06112025-LSTL-01.qxd 11/5/2025 7:49 PM Page 1 c m y b PRITHVI FESTIVAL GETS ROLLING The opening night of the Prithvi Festival 2025 turned into a starstudded celebration of cinema as several prominent film and theatre personalities came together at the iconic Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai. TRIBUNE Long journey Life Ajay Devgn is celebrating another milestone of his much-celebrated film franchise, Golmaal. While fans await the next film in the franchise, Ajay marks 15 years of his association with Golmaal series. LUDHIANA | THURSDAY | 6 NOVEMBER 2025 With the Files trilogy behind him, Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri is embracing white, which symbolises his readiness for a quieter phase of life PHOTO RAVI KUMAR Mona A FTER years, filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri stepped out in white on a balmy Wednesday morning in Chandigarh, giving his staple black attire a miss. Describing his state as that of a father who had married off his three daughters, he was wearing light, feeling light, hoping to take a walk in the Rose Garden, a short stroll in Rock Garden and enjoy Chandigarh as he had done back in time… His ‘three daughters’ in question — The Tashkent Files, The Kashmir Files and The Bengal Files. As the last film completed the theatre run, he brings it for a special screening at Inderdhanush Auditorium, Panchkula and talks of his famous/infamous journey, depending on which side you fall. He is done with Black! The trilogy of truth “It was back in 2012 that I decided to do a trilogy – a film each standing for truth, justice and value of life as showcased in The Tashkent Files, The Kashmir Files and The Bengal Files. Now, I want to relax, take a little time to myself before I set out for my next,” he said. The filmmaker admits that this journey has been arduous. Each film, he says, took four to five years of intensive research. “For Shastriji’s film we researched in Tashkent, Samarkand, and every place where we could meet anyone who had had known him.” Applause and accusation Agnihotri’s films have sparked polarised reactions. While some laud them for ‘speaking truths buried in Indian history’, others have dismissed them as propaganda — sometimes even calling for bans. He responds with characteristic candour, “Let me tell you a secret — those who want our movies banned, watch them first.” As for the protests and attempts to stall releases, he insists it’s not his fight. “Once a film is cleared by the CBFC, it’s the duty of the state government to ensure it’s screened. It’s not my battle to fight.” Not one to seek confrontation, he adds, “I thought The Bengal Files would get a screening everywhere — it didn’t. From now on, I am just going to make films. It’s up to viewers to watch or not.” Diverse filmography Along with the politically charged trilogy, Agnihotri had a diverse filmography — from the crime thriller Chocolate and sports drama Goal to the political satire Buddha in a Traffic Jam and the medical drama The Vaccine War. “I started out making films that people wanted to watch. Now, I make films that I want people to watch,” he says with a smile. Years of engaging with India’s painful past have tak- en an emotional toll. “Our country has gone through immense suffering. Through my films, I have carried that pain — and I wore black for years to absorb it,” he says, referring to his symbolic wardrobe shift. Awakening the fourth lion With his trilogy complete, that he took inspiration for from India’s national emblem, he further states, “There are three visible lions — repre- senting truth, peace and justice. The fourth lion is you and me — the people of India,” he explains. “Instead of the fourth film, I now want to focus on activism. I’m still learning the ropes.” He draws his strength, he says, from the resilience of the Indian middle class. “I’m deeply inspired by the sacrifices of Indian mothers and the struggle of the common man who keeps going despite endless challenges.” CHAT UP As Mathura has come alive with devotion and cultural splendour in the ongoing Brij Raj Utsav celebrations. One of the key highlights was actor Hema Malini’s performance of a traditional Yashoda Krishna Play during the festival. Her graceful portrayal as Mata Yashoda depicted the beautiful bond between a mother and a child, captivating audiences while also adding a touch of spiritual emotion to the festivities. Huma Qureshi on playing villain in Delhi Crime S3 Huma Qureshi, who will be essaying the role of the villain in the third season of acclaimed Netflix series Delhi Crime, said she had to put her best foot forward to portray what she described as the “most disgusting” role of her career. In the third chapter of the International Emmywinning show, actor Shefali Shah’s DIG Vartika Chaturvedi will be seen handling a nationwide human trafficking case. Qureshi, known for movies such as Gangs of Wasseypur, Badlapur and Monica, O My Darling, features as a ruthless trafficker named Meena aka Badi didi. “Evil suits me... This is the darkest, most disgusting character of my career. This is the worst character I’ve ever played... When you sometimes play a dark character, then there are no restrictions and you can do anything. “And I have done anything (in this character). I faced diffi- KARAN AUJLA SONG RECREATED Jonathan Bailey named Sexiest Man Alive Jonathan Bailey, the star of Bridgerton and Wicked, has been named People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive 2025. The selection of the title, which celebrates its 40th anniversary, was unveiled on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Bailey played Lord Anthony Bridgerton on the Netflix series Regency-era romance drama, Bridgerton. “It’s an honour of a lifetime, and I want to say, Jimmy, thank you so much for turning it down so I could be here,” Bailey joked on the show. Fallon unveiled Bailey’s two covers featuring him on a beach and the other of him shirtless and holding a dog. The actor is also known for playing Prince Fiyero in Wicked and Dr Henry Loomis in Jurassic World: Rebirth. He will next be seen in Wicked: For Good, which releases in theatres on November 21. People’s Sexiest Man Alive feature has been an annual staple for the publication since 1985, with the first-ever honoree being Mel Gibson. Last year’s winner was John Krasinski while other recipients include stars such as George Clooney, Patrick Dempsey, Chris Evans, Paul Rudd, Michael B Jordan and John Legend. — PTI HUMA QURESHI KARAN TO CO-HOST SPLITSVILLA Karan Kundrra has joined Sunny Leone as a co-host for the upcoming season of MTV’s popular dating reality show, Splitsvilla. Karan said, “Coming back to MTV after six years feels like homecoming, and Splitsvilla has such an iconic place in the channel’s legacy. I’ve always loved how the show captures the thrilling and unpredictable journey of modern love. This season, I’m really looking forward to experiencing the MTV Splitsvilla energy and am really excited to host alongside Sunny c m y b The lonely path of conviction Agnihotri admits the journey has been isolating and, at times, dangerous. “It’s not easy — it’s lonely, often humiliating,” he reflects. He has faced fatwas, attacks and now moves with Y-category security. “I feel safe with or without security but I miss my freedom.” With his trilogy behind him, white clothes replacing black, and activism beckoning, Vivek seems ready for a quieter but equally driven phase of life — one where the camera may take a break, but the cause continues. ‘Most disgusting role of my career’ HEMA MALINI PERFORMS AT BRIJ White Brown Black, a hit song by Punjabi sensation Karan Aujla, has been recreated for Ajay Devgn’s film De De Pyaar De 2. On Tuesday, the song’s video was unveiled, and it featured actor Meezan Jafri shaking a leg to the peppy lyrics. Sung by Avvy Sra and Karan Aujla, the lyrics of this peppy track are penned by Jaani and Karan, with music composed by Avvy Sra. Defying the ‘left’ & ‘right’ divide “Left wing, right wing — that’s the vocabulary of politics, not cinema,” he says firmly. “These phrases have been overused to divide society. Look around — aren’t we fighting more than before? Our focus should be on taking Bharat forward.” Rasika Dugal, Shefali Shah & Sayani Gupta culties because of the kind of person I am and the thought process I have,” the actor told reporters at the trailer launch event for the third season. The new season, directed by Tanuj Chopra, sees Vartika and her team, which also includes Rasika Dugal as Neeti Singh and Rajesh Tailang as Bhupendra Singh, tracking Meena, following a trail of clues that leads them to uncover a vast trafficking network stretching far beyond India’s borders. The third season will premiere on Netflix on November 13. — PTI