22032025-LSTL-01.qxd 3/21/2025 9:05 PM Page 1 c m y b KESARI 2 ON ITS WAY Actor Akshay Kumar’s blockbuster film Kesari has completed six years and to mark the occasion, the actor shared an exciting update with his fans about the much-awaited Kesari 2. TRIBUNE In court Blake Lively has filed a motion in federal court to dismiss a defamation lawsuit filed against her by actor-director Justin Baldoni. LUDHIANA | SATURDAY | 22 MARCH 2025 THEATRICAL ASSOCIATION WITH HARPAL TIWANA AND GURSHARAN PAAJI HELPED ME SHAPE MYSELF POST THE SUCCESS OF DIL LE GAYI, SAYS JASBIR JASSI Director’s muse When Hansal Mehta and Pratik Gandhi came together on stage, the chemistry between the director and actor was more than visible CINEVESTURE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL NonikaSingh Acclaimed director Hansal Mehta’s cinema has all the gravitas needed to make thought-provoking content. Only on Day 2 of the Cinevesture International Film Festival in Chandigarh, we see his delectable sense of humour as much as his deep insight into what goes behind the scenes. In a session, he and his current muse, the talented actor Pratik Gandhi, talked about director actorrelationship and what it takes to crack the code. Mehta joked how its ‘lazy cast- PRATIK GANDHI ing’, which brings him to his Scam 1992 actor once more. On a serious note, he shares how Applause Entertainment, which has produced the much-anticipated series on Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, actually roped-in Pratik first and came to him later. But then who else but Pratik, who has been playing Gandhi on stage for years would have been a better fit for the part of the Father of the Nation. Pratik had been visualising and aspiring to play the Mahatma on screen for the last 10 years and can relate to so many qualities of his. But what strikes him the most about Gandhi is how one could be so stubborn, yet so morally right. Was it ego….a question Pratik often asks himself? Gandhi’s simplicity too, according to him, was a very strong tool and something we need to pay heed to in today’s time. Both Mehta and Pratik insist that Gandhi is more relevant than ever and would be in all political climates. Mehta adds, “Non-violence (ahimsa) is a principle that is not only significant in public domain but even in households.” While Pratik shares the Gandhi we will see in Mehta’s series will be more of a human being and less of a Mahatma, Mehta refuses to divulge any tangible details. He would rather let time and the series itself tell the tale. Yes, the series is very much based on eminent historian Ramchandra Guha’s books and, yes, He’s back! Sony Entertainment Television is set to revive one of its most iconic crime-based shows, Crime Patrol. This new season will keep viewers on the edge of their seats by showcasing 26 most complex and captivating murder mysteries. Anup Soni, whose compelling narration has become synonymous with the show, returns as the host to navigate viewers through each intense case, bringing his signature gravitas and credibility. As each case unfolds layer by layer, the latest season of Crime Patrol prompts the question at every turn — Aakhir khoon kisne kiya? The real-life-inspired cases will delve into intricate investigations, uncovering the shocking truths and culprits behind some of the most chilling crimes. Shared Anup, “Crime Patrol has been audiences’ favourite for its engaging narrative. The latest season promises to keep the viewers glued as the suspense intensifies. Inspired by real life cases, each episode solves most complex murder mysteries to unveil the real culprit. I am extremely elated to come back as the host, who plays a key role in guiding viewers through these gripping investigations. The latest promo is already capturing viewers’ attention and I am sure they will enjoy watching the show.” PHOTOS: PRADEEP TEWARI HANSAL MEHTA long form of series, he observes, “Is the ideal format to tell the story of the man who said, My life is my message.” Being a Gujarati himself, Gandhi was not an automatic role model for Mehta, “We have different ideals at different points of time.” Besides, he quips, “I don’t revere anyone blindly.” For someone who has given us many real stories, be it Harshad Mehta, Telgi and now Gandhi, he would not be drawn into the debate of the challenge of biopics either. To those who feel history is right now the flavour of the season, Mehta begs to differ. “Just one Chhaava does not prove a point.” On the murmurs that Bollywood, a term, he feels ought to be demolished, is not working, he does admit, “We all are working under pressure, of box-office numbers, of views on OTT and more.” But if you think his last theatrical outing, The Buckingham Murders, fared badly, he divulges how it was a profitable proposition. Actually, but for Simran where he did not apply ‘minimising the risk’ formula, all his films, from Shahid to Citylights to recent ones like Faraz, have made money. Risks on OTT too have to be accounted for and he takes immense pride in creating the watershed Scam 1992 with low budgets. Will Gandhi be India’s answer to The Crown, well, he feels, “India should have its own moment. If anything, I am waiting for us to make something like the web series Adolescence.” As OTT too is falling in the formulaic trap, he does sense another disruption around the corner. Only the disruptor, he insists, won’t be any new platform, for “disruption comes from the artistic community.” Thus he thinks companies like Applause Entertainment and RSVP are the real disruptors, who will put their money where their conviction lies and numbers follow. His own conviction has led him to back a Punjabi film Hanere De Panchhi. Interestingly, he considers it a privilege to be part of this stunning vision. He may have talked about how he is in search of ‘egoless actors’, but clearly his ego takes a backseat in the larger interest of good cinema. Thus, he has no hesitation in sharing how Gurvinder Singh’s Anhe Ghode Da Daan guided the sensibilities of his own film Aligarh and he even borrowed Singh’s Chauthi Koot’s cinematographer Satya Nagpaul. If he views himself as a chronicler of his times, recording history as truthfully as possible, Pratik shares how Mehta would never colour his vision or see his characters through the prism of his personal ideology. But then these are not men who proclaim to know it all, but are forever learning! JASBIR JASSI His heart beats for Heer Jasbir Jassi on stage, be it for a concert or a talk about his journey, and the Dil Le Gayi Kudi singer always has us hooked. On Day 2 of Cinevesture International Film Festival (CIFF), the singer-lyricist was all wit and humour. As he shared his journey from the childhood days — when he discovered his love for music, but had to hide his tumbi from his father who didn’t approve — to his phenomenal success with Dil Le Gayi Kudi, he cracked jokes about serious arty filmmakers and took a dig at Bollywood’s shallow portrayal of Punjabis. “Punjabis do have depth,” said the singer, who takes pride ‘Very tough time for me’ In a heartfelt revelation, singer and music producer Amaal Mallik, opened up on the personal challenges he is facing, including his battle with clinical depression and strained family relations. The 29-year-old, who gained fame for composing hits such as ‘Kar Gayi Chull’ and ‘Jab Tak,’ took to social media to express his vulnerability and seek privacy. Amaal’s candid Instagram post, which he later deleted, began by acknowledging the emotional toll that years of professional dedication and familial discord have taken on him. “I have reached a point where I can no longer stay silent about the pain I’ve endured,” he wrote, noting how his efforts to create a successful life for his family were met with criticism rather than appreciation. He also blamed his parents for the growing divide between him and his brother, and singer Armaan Malik. According to Amaal, despite his tireless efforts to help his family and shape his own identity, actions from his parents led to an emotional rift between him and his sibling. “My self-worth has been diminished countless times by the actions of those closest to me,” Amaal revealed. He also noted that these familial struggles had contributed significantly to his mental health struggles, resulting in clinical depression. “I am clinically depressed because of these happenings,” Amaal shared, marking a significant moment in his association with stalwarts like Hans Raj Hans, Puran Shah Koti and late Surjit Patar. “I can’t say I studied much literature, but being in their company enriched me and my music. Even my theatrical association with Harpal Tiwana and Gursharan paaji helped me shape myself post the success of Dil Le Gayi, while dealing with MTV and Channel V crowds. Theatre helped me get my body language and diction right.” Well, Dil Le Gayi… might have been career defining song for him, but the dil of this dashing Punjabi munda still beats for Heer! — Parbina Rashid Wedding bells Hockey Olympians Mandeep Singh and Udita Duhan tie the knot Deepkamal Kaur A unique love story of Olympians Mandeep Singh and Udita Duhan, which started on hockey grounds seven years ago, finally matured with the tying of a wedding knot on Friday. The Anand Karaj of Jalandhar-based Mandeep and Hisar-based Udita was solemnised at Gurdwara Singh Sabha in Model Town, Jalandhar, and was attended by the entire men and women teams of Indian hockey. Hockey India officials, including general secretary Bhola Nath Singh, too came in to bless the star couple. Udita wore a red suit with heavy golden embroidery. She wore traditional gold jewellery, including danglers, neck piece and tikka, donning a typical Punjabi look. Complimenting her was Mandeep’s attire, a red turban and a red stole with a contrasting pista green colour sherwani. The stole had words ‘Mandeep weds Udita’ embroidered in a golden thread. The couple had met for the first time in Bengaluru in 2018 while practising for the Asian Games. PHOTO: SARABJIT SINGH Amaal Mallik requests media sensitivity amid his battle with depression of openness about his mental health. In the follow-up post, Amaal requested that the media respect his privacy and avoid sensationalising his personal turmoil. “Please don’t sensationalise and give negative headlines to my vulnerability,” he urged, expressing ANUP SONI c m y b how difficult it had been for him to open up publicly. “It’s a very tough time for me,” he added. Amaal clarified that despite the personal difficulties, his relationship with his brother, Armaan, remains intact. “Nothing changes between us brothers, Armaan and I are one, and nothing can come between us,” he noted, showing solidarity with his sibling during this challenging time. Amaal Mallik made his debut as a music composer in 2014 with the track Tere Naina from Jai Ho. — ANI