United News of Bangladesh

Bulgarian singer Dara won the 70th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday with her upbeat anthem “Bangaranga,” securing the country’s first-ever victory. Israeli entrant Noam Bettan finished second in a Vienna contest overshadowed by protests and a boycott over Israel’s participation. Dara triumphed over 24 rivals in the grand final, with her energetic performance winning support from both juries and global viewers. ‘Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai’ is an original story, asserts Tips “This is unbelievable,” she said, thanking fans who “felt the bangaranga.” The 27-year-old, not among pre-contest favorites, said the song reflects an inner force to overcome perfectionism, inspired by Bulgaria’s kukeri ritual traditions. Romania’s Alexandra Căpitănescu placed third, followed by Delta Goodrem of Australia and Italy’s Sal Da Vinci. Finnish performers Pete Parkkonen and Linda Lampenius came sixth despite being favorites. The event featured 25 acts at Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle, showcasing diverse styles. However, political tensions persisted, with several countries boycotting over Israel. Protesters rallied nearby, while critics condemned Israel’s inclusion. Britain’s Look Mum No Computer finished last with one point. Bulgaria topped the voting with 516 points, ahead of Israel’s 343. Despite controversy, organizers plan expansion, including Eurovision Asia in Bangkok in November.

Indian legendary singer Asha Bhosle, whose versatile voice captivated generations of music lovers, breathed her last at Mumbai’s Breach Candy Hospital on Sunday. She was 92. Her death marks the end of an era in Indian music. Beyond her unparalleled contribution to cinema, the veteran singer also built a substantial financial legacy over a career spanning several decades. Estimated Net Worth According to OneIndia, Asha Bhosle had an estimated net worth of Rs 200-250 crore. Her earnings were largely driven by her long and prolific career in the Indian music industry, where she recorded thousands of songs across multiple languages. Career Earnings Over Decades Asha Bhosle began her journey at a time when playback singers were not paid royalties, especially in the early years of the industry. Despite this, her extensive body of work ensured a consistent income. Singing in a wide range of genres, from classical and ghazals to cabaret and pop, she remained in demand across generations. Her collaborations with leading composers and filmmakers resulted in some of Hindi cinema's most iconic songs, further strengthening her financial standing over time. Business Ventures Beyond Music Apart from her singing career, Asha Bhosle also explored her passion for food by launching an international restaurant chain called Asha's. The brand, founded in Dubai in 2002, expanded across several countries, including the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Kingdom, with outlets in cities like Birmingham and Manchester. Real Estate Holdings Reports suggest that the singer owned properties worth approximately Rs 80-100 crore. Her real estate portfolio included premium residential properties in Mumbai and Pune, along with a luxury apartment that she later sold. Global Performances And Continued Popularity Even in later years, Asha Bhosle remained active on the global stage, performing live in cities across Dubai, Trinidad, the United States, and Canada.

Music festival season has arrived: a time to gather outside with friends, listening to tunes, dancing, and maybe even getting the chance to rub shoulders with musicians you love. “Live music nourishes your soul and makes you feel truly alive,” says Chris Bro, host of the “Next” radio show in Maryland and a longtime fan of music festivals. Making the most of the experience also means planning ahead for potential hazards like heat, dehydration and more, say regular festivalgoers and the medical pros who care for them. The good news is music festivals are safer than ever, thanks to increased focus on on-site medical staff and equipment, says Matt Friedman, national medical director at CrowdRx, which provides medical care at over 20 major music festivals around the country each year. Different festivals, different risks Different types of festivals tend to have different types of medical emergencies, Friedman says. Much depends on the type of music, the length of the festival and the heat. "Jazz music festivals tend have a low medical-usage rate, whereas a heavy metal event will have more blunt traumas from mosh pits and alcohol-related incidents,” he says. Electronic dance music festivals tend to have friendly crowds, some of whom "occasionally overindulge or make poor decisions regarding stimulant drugs,” Friedman says. Classical music festivals, meanwhile, tend to have more cardiac events, given the older average age of attendees. “You want to have fun, but it’s really important to stay aware,” says Armelle Gloaguen, a musician who attended classic festivals like Clearwater, founded by Pete Seeger, and Woodstock ’94. “Be there for the music, not the drugs and alcohol, if you want to remember any of it. Don’t accept food or drinks from strangers, and be aware of your limits,” advises Gloaguen, who owns “Armelle for Kids,” which seeks to bridge cultures through music. Know the rules, and download the app Festivals' rules vary, so before you head out, check the parking situation and the list of what you can bring. For instance, Coachella, the annual festival in Indio, California, doesn’t allow chairs, outside food or umbrellas. At Tanglewood, in western Massachusetts, attendees are welcome to bring chairs and picnics, and umbrellas are fine; they just can’t be over 6 feet across. Download a festival's app and bring a portable phone charger. Once there, scope out the terrain. Keep an eye out for the nearest cooling station and medical tent as you figure out where to sit. Handling the heat “First and foremost, we see a lot of heat-related illnesses, since temperatures in the desert can get pretty high and rise quickly,” says Julie Puzzo, assistant medical director of the emergency department at JFK Memorial Hospital, near Coachella. “We see everything from heat cramps to heat stroke, which can be life threatening,” she says. Hydrate consistently with electrolyte-containing beverages, she says. Wear layers, a hat and other protective clothing, and avoid excessive alcohol. Opt for non-aerosol sunscreen, since many festival venues ban aerosol sprays. Festivals where heat is an issue are sometimes equipped with mobile cold-water immersion tanks to cool people down quickly, Friedman says. At multiday festivals, malnutrition can also be an issue, he says. “People are running on adrenaline for the first two days, but by day three they realize they are dehydrated and exhausted and haven’t eaten nutritious food since they arrived, and this exacerbates any other conditions they might have.” His top safety tip: Stick with your friends so you can watch out for one another. Leave sandals, heels and flip-flops at home Both doctors urge attendees to wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes, since attending a festival can involve more walking that you might expect. And it’s easy to happen upon small stones or other sharp objects on the grounds. “Trips and falls are common, and we see a lot of sprains and foot contusions,” says Friedman. Glasses, ear plugs, maybe an inhaler For anyone susceptible to respiratory problems, it’s a good idea to bring a backup inhaler, since dust-filled wind gusts can exacerbate breathing issues, Puzzo says. Eye problems like corneal abrasions are not uncommon at festivals, says Friedman, who recommends bringing large sunglasses or even goggles if it’s likely to be dusty. Outdoor venues can get buggy, too, so consider insect repellent. Protect your ears by not standing too close to speakers, and bring earplugs, says Greta Stamper, an audiologist at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. “It is also helpful to take listening pauses during festivals to allow your ears an opportunity to take a break. Having some quieter moments during the day can help your ears recover,” she says. If you notice that your hearing is muffled or your ears start ringing, your ears are telling you it's too loud, Stamper says. And if you’re coming with kids, give them added protection with over-the-ear headphones, not just earplugs, Friedman says. Pace yourself “Musical festivals are a marathon, not a sprint, so be sensible and take care of yourself,” Friedman says. As you kick back with friends, it’s easy to have a few drinks too many as the day wears on. Puzzo warns that drugs acquired at some big events might not contain what people think they do. This can be dangerous in any case, and is even more so if combined with extreme heat and alcohol. Embrace the moment Don't forget, though, to find joy in the music and the scene. Enjoy the unexpected, and making connections. “If you want to talk to your favorite musician, the most meaningful thing you can do is to thank them and talk about a specific song you love and why,” says Gloaguen.

Legendary Indian singer Asha Bhosle, whose versatile voice captivated generations of music lovers, has died at the age of 92 in Mumbai. Her son Anand Bhosle confirmed the death, saying her last rites will be held at Shivaji Park in Mumbai at 4pm on Monday reports NDTV The veteran singer was admitted to Breach Candy Hospital on April 11 after suffering from extreme exhaustion and a chest infection, according to her granddaughter Zanai Bhosle. Asha Bhosle enjoyed a remarkable career spanning more than eight decades, delivering numerous hit songs including “Piya Tu Ab To Aaja”, “Kajra Mohabbat Wala”, “Rangeela Re” and “Dil Cheez Kya Hai”. Her death has deeply saddened fans across generations. She began her musical journey at the age of 10, recording her first song for the Marathi film Majha Bal in 1943. Though initially known for lively dance numbers, she later proved her versatility with ghazals and classical songs. The younger sister of iconic singer Lata Mangeshkar, Asha carved out her own identity in the music industry despite frequent comparisons. Their bond remained strong despite long-standing rumours of rivalry. Born into the renowned Mangeshkar family, she was the daughter of Deenanath Mangeshkar and Shevanti Mangeshkar, and sister to Usha Mangeshkar among others. Throughout her career, Asha Bhosle lent her voice to several leading actresses across decades, including Sharmila Tagore, Rekha and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. She remained active even in later years, performing live shows and engaging with fans on social media. In 2023, she celebrated her 90th birthday with a concert in Dubai. Asha Bhosle received numerous accolades, including two National Film Awards for “Umrao Jaan” (1981) and “Ijaazat” (1988). She was honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2000 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2008. Her personal life saw both achievements and hardships. She was first married to Ganpatrao Bhosle, with whom she had three children, before the marriage ended. She later married noted composer Rahul Dev Burman, forming one of Indian music’s most celebrated partnerships. She is survived by her son Anand Bhosle. Source: NDTV

Bruno Mars was crowned the “new king of Las Vegas” on Friday as he rode down the Strip in a pink low-rider, flanked by two showgirls. City officials honoured the pop star—now one of Sin City’s signature performers—with a parade and by naming a street “Bruno Mars Drive.” The day was also declared “Bruno Mars Day,” as he launched his global Romantic Tour at Allegiant Stadium. “It’s such a privilege, and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Mars told a large crowd gathered along the Strip. He joins a select group of legends with streets named after them in Las Vegas, including Elvis Presley and Rat Pack icons Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr.. MGM Resorts International CEO Bill Hornbuckle said Mars has proven he has the staying power to remain a major Las Vegas performer for years. Mars has been performing in the city for more than 15 years, staging over 140 shows during his residency from 2016 to 2025. Two years ago, he opened “The Pinky Ring,” a cocktail lounge and nightclub at the Bellagio. “I love this city so much,” he said. The singer also pledged to donate $1 million to the Las Vegas Children’s Hospital, with partner MGM Grand matching the amount. The celebration wrapped up with a short performance by Mars and his band, The Hooligans, offering fans a preview of his evening show at the stadium. Hundreds of fans waited for hours in the heat to catch a glimpse of the star. Local resident Deedee Jenkins said she was excited to see Mars join the ranks of legendary performers. “They’re old school. This is new blood, and I’m ready for it,” she said.

Shares of Hybe, the agency behind global K-pop sensation BTS, tumbled sharply after the boyband’s highly anticipated comeback concert drew far fewer fans than expected. The free event, held Saturday at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, featured all seven BTS members – Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook – performing together for the first time since their 2022 hiatus for mandatory military service. Around 104,000 fans attended, less than half of the 250,000 originally anticipated. Hybe’s shares, which had climbed in recent months ahead of BTS’s world tour and the release of their new album ‘Arirang’, fell 15.5% on Monday following the turnout. The concert, marking the start of BTS’s 82-date world tour, was live-streamed on Netflix to over 190 countries, including South Korea. Analysts suggest the online broadcast, along with strict crowd management measures, may have contributed to the lower in-person attendance. Netflix is expected to release viewership data later this week. Meanwhile, Big Hit Music, Hybe’s music label, announced that ‘Arirang’ sold 3.98 million copies on its first day. At the historic Gwanghwamun Square, BTS performed tracks from the new album as well as hits like ‘Butter’ and ‘Dynamite’. BTS remains Hybe’s main revenue driver, and the extended hiatus had previously weighed on the company’s profits. With K-pop’s global popularity surging, the band now faces competition from fellow groups like Blackpink, Seventeen, and Stray Kids, as well as fictional competitors such as Netflix’s ‘KPop Demon Hunters’, which is reportedly planning a world tour next year to promote a sequel of its hit film. With inputs from BBC

Singer Harry Styles has opened up about feeling "very alone" after One Direction split in 2015, as he began his solo career. In a recent interview with People magazine, the 32-year-old said performing alone was a big change from being in a boy band with four other members. He recalled feeling unsure on stage and carrying all the pressure himself. Styles released his debut solo album in 2017, marking a new direction in his music. He said he wanted to explore his creativity while not disappointing fans who had supported him. The three-time Grammy winner also spoke about taking his first long break after completing the 22-month "Love on Tour" in July 2023. He spent time in Rome, enjoying simple moments like sitting in a cafe, which helped him slow down and focus on life outside music. Styles said the break gave him personal freedom and shaped his music. He is preparing to release his fourth studio album, All the Time. Disco, Occasionally., on March 6. He will also perform in a 50-show global tour across seven cities from May to December 2026.   With inputs from BBC

Pop icon Britney Spears has sold the rights to her entire music catalogue to independent publisher Primary Wave for an estimated $200 million, according to media reports. Spears, 44, reportedly finalized the deal on December 30. Neither Primary Wave nor representatives for the singer have publicly commented on the agreement, and the exact financial details have not been officially disclosed. The Grammy-winning artist is known for global hits such as ...Baby One More Time, Oops!... I Did It Again, Toxic and Gimme More. She has released nine studio albums since her 1999 debut and has sold more than 150 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling female artists of all time. In January 2024, Spears said she would “never return to the music industry.” Her most recent musical release was a 2022 duet with Elton John. Primary Wave, founded two decades ago by music executive Lawrence Mestel, has also acquired stakes in the estates or catalogues of major artists including Prince, Whitney Houston and Notorious BIG. Spears joins a growing list of high-profile musicians who have sold their catalogues in recent years. Bruce Springsteen sold his back catalogue to Sony in 2021 in a deal reportedly worth $500 million, while Justin Bieber signed a deal valued at around $200 million in 2023. The sale follows a turbulent period in Spears’ life. In 2021, she ended a 13-year conservatorship that gave her father control over her finances and personal affairs. She later detailed her experiences in her 2023 memoir The Woman in Me.   With inputs from BBC