18072025-LSTL-01.qxd 7/17/2025 9:03 PM Page 1 c m y b NICK FROST TO PLAY HAGRID HBO has revealed the first look of Rubeus Hagrid from the upcoming Harry Potter series. As announced by the studio on Tuesday, actor Nick Frost will step in as beloved half-giant, previously portrayed by the late Robbie Coltrane. Taking to Instagram, HBO teased the rugged look of Frost. TRIBUNE Off the road Life Harry Potter star Emma Watson has been banned from driving for six months after breaking traffic rules. The actress was driving an Audi at 38 mph in a 30 mph zone in Oxford. LUDHIANA | FRIDAY | 18 JULY 2025 Salman ready for Battle of Galwan The actor is kicking and punching to get into the skin of his character S UPERSTAR Salman Khan is pouring his heart and soul into his upcoming war drama Battle of Galwan as he said it is one of the most physically demanding films he’s ever taken on in his career. The much-anticipated film is based on the 2020 Galwan Valley conflict between India and China and is helmed by Apoorva Lakhia of Shootout at Lokhandwala fame. “It is physically demanding. Every year, every month, every day it gets more and more difficult. I’ve to give more time now (for training). Earlier, I would do it (train) in one or two weeks, now I’m running, kicking, punching, and all that stuff. This film demands that. “For instance, in Sikandar the action was different, the character was different. But, this is physically difficult. Besides, shooting in Ladakh, in high altitude and in cold water (is another chal- lenge),” Khan said in an interview. The actor said he was excited to do the film, which he announced earlier this month. “When I was signing the film, I thought it’s amazing but it’s a very very difficult film to do. I’ve 20 days (of work) in Ladakh and then seven to eight days (of shoot) in cold water. We will be shooting this month,” the 59-year-old actor added. Reports in the media suggest that Battle of Galwan may not have the traditional release on Eid, a date often associated with Khan’s films, but instead BHAI’S DAY OUT Salman Khan unveiled Season 2 of the Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL), where he serves as the brand ambassador. As part of the mission to elevate Supercross in India to a global level, Salman Khan also launched the ‘ISRL Proving Grounds’ dedicated to grassroots motorsport development in India. The facility, to be built on a 7-acre site near Pune, will feature multiple purpose-built tracks including those for amateurs, kids, motocross, supercross, ATVs, electric bikes, trail riding, and more. Ishaan Khatter’s Homebound selected for Toronto International Film Festival Toronto bound Homebound, which stars Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor and Vishal Jethwa, will be screened at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival 2025. Sharing the update, producer Karan Johar on Wednesday took to Instagram and wrote, “#Homebound has been officially selected for the Toronto International Film Festival 2025 (@tiff_net) in the Gala Presentations category. Extremely thrilled and elated to be a part of this prestigious festival— another time for us at Dharma.” The film received a nine-minute-long standing ovation at Cannes Film Festival 2025. Homebound revolves around two childhood friends from a small North Indian village who chase a police job that promises them the dignity they’ve long been denied. But as they inch closer to their dream, mounting desperation threatens the bond that holds them together. Director Neeraj Ghaywan described Homebound as “a deeply personal story about friendship, dignity, and survival.” “It’s about people who are often unseen, and the quiet strength they carry in a world that rarely pauses for them,” said the director, adding that he hopes the film “helps us look closer—with empathy— and see what we’ve been conditioned to ignore.” — ANI c m y b arrive in theatres in January or June next year. When asked, Khan said, “Yes, January.” The actor also confirmed a sequel to his 2015 movie Bajrangi Bhaijaan is in the works. “I liked that movie (first of the film). It will kind of have the same theme and emotional beat. But it will be a different film,” Khan said about the film, which completes 10 years on Thursday. The actor, a cycling and biking enthusiast, was speaking on the sidelines of a press event for the season two of Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL). He is the brand ambassador of ISRL. “I’ve always been a rider, from cycles to motorbikes, I’ve loved them all. Though I don’t get to ride as often now,” the actor said but cautioned fans against racing on the roads. —PTI Enter the world of espionage Pratik Gandhi is all set to play the role of an intelligence officer in the upcoming espionage series Saare Jahan Se Accha. Set in the 1970s, the show follows a tense mission where timing, secrecy and national duty come together in a high- stakes operation. The series will be available to stream on Netflix starting August 13. — ANI