05072026-LSCB-01.qxd 7/4/2026 8:59 PM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE NO HURDLES FOR MAATRUBHUMI CHAT UP BIG B CAUGHT IN FOOTBALL FRENZY As football fever grips fans across the globe during the FIFA World Cup 2026, Amitabh Bachchan is glued to the action, with the veteran actor sharing his excitement during Argentina’s dramatic clash against Cabo Verde. Big B appeared to stay up late to catch the highstakes encounter, which kicked off around 3:30 am IST. “T 5791 - What match is being played in WC26!!!” he wrote on X. ‘THE SONG HAS ESSENCE OF LIFE’ Hans Raj Hans has returned with a soulful new offering, his latest song Ohdiyan Khedaan. Hans Raj Hans shared, “It was a beautiful opportunity to express my feelings, emotions and thoughts. So, I sang a song about humanity. The song is related to music and is not spiritual.” Dapper look Life Salman Khan Films has dismissed reports claiming that its upcoming film Maatrubhumi: May War Rest In Peace has run into certification issues with the Central Board of Film Certification calling the speculation “false” and “entirely baseless.” Bollywood actor Vikrant Massey attended the screening of JioHotstar’s upcoming cyber-crime comedy thriller series, Pritam and Pedro, in Mumbai. Massey, who plays the antagonist in the series, stepped out in a dapper look. LUDHIANA | SUNDAY | 5 JULY 2026 Pairi pauna, Kahn! Mona W HEN football legend Oliver Kahn walks into the studio, even seasoned hosts feel the weight of football history in the room. For actor-host Sahil Khattar, sharing screen space with the German goalkeeping star on the FIFA broadcast for ZEE5 has been nothing short of surreal! From growing up playing FIFA on PlayStation to now discussing realworld football with global icons, Khattar says the experience feels like a dream where fandom and reality collide. After taking a brief sabbatical from acting, Sahil found himself juggling two parallel ambitions — building a slate of films he has written and stepping into one of the biggest sporting opportunities of his career: hosting FIFA content on ZEE5. “I took a couple of years’ break and wrote two-three films. One is a family comedy and the other a sports comedy,” Sahil shares. “But then the World Cup opportunity came along, and it was too precious to pass on.” For Sahil, the FIFA assignment is not just another hosting gig—it’s a creative playground. “It’s a big panel and our show Unite8 Thrillz is one of the highest-rated in sports. The creative freedom they’ve given me is massive,” he says. Sahil is elated to be in the company of Indian football heroes Bhaichung Bhutia, Sunil Chhetri and Gurpreet Singh Sandhu. In fact, Sahil shares Chandigarh connect with Gurpreet, both are St Stephen’s School pass-outs. What makes Sahil’s approach stand out is his unconventional preparation. “I used to play FIFA on PlayStation. Honestly, 50 per cent of my knowledge comes from that. The rest I learned from friends. So, I study and research a lot myself now,” he laughs. His style blends analysis with humour, film references, and pop culture commentary—something he says is intentional to keep the format “massy and relatable” for Indian audiences. “We add film references, jokes, even desi metaphors. Like players running for the ball like a wedding buffet opens—people connect with that,” he says. He gets good response from Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana. “I try other regional languages too, but the response I get from the North is exceptional. For them, I’m their boy.” The show has also given Sahil magical on-air moments, including sharing screen space with German goalkeeping legend Oliver Kahn. “It’s mesmerising. When I touched his feet for the first time, he was taken aback. Now he knows pairi pauna (touching feet) and duly blesses me with a pat on my back.” Despite the humour, Sahil is deeply analytical about football’s evolving global narrative, especially the rise of underdog teams in the current World Cup cycle. “Smaller nations are creating history. It’s giving birth to dreams. That’s what makes this World Cup so relatable—you see yourself in these teams,” he explains. Beyond the studio, Sahil says the experience has reshaped how he performs. “When I’m on air, I feel like I’m one with the game. Like Messi in the zone. Everything aligns—the research, the energy, the moment. It feels instinctive.” Yuvraj was initially cast to play the younger brother of Rashmika Mandanna’s character in Cocktail 2, but the role was later written out. He was eventually cast in a different role. “For me both Dhurandhar 2 and Cocktail 2 have been close to my heart as both movies gave me an opportunity to work with leading actors,” said Yuvraj. One of his debut Punjabi movies, in which he plays the lead character, will release in October. “I am waiting for the movie and hope that people of Punjab will show their love,” he said. A student of BCM School, Shastri Nagar, Yuvraj said the opportunity to work with established actors was rewarding. “It was a memorable experience which I will always cherish. I am working as an actor and model, building my career in the entertainment and fashion industry,” he said. He was also selected as a Top 100 finalist in the Official Mr India contest. A WORLD CUP THAT SPARKS DREAMS: From footballing giants to small nations like Cabo Verde, with a population of just 5 lakhs, every team now has a shot at glory—proving that no dream is too big on this stage. THE MOST RELATABLE WORLD CUP EVER: The rise of underdog teams makes this edition deeply personal for fans—you see yourself in every upset, believing that if they can beat the giants, you too can face any challenge head-on. Pratibha Ranta, Sara Arjun to Aneet Padda: New-age stars ace the ethnic wardrobe T So romantic! Triptii Dimri looks straight out of a 90s Bollywood romantic film, dolled up in a white Anarkali, featuring intricately embroidered border at the edges of her dupatta. She layers her look with statement jewellery. Vintage dream Sharvari & Pratibha Ranta Pratibha Ranta looks nothing less than a vintage dream in a white palazzo set featuring floral embroidery all over, paired with a net blouse. The actress keeps her look clean by layering it with ethnic jewellery. Ananya Panday is the modern Anarkali and she knows it! The actress dons a pristine white, floor-length outfit and accessorises her sleek bun with classic roses! She layers her ensemble with heavy, regal jewellery. Picture perfect Sara Arjun looks straight out of a vintage frame in an embroidered Anarkali suit with details around the neckline, hem and sleeves. Keeping the overall look neat, the lady complents her look with oxidised silver jewellery. Vintage vibes in WHITE Modern twist Aneet Padda adds a modern twist to a saree, while keeping the original retro essence intact to serve a subtle look. The star sports a halter-neck blouse with fine detailing. Old-school style Sharvari taps into oldschool styling by donning a printed lehenga with a thick waistline and a white dupatta with details around the edges. c m y b Shivani Bhakoo After Dhurandhar 2, Ludhiana boy Yuvraj Singh grabs a role in Cocktail 2 BIGGER TOURNAMENT, BIGGER DRAMA: With more teams, more matches and more goals, FIFA 2026 is set to break records that have stood for over a hundred years. The modern Anarkali feeling! After playing an Army personnel in Aditya Dhar’s blockbuster Dhurandhar 2, Ludhiana boy Yuvraj Singh is now seen in Cocktail 2, starring Kriti Sanon, Shahid Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, and Sanjay Dutt, among others. A budding actor, Yuvraj said it was an excellent experience working alongside these seasoned actors. Inside Sahil Khattar’s FIFA journey: Chaos, comedy & Oliver Kahn moments FIFA 2026: A WORLD CUP LIKE NEVER BEFORE here’s something vintage about oldschool dressing, especially the whites. Whether Anarkalis, salwar suits, sarees or even churidars — old-style dressing carries its own charm. On this note, here’s looking at new-age actresses who’re pulling off ethnic whites... Heady Aneet Padda, Sara Arjun, Ananya Panday & Triptii Dimri