United News of Bangladesh

At 90, the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, has won his first-ever Grammy Award, adding a new milestone to his long list of global honours. The Tibetan spiritual leader received the accolade in the Best Audio Book, Narration & Storytelling Recording category for his spoken-word album Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. The award was accepted on his behalf by musician Rufus Wainwright, who collaborated on the project. Meditations combines the Dalai Lama’s reflections on peace, compassion, mindfulness, and humanity’s interconnectedness with musical elements influenced by Hindustani classical traditions. In a statement shared by his office, the Dalai Lama said the recognition was not a personal triumph but “a recognition of shared universal responsibility.” He added, “I receive this recognition with gratitude and humility. Peace, compassion, care for our environment, and understanding the oneness of humanity are essential for the collective well-being of all eight billion human beings. I hope this Grammy helps spread these messages more widely.” The album’s nomination in late 2025 had already drawn global attention, highlighting the Dalai Lama’s work beyond spiritual and philosophical circles. Although this is his first Grammy, he has previously been honoured with numerous prestigious awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989 for his lifelong nonviolent struggle for Tibet and advocacy of peace and human values. Other accolades include the Templeton Prize for Progress in Religion in 2012, academic honours such as Doctor Honoris Causa degrees from institutions in the United States, Italy, and India, as well as the Liberty Medal in the U.S. and the Syedna Qutbuddin Harmony Prize in India. These recognitions reflect his enduring influence as a moral and spiritual leader worldwide.   With inputs from The Indian EXPRESS

The Grammy Awards on Sunday became the latest high-profile stage for growing celebrity criticism of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown, as musicians and activists used the red carpet and acceptance speeches to denounce US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The awards season has coincided with an intensified deportation campaign, particularly in Minneapolis, prompting artists to weigh whether and how to publicly oppose immigration enforcement. In the days leading up to the Grammys, activists urged celebrities to wear protest pins calling for ICE to leave US cities, coordinating with artists’ teams and distributing the pins at multiple industry events. Organisers said the response at the Grammys appeared stronger than at last month’s Golden Globes, reflecting rising public anger after a series of high-profile incidents, including the fatal shooting of nurse Alex Pretti by a Border Patrol officer, the detention of a five-year-old child, Liam Conejo Ramos, and the recent arrest of journalist Don Lemon. Jess Morales Rocketto, executive director of Latino advocacy group Maremoto, said the music industry’s culture made artists more willing to take visible stands than their Hollywood counterparts. “These are folks known for big, rebellious performances and bold self-expression,” she said. “The pins are about much more than a red carpet moment. They’re about taking a stand and showing that ICE should be out of our communities.” Several artists wore protest messages on the Grammys red carpet, including Jason Isbell, Margo Price, Kehlani and Rhiannon Giddens. Kehlani also used her acceptance speech for best R&B performance to condemn ICE. Justin Vernon of Bon Iver said he wore a whistle to honour legal observers documenting federal agents’ actions on the streets. “I think music exists to heal and bring people together,” Vernon told the Associated Press. “But the real work is being done by those observers on the ground.” The protests echoed similar demonstrations at last week’s Sundance Film Festival, where actors including Natalie Portman, Olivia Wilde and Zoey Deutch wore “ICE OUT” pins. Deutch also displayed a “BE GOOD” pin in memory of Renee Good, who was killed by an ICE officer last month. Wilde said she was disturbed by what she described as a growing normalisation of deadly enforcement actions. Portman, speaking at the premiere of her film The Gallerist, became emotional as she described the difficulty of celebrating creative achievements amid widespread fear in immigrant communities. Activists acknowledged that not all artists are able or willing to speak out publicly. Morales Rocketto said opposition can come from record labels, managers, fashion sponsors or corporate partners, while others may fear personal consequences. She also noted that Latino artists, regardless of fame or wealth, may face particular risks, including concerns over immigration status within their families, amid heightened enforcement under the Trump administration. Despite those pressures, organisers said the visible protest at the Grammys signaled a growing cultural revolt against immigration policies, with artists increasingly using their platforms to express solidarity with affected communities.

Tollywood stars Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda are reportedly set to tie the knot on February 26, 2026, in a private ceremony at a heritage palace in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The couple had earlier celebrated a private engagement at Vijay’s Hyderabad residence in October last year. Now, a viral video claims that preparations for their wedding are underway at the City Palace in Udaipur. In the video shared on Instagram, two women said they were at the same palace where the wedding is expected to take place. They added that palace staff confirmed the wedding date as February 26. The clip also shows glimpses of the ongoing preparations at the venue. Rashmika and Vijay have largely kept their engagement and wedding plans private. During a recent promotional event, Rashmika subtly acknowledged their engagement, saying, “Everyone is aware of it.” Read More: Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda engaged, wedding set for February 2026 In another light-hearted interaction with Galatta Plus, Rashmika was congratulated on her perfume line, and when asked if there was something else to celebrate, she smiled and said, “No, no. Actually, there’s quite a lot, because so many things are happening. But I’ll take your congratulations on all of them.” The couple’s relationship has drawn attention for some time, fueled by their on-screen chemistry in films like ‘Geetha Govindam’ and ‘ Dear Comrade’. Sources close to the couple confirmed to NDTV that they got engaged on October 3, 2025, in a private ceremony. Source: NDTV

Bollywood producer Shailendra Singh has praised Shah Rukh Khan and Priyanka Chopra, calling them “like-minded personalities” with similar approaches to their careers. Shailendra said many fans wished the two stars had appeared together more on screen. He added that despite taking different career paths, they share a focused and professional attitude. Speaking about Priyanka Chopra, Shailendra said the industry did not value her properly. “Priyanka should have been the voice of Bollywood, but we treated her so badly that she left the country. She could have carried Bollywood’s reputation globally,” he said. Priyanka later moved to the United States and built a successful career in Hollywood. Shailendra also highlighted Shah Rukh Khan’s understanding of cinema and business. “He is a thorough professional, knows his work, and never puts anyone down. Both Priyanka and Shah Rukh should be ambassadors of our industry,” he said. The producer said the two stars have a no-nonsense attitude and are very similar in the way they handle their careers. He described them as supremely talented and focused on their work. Shailendra’s remarks come amid ongoing fan interest in collaborations between Bollywood’s top stars and recognition of Priyanka Chopra’s international success.   With inputs from NDTV

Global pop icon Madonna has praised the English seaside town of Margate and her long-time friend, celebrated artist Tracey Emin, calling the resort “her idea of heaven” in a recent Instagram post. Madonna shared photographs from an art exhibition and highlighted Emin, who has been her friend for over 25 years, as a “pearl” for championing the town’s cultural revival. Emin, known for her provocative and personal artwork, has spent decades promoting Margate as a hub for creativity, drawing artists, writers, photographers, and performers to the coastal town. In her post, Madonna lauded Emin’s residency programme, which provides young artists space to live and work, describing it as “quite remarkable” and vital for those who otherwise would lack opportunities to develop their talents. “Whenever I go there, I feel like I’ve entered a dream,” Madonna wrote, noting that the town seemed “energized by creativity.” Emin responded to Madonna’s tribute, expressing gratitude for the visit and noting that Margate has attracted “so many cool, creative, interesting people” in recent years. She recalled the town’s decline during the 1970s and 1980s, when empty streets, derelict arcades, and boarded-up shops left it largely abandoned. According to Emin, the past decade has seen a major transformation of Margate, driven by a new wave of artists, writers, and musicians. “The town has come back to life, and both new and old Margatonians are making it a positive and uplifting place,” she said. Madonna concluded that sharing experiences like Margate, which celebrate human connection through art rather than conflict, was meaningful. Emin echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the town’s growing cultural and artistic significance.   With inputs from BBC

Oscar-winning Indian composer AR Rahman is set to attend the high-profile premiere of Melania, a new documentary on former US First Lady Melania Trump, at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC on January 29 (ET), NDTV reported. Rahman’s presence is among the notable international highlights of the event, which will also host prominent figures including FIFA President Gianni Infantino, hip-hop artist Waka Flocka Flame, and Jordan Belfort, whose life inspired The Wolf of Wall Street. Political dignitaries expected at the premiere include former New York City Mayor Eric Adams, US Second Lady Usha Vance, and several members of former President Donald Trump’s cabinet. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are also scheduled to attend. The documentary focuses on the 20 days leading up to Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration and provides a behind-the-scenes look at Melania Trump during a politically pivotal period. It had an earlier private screening at the White House on January 24, attended by Donald and Melania Trump, their son Barron, and select invited guests. Directed by Brett Ratner and produced by Fernando Sulichin and Marc Beckman, the documentary also lists Melania Trump as one of its producers. Amazon MGM Studios is handling the release of the film. Despite anticipation for the US premiere, advance ticket sales for screenings in London have been weak, with minimal bookings reported across both independent cinemas and major multiplexes, according to The Guardian. Nevertheless, the Washington DC premiere remains a major international event, with Rahman’s attendance highlighting the global appeal of the documentary.   With inputs from NDTV

A rare BBC radio interview from 1955 offers fresh insights into the life, career, and creative process of celebrated British crime novelist Agatha Christie, whose works have captivated readers for more than a century. The interview, recorded more than 50 years ago, captures the reclusive author discussing her unconventional upbringing, inspirations, and distinctive approach to writing. Born Agatha Miller in 1890 to a prosperous family, Christie was mostly home-schooled and described her childhood as “gloriously idle.” In the interview, she said that periods of boredom sparked her imagination, leading her to write short stories and a lengthy early novel before publishing her first major work, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, in 1920, which introduced her iconic detective Hercule Poirot. Her experience as a volunteer nurse during World War One, including work in a hospital pharmacy, provided her with knowledge of medicines and toxins, which she later used in 41 murders, attempted murders, and suicides across her novels. Christie explained that while her novels followed a typical formula—a closed circle of suspects, a murder, clues, and a private detective revealing the truth—her plays allowed her more creative freedom. She noted that writing plays was “much more fun than writing books,” as it avoided lengthy descriptions and demanded faster pacing to maintain dialogue flow. Three of her plays were running simultaneously in London’s West End by 1955, including The Mousetrap, which became the world’s longest-running play. The interview also explored her personal challenges. In 1926, after the death of her mother and her husband Archie Christie’s confession of infidelity, she disappeared for ten days in a widely publicised incident. Found 230 miles from the site of her car crash in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, Christie never fully explained the episode, attributing it vaguely to “illness, sorrow, despair, and heartbreak.” Christie later married archaeologist Max Mallowan in 1930, whose shared interest in Middle Eastern history influenced novels such as Death on the Nile (1937). She revealed that while thinking through plot development required careful mental planning, the actual writing of a novel could be completed in three months if uninterrupted. Theatre impresario Sir Peter Saunders, who produced her hit play The Mousetrap, described her talent for mentally visualising entire scenes before writing, a view echoed by Penguin Books founder Sir Allan Lane. Actor Richard Attenborough highlighted the contrast between her quiet, dignified persona and her ability to enthrall audiences with suspense and drama on stage and screen. The BBC interview underscores Christie’s reliance on imagination over rigid technique, her joy in devising intricate plots, and her enduring legacy as one of the world’s most ingenious and enigmatic crime writers.

Trinidad-born rapper Nicki Minaj on Wednesday declared herself a strong supporter of US President Donald Trump and showcased her Trump “gold card” visa, which provides residency and a path to citizenship. Speaking on stage in Washington DC at the Trump Accounts Summit, Minaj said, “I am probably the president’s number one fan, and that will not change.” She added that criticism from others motivates her to support him even more. The singer held hands with Trump during the event and emphasized she would not allow his opponents to bully him. Minaj shared images of the gold card on social media, calling it “free of charge” and saying she was finalizing her citizenship paperwork under Trump’s administration. The card, launched in December, allows wealthy immigrants to gain US residency in exchange for a $1 million fee and a $15,000 processing charge. The rapper, who moved to the US as a child, had previously criticised the government’s family-separation policies and highlighted her own experience as a child immigrant. She said the card grants residency rights but not full US citizenship. Minaj’s support has faced criticism online, with other US musicians voicing opposition to Trump’s immigration policies. Bruce Springsteen released a protest song “Streets of Minneapolis” in response to recent ICE-related shootings, while artists such as Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Ariana Grande, and Ice-T condemned ICE actions on social media. Minaj’s public backing of Trump and the gold card program highlights a growing divide among US celebrities over immigration policies and the Trump administration’s approach to enforcement.   With inputs from BBC

Indian music fans are in shock and paying tribute after beloved singer Arijit Singh announced he is stepping away from Bollywood playback singing, ending an era that defined contemporary Indian cinema music. Taking to Instagram on Tuesday,Arijit Singh said, “I am calling it off. It was a wonderful journey.” Social media quickly flooded with heartfelt posts praising his voice, described by many as “the soundtrack of our joys and heartbreaks” and “a part of every moment in our lives.” Playback singing, where singers record songs that actors lip-sync on screen, has been central to Bollywood storytelling. Singh’s voice became inseparable from this tradition, lending depth to romantic ballads and hit soundtracks for over a decade. He has also worked with global stars like Ed Sheeran and performed to sold-out crowds at venues including London’s Wembley Arena. While he did not reveal his reasons for quitting, reports suggest Singh will complete ongoing projects and continue creating music independently, exploring personal and experimental ventures outside commercial films. Known for his soft-spoken personality, Singh has long avoided the spotlight, rarely giving interviews and keeping public appearances low-key. Born in 1987 in Jiaganj, West Bengal, he grew up surrounded by classical music, training in vocals and tabla from an early age. His first national recognition came in 2005 on the reality show Fame Gurukul, though he did not win. His breakthrough arrived in 2013 with Tum hi ho song from Aashiqui 2, a song that redefined romantic music in Bollywood with its raw, intimate emotion. Singh’s career flourished afterward, recording in multiple languages and collaborating with top composers like AR Rahman, Pritam, and Vishal–Shekhar. Despite fame, he preferred a simple life in his hometown, often spotted riding his scooter or meeting friends, rather than embracing city glamour. Read More: Arijit Singh announces retirement from playback singing Fans now speculate what the future holds for the singer, interpreting his decision as a personal move away from commercial pressures or a new creative chapter. Whatever path he chooses, Arijit Singh’s voice will remain a defining presence in India’s music scene. With inputs from BBC  

French EDM artist DJ Snake has cancelled his upcoming shows, including his India tour, after being advised by doctors to undergo surgery due to health issues. On Monday, DJ Snake informed his fans through Instagram that he had been battling a health problem and needs surgery in early February. He added that he will require a month of rest and recovery after the operation, reports NDTV. “This means cancelling all my shows, including the India tour. This decision has been very hard, but I need to get back to 100 percent. Thank you for your love and understanding. I’ll be back stronger than before,” DJ Snake wrote. The India tour was scheduled as a six-city Sunburn Arena event in February 2026, but it will no longer take place due to the cancellation.