28032024-LSTC-01.qxd 3/28/2024 12:39 AM Page 1 c m y b ADITI, SIDDHARTH MARRIED? TRIBUNE Friends first Actress-singer Dot. has dropped the latest video of her hit single Girls Night, and called it an ode to the friendship she shares with her girlfriends. Aditi Rao Hydari and Siddharth have reportedly tied the knot secretly at Sri Ranganayakaswamy Temple in Wanaparthy, Telangana. They have not made any official announcement yet. CHANDIGARH | THURSDAY | 28 MARCH 2024 When love alone isn’t enough... Gurnaaz Kaur I PHOTO: PRADEEP TEWARI N a world where societal norms often dictate the course of individual lives, there are stories that challenge conventions and inspire change. Ek Kori Prem Katha is one such narrative, poised to captivate audiences with its courageous stance against the archaic tradition of testing women’s virginity. The film tackles the deeply ingrained pracThe ritual of tice of Kori, a ceremoKori is a subject about nial ritual that subjects women to a test women to a great extent of their purity. It foland I think women can lows the journey of speak more eloquently Sabhyata, played by on it. Khanak Budhiraja, a POONAM DHILLON young woman who dares to defy convention by falling in love with the son (Akshay Oberoi) of the village Pradhan (Raj Babbar). Poonam Dhillon plays the mother-in-law. Their romance takes a turn into an exploration of the human spirit and resilience nobody talks about it openly, so when Sabhyata stands against how would it be handled was a the oppressive traditions. big question in my mind. It Poonam and Khanan need to be approached subtly believe there is need for more and sensitively. And I am glad such stories to be showcased that this film treats it with a on the big screen. But to take balance that makes it educaup such a project comes with tional without being offenthe initial hitch, which both sive,” says Poonam. these women experienced. “I Ek Kori... being Khanak’s was slightly nervous because debut film, she is both excited In Chandigarh to promote their film Ek Kori Prem Katha, Poonam Dhillon and Khanak Budhiraja talk about their cinematic crusade against the archaic ritual of testing women’s virginity and nervous. “It feels like a dream come true. For a debutant, to get such a meaty role is a huge deal. So many movies still portray their lead actresses for decorative purpose. I wanted to break those stereotypes. At the same time, there was nervousness and hesitation because of the subject. Honestly, I didn’t know about the tradition and it needed a lot of preparation. But we are living in a time where content is the king. People want to see good cinema.” Poonam explains her character undergoes a transformation in the film and that can be an inspiration for many. “She is a product of her own upbringing. Every character c m y b I am the hero in the film. I am the one who rides the bike while Akshay sits behind me. I also learnt to drive a bus for this one. KHANAK is, and she has been brought up believing in the tradition. As she passes the test, so she is this ruling queen bee, but when her rebel daughter-in- law refuses to undergo the test, she is in disbelief.” Poonam further elaborates on her character’s journey, “From presuming that Sabhyata has a history to finally confronting the deeply ingrained beliefs and challenging her perception of right and wrong, so much so that she eventually goes against her husband to support her daughter-in-law. That’s a big moment and it highlights the role of education.” And to be promoting the film without its actors, these women have a point. For Poonam, “It’s a subject about women to a great extent and I think women can speak more eloquently on it.” While Khanak says, “I am the hero in the film. Unlike your usual romances where a guy takes his beloved on a bike ride, in this film I am the one who rides the bike while Akshay sits behind me. I also learnt to drive a bus for this one, so it was fair to lead the promotions too.” Thrilled to be in Chandigarh, both these women also share a common love for the city. If it’s a city of childhood memories for Poonam, Khanak has spent her college days here. So, the two are hopeful that people in the City Beautiful would make time for such a ‘compelling story’, which will hit the theatres on April 5. Julia Roberts to headline Luca Guadagnino’s thriller After The Hunt A thrillingride Julia Roberts will be seen in the lead role of director Luca Guadagnino’s thriller After The Hunt. As per the official logline, the movie follows Roberts as a college professor who “finds herself at a personal and professional crossroads when a star pupil levels an accusation against one of her colleagues.” As she navigates the difficult situation, “a dark secret from her own past threatens to come to light.” Nora Garrett has penned the script of the project. The project’s announcement comes after Roberts delivered one of the biggest hits in recent years with the Netflix thriller Leave the World Behind. — ANI