Entertainment - The Daily Ittefaq

Sada Pathor tourist spot reopened after temporary closure

UNB — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 22:43:18 +0600

The popular tourist destination Sada Pathor in Companiganj upazila of Sylhet has been reopened for visitors after a suspension of travel due to rising water levels caused by heavy rainfall and upstream hill torrents. The site was reopened on Monday morning after remaining closed for a day, allowing tourists from Sylhet and other parts of the country to resume visits, said Companiganj Upazila... Details

Sylhet’s Sada Pathor shut to tourists due to flooding

UNB — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 16:41:02 +0600

Authorities have announced the indefinite closure of the Sada Pathor tourist destination in Companiganj upazila of Sylhet due to continuous rainfall and onrush of water from the upstream coupled with inclement weather. Companiganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Mohammad Robin Mia came up with the announcement while talking to reporters on Sunday. According to local sources, hilly onrush amid... Details

Anindita Oni’s First Solo Exhibition ‘She in Stone’ Opens in Dhaka

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 15:29:12 +0600

Artist Anindita Oni’s first solo art exhibition, She in Stone, opened at Daagi Art Garage in Hazaribagh, Dhaka, presenting a unique artistic exploration of womanhood, memory, and transformation through paintings created on natural stones. The exhibition, which began on June 19, features 30 artworks painted with acrylics on river-worn stones collected from the Mahananda River in... Details

France bans alcohol at music festivals under headwave alert

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 07:36:50 +0600

France has banned alcohol at some events at massive national music festival as a heatwave pushes temperatures towards record levels. The annual Fête de la Musique celebrations draw millions to the streets but with the most serious heatwave warnings being issued for 35 of France's departments, the government has banned alcohol consumption in public places under the red alerts, BBC... Details

Aamir Khan to marry Gauri Spratt on July 5

UNB — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 02:13:36 +0600

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... Details

Content creator Karina Kaiser passes away in Chennai

BSS — Sat, 16 May 2026 18:35:40 +0600

Content creator and actress Karina Kaiser has passed away while undergoing treatment in Chennai, India. She died late Friday night while receiving treatment after being taken to Chennai for advanced medical care due to liver-related complications. Karina Kaiser was the daughter of former popular footballer Kaiser Hamid. Her father confirmed the news of her death to the media here today.... Details

Certification of film ‘Contract Marriage’ suspended

UNB — Wed, 13 May 2026 23:13:42 +0600

The certification of the Bengali film 'Contract Marriage' has been suspended over allegations of contractual breach and irregularities. Model and actress Zeba Jannat alleged that she was verbally contracted to act in a single play and had participated in shooting of a few scenes. She later found that posters of the film 'Contract Marriage', featuring her still images, were circulating on... Details

Texas sues Netflix for 'spying' on users, including kids

Click Ittefaq Desk — Tue, 12 May 2026 17:04:32 +0600

Netflix has been sued in Texas over claims it collects data belonging to children and adults in the US state without their consent, and uses "addictive" design to keep them hooked. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton accused the streaming giant of "spying" on citizens saying it "records and monetises billions" of pieces of information about how users behave on the platform, despite suggesting... Details

Instagram drops private messaging globally

UNB — Fri, 08 May 2026 15:35:33 +0600

Instagram users around the world can no longer send highly private direct messages after parent company Meta disabled end-to-end encryption (E2EE) on the platform from Thursday. The move marks a major shift by Meta, which had earlier promoted the technology as the future standard for online privacy. End-to-end encryption is considered one of the safest forms of digital communication because... Details

‘Michael’ breaks music biopic record with $97m opening

UNB — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 11:28:59 +0600

The biopic Michael has made a strong debut at the box office, earning $97 million in the United States and Canada and setting a new record for music biopics, despite receiving poor reviews and facing production challenges. The film, based on the life of pop icon Michael Jackson, easily beat previous top openings in the genre, including Straight Outta Compton and Bohemian Rhapsody.... Details

Deepika Padukone announces second pregnancy with Ranveer Singh

UNB — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 12:56:04 +0600

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh have revealed that they are expecting their second child together. Along with the announcement, they shared a sweet glimpse of their daughter, Dua, who was born in September 2024. The couple posted jointly on Instagram, where the image featured little Dua holding a positive pregnancy test kit. Deepika kept the caption minimal, adding just two evil eye emojis.... Details

Last rites of Asha Bhosle at 4 pm with full state honours

UNB — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:37:56 +0600

The legendary Indian singer Asha Bhosle will be cremated at 4 pm with full state honours at Shivaji Park, Mumbai. Several political leaders and Bollywood celebrities rushed to pay their last respects. Asha Bhosle’s son, Anand Bhosle, gave an official statement outside the hospital after her demise. He told reporters that those who wish to pay their last respects can visit her residence... Details

Legendary singer Asha Bhosle passes away

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 13:47:55 +0600

Legendary singer Asha Bhosle, who mesmerised generations of music lovers with her evergreen and versatile voice, died. She was 92. Her son Anand Bhosle confirmed the news of her death and said, "She is no more. Her last rites will be held at 4 P.M. tomorrow at Shivaji Park in Mumbai", reports NDTV. Asha Bhosle was admitted to the Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai on Saturday, April 11. Her... Details

Legendary Indian singer Asha Bhosle hospitalised

UNB — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 09:31:36 +0600

Legendary Indian playback singer Asha Bhosle has been admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on Saturday. Her granddaughter, Zanai Bhosle, shared an update on her health on social media platform X, according to NDTV. Zanai Bhosle said that Asha Bhosle has been admitted to hospital following "extreme exhaustion and a chest infection". "My grandmother, Asha Bhosle due to extreme... Details

Tollywood star Rahul Banerjee drowns to death

UNB — Sun, 29 Mar 2026 23:25:15 +0600

Tollywood actor Rahul Banerjee drowned while shooting for a television serial in Talsari, near Digha, on Sunday. The 43-year-old, famed for the film Chirodini Tumi Je Amar, was filming the serial Bhole Baba Par Karega when the incident occurred. According to Anandabazar, he entered the water during the shoot and went under. Technicians on set later pulled him out, but he had been submerged... Details

Oscars 2026: Winners list in full

Click Ittefaq Desk — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 11:57:12 +0600

Hollywood's best and brightest have been honoured with the most coveted awards in the movie industry, the Oscars. One Battle After Another led the way with six wins, while Hamnet's Jessie Buckley and Sinners' Michael B Jordan scooped the top acting honours, reports the BBC. See the full list of winners and nominees below. Best picture WINNER: One Battle After Another Bugonia... Details

TikTok rules out end-to-end encryption

UNB — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 10:21:09 +0600

TikTok has said it will not introduce end-to-end encryption in direct messages, distancing itself from most major social media rivals and arguing that the feature could reduce user safety. End-to-end encryption ensures that only the sender and recipient can read a message, making it one of the most secure communication methods available to the public. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram,... Details

Rashmika Mandanna, Vijay Deverakonda tie the knot

UNB — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 20:10:07 +0600

Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda are officially married. The couple solemnised their union with a traditional Telugu ceremony held at 10:10 AM today, followed by another ritual in the evening that paid tribute to Rashmika’s Kodava roots. The much-awaited official wedding pictures have now been unveiled. Sharing glimpses from the ceremonies, Rashmika posted an emotional note... Details

Venue set for Vijay-Rashmika Udaipur wedding

UNB — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 14:54:33 +0600

The wedding venue of actors Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda in Rajasthan’s Udaipur has been finalised, with heightened security at the airport ahead of their arrival for the celebrations. The ceremony is confirmed to be held at ITC Mementos Udaipur, a secluded luxury property about 25 kilometres from the city. Nestled in the Aravalli hills, the venue offers complete privacy,... Details

Kamal Haasan and Rajinikanth's quirky film promo goes viral

UNB — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 12:15:32 +0600

Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan are set to reunite on screen after nearly 47 years, and the excitement among fans is palpable. On Saturday, the makers of the much-anticipated film, directed by Nelson Dilipkumar, released a captivating promo that quickly went viral. Tentatively titled #KHXRK, the film will feature the two legendary Tamil cinema icons in the lead roles, with music composed by... Details

The Chinese AI app sending Hollywood into a panic

Click Ittefaq Desk. — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 11:39:56 +0600

A new artificial intelligence (AI) model developed by the Chinese company behind TikTok rocked Hollywood this week - not just because of what it can do, but what it could mean for creative industries. Created by tech giant ByteDance, Seedance 2.0 can generate cinema-quality video, complete with sound effects and dialogue, from just a few written prompts, BBC reports. Many of the clips said to... Details

Britney Spears sells rights to entire music catalogue

Click Ittefaq Desk. — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 11:21:50 +0600

Pop superstar Britney Spears has sold the rights to her entire music catalogue, the BBC has learned. Spears, 44, is said to have sold to independent music publisher Primary Wave on 30 December for around $200m (£146m), BBC reports. The singer - whose protracted conservatorship long dictated her personal and professional life - is known for the hits ...Baby One More Time, Oops!... I Did... Details

EU warns TikTok to change 'addictive design'

Click Ittefaq Desk. — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 20:59:14 +0600

The EU has told TikTok it must change its "addictive design" or face heavy fines, after it found the video sharing platform had breached its online safety rules. It follows an investigation which began in February 2024 into the Chinese-owned app by the European Commission, BBC reports. In its preliminary findings, the Commission said TikTok did not "adequately assess" how features like... Details

Arijit Singh announces retirement from playback singing

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 09:06:56 +0600

Popular singer Arijit Singh has announced that he is stepping away from playback singing, a move that has surprised music lovers. In an emotional post shared on Instagram, the acclaimed vocalist thanked his listeners for their support over the years and said he would not take on any new assignments as a playback singer. He described his career as a “wonderful journey” and said he... Details

Messi meets Shah Rukh Khan during GOAT India Tour

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 15:35:56 +0600

Football superstar Lionel Messi met Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan and his son AbRam in Kolkata on Saturday as his much-awaited GOAT India Tour got underway, marking the Argentine legend’s first visit to India in more than a decade. Visuals shared by news agency PTI showed Shah Rukh Khan and young AbRam posing with Messi at the venue ahead of the main programme. AbRam was also seen... Details

Netflix to buy Warner Bros film and streaming businesses for $72bn

Click Ittefaq Desk. — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 19:54:11 +0600

Netflix has agreed to buy the film and streaming businesses of Warner Bros Discovery for $72bn (£54bn) in a major Hollywood deal. The streaming giant emerged as the top bidder for Warner Bros ahead of rivals Comcast and Paramount Skydance after a drawn-out battle, BBC reports. Warner Bros owns franchises including Harry Potter and Game of Thrones, and the streaming service HBO Max. The... Details

Mahmud Manjur selected Jury at two major film festivals

Click Ittefaq Desk — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:14:22 +0600

Bangladeshi lyricist and entertainment journalist Al Mahmud Manjur (pen name: Mahmud Manjur) has been selected as a jury member at two international film festivals taking place in the United States and Bangladesh within a short span of time. For the first time in the USA, the New York Bangla Film Festival 2025 will be held this December and Mahmud Manjur has been appointed as one of the jury... Details

Legendary Bollywood icon Dharmendra dies at 89

Click Ittefaq Desk — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 14:55:11 +0600

Bollywood icon Dharmendra has passed away at the age of 89. Karan Johar has confirmed with an emotional message. "It's the end of an era, a massive mega star, the embodiment of a hero in mainstream cinema, incredibly handsome and the most enigmatic screen presence. He only had immense love and positivity for everyone … his blessings, his hug and his incredible warmth will be missed more... Details

Hema Malini Reacts To Dharmendra Death 'False News'

Click Ittefaq Desk — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 14:42:20 +0600

Bollywood’s He-Man, Dharmendra, is currently admitted to Mumbai’s Breach Candy hospital, reportedly after complaining of breathlessness. The film industry and fans pray for the veteran actor’s well-being, and his family quashed reports of his death. Dharmendra is 89 and will be turning 90 in December, according to the Times Now News. Hema Malini issues statement... Details

Legendary Indian actor Dharmendra dies at 89

Click Ittefaq Desk — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 10:13:17 +0600

Veteran actor Dharmendra passed away on Monday in Mumbai, just days before his 90th birthday, his team confirmed to the media on Tuesday. The actor was reportedly rushed to Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital over a week ago following complaints of breathlessness. The actor was on ventilator support, reports The Telegraph India. In April, Dharmendra underwent an eye graft surgery. He would have... Details

Grand Theft Auto 6 delayed again until November 2026

Click Ittefaq Desk. — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 21:20:31 +0600

Grand Theft Auto 6 has been delayed - for a second time - until 19 November 2026. One of the most anticipated gaming releases ever, the sequel by developer Rockstar Games was due to come out in May 2026, BBC reports. It had already been postponed once before, from autumn 2025. But in a statement on Thursday, Rockstar said it needed extra months to to finish the game with the level of polish... Details

Pakistani rock band 'Jal' set to rock Dhaka

UNB — Sun, 02 Nov 2025 10:19:14 +0600

Putting an end to all speculation, the highly popular subcontinental 'Jal The Band' is once again coming to Bangladesh to rock the Dhaka stage. The year's best open-air musical event, the 'Sound of Soul' concert, will be held on November 28, 2025, at the 'Shodesh Arena' grounds near Dhaka's 300 Feet Road. Sharing the stage with Jal will be the pioneer of the country's rock music, Warfaze, and... Details

Trump to impose 100% tariff on movies made outside US

Click Ittefaq Desk. — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 22:58:42 +0600

The United States will impose a 100% tariff on all movies made outside the country, US President Donald Trump said in a post on Truth Social on Monday. "Our movie making business has been stolen from the United States of America, by other Countries, just like stealing 'candy from a baby'," he said on Monday, reports the Bangkok Post. Trump had threatened to impose such levies earlier in May... Details

Selena Gomez weds Benny Blanco

UNB — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 13:52:19 +0600

Singer and actress Selena Gomez has married music producer and songwriter Benny Blanco, sharing the news on Instagram with a photo of the couple kissing and embracing on a lawn. Blanco, 37, responded to Gomez’s post Saturday, writing, “My wife in real life.” Gomez, 33, wore a white halter-style bridal gown adorned with floral details, while Blanco donned a custom Ralph Lauren... Details

Hollywood icon Robert Redford dies aged 89

Click Ittefaq Desk — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 19:11:31 +0600

Robert Redford, the Hollywood icon turned director, dies at the age of 89. Robert Redford's publicist Cindi Berger says the actor died earlier today at his home "at Sundance in the mountains of Utah - the place he loved, surrounded by those he loved." "He will be missed greatly," Berger says, adding that the family are requesting privacy, BBC reports. Robert Redford was known for his roles... Details

IGCC, Indian High Commission organized 'Nazrul Sandhya'

Click Ittefaq Desk. — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 16:54:11 +0600

High Commission of India in Dhaka, through it’s cultural centre Indira Gandhi Cultural Centre (IGCC), organized a soul-stirring cultural evening titled “Nazrul Sandhya” on Thursday, 28 August 2025, at the ICC, Gulshan, to commemorate the 49th death anniversary of Kobi Kazi Nazrul Islam. The event aattracted a large gathering, including eminent artistes, cultural dignitaries,... Details

'Coolie' heading towards Rs 500cr mark

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sun, 24 Aug 2025 12:27:25 +0600

Rajinikanth’s action thriller Coolie recorded a significant bounce in domestic collections on its second Saturday, a week after its release. What's Happening On its second Saturday, the film registered a 70% jump in domestic collections. According to Sacnilk, Coolie earned Rs 10 crore nett in India on Saturday, compared to Rs 5.85 crore on Friday. With this, the film's 10-day... Details

Notun Kuri returns

BSS — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 14:41:55 +0600

Some creations do not simply endure; rather, they become part of a nation's heartbeat, echoing through generations. "Notun Kuri" is one such legacy: not merely a television programme, but also a living archive of dreams, a melody of childhood, and a movement that shaped the cultural soul of Bangladesh. Once upon a Friday, its name meant joy for every child and teenager across the nation. The... Details

Sony raises PlayStation 5 prices in US as tariff fears persist

Click Ittefaq Desk — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 13:15:05 +0600

Sony PlayStation 5 gaming consoles in the US will jump by around $50 (£37.16) from Thursday as the Japanese technology giant grapples with rising costs and a slowing video game market. Like many global businesses, the firm faces a "challenging economic environment", Isabelle Tomatis, Sony Interactive Entertainment's vice president of global marketing said in a blog post, BBC reports.... Details

Iconic children’s talent hunt ‘Notun Kuri’ to return in BTV

Click Ittefaq Desk — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 12:29:00 +0600

Bangladesh Television (BTV) is bringing back its legendary children’s talent hunt show ‘Notun Kuri’, the state-run broadcaster announced on its official social media handles last night (Tuesday), sparking a wave of nostalgia and celebration among viewers. Once a cultural phenomenon in the country’s mono-channel era, Notun Kuri aired on BTV from 1976 until its final... Details

Tagore‘s 84th death anniversary being observed

Click Ittefaq Desk — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 12:33:14 +0600

People across the country are observing the 84th death anniversary of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore on Tuesday, paying tribute to the literary legend fondly revered as the ‘Bishwakobi’ (World’s Poet). According to the Gregorian calendar, Tagore passed away on August 7, 1941, at the age of 80. However, the day is traditionally observed on the 22nd of Srabon in the Bengali... Details

Two Dhaka cinema halls shut again

Click Ittefaq Desk. — Sat, 02 Aug 2025 22:17:37 +0600

Two of Dhaka’s oldest single-screen theatres — Geet and Sangeet — have once again shut down operations due to the ongoing crisis in the Bangladeshi film industry, marked by a lack of quality new releases and a sharp decline in audience turnout. Located on the Dholairpar-Jurain Road beside the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway, the twin cinemas had been screening Bangladeshi films on a... Details

Peaky Blinders creator will write new James Bond film

Click Ittefaq Desk. — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 23:17:52 +0600

Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight will write the forthcoming James Bond film, Amazon MGM Studios has confirmed. The movie, which will be directed by Dune's Denis Villeneuve, is currently in development and being overseen by the studio after long-serving masterminds Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson stood down in February, BBC reports. Knight told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast: "It has... Details

Mahmud Manjur Wins Best Entertainment Journalist at 71 Media Iconic Awards 2025

Click Ittefaq Desk — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 13:05:36 +0600

Renowned journalist and lyricist Mahmud Manjur has been honored with the Best Entertainment Journalist Award at the 71 Media Iconic Awards 2025, held at Hotel Sky City in Dhaka. The ceremony recognized distinguished figures in media and culture across Bangladesh. Mahmud Manjur, who currently serves as the Arts & Entertainment Editor at Bangla Tribune, has long been regarded as one of the... Details

reFocus Awards Honors Mahmud Hossain Opu

Click Ittefaq Desk. — Sat, 26 Jul 2025 20:59:26 +0600

The reFocus Awards has announced the winners of its 2025 Black & White Photo Contest. This year's contest received an exciting. inspiring, and diverse pool of entries from 80 countries, each a testament to the enduring, timeless power of black and white photography, according to a statement. With that in mind, it is with great pleasure that we celebrate Mahmud Hossain Opu as an honoree,... Details

Coldplay 'KissCam' saga sparks debate on privacy in public spaces

Click Ittefaq Desk — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 16:26:12 +0600

A seemingly playful moment during a Coldplay concert has reignited global conversations around privacy in public, after a “KissCam” clip showing a startled couple quickly went viral — leading to online scrutiny, identification, and even resignation. The couple, later confirmed by tech firm Astronomer as its CEO and chief people officer, attempted to avoid the spotlight but... Details

Chris Martin warns fans after viral Coldplaygate moment

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 23:23:04 +0600

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin playfully warned fans to “get camera-ready” at Saturday night’s show — a cheeky nod to the kiss-cam chaos three days earlier, when he accidentally spotlighted Astronomer CEO Andy Byron cosying up to his head of HR. “We’re going to use our cameras and put some of you on the big screen,” the 48-year-old singer told the... Details

Humayun Ahmed’s 13th death anniv being observed

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sat, 19 Jul 2025 18:40:38 +0600

The 13th death anniversary of eminent playwright, novelist, lyricist and filmmaker Humayun Ahmed is being observed across the country on Saturday through various commemorative programmes. Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern Bengali literature, Humayun Ahmed passed away on July 19, 2012, at the age of 63, after battling colorectal cancer at Bellevue Hospital in New... Details

Netflix posts strong Q2 results

Click Ittefaq Desk — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 12:16:43 +0600

Netflix reported strong earnings for the April-June quarter, continuing its trend of steady growth, but still fell short of some investors' higher expectations. The streaming giant earned $3.1 billion in net income, or $7.19 per share, marking a 46% year-on-year increase. Revenue rose 16% to $11.08 billion, aligning closely with analysts’ projections. The company also slightly raised its... Details

Deepika Padukone first Indian actress to get a Hollywood Walk Of Fame star

Click Ittefaq Desk — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 11:52:58 +0600

Deepika Padukone has been chosen as the recipient of the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 2026. Deepika's name along with other notable personalities from the worlds of recordings, motion pictures, television, live theater/live performance and sports entertainment, were announced at a live press conference from Ovation Hollywood, according to the NDTV Movies. What's Happening ... Details

Over tourism forces The Louvre to shut doors

Click Ittefaq Desk — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 13:17:43 +0600

The Louvre, the most-visited museum in the world, came to a halt on Monday as staff members went on strike, protesting what they described as unmanageable tourist crowds. Thousands of visitors hoping to view iconic works like the Mona Lisa faced long, stagnant lines outside the museum's famous glass pyramid entrance designed by I.M. Pei. The strike began unexpectedly after a routine staff... Details

Pre-Order Begins for Mizanur Rahman Sohel’s ‘Ek Bochhore Kotipoti’

Click Ittefaq Desk — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 16:54:22 +0600

Author and entrepreneur Mizanur Rahman Sohel has unveiled his latest book, ‘Ek Bochhore Kotipoti’ (Millionaire in a Year), a strategic guide for aspiring entrepreneurs, business enthusiasts, and individuals committed to accelerating their path to financial success. The book is now available for pre-order across several online platforms, including Rokomari.com, Prothoma.com,... Details

Content creators need business license in UAE

Click Ittefaq Desk — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 12:45:52 +0600

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Actress Tanin Subha passes away

Click Ittefaq Desk — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 23:39:10 +0600

Dhallywood actress and a member of the Bangladesh Film Artistes' Association, Tanin Subha, passed away on Tuesday evening. She was 31. The actress had been on life support at Popular Hospital in the capital’s Dhanmondi since June 2 after falling critically ill, UNB reports. According to family sources, her kidneys, brain, eyes, and heart had ceased to function, and despite medical... Details

Film festival showcases what artificial intelligence can do on big screen

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sat, 07 Jun 2025 15:31:31 +0600

Artificial intelligence 's use in movie making is exploding. And a young film festival, now in its junior year, is showcasing what this technology can do on screen today. The annual AI Film Festival organized by Runway, a company that specializes in AI-generated video, kicked off in New York Thursday night with ten short films from around the world making their debut on the... Details

Hat-trick for Mahmud Manjur in May 2025!

Click Ittefaq Desk — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 11:53:34 +0600

Mahmud Manjur has achieved a rare hat-trick—earning the title of Best Lyricist from three different organizations within the same month. Though professionally an entertainment journalist, Manjur has been writing lyrics for films, television dramas and independent productions for over two decades. He is also closely involved with the country’s only lyricists' association,... Details

Shakib, Nisho’s midnight photo sparks frenzy in film industry ahead of 'Taandob'

Click Ittefaq Desk — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 10:45:44 +0600

The long-standing rift between Dhallywood superstar Shakib Khan and actor Afran Nisho appears to have come to an end, as they were seen together in a now-viral photo taken at Shakib’s office on late Tuesday. According to sources close to both, Nisho visited Shakib’s office for a lengthy conversation that lasted several hours. Also present at the meeting were Shahriar Shakil,... Details

Dissident Iranian filmmaker Panahi wins Cannes top prize

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sun, 25 May 2025 11:59:02 +0600

Iranian dissident director Jafar Panahi won the Palme d'Or top prize at the Cannes film festival on Saturday, using his acceptance speech to urge his country to unite for "freedom". The latest film from the 64-year-old, "It Was Just an Accident", tells the tale of five ordinary Iranians confronting a man they believed tortured them in jail, BSS reports. The core of the provocative and wry... Details

Power outage hits Cannes Film Festival

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sat, 24 May 2025 20:55:34 +0600

A major power outage struck southeastern France on Saturday, disrupting traffic and briefly halting events at the Cannes Film Festival as the prestigious event prepared to hand out its top prize. About 160,000 households in the Alpes-Maritimes department lost electricity after a high-voltage line fell Saturday morning, electricity network operator RTE said on X. The outage came hours after a... Details

Yes she Cannes

Nazmun Nesa Piari — Sat, 24 May 2025 11:45:55 +0600

Faith Elizabeth the founder of the organization “Yes she Cannes is proud of its impact and role at Cannes Film Festival at 2025. What does it achieve? It builds a community to empower women to take up space, lead with confidence and truly thrive at Cannes. More women’s stories are told with real impact not just on the film industry but on women’s live all over the world. Since launching the... Details

Rupankar returns with song by Mahmud Manjur

Click Ittefaq Desk — Wed, 14 May 2025 21:36:26 +0600

Rupankar Bagchi, one of the most celebrated vocalists from West Bengal, enjoys immense popularity in Bangladesh. Yet, he has recorded only a handful of songs specifically for the Bangladeshi audience. Addressing that gap, Ajob Records has recently released his latest single, Kemon Acho Tumi (“How Are You?”), according to a statement. The lyrics were written by renowned Bangladeshi... Details

Tom Cruise returns to Cannes with ‘Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning’

Nazmun Nesa Piari — Wed, 14 May 2025 15:01:02 +0600

Tom Cruise is making his return to the Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday, three years after debuting Top Gun: Maverick there. This time, he arrives with Mission: Impossible — Final Reckoning, the latest entry in the action-packed franchise directed by Christopher McQuarrie. The film is the most prominent Hollywood blockbuster featured at Cannes this year, further intensifying attention on... Details

Cannes prepares for 78th edition

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sun, 11 May 2025 23:30:46 +0600

Nowhere is cinema’s cross-border power more visible than at the Cannes Film Festival, which begins Tuesday under the shadow of U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs on foreign films. Often likened to the Olympics of cinema, Cannes brings together filmmakers, sales agents, and journalists from across the world. At its center is the coveted Palme d’Or, awarded to one of the... Details

Mustafa Zaman Abbasi passes away

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sat, 10 May 2025 11:20:02 +0600

Mustafa Zaman Abbasi, a renowned Bangladeshi musicologist and author, passed away at a hospital in the capital on Saturday. He was 87. Abbasi, who had been suffering from various old age complications, breathed his last at a hospital at Banani in the morning, according to family sources, UNB reports. He is survived by wife, two daughters and host of relatives and well-wishers. Abbasi, son of... Details

Disney to build its 7th theme park in UAE

Click Ittefaq Desk — Thu, 08 May 2025 10:39:32 +0600

Disney will build its seventh theme park, this one in the United Arab Emirates, the entertainment company said Wednesday. The waterfront resort will be built on Yas Island on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi city, already home to Formula One’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Ferrari and Warner Bros. amusement parks, SeaWorld and a waterpark, UNB reports quoting AP. Disney and Miral, the Abu Dhabi... Details

King Khan brings in modern Maharaja swag

Click Ittefaq Desk — Tue, 06 May 2025 13:12:37 +0600

It finally happened — Shah Rukh Khan has officially entered the Met Gala universe, and trust us, he didn’t just show up. He shut. it. down. On Monday night, Bollywood’s eternal heartthrob made history by being the first Indian male actor to grace fashion’s most elite red carpet. And no, he didn’t come to play — he came to reign, reports Gulf News. Punjabi... Details

Trump's film tariffs shock Hollywood

Click Ittefaq Desk — Tue, 06 May 2025 11:50:36 +0600

Hollywood reacted on Monday with skepticism to US President Donald Trump's announcement of 100% tariffs on foreign films, with movie insiders calling it a policy made up on the fly by a president who fails to understand how the industry works. "It makes no sense," entertainment lawyer Jonathan Handel said of Trump's idea, reports the Bangkok Post. Handel explained to AFP that many US... Details

Trump threatens 100% tariff on foreign-made films

Click Ittefaq Desk — Mon, 05 May 2025 10:19:20 +0600

In a post on his Truth Social platform Sunday night, Trump announced that he had directed the Department of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative to impose a 100% tariff on all movies produced outside the United States. “The American film industry is dying rapidly,” Trump claimed, accusing other countries of luring filmmakers with generous incentives. He argued that this... Details

GTA 6 set to launch in 2026

Click Ittefaq Desk — Fri, 02 May 2025 23:37:18 +0600

Take-Two Interactive TTWO.O on Friday pushed the release of "Grand Theft Auto VI" to May 26, 2026, extending the wait for the most hotly anticipated title in video-gaming history and sending its shares tumbling 8% in early trading. The title, developed by Rockstar Games, was previously slated for a fall 2025 launch. The franchise is the crown jewel in Take-Two's portfolio, accounting for a... Details

John Cena wins record-breaking 17th World Title

Click Ittefaq Desk — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 16:58:19 +0600

Popular wrestling superstar and Hollywood actor John Cena made history at WWE WrestleMania 41, winning his 17th world title and surpassing wrestling's living legend Ric Flair’s legendary 16-title record at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, United States on Sunday night. The dramatic main event saw Cena face Cody Rhodes, with the match turning chaotic when internationally popular rapper... Details

Sony announces PS5 price hikes in some regions

Click Ittefaq Desk — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 20:03:52 +0600

Japan's Sony said it has hiked the price of some PlayStation 5 consoles in select markets, but not the United States, because of "challenging" global economic conditions. The price of the PS5 digital edition, which has no disk drive, will rise by more than 10 percent in Europe, Britain and Australia, the company said, reports the BSS quoting AFP on Monday. The company said on Sunday in a blog... Details

Cannes rolls out the Red Carpet

Nazmun Nesa Piari — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 16:09:39 +0600

From May 13th to 24th the 78th festival de Cannes at the Côte d’Azur in France will attract actors, directors, producers and film lovers frem all over the world. Cannes has developed into number one film festival globally. It attracts world stars like Tom Cruise with his Action Movie “Mission Impossible” outside the competition for the Palme d’or. In Berlin film festival this is the Golden... Details

Oscars to add stunt design award for its 100th ceremony

Click Ittefaq Desk — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 11:44:32 +0600

After many years of impassioned calls for an Oscar recognizing the art of the stunt, the film academy has decided to give it an official award. An achievement in stunt design prize will be added starting with the 100th Academy Awards, which will recognize films released in 2027, the film academy said Thursday, UNB reports. “Since the early days of cinema, stunt design has been an... Details

'It is my best film, but I made one mistake'

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 11:36:34 +0600

Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan considers Dangal the finest performance of his career, though he admits making one minor mistake in the 2016 sports drama. Aamir, who portrayed Mahavir Singh Phogat in the Nitesh Tiwari-directed film, revealed that veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan was the first to notice the flaw, UNB reports. “It’s difficult for me to pick a favorite film, but Dangal is my... Details

Boxing legend George Foreman dies aged 76

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sat, 22 Mar 2025 11:40:09 +0600

The former boxing heavyweight champion George Foreman died on Friday at the age of 76, his family announced in a social media post. Foreman took part in the iconic "Rumble in the Jungle" match against Muhammad Ali in 1974. Although he lost that fight, he was a two-time heavyweight champion as well as an Olympic gold medalist, reports Deutshce Welle. "With profound sorrow, we announce the... Details

‘Songs of Hawkers’ staged at BSA

Click Ittefaq Desk — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 23:12:23 +0600

A comedy play titled “Songs of Hawkers” was staged at the Experimental Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Thursday, offering a humorous yet insightful portrayal of street hawkers’ lives. Organised by Alliance Française de Dhaka (AFD), the play will be reprised at the same venue at 3:30 pm on Friday, UNB reports. Directed by French theatre artist Zazie... Details

Conan O’Brien to host 2026 Oscars again

Click Ittefaq Desk — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 20:23:24 +0600

Conan O’Brien is set to return as host of the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, the film academy announced Monday. “The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech,” O’Brien said in a statement, UNB reports. O’Brien made his Oscars hosting debut this year, helping the show achieve its highest... Details

Next James Bond should be British: Pierce Brosnan

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 13:36:27 +0600

Actor Pierce Brosnan has said it is a "given" that the next James Bond should be British. In an interview with the Sunday Telegraph, the former Bond also said he thought it was the "right decision" for the franchise's long-standing producers to hand creative control to Amazon, BBC reports. "It takes great courage for them to let go," said Brosnan, who is Irish. "I hope that [Amazon] handles... Details

‘No Other Land’ wins Oscar

Click Ittefaq Desk — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 09:59:52 +0600

“No Other Land,” a documentary depicting Palestinian activists striving to prevent their communities from being demolished by the Israeli military, secured the Oscar for Best Documentary on Sunday. The film, a joint effort between Israeli and Palestinian filmmakers, follows activist Basel Adra as he risks arrest while documenting the destruction of his hometown at the southern edge... Details

'Pokémon series can last 50 to 100 more years'

Click Ittefaq Desk — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 11:22:31 +0600

The boss of The Pokémon Company believes the series can last for at least another 50 years if it continues to innovate. First launched on Nintendo's Game Boy in 1996, the video game has expanded into films, TV and toys to become one of the world's highest-grossing media franchise, reports the BBC. Most recently, the trading card game based on the cute creatures at the centre of its... Details

Shakira resumes world tour after illness

Click Ittefaq Desk — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 10:35:57 +0600

Colombian pop icon Shakira announced on Monday that she will continue her world tour with a performance in Lima, Peru, after a weekend show was cancelled due to a stomach illness. The four-time Grammy Award winner shared the update on her Instagram, confirming that the concert at Lima's Estadio Nacional will start at 8:15 p.m. local time, reports UNB. Shakira, 48, arrived in Peru on... Details

Renowned singer Pratul Mukhopadhyay passes away

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sat, 15 Feb 2025 14:57:52 +0600

Veteran Bengali singer-songwriter Pratul Mukhopadhyay has passed away. He was 83. After a prolonged illness, he breathed his last in the early hours of Saturday, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy in Bengali music. True to the spirit of his own song, it seemed as though he had set sail on an 'unknown sea', UNB reports quoting Anandabazar online. Mukhopadhyay had been battling health... Details

Shakira wins best Latin pop album

Click Ittefaq Desk — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 10:16:20 +0600

The 2025 Grammy Awards are recognizing some of the most talented performers and biggest hits in music. Beyoncé enters as the leading nominee for her acclaimed album, “Cowboy Carter.” The show began at 8 p.m. Eastern/5 p.m. Pacific and can be streamed via CBS and Paramount+, UNB reports. Shakira, Billie Eilish, Chappell Roan, Doechii, Sabrina Carpenter and Charli xcx are... Details

Legendary singer Sabina Yasmin in HDU

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 09:53:00 +0600

Sabina Yasmin, the iconic and popular Bangladeshi singer who was reportedly collapsed in the middle of her musical performance on Friday night which marked her glorious live performance comeback after a year of emergency hiatus, has been shifted to the High Dependency Unit (HDU) at a city hospital in the capital. She was initially admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) but later moved to... Details

Sky Force’ nears Rs100cr mark in India

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sat, 01 Feb 2025 13:01:35 +0600

Directed by Sandeep Kewlani and Abhishek Anil Kapur, ‘Sky Force’, featuring Akshay Kumar, garnered Rs 2.56 crore net in India on its eighth day at the box office. The film’s total net earnings in India have now reached Rs 89.06 crore, with expectations of surpassing the Rs 100 crore milestone over the weekend, UNB reports. On Day 8, ‘Sky Force’ recorded an... Details

Berlin looking forward to Int’l Film Festival ‘Berlinale 2025’

Nazmun Nesa Piari — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 13:02:04 +0600

At Berlinale 2025 the honorary Golden Bear for lifelong achievements goes to Tilda Swinton at the opening night on February 13th. She is world-wide respected as a outstanding actress. She is for a long-time member of the Berlinale Family. As early as 1986 she paid her visit at Berlinale in West Berlin as the city was still divided by a wall. In 2009 she was the president of the jury of... Details

Saif Ali Khan stabbed in attempted burglary, undergoes surgery

Click Ittefaq Desk — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 20:20:32 +0600

Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was stabbed six times by an unidentified assailant in an attempted burglary at his Mumbai residence early on Thursday. The incident occurred around 2am at his Bandra home, UNB reports. Khan was admitted to Lilavati Hospital at 3:30am, where he was immediately treated for injury. Dr. Niraj Uttamani, Chief Operating Officer at Lilavati Hospital, confirmed that... Details

23rd DIFF kicked off

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sun, 12 Jan 2025 10:40:22 +0600

The 23rd Dhaka International Film Festival (DIFF), showcasing 220 movies from 75 countries in five venues across the capital, officially kicked off on Saturday in the main auditorium of the capital’s National Museum. The festival this year is observing 50 years of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China, and the inauguration ceremony on Saturday was joined by the Information... Details

Dhallywood’s box office hits of 2024

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sat, 11 Jan 2025 15:29:08 +0600

Dhallywood had an eventful year in 2024, marked by modest growth and record-breaking milestones in the Bangladeshi film industry. Despite ongoing challenges, a handful of blockbuster films shattered expectations, setting new benchmarks for box office earnings and audience engagement, UNB reports. Much like 2023, star-powered productions led the charge, captivating moviegoers nationwide. In... Details

Vandalism halts Hanif Sanket’s ‘Ityadi’ filming in Thakurgaon

Click Ittefaq Desk — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 19:24:20 +0600

Filming for the extremely popular BTV programme “Ityadi,” hosted by Hanif Sanket, was cancelled due to a violent altercation and vandalism in Thakurgaon district on Thursday night. An episode of “Ityadi” was being filmed at the historic Raja Tongkanath Palace in Ranisankail upazila when chaos ensued after a crowd of over 100,000 people gathered for the event, far... Details

Veteran actor Prabir Mitra passes away

Click Ittefaq Desk — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 13:28:57 +0600

Renowned actor Prabir Mitra, fondly known as the "Nawab of the Silver Screen," has passed away. He was 81. He breathed his last on Sunday (January 5) at 10:10 PM while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Dhaka, his family said, UNB reports. The popular actor had been battling multiple health complications and was hospitalised for 13 days. He was hospitalised on December 22 due to... Details

Top 10 highest-grossing global blockbusters of 2024

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sat, 04 Jan 2025 21:58:46 +0600

The year 2024 marked a groundbreaking chapter for the global film industry, with record-breaking box office earnings and Hollywood leading the charge across genres. From action-packed adventures to heartwarming dramas, these cinematic hits captivated audiences worldwide and set new benchmarks in entertainment, reports UNB. Here’s a closer look at the top 10 highest-grossing films... Details

Eminent actress Anjana passes away

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sat, 04 Jan 2025 11:27:47 +0600

National film award-winning actress Anjana passed away on Friday night at the age of 59. She died while undergoing treatment at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in Dhaka, UNB reports. Misha Sawdagar, president of the Bangladesh Film Artistes' Association, confirmed Anjana's death to the media. Actor Zayed Khan and other artists from the film and entertainment fraternity... Details

BPL Music Fest today

Click Ittefaq Desk — Mon, 23 Dec 2024 13:14:29 +0600

The BPL Music Fest will be held today with renowned musician Rahat Fateh Ali Khan set to ignite the grand programme at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Local performers will also perform in the programme to create hype for the new look BPL, which set to start on December 30. Apart from Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, venues of Sylhet and Chattogram will also host BPL... Details

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan set to captivate Dhaka audiences

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 17:12:39 +0600

Popular Pakistani singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan has arrived in Dhaka to perform at the "Echoes of Revolution" concert tonight at the capital’s Army Stadium. The renonwed Pakistani singer, known for his timeless tracks such as "Afreen Afreen," "O Re Piya," "Jiya Dhadak Dhadak," "Dil Ka Mizaaj Ishqiya" and more - is the headliner and main act of the concert, which is aimed to support the... Details

Telegu superstar Allu Arjun freed on bail

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sat, 14 Dec 2024 22:39:53 +0600

Popular actor in southern India Allu Arjun was released from jail on bail on Saturday, a day after he was arrested by police in connection with a stampede that led to the death of a woman at the premiere of his movie earlier this month. A 35-year-old woman died and her 8-year-old son was critically injured in the stampede, which occurred during the screening of Arjun’s release for... Details

Telegu superstar Allu Arjun arrested

Click Ittefaq Desk — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 14:26:29 +0600

South Indian cinema superstar Allu Arjun, known for "Pushpa-2," has been arrested, as confirmed by reports from Indian media outlets NDTV and Telegraph India. According to NDTV, during the premiere of "Pushpa 2: The Rule" last week, a woman died in a stampede, and her 9-year-old son sustained serious injuries. Following the incident, Hyderabad Police filed a case against 41-year-old Allu... Details

Selena Gomez engaged to Benny Blanco

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 23:08:02 +0600

Selena Gomez is having an exciting year, and it’s ending on a high note with an engagement to music producer and songwriter Benny Blanco. The Grammy- and Emmy-nominated artist shared the news on Instagram Wednesday, posting a photo of her engagement ring and a warm embrace with her fiancé. The caption read, “Forever begins now.” Celebrity fans sent their congratulations, with rapper Lil Nas X... Details

Acclaimed singer Papia Sarwar no more

UNB — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 13:54:04 +0600

Papia Sarwar, one of Bangladesh's most renowned and prolific Rabindra Sangeet artistes, passed away at a private hospital in the capital on Thursday. She was 72. She breathed her last at the hospital around 8 am, her husband Sarwar Alam told media. The Ekushey Padak-winning revered singer , who had been battling with cancer for three years, was admitted to the ICU and placed on life... Details

10 new TV shows worth watching before new year

Click Ittefaq Desk — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 12:19:24 +0600

Although 2024 may not have been the strongest year for television, it still delivered some remarkable new series. Despite delays in highly anticipated shows like the final season of Stranger Things and The White Lotus, there were fresh comedies, dramas, reality shows, and remakes that resonated with audiences and critics alike, UNB reports. Here's a look at 10 standout new series from 2024... Details