30062026-LSTL-01.qxd 6/29/2026 8:14 PM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE Biopic king Life Michael, starring Jaafar Jackson, has grossed over USD 977.5 million worldwide, surpassing Oppenheimer and Bohemian Rhapsody to become the highest-grossing biopic. LUDHIANA | TUESDAY | 30 JUNE 2026 Teyana Taylor wins big at the 2026 BET Awards T EYANA Taylor was a top winner on Sunday at the Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards, which honours Black actors, singers and sports stars. The One Battle After Another actor took home four awards, including the special, non-competitive honour of Icon of the Year, presented by singer Janet Jackson. She also won the Fashion Vanguard Award, Best Actress and Video Director of the Year for the short film Escape Room. “There would be no me without you,” Taylor said to Jackson during a tearful acceptance speech for the Icon of the Year award, which BET describes as honouring those who have paid homage to music, entertainment, advocacy and community impact. “I worked 20 years for this. So, I’m not accepting what I’ve earned with arrogance; I’m accepting what I’ve earned with gratitude,” she said. The BET Awards were held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and broadcast live on BET, as well as multiple Paramount-owned channels. Comedian Druski, the youngest person ever to host the ceremony, opened with his comedic pastor persona, leading the audience in a humorous group prayer that blended jokes with tributes to spirituality. The ceremony featured performances from Cardi B, Raye, T.I., Kehlani, Doechii and Don Toliver. Boundary-breaking music industry executive Sylvia Rhone was also honoured with the BET Ultimate Icon Award, which recognises individuals who have made a lasting impact throughout their careers in the entertainment industry and the Black community. “Tonight’s honour bears my name but really belongs to all of us who create culture. I’ve been fortunate to spend my life around extraordinary artists,” Rhone, 74, said as she accepted the award onstage. “Black creativity is one of the most powerful forces in the world. It has shaped culture,” she said. She emphasised that while technology is valuable, it is essential for Black creatives to preserve the soul and artistry of music for the next generation. The 50-year veteran of the music industry is the first Black woman to have held various top level positions at a number of well-known record labels. Other honours of the night included Cardi B winning Best Female Hip-Hop Artist and Lauryn Hill taking home the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award. — Reuters Cardi B delivered a high-energy performance at the 2026 BET Awards, arriving on a light-wrapped sport bike and performing a medley from her album Am I the Drama?. The set featured hits like Errtime and Check Please, with dancers, a stripper pole segment and a vibrant, theatrical stage presentation. Actor Sonu Sood says charity shapes the collaborations he chooses ‘GIVING BACK COMES FIRST’ AnanyaVerma Fresh from balancing a packed slate of film projects across languages, Sonu Sood was in Chandigarh on Sunday, where the conversation extended beyond cinema to the values that shape his journey. While the actor continues to expand his onscreen presence, he said the principles that guide his work offscreen also influence his professional associations. Putting his name behind a brand is not just a business decision. The actor and philanthropist who inaugurated the relaunched Malabar Gold & Diamonds showroom in Chandigarh, said his association with the jewellery brand stems from a single, non-negotiable criterion: does the brand give back? It is a rare thing for a celebrity endorsement to be anchored in social responsibility. Sood’s post-pandemic humanitarian work, from arranging migrant workers’ transport home during the 2020 lockdown to funding students’ education and medical aid, has built him a reputation that extends well beyond cinema. “We get associated with lots of brands, but there are very few who actually believe in charity,” Sood said. “ Malabar believes in giving back by sharing a part of its profits with society. That is the strongest bond that we share.” For Sood, journey is also a homecoming. Born in Moga, Punjab, he did not let the occasion pass without acknowledging it. “This is the place I have grown up. I really feel proud that I am today here with such a beautiful family,” he said, referring to Chandigarh and the broader Punjab region. That spirit carried over into celebration itself. Sood took to the floor for a dance performance, much to the delight of the crowd gathered, who cheered him on enthusiastically. FROM TOP: COCO JONES, TEYANA TAYLOR , DOECHII & CARDI B Vir Das has reacted to allegations claiming he was accidentally injured by Kangana Ranaut during a kissing scene in their 2014 black comedy Revolver Rani. Putting an end to the rumours, the actor-comedian called the story “pure fiction” and defended Kangana, saying there were no problems between them during the shoot. The actor shared a post on X, calling Kangana “a complete professional” and said the claims being circulated were unfair. “Right. Just so we are clear. This story is pure fiction. Kangana was a complete professional and I still maintain, a truly gifted artist. This is unfair slander to her. She went on to call me a terrorist a few years later for my comedy but on set... no problems at all,” he wrote on X. Soon after Vir’s post, Kangana Ranaut also reacted to the viral claim on X. Responding to Vir’s support, she questioned the person behind the story and dismissed the allegations. Released in 2014, Revolver Rani featured Kangana Ranaut in the lead role as Alka Singh, aka Revolver Rani, while Vir Das played Bollywood actor Rohan Mehra. On the work front, Vir Das was last seen in Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos, which also marked his directorial debut. — ANI gurugram rumours TRUST THE CHEF R OOTED in Japan, Omakase is a ritual of trust — a pause from choosing, an experience grounded in respect for the ingredient, the craft and the hands behind it. At Ate Omakase in Gurgaon, experience specialty coffee and let the cup do the rest. Ate, Sector 59, Gurgaon. June 30 onwards. 10:45 am. play CHAT UP PRINCESS SCALES PEAKS STEVIE @SWIFT WEDDING? Kate Middleton has completed Britain’s National Three Peaks Challenge, climbing the highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales within 24 hours to raise awareness about life after a cancer diagnosis. Sharing her experience, the Princess of Wales said cancer changes every aspect of life and stressed that recovery requires emotional and psychological support alongside medical treatment. Reports suggest music legend Stevie Nicks may attend and perform at the wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. The longtime Swift collaborator has previously praised the singer’s relationship with Kelce and contributed to The Tortured Poets Department. Rumours also point to a New York celebration around the July 4 weekend, though the couple has not officially confirmed any wedding plans. LOCK UPP ROW DON’T WORRY DARLING CREATIVE CANVAS shimla Revolver Rani A RT lovers in Shimla are in for a treat as Dream Art World has brought its National Art Exhibition to the historic Gaiety Theatre. The exhibition features a variety of paintings, photos, sculptures, art works and digital works, crafted by renowned artists Nayna Mewada, Hansa Patel and more. Open from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, till July 1, 2026. laugh SIX OF THE BEST new delhi Vir Das clears air on WHAT’S HOT eat S IX seasoned comedians, one stage, and a laughter-packed evening like no other. The stand-up comedy lineup at The Social House promises sharp wit, hilarious observations and unfiltered stories that deliver non-stop fun. Two hours of pure, unfiltered comedy at The Social House, New Delhi. June 30 to July 4. c m y b Ram Kapoor is facing online backlash after a heated exchange during a Lock Upp task with Riteish Deshmukh, where he demanded water mid-challenge and briefly refused to continue playing. Clips from the episode quickly went viral, with viewers criticising his behaviour as “entitled” and drawing comparisons to Salman Khan’s stricter hosting style. The show streams on Netflix. Olivia Wilde says the 38 per cent Rotten Tomatoes score of Don’t Worry Darling felt “liberating,” helping her approach her latest film The Invite with clarity. She described embracing past criticism, while noting her new directorial, a tightly shot ensemble comedy, has opened to a limited but strong theatrical release.