United News of Bangladesh

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.

Nexus Television has arranged a six-day special programme to mark Eid-ul-Fitr, featuring performances by popular artists in a music show titled ‘Ganer Opare’ Hosted by Dr. Jakia Sultana and produced by M Hasan, the show will bring together noted singers and musicians each day of Eid. On Eid day, Dithi Anwar, Rokeya Ashab and Lispa Laila will perform and take part in conversations.

A US federal judge on Tuesday directed the Trump administration to reinstate operations of Voice of America, which had been largely shut down a year ago, clearing the way for hundreds of employees on administrative leave to resume work. US District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth instructed the U.S. Agency for Global Media to submit a plan within a week to bring VOA back on air. The broadcaster has been running with minimal staff since President Donald Trump issued an executive order to close it. Earlier, Lamberth ruled that Kari Lake, Trump’s pick to head the agency, lacked the legal authority for her actions involving VOA. In Tuesday’s decision, he criticised the measures taken in response to Trump’s directive, which sidelined 1,042 of the organisation’s 1,147 employees, saying no sound justification had been provided. There was no immediate response from the agency. Lake had earlier opposed the court’s March 7 ruling and indicated plans to appeal. Meanwhile, Trump has nominated Sarah Rogers, currently undersecretary of state for public diplomacy, to lead USAGM, subject to Senate approval. Patsy Widakuswara, VOA’s White House bureau chief and one of the plaintiffs, welcomed the ruling, expressing hope of rebuilding the organisation and restoring trust among its global audience. Founded during World War II, VOA has long provided news to countries with limited press freedom. Before the shutdown order, it broadcast in 49 languages, reaching an estimated 362 million people worldwide.

Popular TV dramas such as Bridgerton are helping many of England’s stately homes survive by providing much needed income, attracting visitors and funding conservation work, heritage groups say. With new episodes of Bridgerton released on Netflix, historic houses across England are again in focus. Filming has become a key source of revenue for many estates that struggle with high maintenance costs. The charity English Heritage, which manages about 400 historic properties, says many of its sites are used regularly for film and TV productions. One example is Ranger’s House in Greenwich, which appears as the Bridgerton family home. Christina Pascoe, commercial development lead at English Heritage, said money from TV productions helps pay for basic but costly work. This includes replacing curtains and carpets, repairing stonework and cleaning windows, all of which require specialist skills. English Heritage said its most popular filming location is Wrest Park near Silsoe in Bedfordshire. The site has appeared in The Crown and Downton Abbey and was recently closed to visitors for a film shoot. Pascoe said its rooms look similar to those in Buckingham Palace and are mostly unfurnished, making filming easier. Tony Wood, a supervising location manager who has worked on Bridgerton, said filming at historic homes is far from glamorous. He said large crews, trucks and cables are hidden from view. Wood added that properties within 30 miles of London are most attractive as they reduce hotel costs. He said studios cannot fully replace real stately homes. Building several connected and highly detailed rooms would cost far more than filming on location, and studios cannot recreate views of open countryside. The National Trust, which looks after more than 500 properties in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, said filming fees usually start at around £6,000 a day. Senior filming officer Harvey Edgington said costs rise if a property must close to the public, especially during peak summer months. Edgington said estates farther from London are becoming more popular as new studios open across the UK. He said filming the upcoming Peaky Blinders movie at Calke Abbey helped pay for improvements such as a new visitor car park. Appearing in major productions can also boost visitor numbers. Edgington said Antony House in Cornwall saw visitor numbers quadruple after featuring in the 2010 film Alice in Wonderland. Stowe House near Buckingham, a Grade I listed estate, has appeared in Bridgerton and older films such as Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Because it is also a school, filming is limited to holidays. Even when a planned shoot for director Ridley Scott’s Napoleon was cancelled, producers still paid the agreed fee. Susy Pullen, who manages commercial activity at Stowe House, said income from filming is essential as all work in historic buildings is expensive. In some cases, film crews have even paid to restore damaged features they noticed. Ashridge House near Tring in Hertfordshire has also benefited from filming. Parts of the Harry Potter films used moulds taken from the house to create Hogwarts sets. Managing director David Evans said filming provides a significant share of the estate’s income and helped fund repairs such as replacing 200 year old gutters. Evans said appearing on screen also helps attract younger visitors. He said films and TV shows introduce historic houses to people who might not otherwise visit them, helping to secure their future for generations to come.   With inputs from BBC

TV adventurer Bear Grylls is set to help families mend broken relationships in a new BBC reality show filmed in the rugged Welsh wilderness. The BBC One series, Wild Reckoning, will see families, couples and siblings leave behind their daily comforts to take part in a range of physical and emotional challenges aimed at repairing deep personal conflicts. Grylls said working on the show had been one of the most meaningful experiences of his career, as it deals with “real lives” and “real emotions.” He believes the wild landscape of north Wales provides a powerful setting for people to face their issues directly, as “there’s nowhere to hide” in the outdoors. In the programme, Grylls travels from his private island, St Tudwal’s West, located just off the Llŷn Peninsula in Gwynedd, to the mainland. He is joined by a team of mediators, psychologists and survival experts who guide participants through the process. Harry Styles recalls feeling alone after One Direction split The 16-part series focuses on conflicts rooted in grief, trust issues, sibling rivalry and feelings of abandonment. Grylls said the wilderness removes everyday distractions such as phones and the option to simply walk away, forcing people to confront their emotions and listen to each other. He acknowledged that complex problems, including childhood trauma, cannot be fully resolved in just a few days. However, he hopes the experience will help participants begin their healing journey and open honest conversations about redefining their relationships. According to Grylls, sometimes the hardest step is simply sitting together calmly, listening without arguing, and expressing a desire to rebuild the bond.   With inputs from BBC

February 2026 brings a mix of returning favourites and new releases in TV entertainment, from comedies and thrillers to historical dramas and biographical series. Among the highlights is the revival of the popular hospital sitcom Scrubs, with Zach Braff returning as JD and Donald Faison as Turk. The series picks up 16 years after the original finale, blending nostalgia with new storylines. It premieres February 25 on ABC and February 26 on Hulu in the US. Thrillers like Vanished, starring Kaley Cuoco and Sam Claflin, follow a couple whose romantic trip turns dangerous after one mysteriously disappears. The series premieres February 1 on MGM+ in the US and February 27 on Prime Video in the UK. Another suspense-filled release, 56 Days, based on Catherine Ryan Howard’s novel, explores an erotic relationship entwined with murder and suspense, premiering February 18 on Prime Video globally. Fans of dark crime dramas can follow Dark Winds season four, set among the Navajo Tribal Police, which continues to combine 1970s Americana, Native traditions, and suspenseful investigation. It premieres February 15 on AMC and AMC+ in the US. Other notable series include the comic thriller How to Get to Heaven from Belfast (February 12, Netflix), the political thriller Paradise starring Sterling K. Brown (February 23, Hulu), and the historical drama The Gray House, set during the US Civil War (February 26, Prime Video). Biographical miniseries Love Story: John F Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette premieres February 12 on FX and Hulu in the US, with Disney+ release in the UK on February 13. Comedy fans can enjoy The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, starring Tracy Morgan and Daniel Radcliffe, which combines mockumentary style with odd-couple humour. It premieres February 23 on NBC and February 24 on Peacock in the US. This February’s slate of TV shows offers something for every audience, from nostalgic revivals to high-stakes thrillers and historical storytelling, marking a diverse month in entertainment.   With inputs from BBC

Prime Video has released the first trailer of its upcoming series Young Sherlock, offering a fresh and action-packed look at the early life of legendary detective Sherlock Holmes. The series stars Hero Fiennes Tiffin in the lead role, portraying a 19-year-old Sherlock Holmes during his student days at Oxford in the 1870s. Unlike the calm and methodical detective audiences know, this younger version is shown as impulsive, rebellious and sharp-minded. The trailer suggests that Sherlock’s first major case begins after he crosses paths with James Moriarty, a meeting that sparks a rivalry shaping his future. According to the official synopsis, Sherlock is drawn into a murder investigation that threatens his freedom and leads him into a globe-spanning conspiracy. The story builds toward a dramatic confrontation that changes his life forever. Set in Victorian England and across international locations, the series explores the early adventures of the anarchic teenager before he becomes the famed resident of Baker Street. The eight-episode series is directed and executive produced by Guy Ritchie, who also directs the first two episodes. It is described as a fast-paced mystery tracing the origin story of the world’s most famous detective. Young Sherlock will premiere exclusively on Prime Video on March 4, 2026, in more than 240 countries and territories. The ensemble cast includes Zine Tseng, Joseph Fiennes, Natascha McElhone, Max Irons and Colin Firth. The series is created for television by showrunner Matthew Parkhill, with multiple executive producers attached.   With inputs from NDTV

HBO’s banking drama Industry has returned for its fourth season with a darker tone and a star-studded cast. The show follows young bankers navigating London’s high-finance world. Season four features new actors including Max Minghella and Charlie Heaton. Critics say the series has become more intense, exploring toxic workplace culture, mental health crises, and shocking events. The storyline now shows former victims becoming perpetrators, with central characters Harper Stern and Yasmin facing extreme challenges in their careers and personal lives. Experts note the series depicts the corrupting influence of power and ambition in high finance. Industry first aired in 2020 with little attention but has grown popular over four seasons, gaining high ratings and a prime Sunday night slot on HBO. The series is praised for blending finance, politics, media, and social power struggles into a gripping drama. Season four is available weekly on HBO and HBO Max in the US and on BBC One and iPlayer in the UK.   With inputs from BBC

Noah Schnapp, who plays Will Byers in Stranger Things, missed co-star Finn Wolfhard’s Saturday Night Live episode on January 17. Schnapp was in Italy attending Milan Fashion Week and could not join the show, according to PEOPLE. He was seen a day earlier at the Ralph Lauren Men’s Fall/Winter 2026 fashion show in Milan. During the SNL monologue, Wolfhard was joined on stage by Caleb McLaughlin and Gaten Matarazzo. The actors shared a light moment, celebrating their growth from child stars. Other cast members, including Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, and Joe Keery, attended the afterparty. The fifth and final season of Stranger Things was released in three parts: Volume 1 on November 26, Volume 2 on December 25, and the final episode on December 31.   With inputs from NDTV