28092026-LSTC-01.qxd 9/27/2026 7:27 PM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE Women safety Life MrBeast says Jai Shri Ram Ranbir hopes Ramayana will introduce new audience to Indian culture In a cross-cultural moment, popular American YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson, better known as MrBeast, surprised the audiences on Saturday by chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ at a promotional event of the upcoming film Ramayana. Talking about the significance of Ramayana, Ranbir Kapoor said the epic and its central character of Lord Ram are “deeply etched in the subconscious of every Indian.” “I hope through this film you can have introduction to our culture and history”. — PTI At Shimla film festival, filmmaker Amit Rai links Hollywood blockbusters to Ramayana and Mahabharata and urges young filmmakers to pursue their dreams Actor Kriti Sanon has spoken out about women safety on Daughter’s Day, urging society to reflect on freedom of women in public spaces. CHANDIGARH | MONDAY | 28 SEPTEMBER 2026 ‘Interstellar,Inception inspired by Indian epics ’ Navneet Rathore “F ILMS such as Interstellar and Inception are inspired by our sacred texts, the Mahabharata and Ramayana,” said renowned director and writer Amit Rai, who was one of the special guests at the 12th International Film Festival of Shimla, held at the historic Gaiety Theatre. Describing the synopsis of Interstellar, he said that the idea comes from the story of Krishna and Meera, as they both were in different timelines. Connecting Inception with Abhimanyu learning about the Chakravyuh in the womb, he said that the idea for the Hollywood film comes from the Mahabharata. “It is very surprising that we know about Christopher Nolan, but no one will talk about Ved Vyas. I can prove that any story which has ever been written or will be written is based on our sacred texts,” he said. Remembering his early struggles, Rai said that he did not have any work for 13 years. “I had made my first movie, Road to Sangam, which was loved by the people. Everyone was appreciating my work, but no one was willing to give me an opportunity. I was offered a movie on Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh for around Rs 2 crore. However, I rejected the offer as I do my work honestly and do not compromise with my ideology.” “When I was offered OMG 2, people advised me not to do it due to its sensitive content. However, when I narrated it to Akshay Kumar, he gave his nod to the movie within five minutes,” he said. Speaking about his upcoming projects, Rai said that he will soon be shooting a film in Shimla. “I have pitched a story based on a teacher named Rana to Sony. Rana was a school teacher of one of my filmmaker friends from Shimla, Ashish R Mohan, who is also a great filmmaker. I have written a story based on that teacher’s life,” said Rai. “Though I have visited Shimla four times before, this is the first time that I am coming to attend a film festival. I believe that such festivals are very important for filmmakers as these festivals act like a lab, which gives us inspiration to pursue bigger works,” he said. Advising young filmmakers and actors, he said that there are no shortcuts and that they should pursue their dreams with full conviction and honesty. SAI PALLAVI AND RANBIR KAPOOR Watts to direct Star Wars Lucasfilm has reportedly tapped Jon Watts, director of the Spider-Man trilogy to helm the first film in a new Skywalker Saga trilogy. Simon Kinberg, who’s been developing the project since 2018, is writing the script, and Daisy Ridley is expected to return as Rey. PHOTO: LALIT KUMAR WHAT’S HOT eat chandigarh GELATO BOUQUET D ESSERTS straight out of heaven — gelato flowers piped into stunning bouquet cones, with gelato shakes and affogatos that are super yummy. Head to Amoruccio, Elante Mall, Chandigarh, to dig in. play HARGUN MUSICAL A mohali finalist on India’s Got Talent and The Voice India, singer-lyricist Hargun Kaur brings a vibrant live experience blending Punjabi folk, Sufi depth and Bollywood charm. Catch it at CP67 Mall, Mohali, on October 4. Travel through 40 frames Akhil Kumar They say a photograph freezes a moment, but a truly memorable photograph does much more as it preserves a feeling, evokes a memory and continues to speak long after the shutter has clicked. This is the magic visitors can discover at the group photography exhibition Shutter Stories at Alliance Française de Chandigarh, where the city and the world beyond it unfold through a kaleidoscope of images. From Chandigarh’s unique architecture and bustling streets to wildlife and quiet corners, from the changing moods of nature to journeys that take viewers far beyond the city, the exhibition brings together diverse perspectives on the places we inhabit and explore. With tourism as its main theme, the collection offers a visual celebration of travel, discovery and the many ways in which a destination can be experienced. What makes the exhibition particularly interesting Shutter Stories brings together 10 photographers and their diverse journeys is the diversity of those behind the lens. The participating photographers come from varied professions and backgrounds — doctors, retired bureaucrats, town planners, bankers and photography enthusiasts yet share a common fascination with the world as seen through a camera. Their photographs reflect individual interests and sensibilities, demonstrating that an eye for composi- tion and beauty need not belong exclusively to a professional photographer. A street corner, an architectural detail, a fleeting encounter with wildlife or a landscape encountered on a journey can all become worthy subjects when viewed with curiosity and attention. Coinciding with World Tourism Day on Sunday, the exhibition features 40 photographs by 10 photographers. Among the frames displayed at Shutter Storiesare images by photographer Harvinder Singh. “The sky always remains full of hope,” Harvinder Singh tells The Tribune, reflecting on the image. The ripening wheat, the dramatic clouds and the shafts of sunlight come together almost like a changing canvas, capturing that brief moment when the earth seems to wait for rain with a quiet sense of anticipation and hope. Photographer cum licensed drone pilot Gurmeet Kaur turns her lens towards the many moods of Kashmir, bringing to the exhibition a collection that goes beyond its postcard-perfect landscapes. On till October 1, 2026. The actors dazzle at Mijwan Fundraiser show in Mumbai Alia, Vicky turn showstoppers for Manish Malhotra OPEN MIC NIGHT T HE Laugh Club is running Artist Discovery Open Mics, where new stand-up comedians test material on stage, with guest artists occasionally joining in. It’s on from September 28 to September 30. PHOTOS: PARDEEP TEWARI chandigarh love c m y b Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal were the star showstoppers for designer Manish Malhotra at the 15th-anniversary edition of the Mijwan Fundraiser Fashion on Saturday in Mumbai. Alia and Vicky stole the spotlight with their fun chemistry as they commanded the runway in ornate traditional ensembles to celebrate the work of rural women and young artisans from Uttar Pradesh. Titled Ticket to Bollywood, the high-profile charity showcase celebrated 15 years of collaboration between Manish Malhotra and the NGO Mijwan Welfare Society. The NGO is managed by actor Shabana Azmi. “From a society deeply entrenched in patriarchy, we bring women into the decision-making process so that now they can stand up for themselves and make their own decisions. We train the artistes. Manish gives them a platform to showcase their works,” said Shabana Azmi. — ANI