02112025-LSTL-01.qxd 11/1/2025 10:55 PM Page 1 c m y b KEANU REEVES TRAVELS IN TIME Keanu Reeves and Deadpool director Tim Miller team up for the sci-fi film Shiver. The movie, produced by Matthew Vaughn and Aaron Ryder, follows a smuggler trapped in a deadly time loop in the Caribbean, surrounded by mercenaries and sharks. Release date TBD as Warner Bros finalises negotiations. TRIBUNE 549 & counting Life SRK@60 As Shah Rukh Khan turns 60, celebrations for the “Baadshah of Bollywood” have begun across the world — from Mumbai to Peru. The Delhi-born superstar, who began his journey with television shows like Fauji and Circus, went on to rule Indian cinema with iconic performances in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Dil To Pagal Hai, Swades, Pathaan and Jawan. Over three decades, SRK has redefined romance, embodied versatility and become one of the most influential figures in global entertainment. His charm continues to transcend borders. Claudia Calle and Manigret Aparicio, ardent fans from Peru, have travelled to Mumbai to celebrate their idol’s birthday. “Shah Rukh means love,” says Claudia, who even named her home “Mannat” after the actor’s residence. Back home, fan clubs like SRK Universe and Team Shah Rukh Khan are marking the milestone with charitable initiatives — from blood donation drives and cancer patient support to screenings of his films for underprivileged children. “He inspires us to do good and dream big,” says Yash Paryani, co-founder of SRK Universe. Chennai-based fans plan to light up the skies near Mannat, reaffirming their devotion to the man who taught them love through cinema. Despite renovations at his residence, crowds are expected to gather outside, waiting for his signature balcony wave. LUDHIANA | SUNDAY | 2 NOVEMBER 2025 Renuka Shahane’s Marathi animated short wins hearts and awards creating Oscar buzz Mona R Love, legacy & limitless stardom Marathon Man Anupam Kher has begun shooting for his 549th film and has teamed up with celebrated filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya. On the first day of the shoot, Kher presented Barjatya with an “auspicious shawl” from Ayodhya. ENUKA SHAHANE, best known for her warm smile and memorable roles in Surabhi and Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, has proven once again that her true passion lies behind the camera. Her animated short film Loop Line has been creating ripples on the festival circuit, earning the Best Animation Film Award at the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival 2025 — India’s only Oscarqualifying short film festival — placing it in contention for the Oscars 2026. Breaking animation myths In India, animation has long been associated with advertising, children’s cartoons or mythological tales. “Animation is a powerful storytelling medium — not just for kids,” she says. “Indian animators are so talented that Hollywood banks on them, yet our own market for animation remains limited to few subjects and sections.” Despite the high production costs and a lack of short film platforms in India, Shahane chose to tell her story through animation. “I knew it might not find a market, but the story was worth telling. Producing Loop Line was incredibly freeing,” she reflects. A story rooted in the everyday Set in Mumbai, Loop Line follows a middle-class Mumbaibased housewife caught in the c m y b Loop Line’s big leap endless cycle of domestic chores and a domineering husband. Her only escape lies in her vivid imagination — until a cruel remark from her husband’s friends leads to a darkly comic fantasy. Shahane’s sharp, empathetic storytelling has resonated globally. “The feedback has been overwhelming,” she admits. “It’s a deeply local story, yet people everywhere have connected with it.” Recognition across the globe Loop Line has enjoyed a stellar festival run. Apart from Bengaluru, it has won the Best Animation Film and Best Story awards at the Mumbai Short and Documentary Film Festival 2025 and received an Honorary Mention at the Tasveer South Asian Film Festival 2024. It was also an official selection at the MONSTRA — Lisbon Animation Festival 2025. The film was recently played at the Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) 2025. “DIFF is one of the best curated festivals in the country. It’s a matter of great prestige for my team and me to have Loop Line show- cased there,” Shahane said. A journey of passion From her early acting days in Lifeline (1980) and assisting Vijaya Mehta, to directing her first Marathi film Rita and Netflix’s Tribhanga starring Kajol, Renuka has loved being behind the camera. “Direction has always been my passion,” she says. “Surabhi and Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! won so much love so I kept on acting, but my true love has been direction.” Loop Line is that journey of passion. She funded Loop Line entirely on her own and as it reaches Oscar contention she is elated. “It’s the first ever Marathi animation to reach Oscars long list, it’s a prize for me in itself. It’s heartening how a film based out of a housewife’s life get appreciation from across the world.” The Oscars process demands lobbying and money, but Renuka is taking a day a time, “I have used all my money to make and take Loop Line to festivals. Now I am hoping that the Academy jury finds its merit and it makes to Short List and nomination, dreams to bahut se hain.”