17112024-LSTL-01.qxd 11/17/2024 12:12 AM Page 1 c m y b INTO THE LIFE OF NAYANTHARA From aspiration to a bonafide icon, this superstar has faced it and conquered all! On her birthday, November 18, Netflix will launch the highly anticipated documentary Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale, offering fans a never-seen-before glimpse into the star’s life. TRIBUNE Special honour Actress Nicole Kidman is set to be honoured with the International Star Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival on January 3, 2025. LUDHIANA | SUNDAY | 17 NOVEMBER 2024 Kalyaani Singh, writer and director of the recently released Punjabi film Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai, says the entire process of filming was one of devotion and piety A journey of faith Vikrant Parmar N ANAK Naam Jahaz Hai… In 1969, this Punjabi film made quite a mark and drew audiences to the theatres in huge numbers, some even reaching the venues barefeet! Cut to 2024 — an avid writer and director says she waited for four years to receive the title and when she finally got it, there was no looking back. Meet Kalyaani Singh, the filmmaker whose movie by the same name was released on November 15. “It has been a long journey — of struggles and challenges — for this one, but the end product is worth all the effort. It’s a film about family values and I urge every family out there to watch it in theatres. In the Punjabi film industry, this one will break all stereotypes,” she opens up. Stereotypes sure are a given in any industry, right? “Yes, that’s sad but true. However, one needs to move beyond them and carve a separate niche. Filmmaking is the same everywhere, in every region, but the treatment can be different.” Since childhood, Kalyaani loved watching films and participated in cultural programmes organised in her school. “I learnt Kathak from Gopi Krishna and received training in classical singing from Shambhu Sen. I also had a special interest in art, cine- BEHIND THE SCENES MOMENTS WITH THE CAST AND CREW ma and music, which further increased when I met my husband, Maann Singh, who was active in Hindi journalism. It was from him that I got inspired to write,” she informs. A journalist when she started her career, Kalyaani, a writer at heart and by passion, shifted her focus to the audiovisual media and began with ad films. Later, as she gained fame, Kalyaani launched her own company and was associated with films like Gunhegar, Raja Bhaiya, Krishnavatar, Why I Killed Gandhi? and more. She also earned accolades after producing a serial Aashiyana, which she also wrote and directed, for Doordarshan. “It has been a journey of ‘Consistency is the key’ Aadesh Chaudhary, a familiar face on Indian television who has been part of Sasural Simar Ka, Laal Ishq, Diya Aur Baati Hum, Desh Ki Beti Nandini, Main Lakshmi Tere Aangan Ki, Doli Armaano Ki, among others, follows a strict fitness routine despite his busy schedule. Actor Aadesh Chaudhary says everyone should adopt a sustainable fitness routine What keeps you motivated? Motivation comes from feeling energetic and confident. Setting realistic goals and celebrating small victories keeps me driven, even without a fixed schedule. The small wins keep me going, even when things get hectic. As an actor, do you feel pressure to look fit? How do you take out time to exercise from your busy schedule? As an actor physical appearance matters, but I focus on overall wellness. Fitness enhances my performance and mental clarity. Pressure can be constructive if it pushes me to prioritise health, but it’s not just about looks for me — it’s about feeling and performing my best. I prioritise fitness. I ensure daily physical activity; whether it’s gym sessions, yoga or even a 30-minute walk. Consistency is the key. No matter how packed my schedule is, I take out time for exercise. What role does nutrition play in your fitness routine? Nutrition is critical. I follow a balanced diet, focusing on whole foods, lean proteins and hydration. My nutritionist has fixed meals suited for my schedule and energy needs. A clean, balanced diet helps me perform well. GET PHYSICAL How does staying fit benefit your mental well-being? Fitness boosts my energy and mental well-being. Regular exercise helps manage stress and What are two fitness tips you would offer to someone starting their fitness journey? maintains physical endurance for long shoots. It’s not just about staying in shape, but also keeping my mind clear and reducing all the stress. Start small — begin with achievable goals. Listen to your body — rest when needed and prioritise recovery to avoid burnout. It’s important to build a sustainable routine that works for you. Aamir Khan’s sister Nikhat Khan joins the show Deewaniyat Star Plus is ready to bring for its audience one more surprise with the show Deewaniyat, which features Vijayendra Kumeria and Kritika Singh Yadav as the lead characters, alongside Navneet Malik, who will also play a significant role. Adding to this exciting ensemble cast is actress Nikhat Khan, sister of Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan. Her presence in Dee- Star appeal waniyat is sure to be a delightful surprise for the audience, which is eagerly awaiting the show. Nikhat Khan is a notable figure in the entertainment industry, renowned for her impressive and impeccable performances in blockbuster films such as Pathaan, Mission Mangal and Tanhaji, which have left a lasting impression on the viewers. Nikhat is now all set to impress the audiences with her role in Deewaniyat. c m y b faith for me and I am happy that the Almighty has been kind,” she shares. Coming back to the film, Nanak Naam Jahaz Hai, she adds, “This movie is a dream project and I have nurtured it since the beginning, even imagining the characters who would essay the roles I etched. When Mukesh Rishi and Vindhu Dara Singh came on board, it all seemed ordained. Even during the writing process, it felt as if I was surrounded by a divine presence that kept guiding me through this journey. And what better day for the film’s release than Gurpurb! It is a clean movie that spreads the message of faith.” Speaking about ‘clean’, the conversation veers off to the OTT world. Kalyaani says, “The OTT space is wonderful, as it provides a range of opportunities for talented artistes to shine. Having said that, bold scenes and abusive language in some of the series as well as movies — sometimes there without any actual need I feel — make watching them with the family an impossible task. That needs a correction, but the small screen of OTT is sure giving the big screen of cinema a run for its money.” Coming up next for her is a web series, Ram Rameti, which discloses lesserknown facts from the epic Ramayana that she is eager to reveal to the world. Kalyaani, who has taken training in film direction from Hollywood director Martin Corsi, intends to shoot this one in as many as forty-nine countries! “This series will soon see the light of the day and depict the Ramayana in new light. Interestingly, in this one, Rameti stands for Sita. Many truths will startle and amaze the audience once it is out.” Awaited! Apeksha Porwal reunites with Aanand Bajpai Notes of romance Apeksha Porwal starred in a music video titled Pardes, featuring vocals by singer Aanand Bajpai, in September. The song was a hit and the video loved by the audience. And, now, this successful duo is reuniting for another music video. The song will not only have the vocals of Aanand, but he will also star alongside Apeksha in the video. The duo is being directed by Vishesh Verma, who also directed the video of Pardes, marking his reunion with them too. The video was recently shot in Goa and Apeksha is quite excited to present it to her audience. Apeksha informs, “It is a cute, romantic song, which is a very light and happy number. It’s different from anything I have done in this space before. We just completed our shoot in Goa and it was a fantastic experience with beautiful locations. I can’t wait for people to see it.” The actress was recently seen in the web show Honeymoon Photographer, for which she has been receiving good reviews.