South Korean children’s content company Pinkfong, creator of the viral 90-second video 'Baby Shark', has grown into a $400 million enterprise after its stock market debut. The video, released in June 2016 under CEO Kim Min-seok’s approval, became the most viewed content on YouTube with over 16 billion views. Pinkfong’s shares rose 9% on their first trading day, raising about $52 million. Originally founded in 2010 as SmartStudy with just three employees, the company shifted focus to younger audiences, producing simple, educational content that led to Baby Shark’s global success. While the song remains a key revenue driver, accounting for about one-fourth of earnings, new franchises like Bebefinn now contribute around 40%. Analysts note that Pinkfong must prove its growth extends beyond Baby Shark. CEO Kim says the company plans to use IPO funds to expand its film and character lineup and evolve into a technology-driven content creator leveraging data insights.

Two judges of the 74th Miss Universe competition resigned just three days before the final event, citing concerns over transparency and fairness. Lebanese-French musician Omar Harfouch announced his resignation on Instagram, claiming that an unofficial jury had already selected 30 finalists from 136 contestants without the presence of the official eight-member panel. He alleged that some members of this informal group had personal ties with certain contestants. Shortly after Harfouch’s resignation, French football manager Claude Makélélé also stepped down, citing personal reasons. The Miss Universe Organization denied the allegations, clarifying that no external group was involved in the evaluation process. They explained that Harfouch may have confused the 'Beyond the Crown' initiative—an independent social program with its own committee—with the main competition’s judging process. The final event is scheduled to take place in Bangkok and Phuket, Thailand, on November 21.

A new documentary titled 'Crisis-Struggle-Success' focusing on BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman is set to premiere online on Thursday, November 20. The film, produced under the supervision of Ashiq Islam, senior assistant press secretary to former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, explores various aspects of Rahman’s life and political journey. It features commentary and discussions from politicians, academics, journalists, students, lawyers, judges, human rights activists, and artists, reflecting on his past, present, and future roles in Bangladesh’s political landscape. The documentary also highlights Rahman’s contributions to democracy and human rights advocacy in the country. Created to mark his birthday, it includes reflections on his political struggles, sacrifices, and vision for Bangladesh. Several prominent journalists were involved in the production, according to an official press release issued on Wednesday.

Veteran Bangladeshi actor Hasan Masud, known for his roles in television dramas and films, remains under treatment at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Dhaka after suffering an ischemic stroke and a mild heart attack on October 27. Despite two weeks of medical care, his condition has not yet fully stabilized, and doctors continue to monitor him closely. The actor’s family and hospital authorities have maintained privacy regarding his exact health status. Hasan Masud had recently returned to acting with the TV series 'Tel Chhara Parota' after a long hiatus, but shooting has been suspended due to his illness. Fans and colleagues have expressed concern and wished him a speedy recovery. The Actors’ Association stated that he will need more time to recover completely.

Bangladeshi model and actress Tanjia Zaman Methila has made history by ranking among the top three contestants in the ongoing Miss Universe 2025 competition, currently taking place in Pak Kret, Thailand. Representing Bangladesh, Methila secured over 192,000 votes in the ‘People’s Choice’ category, placing her third behind contestants from the Philippines and Chile. She is also performing strongly in several other categories, including first place in ‘Best National Costume’ and second in both ‘Miss Congeniality’ and ‘Best Evening Gown’. Methila expressed her gratitude to Bangladeshi fans for their overwhelming support and said she is motivated to continue performing well. Voting continues until November 19, with the grand finale scheduled for November 21. This marks Bangladesh’s best-ever performance in the Miss Universe pageant.

HBO is developing a live-action television adaptation of the iconic comic series 'V for Vendetta,' according to Variety. The project is in early development, with writer Pete Jackson attached to create the series. Warner Bros. Television will produce the show, joined by DC Studios executives James Gunn and Peter Safran as executive producers, alongside Ben Stephenson and Leanne Klein from Warner Bros. Television Studios UK. The original comic, created by Alan Moore and David Lloyd, depicts a dystopian future Britain ruled by a totalitarian regime, with a masked vigilante named V leading a rebellion. The adaptation follows HBO’s growing slate of DC live-action series, including 'The Penguin.' The 2005 film version of 'V for Vendetta' was a critical and commercial success, and Warner Bros. plans to re-release it in theaters in November 2026 to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

Celebrated singer Tahsan Khan has announced that he is gradually stepping away from his two-decade-long music career. His verified Facebook and Instagram accounts—once followed by millions—have mysteriously disappeared, sparking speculation among fans.

At a recent concert in Melbourne, Australia, Tahsan clarified, “This is not my last concert, but my last tour. Slowly, I will retire from music—it’s only natural. Can someone jump on stage forever? My daughter is growing up. If I now stand and sing ‘Dure Tumi Dariye,’ how would that look?”

The audience was stunned, many breaking into tears, but Tahsan remained resolute, continuing his performance. He later summed up his decision in a single sentence: “I chose this path in hopes of living a simple life.”

Renowned Bollywood actor Achyut Potdar, best known for his role as a professor in Rajkumar Hirani’s blockbuster 3 Idiots, has passed away at the age of 90.
His daughter, Anuradha Paraskar, confirmed the news, stating that he breathed his last at Jupiter Hospital in Thane, Mumbai.
Potdar’s illustrious career included acclaimed performances in films such as Aakrosh, Ardh Satya, Tezaab, Parinda, Raju Ban Gaya Gentleman, Dilwale, Rangeela, Vastav, Hum Saath Saath Hain, Parineeta, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Dabangg 2, and Ventilator.

Bangladeshi media personality and aspiring politician Hero Alom has expressed interest in running for mayor, possibly in the Dhaka South City Corporation election. Speaking to reporters, he said, “No election is easy. I'm working in my own way, but ultimately it depends on the people.”

Alom added that if there is strong public demand, he would consider contesting in the national elections as well. “Right now, my focus is on the mayoral race. Many are calling and encouraging me. Discussions are ongoing. I want a chance to serve the people,” he said.

Hero Alom previously contested in the 2023 by-elections for Bogura-4 and Bogura-6 constituencies.

Controversial singer Mainul Ahsan Noble has once again landed in legal trouble. On the night of July 19, he was arrested by Mirpur Model Police for allegedly assaulting an Uber driver while under the influence of alcohol.

According to the driver, Noble refused to exit the vehicle after reaching his destination and proceeded to abuse and physically assault him. Noble was accompanied by his former wife, Salsabil, at the time. Locals intervened and called police, who took both parties to the station. This isn't Noble’s first controversy—he has previously faced allegations ranging from public misconduct in Kurigram to a rape case in Dhaka.

Photos of actor Somu Chowdhury lying alone under a tree near the Mukhi Shah Miskin shrine in Gafargaon, Mymensingh, have gone viral online. Explaining the situation, Somu said, “I came here with just one set of clothes. After washing them, I didn’t have anything else to wear, so I lay under the banyan tree with a towel. When I woke up, I realized I had gone viral nationwide.”

Police initially detained him but released him after confirming that there were no issues.

Star Cineplex has issued a warning about fraud rings exploiting the high demand for movie tickets. According to the authorities, scammers are creating fake online groups, pages, and websites in the name of Star Cineplex to sell movie tickets. Many unsuspecting customers have already fallen victim to these scams.
The management has advised moviegoers to avoid sharing personal or payment details with suspicious accounts. Tickets should only be purchased through the official website (www.cineplexbd.com) or their verified Messenger handle (m.me/mycineplex). Customers may also buy tickets directly from Star Cineplex counters.

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has summoned financial records for actor Mahfuz Ahmed, his wife Israt Jahan, and two other individuals, including Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader and his wife Sharifa Quader. Authorities have requested statements from July 1, 2017, onward for all types of bank accounts, including fixed deposits, savings, loans, foreign currency accounts, credit cards, lockers, and investment holdings. Earlier, the NBR’s Central Intelligence Cell had also issued a directive to freeze the accounts of GM Quader and Sharifa Quader.

‘Kiyori Pekra Uwo,’ Bangladesh’s first-ever film in the Mro language, will be screened at the prestigious University of Cambridge under the title ‘Dear Mother.’ The screening, organized by the Indigenous Studies Group Cambridge, is scheduled for today at 2:30 PM local time. Since its 2023 release, the film has been showcased at top universities in Bangladesh, sparking discussions on Indigenous representation, community-based filmmaking, and artistic resistance against capitalist constraints. Director SK Shubho Sadik revealed that the International Center for Social Science in Amsterdam has preserved the film due to its anthropological and artistic significance.

At the beginning of January, director Alok Hasan announced a new film titled Togor, featuring Ador Azad and actress Dighi. However, recent updates reveal that Dighi has been dropped from the project. In the motion poster, actress Puja Cherry has replaced her. Addressing the change, the director stated that he had multiple reasons for replacing Dighi but chose not to disclose them. He added that Puja Cherry is a perfect fit for the role. Cherry mentioned that she initially declined the offer but later agreed after the director convinced her.