As Cannes 2026 opened on the French Riviera, the festival’s red carpet reflected this year’s renewed focus on auteur-driven cinema and international storytelling, with actors, filmmakers, and global guests gathering beneath the flash of cameras and the spectacle of the Croisette.

Actors Alia Bhatt and Ashutosh Gowariker unveiled the poster and creative vision for the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) at the Bharat Pavilion during the Cannes Film Festival.

After his speech, he received a long standing ovation. A surprise tribute followed, including footage from his Beatles documentary.

Bangladeshi actor Zayed Khan narrowly escaped a major accident after suffering burn injuries during a stage performance in the US state of Oklahoma.

The livestream will be available free on Apple Music without a subscription during its premiere. Afterward, the full concert film and a Spatial Audio live album will remain accessible on demand for Apple Music subscribers.

The makers of “Rockstar” have finally unveiled the film’s first song, “Piriti”, featuring vocals by Pantho Kanai. The peppy track offers audiences a glimpse into the troubled world of Shakib Khan’s character in the much-anticipated film.

A new phase of treatment has begun for critically ill content creator and actor Kaarina Kaisar after she was flown to India for advanced medical care due to severe liver complications. She is currently undergoing treatment at the Christian Medical College (CMC) Hospital in Vellore, Chennai.

The festival opened on May 12 with celebrations honouring filmmaker Peter Jackson, who received an honorary Palme d’Or for lifetime achievement.

Popular cartoonist and entertainer Morshed Mishu has married his longtime partner, Tahmina Shipa, after being in a relationship for three years. Shipa currently works as a data analyst at Bitopia Group.

The statement highlighted a growing rift in the industry regarding the "blacklisting" of high-profile actors who have used their platforms to criticize military actions in the region. Laverty’s decision to end the conference on this note served as a powerful reminder of the intersection between global politics and the cinematic arts.

Last year, “Ali” showed that Bangladeshi cinema could earn recognition at Cannes. The challenge now is whether the country can build an industry presence strong enough to ensure that such successes become part of a sustained trajectory rather than isolated moments of celebration.

Speaking to The Daily Star about Ataur Rahman, Mamunur Rashid said, “I have known him since before the independence of Bangladesh.

Tariq Anam Khan concluded, “I am saddened by his passing. But this is the way life is — one must leave eventually. Still, the encouragement he gave me will always remain a source of inspiration.”

One of the most successful and widely acclaimed productions on Dhaka’s stage was “Galileo”, directed by Ataur Rahman.

Concluding his reflections, he said, “One after another, the memories keep coming back to me. I pray for the peace of his soul. May Almighty Allah grant him Jannah.”

The venue became a space of deep emotion as leading figures from Bangladesh’s theatre, cultural, and artistic communities came to bid farewell. Among those present were faculty members from the Theatre Departments of Jagannath University and the University of Dhaka, along with many prominent cultural personalities.

Popular Dhallywood actress Purnima has taken part in a new awareness-based documentary directed by acclaimed filmmaker Gazi Mahbub, best known for the hit film “Premer Taj Mahal”.

The scale of the preparations had already created a festive atmosphere across the division and added that the programme would also provide an opportunity to showcase local cultural heritage and indigenous traditions.

To mark Mother’s Day, Jolkonya has organised a six-day group art exhibition titled “Every Woman is a Mother”.

Concluding the conversation, the iconic actress spoke simply yet profoundly about her wishes for the future. “At this point in life, my greatest wish is to remain healthy and live peacefully,” she said. “I also pray for everyone’s good health and wellbeing.”