31012026-LSTL-01.qxd 1/30/2026 7:49 PM Page 1 c m y b ALIA, SHAHEEN TO PRODUCE FILM After Darlings and the 2024 thriller Jigra, Alia Bhatt has returned to production with the announcement of her next film, titled Don’t Be Shy. The comingof-age romantic comedy is being produced under Alia Bhatt and her sister Shaheen’s banner, Eternal Sunshine Productions. TRIBUNE New project Life Richa Chadha is expanding her creative universe with an exciting new venture, a non-fiction series that will explore travel, culture, and the stories that shape people and places. LUDHIANA | SATURDAY | 31 JANUARY 2026 Thebirdman ofPunjab PHOTO: PRADEEP TEWARI Figuratively speaking… Tri, the ongoing exhibition at the Government Museum and Art Gallery, represents three different voices and their search into self Nonika Singh What is art but a journey into the unknown, unseen where intangible becomes tangible? As three artists come together in an exhibition aptly titled Tri, despite their markedly different artistic sensibilities, they are united by a shared search for the self. Self-trained artist Rajesh Chadda is on a self-discovery, having moved from the digital art to the brush and paint in his acrylicsrich paintings. With images that represent ‘me’ in earth hues, also dominated by black in few other compositions, he plumbs into his inner-self, multiple selves that we all possess as well as arrives at negation of ‘I, me, myself.’ Riot of colours distinguish his forest paintings where red is used with dexterity and draws you in nature’s luminous folds. Bold colours like pink are never easy to use. But Sweeta Rai, an alumna of JJ School of Arts and Banaras Hindu University, understands the alchemy of colours. There are no stories to tell in her compositions drawn from her immediate environment as well as her philosophical viewpoint. Textures, layers and flat surfaces coa- lesce to present processes of change and how decay turns into a thing of beauty. Nature is constant source of inspiration but not as beauteous landscapes. Transformation for her is not a specific moment or event, but evolution that delves into a source deep within. Net result images are not concrete metaphors but fluid, melting into one another. And the real import of how an artist can rise like a phoenix manifests in Neelam Gaur’s powerful and arresting compositions. Dipping deep into mythology, she who studied art at Aakriti College of Fine Arts, Jabalpur, Khairagarh University, borrows as much from mythical creatures like Garuda as well as Narsimha and Navunjar avatars of Lord Vishnu as from her personal experience. A life altering event, a fire accident led her to a phantom like state. Any wonder her works come under the collective title of Echoes of Phantom Time, an ode to her personal resilience and the intrinsic strength of women. On at Government Museum and Art Gallery, Sector 10 Chandigarh till February 1 SUCHETA PHULE & SHELLEE MADE WITH HEART, NOT FUNDING Mona The Birdsong, a documentary by Aarna Vohra and Sucheta Phule, focuses on Sandeep Dhaula, a conservationist from Barnala, Punjab, whose quiet commitment has helped revive bird life across the region W E all know birdwatchers, waiting with patience and wonder, eyes lifted, breath held, watching fleeting silhouettes perch, soar and disappear… but have you heard of a nest enabler? A certain someone by the name of Sandeep Dhaula, a conservationist from Barnala, Punjab, whose quiet commitment has helped revive bird life across the region? On a Thursday afternoon, a motley group assembled for an intimate screening of The Birdsong at the Chandigarh Press Club, drawn together to witness this man in action. The 21-minute Punjabi/English documentary film that turns its gaze through Sandeep towards something deeply urgent yet often overlooked: birds, nature and the power of one individual’s sustained effort. A CONSERVATIONIST WHO NEVER SOUGHT THE SPOTLIGHT Sandeep Dhaula is not someone who chases recognition. In fact, he politely turns away awards and public accolades, often saying he would rather see that attention and money invested into the conservation work. The Birdsong captures this humility with honesty — showing a man who began alone, installing nests and protecting trees, long before the community joined him. From installing bird nests, to advocating forest conservation, his work is deeply rooted in daily action rather than grand speeches. He takes strength from the literary treasure of Punjab. Sandeep quotes Rukh by Shiv Kumar Batalvi in the documentary, “I feel as if Rukh was written by Shiv for me only,” as he steps into the verdant greens! SCHOOLS, CHILDREN & THE FUTURE OF NATURE Sandeep regularly visits schools, instilling awareness and responsibility to save our environment. The film shows how these school visits leave a lasting impact. Children begin to see birds not as background noise, but as fellow beings whose survival depends on human choices. His activism has led to children celebrating their birthdays by planting trees and people putting up bird nests on their special day — anniversaries to barsis! A YOUNG FILMMAKER RECONNECTING WITH HER ROOTS Young director Aarna Vohra with her mentor Sucheta Phule brings a deeply personal lens to the project. For her, The Birdsong is not just a documentary — it is a reconnection with Punjab, its villages, and its people. Sucheta speaks of being welcomed with open arms, staying in homes, living among families and experiencing a generosity that made her feel like she had “come home.” Her biggest takeaway — Sandeep’s humility. “In a world driven by quick returns and material success, Sandeep’s approach — learning, observing and innovating without expectation — feels rare. His journey reflects how young people can lead with empathy, creativity and responsibility.” Baluchi-ae-Wazwan, the food festival at The LaLiT-Chandigarh is a masterclass on Kashmiri culinary heritage Mona This winter, The LaLiT- Chandigarh invites food lovers to slow down, savour and immerse themselves in the timeless culinary heritage of Kashmir with Baluchi-aeWazwan, a specially curated Kashmiri food festival at its signature Indian fine-dining restaurant, Baluchi. Rooted in centuries-old tradition, Wazwan is far more than a meal — it is a cultural ritual that represents Kashmiri hospitality, precision, patience and respect for ingredients. At Baluchi-aeWazwan, this revered culinary art form registers its presence through both traditional Wazwan preparations and a thoughtfully designed à-la-carte Kashmiri menu. Aamir Atlaf takes the charge of cooking, that he believes is made Cuisine, culture & conversation special with its slow-cooking process. Joining him is Chef Amit Chambial, who emphasises that Kashmiri cooking is about time and patience. “The most special ingredient is time,” he shares. “Home-style cooking, slow heat, fewer ingredients, and allowing flavours to develop naturally —that’s where the richness comes from.” The menu features Tabak Maaz, Rogan Josh, Rista, Gushtaba, Nadru ka Korma, Daniwal Korma and Lal Paneer amongst others. While the dishes are served with saffron rice, they also have Kashmiri breads - Girda and Sheermal along with Kahwa to give an experience of Kashmiri cuisine. Wazwan is known for its technical precision. Different cuts of meat are chosen for different dishes and carefully balanced spices. Chef Chambial details different styles, “Both Kashmiri Pandit and Muslim cuisines use meat but their preparation differ subtly. The Pandit cooking traditionally avoids onion and garlic, relying more on yogurt and spices, while Muslim Wazwan incorporates ginger-garlic pastes without overpowering the meat.” Vegetarian dishes receive equal reverence, with preparations like Nadru (lotus stem) and haak-style greens, similar to spinach, reflecting Kashmir’s deep connection with seasonal produce. The festival runs till February 10, offering guests an evocative journey into one of India’s most ceremonial cuisines. c m y b The Birdsong was not easy to make. Renowned lyricist Shellee came on board as a producer along with Anu Vohra and Vaibhav Vohra. Like most documentaries, funding was scarce. Much of the film was, shot over 12 days, with nearly two months of pre and post-production, often in bits and starts. Early morning shoots followed Sandeep’s demanding routine, while personal schedules were put on hold. “Convincing villagers to speak on camera, waiting entire days for the right moment, and living within the community were all part of the process. The result is a film that feels lived-in rather than staged — grounded in reality and trust,” shares Shellee. For Shellee, the film is especially close to the heart. He composed and wrote the song, Ek Chirraiya, that’s featured in the documentary. FROM BARNALA TO THE WORLD The Birdsong has seen intimate screenings in and around Barnala, often gathering small but deeply engaged audiences. Conversations after the screenings revolve around bird and forest conservation. The film is doing festival circuit. A SONG THAT CONTINUES The Birdsong is not loud. It does not preach. Instead, it listens — to the rustle of leaves, the flutter of wings and the steady footsteps of a man who chose action over applause. In an age of climate crisis, shrinking forests, and vanishing birds, the film reminds us that conservation does not always begin with policies or power. Sometimes it begins with one person, one school, one child, and one nest. CHAT UP LAILAAJ SET FOR THE STAGE Pankaj Tripathi and his wife Mridula’s maiden theatre production Lailaaj, a musical comedy play under their banner Roopkatha Rangmanch, has been selected to be showcased at Bharat Rang Mahotsav, hosted by the National School of Drama (NSD), Delhi. Written and directed by Faiz Mohammed Khan, the play features the stage debut of Pankaj and Mridula’s daughter Aashi. SRK SPOTTED Shah Rukh Khan was spotted at the Mumbai airport. At the departure gate, the CISF official politely asked the actor to remove his sunglasses and Shah Rukh obliged immediately.