20072026-LSTC-01.qxd 7/19/2026 8:19 PM Page 1 c m y b SRK CELEBRATES LAKR’S WIN Shah Rukh Khan congratulated Los Angeles Knight Riders after their maiden Major League Cricket championship win, praising Sunil Narine, Jason Holder, Andre Russell and the team for fulfilling their promise to win. He also celebrated cricket’s growing footprint in America. TRIBUNE Soha wins... Life From Dreams Soha Ali Khan won Best Actor in a Negative Role for playing the dark antagonist Dasi Maa in Chhorii 2 at the 3rd NEXA Indian Streaming Academy Awards in Mumbai. LUDHIANA | MONDAY | 20 JULY 2026 Kartik Aaryan, Yami Gautam, Randeep Hooda, Dhanush and others open up on their National Award triumphs to Honour Subhash K Jha T he announcement of the 71st National Film Awards on Saturday evening sparked an emotional outpouring from this year’s winners. From Kartik Aaryan’s disbelief over his first Best Actor honour to Yami Gautam’s heartfelt gratitude, Sanjay Mishra’s humility and Tushar Hiranandani’s personal reflections, the winners celebrated not just their achievements but years of passion, perseverance and dedication to cinema.Kartik Aaryan was left stunned when he learned he had won the National Award for Best Actor. “I was numb when I heard the news. Of course, I had hoped to win for Chandu Champion. We had all worked so hard on the film. But hoping is one thing, and actually winning is something else altogether. And to share the honour with the great Mammootty Sir... wow!” Yami Gautam got emotional after winning the Best Actress Award for Article 370. “Receiving the National Award for Article 370 is an honour I will cherish for the rest of my life. For fourteen years, I have simply tried to stay true to my craft, work with honesty and let my performances speak for themselves. This honour feels like the culmination of a journey filled with hope, perseverance, resilience and an unwavering love for cinema. It is a dream I have carried in my heart for years and today, I receive it with immense gratitude and humility.” Sanjay Mishra who won the National award for Best Supporting Actor is filled with gratitude. “As an actor, all you really hope for is to keep getting good stories and meaningful characters to play. And when that journey is recognised with an honour as prestigious as the National Film Award, there can be no greater feeling for an actor. I am deeply grateful for this recognition. ” Director Tushar Hiranandani, whose Srikanth won the National Award for Best Hindi Film, was overwhelmed with emotion. “I’m honoured to receive what I believe is the highest recognition in Indian cinema—the National Award. What makes this even more special is that Srikanth wasn’t even nominated at the other popular award ceremonies, yet it has won the Best Hindi Film award at the National Awards. That makes this victory incredibly meaningful.” chandigarh WHAT’S HOT Dance SALSA TAKEOVER S WAY into the rhythm at Elante Social as Salsa Socials takes over the dance floor with DJ Raghav bringing footwork, flair and fiery moves to the night. Elante Social, July 23. 8 pm. Mohali Play SADDLE UP E SCAPE the city’s rush and discover the joy of horse riding at The Woods Horse Riding Club, Manana, Punjab. July 20 onwards.Open to every age and skill level. chandigarh Love MATCHA AND MELT U NWINDwith creativity at this soothing matchainspired candle making workshop in Chandigarh. Guided step by step by expert instructors, at Deepakriti Institute of Creative Arts, Chandigarh. July 20 onwards till July 31. Randeep wins Best Director for Savarkar “Being announced as the winner of the National Award for Best Debut Director for Swatantryaveer Savarkar is a moment I’m still trying to process. This film asked more of me than anything I’ve ever done. The journey of this film was filled with challenges at every juncture, but I’m glad we saw it through and overcame each of those...I’m deeply grateful to my entire team for believing in this dream... This recognition belongs to all of us, and I hope it inspires more people, especially the younger generation, to discover and reflect on Veer Savarkar’s legacy.” Belongs to all of you: Aditya Dhar “Winning THREE NATIONAL AWARDS for ARTICLE 370 is a moment that is difficult to put into words. It is humbling, deeply emotional and one that fills my heart with immense gratitude. When we set out to make this film, we weren’t chasing accolades. We were driven by a conviction, to tell a story with honesty, courage and sincerity. To see that journey resonate with audiences across the country and now be recognised with the highest honour in Indian cinema, is truly overwhelming.” Dhanush’s twin blessings No inheritance, so much love: Shashwat Sachdev “I came into cinema with no inheritance and only a deep love for music, so this National Award feels like a beautiful pause to look back at every uncertain day, every quiet sacrifice, and every person who stood by me before there was anything to celebrate. I share this with my family, my team, and especially Aditya Dhar, whose faith in me has shaped so much of this journey.” steals the show at Ramayanatrailer launch Mammootty’s fourth National Award “Heartfelt congratulations to Dhanush, Vaikom Vijayalakshmi, Shehnad Jalal, Rajkumar Periyasamy, Team Feminichi Fathima, Team Bhadra Kali Natakam, and all the winners of the coveted National Awards. Truly well deserved! Thanks Team #Bramayugam and Rahul Sadasivan for entrusting me with Kodumon...” “Om Namashivaaya! I’m truly humbled and overwhelmed to have received the National Award for Best Regional Film for Raayan and the National Award (Special Mention – Best Actor) for Captain Miller... None of this would have been possible without my fans—the pillars of my strength. Thank you from the bottom of my heart…And as I always say, Ennam pol vaazhkkai (You become what you think), Har Har Mahadev.” Yash’s surprise entry The trailer launch of Ramayana in Delhi on Friday ended with an unexpected moment that became the highlight of the evening, as actor and producer Yash made a surprise entry after the trailer was screened for the media. As the event appeared to be concluding, the auditorium went dark before dramatic lighting revealed Yash on stage. His arrival was met with loud applause, whistles and cheers from the audience. The event brought together the film’s cast and creative team ahead of the trailer’s public release on July 24. Yash, who plays Ravana in the film and is also one of its producers alongside Namit Malhotra, addressed the gathering after taking the stage. “I’m really happy to be part of this wonderful, wonderful project. All credit should go to Namit Malhotra. Unhone mujhe iss paatra nibhane ka jo avsar diya, uske liye usse dhanyavaad kehta hu. Hindi seekhne ka bhi mauka mila. I think this is India’s dream. Everybody who has been part of this film has come with one vision, one conviction, to put our story on the global platform. All of us are here keeping all our interests aside. We have only one interest, to tell Prabhu Shri Ram’s story to the global audience and also to celebrate him in our country. Thank you, everyone,” he said. Lead actor Ranbir Kapoor also attended the launch despite suffering from conjunctivitis. He arrived on the red carpet wearing a black bandhgala jacket, white trousers, black shoes and dark sunglasses. Addressing the audience, Ranbir explained why he was wearing sunglasses and apologised for doing so. “Ye kala chashma pehenne ke liye main aap sab se kshama chahta hoon. Kya hai ki meri aankhon mein infection ho gaya hai. Aaj is shubh avsar par aap sab ke liye sirf affection hai, isliyeplease don’t mind,” he said. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra, Ramayana is planned as a two-part adap- tation of the ancient Indian epic. The film stars Ranbir Kapoor as Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravie Dubey as Lakshman. The music has been composed by Hans Zimmer and AR Rahman. The first instalment of Ramayana is scheduled to release in theatres during Diwali 2026, with the second part expected during Diwali 2027. — ANI Actors set to bring stories inspired by true incidents to life in the second half of 2026 The second half of 2026 is shaping up to be a remarkable period for Indian cinema, with several actors stepping into stories inspired by real events, historical milestones and extraordinary individuals whose journeys have left a lasting impact. Ali Fazal & Sunny Deol - Batwara 1947 Ali Fazal and Sunny Deol comes together for Batwara 1947, a Partition drama that has generated considerable interest after reports suggested it takes inspiration from Jis Lahore Nai Vekhya, O Jamya E Nai by Asghar Wajahat. Earlier known as Lahore 1947, the film reunites Sunny Deol with filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi. Rajkummar Rao & Wamiqa Gabbi - Prahaar Rajkummar Rao takes on the role of renowned public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam in Prahaar, a biographical drama inspired by his life and his role in prosecuting cases arising from the 2008 Mumbai attacks, including the trial of Ajmal Kasab. Salman Khan & Chitrangda Singh - Maatrubhumi Salman Khan and Chitrangda Singh are set to headline Maatrubhumi, a patriotic action drama inspired by the 2020–2021 China–India skirmishes, particularly the Galwan Valley conflict that marked one of the most significant military confrontations between India REAL STORIES REAL IMPACT and China in recent history. Salman Khan returns to a larger-than-life patriotic role and Chitrangda Singh plays a pivotal character. Shraddha Kapoor & Randeep Hooda - Eetha Shraddha Kapoor and Randeep Hooda will bring to life the inspiring story of legendary Lavani performer Vithabai Narayangaonkar in Eetha. The film is based on the celebrated artiste’s extraordinary life, chronicling her rise to becoming one of Maharashtra’s most iconic folk performers. Mihir Ahuja & Siddharth Operation Safed Sagar Mihir Ahuja and Siddharth stars in Operation Safed Sagar, along with Abhay Verma and Jimmy Shergill, a film based on the Indian Air Force’s crucial role during the Kargil War. The operation marked the first large-scale use of air power in the conflict, with the Indian Air c m y b Force carrying out precision strikes in the challenging Himalayan terrain. Saiee M Manjrekar & Nikhil Siddhartha - The India House Presented by Ram Charan, The India House stars Nikhil Siddhartha and Saiee M Manjrekar in a period drama inspired by real historical events from India’s preIndependence era. Set against the backdrop of the revolutionary movement associated with the historic India House in London, the film revisits a pivotal chapter where several young Indian freedom fighters came together to challenge British rule. Mohit Raina & Priyamani Indo-US film based on an immigrant family Mohit Raina and Priyamani headline an ambitious Indo-US collaboration inspired by the true story of an immigrant family. The film explores the emotional realities of rebuilding life in a foreign country, navigating cultural differences and preserving one’s identity in pursuit of a better future. The Drake curse… Canadian rapper Drake has reportedly placed a USD 1.5 million bet on Argentina to beat Spain in regulation time in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. If Argentina wins within 90 minutes, he stands to receive USD 5.175 million. The wager has revived talk of the so-called “Drake curse,” a superstition that teams and athletes Drake publicly supports often go on to lose. Fans on social media have reacted with a mix of excitement and concern, with some joking that his bet could hurt Argentina’s chances. Drake has lost around 50 of nearly 80 high-profile bets so far.