26052026-LSTC-01.qxd 5/26/2026 12:49 AM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE First look Life KJo TURNS 54! lywood h K Jha notes how the Bol des Subhas e deca mogul has evolved over th chandigarh Karan Johar has evolved from being Bollywood’s flamboyant insider to one of its most emotionally grounded and self-aware personalities. Over the years, the filmmaker who once seemed inseparable from glamour, gossip and starry friendships has acquired a quieter gravitas, shaped largely by fatherhood and experience. In his early years, Karan thrived in the world that his films celebrated — designer labels, lavish parties and emotional friendships. He was witty, dramatic, deeply social and unapologetically filmy. Conversations around him were always filled with gossip, banter and sharp observations about the industry he knew so intimately. Yet beneath the sparkle was also a vulnerability. Karan’s journey as a filmmaker mirrored this emotional evolution. From the glossy escapism of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham to more layered productions in recent years, ala Homebound, his cinema has slowly reflected greater emotional growth. While he continues to understand the power of mainstream entertainment better than most, there is now a noticeable depth and restraint in the stories he chooses to back. The most defining transformation in Karan’s life, however, came with the arrival of his twins, Roohi and Yash. Fatherhood altered his priorities completely. Today, his world revolves around his children, and those close to him often notice how much calmer and more secure he seems. The flamboyant social butterfly has given way to a more anchored individual who values home over hype. His children have also softened his public image. Professionally too, Karan has matured into an influential mentor figure in the industry. Through Dharma Productions, he has launched and supported several actors, directors and technicians who now form an integral part of contemporary Hindi cinema. He insists that success is not built merely on privilege or networking. “It’s not a magic wand, my dear, that I can wave and voila, a star is born! It doesn’t work that way. It’s a lot of hard work and even more luck,” he once told me. Perhaps the biggest change in Karan Johar is that he no longer appears to live in a bubble… WHAT’S HOT make GET CRAFTY G ET creative with nature at the Mini Clay Planters Workshop. A beginner-friendly workshop where you’ll explore simple shaping and decorating techniques — all materials provided! On May 30, 2026 at Olive Cafe and Bar, sector 26. Tickets starting from Rs 1499. play mohali STREET JAMMERS LIVE E XPERIENCE the electrifying vibes at Studio XO Presents Street Jammers featuring live music, amazing performances and an unforgettable party atmosphere, on May 30, 2026, 9:00 PM at Studio XO, HLP Galleria Mall in Sector 62, Mohali. Tickets starting from Rs 499. chandigarh love ART WORKSHOP C HANDIGARH Lalit Kala Akademi is organising a weeklong Creative Childhood Art & Craft Workshop for schoolgoing children in the age group of 8–12 years from June 1 to 6, 2026 at CLKA Open Hand Art Studios, Le Corbusier Centre, Sector 19, Chandigarh under the guidance of eminent city artist Ravinder Sharma. Registrations are open on a first-come, first-served basis. Actor Saiyami Kher has unveiled her first look from filmmaker Vikram Phadnis’ upcoming untitled romantic drama, in which she is set to play a fashion photographer. CHANDIGARH | TUESDAY | 26 MAY 2026 ‘Randeep Hooda was the only choice’ Nonika Singh W ITH fiery passion, noted writerdirector Neeraj Pathak defends both his real and reel character Inspector Avinash. With the second season of Inspector Avinash emerging as number one on Jio+Hotstar, he is overwhelmed by the response. His Instagram feed is inundated with a unanimous query; when do we get Season 3? In times when streaming platforms have a surfeit of cop dramas, he thinks Inspector Avinash has touched a chord because of its larger than life presentation and high entertainment value. In one line he sums up his directorial signature as, “Massy OTT entertainer.” For the uninitiated, he shares that Inspector Avinash, a real flesh and blood person, is as entertaining as his reel counterpart. His first meeting with the encounter specialist was as intriguing where he not only met the super-cop but also his web of informants which he refers to in his series as ‘ maayajaal.’ The permission for screen adaptation of his dramatic life when he singlehandedly made criminals in Uttar Pradesh fear him and the law back in 1990s too was given as dramatically; on a napkin. Casting Randeep Hooda for the titular part was a no brainer for Neeraj, who has previously worked with another fine actor Irrfan Khan. He remembers the god of acting very fondly and reveals how Irrfan was a friend whom he directed in a television drama AnuGoonj much before he became The Irrfan. Yet another actor who figures on his ‘My Favourites List’ is Sunny Deol. Not only has he worked with him in Bhaiaji Superhit but also written their home production Apne. When Neeraj landed in Mumbai he always knew he wanted to be a director who is essentially a story- Avinash. The series might begin with a cocky Randeep Hooda as Inspector Avinash posing a teaser, ‘What do you think, am I hero or a villain,’ in Neeraj’s eyes his lead is undoubtedly a hero. Encounter killings might be seen as unethical by those who take a high moral ground, but Neeraj insists, “Often, especially, when it comes to heinous crimes, such kind of vigilantism becomes a necessary evil.” Those of you who may have given Inspector Avinash a miss, he beseeches, “Watch it not teller. Writing seemed the ideal way to start just for Randeep’s aura but also to see how I his journey. He proclaims, ‘patriotism is in have balanced a gritty tale of realism with my blood’ and the deshbhakt in him has writ- ingredients of a potboiler.” ten Pardes and intends to write and direct a The freedom that OTT provides has made patriotic actioner soon. Not because Dhu- him more fearless and equally responsible. randhar has created magic on box office but While on OTT the principle of self-censorship since, “It’s important to instil among our works, he feels today even the CBFC is not that youth a sense of pride in their nation.” restrictive and live example of that is DhuHis idea of nationalism is not narrow and randhar. He adds, “They have let brutality and includes tales of unsung heroes like Inspector abusive language pass and gave it an A certificate. Repugnant violence, I think is sometimes necessary to evoke disgust against criminals. Today’s audience is mature and no one takes away lessons on violence from a film/ series.” As Neeraj recreates the world of policing, his celluloid interpretation earns him seven offers of biopics on police persons. If his cop of 1990s were to talk to today’s police, he would tell them to control crime and take their role responsibly. Meanwhile, Neeraj is paying heed to his moral compass. To fans of his series, he promises that when he Neeraj Pathak gets down to the inevitable Season 3 of Inspector Avinash he will not get caught in the trap of monotony and mediocrity. Only, reality will come with generous tadka of masala entertainment. Director Neeraj Pathak speaks on casting, cop culture & balancing realism with massy appeal of Inspector Avinash ❝ Anoushka Shankar ontrauma & healing Musician Anoushka Shankar has shared a deeply personal reflection on social media after a recent encounter with a fan left her confronting unresolved trauma and the complexities of personal boundaries. In a candid post published alongside a solemn portrait, the internationally acclaimed sitarist and composer described an incident that occurred during a post-show meet-and-greet, where a fan physically lifted her without waiting for consent. “A man picked me up last weekend. I mean, physically lifted me. He asked if he could, but didn’t wait for an answer before I found myself suspended in the air, clasped in a bear hug by a stranger, feet dangling,” Shankar wrote. “I had been meeting a few fans after a show and it all happened so fast. I laughed awkwardly and asked to be let down, I signed his poster, I smiled and waved,” she said. Shankar noted that she initially downplayed the incident while recounting it to others, believing the individual “had no ill intent and was simply being overexcited and thoughtless.” However, she later realised the encounter had affected her more deeply than she first understood. “Days later, the reality has sunk in. Once again, my histo- c m y b ry of abuse meant I didn’t know how to respond appropriately to someone crossing my boundaries in real time. I centred his hypothetical intent over my lived experience of discomfort.” The Grammy-nominated artiste also reflected on the nature of trauma recovery, acknowledging the emotional conflict that resurfaced after the incident. Shankar concluded her post with a message of solidarity for others navigating similar emotional experiences. “I share this to say: if, like me, you hold these experiences within yourself, please go gently. The path of healing curves, and is never linear. If you lost your voice again for a moment, remember you can find it, always, within,” she said. — ANI ‘Randeep Hoo grounded, des da is core Haryana i to the dilwala yet hka chora, e take any nons won’t ense... Idris Elba dismisses ‘James Bond’ rumours Hollywood actor Idris Elba has cleared the rumours claiming he was considered for the role of the next James Bond and said he was never in the race. “Honestly not in the race ever...My name’s not getting thrown out, no way,” he said. “They’re going younger. And I wish them all the luck of the world. I can’t wait — it’s going to be amazing,” he added. — PTI Meet Karisma as Cop Rita Brown Bollywood star Karisma Kapoor will be seen in a new avatar as a fierce police officer in the upcoming web series Brown. The makers released the first glimpse of the neo-noir psychological crime thriller, which is set against the haunting and morally fractured backdrop of Kolkata. In the series, Karisma essays the role of Rita Brown, a cop in the Kolkata Police Force who is investigating disturbing crimes while battling her own personal demons. The teaser showcases gritty visuals and an emotionally charged atmosphere, immediately establishing Brown as a layered psychological thriller that goes beyond a conventional murder mystery. Directed by Abhinay Deo, the series presents Karisma in a rugged, stripped-down and emotionally fractured avatar unlike anything audiences have seen from the actress before. The series will premiere soon on ZEE5. — ANI