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.

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

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.”

Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has strongly criticized the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) for issuing a non-cooperation directive against actor Ranveer Singh over his exit from Don 3. The controversy began after producer-director Farhan Akhtar reportedly complained that Ranveer's withdrawal from the project caused losses of around Rs 45 crore in pre-production costs. FWICE claimed it sent the actor three notices seeking his response but received none, prompting the directive. Reacting on social media, Varma described FWICE as a "kangaroo court" and argued that the body has no legal authority to adjudicate disputes. He called the move an outdated display of power and urged that FWICE, not Ranveer, should face criticism. Varma also defended the actor, saying stars like Ranveer drive the film industry by generating employment and attracting audiences. He suggested the dispute should be resolved directly between the concerned parties rather than through industry bodies. Writer Shobhaa De also questioned FWICE's role, arguing that the issue should have been settled through legal channels. She warned that the directive could negatively affect technicians and workers dependent on projects involving Ranveer Singh. FWICE later clarified that it had not imposed a ban on the actor but had only issued a temporary non-cooperation directive until the dispute is resolved. Meanwhile, Ranveer Singh's team said the actor has chosen to remain silent out of respect for the film fraternity and the Don franchise, maintaining that professional matters should be handled with dignity and mutual respect.   Source NDTV

CBS News Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss has replaced the executive producer of “60 Minutes,” saying the long-running program needs a new direction to move forward. Weiss appointed Nick Bilton, a technology journalist and documentary filmmaker, as the new head of the show. Tanya Simon, who had worked with the program for 30 years and became executive producer about a year ago, will be stepping down. The changes come after a period of instability for “60 Minutes,” the iconic news program that began in 1968 and is famous for its ticking stopwatch. In a memo to staff on Thursday, Weiss and CBS News President Tom Cibrowski said they aim to build a version of “60 Minutes” that can succeed in today’s media environment. They said this includes expanding the show beyond its traditional one-hour format, strengthening its role across CBS News, and maintaining the high standards of fairness, ambition and fearless reporting that made it successful. Bilton, a former New York Times technology columnist, was described as someone who brings fresh energy and vision. In his own message to staff, he called “60 Minutes” one of the most important journalism brands in television history, but stressed the need to adapt to changing audience habits. He said while the show’s legacy should be preserved, it must evolve as the way people consume news continues to change. The shake-up also reportedly includes the departure of correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, according to a person familiar with the matter. Weiss, founder of the Free Press website, has been a controversial figure since joining CBS News under new management in October. Her decisions have drawn attention, especially regarding editorial choices and coverage. Last year, the network settled a lawsuit filed by former U.S. President Donald Trump over an interview with Kamala Harris. In another incident, a report on deportees was delayed at the last minute, with some inside the network questioning whether the move was politically influenced. Critics have been watching closely to see if Weiss is steering CBS News in a direction more favorable to Trump. Since her arrival, officials from his administration have appeared more frequently on the network, sometimes in interviews she helped arrange. In February, Anderson Cooper also left the program, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family, although his departure raised questions about whether it was linked to the leadership changes. Cooper had contributed to “60 Minutes” while continuing his role as host of CNN’s “Anderson Cooper 360,” which he has anchored since 2003.

A court in Austria is set to deliver its verdict on Thursday in the trial of a man who admitted planning an attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna nearly two years ago. Although the plot was stopped in time, authorities had canceled Swift’s three scheduled shows in August 2024 as a safety measure. The accused, a 21-year-old Austrian identified as Beran A. under local privacy laws, is facing charges including terrorism and involvement in a terrorist group. His lawyer said he admitted in court last month to charges linked to the concert attack. If found guilty, he could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison. Prosecutors say he planned to target crowds outside the Ernst Happel Stadium using knives or homemade explosives. Thousands of fans had traveled to Vienna for the shows, part of the singer’s highly popular Eras Tour. Following the cancellations, many fans gathered in the city centre to support each other. Beran A. is being tried alongside another suspect, Arda K., while a third man linked to the case is being held in Saudi Arabia. Investigators say the group had also planned coordinated attacks in Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates during Ramadan 2024, allegedly in the name of the Islamic State group. However, only Beran A. has been charged in connection with the Vienna concert plot. He has denied involvement in the wider plan for simultaneous attacks. The court is expected to hear final arguments and expert opinions before announcing the verdict, though it is not yet clear how long the process will take.

Acclaimed Bengali filmmaker Anik Dutta died on Wednesday afternoon at a private hospital in South Kolkata after suffering critical injuries in a fall from the terrace of his wife’s residence near Gariahat, family members confirmed. He was 66. Dutta was taken to a nearby hospital in a critical condition following the incident but later succumbed to multiple injuries. The filmmaker, grandson of Narendra Chandra Dutta, made his directorial debut with the acclaimed political satire Bhooter Bhabishyat in 2012. The film earned widespread praise for its unique blend of humour, political commentary and social satire, establishing him as a prominent filmmaker in the Bengali film industry. Over the years, Dutta directed several notable films, including Aschorjo Prodip, Borunbabur Bondhu and Aparajito. Released on the 101st birth anniversary of legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray, Aparajito paid tribute to Ray’s life and cinematic legacy. A devoted admirer of Ray, Dutta often reflected the celebrated filmmaker’s influence in his own storytelling and cinematic style. Known for his Left-leaning political views, Dutta was also an outspoken critic of the government led by Mamata Banerjee. His differences with the West Bengal government intensified in 2019 following the release controversy surrounding Bhobishyoter Bhoot, regarded as a spiritual successor to his debut film. The movie was allegedly prevented from screening in theatres, prompting protests and legal action. Later, India’s Supreme Court directed the West Bengal government to pay Rs 20 lakh in compensation to the film’s producer, Kalyanmoy Billy Chatterjee, and imposed an additional fine of Rs 1 lakh on the state. In its observation, the court said, “Free speech cannot be gagged for fear of the mob.” Dutta’s final directorial work was Joto Kando Kolkatatei, featuring actors Abir Chatterjee, Quazi Nawshaba Ahmed and Dulal Lahiri in key roles. Source: NDTV