01022026-LSTL-01.qxd 2/1/2026 12:34 AM Page 1 c m y b ‘A BIG PAT ON THE BACK’ Rani Mukerji, who has received congratulatory messages from her friends and fellow actors on completing an illustrious 30-year journey in Hindi cinema, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the warm wishes. Rani has been basking in the positive response for her latest release, Mardaani 3. TRIBUNE Honoured Life Mariah Carey was named Person of the Year at the MusiCares Person of the Year gala. Carey was honoured for her "extraordinary creative achievements’. LUDHIANA | SUNDAY | 1 FEBRUARY 2026 Big, fat, personalised wedding Gurnaaz A S the wedding season is at its peak, celebrations are increasingly reflecting a shift — from spectacle-driven affairs to experiences rooted in personal meaning. A recent example that captured this evolution perfectly is Nupur Sanon and Stebin Ben’s reception at The St. Regis, Mumbai, where DIY elements were used not just as craft projects, but as tools for storytelling. Designed by Ambika Gupta, the reception décor leaned heavily into personal expression. “What made Nupur’s wedding truly special was how deeply personal it was, without ever feeling forced or overdone,” she says. “The DIY elements weren’t about craft, but about authentic self-expression.” A bespoke black-andwhite carpet featuring Nupur’s handwritten quotes and scribbles became a central design feature, while subtle personal details, such as artistic representations of the couple’s dogs, were woven into the grazing experience. While this wedding offered one interpretation of DIY, designers across the industry are approaching the concept in varied ways, with the com- Organisers of the Grammy Awards 2026 have announced the presenters for this year’s ceremony, with musicians Harry Styles, Charli XCX and Chappell Roan set to take the stage at music’s biggest night on February 1. NEXT FAST & FURIOUS FILM CONFIRMED There is good news for all fans of the Fast & Furious franchise. Universal Pictures has announced that the new movie will be called Fast Forever. It is set to release in theatres on March 17, 2028. Vin Diesel plays Dominic Toretto. PARTY TIME FOR COCKTAIL 2 TEAM The upcoming romcom Cocktail 2 officially wrapped its shoot. Shahid Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna and Kriti Sanon completed shooting and marked the moment with a celebration along with director Homi Adajania. KILLER LOOKS The film Vadh 2 stars Sanjay Mishra and Neena Gupta in the lead roles. On his Instagram, Mishra shared a series of photos of himself and Neena Gupta, showcasing their killer looks with unapologetic swag and style. He wrote, “Serving killer looks. Hiding killer secrets.” mon thread being a desire to help couples create celebrations that feel truly their own. “DIY weddings are moulding how couples engage with their guests,” says Anjali Tolani, vice-president, Weddings at Tamarind. She recalls planning a wedding for a musician couple. “Their reception became a live concert curated by their closest friends, who were also artists. The bride even performed a song she had written for the groom,” she shares, describing how the experience blurred the line between performance and participation. Some weddings, she notes, also extend their impact beyond the day itself. “One couple, passionate about sustainability, hosted a ‘plant-amemory’ station, where guests potted seedlings instead of receiving traditional wedding favours,” she says. The idea of DIY, designers agree, doesn’t mean doing everything yourself. “A successful DIY-themed wedding isn’t literal,” says Ambika. “It’s about designing with intention.” She suggests small but thoughtful gestures. “Writing notes for each event, creating personal emblems, curating playlists that reflect different phases of a relationship or displaying artefacts with emotional value. Even a welcome sign in the couple’s handwriting can become a meaningful DIY moment.” Such thoughtful tweaks can completely transform a wedding into a creative experience for everyone involved. Adding to this thought, Shail Doshi of Bluekrit Weddings says, “Many couples incorporate rituals into their ceremony, such as a personalised haldi or mehndi ceremony and write their own vows for a more inti- mate experience. One can also invite elderly from an old-age home on the wedding day to seek blessings before beginning the ritual.” If that makes you go aww and you are making a note of possible ideas, Shail suggests a fun way to keep guests hooked. “Including interactive entertainment like wedding trivia about the couple or fun games ensure your guests stay engaged throughout the celebration.” Anjali explains how easy it is to incorporate personal style into any celebration. “Start by designing personalised invitations that reflect your culture and personal style. Extend this personal touch to the décor with custom-made place cards, menus and seating charts featuring vibrant colours or ethnic patterns. For décor, choose a theme and create your own decorations like marigold garlands, diyas, colourful drapes or rangoli patterns. Instead of a traditional guest book, set up a photo booth or create an interactive space where guests can leave personalised messages.” Planning a wedding is ultimately about creating unforgettable memories. FLAVOUR & FOLKLORE CHAT UP MEET THE PRESENTERS From spectacle-driven affairs to experiences rooted in personal meaning — Indian wedding is witnessing a shift Spicy Leek Tea & Avocado Salad, Burmese Pulled Tea and familiar Panchatantra characters — the newly opened Burma Burma Restaurant & Tea Room in Chandigarh is as much about storytelling as it is about food Mona Steeped in Burmese culture, flavours and folklore, the newly opened Burma Burma Restaurant & Tea Room in Chandigarh is as much about storytelling as it is about food. As the muchloved chain marks its 21st outlet in just over a decade, loyal patrons and firsttimers are lining up for its specialities. Founded by childhood friends Chirag Chhajer and Ankit Gupta, Burma Burma today operates 21 restaurants and a delivery kitchen across 10 cities in India, enjoying a strong run. The brand’s newest address at Elante Mall stays true to its roots, with interiors inspired by Burmese aesthetics and a thematic focus on folktales. The walls come alive with Burmese dolls, a horse and elephants, while one section is dedicated to illustrated stories — some instantly recognisable, such as The Talkative Tortoise, The Monkey and the Crocodile and The Crab and the Crane from Panchatantra. Burma Burma’s hospitality lives up to its reputation in Chandigarh as well, and the food — unsurprisingly —remains the real star. The c m y b meal begins on a refreshing note with the tangy Samosa Soup — tiny samosas swimming with spring vegetables and kala chana. A must try. Light yet flavourful starters such as the Spicy Leek Tea & Avocado Salad, crackling Lotus Stem Crisps, Edamame & Broadbean Hummus and Cream Corn Palata set the tone. The standout, however, is the Belachaung Stuffed Peppers perched atop creamy hummus. Belachaung, a punchy Burmese condiment, is a heady mix of fried onion and garlic, crushed peanuts and red chilli. Wa Potatoes, woktossed in a fiery Wa tribeinspired seasoning of lemon leaf, crushed peanuts, roasted chillies and brown onion — a definite crowd-pleaser. The mains are ruled by the signature Oh No Khowsuey. This fragrant, creamy coconut milk curry infused with lemongrass and tamarind is topped with diced Asian vegetables and served with noodles of your choice along with an array of condiments, including fried garlic, fried onion, crushed peanuts, roasted chilli, lemon and spring onions. The beverage counter is rather long. Burma Burma’s extensive tea programme offers a deep dive into Burmese tea culture, with the latest additions being traditional Burmese Pulled Teas, reminiscent of the popular Meter Kaapi. A wide variety of teas jostle for space alongside refreshing coolers and kombuchas. We highly recommend Yuzu Lemonade Bubble Tea. For those who believe vegetarian food lacks variety, Burma Burma is a must-visit. An average meal for two costs around Rs1,800 plus taxes, and every bite makes a compelling case for plantforward dining done right. Shivangi lives life to the fullest Shivangi Verma, who is known for her performance in shows like Tera Ishq Mera Fitoor and Choti Sarrdaarni and web series like Yeh Hai Sanak, believes that though life is unpredictable, planning can help one handle any situation. She said, “In life, everything is unpredictable; that is true. But I think everything depends on planning. I believe in organising things and making plans. I am not an impulsive person, which is why I do not postpone my goals or my happiness and hobbies.” “I live in the present while thinking about the future, and I never forget my past. So, I feel everything goes together and side by side, and I think it is a good balance,” she added.