01042026-LSTC-01.qxd 3/31/2026 7:52 PM Page 1 c m y b NAYANTHARA JOINS SALMAN Nayanthara has joined the cast of Salman Khan's upcoming film with director Vamshi Paidipally. Salman announced his new project on Insta, writing, “Dil, Dimag, Jigar se from this April with Director Vamshi and Dil Raju." WHAT’S HOT eat PAHADI FLAVOURS S shimla IYARAM SIDDU, a Theog-based restaurant chain, has emerged as a favourite among those looking to enjoy authentic Himachali cuisine. Established in 2018, the eatery has made a name for itself with its mouth-watering siddus. The menu features a variety of siddus, including sweet, salted and dry fruit options, which are popular with both locals and tourists. In addition to siddu, the restaurant also serves dishes such as pizzas, pahadi rajma and momos. According to owner Varsh Chauhan, the venture was started by his father and now has multiple outlets across Theog, Fagu, Panthaghati and The Mall in Shimla. play FUN MEETS CAUSE K kasauli ASAULI Rhythm & Blues Festival (KRBF) returns on April 3 nad 4 at Baikunth Resort, Kasauli. Organised by Genesis Foundation, the festival marks its 10th edition while also celebrating 25 years of the Foundation’s sustained efforts in supporting underprivileged children suffering from Congenital Heart Defects. The upcoming edition will bring together a diverse line-up of artistes including Indian Ocean, Nirmala Kannan, Shamaji and The Happy Factory and Prince among others. love LUXE CHIKANKARI L ludhiana UDHIANA residents can look forward to an elegant shopping experience as Sucheta and Raman Nagpal present an exclusive Lakhnavi Chikankari collection by The Loom House (formerly Lah Rissa). The showcase will feature a thoughtfully curated range of timeless pieces, including suits, co-ord sets, kurtas, sarees and more, reflecting fine craftsmanship and understated luxury. The exhibition will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, from 11 am to 8 pm at Blaase, Pakhowal Road, Ludhiana. TRIBUNE Life ‘You have to savour each moment’ Nonika Singh F ROM sculpting classics like Satya to the National Award winning performance in Jolly LLB, actor-writer director Saurabh Shukla is a name to reckon with. Currently in the spotlight for his heartwarming directorial Jab Khuli Kitaab, Saurabh takes us behind the scenes of the making of the Pankaj Kapur and Dimple Kapadia starrer. From delightful anecdotes about his lead actors to why trends do not dictate his way of making films to how his screenplay turned into a stage play and back into a film, Saurabh is as full of beans as his delectable characters on screen. First things first. He demystifies how his play became a movie. Interestingly, for someone who began his journey with theatre and is still associated with it, admits, “Cinema is my bread and butter. Everything I write is first a film.” Only as providence ordained, he was asked to participate in Adhyam Theatre Festival. To cut things short the play was noticed by Sameer Nair of Applause Entertainment and thus began the process of play’s transformation back into a film. Pankaj Kapur was his first and last choice. But casting Dimple at the suggestion of his company partner Naren seemed a tall order. He says, “Not only is she such a big star but at that point had just finished Christopher Nolan’s Tenet.” But happy tidings were in store and having these two brilliant actors on board was a godsend. Interestingly, Saurabh never thought of creating a role for himself. He observes, “I have been brought up in classic middle class fashion where ‘I, me, myself’ is not a desired objective. Anyway, as a director I have my hands full. Besides, Pankaj added a different layer.” Secret revealed Sydney Sweeney’s Housemaid’s Secret is set to arrive in theatres on December 17, 2027. Directed by Paul Feig, the film is a sequel to the hit thriller The Housemaid. CHANDIGARH | WEDNESDAY | 1 APRIL 2026 Saurabh Shukla takes us behind the scenes of the making of Jab Khuli Kitaab Saurabh recounts how his favourite scene in the film, confrontation between Pankaj’s Gopal and Dimple’s Anusuya was actually rewritten by the two icons themselves. In times when fast-paced movies like Dhurandhar capture public imagination what made him turn to a tender love-story that too You can’t do about those in the autumn of life? Saurabh replies, “As an artiste, I follow anything great if it’s my own sensibilities. More than what inherently not there in audiences want, I go by what I know. the script. At best, you Back in 1998, when I co-wrote Satya, the normal palette of cinecan save yourself as an ma was entirely different. Trends actor which I have are for marketing people to analyse, done a number of let artistes be free from it.” Indeed, the OTT release (Jab times. Khuli… premiered on Zee5) further freed him from commercial constraints. He is of the opinion, “Streaming platforms have opened doors for makers, who have a different voice. Besides, films like Jab Khuli… which work on ‘word of mouth’ publicity may have a limited theatrical run. But they have a much longer shelf life on OTT.” Of course, he is candid enough to claim, “I don’t have the same standing as a director as howsoever gifted can give a standout act if it’s I have as an actor. I was waiting for my film to not written in the story. All my performances touch people’s hearts.” But while making a be it Satya, Barfi, Raid, Jolly LLB which peofilm you can’t be thinking about the end goal, ple talk about are significant for these are rather he feels, “You have to savour each strongly written parts.” moment. In the game of table tennis you need The actor, who lends authenticity to every act, to play ball by ball and not let the thought of however, does not believe that acting can be winning overwhelm you. Similarly, in the art practised. To aspiring actors his advice is, of movies, you simply go from one scene, one “Experience life in full 360 degree arc. Read, moment to another.” sing, write, dance, paint, observe and watch. From masters like Ram Gopal Varma he Just as I am hooked to shows on astronomy not learnt to start not from the beginning but the because I am playing a scientist in some film most exciting part of the story. Script is all but for my understanding of black holes and important to him and he confesses, “No actor grey matter will enhance my world view and Bhumi Pednekar, Divya Dutta bag awards at IFFD Night Of Honours Honoured! The International Film Festival of Delhi 2026 celebrated cinema and honoured the filmmakers and actors at the Night of Honours event on Monday in Bharat Mandapam. From Mohit Suri to Ramesh Sippy, several artistes were given awards. The cultural evening was marked by the presence of Delhi’s Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra and Governor of Delhi Taranjit Singh Sandhu. Anupam Kher also delivered a poetic tribute to cinema in Delhi, which included Mandi House’s theatre history and the evolving cinema in India. At the Night of Honours event, the film Saiyaara, directed by Mohit Suri, bagged the Pathbreaking Film of the Year. Sitaare Zameen Par also won the Most CHAT UP CELINE DION ANNOUNCES CONCERT Singer Celine Dion is back in action and how! The My Heart Will Go On hitmaker is all set to make a highly anticipated return to the stage this fall, marking her first run of concerts since revealing her diagnosis with stiffperson syndrome. The pop legend unveiled the details of her upcoming concerts during a posh birthday celebration at the Cafe de l’Homme in Paris. “This year, I’m getting the best birthday gift of my life...I’m getting the chance to see you, to perform for you once again in Paris, beginning in September!” Celine said. Divya Dutta Bhumi Pednekar Inspiring Film of the Year. Dhurandhar was recognised under PVR Best of 2025, with Ranveer Singh honoured as Best Actor and Aditya Dhar as Best Director. Under Capital’s Pride, Guneet Monga, TP Aggarwal and Divya Dutta were honoured, while Bhumi Pednekar was recognised as Actor with a Mission. — ANI Huma receives a shout-out from Zack Snyder Tuesday morning became extra special for actor Huma Qureshi as she woke up to a surprise shout-out from acclaimed global filmmaker Zack Snyder. In an Instagram post, Zack recalled working with Huma in 2021 Netflix zombie heist film Army of the Dead. Calling Huma an ‘amazing’ actor, Zack wrote, “@iamhumaq — one of the most amazing actors I’ve had the pleasure of working with on Army of the Dead. Talent, presence, and pure brilliance on screen.” In response, Huma dropped a comment filled with gratitude. “You the best .. boss man,” she wrote. She also penned a thank you message for Zack on acting will flow organically.” Precisely why as a director he has never felt the need to direct his actors. “I just brief them about the idea; thereafter I thoroughly enjoy what they create.” Whatever may be the flavour of the season, Saurabh would go by what his heart desires. On the anvil is another film whose genre is a secret he holds close to his heart. He might like to presume his life is a khuli kitaab, but more importantly he states, “As an artiste, the more you delve into your art more chapters of your life you begin to fathom.” Life and art… the inseparable two and his journey rolls on to touch many more milestones. BACKSTREET BOYS NEW SONG UNVEILED The trailer of Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie was unveiled on Monday, offering a glimpse into the animated film’s latest adventure while featuring a new song by the Backstreet Boys. Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie is based on the TV series created by Keith Chapman, and is directed by Cal Brunker, based on a script he co-wrote with Bob Barlen. The short teaser centers on yet more daring rescue missions from the heroic pups, as per the outlet. A SHOW ON EPSTEIN CASE? her Instagam story. “Such a sweet surprise getting this shout out from Zack Snyder. Miss you and my AOTD family (Red heart emoji),” Huma posted. With Dave Bautista leading the cast, the film fol- c m y b lows a group of men and women who come together to stage a heist at a casino in Vegas. Ella Purnell, Omari Hardwick, Ana de la Reguera, Theo Rossi, Matthias Schweighofer, Nora Arnezeder, Hiroyuki Sanada, Tig Notaro, Raul Castillo, Samantha Win, Michael Cassidy, Richard Cetrone, and Garret Dillahunt also featured in the film, which marked Huma’s Hollywood debut. Meanwhile, currently, Huma is gearing up for the release of Toxic with Yash. — ANI A limited series about the investigation that blew open the Jeffrey Epstein case is in the works. Sony Pictures Television has collaborated with Adam McKay to create an investigation drama, which will feature Laura Dern.