08062026-LSTC-01.qxd 6/7/2026 7:41 PM Page 1 c m y b MASSEY CYCLES TO FITNESS Vikrant Massey joined Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya at the 77th edition of the Fit India Movement’s Sundays on Cycle initiative in Delhi. TRIBUNE All praise Life Smita Tambe, Girija Oak and Esha Dey opened up about sharing the screen with lead star Kangana Ranaut, adding how they were inspired by Kangana’s dedicated approach towards her work. LUDHIANA | MONDAY | 8 JUNE 2026 Eight young actors we’d love to see lead the next big campus and sports romance Campus T heartthrobs HE resurgence of young-adult romance dramas has once again captured the imagination of audiences worldwide. With global titles like Heated Rivalry, Off Campus, The Summer I Turned Pretty and Maxton Hall becoming cultural phenomena, viewers are gravitating towards stories that blend youthful romance, emotional vulnerability, ambition, friendship, and competition. Indian audiences have also shown a growing appetite for coming-of-age love stories set against the backdrop of colleges, universities, sports academies, and competitive environments. As the genre continues to gain momentum, a new generation of actors seems perfectly positioned to bring these stories to life with authenticity, charm, and emotional depth. Here are eight young actors we would love to see headline the next big campus or sports romance. When Ram Charan Subhash K Jha The actor tried to stop director from objectifying Janhvi’s character in Peddi YOUTHFUL CHARISMA: Ibrahim Ali Khan Following his debut projects Nadaaniyan and Sarzameen, Ibrahim Ali Khan’s growing popularity shows the actor possesses the youthful charisma, confidence, and effortless screen presence often associated with successful romantic leads. A college romance or sports drama could provide the perfect platform for him to connect with younger audiences. CHARMING REBEL: Abhay Verma Following the success of Munjya, Abhay Verma has rapidly become one of the most talked-about young actors in the country. His performance proved that he possesses both leadingman charm and emotional depth. Abhay has all the ingredients needed for a successful sports romance hero. SPORTY TYPE: Vedang Raina stood up for Janhvi It has now come to light that Ram Charan had tried to stop the Peddi director Buchi Babu from shooting the film’s leading lady through a lewd lens. A source close to Janhvi Kapoor reveals, “Ram Charan proved to be a thorough gentleman on the set. As soon as he started shooting with Janhvi, there were warning signals as to how the film intended to project its heroine. When Janhvi expressed her discomfort at the camera angles capturing her curves, Ram stepped in and warned the director not to do that. However, the director paid no heed.” Apparently, all the cheesy sequences objectifying and sexualising her were shot without her knowledge of what was being shot. “Janhvi has still not seen the full film. For that matter, neither has Ram Charan. The film was ready only hours before release. Janhvi has only been reading and seeing clips of how she has been presented in Peddi. And she can’t stop crying. She told her father she had no idea she was being filmed from these angles. They would tell her to put a bindi on her forehead so that that they shoot her closeup. And then the camera would be somewhere else,” the source said. strong contender for the campus romance genre. The actor will next be seen portraying a young Indian Air Force officer in Netflix’s highly anticipated series Operation Safed Sagar. Adarsh Gourav UNCONVENTIONAL CHOICE: Adarsh Gourav Adarsh Gourav may not be the obvious choice for a conventional campus romance, which is precisely why he would be fascinating in one. Adarsh has consistently chosen unconventional characters and narratives. His upcoming travel-hosting debut with Voices of the Land also showcases a different side of his personality: curious, empathetic and deeply observant. A mature sports romance focused on ambition, identity, and emotional growth could allow Adarsh to bring an entirely fresh perspective to the genre. Ever since making a strong impression with The Archies, Vedang Raina has emerged as one of the most exciting young faces in the industry. With his effortless screen presence, natural charisma and relatable appeal, Vedang possesses the qualities that define a memorable romantic lead. His recent performance in Jigra further showcased his emotional range and ability to hold his own in intense dramatic situations. With upcoming projects expected to push him into newer territories, Vedang seems tailor-made for a sports romance where he could play a star athlete balancing ambition, competition and first love. REMARKABLE RANGE: Vishal Jethwa Vishal Jethwa has repeatedly proven that he is one of the finest performers of his generation. From his acclaimed performance in Mardaani 2 to projects like Salaam Venky and Homebound, he has displayed remarkable range and intensity. The actor is now working in Shakti Shalini. A sports romance could offer audiences the chance to see Vishal in an entirely new light. EMOTIONAL SINCERITY: Agastya Nanda INTENSELY APPEALING: Babil Khan Few actors of his generation bring the emotional honesty that Babil Khan does. The actor is currently expanding his artistic horizons with his Malayalam debut Gandhi Bazar Sunday Market. While audiences have largely seen him in emotionally layered dramas, a campus romance would allow viewers to experience a softer, more youthful side of his personality. BOY-NEXT-DOOR: Mihir Ahuja Mihir Ahuja’s natural ease in front of the camera and boy-next-door appeal make him a Agastya Nanda has the classic leading-man qualities that often define successful campus romances. His polished yet relatable presence would work particularly well in stories centered around elite universities, competitive sports teams, or modern coming-of-age relationships. read WHAT’S HOT play love KASHMIR CONNECT THE STAGE IS SET RETAIL THERAPY T HE much awaited International Summer Festival in Shimla will commence today and will feature five exciting plays, performed by local thespians. The plays will be staged as a part of Rang Mahotasav being held at Gaiety Theatre to promote art and culture. The festival will kick off with the play, Zeher, by Natyanukriti theatre group. Throughout the five days, one play will be staged every evening. The festival will conclude on June 12. c m y b V EHRA Shagna Da, one of North India’s most popular premium fashion and lifestyle exhibitions, is set to return to Ludhiana on June 9 and 10 at Hotel Park Plaza from 11 am to 8 pm. Known for its curated showcase of bridal couture, festive wear, jewellery and home décor, the exhibition has become a trusted destination for wedding and festive shopping. With boutique designers and exclusive vendors presenting handcrafted collections, the event promises a vibrant atmosphere where tradition meets contemporary elegance, making it a must-visit for brides-to-be, families, and lifestyle enthusiasts. ludhiana UTHOR, actor and film director Nikasha Luthra will unveil her latest novel, Lost and Found in Kashmir. Inspired by the Pahalgam attacks, the book is a fictionalised narrative that explores memory, grief, love and survival through its story. The launch will be held at Mini Tagore Theatre, Sector 18, Chandigarh, on June 9 at 6:30 pm. Adding a cinematic dimension to the evening, a special short film adaptation based on select chapters from the book will also be screened. shimla A chandigarh (Clockwise from top) Ibrahim Ali Khan, Vishal Jethwa, Abhay Verma, Agastya Nanda, Babil Khan, Vedang Raina & Mihir Ahuja Brad Pitt spotted with partner Ines de Ramon Brad Pitt and his partner Ines de Ramon made a rare public appearance this Saturday, at the French Open in Paris. The ultra-private couple were spotted cuddling and chatting at the Roland-Garros courtside during the historic women’s singles final. Before heading to the French Open, the pair spent time in Paris at the Red Hot Chili Peppers concert, had reportedly dined with director David Fincher in the Grand Palais. The couple made their first public appearance in 2024. — Vinya Singh