta and Feroza Begum, the popular Bangladeshi rock bassist, singer-songwriter, and record producer breathed his last while on life support in a hospital in Virginia, United States, on Wednesday (local time) due to heart and kidney failure. According to 'Miles' keyboardist Manam Ahmed, the band debuted in 1979 under the initiative of Farid Rashid. In the beginning, the members of this band were Farid Rashid (bass and vocals), Kamal Mainuddin (drums), Musa Rahman (bass), Robin (keyboards and vocals), Ishtiaq Rahman (lead guitar), Happy Akhand (keyboards). After Ishtiaq Rahman left the band in 1980, Hamin Ahmed (guitar and vocals) joined. A few months later in the same year, Shafin Ahmed (rhythm guitar and vocals) joined the band. Robin left the band in 1981 and Manam Ahmed (keyboard) joined the team the following year. Happy Akhand became irregular in the team and also left the band around this time, and the band (Farid, Kamal, Hamin, Shafin and Manam) released an English cover audio album titled 'Miles' in 1982. In 1983, Shafin Ahmed left the band for personal reasons and moved to the UK and the rest of the band continued their activities as the Miles Band. In 1986, the band released their second English audio album 'A Step Further'. When Shafin Ahmed returned from the UK in 1990, he was brought back into the band as vocals and bass. Miles was preparing to record a Bengali album at that time, when Hamin Ahmed, Manam Ahmed, Milton Akbar (drums, joined in 1987) and Shafin Ahmed took Miles Band forward.  In 1992, the first Bengali album 'Protishruti' was released, and the popular song 'Chand Tara' (composed by Manam Ahmed, voiced by Shafin Ahmed) from the same album was aired on BTV's Eid special which later became a huge hit across the country. From then on, Miles never looked back. The band’s present drummer Syed Ziaur Rahman Turzo joined the band in 1996. Later in 1999, Syed Iqbal Asif Jewel joined as the guitarist, and this line-up continued taking the Miles team to entertain countless fans in the country and abroad with songs.  The songs of Shafin Ahmed's voice in the tune of Manam Ahmed started setting milestones one after another including popular tracks like 'Phirye Dao', 'Dhikhi Dhikhi', 'Chand Tara', ‘Jala Jala’, 'Piyashi Mon' etc. Despite his creative disputes with his bandmates at Miles, Shafin Ahmed performed and collaborated on every album of the band, starting with Miles (1982) and progressing to A Step Farther (1986), Protisruti (the band’s maiden Bengali album, 1991), Prottasha (1993), Prottoy (1996), Proyash (1997), Probaho (2000), Protiddhoni (2006), Proticchobi (2015), and Proborton (2016). Shafin Ahmed simultaneously made his place in the country’s music industry as one of its most popular and iconic singers, courtesy of his popular songs, including ‘Aj Jonmodin Tomar’, which is often considered as the anthem of birthday celebrations in the country. Written and composed by eminent music producer Prince Mahmud, the song was first featured in Prince’s mixed album Daag Theke Jay (2004). He also released several solo albums, including Tomakey (1987), Pagla Ghonti (1998), Chobi Ar Sritigulo (1999), Best of Shafin Ahmed (2001), Kotodin Dekhina Tomay (2006), Virus (2006), Harano Shukh (2007), My Love Songs (2010), and Mone Pore Aj (Nazrul Songs, as a tribute to his mother Feroza Begum, 2016).  

Films, series, and shows on Amazon Prime Video are packed with engaging storylines, impressive casts, and performances. Their selections of comedy, action, thrillers, and even reality shows amuse viewers worldwide. Every month entertainment lovers await new releases on this OTT platform. Here's a list of Amazon Prime originals coming in August 2024. 10 Must-watch Amazon Prime Originals Streaming This August . Batman: Caped Crusader | Animated Superhero Series | August 1, 2024 The animated series, from 6th & Idaho, Bad Robot Productions, and the famous Warner Bros. Animation, reimagines the pop-comic character Batman. Set in the criminals' paradise of Gotham City, the action series focuses on orphaned billionaire Bruce Wayne, who impersonates Batman to save the terrorized citizens. He has to face many undesirable consequences in this life full of conflict and chaos at every step. ‘Batman: Caped Crusader’ features the voice-overs of Diedrich Bader, Hamish Linklater, Jason Watkins, Christina Ricci, Jamie Chung, Eric Morgan Stuart, Mckenna Grace, and Haley Joel Osment. Created by Bob Kane and Bruce Timm, the superhero series is brought to fruition by directors Christopher Berkeley, Christina Sotta, and Matt Peters. Read more: Amazon Prime Video June 2024 Releases: Exclusive Films, Web Series, and Shows Influenced | Talk show | August 1, 2024 Unlike the other talk shows, this series is led by popular social media content creators and influencers. Spanning 30 minutes, the episodes will have social media stars Eyal Booker, Achieng Agutu, Cyrus Veyssi, Tefi Pessoa, and Taryn Delanie Smith as the co-hosts. Neither the podcast nor the traditional talk, ‘Influenced’ excels as the best of both, presenting everyday life in a new way to the audience. It will explore a wide range of topics like lifestyle, fashion, beauty, travel, food, home design, mental health, wellness, spirituality, and pop culture. Jill Van Lokeren serves as the showrunner and one of its producers, along with Reese Witherspoon and Hello Sunshine’s Elizabeth Sandorff, Sara Rea, and Sue Kinkead. Read more: Korean Dramas to Binge-Watch on Netflix in June 2024 The Mallorca Files (Season 3) | Crime Drama Series | August 8, 2024 Set on the glamorous Spanish island of Mallorca, this detective series boasts Dan Sefton as its creator, lead writer, and showrunner. The drama series centers around the detective duo of British Miranda Blake and German Max Winter, who eventually team up together despite their differing perceptions. In Season 3, under the supervision of Ines Villegas, they go through high-stakes adventures like treasure hunts, kidnappings, murders, and arson. Along the way, they get their mutual understanding and odd partnership tested. The new season features international guest celebrities including Philippe Brenninkmeyer, Enrique Arce, Charlie Higson, David Mora, Leonor Watling, Elena Saurel, and Michael Jibson. Sarah-Lou Hawkins, Dan Muirden, Emily Fairweather, Alex McBride, and Jackie Okwera have also contributed to the script for Season 3. The series flourishes with Dominic Barlow as the producer, and Kate Cheeseman, Craig Pickles, and Rob Evans directing the latest season. Read more: June 2024 Bollywood Buzz: 10 Most Hyped Hindi Film Releases One Fast Move | Action Film | August 8, 2024 Starring KJ Apa, Maia Reficco, Eric Dane, Austin North, and Edward James Olmos, this movie thrives under the meticulous writing and directing of Kelly Blatz. The production credit goes to Mike Karz and Bill Bindley. The movie tells a dream-come-true story where a young lad sets out in search of his estranged father to become a professional motorcycle racer. He vows to overcome the obstacles created by his father's absence. The boy’s girlfriend, the owner of a motorcycle shop, joins this endeavor making the storyline more interesting. Read more: July 2024 Netflix English Originals: Top 10 Must-Watch Releases 5x Comedia (Season 2) | Comedy TV Show | August 8, 2024 The creator of this Brazilian anthology TV series is Monique Gardenberg, who adapted it from the theater franchise of the same name created by Silvia Gardenberg. The theme highlights the social isolation that emerged in the context of the Coronavirus pandemic. Following that backdrop, the new season will focus on the revolutionary changes in people's work lives. Season two stars Lazaro Ramos, Fabiana Karla, Ingrid Guimaraes, Fernanda Paes Leme, and the only returning cast member, Rafael Portugal. The comedy show is shaped by the directing of Monique, and the actor Lazaro, along with Rodrigo Vander Put, Flavia Lacerda, Rafael Primot, and Ian SBF. The production team includes Maria Angela De Jesus, Tereza Gonzalez, and Jeffrey Neale. Read more: July 2024 Amazon Prime Originals: Must-Watch Shows, Series, and Movies

The ongoing student protest demanding quota reform took a wild turn on Tuesday, and popular celebrities from different sectors in the country’s entertainment industry took to social media to express their feelings on the nationwide chaotic situation. Popular actors, filmmakers and social media personalities including actress Pori Moni, Tama Mirza, Shobnom Bubly, Puja Cherry, Jessia Islam, Rukaiya Jahan Chamak,  actor Siam Ahmed, Nasir Uddin Khan, Salman Mohammad Muqtadir, Niloy Alamgir, Khairul Basar, Irfan Sazzad, content creator Iftekhar Rafsan, filmmakers including Raihan Rafi, Asfaque Nipun, Khijir Hayat Khan, Fakhrul Arefeen Khan, Redoan Rony, Shihab Shaheen, cartoonist Morshed Mishu, author-publisher Mohammad Nazimuddin and many others expressed their anger, solidarity and hopefulness regarding the quota reform protest. Besides, several celebrated music stars including music director Prince Mahmud, lyricist-writer-poet Latiful Islam Shibly, singer Tasrif Khan, Ahmed Hasan Sunny, Zunayed Evan, Sina Hasan, Mac Haque, Ziaur Rahman and others, to name a few; alongside popular bands including Ashes, Indalo, Nemesis, Kaaktaal, Shohojia, Shonar Bangla Circus and many more showcased their support for the protesting students and the deceased amid the chaos of Tuesday. A particular image of a female bloodied Dhaka University student shivering in fear after being brutally beaten during the quota reform clash went viral on social media. Sharing the image, Pori Moni wrote: "If you remain silent about violence against women, you are a hypocrite." “Live with backbone, as long as you live” - this was written on a Facebook post on July 15 by Abu Sayed, a student of the English Department at the Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur and one of the organisers of the quota reform movement who was killed on Tuesday during a clash between police and protesters seeking quota reform on the campus.  Prominent director Ashfaque Nipun reposted that quote, adding: “Let’s live with the backbone as long we live.” Model and actress Jessia Islam wrote: “I stand with the students of Bangladesh in their protest against the reinstatement of the quota system in government jobs, advocating for a fair and merit-based selection process.” Singer-musician and Bangla Five vocalist Sina Hasan wrote: “As an artist, I boycott the "Joy Bangla" concert. May I never be invited as an artist or audience to this concert, and if the other members of my band don't agree, I won't hesitate to leave Bangla Five, even though my bandmates don't have that possibility at all.” YouTuber and social media celebrity Salman Muqtadir, known for his bold personality and sharp-tongued statements, offered necessary accommodation and assistance to protesting and affected students. Screengrabs of him personally helping in such contexts have gone viral and are being appreciated among the netizens. Another popular YouTuber Iftekhar Rafsan, better known as 'Rafsan the Chotobhai' - wrote: "Campuses are supposed to be safe places for the students. Ours have been turned into battlefields which should never have happened in the first place. Unacceptable! This must stop now. We must remember that we are humans first, May Allah protect everyone." Several of these celebrities have also either changed the profile pictures of their respective profiles and pages or shared cartons-caricatures, in solidarity with the ongoing quota reform protest of the students.

Shannen Doherty, the “Beverly Hills, 90210” star whose life and career were roiled by illness and tabloid stories, has died at 53. Doherty died Saturday, according to a statement from her publicist, Leslie Sloane. She had had breast cancer for years. “The devoted daughter, sister, aunt and friend was surrounded by her loved ones as well as her dog, Bowie. The family asks for their privacy at this time so they can grieve in peace,” Sloane said in a statement. The news was first reported by People magazine. Her illness was publicly revealed in a lawsuit filed in 2015 against her former business managers, in which she alleged they mismanaged her money and allowed her health insurance to lapse. She later shared intimate details of her treatment following a single mastectomy. In December 2016, she posted a photo of her first day of radiation, calling the treatment "frightening" for her. In February 2020, Doherty revealed that the cancer had returned and she was at stage four. She said she came forward because her health conditions could come out in court. The actor had sued insurance giant State Farm after her California home was damaged in a fire in 2018. A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Doherty moved to Los Angeles with her family at age 7 and, within a few years, became an actor. “It was completely my decision,” she told The Associated Press in a 1994 interview. “My parents never pushed me into anything. They support me. It really wouldn’t matter if I was a professional soccer player — they’d still be as supportive and loving.” Robert Towne, Oscar-winning writer of ‘Chinatown,’ dies at 89 As a child star, she worked steadily in such TV series as “Little House on the Prairie,” in which she played Jenny Wilder. She detoured as a teenager to the big screen in “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” (1985) and “Heathers.” In 1990, the doe-eyed, dark-haired actor won her breakout role as Brenda Walsh in producer Aaron Spelling’s hit teenage melodrama set in posh Beverly Hills. She and Jason Priestley’s Brandon, Brenda’s twin brother, were fish-out-of-water Midwesterners. But Doherty’s fame came with media scrutiny and accounts of outbursts, drinking and impulsiveness — the latter most notably after a very brief marriage to George Hamilton’s son. She left “90210” at the end of its fourth season in 1994 (the show aired until 2000), reportedly removed by Spelling because of conflicts with her co-stars and chronic lateness. But in her 1994 AP interview, Doherty described her life as peaceful. “It must be, if you pick up the Enquirer and find the only thing they can write about me is that I installed a pay phone next to my house and was seen at Stroud’s (a discount bed-and-bath chain) buying $1,400 worth of bed linens and wouldn’t go to an expensive store,” she said. “It must be calm if they’re pulling that stuff out of their heads.” Three years later, in 1997, Doherty was sentenced to anger-management counseling by a Beverly Hills Municipal Court judge after she allegedly smashed a beer bottle onto a man’s windshield during a quarrel. In another legal scrape, she pleaded no contest after a 2001 drunken driving arrest and was ordered to serve five days in a work-release program. Albania's world-renowned novelist Ismail Kadare dies at 88 Doherty reunited with Spelling when he cast her in 1998 as Prue Halliwell in “Charmed.” In an AP interview that year, the actor expressed regrets about her past. “I did bring a lot of it on myself,” Doherty said. “I don’t think I can point fingers and say, ‘Oh, YOU’RE to blame.’ And I don’t do that with myself, either. Because I was just growing up.” Her personality was “grotesquely misconstrued” by the media, Doherty added. Spelling said at the time that their relationship was never as bad as some made it seem. “We had a few bumps along the road, but golly, who doesn’t?” said Spelling, who died in 2006. “Everything Shannen did was blown out of proportion by the rag sheets.” Doherty co-starred with Holly Marie Combs and Alyssa Milano in “Charmed” from 1998-2001, at which point her character was replaced by one played by Rose McGowan. Doherty appeared in the “90210” sequel series seven years later, along with original series star Jennie Garth, and competed on “Dancing with the Stars” in 2010. She also worked on the third “Beverly Hills, 90210” reboot, called “BH90210,” a meta send-up of the show that aired for one season in 2019. Doherty struggled to recapture her “Beverly Hills, 90210” star status, but worked in big-screen films including “Mallrats” and “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” and in such TV movies as “A Burning Passion: The Margaret Mitchell Story,” in which she played the “Gone with the Wind” author. A nadir was “Blindfold: Acts of Obsession,” an erotic thriller opposite Judd Nelson. Darrell Christian, former AP managing editor and sports editor, dies at 75 Doherty's lawsuit against her ex-business managers was settled in 2016. She was open about the toll that cancer was taking on her. She posted photos that showed the baldness that followed treatment and, in an August 2016 interview with “Entertainment Tonight,” shared her fears. “The unknown is always the scariest part,” she said. “Is the chemo going to work? Is the radiation going to work?” she said. “Pain is manageable, you know living without a breast is manageable, it’s the worry of your future and how your future is going to affect the people that you love.” Doherty’s second marriage, in 2002, was to Rick Salomon, who was involved in a sex-tape incident with Paris Hilton. The marriage was annulled within a year. In 2011, Doherty married photographer Kurt Iswarienko. She filed for divorce in April 2023.

Bongo, a digital entertainment platform, is set to release its latest original drama, ‘Kanta’ (The Thorn), tomorrow, July 12. Written and directed by Riyad Mahmud, ‘Kanta’ explores the pervasive issue of corruption in everyday offices, focusing on the story of a clerk who misuses his position for personal gain. The recently released trailer on Bongo's social media platforms introduces the main character, Fazlu, portrayed by popular actor and director Sharaf Ahmed Zibon, said a press release. Fazlu is a clerk who withholds people's files to extort bribes, thereby significantly improving his household's financial situation. Mostofa Sarwar Farooki's Debut Web Series "Ladies and Gentlemen" is now on digital platform However, his life takes an unexpected turn when a fishbone gets lodged in his throat during a meal. The unfolding events promise to be both humorous and thought-provoking, urging viewers to question the real cost of corruption. Mushfiqur Rahman Manzu, Bongo's Chief Content Officer, commented on the drama's relevance and appeal: “Kanta is a very timely story. Through humor, it highlights a harsh reality of today's society. Bongo always strives to bring unique and engaging stories to our audience. I believe the audience will relate very well to the story of ‘Kanta’.” ‘Emon Jodi Hoto’: a unique rendezvous of popular Bengali literary characters on television The cast of ‘Kanta’ also includes notable actors such as Solaiman Khoka, Twink Carol, Saiful Islam Rafi, and Sushma Sarkar, who bring depth and dynamism to their respective roles. Viewers can catch the premiere of ‘Kanta’ tomorrow on the Bongo app and website.

Recently, rumours have been circulating online that Cartoon Network, the popular American cable television channel adored by its young audiences worldwide for cartoons like Tom and Jerry, The Flintstones, Scooby-Doo, and more, is shutting down. However, multiple sources have confirmed that the claims are incorrect. The speculation and rumours about Cartoon Network's demise have originated from a trend that went viral on X (formerly Twitter) with the hashtag "RIP Cartoon Network" on Tuesday, and soon it broke the internet. A group called Animation Workers Ignited, which appears to be connected to the animators' union, made that tweet. However, several reputable news outlets, including international news agency Marca, Indian news mediums The Times of India, Pinkvilla, Hindustan Times, and many other news outlets, have confirmed that Cartoon Network is not shutting down. The misleading tweet asked its followers to post about their favourite Cartoon Network shows using the #RIPCartoonNetwork hashtag, which raised concerns among fans across many countries, including Bangladesh, that the channel is on the verge of its demise and would soon announce the closing of its studio. The heartbroken fans started sharing a picture of the network's former headquarters on social media outlets including Facebook, Instagram, and X, which was reportedly shot last year after the firm moved its operations, further intensifying rumours of an official closure. X has since clarified the matter by issuing community notes on the posts, writing, “Cartoon Network has not shut down, there is no evidence to suggest that it is shutting down. The associated hashtag #RIPCartoon Network originates from Animation Workers Ignited, an account advocating for the unionisation of animators.” Launched on October 1, 1992, Cartoon Network is one of the most popular children's television channels in the world. The channel became a household name to the millions and also to Bangladeshi audiences, with the arrival of cable television networks and international television channels in the country during the 1990s. Tom and Jerry, Scooby Doo, The Powerpuff Girls, Popeye the Sailor, Dexter's Laboratory, Courage the Cowardly Dog, Johnny Bravo, Looney Tunes, Bob the Builders, Jumanji, and Ben 10 are some of the most popular cartoon shows on the channel, which garnered massive popularity in Bangladesh as well, especially among the 90’s kids.

Gird your loins! Disney is officially working on a sequel to the iconic 2006 film “The Devil Wears Prada,” according to multiple media reports. Fans will be thrilled to hear that Meryl Streep is set to return as the formidable Runway editor, Miranda Priestly. Joining her will be Emily Blunt, reprising her role as Miranda’s sharp-tongued assistant, Emily Charlton, as confirmed by E! News. Read more: Sy Huq becomes first Bangladeshi-American creative executive in Japan’s anime industry While Anne Hathaway has not been confirmed to reprise her role as Andy Sachs, there is plenty of star power returning. Original producer Wendy Finerman and screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna are both on board for this exciting sequel, per Variety. The plot details are already stirring excitement. The sequel will delve into the challenges Miranda faces as the magazine publishing industry declines. In a twist, the only person who can save her is her former assistant, Emily, who has now risen to become a high-powered executive at a luxury fashion group, according to Puck. Anne Hathaway has previously shared her thoughts on a potential sequel. “I don’t think a continuation of that story is probably ever gonna happen,” she told E! News in March. However, she expressed gratitude for the film’s enduring popularity, adding, “The reason that movie felt so special was that we were a team and we did that work, but really it’s the love that everybody pours into it.” Read more: August 2024 Netflix English Originals Lineup: Top 10 Most-hyped Releases

Netflix continues to redefine entertainment with its diverse and innovative content, offering something for everyone. From pulse-pounding thrillers to gut-busting comedies and soul-stirring dramas, every film and series offers a unique journey. August's lineup promises to whisk viewers away on unforgettable adventures with storytelling magic that knows no bounds. Let’s dive into an exclusive sneak peek of the 10 English-language Netflix originals debuting this August. August’s Top 10 English Originals to Stream on Netflix Unstable (Season 2) / Comedy Series / August 01, 2024 Crafted by the dynamic trio of Victor Fresco, Rob Lowe, and his son John Owen Lowe, this workplace comedy series boasts Andrew Gurland as its showrunner and Claire Scanlon as the director. ‘Unstable’ follows the quirky entrepreneur Ellis as he reconnects with his estranged son Jackson, who returns home to help his father navigate an emotional crisis. In the second season, Ellis devises a series of challenges and mind games to test if Jackson has the potential to inherit the Dragon Empire. However, a new arrival might have different plans. Read more: Sy Huq becomes first Bangladeshi-American creative executive in Japan’s anime industry Alongside the Lowes, returning cast members include Rachel Marsh, Sian Clifford, Aaron Branch, and Emma Ferreira, with new recurring guest stars Iris Apatow and Lamorne Morris. Rebel Moon: Chapter One and Two / Space Opera / August 02, 2024 This double-packed science fiction represents the renowned filmmaker Zack Snyder's director's cuts of his inaugural Rebel Moon franchise films. The first installment is now titled ‘Rebel Moon - Chapter One: Chalice of Blood’, and the sequel is defined as ‘Rebel Moon - Chapter Two: Curse of Forgiveness’. In Snyder’s cuts, a tranquil settlement on a distant moon faces the imminent threat of Regent Balisarius's tyrannical forces. Kora, a mysterious stranger, is tasked with assembling a team of skilled warriors to mount an improbable defense against the Motherworld. Her motley crew - comprising outsiders, insurgents, peasants, and war orphans - all seek redemption and revenge. The cast features Sofia Boutella, Ed Skrein, Djimon Hounsou, Charlie Hunnam, Michiel Huisman, Ray Fisher, Doona Bae, and Anthony Hopkins as the voice of 'Jimmy'. Read more: Hollywood's Top 10 Most Thrilling Snake Films Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli / Documentary / August 2, 2024 This docu-film delves into the world of S.S. Rajamouli, the creator of ‘Baahubali’ (2015-2017), one of India’s most ambitious cinematic ventures, and the trailblazer who clinched an Oscar with RRR (2022). Directed by Raghav Khanna and Tanvi Ajinkya, ‘Modern Masters: SS Rajamouli’ takes viewers on an immersive journey featuring interviews with Rajamouli, compelling narratives, and behind-the-scenes footage. Narrated by Anupama Chopra, the documentary also delves into perspectives from influential figures like Karan Johar, Joe Russo, and James Cameron. Delving into Rajamouli's world, the film illuminates perspectives from his close friends like Jr NTR, Prabhas, Ram Charan, and Rana Daggubati. Read more: Top 12 South Indian Films Releasing in July 2024 The Umbrella Academy (Season 4) / Superhero Action / August 08, 2024 Season 4 marks the definitive conclusion of this series, created by Steve Blackman and adapted from Gerard Way's eponymous comic series. The plot revolves around a band of estranged siblings, each wielding extraordinary powers, brought together by the death of their father. The previous season unveiled a new timeline orchestrated by patriarch Reginald, where the siblings were stripped of their powers and faced new adversaries intent on erasing them from existence. The upcoming season promises answers to whether the siblings reclaim their powers to confront these foes. The action series boasts an ensemble cast that includes Elliot Page, David Castaneda, Tom Hopper, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Aidan Gallagher, Robert Sheehan, Colm Feore, Justin H. Min, and Ritu Arya. Read more: Top 10 Bollywood Movies to Watch in July 2024: Thrillers, Dramas, and Comedies Unveiled Daughters / Documentary / August 14, 2024 This touching docu-drama shadows four young girls as they prepare for a special Daddy-Daughter Dance with their incarcerated fathers. This initiative forms a distinctive facet of a fatherhood program operating within a Washington D.C. jail. Spearheaded by Angela Patton, a champion for the empowerment of Black girls, the program reflects her dedication to addressing the community's specific needs. Following the viral success of Angela Patton's 2012 TEDWomen talk on Date with Dad, filmmaker Natalie Rae approached her to document the program. Under the joint direction of Natalie Rae and Angela Patton, the filming took eight years to complete.

In March, Asia’s richest man Mukesh Ambani threw a three-day prenuptial bash for his son that included a 1,200-person guest list, including former world leaders, tech tycoons and Bollywood's megastars, and a performance by renowned singer Rihanna. It was only the start of their months-long lavish pre-wedding celebrations which have grabbed headlines and set off a social media frenzy. In May, the family took guests on a 3-day pre-wedding cruise from Italy to France, which included a DJ set from David Guetta, Katy Perry belting out her hit song “Firework” and a performance by Pitbull to cap it off, according to media reports. Finally, the wedding is set for next week, with Anant Ambani, 29, marrying his longtime girlfriend, Radhika Merchant, in what many have dubbed the wedding of the year. Here’s what we know: Who are the Ambanis? The father of the groom is Mukesh Ambani, 66, currently the world’s 9th richest man with a net worth of $116 billion, according to Forbes. He is also the richest person in Asia. His Reliance Industries is a massive conglomerate, reporting over $100 billion in annual revenue, with interests ranging from petrochemicals, and oil and gas to telecoms and retail. The Ambani family owns, among other assets, a 27-story private apartment building, named Antila, worth $1 billion in Mumbai. It has three helipads, a 160-car garage, a private movie theater, a swimming pool, and a fitness center. Ambani’s critics say his company has flourished mainly because of political connections during the Congress governments in the 1970s and 80s and subsequently under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rule after 2014. They say “crony capitalism” in India has helped certain corporations, such as Ambani’s, thrive. Hollywood's Top 10 Most Thrilling Snake Films The family patriarch has started passing the torch to his two sons and daughter. The oldest son, Akash Ambani, is now chairperson of Reliance Jio, their telecoms business; his daughter, Isha, oversees retail, while the groom Anant, the youngest, has been inducted into the new energy business. Who are the bride and groom? Anant has a bachelor’s degree from Brown University, according to Reliance Industries’ website, and oversees the conglomerate’s renewable and green energy expansion. He also runs a 3,000-acre (nearly 1,200-hectare) animal rescue center called Vantara in Gujarat state’s Jamnagar, the family’s hometown where guests in March spent days celebrating in the extravagant pre-wedding party. The bride, Radhika Merchant, 29, is the daughter of pharmaceutical tycoon Viren Merchant and is the marketing director for his company, Encore Healthcare, according to Vogue. She told the magazine that the two were introduced through mutual friends in 2017. “That first meeting just sparked something special between us, and it wasn’t long before we started dating,” she said. When’s the wedding and what’s expected? The main wedding ceremony is set for July 12, followed by a grand reception on July 14, according to local media. Celebrations are expected to be split between the Ambani’s Jio World Convention Center in Mumbai city and their family home. The dates were reportedly chosen based on the couple's birth charts, as is typical in Hindu custom, and deemed auspicious. Also keeping with tradition, the wedding will be preceded by days of traditional wedding events and rituals. On Friday, Indian social media was abuzz with videos from the couple’s sangeet, a ceremony where the bride and groom’s families perform dances for the guests. It also included performances by Bollywood stars like Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh and Salman Khan as well as Justin Bieber, who flew to Mumbai for the event, according to local media. The family also organized a mass wedding for more than 50 underprivileged couples last week, as part of the pre-wedding celebrations. Taylor Swift kicks off UK Eras shows as some fans wonder if singer is ready to say 'So long, London' Extravagant parties are the Ambanis’ specialty and next week’s events are expected to draw more celebrities, billionaires and world leaders. In March for the pre-wedding bash, the guest list included Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, former leaders of Canada and Qatar as well as Bollywood’s A-list stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone. In addition to Rihanna, Akon and Diljit Dosanjh, a Punjabi singer who shot to international fame when he performed at Coachella, also took the stage. In 2018, when his daughter married, Ambani made the headlines because of the grand celebrations, with pop sensation Beyoncé performing at the pre-wedding festivities. At the time, former U.S. Secretaries of State Hillary Clinton and John Kerry were among those who rubbed shoulders with Indian celebrities and Bollywood stars in the western Indian city of Udaipur.

Taylor Swift fans enjoy parsing the singer-songwriter’s lyrics for references to her romantic life and insights into her state of mind. But the pop superstar’s fans in the U.K. didn’t have to listen closely to her latest album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” to get the sense that Swift had soured on the country’s capital city after long making it a regular hangout and then her second home. The record’s fifth track is titled “So Long, London.” As Swift brings her blockbuster Eras Tour to London’s Wembley Stadium this weekend, some Swifties therefore are wondering if they are witnessing the beginning of an extended goodbye. London isn't ready to see her go. The area around Wembley was transformed for the shows, with fans posing in front of a giant mural of the singer and traveling stairs christened “Swiftie Steps” and other tributes. Swift announced that 88,446 people were in attendance at Friday's show in what she called "the most exhilarating city in the world.” Among the famous attendees: Prince William celebrating his 42nd birthday at the show and posing for a photo with Swift along with two of his children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. July 2024 Amazon Prime Originals: Must-Watch Shows, Series, and Movies Swift gave fans a wink and a nod toward her London life during one of her two solo acoustic surprise songs: a piano medley that opened with the London-set “The Black Dog" and segued into “Come Back, Be Here” and then “Maroon.” In addition to this weekend's shows, Swift will return to Wembley for five more in August to close the tour’s European leg. London is the only city on the tour where Swift is stopping twice. Some worry the arrangement may represent a swan song of sorts, while others think it just reflects a new era in Swift's bond with the Big Smoke. Whether “So Long, London” turns out to be a final chapter or a bookend to her valentine to the city, the song “London Boy,” Eras is arriving as an emotional milestone. “Her relationship now kind of assumes London won't be somewhere she will be. It's not like there is an American football player living here,” said Maggie Fekete, 22, a Canadian graduate student who credits the London references in Swift's music with orienting her when she moved to the city three years ago. “I think there will be a lot less London in her music, which is sad.” Stella Elgood, 25, of London, said Friday she assumed Swift would sing “So Long, London” at some point during her eight nights in the city but that Swift “will always be welcome.” Hollywood's A-listers are lining up behind Joe Biden. Will their support matter in November? “Especially since she dated Harry Styles, she’s been here in the Zeitgeist,” Elgood said. For those who haven’t been paying attention, Swift had a series of romances with famous British citizens (including Styles in 2012) that ended last year, when she started dating Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. The speculation surrounding “So Long, London” and a mournful companion song that mentions a London pub, “The Black Dog,” stems from the 2023 breakup of Swift and English actor Joe Alwyn, who were together for over six years. Alwyn is assumed to have inspired “London Boy,” a song from her 2019 album “Lover.” A special-edition “Lover” CD included what appeared to be a January 2017 diary entry in which Swift talked about being “essentially based in London” but trying to lay low. British tabloids later reported that Swift spent much of the COVID-19 pandemic sheltering with Alwyn in north London. The Sun newspaper reported in December that the multiple Grammy-winner had bought a large property in the area and was remodeling it to be her base in Europe. After Swift released “The Tortured Poets Department” last month, however, a writer for the British edition of ELLE magazine observed that Londoners had an opening “for an all-American A-lister who can slot into her place in our collective consciousness." “We had Swift before we lost her to her record-breaking, box office-breaking Eras Tour and now, it would appear that her vacant position has been filled by Zendaya,” writer Naomi May playfully posited before listing the various locations the American actor had been spotted with her longtime boyfriend, British actor Tom Holland. Either way, the capital is putting on quite a show of its own to make sure Swift and her fans feel appreciated. Guides are offering walking, bus and taxi tours that retrace her footsteps, including a kebab shop whose owner says his establishment is supplying sandwiches for the singer and her crew on Friday. Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour: ‘I am completely heartsick and devastated’