30082023-LSTL-01.qxd 8/29/2023 10:24 PM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE Return mode Aamir Khan is all set to make a comeback to acting with a yet-untitled film, which has been locked for Christmas 2024 and will be clashing with Akshay Kumar’s Welcome 3. LUDHIANA | WEDNESDAY | 30 AUGUST 2023 Despite distances and busy schedules, this Rakhi, celebs vouch for the deep connection they share with their siblings Strength P of a woman ISTOCK TIES OF LOVE Sheetal OPULAR annual Hindu festival Raksha Bandhan will be observed for two days this year — August 30 and 31. The auspicious time to tie the rakhi is between tonight and tomorrow morning. As celebs from the industry gear up for the festival, they share plans, what makes their sibling bond special and how it has grown over the years. ‘Mona, let’s make Bulbul extraordinary’… These were director-creator Zoya Akhtar’s words to Mona Singh before they began shooting for Made in Heaven 2 and the role of the ‘gutsy feminist and a strong mother’ became just that, says the actress. Bulbul Johari, a no-nonsense accountant tasked with managing a flailing wedding planning agency, is married to an inscrutable businessman, played by Vijay Raaz. Through the seven episodes of the second season of Made in Heaven, Bulbul goes from being viewed as loud and brash to a woman who is empathetic and fearless. “All I had to do was to internalise the script and make Bulbul extraordinary,” Mona said. Actress Mona Singh talks about her role in Prime Video series Made in Heaven 2and her debut show DREAM BEGINNING The actress said she had a dream launch with her debut Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi, a Sony Entertainment show that ran from 2003 to 2006 and was an instant hit. “It has been 20 years, as I started working in 2003. My parents told me, ‘You will move to Mumbai when you get something concrete’. I used to travel from Pune to Mumbai to audition everyday in a local bus and wait for calls. Then Jassi happened, overnight stardom... I got that right dream launch at that time,” she said. Has the popularity of Bulbul translated into more offers? She said it is was too soon to gauge the impact, but the response from fellow colleagues and filmmakers has been encouraging. — PTI BEYOND BORDERS: Charrul Malik From childhood, we yearned for a brother. Our wish came true, as he was born just before Raksha Bandhan, leading to dual birthday celebrations. Though now in the USA, my sister still sends me a Rakhi. We’ll make it special by connecting over a phone call. We’re the gifts across borders for each other! Though distance separates us, our bond endures. Parul, Gaurav, and I share conversations that fill us with joy. CHILDHOOD MEMORIES: Farnaz Shetty I only have one brother, who is younger to me. In terms of maturity and other things, he is just another child. The most amazing part of our relation is that even if there are things for which I can’t count on him, there are others where he inspires absolute trust. During childhood, Rakhi was a fun day with all our cousins, so each year it is like re-living childhood memories. But I don’t think we need an occasion to gift each other something special. Rakhi for me can be celebrated around the year. WONDERFUL SISTERS: Navin Prabhakar From childhood arguments over the remote control to playful pranks and hiding each other’s things, I feel the relationship between a brother and sister is infused with drama. I hold deep affection for my sisters and I’m consistently grateful for their prayers, which contribute to the happiness of our families. This time, I have planned a wonderful surprise — a visit to the families of two sisters. I will take wonderful gifts for them and their children. UNITED WE STAND: Rohit Choudhary DEEP CONNECTION: Khushalii Kumar Our bond has grown deeper and stronger over the years. We have been together through many ups and downs in life, which has brought us together. I am blessed and thankful to have such siblings. Just like any sister, I look forward to this day to spend it with my brother and sister. We re-live all the beautiful memories, talk to each other and spend a great day. Unfortunately, this year I’ll be shooting on the day of Rakhi, so wouldn’t be able to spend time with my siblings. So, I’ll have to settle with a video call! I’m the youngest and have three elder sisters. Our connection is wonderful, especially with the eldest who’s been like a mother. Our bond remains unaltered despite their marriages. Raksha bandhan confirms our enduring love. My relationship with them stands strong. Though close to all sisters, my connection with the eldest is precious—a sister, friend and maternal figure. I have no grand plans this year, but just fulfilling their wishes. UNIQUE GIFT: Aditya Deshmukh I lack biological sisters, but my maternal cousins have showered me with affection. During shoots, I often stay at my sister’s place in Goregaon. Our relationship blossoms through jokes, fights, teasing and reconciliation – a classic sibling dynamic. This Raksha Bandhan, due to my busy schedule there would be no great celebration. Nonetheless, being the younger brother, I will get gifts and their unrelenting love. This year, I’m surprising my sister with a parrot, a departure from my usual silver and gold coin presents. DEEP UNDERSTANDING: Aradhana Sharma My bond with my sister is special. Despite conflicts, our unbreakable connection showcases our deep relationship. She’s a maternal presence in my life. After moving to Pune for studies, my loneliness led to a reconnection with my sister, which was marked by deep conversations about our life. Our unique tradition involves exchanging an orange-flavoured chocolates and Coca-Cola every Rakhi. This year, my busy schedule prevents a visit to her place, so I’ll send a Rakhi with Coca-Cola to her! On Raksha Bandhan, check out these movies that depict the relationship of brothers and sisters in all their glory The bond that we share with our siblings is always special. They argue with you, irritate you and annoy you, but despite all this they love and protect you. Such bonds have been showcased in various Bollywood films over the years. On Raksha Bandhan, here’s a look at some of them. support system in the film. Priyanka played the suave and accomplished businesswoman, Ayesha Mehra, whereas Ranveer played Kabir, who aspired to fly instead of run his father’s business. Helmed by Zoya Akhtar the film also starred Anil Kapoor and Shefali Shah in the lead roles. DIL DHADAKNE DO RAKSHA BANDHAN The performance of Ranveer Singh and Priyanka Chopra Jonas as siblings in Dil Dhadakne Do touched many people, particularly modernday siblings. The two were portrayed as one another’s Starring Akshay Kumar and Bhumi Pednekar in the lead roles, the film was helmed by Aanand L Rai. The film beautifully depicted the love of a brother for all his four sisters, his relentless efforts to ensure his SIBLING REVELRY sisters settled down in marriage before marrying Sapna, his childhood love. JOSH The film stars Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan as twins. Director Mansoor Khan attempted to depict the siblings’ relationship in a positive manner, from going on bike rides together to playing pranks on each other. Chandrachur Singh, Sharat Saxena and Priya Gill also appeared in this 2000 film. HUM SAATH SAATH HAIN Hum Saath Saath Hai by Sooraj Barjatiya is one of the most family-friendly films. It was about four siblings — Salman Khan, Mohnish Bahl, Saif Ali Khan and Neelam Kothari — who will go to any extent to make each other happy. SARBJIT Starring Randeep Hooda and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, the film showcased the story of a sister’s undying love and protective nature as she goes to tremendous limits to save her brother. The film depicts the real-life struggle of Dalbir Kaur, Sarbjit Singh’s elder sister, who dedicated her entire life to ensuring her brother’s release from Pakistan. Her unwavering fight lasted 23 years, but her brother was cruelly killed by inmates before his release. — ANI Happy Onam! Malaika Arora shines in ethnic look as she enjoys with family SARBJIT DIL DHADAKNE DO JOSH RAKSHA BANDHAN HUM SAATH SAATH HAIN c m y b Bollywood diva Malaika Arora on Tuesday shared a string of pictures from Onam celebrations with her family members. Taking to Instagram, Malaika also wrote, “Happy Onam, wishing everyone a very happy and prosperous Onam. Mom you are the world’s best cook, and feeding friends and family makes you the happiest,” she wrote. In the first picture, Malaika can be seen posing with her mother Joyce and sister Amrita Arora near their dining table. The table has banana leaves spread out along with sumptuous dishes. Earlier on Monday, Malaika was spotted outside her mother’s house in Bandra along with her sister Amrita Arora. She looked beautiful in a white and yellow ethnic suit, with black shades and a round bindi complementing the overall look.