28042026-LSTC-01.qxd 4/28/2026 12:30 AM Page 1 c m y b BOARDING DENIED Marissa Bode has alleged that she was denied boarding on a flight due to her disability. Bode, known for playing Nessarose in the film Wicked, shared her experience in a TikTok video last week. She said, “I was denied boarding on a flight because I’m disabled.” TRIBUNE Starry affair Life Actor and comedian Vir Das attended Ek Din Ki Mehfil event, ahead of the release of film Ek Din, in Mumbai. Aamir Khan, Junaid Khan, Sai Pallavi and others were also spotted at the venue. CHANDIGARH | TUESDAY | 28 APRIL 2026 PHOTO: RAVI KUMAR WHAT’S HOT Pitt Siyapa shimla blends comedy & chaos Sonam Bajwa and Paramvir Cheema headline this offbeat Punjabi comedy about a woman who turns funerals into an unexpected startup eat Mona SWEET & SAVOURY P UNJABI cinema has often thrived on humour rooted in everyday life, but Pitt Siyapa takes that instinct and gives it a fresh twist. At the heart of the film is a wildly original premise—a young woman, who stumbles upon the idea of starting a funeral services business, turning one of life’s most sombre moments into a story of ambition, resilience, and surprisingly, laughter. It’s this unusual blend of the morbid and the madcap that drew its lead pair, Sonam Bajwa and Paramvir Cheema, to a film that promises to be as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. For Sonam, who plays the spirited and ambitious Nimmi, the decision was instinctive. “I’ve always loved doing comedy,” she says, emphasising her fondness for films that can bring entire families together. But Pitt Siyapa stood out for more than just its humour. “When I heard the concept, I had never come across something like this before,” she admits. The idea of funeral management services—still a nascent and largely unexplored business in India—felt both novel and grounded in reality. “It’s a very new kind of space. There are only a handful of such companies even today. That freshness really excited me.” I F you’re looking to savour some of the best siddus in Shimla, Himachali Rasoi in Middle Bazaar is a must-visit. Known for its authentic flavours, the restaurant serves a delightful range of siddus that have become a favourite local delicacy. Whether you prefer them sweet or savoury, both versions are equally loved. Their sweet siddus, filled with khas khas, offer a unique taste. Served generously with desi ghee, these traditional treats are something you’ll often find people relishing with great enthusiasm. play THE STAGE IS SET A mandi SPIRING actors in Himachal Pradesh will be getting an opportunity to sharpen their acting skills in a 45-days acting workshop in Mandi. The workshop is being organised by the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC) and the Himachal Culture Research Forum Theatre Repetory at Town Hall in Mandi from May 1 to June 10. The workshop will be held under the mentorship of Suresh Sharma, a Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee and former director at the National School of Drama. The workshop aims to teach aspiring actors about the art and craft of Theatre acting, helping them in pursuing an acting career. Confidence, love T RETAIL THERAPY ludhiana HE Yellow Tree-Summer Edit 2026 is set to unfold on April 28–29 at Maharaja Regency, Ludhiana, bringing together an eclectic mix of fashion, lifestyle and décor items under one roof. Known for its premium curation, the exhibition offers visitors a chance to explore designer apparel, handcrafted jewellery, luxury accessories and artisanal home décor. It is not just an exhibition but a celebration of creativity, craftsmanship, and community, making it a must-visit for fashion enthusiasts and lifestyle seekers alike. consistency & courage Dr Aditi Govitrikar’s mantra for success Crown & Conversations, a high-energy evening, held at Seville Lounge, concluded successfully. The highlight of the event was an engaging interaction with India’s first Mrs World, Dr Aditi Govitrikar, who shared valuable insights on confidence, personality development and the journey to success. Drawing from her own life experiences, Dr Govitrikar emphasised that hard work, discipline and self-belief are the true pillars of achieving any goal. She also spoke about her journey in modelling and films. Dr Govitrikar acted in films like De Dana Dan, Paheli, Baaz: A Bird in Danger and Soch, and gained widespread recognition through her participation in Fear Factor 1 & Bigg Boss Season 3. According to her, staying relevant in the glamour industry requires constant learning and the ability to evolve. Highlighting women empowerment, Dr Govitrikar stated that today’s women are capable of excelling in every field, provided they receive the right guidance and confidence. She actively works towards mentoring women by offering grooming, skill development and personality enhancement training, for which she created Marvelous Mrs India World. The aim of Crown & Conversations is to create awareness about this platform. — TNS c m y b What makes the film particularly compelling is the way it reframes its core idea. Rather than dwelling on grief, it focuses on enterprise and empowerment. Nimmi’s journey is not about death, but about discovering opportunity in the most unlikely of places. “The film is not about how sad funerals are,” Sonam explains. “It’s about a girl with big dreams who ends up creating something meaningful— not just for herself, but for others around her.” Paramvir, making his mark in Punjabi cinema with this project, was equally drawn to the film’s uniqueness—and its emotional resonance. A native of Jalandhar, the actor had long wanted to work in his home industry. “Doing a project in your own language is always special,” he says. For him, Pitt Siyapa was also a chance to explore a genre he hadn’t tackled on screen before. “I’ve done comedy in theatre, but never in films. This was new for me.” His character, a carefree young man nursing heartbreak, mirrors parts of his own past. “He’s very similar to who I was a few years ago— fun-loving, easy-going,” Paramvir shares, adding that stepping into the role felt both familiar and refreshing. The only real difference? “He’s an NRI. I’m not,” he laughs. Despite dealing with a theme as sensitive as death, the film leans firmly into humour—a choice both actors believe is key to its impact. “If you want to say something meaningful, you don’t always have to be preachy,” Sonam points out. “Sometimes, taking a lighter approach makes the message reach people more effectively.” Pitt Siyapa hits cinemas on May 1. Meet Detective Chadha After leaving a lasting impression with her powerful portrayal of Lajjo the courtesan in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s grand period drama series Heeramandi, Richa Chadha is all set to surprise audiences once again with a completely different avatar. According to sources, Richa will soon be seen heading a gripping crime thriller series for a leading OTT platform. In a sharp departure from her recent period role, the actress is reportedly stepping into the shoes of a detective for the upcoming project. While details about the series are being kept tightly under wraps, it has been learnt that Richa has already begun shooting. CHAT UP FAMILY OUTING WEDDING BELLS Ranveer Singh and wife Deepika Padukone took their daughter Dua to her first-ever live musical performance. The couple spent a Sunday morning at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), where they attended the Cocomelon Live musical. Ranveer said, “It is a little extra special for us because this is our Dua baby’s first show.” Mehreen Pirzada is now married. On Sunday, she took to her Instagram and announced her wedding to beau Arsh Aulakh. Mehreen shared a series of dreamy photos from her wedding ceremony, which was held at Chail, Himachal Pradesh. “26.04.26 (infinity, red heart and evil eye emojis #ArshDiMehr,” she simply captioned the post. DANCE LESSON GOOD START During her recent visit to the city for the launch of Fenty Beauty, Rihanna was seen trying a few Bharatanatyam mudras in a light-hearted moment that has now gone viral across social media. The video, shared by influencer Nejm. In the clip, Nejm demonstrates a few hand gestures, known as mudras, while also explaining how expressions are communicated through the eyes in Bharatanatyam. Michael, the muchtalked-about Michael Jackson biopic, recently arrived in theatres, making a sensational $ 97 million domestically and $ 217 globally in its first weekend of release. The ticket sales take the film’s rank as the best start of all time for a biopic, beating the record set by 2015’s ‘Straight Outta Compton’.