17102026-LSTL-01.qxd 10/16/2026 7:46 PM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE Navratri vibe Life In a special Navratri episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati Season 18, audiences are in for a treat as iconic music figures Falguni Pathak and Mika Singh grace the sets. LUDHIANA | SATURDAY | 17 OCTOBER 2026 ‘We are a voyeuristic country after all’ F ROM finding his footing in Bollywood to telling stories that challenge social perceptions, filmmaker and writer Navjot Gulati has carved his own path in the industry. With Pooja Meri Jaan, he explores the complexities of toxic relationships, emotional manipulation and consent, sparking conversations that go beyond the screen. In this conversation, Gulati reflects on his journey into filmmaking, the inspiration behind Pooja Meri Jaan and offering a glimpse into the diverse projects that lie ahead. Filmmaker and writer Navjot Gulati on how the toxic relationship between two people in his latest film, Pooja Meri Jaan, translates into entertainment for audiences You have been associated with the film industry for several years. Take us back to the beginning. What were some of the early struggles that shaped you as a filmmaker? Kriti Sanon moves court Kriti Sanon has approached the Delhi High Court seeking protection of her personality rights, with the court on Friday calling for a broader examination of the legal principles governing such claims amid a rise in similar cases. Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav asked advocate Pravin Anand, appearing for Sanon, to prepare a comprehensive compilation of judgments and research material on personality rights, including the extent of protection available and the jurisdiction of the High Court’s Intellectual Property Division (IPD) to deal with such disputes. Observing that such matters are being brought before the court frequently, the judge said the legal issues required a wider examination beyond the facts of the present case. — ANI I was a film buff, always in love with movies. And had an array of life experiences before coming to Mumbai in 2009. Those life experiences and my knowledge of movies have shaped me. My first job in the movie business was an Assistant director on a film that never got released. The film was called Choole Aasman. And I worked across departments and learnt how to not make a movie. What was the original spark behind Pooja Meri Jaan? I was heading to Goa to write a romcom with two writer friends, Parijat Joshi and Tarun Dudeja. We somehow ended on a deserted road on the border of Karnataka. Challenge in directing Pooja Meri Jaan — either technically or emotionally — that pushed you out of your comfort zone? It was particularly challenging because as a man I’ve never gone through such experiences. So, having my co-writer Kanishka with me throughout the process was the greatest help. The film deals with subjects that can be uncomfortable to discuss openly. How important was it for you to balance the seriousness of the subject with the entertainment value of the film? We just wanted it to keep it as real as possible. Entertainment comes through the courtroom scenes because it’s a public discussion of two people’s toxic relationship, it yielded entertainment for the viewers. We are a voyeuristic country after all. Has anything about the audience reaction surprised you? Before Pooja Meri Jaan, you worked as a writer on several projects. How did your experience as a writer influence your approach when you moved into direction? The primary reason I turned a director was because I wasn’t getting enough work and respect just as a writer. Now that I direct as well, there is one less person to convince to get a script made because one of them is now me. independent in their life. And the character of Sana is the audience. They first doubt Pooja then question her and then eventually believe her. In the deserted land when we were lost, my mind went into its darkest corner and came up with the idea. A recent heartbreak did help. The film explores relationships, friendship and the experiences of women in a way that is both emotional and thought-provoking. by guys who have been misled into believing that ‘no’ means try harder. If someone says no to you then take it as the final answer. When love is real, it will be easy. No chase and drama would be needed. What did you most want to say through the film? How did you develop the characters of Pooja and her friend, and what were you looking for from the actors while bringing these characters to life? I want to say sorry to all the girls who have gone through this emotional manipulation The character of Pooja is inspired by multiple women around me who are fierce and The audience reaction has been really positive and uplifting. Gives me the strength and encouragement to tell more important and timely stories. The conversations have been exactly what we hoped for. People arguing about who was right. Who was not. Consent. Toxic relationships. Looking ahead, what kind of stories do you want to tell as a director? I have already made another film called Badtameez Gill with Vani Kapoor, Aparshakti Khurana and Paresh Rawal. Should be released soon. And the next one I’m making is a dark comedy about fake news. So yeah, I’m someone who likes to keep shifting genres. PHOTO: PRADEEP TEWARI chandigarh WHAT’S HOT laugh A Learning to disagree SEETA & GEETA PEKSHA Agarwal and Vidushi Swaroop come together for an unfiltered stand-up show about growing up, relationships, marriage, family expectations, women, and all the wonderfully ridiculous things Indian society expects from us. It’s on from October 17 at The Laugh Club, Chandigarh. Kasauli to host the 15th edition of Khushwant Singh Lit Fest with 80+ speakers who will speak on the theme — The Art of Disagreement: Conversation Across Divides learn AnanyaVerma F chandigarh FACE PAINTING OR three days later this month, the hills of Himachal will have a busy calendar of books, big names and lively conversation. The Khushwant Singh Literary Festival returns to Kasauli from October 23 to 25, and this 15th edition takes up the theme The Art of Disagreement: Conversation Across Divides. The festival began in Kasauli for a simple reason. “He did a lot of his writing in Kasauli. We have a family home there,” says Festival Director Rahul Singh, speaking of his father, the late Khushwant Singh. “It’s the only Lit Fest, by the way, named after an individual. He was not too happy that we named it after him. But when he saw the theme and what we were planning to do, he was then quite happy.” It has grown with the years. “We began with an audience of only about 200. And over the years it’s now grown to about 1000 a day,” Rahul says. Some come for the stars. Rahul recalls a session with Sharmila Tagore and Manisha Koirala, who had both written books. “Manisha had written about her survival from cancer. And Sharmila Tagore had written her memoirs, being with her late husband, L EARN to create fun, colorful face paint designs using safe and easy techniques, trying different patterns, shapes and styles while practicing step by step — perfect for beginners and anyone who enjoys playful art activities. October 18 onwards at Olive Cafe and Bar, Chandigarh. play chandigarh SHANDAAR SHANIVAAR O NE night, endless music, unmatched vibes — RIAAZ performs live, setting the stage on fire with soulful vocals and electrifying energy across Afro, Bollywood and EDM sounds. It’s on October 17 at MOBE, 3rd Floor, Elante Mall, Chandigarh. c m y b Nawab of Pataudi, and how they met and everything. And that was a complete sellout,” he says. “We had to turn away people at the entrance because the hall couldn’t take any more.” This year promises more than 80 speakers, among them Imtiaz Ali, Sonam Wangchuk, General (Dr) Manoj Mukund Naravane (Retd), Vishnu Som, Divya Dutta and Satinder Sartaaj. There is something for younger visitors too. “For the first time, we are having a parallel session for youngsters,” Rahul says. “Called ‘ Forever Young’, the workshop is for students aged about 15 to 18, and the idea is to find out budding writers.” This year’s theme has a story behind it. “LK Advani, the famous politician. My father at a public gathering criticised him openly for having led the movement that brought down the mosque. But Advani remained an admirer of his. When my father died, he was one of the first people to come and condole with my sister and me. So that was my father’s ability to disagree with people. And yet they admired him a lot for that.” When the festival opens on October 23, its conversations will explore how listening to others can broaden perspectives, and how common ground can be found despite differences of opinion.