Category: TV & FILM

Sunetra, the renowned Bangladeshi actress known for her captivating eyes and iconic performances in films like “Shimul Parul” and “Palki,” passed away at the age of 53 in Kolkata, India on April 23. The actress, who rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s, had been suffering from kidney disease. Her demise was mourned by fellow actors and fans alike.

Acclaimed actress Rafiath Rashid Mithila is set to star in the upcoming web series “Baaji,” reuniting with actor Tahsan Khan after a long hiatus. Directed by Arifur Rahman, the cricket-themed series will release on Chorki during Eid-ul-Azha. Mithila’s Bengali films “Kajolrekha” and “Aranyar Prachin Probad” continue to screen across theatres. She plans to spend the Eid holidays in Dhaka and Kolkata, splitting time between the two cities with her family. Photos: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

The Bangladesh government has allocated grants to support 20 full-length films for 2023-24, including Tk 75 lakh each for 16 films and Tk 50 lakh each for 4 films. Additionally, a short story by celebrated writer Humayun Ahmed titled “Lobh” will be adapted into a film directed by Sanjoy Somadder and produced by Pinky Akhtar, receiving a Tk 75 lakh grant. Somadder expressed excitement about adapting Ahmed’s work, aiming to make a mark on world cinema. Photos: Collected

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting announced government grants for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. 20 full-length films received a total of Tk 14 crore, while 6 short films were granted Tk 1.2 crore. The grants aim to support films promoting independence, the liberation war, humanistic values, and artistic creativity. Films directed by renowned directors like Piplu R Khan, Nargis Akhter, and Manoj Pramanik secured funding in various categories.

Actor Saraf Ahmed Zibon faced backlash for directing and acting in a Coca-Cola Bangladesh advertisement amid calls to boycott the company over perceived Israeli links. Zibon clarified the ad was professional work, stating he stands against human rights violations. He denied supporting Israeli actions against Palestinians, asserting he sides with justice and humanity. The ad aimed to showcase Coca-Cola’s global presence beyond Israel. The incident underscores the importance of effective crisis communication by brands.

Shakib Khan’s upcoming action film “Toofan” is generating record-breaking advance ticket sales ahead of its Eid-ul-Azha premiere. Remarkably, 40% of tickets for the initial days have already been sold, with cinemas like Roots Cineclub and Cinescope reporting high demand. Director Raihan Rafi attributes the buzz to the intriguing teaser and songs, showcasing a new side of Shakib as a gangster. Co-starring Indian actress Mimi Chakraborty, the film has sparked significant anticipation among audiences eager to witness Shakib’s new avatar.Photo: Collected

In a candid interview, Bollywood actor Imran Khan opened up about being skinny-shamed and the pressures to conform to societal beauty standards. He revealed his struggles with body image, including using steroids to bulk up, which impacted his mental and physical health. Imran highlighted the double standards in how men and women are judged for their appearances and the detrimental effects of such scrutiny, which even led him to battle depression. His revelations shed light on the overlooked issue of body shaming among men.

Bangladeshi actor Abul Hayat, Kolkata’s theatre icon Manoj Mitra, filmmaker Prabhat Roy, and producer Purnima Dutta were honored with prestigious lifetime achievement awards at a grand ceremony in Kolkata on June 8. The event, organized by the Bengal Film and Television Chamber of Commerce, celebrated their remarkable contributions to the film and theater industries. The awardees expressed their gratitude and hopes for stronger cultural ties and progress in Bengali cinema.Photos: Collected

American film director of Bangladeshi origin, Asif Akbar, known for films like “Astro” and “The Commando”, has released his latest Hollywood movie “Boneyard” starring legendary actor-director Mel Gibson. The thriller, inspired by a true story, follows an FBI agent (Gibson) on a personal quest to find a notorious serial killer known as the “Bone Collector” after his niece goes missing. The film also features 50 Cent, Nora Zehetner, and Brian Van Holt in pivotal roles. Photo: Collected

Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan revealed he stopped endorsing a fairness cream after realizing “it could be wrong.” He has also rejected offers from pan masala brands, unlike many leading male actors. Aaryan endorsed a “Fair and Handsome” cream after his 2018 hit but didn’t renew it, saying he wasn’t convinced. He stated he refuses pan masala brand endorsements as he doesn’t relate to those products, unlike some colleagues who endorse multiple such brands. Photo: Collected

Enid Blyton’s beloved children’s novel “The Magic Faraway Tree” is being adapted into a film starring Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy, Nicola Coughlan from “Bridgerton”, Jessica Gunning from “Baby Reindeer”, and Nonso Anozie from “Ted Lasso”. The family adventure follows the Thompson children as they discover a magical tree leading to extraordinary realms. Filming begins soon in the UK with Simon Farnaby’s screenplay and Ben Gregor directing for Neal Street Productions. Photos: Collected

Indian actress-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut was allegedly slapped by a female CISF officer at Chandigarh airport today during a security check. Reports suggest Ranaut pushed the officer after being asked to place her phone in the tray. The incident occurred days after Ranaut’s election victory as MP from Mandi, Himachal Pradesh on a BJP ticket. The National Award winner defeated Congress rival Vikramaditya Singh by over 74,000 votes in her maiden political campaign as an ardent supporter of PM Narendra Modi. Photos: Collected

The hit BTV magazine show “Ityadi” is set to re-air its audience-free episode tomorrow after the 8pm Bangla news bulletin. Filmed at the Metrorail Line-6 depot in Diabari in July 2021, the episode features performances by Sabina Yasmin and Tosiba, reports on Metrorail’s history and facilities, an inspirational story of a Natore engineer, and segments exploring contemporary issues like marriage traditions, technology’s impact on children, and more. Photo: Collected

Sushmita Sen has been honored with the Popular Actress of India Globally award and the Best Actress award for her performance in the Disney+ Hotstar crime thriller series “Aarya” at the International Iconic Awards 2024. The actress announced the news through a video on social media, expressing gratitude to the award committee, cast, crew, and fans for their support, which enables her to continue her work. Photo: Collected

Netflix has officially announced a “Peaky Blinders” film continuation of the beloved British gangster saga. Cillian Murphy will reprise his iconic role as Tommy Shelby and also serve as a producer. The film will be directed by Tom Harper and written by creator Steven Knight. It promises to be an “explosive chapter” in the Peaky Blinders story set in lawless 1900s Birmingham. Production is set to begin later this year, with the film being made in association with BBC Film. Photos: Collected

Bollywood actor Arjun Rampal is set to visit Dhaka on June 7 after 14 years to attend the fashion show “BHN Experiences Presents Blue Drops by Zurhem.” The heartthrob actor, known for his charismatic personality, confirmed his presence through a personalized video. He expressed excitement about walking the runway and being part of the event’s concept “one touch changes all.” The fashion show is exclusively organized for Zurhem’s loyal customers, requiring registration for attendance. Photo: Collected

Siam Illtemash, son of the legendary Bangladeshi actor Manna, is all set to make his debut in the Dhallywood film industry, following in his father’s footsteps. Despite keeping a low profile for years, Siam has completed his education and is now ready to fulfill the dreams of Manna’s fans by becoming a hero on the silver screen. While the details of his debut film remain undisclosed, Siam aims to become the “number one” in the world of cinema, having studied acting extensively. Fans eagerly await his grand entry into Dhallywood this year. Photos: Collected

Shah Rukh Khan attended Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding celebration in Italy, where his new look, resembling Johnny Depp with a blue suit, glasses, and a hairstyle with beard, garnered significant attention from fans. Some likened his appearance to Johnny Depp, speculating about a “Pirates of the Caribbean” sequel. The event was attended by several Bollywood celebrities, including Ranbir Kapoor, Ranveer Singh, and Alia Bhatt. SRK is also gearing up for his next film, tentatively titled “King,” which will mark Suhana Khan’s acting debut. Photo: Collected

Renowned actress Rista Laboni Shimana is in critical condition following a severe brain haemorrhage on May 20. She has been unconscious for 13 days and is on life support due to respiratory difficulties. Her 8-year-old son is struggling to comprehend her condition. Doctors have indicated that only a miracle might improve her situation at this point. Shimana’s family and well-wishers are fervently praying for her recovery. Photo: Collected

Actress Raveena Tandon was involved in an altercation with a mob outside her Mumbai home. A video shows Tandon being heckled and accused of hitting people with her car. Tandon denied the allegations, stating her car did not hit anyone. The situation escalated, with Tandon allegedly manhandled by the mob. Mumbai Police have taken statements and are investigating the incident. Photos: Collected

The historic house at 3 Lake Temple Road in Kolkata, where legendary filmmakers Satyajit Ray and Soumitra Chatterjee once lived, has changed ownership and been acquired by a corporate entity called Metro Arc. The three-story flat, which witnessed the creative journeys of the two iconic Bengali cinema figures for almost three decades, is undergoing renovation by the new owners. Ray and Chatterjee’s families were unaware of the property sale but expressed sadness over losing the residence that held many cherished memories from their childhood and early career days. Photos: Collected

Gigi and Bella Hadid, supermodel sisters with Palestinian heritage, have collectively donated $1 million to four organizations supporting humanitarian aid for children and families affected by the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. The donation will be equally distributed among HEAL Palestine, Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, World Central Kitchen, and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. The sisters have been vocal advocates for Palestine, previously facing backlash and even death threats for their stance. Photo: Collected

The Bollywood film “Mr & Mrs Mahi,” starring Janhvi Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao, premiered in Bangladesh today alongside its Indian release. Distributed by Action-Cut Entertainment, it’s now screening in 26 Bangladeshi cinemas. The romantic sports drama follows an arranged marriage couple, both cricket enthusiasts, where the husband helps his talented wife pursue her cricketing dreams. Amid growing Bollywood popularity in Bangladesh after hits like “Pathaan,” audiences eagerly await this Zee Studios/Dharma Productions offering. Photos: Collected

Veteran Bollywood actor Anupam Kher expressed elation and pride over India’s remarkable achievements at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. He praised the increasing recognition of talented yet previously unknown individuals on global platforms, marking a significant shift in the Indian cinema landscape. Kher emphasized the importance of quality content, citing the historic wins of director Payal Kapadia and actor Anasuya Sengupta as examples of this changing dynamic. Photos: Collected

Brad Pitt and George Clooney are set to reunite on the big screen in the upcoming action-comedy film “Wolfs” directed by Jon Watts. The film, scheduled for a September 20 release, features the two actors as independent problem solvers forced to collaborate on an assigned task. Pitt and Clooney are also producing the film through their respective companies, alongside Apple as the third studio partner. “Wolfs” marks their first on-screen collaboration since the 2008 film “Burn After Reading.” Photo: Collected

The acclaimed Bangladeshi film “Kajol Rekha,” directed by Gias Uddin Selim of “Monpura” fame, is set to release in the USA and Canada tomorrow. The movie has been garnering positive reviews and praise from audiences since its release six weeks ago in Bangladesh. Selim expressed confidence that the film, starring Mondera Chakroborty in the lead role, will resonate with audiences abroad as well. The trailer for “Kajol Rekha” was even featured on billboards in New York’s Times Square. Photo: Collected

In a heartwarming gesture, actor-director Ziaul Hoque Polash gifted veteran actor Tariq Anam Khan a book on poet Jibanananda Das during the filming of their drama “Ebhabeo Phire Asha Jaay.” Polash’s thoughtful gift, a book titled “Ek Jon Kamalalebu” by Shahaduzzaman, was inspired by their discussions about Jibanananda’s poetry during the night shoots. Tariq Anam Khan expressed his gratitude for Polash’s kind gesture, highlighting the respect and admiration they share. Photos: Collected

Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof received a special jury prize at Cannes for his film “The Seed of the Sacred Fig” about Iran’s women-led protests. Rasoulof has faced prison terms for his uncompromising movies criticizing repression in Iran. He recently fled Iran on the eve of Cannes to avoid an 8-year sentence, having learned to work underground during his previous jail stints. Photo: AFP

Actress Preity Zinta dazzled in a pearl white gown as she prepared to walk the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival for the first time. She is attending to present an award to her longtime cinematographer collaborator Santosh Sivan. Zinta reminisced about Sivan’s kindness during the filming of her debut movie “Dil Se” in 1998. Her upcoming project is the period drama “Lahore 1947,” reuniting her with Sivan behind the camera.Photos: Preity Zinta’s Facebook handle