Veteran Kannada actor and art director Dinesh Mangaluru, best known for his performances in “KGF” and “Kantara”, passed away at his Mangaluru residence on Monday (August 25) after a prolonged illness. He was 55.

The much-anticipated trailer of hoichoi’s upcoming original series “AKA” was released yesterday at a special event in Dhaka, followed by its online launch across the platform’s official social media handles. The teaser has already generated widespread buzz among fans.

Actress and development professional Rafiath Rashid Mithila has successfully defended her PhD thesis at the University of Geneva, Switzerland, officially earning the title of “Dr”.

After months of speculation, Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra has confirmed that she is expecting her first child. Previously, Parineeti had dismissed all rumours, but the news was finally revealed on Monday through a heartfelt Instagram post.

Actors’ Equity Bangladesh recently organised a two-day special workshop titled “Communication and Skill Development” for its newly enlisted members. The workshop, held on August 22 and 23 at the organisation’s office in Niketan, was attended by 40 participants.

Continuing this tradition, the latest episode has been filmed in Char Fasson, the historic planned township of the island district of Bhola, washed by the Meghna and Tetulia rivers. The stage was set in front of the nearly century-old historic Taffanel Barrett School, built during the British period.

Actor-turned-politician Thalapathy Vijay announced he will contest the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections from Madurai East, seeking to position his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), as a formidable third front in state politics. The declaration came at a massive rally in Madurai on Thursday, attended by thousands of supporters.

After a long hiatus, Coke Studio Bangla has finally returned, and it couldn’t have chosen a more fitting comeback than “Baaji”. The release not only marks the revival of the popular platform but also reunites fans with the magical duo of Hashim Mahmud and Emon Chowdhury.

Flanagan has become a defining voice in contemporary horror with acclaimed works such as “The Haunting of Hill House”, “Midnight Mass”, and “Doctor Sleep”. His craftsmanship has now earned King’s public endorsement, further cementing his reputation as one of the genre’s most innovative storytellers.

Bangladeshi cinema continues to find its footing on the global stage, with short film “Happy Birthday” by Ruslan Tareq earning international recognition. The 19-minute dark comedy has already secured an Honourable Mention at the Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival (AIMAFF) 2025 and an official selection at the Anatolia International Film Festival in Turkey.

Dhaka’s theatre scene, long in search of renewal, is finding fresh energy in Spardha: Independent Theatre Collective. Since its establishment on September 12, 2018, the troupe has earned a reputation for uncompromising productions, presenting works such as “Jibon O Rajnaitik Bastobota”, “4.48 Psychosis”, “Bismoykor Sob Kichu”, “Ami Birangana Bolchi”, and “Tobu-o Jege Uthi”. More than conventional performances, each production has served as a pointed provocation—inviting audiences to confront social realities with sharper attention.

After several years of delays and missed release dates, director Shoibur Rahman Russell has confirmed that his film ‘Nandini’, starring Indraneil Sengupta and Nazira Ahmed Mou, will finally be released in theatres on September 12. The official trailer is scheduled to be launched tomorrow as part of the promotional campaign.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly in discussions to produce a Netflix documentary on Princess Diana, ahead of the 30th anniversary of her death in 2027. The project, considered one of their most personal yet, is being developed under their renewed deal with the streaming giant.

The star couple still have unfinished projects in hand, including “The Spy” and “Netri: The Leader”. Ananta said, “We currently have two or three films. Some are half done, others are 70 percent complete.

The Songwriters Collective’s First Draft gig in Dhaka showcased independent songwriter-singers, including Aseer Arman, Sadi Shahnewaz, and Shanila Islam, offering intimate performances that highlight original music, connect artists with audiences, and strengthen Bangladesh’s growing indie music scene.

A thought-provoking discussion and recital titled “Phulguli Kothay Gelo” was held last Thursday evening at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro in Bangla Motor, Dhaka, organised by cultural organisation Joltorongo.

Bangladeshi filmmaker Iqbal Hossain Chowdhury has received two prestigious nominations at the newly launched Astar Awards, organised by the International Institute of Film, Science and Arts (IIFSA) in New York.

“Beyond the Ordinary: Raincheck,” organised by Let’s Vibe and Karkhana, brought crowds to Courtside at Madani Avenue last Friday evening for a monsoon-inspired concert. Although the anticipated downpour never arrived, the atmosphere was charged with music instead.

The Bangladeshi film “Agantuk” has officially been selected as the closing film of the five-day Toronto Multicultural Film Festival, which begins in Canada today (August 24). The film, directed by Biplob Sarkar, carries the English title “The Stranger”.

For the first time, Dhaka University hosted a campus stand-up comedy show titled “Hashir Adda”. The event was held last evening at the TSC Auditorium, where a packed audience turned up in overwhelming numbers.