25062024-LSTC-01.qxd 6/25/2024 12:35 AM Page 1 c m y b IN MEMORY OF PARENTS Akshay Kumar paid tribute to his late parents, Hari Om Bhatia and Aruna Bhatia, by participating in a tree plantation drive in Mumbai. Akshay said in a statement, “Planting trees is a way to give back to our planet, and doing it in honour of my parents makes it even more special.” TRIBUNE Right path Life Khushi Kapoor stepped into Bollywood and became a social media sensation. However, the actress doesn’t see herself as a “rage” and is thankful for the “criticism”. CHANDIGARH | TUESDAY | 25 JUNE 2024 PHOTOS: NITIN MITTAL The cast of Ardaas Sarbat De Bhale Di As Gippy Grewal launches Ardaas Sarbat De Bhale Di teaser, he says the story came to him out of nowhere and in 15 minutes his mind processed it all Gurnaaz A RDAAS, meaning prayer in English, became more than just a spiritual act for Gippy Grewal — it transformed into a successful Punjabi film that reshaped his career. In 2016, Gippy shifted gears from acting and production to writing and direction. The reason was to become a part of meaningful storytelling. The first installment, Ardaas resonated deeply with audiences, prompting the sequel Ardaas Karaan in 2019, which was equally wellreceived. Now, five years later, Gippy is back with Ardaas Sarbat De Bhale Di, the third part of this much-loved franchise. The story for the latest installment came to Gippy most unexpectedly, he explains with the intent to highlight God’s will. At the launch of its teaser, Gippy says, “This story was the toughest to execute but it came to me in 15 minutes. I was sitting with my friend and we were talking about what to do next. He asked me if I had a story in mind. I said no. We left the discussion there. Exactly 15 minutes later, and I am not lying, I had this story in my mind. Next thing, we sat and discussed it for seven hours straight. Within days, we were working on it.” The film boasts of an ensemble cast that includes Gippy Grewal, Gurpreet Ghuggi, Jasmine Bhasin, Nirmal Rishi, Prince Kanwaljit Singh, Raghveer Boli, Seema Kaushal, Rupinder Rupi, Gurpreet Bhangu among others. Most of them have been on this journey from the first instalment of the film. Jasmin Bhasin, who is the lead actress, is among the few new entrants. And for her, this movie means a lot because, “Getting a chance for the first time can be attributed to luck or good networking, but when someone is willing to work with you again, that shows they trust your craft and like your work ethics. I feel honoured to work oppo- Of prayers & miracles THEIR ARDAAS… GURPREET GHUGGI: The act of ardaas has taught me how to live properly and in order to do so, we should not complain and be content with what we have. JASMIN BHASIN: I felt very blessed when I was approached for this role. I think that was the result of my ardaas. It was universe’s plan. GURPREET BHANGU: Everyone should do ardaas. If you have made a mistake, repent for it before it’s too late. Don’t do it for yourself, do it for the people around you. — Yashita Mishra site Gippy again. He is one of the biggest Punjabi stars and I couldn’t have asked for more,” says a happy Jasmine. The entire cast and crew share a similar sentiment of gratitude for the film and their experiences. Each one of them believes it’s their ardaas for good work that translated into becoming a part of the project. Gurpreet Ghuggi, who has seen all the phases of Punjabi film industry, talks about his role. ❝ After giving multiple flops, I decided to take a break. I said no to some films because I wanted to try something new. When I got the story idea for Ardaas, I went to a few writers but they refused to work on it. Rejection turned me into a writer. — GIPPY GREWAL “These days, we hear a lot about motivational speakers. I think in Ardaas or Ardaas Karaan or this third part now, my character is a kind of motivational speaker but his knowledge isn’t bookish, it’s his life lessons.” But to see Gippy wear the director’s hat, Ghuggi had his doubts. “At the start I was a bit skeptical because it’s such a serious subject. I thought it wasn’t his genre. Comedy or a light film felt more like his genre to me then.” Things changed in no time. Ghuggi adds, “My very first take of the first scene gave me this confidence that I was in safe hands. He focused on such minute details that I started enjoying working with him right on the first day. Another thing I really appreciate is that he is not stubborn as a director. He listens to his actors and wherever required, he brings changes.” Ardaas Sarbat De Bhale Di is releasing on September 13. Gippy Grewal & Jasmin Bhasin Sonakshi Sinha, Zaheer Iqbal dance to Tere Mast Mast Do Nain, enthralling guests at their wedding reception The star-studded wedding reception of actors Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal turned into a night to remember, as the newlyweds mesmerised guests with their rendition of the iconic song Tere Mast Mast Do Nain from Sonakshi’s debut film Dabangg. Amidst the glittering affair, snapshots and videos capturing the magical moments of the evening have flooded social media, showcasing the couple’s infectious joy and undeniable chemistry. A particularly heartwarming Kajol ‘We are now man & wife’ moment was shared by Sonakshi’s hairstylist where Zaheer, donning a dashing white sherwani, took the stage to serenade his bride, Sonakshi, who looked resplendent in a red embellished gown. The duo recreated the song’s signature steps, delighting Honey Singh Huma Qureshi Zaheer Iqbal and Sonakshi Sinha Anil Kapoor and Chunky Pandey c m y b everyone present while cutting their wedding cake adorned with intricate designs symbolizing their journey together. Earlier in the evening, Sonakshi stunned in a traditional red silk saree, complemented by a choker-style necklace and jasmineadorned bun, exuding elegance and grace. Sonakshi and Zaheer, who have been together for seven years, sealed their love in an intimate ceremony attended by close family and friends. The couple shared glimpses of their wedding on social media, marking June 23 as a day etched in their hearts forever. Sonakshi expressed her joy in a heartfelt Instagram post, reflecting on their journey of love and togetherness. “On this very day, seven years back (23.06.2017) in each other’s eyes, we saw love in its purest form and decided to hold on to it. Today that love has guided us through all the challenges and triumphs... leading up to this moment... where with the blessings of both our families and both our gods... we are now man and wife. Here’s to love, hope and all things beautiful with each other, from now until forever. Sonakshi Zaheer 23.06.2024.” THE GUEST LIST Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal hosted a grand reception, which was attended by several well-known faces of the entertainment industry. Actor Anil Kapoor graced the occasion. He looked dapper in a black outfit. Kajol made heads turn as she attended the gala. She wore a black and gold saree with a multi-coloured blouse. Huma Qureshi wore a lovely beige saree with a trendy cutout blouse for the occasion. She added a patterned net jacket on top of it. The actress wore red lipstick and kept her makeup natural. Other celebs who arrived at the event are actor Gulshan Devaiah with his wife actress Kallirroi Tziafeta. Zoya Murani, Aanand L. Rai and Reema Kagti were also spotted. Veteran star Rekha and Saira Banu also graced the event. Ace actor Tabu, Anushka Ranjan and Sanjeeda Sheikh also graced the event. DANCING TO ANGREJI BEAT The wedding reception turned into a night to remember as rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh took centre stage with a high-energy performance of his hit track Angreji Beat. Clad in a stylish blue blazer paired with checkered pants, Singh captivated the audience. — ANI Siddharth, Rekha and Aditi Rao Hydari