Chat up: Bangladesh’s Oscar entry

Bangladesh’s Oscar entryBangladesh's Oscar committee has chosen Leesa Gazi's debut movie Barir Naam Shahana (A House Named Shahana) as its submission for the best international feature film category at the 98th Academy Awards. Based on Gazi's 2011 novella, the film is set in rural Bangladesh in the 1990s and follows Dipa, a young woman forced into a marriage with a widower in England.

The film, produced by Komola Collective and Goopy Bagha Productions Limited, stars Aanon Siddiqua as Dipa, delivering a breakout performance that anchors the narrative.

Birthday wish from Raha

Ranbir Kapoor turned 43 on Sunday, and wife Alia Bhatt made sure the day felt nothing short of magical. To mark his special day, Alia took to Instagram to give fans a glimpse of their love, family, and simple joys. The first picture showed the two standing by the ocean, arms wrapped around each other as they watched a golden sunset together. However, the most heart-melting detail came from little Raha. The little one gifted her dad a handmade card with the words "Happy Birthday, Best Papa in the World" scribbled lovingly across it.

Madhubanti Bagchi strikes again

Turn up the volume, because the Uyi Amma singer Madhubanti Bagchi strikes again and this time, she’s bringing the feels with her new song, Tum Mere Na Huye, from Thamma. Featuring Ayushman Khuranna and Rashmika Mandana, the track is all soul.

And this song isn’t arriving in isolation. Her Coke Studio release Meetha Khara with Aditya Gadhvi has been the soundtrack of Navratri this year, playing across garba nights and celebrations everywhere. Recently, she was also honoured by the Gujarat government, a recognition that underlines her growing cultural impact.