28122024-LSTL-01.qxd 12/27/2024 11:46 PM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE RE-RELEASED IN THEATRES Fans of the beloved romantic drama Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani are in for a treat as the film, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, is set to re-release in theatres on January 3. Vacation! Life Ahead of the New Year celebrations, filmmaker Karan Johar is off for a family vacation with his kids, Yash and Roohi. On Friday, KJo was spotted at the Mumbai airport. LUDHIANA | SATURDAY | 28 DECEMBER 2024 It took Deep Sehgal eight long years to bag a leading part in a Punjabi film, but now that she has made a mark with Je Jatt Vigarh Gya, she is all charged up Gurnaaz E MERGING as a fresh face in the Punjabi film industry, Deep Sehgal has captured hearts with her charm and talent. Her debut movie, Je Jatt Vigad Gaya, has generated a buzz, and Deep’s excitement is palpable. And she is as thrilled about her story—from a simple, middleclass background to the big screen. DREAM ROLE Talking about her breakthrough role in Je Jatt Vigarh Gya, she says, “I’ve done movies before in side roles, but I was looking for a project where I could play a lead role. When Manish sir, the director, narrated the story and offered me the part, I was excited and asked him when we could start. I loved it, and, as you know, the first lead role is always special.” PERSISTENCE PAYS Coming from a middle-class family, Deep faced countless obstacles, but it was her persistence that kept her going. “Talking about this makes me very emotional. With everyone talking about the movie now, it brings back memories. I recently shared a reel on Instagram showing my journey and was so overwhelmed. When you dream about something and it finally happens, it’s incredible. Coming from a middle-class family, without a godfather in the industry or any support, it’s been a tough journey. Standing here today, surviving, and progressing on pure hard work and selfbelief, it feels like if you keep going, eventually, even God helps you along.” After her initial experiences in side roles, she knew she wanted more—roles where she could truly showcase her talent. “In 2019, I decided I wanted something big—I wanted to show the world I can act. In smaller roles, you’re limited in what you can express. I wanted to work on my skills, so I moved to Mumbai, started doing workshops, and enrolled in Anupam Kher’s Academy. I knew that once I enhanced my skills, I would gain the confidence to get the role I dreamed of. And when I got Je Jatt Vigad Gaya, I gave my cent percent to it.” CHALLENGES, CHOICES AND REALITY When asked about her decision to move away from catalog shoots and music videos, Deep reflects on the struggle of balancing survival with her long-term goals. “When you’re just starting, there’s a lot of pres- RARING TO GO I think anyone wanting to do something different from your regular nine to five jobs should be ready to face struggles. Nothing comes without effort. you can earn a lot through music videos but I didn’t want to risk it. I used to travel to Mumbai, Surat, even Indore, for catalog shoots—sometimes traveling all day and then coming back. It motivated me to focus on movies. I remember the last day I did a catalog shoot, I was running fever. When I came back, I told myself I wouldn’t do it anymore and shortly after, I got this movie.” OUTSIDER’S STRUGGLE As an outsider in the industry, Deep has witnessed the struggles of newcomers firsthand. She believes that everyone aiming for something extraordinary must face challenges, regardless of the field. “I think anyone wanting to do something different from your regular nine to five jobs should be ready to face struggles. Nothing comes without effort and in my experience, it’s essential to go through challenges. But I’ve always felt that if I had done something else, like a business, I would still have had to struggle. Hard work is crucial, and I deeply respect Diljit Dosanjh. He’s been in this industry for 20 years, putting in extreme hard work, and it’s truly inspiring.” The journey is never easy, but Deep’s belief in destiny shines through. “If I question why it took eight years to get here, there could be countless reasons. Maybe I wasn’t ready before, or, maybe, it was destiny.” A JOURNEY OF DESTINY AND DEDICATION sure. I had to look for ways to survive, but I didn’t want to do anything that lacked value. You know how Punjab makes a lot of music videos—there are so many people involved, but I felt it wasn’t taken seriously. So, I didn’t get into it. Instead, I did a lot of catalog shoots. I’d have 14-hour shifts, sometimes changing 80 outfits in a single day. I always kept in mind that once I did a movie, I wouldn’t go back to catalog shoots.” Her choice to focus on films instead of music videos was driven by her desire to be taken seriously in the industry. “I’d heard that people who do music videos aren’t taken seriously in the industry. Yes, Her parents’ initial apprehension about her career choice is another chapter of her journey. “It was tough at first. Coming from a simple family, it was hard for them to understand. But slowly, they began to support me. Parents just want their kids to be safe and happy, and I think all parents are understanding if you know how to explain your dreams to them.” Meet the stars who created a lasting impact In 2024, several Bollywood actors made a mark on both the big screen and streaming platforms with their captivating performances. Whether playing lead roles or others, they proved their mettle across diverse roles. From heartwarming tales to hard-hitting dramas, these seven actors truly owned the screen in 2024. on OTT with his role in Call Me Bae. Playing a flamboyant and witty character, his comic flair was on full display but he also brought emotional depth to his role, surprising viewers. His ability to blend humour with poignant moments made him a standout performer. His transition from stand-up comedy to narrative storytelling on OTT continues to win him new fans and critical acclaim alike. PERIOD DRAMA: Richa Chadha, Heeramandi Richa Chadha left audiences spellbound with her powerful performance as Lajjo in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s magnum opus Heeramandi. Playing a pivotal role in this lavish period drama, Richa brought depth, grace and intensity to her character. Her commanding screen presence and emotionally charged scenes made her one of the most talked-about actors of 2024. Her performance on OTT drew comparisons to some of the finest portrayals in Indian period dramas. COMIC TIMING: Abhishek Banerjee, Stree 2 Abhishek Banerjee once again proved why he’s one of Bollywood’s most versatile actors with his standout performance in Stree 2. Known for his impeccable comic timing, Banerjee added more layers to his character, Jana, blending humour with an undercurrent of fear and mystery. His ability to hold the audience’s attention makes him a true star in both theatrical releases and OTT content. SCREEN PRESENCE Tillotama Shome, Tribuvan Mishra CA Topper Richa Chadha Tillotama Shome delivered a gripping and emotionally charged performance in the Hindi web series Tribhuvan Mishra CA Topper. She was praised for her portrayal of the complex character named Bindi. Her powerful screen presence drew audiences into her world, making her one of the most captivating performers of 2024 on OTT platforms. Tillotama Shome ALVIDA Vir Das 2024 Ravi Kishan Abhishek Banerjee Pratik Gandhi FLYING HIGH: Akshay Oberoi, Fighter Akshay Oberoi COP STORY: Ravi Kishan, Laapataa Ladies BEING VERSATILE: Pratik Gandhi, Madgaon Express With Fighter, Akshay Oberoi showcased his acting prowess like never before. Playing a complex and layered character of a fighter pilot opposite Bollywood superstars, Oberoi managed to shine with his nuanced portrayal. His intense screen presence and the emotional depth he brought to his role earned him widespread acclaim. While Fighter was a bigscreen spectacle, Oberoi also maintained his OTT presence with memorable roles, proving his ability to adapt to different formats. Ravi Kishan, known for his charismatic and larger-than-life persona, delivered a standout performance as a cop in Laapataa Ladies. His role in this feminist comedy-drama was humorous and thought-provoking. Kishan’s impeccable dialogue delivery and natural charm elevated the film’s comic elements, making him a show-stealer once again. His ability to switch between serious and comic roles with ease has made him a consistent performer in both cinema and OTT. Pratik Gandhi continued his streak of powerful performances in Madgaon Express, where he played a pivotal role. Known for his ability to portray morally complex characters, Gandhi once again captivated viewers with his performance. His presence on OTT platforms this year has only solidified his status as a versatile actor who can shine on any platform. c m y b WITTY CHARACTER: Vir Das, Call Me Bae Stand-up comedian-actor Vir Das made waves