United News of Bangladesh

In war-hit Kyiv, wounded Ukrainian veterans are turning classic poetry into a powerful stage performance that reflects their own wartime experiences and resilience. The play, directed by Olha Semioshkina, is based on “Eneida” by Ivan Kotliarevskyi, an 18th-century adaptation of Virgil’s epic. With the war nearing its fourth year after Russia’s full-scale invasion, the production blends myth with modern reality. The cast includes veterans in their 20s to 60s who returned from the front with amputations, severe burns and vision loss, as well as civilians affected by the conflict. Many had never acted before. It took over a year of preparation for the premiere at the National Academic Molodyy Theatre. Semioshkina said the team first focused on basic movement and communication, even practicing without prosthetic limbs to help actors reconnect with their bodies. Her idea was simple: every man represents Aeneas and every woman represents Dido — symbols of struggle, loss and the search for home. During rehearsals, veteran Yehor Babenko, who suffered severe burns early in the invasion, used humor while delivering lines that echoed his own injuries. He said theatre has helped him heal both mentally and physically, boosting confidence and self-expression. In the final act, actors step out of character to share their real stories — from losing limbs in drone attacks to living under occupation. Veteran medic Andrii Onopriienko, who lost his sight in an artillery strike near Avdiivka in 2023, narrated much of the performance in a deep voice, later joining the cast in song. The realities of war were never far away. Before the show, audiences were warned about possible air raid sirens and blackouts. During one performance, the power went out, but actors continued using flashlights as the audience stayed, some in tears. The cast received a standing ovation when the curtain fell, underscoring the play’s message of courage and hope. Semioshkina urged veterans watching from home to step forward, live fully and stay connected despite the scars of war.

Actor Vijay Deverakonda’s Hyderabad residence was seen lit up ahead of his highly anticipated wedding with actress Rashmika Mandanna, fueling excitement among fans. The couple is reportedly set to marry on February 26 in Udaipur in a private ceremony with close family and friends. Although both Vijay and Rashmika have not publicly confirmed the venue, social media has been buzzing with speculation, especially after a wedding invitation signed by the duo went viral earlier this week. The invite read, “With the love and blessings of our families, Rashmika and I will be getting married on 26.02.26 in a small and intimate ceremony. Your presence and blessings would make this occasion even more special for us.” It also included details of a wedding reception in Hyderabad on March 4 at Taj Krishna, Banjara Hills. On Monday, Rashmika, spotted at Mumbai airport, was wished “Shadi mubarak ho (congratulations on your wedding)” by a paparazzo, to which she replied, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” The couple got engaged in an intimate ceremony on October 3 last year, sources told NDTV. Rashmika had shared pictures in a saree with a tilak on her forehead, hinting at the engagement. Later, she showcased her engagement ring on a reality show. Vijay and Rashmika’s relationship reportedly began in early 2023 after a vacation in the Maldives. Since then, the pair has often been spotted together, and fans have followed their journey closely. The two first met during the shoot of ‘Geetha Govindam (2018)’ and later collaborated on ‘Dear Comrade (2019)’. From attending film promotions together to celebrating birthdays in exotic locations, the couple has remained in the public eye, keeping fans eager for every update ahead of their wedding. With inputs from NDTV

Oscar-winning Hollywood actor Robert Duvall, best known for his roles in The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, has died at the age of 95. Duvall died peacefully at his home in Middleburg, Virginia, on Sunday, according to a statement issued by his public relations agency on behalf of his wife, Luciana. She described him as not only an award-winning actor and filmmaker but also her entire world, praising his deep commitment to his craft and his love for storytelling, food and lively conversation. Tributes quickly poured in from across the film industry. Fellow Godfather star Al Pacino said it was an honour to work with Duvall, calling him a natural actor whose talent and understanding of the art would never be forgotten. Over a career spanning more than six decades, Duvall became renowned for portraying strong, often hard-edged characters. He played mafia consigliere Tom Hagen in The Godfather and The Godfather Part II, and a commanding US army officer in Apocalypse Now, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. His brief but memorable performance in Apocalypse Now, including the iconic napalm line, became one of cinema’s most quoted moments. Coppola described Duvall’s death as a major loss, saying he was an essential part of American Zoetrope from its earliest days. Duvall later revealed that he deliberately toned down his Apocalypse Now character to make it more believable. Duvall received seven Oscar nominations during his career and won best actor in 1983 for his role as a troubled country singer in Tender Mercies. His wide-ranging filmography also included Network, The Great Santini, The Handmaid’s Tale and The Judge. He often said his favourite role was Texas Ranger Augustus McCrae in the television miniseries Lonesome Dove. He made his screen debut in To Kill a Mockingbird, delivering a powerful, wordless performance as Boo Radley that earned lasting acclaim. Actor Alec Baldwin later said the role was emotionally devastating despite the absence of dialogue. Beyond acting, Duvall also wrote and directed films, including The Apostle, in which he played a conflicted evangelical preacher. Colleagues and co-stars remembered him not only for his immense talent but also for his warmth, humour and love of simple pleasures. In a closing message, his wife thanked fans for their support over the years and asked for privacy as the family remembers and celebrates a life that left a lasting mark on cinema.   With inputs from BBC

Major Hollywood studios have demanded that ByteDance, the Chinese owner of TikTok, immediately stop its new AI video tool, Seedance 2.0, over alleged copyright violations involving clips based on existing films and TV shows. The Motion Picture Association (MPA), representing leading US studios including Netflix, Paramount Pictures, Amazon MGM Studios, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, The Walt Disney Studios, and Warner Bros Discovery, said the AI service engaged in “unauthorised use of US copyrighted works on a massive scale” in a single day. Seedance 2.0 allows users to generate highly realistic clips from short text prompts, including scenes featuring actors such as Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt, as well as reimagined TV characters. The tool has gone viral on social media, with users posting AI-generated scenes based on franchises like The Lord of the Rings, Seinfeld, Avengers, and Breaking Bad. MPA chairman Charles Rivkin criticized ByteDance for operating “without meaningful safeguards against infringement,” warning that the tool undermines copyright protections and threatens millions of jobs in the US entertainment industry. ByteDance said it has suspended the ability to upload images of real people and will implement robust monitoring to ensure compliance with intellectual property laws. The company described the AI-generated content as part of a limited pre-launch testing phase and stressed that it takes potential copyright issues seriously. Hollywood creators have expressed concern over the technology’s implications. Deadpool writer Rhett Reese described the AI-generated fight between Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt as “professional” and said the industry could face a major disruption. Heather Anne Campbell, writer for Saturday Night Live and Rick & Morty, noted that while AI allows limitless creative possibilities, original ideas remain challenging, comparing many outputs to fan fiction. The rapid rise of AI-generated video is prompting urgent discussions in the US entertainment sector on how to balance innovation with copyright protection and preserve jobs in the creative industry.   With inputs from BBC

Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri’s O’Romeo had a steady opening at the Indian box office on Friday, earning early praise for its performances and direction. Box Office Performance According to preliminary estimates from Sacnilk, the film collected around ₹8.25 crore nett on its first day. Directed by Vishal Bhardwaj, the romantic-action drama recorded a theatrical occupancy of 14.86% on Day 1. In comparison with Kapoor’s recent films, O’Romeo opened stronger than Deva (₹5.50 crore), Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (₹6.70 crore), and Jersey (₹3.2 crore). While not a blockbuster start, it ranks among Shahid Kapoor’s better opening-day performances in recent years. Cast and Crew The film also stars Nana Patekar, Avinash Tiwary, Vikrant Massey, and Tamannaah Bhatia in pivotal roles, and is produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment. Before the release, Vishal Bhardwaj shared an emotional note on Instagram expressing pride in the project, saying it made him realise his capacity for both “love and violence.” He wrote, “Before the critics speak and before the box office delivers its verdict, I feel compelled to share how deeply proud I am of this film. Before the accolades or the criticism arrive, I must thank, from the deepest part of my being, all my HODs who gave far more than was ever asked of them…” Critical Response Film critic Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars, describing it as “a vivid, visceral, and visually varied film” that uses music as a narrative backbone. He added that it tells the story of flawed characters struggling with adversaries and inner conflicts, with few predictable moments. Source: NDTV

Australian actor Rose Byrne, fresh from winning a Golden Globe and earning an Oscar nomination for her lead role in “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” will be honored as the 2026 Woman of the Year by Harvard University’s Hasty Pudding Theatricals on Friday. Byrne, known for her roles in films such as “Bridesmaids,” “Neighbors,” “Insidious” and the TV series “Damages,” will join a celebratory parade through the streets of Cambridge, Massachusetts. She will later receive the traditional pudding pot award at a roast ceremony and attend a performance of the troupe’s 177th production, “Salooney Tunes.” In a review of the film, AP critic Jocelyn Noveck said Byrne was given “a chance to display versatility and grit in surely the toughest dramatic role of her career.” Sonam Kapoor hosts heartfelt Baby Shower, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Anil Kapoor among guests Actor Michael Keaton, famed for “Batman,” “Birdman,” “Beetlejuice” and “Spotlight,” was named the 2026 Man of the Year and received his pudding pot on Feb. 6. “We are thrilled to honor Rose Byrne as our Woman of the Year,” Hasty Pudding Theatricals President Daisy Nussbaum said in a statement, noting that her recent Golden Globe win and Oscar nomination made the recognition fitting. The Hasty Pudding Theatricals is the oldest theatrical organization in the United States and among the oldest globally. Since 1951, it has presented the annual award to leading actresses including Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Scarlett Johansson and Annette Bening. Last year’s recipient was “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo. Byrne has also appeared in “Juliet, Naked,” “Get Him to the Greek” and “28 Weeks Later.” Her stage work includes productions at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, and she is set to star opposite Kelli O’Hara in the Broadway revival of “Fallen Angels” beginning in March. Ireland introduces world’s first permanent basic income scheme for artists

Ireland has introduced what is being described as the world’s first permanent basic income scheme for artists, offering selected recipients €325 per week to support their creative work. The Basic Income for the Arts (BIA) programme will provide weekly payments to 2,000 eligible artists for a period of three years. Applications are scheduled to open in May. Culture Minister Patrick O’Donovan said the initiative marks a significant milestone and positions Ireland as a global leader in artist support. He noted that the scheme aims to sustain artistic careers and help retain creative talent within the country. The permanent programme follows a pilot launched in 2022 to assist the arts and culture sector in recovering from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. According to government data, every €1 invested in the pilot generated a return of €1.39, while also allowing artists to devote more time to their work and improving their quality of life. O’Donovan said research from the pilot consistently highlighted the positive impact of income support, as well as the financial insecurity faced by many artists in Ireland. He encouraged artists nationwide to apply so the final selection reflects a broad range of creative disciplines. The Department of Culture said 2,000 applicants will be selected through an anonymous randomised process to ensure equal opportunity. Detailed application guidelines will be published in April. To be eligible, applicants must be resident in Ireland at the time of application, work as professional artists with an established creative practice, and have their primary creative activity based in Ireland. Officials expect a high volume of applications and acknowledged that not all eligible candidates will receive funding. Those not selected in 2026 will have another opportunity to apply when the scheme reopens in 2029.   With inputs from BBC

Grammy-winning singer Chappell Roan has cut ties with the Wasserman talent agency, led by entertainment executive and Los Angeles 2028 Olympics chair Casey Wasserman, following the release of government files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Wasserman has not been accused of any wrongdoing. However, documents made public by the US Justice Department show that in 2003 he exchanged flirtatious emails with Ghislaine Maxwell, who was later convicted of helping Epstein recruit and abuse underage girls. “As of today, I am no longer represented by Wasserman,” Roan wrote on Instagram Monday. “I hold my teams to the highest standards… No artist, agent or employee should ever be expected to defend or overlook actions that conflict so deeply with our own moral values.” Though she did not mention Epstein directly, Roan said artists deserve representation that aligns with their values and ensures their safety and dignity. Among the released emails was one in which Wasserman told Maxwell, “I think of you all the time. So, what do I have to do to see you in a tight leather outfit?” Responding earlier, Wasserman said he “deeply regret” the correspondence, which he described as taking place “long before her horrific crimes came to light.” He also said he never had a personal or business relationship with Epstein and met him only once during a 2002 philanthropy trip to Africa with former US President Bill Clinton. He added that he never saw anything inappropriate and had no further contact. Trevor Noah takes jabs at Trump and Nicki Minaj during Grammys Maxwell was charged in 2020 and is serving a 20-year prison sentence. Roan’s move follows similar decisions by other artists under Wasserman. Bands including Wednesday, Beach Bunny, Water From Your Eyes and Sylvan Esso have announced plans to leave the agency, while Best Coast’s Bethany Cosentino publicly urged Wasserman to step down. Wasserman, grandson of Hollywood mogul Lew Wasserman, heads one of the world’s leading sports and talent agencies and has played a key role in bringing the 2028 Summer Olympics to Los Angeles. The International Olympic Committee has said it will not intervene in the matter.

Brad Arnold, the lead singer and songwriter of popular US rock band 3 Doors Down, has died after battling cancer. He was 47, the band confirmed in a statement posted on social media on Saturday. “He will be deeply missed and forever remembered,” the band said, paying tribute to Arnold’s long career and impact on rock music. Arnold was best known for writing and performing hit songs such as Kryptonite, Here Without You, When I’m Gone and Loser, which dominated rock and pop radio during the 2000s. In May 2025, Arnold revealed that he had been diagnosed with stage four clear cell renal carcinoma, a form of kidney cancer that had spread to his lungs. At the time, he said he was not afraid and asked fans to keep him in their prayers, though the illness forced the band to cancel an upcoming tour. The band said Arnold, a founding member as well as the original drummer and vocalist, helped shape mainstream rock music by combining post-grunge sounds with emotional lyrics that connected with everyday listeners. Formed in Mississippi in the mid-1990s, 3 Doors Down rose to fame with their debut album The Better Life in 2000. The album became one of the top-selling records in the United States that year, according to Billboard. Arnold wrote the band’s breakout hit Kryptonite when he was just 15 years old. Another founding member of the band, Matt Roberts, died in 2016 at the age of 38. Arnold was also open about his struggles with alcoholism and said he had been sober since 2016. He often spoke about how recovery changed his life both personally and professionally. Over the years, 3 Doors Down won three Billboard Music Awards and performed at major national events, including US presidential inaugurations. In 2004, the band set up the Better Life Foundation, a charity that supports children in need of food, shelter and medical care. Arnold is survived by his wife, Jennifer.   With inputs from BBC

Taylor Swift surprised fans after actor Cillian Murphy made a brief cameo in the music video of her song Opalite, triggering widespread excitement on social media. The video, now streaming on Spotify and Apple Music Premium, features several familiar faces from a 2025 episode of The Graham Norton Show. Alongside Murphy, the appearances include Domhnall Gleeson, Greta Lee, Jodie Turner-Smith, Lewis Capaldi and show host Graham Norton. Cillian Murphy appears in the opening scene through a billboard advertisement and also provides a voiceover. Domhnall Gleeson plays Swift’s former love interest in the video, while Lewis Capaldi appears as a photographer. Greta Lee and Jodie Turner-Smith are shown in television advertisements within the storyline, and Graham Norton makes a short appearance. Following the video’s release, Murphy’s cameo quickly became a talking point online. Fans shared memes and reactions, with many joking that the actor had officially joined what they called the “Taylor Swift cinematic universe”. The official version of the Opalite music video is set to premiere on YouTube on February 8 at 6:30 pm IST. Opalite is the second song from Swift’s album The Life of a Showgirl to receive a music video. The first was Fate of Ophelia, released in October last year along with the album. Swift has also announced a limited edition pearlescent blue vinyl of Opalite, available for pre order on her official website for a limited time. The Life of a Showgirl became the fastest selling album in history, selling more than four million units in its first week. The album topped global charts and includes a collaboration with Sabrina Carpenter on the title track, along with other songs such as Wood, Elizabeth Taylor and Actually Romantic. Swift earlier shared on Instagram that the idea for the video came from a light hearted joke during her appearance on The Graham Norton Show, after which she reached out to the guests to take part in the project.   With inputs from NDTV