21022024-LSTL-01.qxd 2/20/2024 11:42 PM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE Double shift Life Hilary Swank talked about the challenges and rewards of being a mother of twins. Swank and her husband Philip Schneider gave birth to twins, Aya and Ohm, in April 2023. LUDHIANA | TUESDAY | 21 FEBRUARY 2024 Drawing the line NonikaSingh A Donning a new hat Kiara Advani joins Ranveer Singh in Don 3 Kiara Advani, who was last seen in the film Satyaprem Ki Katha, has come on board for the third instalment of the action-thriller film Don. The film also stars Ranveer Singh, who will be stepping into the shoes of Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan for the titular role. SRK has played the titular character in the first two instalments of the film which released in a difference of five years. On Tuesday, the makers of the film took to Instagram and shared a video welcoming the actress in the film. Don 3 is one of the most anticipated films given the franchise’s legacy of almost two decades. Earlier, the casting of Ranveer as Don caused a lot of buzz akin to SRK first stepping in the iconic role which was first played by megastar Amitabh Bachchan in the 1978 film Don directed by Chandra Barot. The shooting for Don 3 is reportedly set to begin in August. — IANS A piece of advice A cinema hall is the place where the mind should be completely free of any baggage or ideology, that’s what actress Yami Gautam Dhar believes in. The actress, who is currently awaiting the release of her upcoming film Article 370, has shared that for actors and the audience it’s imperative to look at films with a clean slate and not be affected by any preconceived notion. Yami Gautam, who will be seen in Article 370, feels watching a film with preconceived notions is not right The past few months have seen polarising reactions from the audiences to films like Animal and Dunki, and the trend seems to continue with Article 370 given the narrative of the film touches upon a subject that left the country divided in terms of opinions. She spoke ahead of the release of her film and shared about the trend, her journey in cinema and the role of social media in the modern discourse. Produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Aditya Dhar and Lokesh Dhar, Article 370 will release on February 23. —IANS CTORS improvise all the time…but an entire film based on improvisation sounds like a Herculean task. Only talented actress Rasika Dugal, whose film Fairy Folk is exactly that, found the experience liberating. As the film is creating waves at international film festivals and is ready for a theatrical release on March 1, she shares, “Improvisation might be an impromptu art but it’s like a sport and you have to practise it. There certainly is a method behind it and there are rules to the game. For instance you can’t contradict or question your co-actor, only add to it for you have to carry the scene forward.” And in a film which combines magical surrealism with biting reality, things can’t just come out of thin air. If her experience with an Improv theatre in Mumbai held her in good stead, the fact that her husband Mukul Chadda is playing her reel spouse made both acting and meaningful improvisation even easier. With ‘working rhythm’ already in place she could not have asked for a better co- Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani A wedding and a love song Producer-actor Jackky Bhagnani has the perfect wedding present for his soon-to-be bride Rakul Preet Singh. Jackky, who will tie the knot with Rakul today in Goa, has got a love song for the actress. A source says, “Jackky has poured his heart into this love song for Rakul, and it will be a part of their marriage celebration. He wanted to gift her something meaningful and something that she will always remember.”—IANS I am willing to play someone whose politics is not in sync with mine, but not if the overall politics of the film is an antithesis to what I believe in, says Rasika Dugal actor. On the sets there were no abhimaan stories in tow. She says, “Any good actor will tell you that there never is any desire to outshine the other. A scene only works if both actors shine.” Even otherwise hubby dearest is her hugest cheerleader and also someone whose feedback she truly values. She adds, “The best thing about Mukul is while he is frank and honest, he is kind too, something that people often forget to be while critiquing your performance.” If she gives him 10 on 10 as a co-actor, she rates her director Karan Gour, with whom she has worked previously as well in Kshay, very highly as a ‘bright mind with a unique directorial voice.’ She states, “Much before the likes of Richie Mehta (Delhi Crime), Mira Nair (A Suitable Boy) and Nandita Das (Manto) gave me a chance, Karan reposed faith in me. He is like a friend and on the sets our constant bickering is actually disguised camaraderie in the best interest of the film.” As Fairy Folk deals with multiple issues like loneliness, gender identity, marriage and companionship, she also feels it is not didactic but a ‘dramedy with a keen sense of humour.’ Since it’s a story of a couple in urban space examining their relationship, she doesn’t know whether the film helped her and Mukul to understand each other better. But yes, they did bring in their experiences as a couple to the film. On the eternal debate of whether cinema and actors have a social responsibility, she observes, “I am willing to play someone whose politics is not in sync with mine. But, I would say no if the overall pol- itics of the film is an antithesis to what I believe in.” However, she had no apprehensions playing brazen Beena in Mirzapur for, “It’s about a woman who completely owns her body and sexuality.” Mirzapur 3 incidentally is the first in the impressive lineup of innumerable projects she will be seen in. Besides, Lord Curzon Ki Haveli with Arjun Mathur, Little Thomas with Gulshan Devaiah there are several series, including a sports drama and another one with great co-actor Kay Kay Menon. Of course, the part this Punjaban has been dying to play that of Punjabi poetess Amrita Pritam still eludes hers. She laughs, “I have put out my desire in public but no one has taken the bait so far.” On her wish-list also is something that either requires complete physical transformation or one that makes her dive deep within. “I want to question all my experiences and beliefs.” In short, as Tony Ribbons said, “Don’t limit your challenges, challenge your limits,” Rasika is forever in quest to redefine the actor in her. Anupamaa actor Rituraj Singh dies of cardiac arrest Noted actor Rituraj Singh, who appeared on television shows such as Anupamaa as well as several films, including Badrinath Ki Dulhania, passed away at his home early Tuesday following a cardiac arrest, a close friend said. He was 59. According to sources, he was hospitalised due to some stomach issues and was discharged a few days ago. He passed away around 12.30 am at his home due to a cardiac arrest. Singh is survived by his wife and two children. Singh was a familiar face TV serials, films as well as OTT shows. His television roles include Banegi Apni Baat, him. I’m overwhelmed by calls and messages today and don’t know what to say. Waking up to this news early in the morning was shocking. Condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace. — Vaquar Shaikh Hitler Didi, Shapath, Adaalat and Diya Aur Baati Hum. Besides, he appeared in supporting roles in Hindi films and in OTT shows such as Bandish Bandits, Made in Heaven and Indian Police Force. Television actors pay tributes to Rituraj. “I fondly remember working with Ritz, as we affectionately called Rituraj. He was part of Banegi Apni Baat from the beginning, and I joined three years later. Despite being a big star, he was very kind and helpful to newcomers. His smile was infectious, and he had a wealth of knowledge. It’s ironic that I played his younger brother in Anupama but never got to shoot with I am deeply saddened and shocked to hear about his untimely demise. We shared wonderful moments while filming Karmayudhh, a web show back in 2022. The entertainment industry has lost yet another fine actor, and his absence will be keenly felt. During our time in Karm Yuddh, we reminisced about past associations and shared memories from a TV Making sense of madness Maisie Williams had identity crisis after Game Of Thrones Samantha Ruth Prabhu opens up about ‘extremely difficult’ year in her podcast Fashionista certified Sonam Kapoor in elite company on UK’s Top 40 Best Dressed list Sonam Kapoor has made it to the UK’s Top 40 Best Dressed people list joining names such as Harry Styles, Kate Middleton, Rosamund Pike and Kate Moss, among others. Last night, UK’s media house The Standard hailed Sonam as one of UK’s Top 40 Best Dressed people. Others who are in the list include names such as Sienna Miller, Bianca Jagger, Alexa Chung, Stormzy, Naomi Campbel, Edward Enninful, Stella McCartney, Phoebe Philo and Akshata Murty. — IANS c m y b show we had worked on together long ago. He was always warm and cordial, making everyone feel welcome. Additionally, his sense of humour added joy to our interactions. — Sachin Parikh ALWAYS POSITIVE WE LOST A FINE ACTOR THAT INFECTIOUS SMILE! ‘I was so lost for so long’ Maisie Williams, who shot to stardom at 12 with her role as Arya Stark in Game Of Thrones, said that being part of such a popular fantasy show gave her an identity crisis as she was growing up in the spotlight. “I was so lost for so long and I knew that I was, and when I couldn’t pin down what I felt my identity was within that, it brought me a lot of discomfort. Now, I feel a lot more comfortable. It’s hard to even put myself back there and talk about how tough it was because I think it’s done,” Maisie said. The 26-year-old star shared that she felt down when she was tried to break away from her GoT character. She added, “It was at its absolute worst when I was also out of touch with myself. I think rejection at that point felt so personal, so painful. I’d solely compare myself to other actresses, and the way people looked, and all of the most destructive ways that you can compare yourself.” —IANS My idea of love is to evolve together. I think it is an exciting and fun experience to be privy to see someone so close to you transforming along with you. Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who is known for Super Deluxe, Eega, Rangasthalam and others, has spoken about the ‘extremely difficult’ year of her life. The actress, who swayed the nation with her killer moves in the song Oo Antava, recently dropped the first episode of her health podcast titled Take 20, on her YouTube channel. During the episode, the actress opened up on her struggle with the autoimmune condition of myositis. Samantha said during the podcast, “I remember specifically the year before I had this problem, it was an extremely difficult year for me. I specifically remember the day that I think my friend/partner/manager Himank, and I were travelling back from Mumbai. And this was in June of the year before last, and I remember telling him that finally I feel calm.” The actress said that this was something that she hadn’t felt in a long time. She continued, “I haven’t felt relaxed and calm in a very, very long time. And, I finally feel like I can breathe and I can go to sleep, and I can now wake up and focus on my work and be the best that I can be at work. And I woke up with this condition.” Samantha said, “The reason I wanted to do this podcast was because after the harrowing experience that I’ve been through and well, an autoimmune condition is lifelong, so with what I’m dealing with right now as well, I’d rather want people be safe than sorry.” — IANS I had an opportunity to work with him in Behenein. He was not only a phenomenal actor but also an exceptional co-actor. He exuded unwavering support and encouragement, always uplifting those around him with his kind words and positive energy. He always had the best things to say to pep you up. It’s a big loss for the industry. Love, prayers, and strength to the family. — Ssudeep Sahir
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.
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