United News of Bangladesh

Renowned fiction director and playwright Maruf Hossain Sajib died of cardiac complications early Tuesday. He was 40. He breathed his last at around 5 am, according to the Directors Guild Bangladesh. Sajib had been suffering from heart-related complications and recently underwent treatment, after which he recovered, according to people close to him. The Directors Guild Bangladesh expressed deep shock and sorrow at his death in a condolence message issued Tuesday morning. “Directors Guild Bangladesh's respected member Maruf Hossain Sajib passed away today at 5 am,” the organisation said, praying for the salvation of his soul and extending condolences to his family. His namaz-e-janaza was held after Zuhr prayers at a mosque in Uttara on Tuesday. He was later buried at the Sector 12 graveyard, it said. The news of his death prompted an outpouring of grief from fellow directors and actors. Actor Tawsif Mahbub expressed shock at Sajib's sudden death, saying he had spoken to the director only recently about future work and plans. “It is difficult to believe that Maruf Hossain Sajib bhai is no longer with us,” Tawsif wrote in a Facebook post, recalling their recent conversation and describing Sajib's death as a painful reminder of life's uncertainty. Actress Mehazabien Chowdhury recalled her interactions with Sajib during the years when she regularly worked in television dramas. “I didn't work with Maruf Hossain Sajib bhai very much, but I met him many times. When I used to regularly work in dramas, whenever I met him, we would talk about many things,” she wrote. Actor Ziaul Faruq Apurba also mourned Sajib's death, writing, “Our beloved director Maruf Hossain Sajib is no more,” and praying that Allah grants him Jannatul Ferdous. Director Jahid Preetom recalled Sajib's encouragement and support when they first met during a shoot in Uttara. Preetom described Sajib as a humble, sociable and realistic person who often encouraged fellow filmmakers and offered support whenever they needed it. Director Chayanika Chowdhury also expressed shock at his death, recalling Sajib's warm greetings whenever they met and his appreciation for her work. Sajib had worked in the television and online fiction industry for many years as a director and playwright. His notable works include ‘Bilop’, ‘Babui Pakhir Basa’, ‘Rongin Kagoj’, ‘Adhar’, ‘Security Girl’, ‘Tomake Pawar Jonno’, ‘Hashi’, ‘Bikel Belar Chhad’, ‘Dushto Mishti Prem’, ‘Adorer Chand’ and ‘Jora Shaliker Ghor’, among others.    

Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan playfully called out actress Preity Zinta for not responding to his birthday wishes during the premiere episode of the 18th season of popular quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC). Preity Zinta, actor Sunny Deol and filmmaker Aamir Khan appeared as special guests on the opening episode of the show. During the episode, Bachchan reminded Zinta that he sends her a birthday message every January 31 but has never received a reply. "I have a complaint with you. I wish you every January 31 on your birthday, but you never reply to me," Bachchan said. Zinta quickly responded that she does reply, but sometimes takes about a week to do so. Bachchan then displayed an old post from his X account on the show's big screen, in which he had wished Zinta a happy birthday while joking that she had not replied to his message. The exchange left Zinta momentarily speechless and drew laughter from the audience. Bachchan and Zinta previously worked together in Karan Johar's 2006 film Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. During another light-hearted moment, Zinta revealed that Bachchan is especially popular with her children — but not because of his films. She said her children enjoy one of Bachchan's songs and refer to it as the "sherwala gana". Bachchan responded by saying that parents often tell him their young children recognise him as "KBC uncle" whenever they see him on television. Zinta, who has worked in the film industry for more than two decades, joked that despite her long career, her children do not remember her by any particular character, while Bachchan is widely recognised through KBC. Bachchan has hosted the quiz show for most of its run and has become closely associated with the programme, which has attracted viewers across generations. The 83-year-old actor has also spoken about the demanding schedule involved in filming the latest season. In a recent blog post, he said he worked for 24 hours, starting at 7am one day and finishing at the same time the following morning. He said he had to complete the work on time because KBC's new season was scheduled to begin broadcasting the following day. Kaun Banega Crorepati 18 airs on Sony Entertainment Television and is also available on Sony LIV. Source: NDTV

As Lock Upp 2 heads toward its finale, the latest season has continued to deliver intense drama, heated confrontations and plenty of entertainment. One of the season's major turning points came with the entry of content creator Apoorva Mukhija, popularly known as The Rebel Kid, who joined the show as an informer. Her arrival led to new rivalries, arguments and emotional confrontations among the contestants. After her brief but eventful stint on the show, Apoorva took to her Instagram Stories to respond to the criticism she faced during her time on the programme. Currently vacationing in Ibiza, Apoorva said she was contractually prohibited from revealing that she had already been eliminated from the show. "People abused me so much, and I couldn't post anything because I was under contract and wasn't allowed to reveal that I was out of the show. My job was to provoke people and pick fights with them," she said. 'I got my fat cheque,' says Apoorva Apoorva said her responsibility inside the house was to provoke conflicts among the contestants. When others refused to engage in arguments, she had to confront them herself. "I tried very hard to create conflicts between contestants, but nobody wanted to fight. It was my job, and I was paid to do it. I couldn't just not do it. So, when nobody else was fighting, I had to go and fight with people because that usually creates a ripple effect," she said. Concluding her message, Apoorva said viewers could either like or dislike her, adding that she had earned her payment, created content for social media and was now enjoying her vacation in Ibiza. Apoorva denies fighting for screen time Apoorva also rejected claims that she deliberately picked fights simply to get more screen time. She said that as the Jailor's informer, her role was naturally going to make her an important part of the episodes. "I don't need to steal anyone's footage. If they brought me onto the show for five days, they had to show me to recover their costs," she said. The content creator added that because she entered the house as the Informer, the makers had to feature her in the episodes. "Whatever I did, they had to show me because I entered the house as the Informer. So, I didn't need to fight with people just to get screen time. Those episodes were always going to revolve around me," she added. Apoorva backs Shreya Kalra, Shilpa Shinde In another Instagram clip, Apoorva expressed her support for contestants Shreya Kalra and Shilpa Shinde, saying she believed either of them should win the show. About Lock Upp 2 Hosted by Riteish Deshmukh and Farah Khan, Lock Upp 2 features Akanksha Chamola, Harshad Chopda, Ram Kapoor, Shreya Kalra, Shilpa Shinde, Akanksha Choudhary, Pamala Serena, Shivangi Joshi, Yogesh Rawat and Varun "Laila" Yadav. The winner of the season will receive a cash prize of Rs 1 crore. #From NDTV

Peacock’s new series “Ponies” is drawing attention for its unusual blend of comedy and high-stakes espionage, positioning itself as a rare dramedy contender ahead of this year’s Emmy Awards. The hourlong series stars Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson as widows of CIA operatives who are recruited as intelligence assets in the Soviet Union during the 1970s. Despite featuring violence, danger and themes of grief, the show has been submitted for Emmy consideration in the comedy category. Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’ sees strong box-office growth on first Sunday Co-creators Susanna Fogel and David Iserson said the project reflects their preference for placing humorous characters in serious situations while maintaining real emotional and physical consequences. The creators, who previously collaborated on the spy comedy film The Spy Who Dumped Me, described “Ponies” as a more grounded exploration of friendship and espionage. They also sought to give their lead actors roles that differed from their previous work while remaining true to their strengths. The show’s genre-bending approach has fueled discussion about traditional Emmy distinctions between comedy and drama. While “Ponies” has yet to secure a second season, industry observers say Emmy recognition could significantly boost its prospects for renewal.

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

Popular satellite channel Nexus Television will present a five-day special programme to mark Eid-ul-Azha, featuring a dedicated music show titled ‘Ganer Opare’. The festive show will combine musical performances and conversations with leading artistes from across the country and will be broadcast every night for five consecutive days starting from Eid day. Hosted by Dr Jakia Sultana and produced by M Hasan, the programme aims to add colour and entertainment to the Eid celebrations. On the opening night, Rajib, Rumi and Rupkotha will perform and take part in discussions. On the second day, Liza, Rubel and Anjana will entertain viewers with musical performances. The third day will feature Swarna, Farhana and Mamun, while Rimi, Sujan and Babu will appear on the fourth day. The five-day celebration will conclude on the fifth night with performances by Swarlipi, Habib and Mainuddin. The programme will be aired daily at 10:30pm.

Actor Tom Selleck is returning to the crime genre after a break from acting following the end of Blue Bloods. Selleck, who played New York City Police Commissioner Frank Reagan in the long-running CBS drama from 2010 to 2024, has not appeared on screen since the series concluded. He will now host, narrate and serve as executive producer of a new History Channel docuseries titled Crime and Justice, which will run for 10 episodes and focus on real-life criminal cases from American history. The series will “trace the enduring battle between law and lawlessness and the lawmen who ultimately brought some of the nation's most dangerous criminals to justice.” Speaking about the project, Tom Selleck said, “Throughout my career, I've been drawn to stories about consequences and the pursuit of justice. This series looks at real cases from across American history and the people tasked with seeing them through—moments when the pressure was intense, the outcome uncertain, and the decisions carried lasting consequences.” Although Blue Bloods has ended, CBS has continued the franchise with a spin-off titled Boston Blue, starring Donnie Wahlberg. Meanwhile, the History Channel has announced several new programmes to expand its lineup, including History’s Strange Fortunes hosted by Kevin Bacon, Extraordinary Origins with Ted Danson, History’s Greatest Machines featuring Dolph Lundgren, and 102 Minutes Inside the Towers, which revisits the September 11 attacks. #From NDTV

The live final of I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! South Africa turned tense on Friday night, with arguments breaking out among contestants after a drama-filled series. A heated row began when actor Adam Thomas confronted former footballer Jimmy Bullard over a challenge that nearly led to his exit from the camp. The situation escalated quickly, forcing hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly to step in and calm things down. During the argument, singer Sinitta and TV personality Gemma Collins walked off the set. Despite the tension, Thomas was later voted the winner by the public and crowned king of the jungle. Other finalists included Olympic star Mo Farah, TV presenter Craig Charles and former football manager Harry Redknapp. After the show, Thomas shared a message on Instagram, saying he stayed true to himself despite difficult moments during the competition. The clash with Bullard came during a trial where the losing pair faced elimination. Bullard chose to quit the challenge early, prompting an angry reaction from Thomas, who criticised his teammate for not completing the task. However, fellow contestants later voted to keep Thomas in the competition. Some contestants later said the full extent of the argument was not shown on television. Bullard defended his decision, saying he withdrew because he wanted to leave the show. The series, filmed months earlier in South Africa, also saw several other dramatic moments. Actress Beverley Callard had to leave the show after collapsing during filming. She later revealed she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and was unable to attend the final on medical advice. Boxer David Haye also drew criticism for controversial comments during the show. Meanwhile, Collins’ return to the programme ended early after she was voted out. The season featured returning contestants from previous editions, adding to the intensity and emotional moments throughout the series. With inputs from BBC

Indian comedian Samay Raina has returned to the spotlight months after a controversy nearly derailed his career, releasing a new stand-up special that blends humour with personal reflection. Raina, once a leading figure in India’s fast-growing online comedy scene, had gained massive popularity through his YouTube show ‘India’s Got Latent’, known for its spontaneous humour and unconventional format. His shows drew millions of viewers and sold out across the country and abroad. However, his rise was interrupted after a controversial remark made by a guest on the show sparked backlash. Podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia, also known as BeerBiceps, faced criticism over an explicit question posed during an episode, leading to police complaints on obscenity charges against those involved, including Raina. The situation escalated when legal action followed and Raina’s editor was arrested, prompting him to remove the entire series from his channel. The incident forced the comedian to step away from public life for several months. Now 29, Raina has made a comeback with ‘Still Alive’, a YouTube stand-up special released earlier this week. Reviewers have described it as his most personal work so far. In the special, Raina reflects on his time away from the spotlight, addressing the pressures of online fame and the emotional toll of public backlash. His performance mixes humour with introspection, touching on issues such as identity, criticism and the risks of being a public figure in the digital age. Known earlier for his bold and unapologetic style, Raina’s comedy now carries a more reflective tone, while maintaining his sharp timing. He also jokes about facing legal trouble, saying he never expected to be accused despite “saying nothing”. Raina’s journey into comedy was unconventional. Initially a competitive chess player, he began streaming games online during the COVID-19 pandemic. His engaging style, combining gameplay with humour and audience interaction, quickly earned him a large following. He later launched ‘India’s Got Latent’, a parody talent show featuring comedians, YouTubers and internet personalities. The show’s raw and unscripted style attracted a loyal audience, though it also drew criticism for its edgy content. Following the controversy, Raina largely remained out of the public eye, with collaborators distancing themselves and fans expressing mixed reactions. In ‘Still Alive’, he openly discusses the aftermath, including losing professional connections and dealing with isolation during what he describes as a period of being “cancelled” on social media. He also shares moments of vulnerability, speaking about anxiety before performances and the challenges of returning to the stage, which resonated widely with audiences online. Raina’s experience reflects broader changes in India’s comedy industry, which has expanded rapidly through platforms like YouTube and Instagram, allowing performers to reach wider audiences. At the same time, increased visibility has brought greater scrutiny, with several comedians facing legal challenges over their content in recent years. Through his latest special, Raina highlights the delicate balance comedians must maintain between creative freedom and public sensitivity, especially in the age of social media where content can quickly spread beyond its original context. Despite ongoing criticism, Raina appears determined to continue performing, using humour as his way forward as he rebuilds his career. Source: BBC

The much-anticipated revival of ‘Notun Kuri’, Bangladesh Television’s iconic children’s talent hunt, will formally be re-launched on April 30, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman set to inaugurate the programme in a new, expanded format. Dr Zahed Ur Rahman, Prime Minister’s Adviser on the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, made the announcement at a press conference held at the PID conference room on Tuesday, following a meeting with the Prime Minister. Zahed, who also serves as Prime Minister’s Adviser on Policy and Strategy as well as the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, said the revamped competition will now include sports alongside its traditional focus on cultural talent among children and adolescents. ‘Notun Kuri Sports’ to be introduced to groom new athletes, says PM He also revealed that a nationwide book reading competition will be launched soon to encourage students to develop reading habits. Highlighting the history of the programme, the adviser said ‘Notun Kuri’ was originally launched during the tenure of the BNP government under Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, focusing on cultural activities. “This time, its scope is being expanded to include sports. As you know, discussions were held with the Prime Minister regarding introducing similar talent-hunt initiatives in other areas as well,” he added. “We want to engage our young generation in as many creative and beneficial activities as possible through such competitions. The Prime Minister will inaugurate it on April 30,” Zahed said.