22032024-LSTC-01.qxd 3/22/2024 12:38 AM Page 1 c m y b TIME FOR CELEBRATION Rani Mukerji, who turned 46, celebrated with the paparazzi. The Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway actress was all smiles as she cut the cake with the paps, while she received a bouquet from them. Rani looked simple yet stylish in a beige collared outfit that she paired with a layered pearl necklace. ABHISHEK BANERJEE Gurnaaz Kaur and Sheetal In a major relief to OTT content creators, Supreme Court has overturned a Delhi High Court verdict that upheld a criminal case of obscenity against web series College Romance for its use of profanity and swear words. The apex court emphasises labelling abusive language as a criminal offence would be an infraction of free speech rights. “Such an approach unduly curtails the freedom of expression that can be exercised and compels the maker of the content to meet the requirements of judicial propriety, formality, and official language,” said the bench of Justices AS Bopanna and PS Narasimha. With shows like Mirzapur, Paatal Lok, Chamak, Rana Naidu, She, Saas Bahu Aur Flamingo and Delhi Crime that continue to grab eyeballs for such language, the SC order is definitely a welcome move for artistes, who think it would have been a regressive approach otherwise. Hailing the judgment, Paramvir Singh Cheema, who has played a dark and aggressive character Kaala in TRIBUNE Inspiring words On the occasion of World Poetry Day on March 21, Saiyami Kher expressed her admiration for legendary poet Gulzar and said that his words have inspired her personally in countless ways. CHANDIGARH | FRIDAY | 22 MARCH 2024 RAHHAT KAZMI The artiste fraternity is jubilant as the apex court rules out criminalising abusive language in OTT content ZEISHAN QUADRI Chamak, says, “If in real life we can use cuss words to express anger, what's wrong with using that language in a web show or movie? The biggest reason OTT platforms Relationship dynamics A STILL FROM DELHI CRIME Swear by it PARAMVIR SINGH CHEEMA are striving is because it is very close to reality. The intention of every artist or writer is to be as true to their characters and situations as possible. Then there are warnings with ANURAADHA TEWARI each show and movie, so it’s at the discretion of the viewers what they choose to watch.” Calling freedom to think and speak as the foundation Liberated, finally Hollywood star Drew Barrymore does not shy away from talking about her personal life. Barrymore was first married to Jeremy Thomas from 1994 to 1995. She then got married to Tom Green from 2001 to 2002. In 2012, she married Will Kopelman and two welcomed two daughters together before divorcing in 2016. Divorce became a topic of conversation after discussing Jennifer Lopez’s Can’t Get Enough music video, in which she “pokes fun at being a four-time bride.” “I had so much shame around divorce and, for some reason, something happened, and I said, ‘I’m no longer willing to feel this way.’ And it just lifted from me,” said Barrymore about her own experience with divorce. She added that she views divorce as a way to save “the precious commodity we have on this planet, which is only our time.” The actress said, “And, when you’re truly in a situation that isn’t functioning the way that, optimally, it hopes and wishes to be, we accept that, and we improve our quality of life by moving forward. Divorce now, to me, I don’t have shame around it. I’m totally liberated.” — IANS Kareena Kapoor lauds Madgaon Express ‘Funny and brilliant’ Kareena Kapoor Khan shared her thoughts on brother-in-law Kunal Khemu’s directorial debut, Madgaon Express. The Jab We Met actress posted the film’s poster on her Instagram story and praised Kunal’s directing skills. c m y b “So, so funny and brilliantly directed. So, so proud of you, Kunal Khemu. Outstanding performances. Bravo, guys,” she wrote. The film marks Kunal’s directorial debut. It features Divyenndu, Pratik Gandhi and Nora Fatehi.— ANI fanity or expletives. We can’t control art in the name of few public opinions,” he affirms. Recently seen in Netflix series Murder Mubarak, Amaara Sangam empathises with those sensitive towards language, but profanity isn’t obscenity to her. She says, “Look at the international creators; right from Euphoria to Fleabag, if their storytellers had such restrictions, such exceptionally beautiful shows would have never been made. We have to understand that storytelling is a business of emotions. Taking the legal route to stop others based on personal morality and curbing expression of art is not advisable in a democracy that holds freedom of speech so highly.” Writer-director Anuraadha Tewari says, “I have the highest regard for the law and order machinery of our country and great faith in the SC’s endeavour to protect our freedom of speech and creative expression.” “What’s obscene and what’s not, this has always been a dilemma for literature, films and all kind of art forms since centuries. Saadat Hassan Manto and Ismat Chugtai were charged with allegations of obscenity, for writing words like ‘chest’ or even ‘ aashiq’. My film Lihaaf is based on the popular book that has a similar theme. It shows how a writer faced charges of obscenity. This judgement brings a sense of relief,” says filmmaker Rahhat Kazmi. Ayodhya calling Drew Barrymore shares how she overcame the ‘shame’ of divorce Vidya Balan, Ileana D’Cruz’s Do Aur Do Pyaarteaser out now The makers of the upcoming film Do Aur Do Pyaar, starring Vidhya Balan and Ileana D’Cruz, unveiled its official teaser on Thursday. On its official Instagram, Applause Entertainment released a video clip introducing the audience to the world of two couples, Vidya Balan-Sendhil Ramamurthy and Ileana D’Cruz-Pratik Gandhi. The video provides a peek into the dynamics of modern-day relationships with a perfect blend of romance, humour, and relatable storytelling. The teaser starts with a married couple, played by Vidya and Pratik, sharing a meal on their couch. When Pratik offers Vidya his ice cream, she declines, mentioning she’s vegan. He then points out that her facewash contains milk. The video also features affectionate moments between another couple, played by Illeana and Sendhil. All four characters are seen attempting to rekindle the passion and excitement in their relationships. They go on movie dates and trips, striving to bring back marital happiness. Earlier on Wednesday, the makers dropped new posters of the characters from the film. Do Aur Do Pyaar is directed by Shirsha Guha Thakurta, an awardwinning ad filmmaker, who is making her feature debut. The film which was earlier expected to be released on March 29 is now all set to hit theatres on April 19 this year. — ANI AMAARA SANGAM of every artiste, Paramvir continues, “Without freedom, no artist can work. It’s the demand of story that decides the language, appearance and location. And quite honestly, it’s very hypocritical of people to use profanity in their lives but stand against it in web content.” Writer-actor Zeishan Quadri, whose Gangs of Wasseypur is famous for its dialogues, which are swamped with foul language, believes, “Even if we are using the language, it has to be authentic. We can't lose balance. Sometimes makers and actors overdo abusive words, and that's misuse. At the same time, it's such a relief to know that someone out there understands stopping someone to express themselves is a matter of violation of free speech rights.” Focusing on the real picture, he says, “In today's world, every kid has a smart phone. Can you stop them from using it? Why defame an industry? There are movies by Anurag Basu and also by Karan Johar, choose what suits your sensibility.” Abhishek Banerjee, who has played Hathoda Tyagi in Paatal Lok, stands by the latest ruling. “I feel using abusive language is common in most parts of India, sometimes it’s meant as a friendly banter, for some it’s a way to let go of their anger. As long as it’s relevant to the world, a filmmaker will keep showing it in cinema. There shouldn't be a problem with using pro- RIP Walsh M Emmet Walsh, a seasoned character actor who starred in over 150 films, including Blade Runner, Blood Simple, and Knives Out has passed away at the age of 88. He also portrayed Dermot Mulroney’s father in My Best Friend’s Wedding. His manager Sandy Joseph confirmed that he died in Vermont. Walsh portrayed Harrison Ford’s LAPD boss in Ridley Scott’s 1982 film Blade Runner as well as the ruthless private detective Loren Visser in the Coen brothers’ directorial debut Blood Simple. He also played the corrupt sheriff in the 1986 horror film Critters and a minor appearance as a security guard in Knives Out.— ANI Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas offer prayers at Ram Mandir with daughter Malti Priyanka Chopra, who is currently in India, offered prayers at Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya with her husband, singer Nick Jonas and daughter Malti Marie. In the videos captured by the paparazzi, Priyanka was seen inside the temple prem- ises with her family. The ace actor can be seen wearing a yellow sari. Nick, too, opted for the ethnic outfit. Meanwhile, on the work front, Priyanka will be seen in Heads of State, alongside John Cena and Idris Elba. She is also set to lend her voice to Disneynature’s upcoming film Tiger. She will also be seen in Farhan Akhtar directorial Jee Le Zaraa. — ANI