26012024-LSTL-01.qxd 1/25/2024 10:29 PM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE COMING SOON: NEXT GOAL WINS The film Next Goal Wins will hit the theatres across India on February 2. The film stars Michael Fassbender, Kaimana, Oscar Kightley, David Fane, Rachel House, Beulah Koale, UliLatukefu, Will Arnett and Elisabeth Moss. Life Sing along Actress Parineeti Chopra has embarked on a whole new chapter as she announced her singing debut. She said it gives her the opportunity to have two careers at once. LUDHIANA | FRIDAY | 26 JANUARY 2024 With pride in the heart Gurnaaz Kaur A S India marks its 75th Republic Day, celebrities share sentiments of deep pride and admiration, acknowledging India’s extraordinary journey from the shadows of colonialism to its current status as a flourishing and independent republic. They reflect on the recent accomplishments of the nation that have elevated its standing on the global stage. On Republic Day, celebrities talk about the rapid strides the nation is taking and how they cherish being an Indian RAJPAL YADAV POSITIVE SHIFT SHANTANU MAHESHWARI, ACTOR That’s pricey! “The international tie-ups with other nations reflect a positive shift, drawing attention to India’s influential stance in international debates. When I got a chance to have a conversation with Army personnel, they told me how happy they were with the changes that have been made in provisions for their needs. Be it accessories or shoes or the connectivity, even the pension and the holidays they get; it was a moment of pride for me.” FLYING HIGH NIKITA DUTTA, ACTRESS NIKITA DUTTA SHANTANU MAHESHWARI PARUL GULATI “Chandrayaan landing and the commissioning of INS Vikrant are significant milestones. While the Chandrayaan mission showcases India’s growth in space exploration, equally inspiring is the commissioning of INS Vikrant in 2022. It represents India’s first domestically built aircraft carrier. These feats show India’s commitment to selfreliance in defence manufacturing and highlight the Indian Navy’s capabilities. The fact that my father serves in the Navy adds a personal dimension to my pride.” The three-tiered tutu that Sarah Jessica Parker’s character Carrie Bradshaw’ wears in the opening credits of ‘Sex and the City’ sold $52K (Rs 43 lakh) and its original cost was $5 (over Rs 415). The skirt was one of many iconic items included in Julien’s Unstoppable: Signature Styles Iconic Women In Fashion auction. It was also one of the biggest earners and featured items spanning ‘from the Golden Age of Hollywood to today’s trendsetting celebrities and influencers’. The tulle skirt, a white, three-tier tutu with a satin waistband, was topped only by a velvet cocktail dress worn by Princess Diana, and the Givenchy ensemble Grace Kelly wore to meet President John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy, both of which sold for $325,000. The winning bid on Bradshaw’s skirt was one of the auction’s most shocking, as it was estimated to sell for $8,000 to $12,000, as SATC costume designer Patricia Field sourced the piece for just $5 before the HBO series’ 1998 premiere. — IANS Sarah Jessica Parker’s iconic Sex and the City tutu auctioned for ~43 lakh BEAUTY AND ONENESS PARUL GULATI, ACTRESS “Being an Indian is more than just a tag. It’s a profound feeling rooted in the warmth of the people, a relentless work ethic and a sense of community. While travelling abroad, the longing for India became a daily reminder of the nation’s unique blend of beauty and oneness. And let’s talk about the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 in 2023 – that was a moment of collective pride for the entire nation.” DYNAMIC LEADERSHIP MADHU CHOPRA, PRODUCER “I have always been a proud Indian, irrespective of reasons. But today I hold my head high and feel so blessed to be born in India. It is our country’s leadership that has played a pivotal role in shaping a positive SAHIL KHATTAR MADHU CHOPRA global perception. The fact that we have become more self-reliant with ‘Make in India’ and also a powerful economy makes me very proud.” DIGANGANA SURYAVANSHI our ancient wisdom on food, health, and wellness is now integrated into mainstream practices worldwide.’ BIG FAMILY RAJPAL YADAV, COMEDIAN ANCIENT WISDOM MANASVI MAMGAI, ACTRESS “From political leaders like President Draupadi Murmuhu to influential ministers like Nirmala Sitaraman or the women in forces and aviation, the strong female presence in Mangalyaan and other space missions, it all makes me feel very inspired and proud. The economic development in India, while the West is facing recession, has made our nation the focus of the world. Also, “I am very happy about the G20 programme where the whole world felt like one big family. I feel very grateful that I got to witness the cricket World Cup; the way the Indian team performed was phenomenal! Indians are doing well in all fields.” LAND OF OPPORTUNITY SAHIL KHATTAR, ENTERTAINER “In the acting business, films like 12th fail, OMG 2 and Sirf Ek Banda have performed remarkably well. It’s gratifying to see how the people of this country are giving a chance to these projects to survive alongside major releases like Jawan and Pathaan. The thriving content in the OTT space is noteworthy.” CHERISHING DIVERSITY DIGANGANA SURYAVANSHI, ACTRESS “I’m really happy and proud that Article 370 has been taken off. Now, people in Kashmir can apply for scholarships and other programmes based in other parts of India. They can also buy property there, creating more opportunities. I cherish the diversity of Indian culture.” On the wings of sentiment and valour MOVIE REVIEW If action with a tadka of emotions and double shot of patriotism is entertainment for you, then this one sure can’t be missed Film: Fighter Director: Siddharth Anand Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, Anil Kapoor, Karan Singh Grover, Akshay Oberoi, Sanjeeda Sheikh, Talat Aziz, Sanjeev Jaiswal, Rishabh Sawhney and Ashutosh Rana Rating: Nonika Singh S HE makes a grand entry. He makes an even grander one. They both might be playing valorous and decorated pilots of the Indian Air Force (fictional of course), Deepika Padukone and Hrithik Roshan are also the big superstars of Bollywood. And director Siddharth Anand, who comes riding high on high voltage action entertainers War and Pathaan, can’t make us forget that. Yet cast as Shamsher Pathania and Meenal Rathore, while tapping into their star charisma, Anand manages to humanise them as brave and vulnerable. So, what we see are not just two beautiful stars but also actors with heft. Both have a backstory and both get to emote with reasonable restraint. Of course, an action movie, that too in the hands of master of extravaganzas Anand, can’t be expected to be moderate. Coming close to the Republic Day, the mood of the film needs no elaboration. If the trailer has already introduced you to its jingoistic and bombastic dialogues, you can only expect more of the same dose of patriotism. But otherwise fret not, for the ‘India occupied Pakistan’ variant of dialogues come close to the climax and more or less are among the few that will make you cringe. For the rest of the time, you are involved in attacks and counterattacks between the valiant soldiers and ene- c m y b my of the nation. Not that the template with story written by Ramon Chibb and Anand breaks any new ground. The enemy is familiar; terrorists operating from neighbouring Pakistan. Though the film introduces a new villain Rishabh Sawhney as terror mastermind Azhar Akhtar, there is little freshness in his villainous methods. He comes swathed in shades of black and is ruthless to the point of madness. For Rishabh, it could have been a dream role, only if the writing hadn’t been so stereotypical and so hell-bent to portray his character and that of his country as outright monsters. Pakistan bashing is not new in our cinema; it’s ingrained in our Bollywood DNA. Only as the narrative moves between references to Pulwama, Balakot air strike and more, let it be said that ‘ghus ke maarenge’ sentiment lost its sting long ago. Where the film finds its USP is in the aerial action set pieces. Be it mock drills or actual dog fights, fighter planes and choppers do the talking. You may have seen the best possible ‘in air action’ in Top Gunand its sequel Top Gun: Maverick. You might be tempted to dismiss Fighter as a poor imitation but this is no rip off, even as it too talks of an elite, quick response team of aviators, Air Dragons. With its fair share of melodrama, Fighter is as Indian as it gets. To be fair, till the interval, Anand keeps you engaged in its dramatic plot-line replete with some stunning aerial stunts. Actors are in top form. Hrithik has the requisite swag, charm and as an officer with attitude and calling name Patty, he scores 10 on 10. Deepika is a perfect match and though the romance between the two is a little understated, the chemistry is palpable. Can Anil Kapoor who plays their superior, Group Captain Rakesh Jai ‘Rocky’ Singh, with a score to settle with Patty, strike a false note? Though its action and stars who drive the film, among the ensemble cast, Karan Singh Grover and Akshay Oberoi impress and Sharib Hashmi even in a bit role makes his act count. Though saddled with a notso- convincing subplot, trust Ashutosh Rana to pull it off and make our eyes moist. Emotional quotient of the film anyway works in fits and starts. The romantic angle is mature and bonhomie between fellow officers credible. The patriotic thread despite spirited Vande Matram anthem is predictable. Songs, except Heer Aasmani (by B Praak, Vishal Dadlani and Sheykhar Ravjiani), however, don’t leave much impact. Cinematographer Satchith Paulose captures the visual spectacle, aerial combat and slick action rather well. The finale with one-on-one combat between Hrithik and Rishabh is as massy as it gets. If action with a tadka of emotions and double shot of patriotism is the name of the entertainment game for you, this is exactly what the makers prescribe and ordered.
The Tribune, now published from Chandigarh, started publication on February 2, 1881, in Lahore (now in Pakistan). It was started by Sardar Dyal Singh Majithia, a public-spirited philanthropist, and is run by a trust comprising four eminent persons as trustees.
The Tribune, the largest selling daily in North India, publishes news and views without any bias or prejudice of any kind. Restraint and moderation, rather than agitational language and partisanship, are the hallmarks of the paper. It is an independent newspaper in the real sense of the term.
The English edition apart, the 133-year-old Tribune has two sister publications, Punjabi Tribune (in Punjabi) and Dainik Tribune (in Hindi).