02042026-LSTC-01.qxd 4/1/2026 7:56 PM Page 1 c m y b BONDING ON AND OFF SETS As the upcoming series Maa Ka Sum is all set to arrive soon, Mona Singh and Mihir Ahuja, along with producer Babita Ashiwal, opened up about the show and what makes it special. It is based on the bond between a mother and her son. HOT chandigarh WHAT’S eat CHEF PARADE T HE city is all set to witness a unique culinary spectacle as karigars — the talented chefs behind Karigari — take centre-stage in a first-of-its-kind Chef’s Parade in Sector 26 market on April 3 around 5 pm. Celebrity Chef Harpal Singh Sokhi expressed his joy at the occasion, stating, “We are delighted to mark our first presence in Chandigarh and Punjab, bringing with us the rich flavours and unique stories that define Karigari. Our karigars are truly the heart and soul of this restaurant, and this evening is a celebration of their remarkable talent and unwavering commitment.” play T THUMRI SPECIAL All praise Life Vicky Kaushal lauded Dhurandhar: The Revenge and its team in a heartfelt social media post. Kaushal called the film a ‘gold standard’ in filmmaking. CHANDIGARH | THURSDAY | 2 APRIL 2026 National Award winning filmmaker Rajeev Kumar brings about a story dealing with mental health in his latest film ‘Today, it’s Mona N ATIONAL Award-winning filmmaker Rajeev Kumar is not one to follow the conventional path. With his latest film Budh Singh, the director once again turns his lens towards layered storytelling — this time exploring mental health, corruption and the quiet struggles of the common man. In a candid conversation, Rajeev traces the origins of Budh Singh. “My journey began with Ravi Inder Sheen, who plays the lead,” he shares. “I have known him for many years. He was a very good actor, though he later became a music director. He always told me, ‘Give me a chance in acting.’ I kept telling him — wait, I will offer you something when I find the right character.” That character came to Rajeev through literature. The film draws inspiration from a story by writer Anjana Shivdeep. “I read the story — Do Dhruvan Te Vichardian. It dealt with mental health and the life of a very honest man stuck in a corrupt system,” Rajeev explains. “We evolved that idea cinematically — how such a person processes reality, what kind of realisation he reaches, and whether it is society or circumstances that push him to the edge.” At its core, Budh Singh is a reflection on the pressures of modern life. “We wanted to ask —why can’t two hardworking people live a good, honest life? Is it their fault, or the fault of the system?” he says. “Mental health and political corruption are realities we don’t often address in Punjabi cinema. We tried to explore both.” The film, shot across Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, is also deeply rooted in Rajeev’s journey. “We shot a large part in my hometown, Mullanpur Dakha in Ludhiana district,” he says. The setting adds authenticity to a story that is as much about place as it is about people. Cinematically, Budh Singh takes inspiration from global masters. Rajeev reveals he paid tribute to celebrated filmmaker Wong Kar-wai. “There’s a surreal quality in his work that fascinates me. We tried to recreate that feeling — when Budh Singh enters a normal situation, it feels like he is moving through a tunnel,” he explains. “It’s a visual way of expressing his mental state.” Unlike mainstream Punjabi films, Budh Singh did not opt for a traditional theatrical release. Instead, it premiered on Cable One, a move Rajeev believes reflects changing audi- content over star power’ ence habits. “There is a myth that without a popular actor, a film cannot survive,” he says. “But OTT and digital platforms have changed everything. Today, content is the main driver.” Rajeev is particularly vocal about the economics of filmmaking. “In a Rs 10 crore film, Rs 4–6 crore often goes to big actors,” he points out. “But that doesn’t guarantee success. Last year, around 49 Punjabi films were made, and nearly 45 of them failed. The success rate was barely seven to eight per cent.” For him, the solution lies in rethinking priorities. “The focus should be on a strong script, good direction, and talented actors — not just famous faces,” he insists. “If you reduce production costs and invest in content, the chances of financial viability improve.” This philosophy has guided his own work, including the film Nabar: A Rebel with a Cause, which earned him the National Award in 2013. The recognition, he says, reinforced his belief in meaningful storytelling. “Awards like that are encouraging, but they also remind you of the responsibility you carry as a filmmaker.” With over three decades in the industry, Rajeev has witnessed the evolution of Indian entertainment first hand. “I started nearly 30 years ago, making documentaries after I passed out from Panjab University at the age of 24,” he recalls. “I worked extensively in television.” After spending over two decades in Mumbai’s television ecosystem, Rajeev is now exploring new avenues, including OTT platforms. He also teaches at various universities, passing on his experience to the next generation. For Rajeev, the post-pandemic era has opened new doors for storytellers. “After Covid, audiences have been exposed to world cinema through OTT. They are watching Malayalam films, European cinema, Latin American stories,” he says. “The audience today is not limited by geography — they want good content.” This shift, he believes, is a turning point. “It’s the right time for talented actors, directors and creators. People are ready to support meaningful work,” he says. “Earlier, big names dominated decision-making. Now, there is space for new voices.” Budh Singh is also being dubbed in multiple languages, expanding its reach beyond Punjabi-speaking audiences. “Good content travels,” Rajeev says simply. “If the story connects, language is not a barrier anymore.” At a time when the industry often leans towards formula, Rajeev stands firm in his belief, “Ultimately, it is not about how big the star is — it’s about how honest the story is.” With Budh Singh, he hopes to spark not just conversations, but also a shift in how Punjabi cinema approaches storytelling — one rooted in reality, responsibility and creative courage. CHAT UP chandigarh RIVENI Sangeet Sabha invites you to a Special Baithak of Thumris on Saturday, April 4 at 6 pm at house number 242, Sector 16-A, Chandigarh. The two artistes to grace this baithak are Dr Rita Dev and Ustad Jawad Ali Khan. Dr Dev is a distinguished Hindustani classical vocalist, specialising in Khayal, Thumri, Bhajan,Tappa & Kajri. Ustad Jawad Ali Khan, the top grade artist of AIR and Doordarshan, expertly weaves complex taan patterns. The artistes will be accompanied by Tarun Joshi on harmonium, and Narinder Pal on tabla. TRIBUNE TAYLOR SWIFT IN LEGAL TROUBLE A lawsuit says Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl stole the spotlight from the life of a real one. Maren Wade says in the trademark infringement lawsuit filed in the federal court in California that the glittery branding of Swift’s 2025 album comes too close to the aesthetic of her own Confessions of a Showgirl. That was the name of a column she wrote on backstage Sin City life in the Las Vegas Weekly starting in 2014. EKAM DROPS GARAARIYAAN The global Indian star’s brief visit to Amritsar creates buzz online laugh HOPELESSLY IN LOVE A chandigarh N evening of wit, charm, and heartfelt laughter awaits with Hopeless Romantics, a stand-up solo by Vishal Tyagi, taking the stage on Sunday, April 5 at 8 pm at The Laugh Club, Sector 26, Chandigarh. Running for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, the show is crafted for audiences aged 18 and above, weaving together relatable humour and engaging storytelling that captures the quirks of modern love and life Tickets, start at Rs199, making it a perfect pick for a lighthearted night out. Priyanka Chopra made a quiet, sombre visit to Amritsar, offering prayers at the Golden Temple as she remembered her father. Dressed in a blush pink suit, Priyanka also interacted with devotees as she performed seva, washing utensils and meeting people, keeping a low profile. Priyanka, who spends most of her time in the foreign soil, shared a picture of the famous Amritsari kulcha and dal makhni on her social media platform, hinting at her presence in the Holy City. Priyanka, who recently became fodder for internet gossip and critics, as her Oscar presentation alongside Javier Bardem, with the latter’s “No To War’ statement got overshadowed as her no-reaction moment got the better of netizens. In Amritsar, Priyanka offers seva at GoldenTemple c m y b Priyanka spent some quiet moments listening to gurbani and kirtan. The food post comes amid the actress’ ongoing visit to India, which has already sparked curiosity among fans. On March 26, she documented her journey from New Delhi to Amritsar via a digital flight map shared on Instagram Stories. She also posted short clips of Punjab’s lush green farmlands. Before heading to Amritsar, she was spotted at the Delhi airport interacting with fans and posing for photographs. This India visit follows her recent work on the film The Bluff and comes ahead of her much-anticipated collaboration with filmmaker SS Rajamouli for the upcoming project Varanasi, which is expected to release in 2027. — Neha Saini Ekam has released his new track, Garaariyaan. The song is a part of his conceptual Mahoul EP A high-ener. gy anthem, Garaariyaan captures the bold, celebratory spirit of modern youth culture. It blends Punjabi pop with hip-hop. AKSHAY VISITS MAHAKALESHWAR Akshay Kumar visited the Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain on Wednesday to offer prayers ahead of the release of his upcoming film Bhooth Bangla. Akshay was accompanied by his motherin-law and veteran actress Dimple Kapadia. SUPERGIRL TRAILER OUT All the DC Universe fans are in for a treat as the trailer of Supergirl has finally been unveiled by Warner Bros and DC, giving a fresh look at the much-anticipated film starring Milly Alcock in the lead role. The trailer opens on an emotional note.