United News of Bangladesh

Actor Tom Holland has appeared to confirm that he and his longtime partner Zendaya are already married, ending months of speculation about their relationship status. Rumours about the couple intensified after Zendaya’s stylist Law Roach suggested in March that the pair had already held a wedding ceremony. The discussion resurfaced again after artificial intelligence-generated images showing a supposed wedding of the two circulated online. When asked by ‘Esquire U.K.’ whether he had informed family members about the fake AI images, Holland responded, “No, because they were all there.” “That’s all you’ll get on that,” he added, without giving further details. In the same interview published Tuesday, Holland spoke warmly about his relationship with Zendaya, describing her as a strong source of emotional support in his life and career. “Our business can present very stressful situations and it’s really nice to have a bedrock of a relationship that will stand the test of time,” he said. “I found my person. She’s my best friend,” he added. “I’m the happiest I’ve ever been when I’m with her, and I’ve never felt so supported and safe.” Holland and Zendaya first met while working together on the 2017 film ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’. The pair continue to collaborate professionally, with both set to appear in upcoming major releases, including ‘The Odyssey’ and ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’.

Peacock’s new series “Ponies” is drawing attention for its unusual blend of comedy and high-stakes espionage, positioning itself as a rare dramedy contender ahead of this year’s Emmy Awards. The hourlong series stars Emilia Clarke and Haley Lu Richardson as widows of CIA operatives who are recruited as intelligence assets in the Soviet Union during the 1970s. Despite featuring violence, danger and themes of grief, the show has been submitted for Emmy consideration in the comedy category. Imtiaz Ali’s ‘Main Vaapas Aaunga’ sees strong box-office growth on first Sunday Co-creators Susanna Fogel and David Iserson said the project reflects their preference for placing humorous characters in serious situations while maintaining real emotional and physical consequences. The creators, who previously collaborated on the spy comedy film The Spy Who Dumped Me, described “Ponies” as a more grounded exploration of friendship and espionage. They also sought to give their lead actors roles that differed from their previous work while remaining true to their strengths. The show’s genre-bending approach has fueled discussion about traditional Emmy distinctions between comedy and drama. While “Ponies” has yet to secure a second season, industry observers say Emmy recognition could significantly boost its prospects for renewal.

Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali’s latest film Main Vaapas Aaunga recorded a strong jump in earnings on its first Sunday, taking its total domestic box-office collection to Rs 5.50 crore within three days of release. According to industry tracker Sacnilk, the film collected Rs 2.50 crore on Sunday, showing significant growth compared to its opening-day earnings. The partition-era drama earned Rs 1.15 crore on Friday and Rs 1.85 crore on Saturday before witnessing a sharp rise in collections on Sunday. The film's overall theatre occupancy on Sunday stood at 29.65%, with afternoon shows attracting the highest audience turnout at 35.23%. Starring Naseeruddin Shah, Vedang Raina and Sharvari, Main Vaapas Aaunga combines a timeless love story with the emotional trauma of displacement during the partition, exploring themes of loss, identity and belonging. The film has also received praise from several prominent filmmakers. Zoya Akhtar congratulated the cast and crew on social media, describing it as a “beautiful film.” Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap also praised the project and extended congratulations to editor Aarti Bajaj. Meanwhile, director Anubhav Sinha commended Ali’s storytelling, saying the film reflects a strong sense of conviction and artistic belief. The movie marks the second collaboration between Imtiaz Ali and Diljit Dosanjh following their 2024 Netflix film Amar Singh Chamkila. It also reunites Ali with acclaimed composer A. R. Rahman and lyricist Irshad Kamil, the creative team behind popular soundtracks from films such as Rockstar, Tamasha, Highway and Amar Singh Chamkila. Through its portrayal of partition and a deeply emotional love story, Main Vaapas Aaunga seeks to capture the pain, conflict and memories that have affected generations across the Indian subcontinent. With inputs from NDTV

The courtroom drama “Ikka,” starring Sunny Deol and Akshaye Khanna, is set to premiere on Netflix on July 10, marking Deol’s debut on a streaming platform. Directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra and produced by Alchemy Films, the film also features Tillotama Shome and Dia Mirza in pivotal roles. Sharing his thoughts on the project, Malhotra said Ikka has been a deeply personal and long-cherished story. A longtime admirer of courtroom dramas, he described the film as one of the earliest stories he envisioned bringing to the screen. According to the filmmaker, the story stood out because it blends legal conflict with complex personal relationships and emotional dilemmas. He added that working with actors of the calibre of Sunny Deol, Akshaye Khanna, Dia Mirza and Tillotama Shome made the experience particularly rewarding. Malhotra also praised Deol’s return to the courtroom genre, saying audiences have long associated the actor with powerful lawyer roles and that his presence added significant depth to the film. The film centres on a renowned lawyer, portrayed by Deol, who is compelled to defend a man from his past, played by Khanna. The case revives old wounds and forces him to confront personal beliefs while navigating a high-profile legal battle. Tillotama Shome plays a determined public prosecutor committed to securing justice, while Dia Mirza portrays a devoted wife and mother striving to keep her family together amid mounting tensions. Monika Shergill, Vice President of Content at Netflix India, described Ikka as a courtroom drama packed with high stakes, moral ambiguity and emotional intensity. She said the film explores themes of justice, truth and accountability through a suspenseful narrative featuring layered characters, unexpected twists and ethical questions that continue beyond the courtroom verdict. Shergill also highlighted the significance of the project as Sunny Deol’s first Netflix film and his return to a lawyer’s role more than three decades after one of his most memorable performances in the genre. She added that Deol and Khanna’s on-screen reunion promises a compelling clash of perspectives and personalities. Ikka will be available for streaming exclusively on Netflix from July 10. Source: NDTV

A late goal by Canada striker Cyle Larin not only rescued a result for the host nation but also sparked celebrations among thousands of fans, including several well-known Canadian celebrities, during the country's first-ever men's FIFA World Cup match on home soil. Among the 43,002 spectators at BMO Field were actor and Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds, NHL star Connor McDavid and actor Mike Myers. Myers attended the match wearing a Canada jersey and a red bucket hat, while Reynolds joined the crowd in celebrating when Larin scored a late equaliser to secure a 1-1 draw against Bosnia. The result marked a historic moment for Canada, which earned its first-ever point in a men's World Cup match. The stadium was largely filled, with only a few empty seats visible. Canada coach Jesse Marsch said he was aware that many notable Canadians were following the tournament but remained focused on his team's performance. He mentioned spotting music producer Boi-1da on television and said his priority was ensuring the team gave Canadians something to be proud of. Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette also attended the event and concluded the opening ceremony with a performance of Canada's national anthem, "O Canada." While Canada has previously hosted major international sporting events, including the 2015 Women's World Cup, two Winter Olympics and the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, this is the first time the men's World Cup is being held in the country. Canada is set to host 13 matches across Toronto and Vancouver during the tournament. Canadian defender Alistair Johnston praised the atmosphere inside the stadium, saying fans were fully engaged and emotionally invested in the match rather than simply attending for entertainment.

Tamar Braxton opened a spirited 2026 Songwriters Hall of Fame induction ceremony Thursday night with a tribute to a new inductee — the game-changing R&B songwriter, producer and rapper Christopher “Tricky” Stewart — with one of the biggest songs he's known for: Beyoncé's “Single Ladies.” A few other tracks he's responsible for? Rihanna’s “Umbrella,” Mariah Carey's “Touch My Body” and Justin Bieber's “Baby.” Dallas Austin, a songwriter and producer known for work with Boyz ll Men and Madonna, introduced Stewart. “Think about that catalog,” he said, listing off those zeitgeist-shifting records. “Those are cultural moments." Stewart thanked God, his family, artists he's worked with and mentors — giving a special shout out to Grammy award-winning music producer Antonio “L.A.” Reid and the iconic singer-songwriter Babyface. “I wanted to be like L.A. and Baby,” he reflected. It set the tone for an event with a lot to celebrate. The gala, held at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City, also features a wide variety of inductees: Taylor Swift, Kiss’ Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, Alanis Morissette, Kenny Loggins, the songwriting duo Terry Britten and Graham Lyle (known for Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got To Do With It"), and songwriter Walter Afanasieff (Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You"). Swift has no doubt brought new eyes to this year's ceremony, and with good reason — her songwriting has undeniably shaped contemporary pop music trends. She is the youngest woman to ever be inducted in the Hall of Fame. (The man who beat her? Stevie Wonder, who started his recording career at 13, it was announced on stage.) Kiss founders Simmons and Stanley — fresh off the band’s farewell — will also be recognized for their glam rock classics “Rock and Roll All Nite” and “I Love It Loud.” In addition to Swift, Simmons and Stanley, nominees this year include the soft rock legend Loggins (“Footloose,” “Danny’s Song”) and the alt-rock icon Morissette (“You Oughta Know,” “Ironic”). Last year's inductees included George Clinton, The Doobie Brothers, Ashley Gorley, Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, The Beach Boys’ Mike Love and Tony Macaulay. The Songwriters Hall of Fame was established in 1969 to honor those creating popular music. A songwriter with a notable catalog of songs qualifies for induction 20 years after the first commercial release of a song. Some already in the hall include Gloria Estefan, Carole King, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, Elton John and Bernie Taupin, Brian Wilson, James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Lionel Richie, Bill Withers, Neil Diamond and Phil Collins.  

Advance IMAX tickets for Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey have sold out rapidly in India, with premium seats priced as high as ₹3,300 already booked out nearly a month ahead of its global release. Tickets for the highly anticipated film went on sale just three days ago, opening around five weeks before its worldwide release on July 17. The early rollout of bookings has sparked strong interest among cinema fans, particularly in major Indian cities such as Mumbai and Delhi. The film, which has been shot entirely using IMAX cameras — a first in cinema history — has generated significant buzz globally, contributing to high demand for premium-format screenings. In Mumbai, the most expensive seats are priced at ₹3,300 at PVR Icon in Phoenix Palladium Mall, while recliner and premium seating options at IMAX Wadala and other large-format theatres have also seen rapid sell-outs for opening weekend shows. Reports indicate that sofa seats priced around ₹1,800 at select IMAX venues are already sold out for the opening weekend (July 17–19), with only limited availability left for the opening night. Similarly, several high-end screens in Delhi-NCR, including Select City Walk and Priya, are reporting strong advance sales in the ₹2,100–₹2,400 price range. Despite the premium pricing, many of the best seats have already been booked weeks in advance, with even front-row seats filling up quickly, suggesting strong opening demand for the film in India. Advance bookings for The Odyssey opened in India on June 8, making it one of the first global markets to begin ticket sales for the film. Warner Bros. Discovery India officials said the project marks a milestone in filmmaking, highlighting that Christopher Nolan has spent nearly two decades developing the idea of shooting a film entirely on IMAX cameras. Directed and written by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Christopher Nolan, The Odyssey is based on Homer’s epic poem and follows Odysseus, King of Ithaca, on his long and dangerous journey home after the Trojan War. The film features an ensemble cast including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron and Jon Bernthal. The Odyssey is set to release in cinemas worldwide on July 17. #From Hindustan Times

Actor Arjun Rampal has spoken about what he described as the “darkest phase” of his life, revealing that he was dealing with a failing marriage at the same time his mother was diagnosed with cancer. In a recent interview on YouTube talk show Cancelled to Crown, Rampal said the period left him feeling deeply isolated and emotionally drained. “I think the loneliest I have ever felt is when I was not connected with myself the way I am today,” he said, adding that his personal relationships were falling apart while he was struggling internally. He said his marriage was going through serious difficulties and reflected on how relationships often change over time. “Love is not constant. Everything in life is not constant. We are not constant,” he said, adding that sometimes people simply do not grow in the same direction. Rampal said the situation became even more difficult as his mother was battling cancer at the same time. He also mentioned that he had recently lost his father and was drifting away from friends, leaving him feeling as though he was “losing everything” he had built. On the personal front, Rampal is now in a relationship with model and designer Gabriella Demetriades, whom he met in 2018. The couple have since built a family together, welcoming their son Arik in 2019 and Ariv in 2023. The actor separated from his former wife, model and producer Mehr Jesia, in 2018. Reflecting on Gabriella’s role in his life, Rampal said she became a strong support system during a turbulent period. “I was very lucky because I got somebody like Gabriella into my life who I think was a very strong anchor,” he said, adding that she was also going through her own struggles at the time. He said both leaned on each other through difficult circumstances and eventually moved forward together. Rampal also stressed the importance of taking responsibility during hardships instead of blaming others. “You can’t blame. If you blame, you are going to become even more miserable,” he said. With inputs from NDTV

Florida police have officially closed their investigation into the death of wrestling icon Hulk Hogan, concluding that he died of natural causes and that there was no evidence of criminal activity. The Clearwater Police Department on Friday released a 72-page report detailing its review of witness statements, medical records, surveillance footage and an examination of Hogan's body. Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, died on July 24 last year at the age of 71. Investigators said there was no indication that his death resulted from anything other than natural causes. “There has been no evidence to indicate any criminal wrongdoing related to his death,” the report stated, adding that the case has been closed as a non-criminal investigation. According to police, Hogan was at his Florida home when he stopped breathing. His wife, Sky Daily Hogan, along with a home health aide and an occupational therapist, were present at the time. After calling emergency services, they performed CPR until firefighters and paramedics arrived. Family members told investigators that Hogan had been dealing with several serious health problems in the weeks leading up to his death, including leukemia, an irregular heartbeat, pneumonia and kidney failure. He had also undergone multiple surgeries and hospital treatments over the years. Police said early comments from the occupational therapist led to speculation that a recent surgery may have contributed to Hogan’s death through damage to a nerve involved in breathing. However, the therapist later clarified that he had been shaken by the emergency situation and had spoken inaccurately. The local medical examiner previously determined that Hogan died from a heart attack and decided that a full autopsy was unnecessary. A separate private autopsy commissioned by the family reached the same conclusion, finding no evidence that trauma or toxic substances contributed to his death. Hogan was one of the biggest stars in the history of WWE and played a key role in transforming professional wrestling into a global entertainment phenomenon. He headlined the first WrestleMania in 1985 and became one of the sport’s most recognizable figures. During his career, he faced legendary wrestlers including Andre the Giant, Randy Savage and The Rock, as well as WWE co-founder Vince McMahon. Hogan won at least six WWE championships and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005. He was removed from the Hall of Fame in 2015 after recordings surfaced of him using racist language, but he later apologized and was reinstated in 2018. A private funeral attended by family and close friends was held several weeks after his death at a church in Florida.

Here are a selection of the winners at the 2026 Tony Awards. Best Musical“Schmigadoon!” Best play“Liberation,” by Bess Wohl Actress in a leading role in a playLesley Manville, “Oedipus” Actor in a leading role in a playJohn Lithgow, “Giant” Musical revival“Ragtime” Play revival“Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman” Actress in a leading role in a musicalCaissie Levy, “Ragtime” Actor in a leading role in a musicalJoshua Henry, “Ragtime” Actor in a featured role in a playAlden Ehrenreich, “Becky Shaw” Actress in a featured role in a playLaurie Metcalf, “Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman” Actress in a featured role in a musicalShoshana Bean, “The Lost Boys” Actor in a featured role in a musicalAli Louis Bourzgui, “The Lost Boys” Direction of a musicalZhailon Levingston and Bill Rauch, “Cats: The Jellicle Ball” Direction of a playJoe Mantello, “Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman” Original score“Schmigadoon!” (Music & Lyrics: Cinco Paul) Book of a musical“Schmigadoon!” Cinco Paul Choreography"Cats: The Jellicle Ball," Omari Wiles and Arturo Lyons Play"Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman” Joe Mantello