Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has expressed solidarity with students participating in the ongoing protests against exam paper leaks in India. In an Instagram post shared on Wednesday, he urged demonstrators to continue their movement peacefully, describing paper leaks as a serious issue that should not be politically hijacked. Khan praised the courage and awareness of the young generation, saying their commitment to education would make India proud.

He emphasized that the problem of paper leaks concerns students and the education system alone, and credited the movement’s success solely to the students. Khan also expressed hope that the government would fully support the students and strengthen the education system for the benefit of all. He concluded by calling for education to become a positive national trend that could attract international students to study in India.

Several other Bollywood figures, including Omi Vaidya, Zeenat Aman, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Abhay Deol, Sonakshi Sinha, and Riteish Deshmukh, have also voiced support for the peaceful protests led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) in New Delhi.

Oscar-winning filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s latest film, “The Odyssey,” is currently dominating theaters worldwide. In an interview with U.S. outlet Today, Nolan revealed that the physically and mentally demanding production has left him exhausted, prompting him to take a three-year break before starting his next project. The film, based on the Greek epic, explores themes of love, war, homecoming, and destiny on a grand cinematic scale.

Nolan described the filming process as extremely challenging, citing sequences such as the Cyclops’ cave and stormy sea voyages that tested the entire crew. He shot the entire movie on IMAX 70mm film for the first time in his 25-year career, aiming to immerse audiences directly into the world of Odysseus. The cast includes Matt Damon, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, and Tom Holland.

Following the success of “Oppenheimer,” the three-hour epic is projected to earn around $200 million globally in its opening weekend. Nolan said he now plans to rest and recover from the intense filmmaking experience before returning to the big screen.

Pakistani singer Atif Aslam has confirmed through a video message that he will perform live in Dhaka this Friday. The announcement was shared on the social media pages of the organizing company Main Stage, where Atif expressed excitement about meeting his fans and performing at the Cricketers Academy on 300 Feet Road. The concert, titled “Main Stage Featuring Atif Aslam,” will take place in the capital, with gates opening at 2 p.m. and closing at 6 p.m. The main show will run from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The event will also feature performances by Bangladeshi bands Meghdol and Level Five. Organizers stated that Atif Aslam will arrive in Bangladesh tomorrow. The concert was originally scheduled for December 13 last year but was postponed due to security clearance issues. Fans who retained their tickets from the postponed event can use them for the new date, while those awaiting refunds may reclaim their tickets by withdrawing refund requests.

The confirmation video has sparked excitement among Dhaka’s music lovers, ending months of speculation about the concert’s rescheduling.

Bangladeshi filmmaker Adnan Al Rajib, whose short film ‘Ali’ won an award at the Cannes Film Festival, is set to make his debut as a feature film director. The film is scheduled for theatrical release next year. Although the cast has not been officially announced, speculation suggests that actor Siam Ahmed may play the lead role. Rajib confirmed that discussions with Siam are ongoing but nothing has been finalized yet.

Rajib, known for his work in short films, advertisements, and television dramas, said he has long been searching for a distinctive romantic story for his first full-length project. He described the story as one that evolved slowly over time, reflecting his personal creative journey. The director is currently focused on finalizing the screenplay, revising multiple drafts, and selecting the cast.

If Siam Ahmed is confirmed, he will appear in a romantic role contrasting his recent action-oriented performances. Filming is expected to begin later this year, with the female lead yet to be chosen and announced officially.

Registration has begun for the new reality show 'Shaheen Education Family–Channel i Spelling Star 2026', aimed at improving English language and spelling skills among Bangladeshi students. The competition, jointly organized by Shaheen Education Family and Channel i, is open to fourth and fifth grade students from Bangla and madrasa mediums across the country. Registration will continue until August 14, 2026.

The launch event was held at a press conference attended by State Minister for Education and Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj, Shaheen Education Family Chairman Masudul Amin Shaheen, and Channel i Executive Director Harun Rashid. Organizers said the initiative is designed to inspire students and enhance their learning interest. The preliminary selection will take place at 35 venues nationwide, followed by divisional rounds featuring 350 to 400 students. From these, 100 finalists will compete in the main televised round on Channel i.

According to the organizers, the primary goal of the competition is to develop English language and spelling proficiency among primary-level students from an early age.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has introduced new conditions for receiving government grants for full-length film production. According to a circular issued by the ministry’s Film-2 branch on Wednesday, the third installment of funding will not be released unless 80 percent of the film’s shooting is completed. The directive is part of the revised ‘Government Grant Policy for Full-Length Film Production 2025,’ which also establishes an 11-member grant committee.

The committee, chaired by the ministry’s adviser, includes senior officials, film industry representatives, and cultural experts such as Professor Dr. Syed Jafar Iqbal, actress Humayra Islam Mukti, and the president of the Bangladesh Film Exhibitors Association, Awlad Hossain. It will approve the release of the second installment, verify shooting progress before the third installment, and provide final approval for selected scripts and proposals. The committee may also recommend suspending grants if no suitable proposals are received in a given year.

A separate 11-member committee has been formed for short film grants, also chaired by the ministry’s adviser. The new directives take effect immediately in the public interest.

Pakistan is set to take part in the Miss World pageant for the first time in its 73-year history. Twenty-four-year-old Anika Meraj has been selected as the country’s inaugural representative after winning the title of Miss World Pakistan 2026. She will represent Pakistan at the 75th anniversary edition of Miss World, scheduled to be held in Vietnam from August 9 to September 5, 2026. This marks Pakistan’s official debut on the international stage of the competition.

Anika Meraj has drawn attention not only for her beauty but also for her academic achievements. She holds undergraduate degrees in business administration and economics and is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in auditing and accounting. She has expressed aspirations to become a state-certified public accountant and to work for the protection of children’s rights and the promotion of women’s education.

According to Anika, she hopes to contribute to building a brighter future for Pakistan’s next generation through education and awareness.

Renowned Bangladeshi singer Runa Laila will perform at a special solo concert and felicitation event on July 24 at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Dhaka. The program, organized under the patronage of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, aims to honor her lifelong contribution to music and raise support for flood victims. Originally scheduled for July 18, the event was postponed to July 24 due to the ongoing flood situation.

The event will feature Runa Laila performing some of her most popular songs. Minister of Cultural Affairs Nitai Roy Chowdhury MP will attend as the chief guest, with State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam MP and Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, Adviser (Minister of State rank) for Policy and Strategy at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, as special guests. The session will be chaired by Kaniz Mowla, Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.

The concert is expected to celebrate Runa Laila’s artistic legacy while contributing to humanitarian relief for those affected by the floods.

Acclaimed Hollywood filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s new film 'The Odyssey' is set for a global release on July 17, 2026. Bangladeshi audiences will be able to watch it the same day at Star Cineplex, marking a simultaneous premiere with the rest of the world. The film has already generated significant discussion worldwide for its scale and subject matter.

' The Odyssey' is based on the ancient Greek epic by poet Homer, depicting the perilous homeward journey of the hero Odysseus after the Trojan War. The story follows his decade-long struggle to return home after being separated from his companions by fate. The film features Matt Damon as Odysseus, Tom Holland as his son Telemachus, and Anne Hathaway as his wife Penelope, alongside Robert Pattinson, Zendaya, Charlize Theron, Mia Goth, Benny Safdie, and Jon Bernthal.

The simultaneous release in Bangladesh highlights the country’s growing inclusion in global film distribution networks, offering local audiences early access to major Hollywood releases.

Veteran Bangladeshi film actress Bobita has announced her plan to build a mosque at her ancestral home in Bijoynagar, Jashore. The national award-winning actress recently visited the site with her sisters, Suchanda and Champa, and finalized the land for the mosque. She expressed deep satisfaction at taking this step, describing it as a meaningful act of service at this stage of her life.

Bobita stated that constructing a mosque has become her greatest wish as she reflects on her life and legacy. She shared that she intends to design the mosque soon and begin construction gradually. The actress also asked for prayers for the successful completion of this initiative.

Bobita, a three-time National Film Award winner for Best Actress since 1975, received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016 and the Ekushey Padak in 2026, recognizing her enduring contributions to Bangladeshi cinema.

Bangladeshi film actress Pori Moni expressed her deep affection for Argentina’s football team through a social media post on Facebook. In a post made around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, she wrote that she would get married again if Argentina won the cup final. The post quickly drew attention from her fans, many of whom took it as a humorous remark and responded with various reactions in the comments.

This is not the first time Pori Moni has shared her enthusiasm for Argentina. On July 12, she posted the word “Win” with a love reaction, followed by another post saying “Football is a love,” accompanied by a heart reaction and the Argentine flag emoji. In another post the same day, she mentioned her son’s strong support for Argentina, sharing a video of them spending time together at the Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden Hotel.

Her recent posts highlight her passionate support for Argentina’s football team, sparking lively discussions among her followers on social media.

Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has responded to social media criticism labeling his marriages as examples of 'love jihad'. The controversy arose after his third marriage to Bengaluru resident Gauri Spratt, who is Christian. In an interview with Rediff, Aamir stated that none of his wives—Reena Dutta, Kiran Rao, and Gauri Spratt—converted to Islam, and all three marriages were conducted under civil law. He emphasized that his family represents interfaith harmony, citing examples of his sisters, daughter, and nephew’s interfaith marriages.

Aamir dismissed the allegations as baseless and absurd, asserting that his personal life has been misrepresented online. He also denied reports claiming he purchased a 100-crore-rupee flat in Mumbai’s Marina Apartments to build a family complex, clarifying that the building’s reconstruction was a collective decision by all residents, not his private project.

The actor’s remarks come amid renewed public scrutiny of his personal life following his recent marriage, which sparked widespread online debate and speculation.

Popular Bangladeshi actor Mosharraf Karim appeared in a new role as a judge, joined by actor-director Shamim Zaman and film actress Aanchal Akhi at the grand finale of the reality show ‘Miss and Mrs Plus Beauty Season 3’. The event, jointly organized by Star Multimedia and Dance Kingdom, aimed to celebrate the intelligence, confidence, personality, and inner beauty of plus-size women beyond conventional beauty standards. The competition began with 30 participants, from which eight finalists advanced to the final round.

Aanchal expressed her excitement and honor at sharing the judging panel with Mosharraf Karim and Shamim Zaman, describing the experience as a memorable milestone in her acting career. She praised the contestants’ performances and said she was delighted to be part of the event.

In the finale, Wafia Sadiqa was crowned champion after impressing the judges with her ramp walk, personality, quick thinking, and overall performance. Jerin Khan and Dalia Islam Jui were named first and second runners-up respectively. The judges jointly crowned the winner at the closing ceremony.

A Dhaka court has issued a summons against actress Tanjin Tisha in a fraud and breach of trust case. The order was given on Sunday, July 12, by Magistrate Md. Jewel Rana of the 10th Court of the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate. Tisha has been instructed to appear before the court on August 13 for the next hearing, confirmed by the plaintiff’s lawyer, Advocate Salimullah Sarkar.

According to the case statement, Tanjin Tisha allegedly took a sari worth 28,800 taka from an online fashion page named ‘Aponia’ for promotional purposes but neither paid for it nor maintained contact afterward. The plaintiff claims that conversations through Instagram, WhatsApp, and voice messages support the allegations. Tisha, however, stated in a Facebook post that the sari had been given to her as a gift.

The plaintiff’s lawyer said the investigation report found preliminary evidence supporting the complaint, and the matter will now proceed in court.

Bangladeshi singer Sabbir Zaman, known for his popularity on stage, has recently been honored as Best Singer at the 19th Channel i Music Awards for his song 'Amra Dujon Pakhir Kujon'. The song was written by lyricist Lutfur Hasan and composed by music director Shan Sayek. Despite having a limited number of original songs, Sabbir has earned widespread admiration through his performances both at home and abroad.

In an interview, Sabbir shared that music has been his passion since childhood, describing it as the center of his thoughts and life. He expressed gratitude to his collaborators Lutfur Hasan and Shan Sayek, as well as to Dhruba Music Station and Dhruba Guha for supporting the song. His humility and amiable nature have also been praised by fans and fellow artists.

On July 8, Sabbir celebrated his birthday with close friends and received numerous social media tributes from colleagues and admirers, reflecting his strong connection with the music community.