Popular Bangladeshi content creator and actress Karina Kaiser has passed away in Chennai, India, after suffering from severe liver-related complications. She was taken to Chennai for advanced treatment and was under care at the Christian Medical College (CMC) Hospital in Vellore. Her father, former national footballer Kaiser Hamid, confirmed her death. Doctors reportedly tried their best to save her after her blood pressure dropped suddenly during antibiotic treatment on Friday.

According to family sources, Karina initially developed a fever that later turned into a severe infection. She was diagnosed with liver failure caused by complications from hepatitis A and E. After her condition worsened, she was moved to intensive care and placed on life support at a private hospital in Dhaka before being flown to India by air ambulance.

Karina Kaiser was well known among young audiences for her creative social media content and acting performances. She had recently been focusing on acting and scriptwriting. Her untimely death has cast a shadow of grief over the entertainment community and her admirers.

Sifar Café, located in the Bamzu area of Anantnag about 40 kilometers from Pahalgam in Indian-administered Kashmir, has become a major tourist attraction following the shooting of the Tamil blockbuster film 'Leo'. Once a quiet local hangout, the café was featured in the movie as 'Café Wild Beans', where actor Vijay portrayed a café owner leading a double life as a gangster.

Since the film’s release in 2023, the café has drawn large numbers of visitors from Tamil Nadu, particularly after Vijay took office as the state’s chief minister. Fans recreate scenes from the movie, make social media reels, and dance to Vijay’s popular songs during their visits.

The café’s signature item, ‘chocolate coffee’, has become a favorite among tourists, as it was served by Vijay in the film. Staff members said Tamil Nadu location scouts first selected the site in 2022, and filming continued there for 25 days with stars including Trisha Krishnan, Sanjay Dutt, and Sandy Master.

Netflix has announced the return of its globally popular Spanish crime drama series 'Money Heist' or 'La Casa de Papel'. The original series officially ended in 2021 after five seasons, but nearly five years later, the streaming platform released a teaser titled 'The World of Money Heist Continues' on social media, confirming that the franchise’s story is not over. The teaser hinted that the 'Money Heist' universe will expand further, sparking widespread speculation online.

The teaser, shared on Netflix’s official channels, suggested that a new project is in development, though it remains unclear whether it will be a sixth season, a spin-off, or a sequel. Meanwhile, the second season of 'Berlin', titled 'Berlin and the Lady with an Ermine', is set for global release on May 15. The promotional materials featured the series’ signature red and black theme and referenced the iconic 'Bella Ciao' motif, symbolizing that the revolution continues.

The teaser also revisited iconic heist scenes from the Royal Mint and Bank of Spain, while hinting at new missions that could broaden the franchise’s storyline.

Bangladesh has introduced its first full-fledged micro drama series titled 'Silver Sadia', designed specifically for mobile-first viewers. The series, produced by Mayer Doa Studios and directed by Miraz Hossain, is presented entirely in a vertical format, with each episode lasting only three minutes. A special vertical screening event was recently held at a five-star hotel in Dhaka, attended by media professionals, industry figures, and invited guests.

According to the creators, the story follows a young madrasa student from a lower-middle-class family who secretly develops a passion for gaming. With her mother’s quiet support, she begins live streaming on YouTube and gradually builds her own audience. The plot intensifies when her father discovers her secret, leading to a confrontation that explores themes of family, distance, and self-discovery.

Industry insiders view this micro-format storytelling as a bold and timely step for Bangladesh’s digital entertainment sector, signaling new creative possibilities for short-form vertical content.

Bangladeshi-origin music producer and DJ Sanjay has been confirmed to perform at the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The grand event will take place on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, United States, where Sanjay will share the stage with globally renowned artists including Katy Perry, Future, Alanis Morissette, Michael Bublé, J Balvin, and Lisa.

Sanjay expressed his excitement on social media, describing the opportunity as an incredible milestone in his journey from a small home studio to the world stage. He has already made a mark in the music scenes of South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe-America, but this performance is expected to elevate his career to a new level.

FIFA announced that each match-day show will begin 90 minutes before kickoff to encourage early attendance. The opening ceremonies in the United States and Canada will last 13 minutes, while Mexico’s will run for 16 minutes and 30 seconds. Additionally, FIFA will host special celebrations on July 4 in Philadelphia and Houston to mark the United States’ 250th Independence Day.

The government of Bangladesh has announced a major initiative to introduce e-ticketing and a central box office system across the country’s cinema halls. The Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) has prepared a development project proposal worth about Tk 50 crore to bring all theatres under a central server. The plan aims to ensure transparency and modern management in the film industry, which has long suffered from irregularities.

BFDC Managing Director Masuma Tani said that producers and directors have long demanded e-ticketing to prevent financial losses and revenue ambiguity. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has already given policy approval, with State Minister Yasser Khan Chowdhury expressing support. The ministry has instructed that the proposal be submitted before Eid-ul-Azha, emphasizing cost efficiency in implementation.

BFDC has held several meetings with cinema owners, producers, directors, and online streaming platforms, most of whom support the central box office plan. Once the proposal is submitted, it will be reviewed internally by the ministry and then sent to the Planning Commission for final approval before nationwide rollout.

The Directorate of Films and Publications (DFP) under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has announced a government initiative to produce two short films highlighting Bangladesh’s history, heritage, and culture. According to a public notice issued by the DFP, experienced consultancy firms are invited to submit applications and scripts for the projects by May 9, 2026, at noon.

One of the films will be based on the folk tale 'Gazi Kalu and Champabati' and will run 25 to 30 minutes with English subtitles. The government has allocated Tk 2 million for its production. The second film will focus on a story promoting Islamic culture, tolerance, and unity, with a duration of 12 to 15 minutes and a budget of Tk 1 million. Selected firms will be responsible for all stages of production, including scripting, casting, shooting, editing, dubbing, and color grading.

The DFP emphasized that the films must combine modern technical standards with creativity, and participating firms must have at least five years of professional experience.

Dhaka’s theatre scene is set for a vibrant celebration on May Day, with two major troupes organizing daylong events. Aranyak Natyadal will begin its program at 10 a.m. at the Central Shaheed Minar, featuring May Day songs, recitations, Baul music, and a discussion session. The discussion will include Bangladesh Mahila Parishad president Dr. Fauzia Moslem. The troupe will also stage Mannan Hira’s street play “Murkh Loker Murkh Kotha.” Later, at 6:30 p.m., the second session will be held at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy’s Experimental Theatre Hall, featuring music performances and Aranyak’s acclaimed play “Rarang,” written and directed by Mamunur Rashid. As in previous years, a special publication titled “May Dayer Kagoj” will be released.

Meanwhile, theatre group BotTola will present two shows of its children’s play “Bonyatherium” at the Nilima Ibrahim Auditorium of Bangladesh Mahila Samity on Bailey Road, at 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Directed by Evan Riaz and adapted from Sukumar Ray’s “Hesoram Hushiyarer Diary,” the play explores human greed, commercialism, and environmental destruction through the story of a mysterious creature, offering both entertainment and moral reflection for audiences of all ages.

Renowned South Asian singer Runa Laila will receive India’s prestigious ‘Minar-e-Delhi’ honor at the 15th Delhi International Film Festival on May 4. The event, confirmed by Laila herself, will be held at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts and Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in Delhi, continuing until May 8. The festival will feature 175 films from 60 countries, with a focus on women’s empowerment, social and child-related issues, and encouraging female filmmakers. The event is supported by India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Culture, and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts.

Runa Laila expressed her joy at being selected for the award, thanking festival president Ram Kishore and the organizing institutions. The Minar-e-Delhi honor has previously been awarded to figures such as former Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena, Russian actress Xenia Rebekkanna, and Indian artists Sharmila Tagore and Tigmanshu Dhulia. The letter sent to Laila highlighted her decades-long contribution to music and film, describing her work as a cultural bridge between India and Bangladesh.

The festival will also feature prominent participants including Sharmila Tagore and Rituparna Sengupta.

A new film based on the life of global pop icon Michael Jackson has cast his nephew Jafaar Jackson in the lead role, raising questions among fans about why the singer’s own sons were not chosen. The mystery was clarified in a recent interview, revealing that Michael’s sons, Prince and Bigi, prefer to remain behind the camera rather than in front of it.

Prince has stated that he does not consider himself skilled enough in singing or dancing to play his father, focusing instead on social work. Bigi, meanwhile, is more interested in directing and producing than acting. Jafaar, the son of Michael’s brother Jermaine Jackson, has trained in music and dance since childhood and reportedly shares a striking resemblance to Michael’s voice and movements.

According to the film’s director, Jafaar’s natural ability and years of preparation made him the best choice to capture Michael’s iconic dance and vocal style. He trained intensively for several years and even kept the casting decision secret from his family for nearly a year.

The big-budget biopic 'Michael', based on the life of pop icon Michael Jackson, has stormed the box office despite negative reviews and a complex production process. Released in North America, the film earned 97 million dollars in its first week and 217 million dollars worldwide, setting a new record for the highest-grossing biopic opening in history. Starring Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson, the film grossed 120.4 million dollars internationally, surpassing the opening records of 'Oppenheimer' (2023) and 'Bohemian Rhapsody' (2018).

Critics have accused the film of downplaying controversial aspects of Jackson’s life, reflected in a 38% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences gave it a 97% rating. The production faced legal and creative hurdles, including reshooting scenes related to the Jordan Chandler case at a cost of about 50 million dollars, limiting the story to events before 1988. Despite family opposition and legal restrictions, the film’s success has prompted producers to consider sequels.

The film, produced by Lionsgate and distributed internationally by Universal, is yet to release in Japan, where Jackson has a large fan base. Its release there is scheduled for June.

Legendary Bangladeshi singer Runa Laila is set to return to the Australian stage after nearly a decade. She will perform alongside Bengal Symphony and artist Emon Chowdhury in two grand concerts scheduled for August 1 and 8, 2026, in Sydney and Melbourne respectively. The first event, titled “Bangladesh Night,” will take place at Sydney’s Norwest Convention Centre, featuring performances by Runa Laila, Bengal Symphony, and Pintu Ghosh. The second concert, “Runa Laila and Symphony Legacy Tour,” will be held at Melbourne’s Recital Centre.

Organizers described the events as more than just concerts, promising audiences a memorable musical journey. Advance ticket sales have already begun online and are reportedly receiving a positive response. Runa Laila expressed her excitement about performing in Australia again and said she is preparing to sing audience favorites. She will travel to Sydney on July 29 with seven instrumentalists. Emon Chowdhury added that the team is enthusiastic about performing popular songs such as “Kotha Koyo Na,” “Baji,” “Sada Sada Kala,” and “Teka Pakhi.”

The long-awaited biopic ‘Michael’, based on the life and musical journey of American pop icon Michael Jackson, is set for international release on Friday, April 24. Bangladeshi audiences will be able to watch the film the same day at Star Cineplex. The film stars Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson in the lead role, alongside Miles Teller, Colman Domingo, Kat Graham, Nia Long, Laura Harrier, Kendrick Sampson, and Juliano Krue Valdi.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film traces Michael Jackson’s rise from his early days as the lead singer of the Jackson 5 to becoming one of the most celebrated solo artists in global music history. It promises to reveal lesser-known aspects of his life and include some of his most famous performances. The trailer, released in February, surpassed five million views within a day, signaling strong anticipation among fans.

The film’s simultaneous release in Bangladesh underscores the enduring popularity of Michael Jackson, whose music continues to attract around 65 million monthly listeners on Spotify even more than a decade after his death in 2009.

Julian Casablancas, lead singer of the popular band The Strokes, made critical remarks about the role of Zionists in the United States during an appearance on comedian Kareem Rahma’s online talk show Subway Takes. The interview, recorded in the New York City subway and published on YouTube on Tuesday, featured Casablancas discussing various topics, including political issues. His comments have drawn attention and discussion across social media platforms.

Casablancas argued that American Zionists enjoy privileges similar to white beneficiaries but speak as if they are oppressed like African Americans during the era of slavery. Host Kareem Rahma agreed, calling the situation tragic and referencing the ongoing violence in Gaza, where tens of thousands of Palestinians, including women and children, have been killed. Rahma described the situation as horrific and said expressing such criticism should not be considered wrong.

The exchange has fueled online debate about privilege, oppression, and the framing of identity in the context of the Israel-Gaza conflict.

More than 1,000 musicians and cultural workers have signed an open letter calling for a boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest unless Israel is excluded from participation. The appeal, organized by the group 'No Music for Genocide', was made public on Tuesday and urges artists, broadcasters, workers, and fans to reject the event until Israel’s public broadcaster KAN is barred. The letter cites Israel’s actions in Palestine as the reason for the call.

Signatories include internationally known artists such as Brian Eno, Massive Attack, Ni-Kap, and Roger Waters, as well as former Eurovision winners Emmelie de Forest and Charlie McGettigan. The letter accuses the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) of hypocrisy for allowing Israel to compete while Russia remains suspended due to its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

The statement also praises broadcasters and contestants from Spain, Ireland, Iceland, Slovenia, and the Netherlands who have withdrawn or refused to participate in protest. The next Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to take place in Austria from May 12 to 16.