11032026-LSTL-01.qxd 3/10/2026 7:50 PM Page 1 c m y b IN THE GREY TRAILER OUT Guy Ritchie’s highly anticipated thriller In The Grey unveiled its trailer, offering audiences a glimpse of a meticulously orchestrated billion-dollar heist infused with high-octane action. MOMO MANIA A beloved street food with Tibetan roots, momos continues to win over the younger crowd with its ever-evolving flavours. An outlet located in Johal Market, Firangi Momo in Jalandhar has become a popular pit stop for momo lovers with its inventive varieties. From Achari, Haryali and Malai momos to quirky options like Angry, Lollypop, Volcanic Salsa and Kurkure Momo, the menu offers something for every palate. Among the highlights are the chilli garlic momos, packed with bold flavours. Pair them with refreshing mojitos, shakes or cold coffees for a quick and satisfying bite. play COMEDY TADKA P chandigarh UNJABI humour takes centre stage as Jag Param Live — A Trial Show arrives in the city with an evening of laughter and cultural flavour. Hosted by comedian Jag Param, the family-friendly stand-up blends witty dialogues, lively storytelling and relatable Punjabi household moments. The show will run from March 13 to March 27 beginning 7 pm each evening at The Laugh Club, Sector 26, Chandigarh. With a runtime of about 1 hour-15 minute and tickets starting at Rs 100, the performance promises clean comedy suitable for audiences aged 12 and above. Expect sharp observations, playful banter and a light-hearted celebration of Punjabi life. Tickets can be booked via BookMyshow. love RELAX & REFLECT T HOSE looking to pause and reconnect with themselves can explore Access the Bars, a wellness session designed to promote relaxation and mental clarity. Scheduled from March 13 to March 21 at 11 am, the one-hour sessions will take place at We the Wonder Explorers, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Mohali. Conducted by Access Bars practitioners Neha and Rohit, the session introduces participants to a gentle technique involving 32 points on the head, believed to help release stored thoughts, emotions and beliefs. Open to participants aged 12 and above, the experience encourages self-reflection in a calm, non-judgmental space. Tickets are priced at Rs1500 and can be booked via BookMyshow. Actor Sanjay Kapoor was seen at the promotional event for Amazon MX Player’s upcoming socio-political thriller series Sankalp in Mumbai on Monday. The web series is directed by Prakash Jha. LUDHIANA | WEDNESDAY | 11 MARCH 2026 ‘ auditions Make a habit’ …says casting director Nikita Grover, who worked in projects Paatal Lok and Kohrra and is currently casting for Amarjit Saron’s untitled Punjabi film starring Ammy Virk and Roopi Gill Nonika Singh mohali He’s back Life WHAT’S HOT eat jalandhar TRIBUNE “I AM always fighting for my actors…” With these words the irrepressible casting director Nikita Grover exemplifies not only her uncanny eye for talent but also her love for new faces. If the devil lies in the details, the soul of filmmaking is in its casting choices. With a host of prestigious projects like Sudip Sharma’s Paatal Lok, Kohrra and also his upcoming Pushpak Vimaan up her sleeve, Nikita doesn’t just find actors but heartbeats of the hinterland. Freshness, for her, is paramount and it gives her a great high when an actor, who has not faced the camera ever before, manages to crack the part. An actor herself, seen as cop Manju Verma in Paatal Lok and two Punjabi films as well, she is overtly sympathetic towards actors. As she puts it, “If I have discovered you, I will get you the job.” Currently, she is busy scouting talent for an untitled Punjabi film directed by Amarjit Saron starring Ammy Virk and Roopi Gill. Kohrra reignited the Delhi-born and bred Pollywood is rather averse to risk-taking, Punjaban’s love for her roots. “It was as if Punespecially when it comes to casting. Indeed, jab was calling me. I just felt I belonged here. it bothers her that ‘ghoom phir ke’ The warmth in Punjab is infectious.” you see only four or five faces in Of course, convincing PunJust every other Punjabi film. She jabi filmmakers to infuse in case you says, “Punjab is teeming fresh blood in their cinema missed out Kohrra 2, with so much talent. They won’t be a cakewalk. But Nikita Grover beseeches, too deserve a chance.” She she is ready to knock “Watch it for those beautiful, herself stumbled upon every director’s door just strong complex women characters and I am so proud actors not seen often while as she knocked at houses to say there are so many casting for both seasons of in Nagaland in her castwomen out there and I Kohrra and is today espeing pursuit for Paatal Lok. had a ball casting cially proud of so many Her quest invariably takes them.” actors like Pradhuman Singh, her to unlikeliest of places, a also seen in 2010 film Tere Bin cobbler’s den, a restaurant, Laden, and Mandeep Kaur Ghai, who streets and her gut instinct can spot made a mark as Twinkle in the much talent at first glance, even in a bathroom. acclaimed show rooted in Punjab. She also Working with brilliant maker like Sudip recalls the enthusiasm of the senior actor Par- gives her the freedom to choose whosoever minder Pal Kaur, who plays grandmother catches her eye. She shares, “Known, Harsimrat Atwal in Kohrra 2 and states, unknown, from drama school, untrained; “Imagine this 73-year-old drove all the way the bottom line is they have to fit the part.” from Patiala to Chandigarh for audition.” ‘Shun cliché casting,’ is a dictum she CHAT UP Randeep Hooda & Lin welcome baby girl NOT A CONFIDENT DANCER Zeenat Aman took a nostalgic walk down memory lane this week, sharing a candid reflection on her dancing days in Hindi cinema while revisiting a memorable song from her 1979 film The Great Gambler. "I wasn't a very confident dancer as I never had formal training unlike most of the actresses of the time. Still, I could 'groove', and many a director realised it's better to leave me to my own swaying device than frustrate themselves trying to coax complicated choreography out of me," she wrote. Randeep Hooda and Lin Laishram have announced the arrival of their first child, a baby girl, marking a deeply special and joyous moment for the couple and their families. The baby is healthy and both the mother and daughter are doing well. The couple shared the news on social media, revealing that their daughter arrived on a day that already held immense significance for the family. The newborn shares her birthday with Randeep Hooda’s father, Ranbir Hooda; turning the occasion into a double celebration for the Hooda household. “Today, as I become a father, my appreciation for you has only grown deeper, Papa. And most importantly — Lin, thank you for making me a father and for bringing our little girl into this world. A little girl and a lifetime of love,” he wrote. TARANTINO HITS BACK AT ROSANNA Singer Gandhharv Sachdeva’s new track presents Punjabi folk song Suhe Ve Chire Valeya with a modern twist Sadhika Sharma With Suhe Ve Vibe, pop singer Gandhharv Sachdeva returns to his roots. The Chandigarhbred artiste, now based in Mumbai, blends Punjabi folk with contemporary beats in a wedding track designed to connect across generations. Featuring Himanshi Khurana, Nishant Malkani and veteran actor Arun Bakshi, the track celebrates culture, family and shared emotion. Speaking about the idea behind the single, Gandhharv says, “I am a Punjabi, my mother is from Jalandhar, and I’ve grown up listening to Punjabi folk. At the same time, we Punjabis love global music, heavy beats and basslines. So, I wanted the lyrics and melody to stay completely desi, but the Desi emotion, global beats sound to feel international.” Modernising a folk base like Suhe Ve Chire Valeya came with responsibility. “We were very conscious that we retained the soul of the original song. The love and emotion had to stay intact. It was challenging, c m y b imbibed from her first mentor Abhishek Banerjee, a gifted actor and noted casting director. Like him, she would not pick one lane and sail in both boats. But as an actor, she finds it impossible to pitch herself. “I guess, I need to be in touch with other casting directors.” Have the members of her ilk truly got enough recognition for their craft and if directors who generally choose leads themselves accord them due deference? Well, she feels, “There is still time, before we get enough credit.” But it doesn’t perturb her that main actors are invariably directors’ choice for “who else but Jaideep Ahlawat could have played Hathiram in Paatal Lok?” But yes, there are many directors who would rather play safe and she quips with candour, “I have been thrown out of many such projects.” To millions of aspirants out there who might take rejection to heart, she who picks up talent day in and out advises, “Make auditions a habit and don’t bother about results. Treat these as rehearsal platforms not as rejection ground.” but Maa Saraswati blessed us,” he adds. On the collaboration with Debanjali B Joshi, he explains, “Debanjali brings softness and emotion to the song, and we blend our own unique styles.” He also credits composer Sumeet Bellary, saying, “He created such a strong composition. The production, the dhols and the arrangement give the song its scale and emotional depth.” Having been part of the Fukrey franchise, he says with gratitude, “It’s a wonderful franchise, and I think they love my vibe and the DelhiPunjabi energy I bring.” Known for both energetic and emotional tracks, Gandhharv says, “As an artiste, I want to live every emotion sadness, love, celebration. Music allows me to explore all shades of human feeling.” On balancing playback and independent work, he adds, “Playback singing serves a film’s story, but independent music lets me express my own emotions and stories without boundaries.” On the pressure to deliver viral hits, he says simply, “Everyone wants their songs to work, but I focus on enjoying the journey and giving my best.” A former BBA student of SD College, Chandigarh, he credits the institution for shaping his confidence. “SD College gave me the belief that I could do big things.” He adds, “My mother, a National Award-winning sitarist and disciple of Pt Ravi Shankar, trained me from childhood. I’m grateful I could turn that into my life’s path.” Quentin Tarantino has responded after Rosanna Arquette criticised his repeated use of the Nword. He wrote, “I hope the publicity you’re getting from 132 different media outlets writing your name and printing your picture was worth disrespecting me.” SYLVESTER’S NEW ROLE Three-time Oscar nominee Sylvester Stallone has officially joined the upcoming action prequel John Rambo as an executive producer, marking the first time the actor has taken on a producing role in the long-running Rambo franchise. HAI JAWANI…RELEASE RESCHEDULED The release of Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai, starring Varun Dhawan in the lead, has been postponed for the second time, with the makers announcing a new theatrical date of June 12. The film was previously scheduled to release on June 5.