United News of Bangladesh

New Zealand actor Sam Neill, the acclaimed performer known for his roles in blockbuster films such as Jurassic Park and The Piano, has died at the age of 78, his family announced. Neill died on Monday in Sydney, according to a statement shared on his official social media accounts. The statement described his death as “sudden and unexpected” and said he was surrounded by family at the time of his passing. The family added that Neill had remained cancer-free when he died. No cause of death was disclosed. In 2023, Neill revealed that he had been diagnosed with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. “Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life,” his family said. Neill became internationally recognised during the rise of Australian cinema in the late 1970s and built a career spanning independent films, Hollywood blockbusters and television dramas. He first gained global attention through films such as Gillian Armstrong’s 1979 drama My Brilliant Career and Phillip Noyce’s thriller Dead Calm, which also featured a young Nicole Kidman. His wide-ranging performances included roles opposite Helena Bonham Carter in Sweet Revenge, as Holly Hunter’s husband in The Piano, and as a troubled astronaut in the science-fiction horror film Event Horizon. He also portrayed Damien Thorn in Omen III: The Final Conflict and Cardinal Thomas Wolsey in the television series The Tudors. Neill twice worked alongside Meryl Streep in Plenty and A Cry in the Dark. He earned Emmy nominations for his performance in the 1998 miniseries Merlin and for narrating the 2017 documentary series Wild New Zealand. His most recognisable role came in Steven Spielberg’s 1993 blockbuster Jurassic Park, where he played palaeontologist Dr Alan Grant. The film, featuring Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum and Richard Attenborough, became one of the biggest successes of his career. Neill reprised the role in Jurassic Park III in 2001 and returned for Jurassic World: Dominion in 2022. Born Nigel Neill in Northern Ireland in 1947, he moved with his family to New Zealand when he was seven. He later adopted the name Sam because, as he explained in interviews, there were too many people named Nigel at his school. Raised in Dunedin, Neill began his acting career in New Zealand and starred in Sleeping Dogs in 1977, the country's first feature film in more than a decade. His other notable film roles included a Soviet submarine officer in The Hunt for Red October and an investigator in John Carpenter’s In the Mouth of Madness. On television, he appeared as Chester Campbell in Peaky Blinders, played Thomas Jefferson in Sally Hemings: An American Tragedy, starred in Apple TV+’s Invasion, and appeared opposite Annette Bening in the 2024 series Apples Never Fall. In New Zealand, Neill was admired for his humble personality and reluctance to embrace celebrity status. He frequently shared pictures of his farm animals on social media, naming some after famous friends and colleagues, including a chicken named Laura Dern, a duck named Kylie Minogue and a cow named Helena Bonham Carter. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon paid tribute to Neill, calling him “one of the greats” and praising his role in bringing New Zealand stories to global audiences. Beyond acting, Neill was also a winemaker and produced pinot noir and riesling under his Two Paddocks label from his vineyard in Central Otago. His memoir, Did I Ever Tell You This?, was published in 2023. The same year, he received a knighthood for his outstanding contribution to film. Reflecting on his cancer diagnosis and treatment in a 2023 interview, Neill said the difficult period had deepened his appreciation for life and friendships. He is survived by his four children and eight grandchildren.  

Filmmaker Md. Borhanul Ashekin (Borhan Khan) has been honoured with the prestigious Best Short Film Director award at the AJFB Star Awards 2025 for his socially conscious short film, Blind Road. The award was presented at a gala ceremony held recently at the BIAM Auditorium in the capital. Organised by the Artist and Journalist Foundation of Bangladesh (AJFB), the 19th edition of the awards celebrated outstanding achievements by established stars and emerging talents in the country's film and music industries. The evening featured vibrant cultural performances, adding to the grandeur of the ceremony and making it a memorable occasion for the attendees. Beyond his creative pursuits, Borhanul Ashekin is a successful textile entrepreneur with extensive experience in international garment exports. Despite his professional commitments in business, his passion for the arts has remained a driving force. His ability to balance entrepreneurial success with social responsibility has resonated well with audiences. As a social activist, he has frequently stepped forward to support the community; notably, he gained significant recognition and acclaim for his COVID-19 awareness campaign, ‘Pashe Achi’ (I Am By Your Side). In addition to filmmaking, Borhanul Ashekin is an accomplished author. He has published several literary works, with his poetry collection ‘Sobuj Prem’ (Green Love) receiving notable appreciation from readers at the 2019 Amar Ekushey Book Fair. Active in the media industry for years, Borhan Khan has demonstrated his expertise through television dramas, commercials, and documentaries. His commitment to socially conscious and life-oriented storytelling is evident in his work. Speaking about the recognition, Borhan Khan said, “Cinema is not merely a medium of entertainment; it is a powerful tool for social change. ‘Blind Road’ is a very special project for me, and this award represents the love and trust the audience has placed in my work.”    

Hollywood actor Dustin Hoffman and Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar were among the high-profile guests at Wimbledon on Friday as defending champion Jannik Sinner faced Novak Djokovic in the men's singles semifinal on Centre Court. Several well-known British actors, including Benedict Cumberbatch, Hugh Laurie and Damian Lewis, watched the match from the Royal Box. Fashion designer Tom Ford and Vogue editor Anna Wintour were also among the invited guests. Tendulkar, widely regarded as one of cricket's greatest players, retired in 2013 after playing his 200th Test match. Wimbledon described him as "cricket royalty." Former West Indies captain Brian Lara also attended the match from the Royal Box, which is reserved for special guests invited by the All England Club. Liverpool captain and Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk was another notable spectator. The Dutch team was eliminated in the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup. Oscar-winning actor Dustin Hoffman, 88, attended the match but was not seated in the Royal Box. He had been a guest there during last year's tournament. Earlier on Centre Court, Germany's Alexander Zverev secured a place in Sunday's Wimbledon final after defeating British wild card Arthur Fery.  

Paris Haute Couture Week ended on Thursday after four days of dramatic fashion shows that highlighted three major themes — the human body, fantasy and technology — as designers unveiled creations blending traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. One of the week's biggest highlights was designer Pierpaolo Piccioli's first haute couture collection for Balenciaga, presented on Wednesday before celebrities including Demi Moore, Cynthia Erivo and Gigi Hadid. Piccioli's collection featured oversized gowns, hooded feather designs and a dramatic finale with Hadid wearing a creation covered in rooster feathers. He received a standing ovation after appearing on the runway with his entire atelier dressed in white coats. The show marked Balenciaga's biggest haute couture presentation since the fashion house revived its couture line in 2020. Around 30 fashion houses, including five making their couture debut, explored different ways of presenting the human form. Some designs revealed the body, while others hid or reshaped it with dramatic silhouettes and sculptural garments. At Armani Privé, designer Silvana Armani presented a collection titled "Boudoir" that focused on elegance rather than revealing clothing. The show featured embroidered garments, tailored jackets and subtle details that balanced modesty with style. Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett attended the show alongside Rosamund Pike and **Anna Wintour>. At Schiaparelli, designer Daniel Roseberry experimented with body-inspired creations, including sculpted corsets, silicone details and inflatable elements, giving the collection a futuristic appearance. Piccioli at Balenciaga and Dutch designer Iris van Herpen took a different approach by using oversized shapes and delicate handcrafted materials that almost completely concealed the human figure. Fantasy was another major theme throughout the week, with designers presenting collections inspired by fairy tales, classic Hollywood and nature against the backdrop of a summer heat wave and global uncertainty. Elie Saab showcased glamorous evening wear inspired by Truman Capote's famous 1966 Black and White Ball and old Hollywood stars such as Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Zuhair Murad presented richly decorated designs inspired by gardens, flowers and butterflies, while Stéphane Rolland paid tribute to late singer Dalida with an almost entirely white collection. At Chanel, new designer Matthieu Blazy transformed the Grand Palais into a fairy-tale setting with giant beanstalks, pea-pod-shaped heels and golden eggs. At Dior, Jonathan Anderson presented sculptural designs inspired by American artist Lynda Benglis. Technology also played a central role during the week as designers explored new materials while emphasising the value of hand craftsmanship. Schiaparelli used unusual handmade materials including baked fish scales, painted surfaces and hand-shaped silicone. Van Herpen experimented with science by exposing one dress to a particle accelerator before the show. The garment was intended to produce electrical effects on the runway, although the experiment affected the fabric before the presentation. Balenciaga also introduced garments made with laboratory-grown Amsilk silk, which the fashion house says is stronger than steel. Despite the growing use of technology, designers across Paris couture week stressed that traditional handcraft remains at the heart of haute couture, combining innovation with the artistry that defines the world's most exclusive fashion collections.  

Lebanese authorities on Wednesday released singer-turned-militant Fadel Shaker on bail after he spent several months in custody awaiting a retrial on charges including membership in an armed group and money laundering, judicial officials said. Shaker surrendered to Lebanon's military intelligence in October last year after spending 12 years in hiding in the Palestinian refugee camp of Ein el-Hilweh near the southern port city of Sidon. He had been convicted in absentia in 2020 and sentenced to 22 years in prison for supporting what authorities described as a terrorist group following deadly clashes between Sunni militants and the Lebanese army near Sidon in 2013. According to four judicial officials, Shaker paid bail of 500 million Lebanese pounds (about $5,500) before being released on Wednesday. Before his release, he was questioned over several allegations, including belonging to an armed group, financing militant groups, money laundering and his alleged involvement in the 2013 Sidon clashes. The officials said the investigation is still ongoing and none of the cases against him has been closed. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the case publicly. After leaving the military facility on the outskirts of Beirut where he had been detained, Shaker moved into a rented apartment, the officials said. Neither Shaker nor his lawyer responded to requests for comment. Under Lebanese law, Shaker's earlier conviction was cancelled after he surrendered, allowing him to face a new trial that began in January. During the court proceedings, Shaker said he had once been close to Sunni cleric Ahmed al-Assir but claimed he had later fallen out with him before the 2013 violence. He also testified that he had received threats from Hezbollah and supporters of former Syrian President Bashar Assad. Shaker repeatedly denied taking part in the fighting near Sidon. In 2017, al-Assir was convicted and sentenced to death for his role in the clashes, which killed 18 Lebanese soldiers after a two-year trial. He remains on death row. However, prosecutors have pointed to a video posted on YouTube during the 2013 fighting that appears to show a bearded Shaker insulting his opponents and mocking the Lebanese military while referring to the deaths of two pro-Hezbollah fighters. The clashes intensified sectarian tensions between Lebanon's Sunni and Shiite communities at a time when the civil war in neighbouring Syria was fuelling divisions. Hezbollah had backed Assad's government, while many Sunni militants supported rebel groups fighting to overthrow him. Before becoming involved in militant circles, Shaker was one of the Arab world's most popular singers, rising to fame with a hit song released in 2002. Many fans were surprised when he later appeared alongside al-Assir at public rallies and announced he was giving up music to focus on religion. Despite remaining a fugitive for years, Shaker continued releasing songs, including one with his son Mohammed last July that became widely popular across the Arab world.

British pop star Harry Styles has earned a Guinness World Record after completing 12 consecutive sold-out concerts at Wembley Stadium, setting a new mark for the longest concert residency by a musician at the iconic venue. The 32-year-old singer surpassed the previous record of 10 Wembley shows, set by Coldplay in 2025. Guinness World Records adjudicator Will Munford praised the achievement, saying Styles' 12-show run highlighted the scale, ambition and cultural impact of his live performances, as well as his strong connection with fans. Styles began the London leg of his Together, Together tour on June 12, with the final performance held on Saturday before an audience of about 80,000. During the closing concert, Styles reflected on his journey with former boy band One Direction and thanked his bandmates for their role in his career. "I wouldn't be on this stage if it wasn't for four friends of mine that were a massive part of this journey," he told the crowd. He thanked Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik and Liam Payne, saying their friendship and shared experiences made his success possible. One Direction was formed in 2010 on the television talent show The X Factor and went on an indefinite break in 2016. Former band member Liam Payne died in 2024 at the age of 31. Styles also looked back on his early career, noting that it had been 16 years since he first appeared on The X Factor, which was filmed next to Wembley Stadium. He said returning to Wembley always brought back memories and thanked fans for their continued support. After launching his solo career in 2017, Styles has won six Brit Awards, three Grammy Awards and two Ivor Novello Awards. His fourth studio album, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally, was released in January. Before Saturday's concert, Wembley Stadium unveiled a commemorative banner recognizing the record. In a post on X, the stadium wrote: "12 shows. One record. A place in Wembley history." The Wembley residency was initially planned for six concerts but was expanded to 12 because of overwhelming demand. London was the only UK stop on Styles' current tour. Other artists to stage extended runs at Wembley include Taylor Swift, who performed eight concerts at the stadium in 2024. Following the record-breaking achievement, Styles' mother, Anne Twist, shared childhood photos of the singer alongside his sister Gemma, as well as pictures from Saturday's concert. In a social media post, she said she had believed since 1996 that her son would one day perform on stage, though she never imagined he would go on to break records and become the kind of person "the world needs right now." Source: BBC  

Actor Akshay Kumar's production company, Cape of Good Films, has issued a public notice claiming exclusive worldwide rights to Hera Pheri 3 and warning the film industry against any unauthorised use of the movie's intellectual property. The notice cautions distributors, cinema owners, OTT platforms, television channels, advertisers and other industry stakeholders not to sign any agreement with individuals or companies claiming rights to the film without prior written approval from Cape of Good Films. According to the notice, Cape of Good Films LLP holds the sole and exclusive worldwide licence to produce, distribute, market, commercialise and otherwise manage Hera Pheri 3. The company said its rights cover all forms of media, platforms, technologies and formats, both existing and future. The production house also urged everyone in the film industry to recognise it as the only authorised rights holder for the film. It warned that anyone entering into deals with third parties claiming rights to Hera Pheri 3 without its written permission would do so at their own risk. The company added that it reserves the right to take legal action against any unauthorised use or agreement involving the film. The public notice comes as Hera Pheri 3 continues to face several controversies and production setbacks. In recent weeks, director Priyadarshan announced that he had withdrawn from the project, alleging that producer Firoz Nadiadwala had repeatedly insulted him during their interactions. The film was originally expected to reunite the franchise's popular trio of Akshay Kumar, Suniel Shetty and Paresh Rawal, with Priyadarshan returning to direct. The project has, however, faced multiple obstacles. In May 2025, Paresh Rawal announced that he was leaving the film before later rejoining the cast. Despite his return, the movie has continued to face delays and legal disputes over its production and ownership rights. Source: NDTV

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has married his longtime partner Gauri Spratt in a private ceremony at his residence in Bandra, Mumbai, after the couple dated for more than two years. According to NDTV, the couple officially registered their marriage by signing the required legal documents during the intimate ceremony. Aamir, 61, publicly confirmed his relationship with Gauri on June 4, saying they had known each other for 25 years before beginning their relationship two years ago. The wedding was attended by close family members, including Aamir's three children and Gauri's son. Aamir was previously married to film producer Reena Dutta, with whom he has two children, Junaid Khan and Ira Khan. He later married filmmaker Kiran Rao in 2005. The couple separated in 2021 but continue to co-parent their son, Azad. Gauri, who keeps a low public profile, also has a six-year-old son. Around 150 guests, including relatives who travelled from abroad, attended the wedding. Originally from Bengaluru, Gauri is the daughter of Rita Spratt, a former salon owner. According to her LinkedIn profile, she studied at Blue Mountain School and completed a fashion course in Styling and Photography at the University of the Arts London in 2004. She currently manages a BBlunt salon in Mumbai, according to the profile.

UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has announced that she and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) will stop using Elon Musk's social media platform X, saying it no longer supports healthy public debate. In what appeared to be her final post on X, Nandy said the platform had become harmful to democracy and communities. She said a platform that was originally created to promote free speech and expression now gives greater space to abuse and misinformation than to meaningful discussion. Nandy added that she would continue communicating through Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. Her decision was criticized by Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch, who argued that the DCMS should confront misinformation rather than leave the platform. A spokesperson for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's office said the government regularly reviews its use of social media but confirmed that Downing Street would continue using X. The spokesperson added that individual ministers and government departments can decide for themselves whether to remain on the platform. DCMS is the second UK government department to leave X after the Attorney General's Office stopped posting on the platform last month. Attorney General Lord Hermer defended that decision, telling lawmakers in June that X frequently became a place for racism and misogyny and that his department could better engage in respectful and detailed public discussions through other channels. He said while some government departments may need to interact with the public on X, the Attorney General's Office did not. Prime Minister Starmer has also been critical of X owner Elon Musk, accusing him of using the platform to increase divisions in the UK following the murder of student Henry Nowak last month. The case sparked violent protests in Southampton after police body-camera footage showed officers handcuffing the 18-year-old as he lay dying. His killer, Vickrum Digwa, had claimed he was acting in response to a racist attack. The release of the footage triggered widespread political debate and drew criticism from Musk over the police's handling of the incident. Earlier this year, several Members of Parliament, including Liberal Democrats Layla Moran and Vikki Slade and Labour MP Darren Paffey, also left X after reports that its Grok artificial intelligence tool had been used to create sexualized images, including images involving children. X has previously said that anyone who uses or prompts Grok to create illegal content will face the same consequences as users who upload such material.

Veteran actor and activist Danny Glover has revealed that he is living with Alzheimer's disease, saying he is still trying to come to terms with the diagnosis. Glover, widely known for playing the calm and dependable police officer in the Lethal Weapon film series, said he was diagnosed with the progressive brain disease three years ago. The four-time Emmy Award nominee, who will turn 80 on July 22, shared the news in separate interviews with NBC's Today show and People magazine. "I'm still not accepting in my mind all parts of it," Glover told People. "There are the moments that you keep remembering that validate the fact that you can remember stuff. And there are moments I'll never forget." Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. It gradually affects memory, thinking and daily functioning. More than 6 million people in the United States and millions more worldwide are living with the condition. Throughout his career, Glover has received four Emmy Award nominations and was honoured with an honorary Oscar in 2022. He has also been recognised by the NAACP and Black Entertainment Television, and has earned nominations from the Screen Actors Guild. Beyond acting, Glover has been active in humanitarian work. From 1998 to 2004, he served as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme, supporting efforts to address poverty, disease and economic development in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.