12052023-LSTC-01.qxd 5/12/2023 12:00 AM Page 1 c m y b Sonakshi, who learnt biking for Dahaad, even now steps out for night rides TRIBUNE Red carpet Former Miss World and actress Manushi Chhillar is all set to make her debut on the red carpet of the prestigious 2023 Cannes Film Festival. IANS CHANDIGARH | FRIDAY | 12 MAY 2023 ‘I am in happy space’ Mona O VER 15 years in the Punjabi industry, actor Kartar Cheema, known for his fitness, has been a part of films like Mitti, Sikander, Punjab 1984, Dushman: A Story Of The Enemy Within and Singham. Now, he makes a move to the world of web series. He debuts in the OTT space with Punjabi web series 500 Meter. The story is inspired by a few real cases, including the infamous Khushpreet kidnapping and murder case, where the child was killed by neighbours and how a cop cracked a case years on. Kartar dons khaki yet again after his last outing as a cop in film Thana Sadar. “I have always chosen sensible cinema over madcap comedies in my innings as an actor. In 500 Meter, there is an intriguing story and the manner in which it is dealt with is very engaging.” Fire on two wheels Sonakshi Sinha, who is gearing up for her OTT debut with Dahaad, learnt biking for the thriller series. The Bollywood actress says riding has become her passion and even now she steps out for night rides. Portraying the role of a super cop, Sonakshi nailed the look. According to the sources from the sets, the actress learnt how to ride the bike during the shoot and in no time she became pro. Her dedication to the role was such that she was able to ride the bike better than her body double on the sets, impressing even the director, Reema Kagti. Sonakshi shared, “I had to go through a lot of preparation for the role and riding the bike was one of them. It was such a fun experience.” Sonakshi’s passion for biking did not stop there; after the wrap up of the shoot she gifted herself a bike and since then has made it a part of her lifestyle. She often goes for bike nights with her friends. — IANS Actor Kartar Cheema, who will next be seen in web series 500 Meter, says the Punjabi entertainment industry has grown by leaps and bounds He adds, “For long, Punjab Police has been shown in films just for the laughs, but through 500 Meter we will show the cops in a positive light. We will showcase their challenges and zeal.” Written by Gurpreet Bhullar, and directed by Manav Shah, the series On record also stars Rahul Jungral, Sanjeev Attri, Mohan Kamboj, Harmanpal Singh, Paramvir Singh Arnav and Meharbaan Cheema. Says the director Manav Shah, “Shooting 500 Meter was an exhilarating experience. We tried to keep is as raw and as close to reality as possible.” HANDS FULL While 500 Meter gears up for release later in May, Kartar also has a couple of films in different stages of production. A movie, tentatively titled Brar, will see him playing the role of Major Brar, a suspended maverick intelligence officer always sought by the forces. Another of his films, White Punjab, talks of Punjabi youth, their dreams and aspirations. “Basically, it’s a story of Punjabi youth that has its heart in the right place,” says Kartar, who teams up with singer Kaka for the film. In yet another film Khadari, based on wrestling, he will star along with Gurnam Bhullar. Reflecting on the changing times, says Kartar, “Punjabi cinema has grown by leaps and bounds over the last few years. The production quality has gone up and our films are on par with Hindi and other regional movies. Punjabi films are receiving love globally.” Joining the social media bandwagon, the actor on his YouTube channel, Kartar Cheema Fitness, is not just doling out heath tips but also chronicling his travels and life routine. Maintaining washboard abs, exercise has always been a huge part of his life. And he is happy sharing tips and tricks he has found handy. “Now social media has opened up as a space not just to connect, but also share knowledge. Exercising with or without equipment, diet and supplements and to gain or lose weight, tracks on my channel are about different fitness regimens,” he says. Gainfully occupied professionally with plenty of options to choose projects and blessed in personal life, Kartar beams, “I am in happy space.” ❝ I HAVE ALWAYS CHOSEN SENSIBLE CINEMA OVER MADCAP COMEDIES IN MY INNINGS AS AN ACTOR. KARTAR CHEEMA (500 Meter releases on May 18 on Chaupal) Adipurush becomes 2023’s most-watched trailer in 24 hours The Ramayana-inspired movie Adipurush has recently broken a record. It has become the most-watched trailer of 2023, with more than 70 million views in 24 hours! It has also been trending at number one on YouTube since its release. Adipurush is produced by T-Series, Bhushan Kumar and Krishan Kumar, Om Raut, Prasad Sutar, and Rajesh Nair Retrophiles, and will be released on June 16. The film stars Prabhas and Kriti Sanon in the lead roles. SONAKSHI RIDES A BIKE IN A STILL FROM DAHAAD Sohum’s learning curve Sohum Shah, who has been a part of Tumbbad, Ship of Theseus, the Maharani series, Talvar, Simran, and now the film Dahaad, has worked with renowned filmmakers like Reema Kagti, Hansal Mehta and Meghna Gulzar. Sohum strongly feels these directors are ‘sharpening his craft’. He said, “Every director comes with a different vision. As an actor. I always put my best into the character that would justify their vision on the screen. Be it Reema Kagti, Hansal Mehta or Meghna Gulzar, all are such ‘good’ directors. Right from my debut, they have all contributed a lot to sharpening my Everyone has a different craft as an actor.” approach and an “Everyone has a differabsolutely different ent approach and an insight, which helps me absolutely different challenge and unfold my insight, which helps me challenge and unfold my creative intelligence. creative intelligence. I genuinely feel so blessed to be associated with such directors and wish to work with some more in the future. I want to improve with each role,” he added. ❝ KARAN JOHAR GUNEET MONGA KAPOOR Joining hands Leading production houses, Dharma Productions and Sikhya Entertainment, have announced a strategic content partnership to deliver fresh and compelling content. “We are extremely excited to collaborate with Sikhya Entertainment,” said Karan Johar, founder of Dharma Productions. “As a filmmaker, I have always believed in the power of storytelling to inspire, entertain, and challenge audiences. With this alliance, we have the opportunity to bring together our shared passion for creating innovative content and telling stories that resonate with people from all walks of life. This part- PRABHAS AND KRITI SANON. PTI Playing a cop Adah Sharma joins Shreyas Talpade in the upcoming thriller The Game of Girgit. Produced by Gandhar Films and Studio Pvt. Ltd., and directed by Vishal Pandya, Adah portrays the role of a cop in the thriller. Starring Shreyas Talpade c m y b Adah Sharma enters the film The Game of Girgit in the lead role, along with Adah Sharma, The Game of Girgit is loosely based on the infamous ‘Blue Whale Game’ that became very popular amongst youngsters. but led to several deaths due to the “Blue Whale’ challenge associated with the game. Adah Sharma says, “I play a cop in this film based on an app called Blue Whale. The game on the app is a series of tasks that eventually lead to self-harm or harm to someone else. I’m solving the case and the action takes place in Bhopal.” nership represents a unique blend of two brands that have always supported diverse and unconventional talent, and I can’t wait to see what we will create together.” Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Guneet Monga Kapoor’s Sikhya Entertainment announce partnership “We are thrilled to collaborate with Dharma Productions, India’s leading production house, and bring together our experience and expertise to create impactful and unforgettable cinema,” said Guneet Monga Kapoor, founder of Sikhya Entertainment. RIP, Jacklyn General Hospital actress Jacklyn Zeman passes away at 70 Actress Jacklyn Zeman, who played Barbara ‘Bobbie’ Spencer across more than 800 episodes of General Hospital, passed away aged 70. Jacklyn joined General Hospital in 1977 and has since appeared in more than 800 episodes over nearly 50 years. She played Bobbie Spencer, the sister to Pat Spencer (Dee Wallace) and Luke Spencer Sr. (Anthony Geary). Zeman is survived by her two daughters, Cassidy and Lacey. — IANS