24092025-LSTC-01.qxd 9/23/2025 11:52 PM Page 1 c m y b EMMA WATSON MISSES ACTING Emma Watson says she misses acting but does not miss the ‘soul-destroying’ process of promoting and selling the films she has worked in the past. “In some ways, I really won the lottery with acting, and what happened to me is so unusual,” says Watson. “But I do very much miss using my skill set, and I very much miss the art,” she adds. TRIBUNE Kimmel returns Life ABC has announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will return to air on Tuesday, following a brief suspension last week over controversial comments made by the host. CHANDIGARH | WEDNESDAY | 24 SEPTEMBER 2025 Ishaan Khatter calls Homebound a rare film in today’s times ‘We are living in a ‘On our way DIVISIVE best chapter’ to start the Vicky Kaushal and Katrina Kaif are gearing up to embrace parenthood. In a post, the couple announced the pregnancy news on Instagram, bringing much joy and excitement among their fans. “On our way to start the best chapter of our lives with hearts full of joy and gratitude,” they wrote in the caption. They shared a picture of their hands holding onto a snap from what appears to be Katrina’s maternity photoshoot. WORLD’ Mona I SHAAN Khatter was on cloud nine when he heard the news that Homebound is India’s official entry for the Oscars. Flying back to India after Toronto International Film Festival, when he landed, his phone screen was bombarded with calls and congratulatory messages. “I was literally on cloud nine when I received the news, and kind of still am,” says Ishaan. The actor, who has treaded an unconventional path, striking a balance between festival favourites and masala outings that include Beyond the Clouds, Dhadak, A Suitable Boy, The Perfect Couple and The Royals, opens up on his Homebound journey! The initiation Karan Johar called me while I was shooting for The Royals. He told me about the film with Neeraj Ghaywan, and I’ve been a fan of Neeraj since I watched Masaan. Once I read the script, I realised it’s a rare story in today’s times. I was surprised that such a film was being made by Dharma Productions. I jumped at the opportunity and what followed was the most beautiful journey I’ve had in my career so far. Neeraj is one of the best filmmakers we have today. The film is based on a story by Basharat Peer. It was a big responsibility to bring this journey of the lives of these two characters, Shoaib and Chandan, and their friendship to life. Everybody in the team felt that way and they all put their best foot forward. It was a very special set to be on. Empathy & otherness It has multiple themes. It has a storyline that is very rooted and very Indian, and very relevant in today’s cultural context. But at the same time, it’s universal as it talks of empathy. We are living in a very divisive FARHAN AKHTAR URMILA MATONDKAR Vicky Kaushal, Katrina Kaif announce pregnancy with adorable post world and the film highlights that in a beautiful way — the micro aggressions, normalising of jokes that dehumanise someone, the coded discrimination. Here everyone can connect to that feeling of being ‘othered’. In this scenario, the story bats for compassion and kindness. Charting a different path I’ve always chased excellence, because artistic growth matters to me.Cinema can be so many things. It can be engaging and entertaining. But in its highest form, it should stir you. Cinema has given me so much. It has given me knowledge about world issues, different cultures and understanding of human behaviour. Most of all, it has made me understand myself better. It’s always been my desire and endeavour to give that knowledge back to society through my art. Shot at Oscars? Anyone who’s watched Homebound believes that this film deserves a shot at the Oscars. Sometimes a film clicks because it’s made at the right time and at the right place. It gets a lot more traction because of its relevance. I am very happy that this film is getting this recognition because it deserves it! Janhvi dons Sridevi’s saree for special screening Janhvi Kapoor surprised her fans on Monday as she attended the special screening of her upcoming film Homebound in a stunning navy blue saree once worn by her late mother, legendary actress Sridevi. Many Bollywood stars attended the screening which took place in Mumbai. KHUSHI KAPOOR (Clockwise from top): Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, Shilpa Shetty & Malaika Arora HRITHIK ROSHAN CHAT UP HAQ TEASER OUT Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam are set to bring the true story from the 80s, focusing on the famous Mohd Ahmed Khan vs Shah Bano Begum case. The teaser for the film, titled HAQ, has been released. The teaser opens to show Hashmi’s character criticising Yami, calling out her for being an irresponsible wife. “My fight is just for one thing my rights,” Yami strongly retorts. JAPANESE COLLABORATION AR Rahman has teased an upcoming collaboration with popular Japanese boy band JO1. The singer-composer took to Instagram and shared a picture with JO1 members Mame and Shosei at his Mumbai studio. While details surrounding their projects remain under wraps, Rahman promises “cultural fusion at its finest.” AKSHAY BLASTS AI Akshay Kumar has condemned the use of artificial intelligence for creating his fake videos. On Instagram, Akshay wrote, “I have recently come across some AIgenerated videos of a film trailer showing me in the role of Maharishi Valmiki. I want to clarify that all such videos are fake and created using AI. What’s worse, some news channels decide to pick these up as ‘news’ without even verifying if these are real or morphed.” c m y b