United News of Bangladesh

Singer Ariana Grande’s new music video and latest album have once again sparked public discussion about her appearance, raising broader questions about how society talks about celebrities’ bodies and beauty standards. The release of her new album, “Petal,” last week and a new music video have led to renewed comments about Grande’s thin appearance. Some people have expressed concern about her health, while others say such comments amount to body-shaming and invade her privacy. Others argue that celebrities’ influence on young fans makes discussions about their appearance unavoidable. Grande, 33, has faced public scrutiny over her appearance throughout her career. More recently, attention has focused on the visibility of parts of her body, including her sternum and rib cage. Grande has rejected suggestions that she is unhealthy and has repeatedly said that commenting on other people’s bodies is inappropriate. Her representative told People magazine that Grande plans to step back from public life after her current tour because of what was described as “endless, ongoing public scrutiny.” Her latest video also addresses the pressure and judgment that often come with fame. In the nearly seven-minute video, Grande portrays the harsh process of being evaluated and judged as a public figure. The discussion has also prompted experts to question whether public comments about celebrities’ bodies are helpful. Johanna Kandel, founder and CEO of the National Alliance for Eating Disorders, said people should consider why they are making such comments and what effect those comments may have. Scrutiny of women’s appearances is nothing newPublic figures have long faced intense scrutiny, while women in particular have often been judged by their appearance. Although efforts to promote body acceptance have grown in recent years, changing ideas about beauty, health and thinness continue to fuel debate. The growing use of weight-loss medications, including among celebrities, has added another layer to the discussion. Some experts worry that the increasing visibility of very thin celebrities could affect people who already struggle with body image or eating disorders. Allison Butler, a senior lecturer in communication at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, said the debate can become overly divided between criticizing Grande’s appearance and demanding that nobody discuss it at all. Experts generally agree that people should avoid making assumptions about another person’s health based solely on their appearance. Rachel Goldman, a psychologist and clinical assistant professor at NYU’s Grossman School of Medicine, said people should resist speculating about celebrities’ bodies. Public comments about someone’s appearance, whether intended as praise or criticism, can reinforce the idea that a person’s value depends on how they look, she said. At the same time, experts say concerns about eating disorders and unhealthy relationships with food should not simply be ignored. Kandel recalled that when someone first expressed concern about her own eating disorder, the comment was harsh rather than supportive. She said such issues should be discussed with curiosity and compassion instead of criticism. Talking to children about body imageExperts say parents can help children by shifting conversations away from judging bodies and toward understanding the messages society sends about appearance. Goldman said children should be reminded that appearance alone does not indicate whether someone is healthy or doing well. “Young people need to understand that their body is just one part of who they are,” she said, adding that a person’s worth is not determined by body size or shape. Jennifer Hill, a 56-year-old pediatric nurse from Broomall, Pennsylvania, tries to teach that message to her 16-year-old daughter, who is a cheerleader and runner. Hill said her daughter dislikes comments about her body, so she reminds her that everyone is different and that people are born with different bodies. Hill said attitudes have improved since her youth in the 1980s, when people were often more open about making harsh comments about appearance. However, she said social media has created new pressures for young people. Through her work with young people experiencing emotional difficulties or eating disorders, Hill has also seen how sensitive conversations about body image can be. Her advice to parents is to listen rather than make direct or judgmental comments. “Communication is key,” she said, stressing the importance of open conversations in which young people are given space to speak. Grande sets boundariesGrande recently addressed her fans from the stage, saying she knows some people are worried that negative attention is affecting her. She said the situation is more complicated and that setting personal boundaries and taking a break can both be necessary while still allowing her to enjoy her professional and creative work. Her comments were met with loud cheers from fans, many of whom are young women.

Foundations backed by actor Leonardo DiCaprio and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos have launched a $200 million initiative to help save 100 of the world's most threatened species. DiCaprio's Re:wild and the Bezos Earth Fund announced the Phoenix Species Project on Tuesday, describing it as the largest single fund ever created specifically to help recover critically endangered species. The project will support efforts to protect animals including lemurs, salamanders, pangolins, pigs, tortoises and echidnas whose survival is threatened by habitat loss, climate change and other pressures. DiCaprio has for years advocated for a major international effort to protect species at risk of extinction. In 2021, he and Re:wild co-founder and CEO Wes Sechrest met Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez Bezos, who are chair and vice chair of the Bezos Earth Fund. The meeting was followed by discussions with governments, environmental organisations and Indigenous communities about ways to protect some of the world's most vulnerable species. Those discussions eventually led to the Phoenix Species Project. Among the species the initiative will support are the golden-crowned sifaka, a lemur found in Madagascar; the Hickory Nut Gorge green salamander, which lives only in a small canyon in North Carolina; and the Visayan warty pig, found only on islands in the Philippines. Other species include Mexico's Cozumel harvest mouse, the pink land iguana of the Galápagos Islands, the Malayan pangolin of Southeast Asia and Tanzania's pancake tortoise. The project will also help protect the starry night harlequin toad, found only in Colombia's mountains, and Attenborough's long-beaked echidna, an egg-laying mammal native to New Guinea and named after renowned naturalist David Attenborough. The initiative aims to provide long-term funding and support to conservation projects that have achieved progress but often struggle to secure enough resources to continue their work. “We've protected the golden-crowned sifaka for years on a budget that would never match what this species deserves, but letting it go extinct was never an option,” said Tiana Andriamanana, executive director of Association Fanamby, one of the organisations receiving funding. She said the new funding, along with global cooperation and technical support, would create new opportunities to protect the species.

Indian actor Mrunal Thakur has warned people against creating or sharing AI-generated deepfake content using her image, saying any further misuse of her identity will lead to legal action. The actor issued the warning on Instagram on Tuesday, although she did not say what specific incident prompted the notice. “Creating or sharing deepfake content using my likeness is illegal and unacceptable,” she wrote, calling on people to stop such activities immediately. She also warned that any further misuse of her identity would result in legal action. A growing number of Indian actors have recently turned to the courts to protect their image, identity and personality rights from unauthorised use of artificial intelligence. Actors including Akshay Kumar, Varun Dhawan, Anil Kapoor, Shilpa Shetty, Preity Zinta, Kartik Aaryan and Suniel Shetty have taken legal steps over the misuse of their identities. Rashmika raises concern over AI misuseActor Rashmika Mandanna also previously spoke out against the misuse of AI to create vulgar and harmful images targeting women. In a post on X last December, she warned that the ability to manipulate images and information through AI could make it increasingly difficult to distinguish truth from fabrication. She said AI could be a powerful tool for progress, but its misuse to target women and create offensive content reflected a serious moral problem. Rashmika urged people to use AI responsibly and called for strict action against those who misuse the technology. Earlier, a person was arrested for allegedly spreading deepfake content involving Rashmika. Mrunal’s upcoming filmMrunal Thakur is currently associated with the much-anticipated action drama Raaka, directed by Atlee Kumar. The film features a star-studded cast, including Allu Arjun, Deepika Padukone and Rashmika Mandanna. The makers are reportedly targeting a December 2027 release, although the date has not yet been officially confirmed. Source: NDTV

The High Court on Sunday granted bail to television actor Niamat Ullah Bhuiya, popularly known as Zaher Alvi, in a case filed over his wife’s death. The HC bench of Justice KM Zahid Sarwar and Justice Sheikh Abu Taher passed the order after hearing a petition. On June 30, a Dhaka court sent Alvi to jail after end of his two-day remand in the case. Earlier on June 18, a Dhaka court sent Zaher Alvi to jail when he surrendered before the court. The court also rejected the bail petition of Alvi. Earlier on February 28,  Afra Ivnath Khan Ikra, wife of television actor Zaher Alvi, reportedly committed suicide in the capital’s Mirpur DOHS. Alvi disclosed it in a post on his verified Facebook page but did not mention any reason behind it. In the post, the actor wrote, “This noon, my wife Ikra committed suicide at our Mirpur DOHS residence. Now, I am in Nepal for a shooting project. Since hearing the news, I have not been in a state to speak. I do not understand why she chose to leave this way without thinking about our child and me.” He further wrote, “I request my well-wishers and journalist brothers to please give me some time. I am trying to return to Dhaka as soon as possible and will speak to everyone after I get back. Until then, during this moment of grief, please allow me and my family some mental peace. For the sake of our child’s future, please do not spread any misleading information. Please pray for my Ikra.” Alvi and Ikra were married in 2010 and they have a son. Ikra’s father filed a case against the actor on charge of provoking her to commit suicide.

Ariana Grande is showing a quieter side on her latest album “Petal,” stepping away from the powerful vocal performances that have long defined her music. Her eighth studio album and first full-length release since the end of her “Wicked” run and 2024’s “Eternal Sunshine,” “Petal” features 12 tracks that see the pop star taking a more inward and controlled approach. The change is clear from the lead single “Hate That I Made You Love Me.” With its smooth hook and understated vocals, the song offers an early glimpse of the album’s new direction. It became Grande’s 10th No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Rather than relying on her trademark vocal power, Grande delivers the song in a softer style, allowing the bubbling synths and gentle pop arrangement to take center stage. The track was produced with Ilya Salmanzadeh, who has worked with Grande since 2018’s “Sweetener,” and Swedish hitmaker Max Martin. For an artist famous for effortlessly hitting big notes, the restrained performance feels almost like an experiment. But it works, giving the song an easy, relaxed quality. That sense of effortlessness runs through much of “Petal.” On “Oh Well,” upbeat production contrasts with lyrics that deliver a clear message of moving on from a troubled relationship. “Petal” also offers a range of musical textures, though most of them are cooler and more laid-back than what listeners may expect from Grande. The album occasionally comes close to sounding carefree, but it still maintains the charm associated with her music. The record carries a moody R&B feel, with some of its smoothness reminiscent of SZA. “Freak” feels more like a dream—or perhaps a nightmare—with hazy layers of vocals creating an intimate and slightly mysterious atmosphere. Grande largely avoids the elaborate vocal runs and huge vocal moments that have become her trademark. Instead, she embraces a more controlled style. While the change shows artistic growth, some longtime fans may wonder whether the subtle approach will keep them fully engaged. The album becomes more energetic in its final third. Grande brings back some of her more dynamic style on “Like I Do,” particularly over its heavy bass, while “Never Get Over Me” builds slowly around the line, “The grass is way greener / Since I been beneath ya.” “Bad Thing (Bunny Hop)” is one of the album’s strongest moments. It captures the excitement of a new crush through dreamy guitars, a driving beat and playful lyrics. Grande’s distinctive way of shaping her words adds to the song’s appeal. The album closes with “Nowhere, Nobody,” which combines a retro-style vocal melody with vocoder effects. In promotional material for “Petal,” Grande described the album as something “full of life and growing through the cracks” of something difficult and challenging. That idea fits the record to some extent. Its 12 songs find moments of happiness beneath atmospheric production and subdued melodies. More importantly, “Petal” shows what happens when one of pop’s most powerful vocalists deliberately chooses to hold back. Rather than trying to prove what her voice can do, Grande seems more interested in exploring what it can say when she turns down the volume.

Actress Storm Reid wants her new music to show fans a side of her they may not often see — a young woman still figuring out love, relationships and life. Reid, 23, released her new single “Shotty” on Friday, hoping listeners will get to know the more personal and less polished side of the actor they have seen on screen. “I think people might think I have it all together when I really don’t,” said Reid, known for her roles in “Euphoria,” “A Wrinkle in Time” and “The Last of Us,” for which she won an Emmy in 2024. “I’m a normal girl trying to figure it out,” she said. “Shotty” follows her debut single, “Clean Sweep,” and marks another step in her music career, which she began pursuing more seriously over the past year. She has already recorded more than 25 songs. Reid said she plans to focus on creating her first EP after completing work on Teyana Taylor’s directorial debut, “Get Lite.” She wants to take her time developing a project with a clear and connected story. She is releasing her music independently through her own label, 1720 Music, a move she said gives her more creative control while keeping open the possibility of working with a major label later. “With the indie route, you have a little bit more autonomy of what you want to do and how you do things,” she said. Reid also hopes her label can help create opportunities for other musicians. “I want to sign people. I want to sign songwriters and producers and artists, and give them opportunities,” she said. Music has quickly become almost as important to Reid as acting, although she plans to continue working in film and television. Her upcoming projects include Netflix’s “Roommates” and “Get Lite.” Working on “Get Lite” also pushed her to develop her dancing and become more comfortable performing, skills she hopes will help when she eventually takes her own music to the stage. “It’s as big and as important as acting is,” Reid said of music. “It’s something that I want to continue to do and want to continue to grow at.” Reid said her years in Hollywood have helped her deal with criticism, including comments from people who questioned whether she deserved her Emmy. “People didn’t feel like I deserved to win an Emmy, but it’s still sitting in my house,” she said. “It’s still in my mama’s house, so I don’t really care what people say.” Since releasing “Clean Sweep,” Reid said she has mostly avoided reading online comments so that negative reactions do not affect her. She said the response so far has been largely positive and supportive, adding that she is excited for listeners to hear more of her music. For Reid, the move into music is ultimately about showing that she is more than the polished image people may have of her. “Not everything is gonna be perfect. Not everything is gonna be prim, proper and pristine and eloquent,” she said. “Like yeah, that’s a part of me, and I can do that, and I can do it really well. But also … this is me too.”

Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard, who won an Academy Award for the 2007 film Once, died in a motorcycle crash near Dublin early Wednesday, his management company said. He was 56. ATC Management told Irish broadcaster RTE that Hansard’s family was “deeply shocked and heartbroken” by his death. Tributes poured in from fellow musicians and artists, including Bruce Springsteen, who said he was “heartbroken” by the loss of “a great musician, a good friend and a generous and gracious man.” Irish police said a man in his 50s died after a single-vehicle motorcycle crash in Lucan, west of Dublin, shortly before 4:30 a.m. Wednesday. Police did not identify the man, saying he was treated at the scene but was later pronounced dead. Hansard built a career in both acting and music. He appeared as a member of a Dublin soul band in the 1991 hit film The Commitments before gaining international recognition as a singer-songwriter. He won the Oscar for best original song in 2008 for “Falling Slowly,” which he co-wrote with his Once co-star Markéta Irglová. The film tells the story of two struggling musicians who form a close bond while pursuing their musical ambitions. Once was later turned into a Broadway musical featuring songs by Hansard and Irglová. The stage production won eight Tony Awards in 2012, including best musical. Hansard was the longtime frontman of the rock band The Frames and also formed the musical duo The Swell Season with Irglová. He released several solo albums, including Didn’t He Ramble, which earned a Grammy nomination for best folk album in 2016. Ireland’s President Catherine Connolly described Hansard as one of the country’s great singer-songwriters. “Glen was one of the vital driving influences of the Irish music world, bringing people together in the sharing of live music,” Connolly said. “He will be sorely missed by all who knew him or experienced his work.” Actor and comedian Chris O’Dowd praised Hansard’s “energizing melodies and soulful, searching voice,” saying his music helped make difficult times easier, quiet periods more beautiful and happy moments more memorable. Hansard began his musical journey as a street busker in Dublin. He later became known for leading the city’s annual Christmas Eve busk outside the Gaiety Theatre, where well-known Irish musicians perform for the public to raise money for a homelessness charity. Former Irish President Michael D. Higgins remembered Hansard as a “wonderful musician and performer” who also devoted much of his life to addressing social problems. In 2023, Hansard performed a powerful rendition of The Pogues’ “Fairytale Of New York” with Irish singer Lisa O’Neill at the funeral of The Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan. The performance moved mourners, with some members of the congregation dancing in the church aisles. Hansard is survived by his wife, Finnish poet Maire Saaritsa, and their 3-year-old son, Christy.

Acclaimed Kolkata-based vocalist Sumana Chatterjee, currently in Bangladesh to participate in the Nazrul Festival 2026 organised by the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, will perform at a special musical evening hosted by Artist Club on Thursday. During the programme, Sumana Chatterjee will present timeless Nazrul Sangeet along with popular songs associated with legendary singers Arati Mukherjee, Nirmala Mishra, Asha Bhosle and Lata Mangeshkar, according to a press release. Born in Silchar, Assam, Sumana Chatterjee developed her passion for music from an early age in a culturally enriched family. She later moved to Kolkata, where she received formal training under renowned music maestros and established herself as a versatile performer of Nazrul Sangeet, modern Bengali songs and Bengali film music. Sumana Chatterjee first came into the limelight through a popular television reality show in 2005. Since then, she has performed extensively at cultural festivals, concerts and international events across India and Bangladesh, earning widespread appreciation for the richness of her voice, musical excellence and expressive stage performances. Artist Club believes this special musical evening will further strengthen the cultural ties between Bangladesh and India while celebrating the rich heritage of Bengali music.  

Oscar-winning Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard died in a motorcycle crash in Dublin early Wednesday, his management company said. He was 56. ATC Management said Hansard's family was “deeply shocked and heartbroken” by his death. Irish police said a man in his 50s died in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash in Lucan, on the outskirts of Dublin, before 4:30am on Wednesday. The man was treated at the scene but was pronounced dead shortly afterward. Hansard was known for combining acting and music throughout his career. He gained international recognition after playing a member of a Dublin soul band in the 1991 film The Commitments. In 2008, he won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Falling Slowly” from the film Once, in which he starred alongside Markéta Irglová. He was the longtime frontman of rock band The Frames and was also part of the folk-rock duo The Swell Season. His solo album Didn't He Ramble earned a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Album in 2016. For years, Hansard led the Christmas Eve charity busk outside Dublin's Gaiety Theatre, where musicians performed to raise funds for the Dublin Simon Community. At the 2023 funeral of The Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan, Hansard performed “Fairytale of New York” with Irish singer Lisa O’Neill, prompting mourners to dance in the church aisles. Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin expressed deep sorrow over Hansard’s death, describing him as a talented musician and actor who made a significant contribution to Ireland’s cultural life.

Actress Hina Khan has opened up about her battle with breast cancer, saying spirituality played a key role in helping her cope with the physical and emotional challenges of chemotherapy. Hina, best known for the television series Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, revealed in June 2024 that she had been diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. Speaking on actress Soha Ali Khan's All About Her podcast in December 2025, Hina reflected on her cancer journey, describing it as one of the toughest phases of her life. She said the treatment brought major physical changes, including weight gain, hair loss and the loss of her eyelashes. "I put on a lot of weight. My body changed. I lost my hair. That's one blow, which is very hard," she said. Hina admitted that seeing herself in the mirror was emotionally difficult. While she initially tried to remain strong, the reality of her diagnosis and treatment gradually became harder to accept. However, she said the support of family and loved ones, along with her faith, helped her stay positive. "I have always believed that everything in life is temporary. Physical appearance changes. Vanity affects you, but sanity should replace it," she said. The actress encouraged cancer patients to surround themselves with positivity through family, meditation, faith or spirituality. "Especially spirituality. It has changed me," she said. Hina also stressed the importance of giving one's best during treatment, even though the outcome is beyond anyone's control. Recalling her chemotherapy sessions, she described the first week after each treatment as the most difficult. "It was tough. Really tough. Those days were extremely hard," she said. Hina underwent chemotherapy every three weeks. She said the first week after each session was marked by severe pain, particularly nerve pain throughout her body. "The pain was unbearable," she said, adding that medication helped reduce the discomfort but did not eliminate it completely. She said the following two weeks were usually much better, allowing her to travel and continue doing the things she enjoyed. "It's the way you look at it," she said. Rather than viewing cancer as the end of her journey, Hina said she chose to see it as a temporary phase in life. "There are good days too," she said, adding that she was determined to fight the disease and make the most of every day instead of giving up. Source: NDTV