United News of Bangladesh

Actress Sushmita Sen is once again making headlines after former IPL chairman Lalit Modi defended her against past accusations of being a "gold digger," describing her instead as a successful and wealthy woman who earned her fortune through her own efforts. The debate dates back to July 2022, when Modi publicly announced that he was dating the former Miss Universe by sharing photographs of the two together. The announcement sparked widespread discussion on social media, with some users labeling Sen a "gold digger." Responding to the criticism at the time, Sen wrote on social media that she prefers "diamonds" over gold and dismissed the allegations. She also shared a photo with her daughters, Renee and Alisah, saying she was happy, unmarried and surrounded by love. Four years later, Modi revisited the issue during an interview with Humans of Bombay, where he rejected the accusations against Sen. "She's not a gold digger; I am a diamond digger," Modi said, adding that Sen is financially successful and owns an impressive collection of diamonds. According to Modi, the actress has built her wealth independently and enjoys a luxurious lifestyle that includes high-end accessories, luxury vehicles and an upscale home. Sen remains one of Bollywood's most recognized personalities and has often spoken openly about her unconventional career choices and decision to embrace motherhood while continuing her acting career. The actress is widely regarded as a self-made star, having established a successful career in the entertainment industry after becoming Sushmita Sen, the first Indian woman to win the Miss Universe crown in 1994.

Dhallywood actress Shobnom Bubly has announced the birth of her second child with actor Shakib Khan, sharing the joyous news with her fans and well-wishers through her verified Facebook page on Friday. In her post, Bubly wrote, “We are delighted to share that we have been blessed with a baby girl on May 11. Our hearts are filled with gratitude and happiness as we welcome this precious new member to our family.” Dhallywood megastar Shakib Khan appeals for wellbeing of Ilias Kanchan The actress also expressed her gratitude to her followers for their continued support, prayers, and well wishes. “Please keep our daughter in your prayers,” she added. The star couple previously welcomed their son, Shehzad Khan Bir.

Director Anurag Kashyap’s Bandar presents a dark and unsettling look at the criminal justice system, anchored by a compelling performance from Bobby Deol as a man trapped in a harsh prison environment after being accused of rape. Written by Sudip Sharma and Abhishek Banerjee, the film follows Samar Mehra, a fading entertainer whose life spirals out of control after a former girlfriend accuses him of sexual assault. The film explores themes of justice, privilege, public perception and the treatment of undertrial prisoners. Once arrested, Samar finds himself caught in a system where innocence and guilt become increasingly difficult to distinguish. His struggle intensifies as he faces a hostile prison environment, repeated bail rejections and widespread social condemnation. Deol’s portrayal of Samar has been widely praised for capturing the character’s emotional breakdown and vulnerability. Despite weaknesses in the screenplay, the actor effectively conveys the fear, confusion and desperation of a man trying to survive within a brutal system. The story raises questions about whether society and the legal system are too quick to judge those accused of serious crimes. However, rather than offering clear answers, the film leaves viewers to grapple with the complexities of the situation. The narrative also examines Samar’s declining personal and professional life. Financial troubles, health issues and fading celebrity status leave him vulnerable even before his arrest. His attempts to secure help from his girlfriend Khushi, played by Saba Azad, his sister Suhani, portrayed by Sanya Malhotra, and his lawyer Nitin, played by Riddhi Sen, prove largely ineffective. Much of the film takes place inside an overcrowded prison, where violence, intimidation and power struggles dominate daily life. The jail is portrayed as a place where survival often depends on forming alliances and adapting to a harsh code of conduct. The supporting cast includes notable performances from Raj B. Shetty, Natesh Hegde, Indrajith Sukumaran, Aamir Aziz and Sukant Goel, who bring authenticity to the prison sequences. However, the film has been criticised for its treatment of female characters. While women play important roles in the story, critics argue that the narrative remains focused almost entirely on Samar’s perspective, leaving other viewpoints underdeveloped. The portrayal of the complainant has also drawn criticism, with some reviewers suggesting that the film risks oversimplifying her character while emphasising Samar’s suffering. Despite its ambitious themes and strong performances, Bandar struggles with uneven storytelling and inconsistent character development. While it offers a powerful depiction of incarceration and the psychological toll of imprisonment, its narrative complexities and mixed messaging prevent it from fully realising its potential. Even so, Deol’s performance remains one of the film’s strongest assets, helping elevate a prison drama that is both thought-provoking and deeply flawed.  #From NDTV

Singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh has drawn criticism over a lyric in his 2026 song Aroma, which some social media users have described as offensive to the transgender community. The controversy resurfaced on June 1, coinciding with the start of Pride Month, as users and content creators on social media began analysing the song’s meaning and questioning its language. Although Aroma was originally released on April 23, debate over a particular verse emerged weeks later. Content creator Faith Michael expressed disappointment in an Instagram reel, saying, “The queer community did not expect this from you.” Michael said the track had initially been part of their playlist, but the meaning of the lyrics became clearer after online discussions prompted a closer review. “I translated the whole song. So apparently the song is about celebrating the idea of traditional masculinity and the best way to glorify masculinity is by putting the queer community down.” They further questioned the intent behind the lyrics, saying, “I seriously did not expect this from Diljit Dosanjh. He's working in the entertainment industry which is built, shaped and sustained by countless queer people. Did nobody question the lyrics before it was released? Did no one stop to think about the message it sends? Hope there's an explanation because being a chakka or hijra is not the same as being weak.” Several other creators also raised concerns, suggesting that reactions to the issue appeared selective, while others noted that Dosanjh also has queer fans who may feel hurt by the perceived message. The debate soon spread to X, where many users criticised the lyrics and questioned the message they believed it conveyed. As of now, Diljit Dosanjh has not issued any public response to the controversy.  #From NDTV

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan is reportedly set to marry his girlfriend, Gauri Spratt, in a private ceremony on July 5, according to media reports. The actor, who was previously married to Reena Dutta and filmmaker Kiran Rao, introduced Gauri to the media during celebrations marking his 60th birthday last year. At the time, he revealed that she was working with his production house. Before making the relationship public, reports had suggested Khan was dating someone outside the film industry. Speaking to reporters at the event, the actor joked that he had successfully kept the relationship hidden from the media. He also disclosed that he and Gauri had been together for around 18 months before going public, noting that her residence in Bengaluru helped them stay away from public attention. Originally from Bengaluru, Gauri Spratt is the daughter of Rita Spratt, a former salon owner. According to her professional profile, she studied at Blue Mountain School and later completed a fashion styling and photography course at the University of the Arts London in 2004. She currently manages a BBlunt salon in Mumbai and is reportedly the mother of a young son. Khan married his childhood friend Reena Dutta in 1986, and the couple have two children, Junaid and Ira. They divorced in 2002 after 16 years of marriage. He later married Kiran Rao in 2005 after the two met during the production of the Oscar-nominated film Lagaan. The couple separated in 2021 but continue to co-parent their son Azad. In a recent interview with Navbharat Times, Khan described himself as fortunate to have found happiness with Gauri. He said her presence had brought him peace and that the couple were enjoying their life together. Over the past year, Khan and Gauri have appeared together at several public events, including the Macau International Comedy Festival in China. Source: NDTV

Producer Nikhil Dwivedi has come out in support of Ranveer Singh amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE)’s non-cooperation directive against the actor over his reported exit from Farhan Akhtar’s Don 3. Dwivedi raised concerns over how industry disputes are handled, stressing that while film associations play an important role in mediation, prolonged conflicts should ultimately be resolved through legal channels. He also questioned whether restricting an artist from working could amount to an “unfair trade practice.” Speaking to Entertainment Live, he said disputes in the film industry are not unusual given the large number of people involved in a production and highlighted the importance of contracts in managing such situations. Dwivedi added that associations should focus on reconciliation and act as mediators, but if no resolution is possible, they should step back and allow courts to decide the matter. He further argued that preventing someone from working could raise legal concerns, saying such restrictions may not be legally sustainable if they interfere with an individual’s right to earn a livelihood. His remarks come after FWICE announced a non-cooperation directive against Ranveer Singh, urging affiliated members not to work with him. FWICE advisor Ashoke Pandit said the body had tried to contact the actor multiple times without success. Ranveer Singh, however, responded through his spokesperson, expressing respect for the film industry and stating that professional matters should be handled with dignity and mutual respect. He later moved legal action against FWICE over the directive. The dispute has since escalated, with veteran producer TP Aggarwal also challenging FWICE’s move in the Bombay Civil Court. #From NDTV

Pop superstar Dua Lipa has married actor Callum Turner in a private ceremony in London. The couple, who have been together for more than two years, exchanged vows on Sunday at Old Marylebone Town Hall in a low-key event attended by close family members and friends. Photos from the ceremony showed Lipa wearing a white skirt suit, complemented by a wide-brimmed hat, matching gloves and high heels, while Turner wore a dark blue suit. A small group of guests celebrated the newlyweds by throwing confetti as they left the venue hand-in-hand. Lipa was also seen carrying a bouquet of pastel-coloured flowers. Lipa revealed her engagement to Turner last year in an interview with British Vogue, describing the prospect of building a life together as "a really special feeling." She also said Turner had designed her engagement ring with input from her sister and close friends. According to media reports, the couple plan to celebrate their marriage with a three-day event in Sicily later this month. Lipa, 30, is one of the world's most successful pop artists and headlined the Glastonbury Festival 2024 in 2024. Turner, 36, is best known for his roles in the Fantastic Beasts films and has been widely mentioned as a possible future actor to play the iconic character James Bond. Old Marylebone Town Hall has long been a popular venue for celebrity weddings. Among those who married there are Paul McCartney and Linda Eastman in 1969, while McCartney later married Nancy Shevell at the same venue in 2011. Other celebrities who have tied the knot there include Ringo Starr, Melanie Griffith, Antonio Banderas and Liam Gallagher. Source: BBC

Veteran film producer TP Aggarwal has moved a Mumbai civil court challenging a non-cooperation directive issued by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) against actor Ranveer Singh over his reported exit from Don 3. Aggarwal, a former president of the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA), filed a petition before the Bombay Civil Court in Dindoshi against both FWICE and IMPPA, arguing that no individual, organisation or trade body has the legal authority to impose a ban or direct members not to work with a person. The dispute arose after FWICE reportedly issued a non-cooperation directive against Ranveer Singh following complaints from Don 3 producers Excel Entertainment over alleged losses and scheduling disruptions linked to the actor’s withdrawal from the project. Speaking to Indian media, Aggarwal criticised FWICE’s action, saying it exceeded the federation’s jurisdiction. He referred to previous legal rulings and a Competition Commission of India (CCI) case, which, according to him, established that such directives are beyond the authority of industry bodies. Aggarwal said contractual disputes should be resolved through legal channels rather than trade associations. He added that producers facing such issues should first approach their respective industry associations, which can attempt mediation before the matter is taken to court. He also questioned IMPPA’s silence on the issue and said the association should have intervened. Although no longer serving as IMPPA president, Aggarwal said he decided to seek legal intervention in his capacity as a patron of both IMPPA and the Film Federation of India. The court is yet to hear the matter. Source: NDTV

Two low-budget horror films created by young YouTubers dominated the North American box office this weekend, drawing large numbers of Gen Z viewers to theaters and outperforming major Hollywood releases. Leading the pack was Backrooms, a horror movie directed and co-written by 20-year-old YouTube creator Kane Parsons. The film earned an impressive $81.5 million from 3,442 theaters across the United States and Canada during its opening weekend. The success is particularly remarkable because the movie was made on a budget of just $10 million. Its opening weekend revenue nearly matched that of The Mandalorian and Grogu, which had debuted at the top of the box office the previous week. Another YouTuber-directed horror film, Obsession, also continued its strong run. Directed by 26-year-old YouTube creator Curry Barker, the film earned $26.4 million in its third weekend, a 10% increase from the previous week. It secured second place at the box office, ahead of the latest Star Wars installment, which earned $25 million and dropped sharply from its debut. Industry observers say the success of these films suggests YouTube creators may be helping bring younger audiences back to movie theaters rather than drawing them away. The weekend also saw the release of family comedy The Breadwinner, starring comedian Nate Bargatze, and World War II drama Pressure featuring Oscar-winning actor Brendan Fraser. However, it was the YouTuber-led horror films that attracted the biggest crowds. Both "Backrooms" and "Obsession" were produced by Blumhouse Productions and Atomic Monster. Abhijay Prakash, president of Blumhouse-Atomic Monster, described the weekend as a major milestone for the company, which has long focused on original horror films aimed at younger audiences. He said the studio has actively searched YouTube for emerging talent and believes the latest success could encourage more filmmakers from digital platforms to enter Hollywood. "Backrooms" began as an internet horror phenomenon before Parsons transformed it into a popular web series using open-source animation software. The concept eventually attracted major producers and was adapted into a feature film starring Chiwetel Ejiofor and Renate Reinsve. The film has also performed strongly overseas, earning $118 million globally so far. Distributor A24 said Parsons has become the youngest director ever to have the world's top-grossing film. The movie also delivered the biggest opening weekend in the studio's history, surpassing Civil War. Audience surveys showed that younger moviegoers drove the film's success. About 86% of viewers were under 35 years old, while more than half were under 25. Many attended in groups, resulting in sold-out screenings and repeat visits. The popularity of both R-rated horror films has become so intense that some theaters have reportedly stationed employees outside screening rooms to ensure younger viewers are accompanied by adults where required. Meanwhile, "Obsession" has now earned $104.7 million in North America, becoming the highest-grossing domestic release ever for Focus Features. Cinema operators said the strong turnout demonstrates that audiences are still eager to visit theaters when compelling content is available. "The Mandalorian and Grogu" fell nearly 69% from its opening weekend but has still earned $246.6 million globally. The musical biopic Michael finished fourth with $11.7 million, bringing its domestic total to $339.9 million. Sony's "The Breadwinner" rounded out the top five with $7.5 million, while "Pressure" debuted in seventh place with $5.8 million. Box office analysts said Hollywood has been searching for new ways to attract audiences back to theaters, and the strong performance of films created by internet personalities could point to a promising new trend for the industry.

Marcia Lucas, the Oscar-winning editor of the original 1977 ‘Star Wars’ film and a key creative force behind some of Hollywood’s most influential movies of the New Hollywood era, has died at the age of 80. A lawyer for her family said Lucas died on Wednesday from metastatic cancer in Rancho Mirage, California, surrounded by loved ones. She was once married to filmmaker George Lucas, the creator of the ‘Star Wars’ franchise, from 1969 to 1983. Marcia Lucas won an Academy Award for editing the original Star Wars film, later retitled Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. She also worked as editor on Return of the Jedi and earlier George Lucas-directed films THX 1138 and American Graffiti. She contributed to several major films of the 1970s, including Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver, Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore and New York, New York, helping shape the work of some of the era’s most important directors. During a period when few women held senior creative roles in Hollywood, Marcia Lucas became one of the most influential film editors of her time, alongside figures such as Thelma Schoonmaker and Verna Fields. She is often credited as an unsung but vital contributor to the success of *Star Wars*, helping shape the final structure and emotional flow of the film. She reportedly influenced key creative decisions, including the death of Obi-Wan Kenobi, played by Alec Guinness, which became one of the film’s most memorable turning points. Her editing work was especially critical in handling complex sequences such as the climactic space battle against the Death Star, which required assembling large amounts of footage into a coherent and fast-paced narrative. In a past interview, George Lucas praised her ability to shape the film’s structure, saying the editing process involved weaving together dialogue, action and multiple storylines into a seamless narrative. Born Marcia Griffin in Modesto, California after World War II, she later moved to Los Angeles with her mother following her parents’ separation. She began her career working as a film librarian before moving into editing roles for commercials and promotional films. She later worked as an assistant editor on a documentary where she met George Lucas, then a film student at the University of Southern California. The couple later married but eventually separated, finalizing their divorce after the release of Return of the Jedi. She later married Tom Rodrigues, a production manager, and remained with him until 1993. Lucas is survived by her two daughters, grandchildren and extended family. In a statement, her family said her work left a lasting impact on cinema. “Her influence on film is indelible,” the statement said. “Her editing was known for emotional intelligence, rhythm and humanity, bringing truth, clarity and heart to every scene.”