30072024-LSTC-01.qxd 7/29/2024 11:46 PM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE NEW RELEASE DATE It’s official Life Sunny Leone’s film Quotation Gang, scheduled for a July release, now has a new release date. It will hit the screens on August 30. The actress wrote, “I am so excited to announce that #QuotationGang is hitting the theatres on August 30, 2024! Get ready for an unforgettable cinematic experience.” Lady Gaga is engaged to her boyfriend Michael Polansky. She introduced Michael Polansky to French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal as her "fiance" at Paris Olympics 2024. CHANDIGARH | TUESDAY | 30 JULY 2024 Actress Aishwarya Sushmita, who plays Kiki in Bad Cop, says she likes to do her own stunts, even if that means getting hurt at times Gurnaaz I NAME GAME “My parents were inspired by two iconic figures who represented India on the international stage. Their sense of pride led them to name me Aishwarya Sushmita. Realising the significance of being named after two beauty icons added a sense of destiny to my career aspirations. My unique name often catches people’s attention in the industry, sparking curiosity and conversations. Friends and colleagues view it as both a blessing and a legacy to uphold, helping me stand out and giving me an edge in my career.” — Aishwarya NDIAN cinema is a dynamic world. It takes more than just talent to strive here. One has to be ready to chart one’s path with a blend of dedication and versatility, top it up with determination and passion. To become a new character each time can be both exhilarating and daunting. Take for instance, Aishwarya Sushmita’s experience. From her latest role in Bad Cop, in which Aishwarya plays the main protagonist, to her aspirations and insights gained from her journey, this conversation with her reflects the essence of her craft and what goes into it. Aishwarya, who plays Kiki in Bad Cop, says, “It was exciting to play Kiki. The character is multi-dimensional, and portraying her allowed me to explore a wide range of emotions and situations.” Reflecting on her role in Special Ops 1.5, she explains, “Every character requires a certain kind of research and script analysis. For Karishma, my character in Special Ops 1.5, I delved into the world of espionage. Watching films and studying spy tactics helped me understand the mindset required for the role.” Discussing the physical demands of her roles, she admits to facing risks and challenges, particularly during action sequences. “I had my share of intense moments,” she reveals. “From enduring injuries during stunts to navigating the pressure of high-stakes scenes, each experience taught me resilience and the importance of safety measures.” When asked about landing roles, Aishwarya credits her confidence and consistent preparation during the lockdown period. “While it takes a lot of confidence to crack an audition, the source of that confidence is preparation. I put in a lot of effort at it during the lockdown period. I would watch and analyze around four to five films every day. That has extensively boosted my confidence,” she explains. “It led to my audition for Special Ops 1.5, where my dedication was recognised.” Reflecting on her growth through different projects, Aishwarya attributes her success to her evolving skills and the opportunities each role brings. “From Runway 34 to Khakee and Bad Cop, every project has been a stepping stone,” she says. “Each role taught me something new, enhancing my understanding of characters and the human experience.” Learning from industry veterans has been invaluable for Aishwarya. “Working with directors like Neeraj Pandey, Bhav and Aditya has exposed me to diverse styles and visions,” she says. “Understanding their Pushing boundaries Special Ops 1.5 approach has broadened my perspective on filmmaking and enhanced my adaptability as an actor.” Looking ahead, Aishwarya hints at her upcoming projects, including a promising pilot for Netflix. “Exploring themes of pseudo-feminism, this project promises to be both challenging and enlightening,” she reveals with enthusiasm. Expressing her aspirations, Aishwarya says, “I would love to play any of the three lead men from Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara in a similar female-centric film.” And when it comes to her desire to collaborate with artists, she names Leonardo DiCaprio, Tim- othee Chalamet and Vicky Kaushal. “Leonardo has been my childhood crush,” she blushes and continues, “On a serious note, it’s their commitment to roles and transformative performances that inspire me. I aspire to challenge myself alongside such talented individuals.” As our conversation draws to a close, Aishwarya reflects on her journey with gratitude and determination. “Every role, every experience has shaped me,” she concludes. “I look forward to pushing boundaries, exploring new horizons, and contributing to the rich tapestry of cinema.” IFFM 2024 to showcase Dear Jassi, Trolley Times and Farming the Revolution The stage is set for Punjab The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2024 promises to highlight the depth and diversity of Punjabi cinema, offering audiences a profound exploration of human experiences through compelling storytelling and powerful performances. Their lineup includes feature film Dear Jassi and documentaries Trolley Times and Farming the Revolution. MARCHING FOR JUSTICE: Farming the Revolution Farming the Revolution is directed by Nishtha Jain. In 2020 Gurbaz Sangha, a young Punjabi farmer led thousands to Delhi protesting against new farm laws. Joined by over half a million from diverse backgrounds they remained at borders despite the Covid lockdown vowing to stay until laws were repealed. (Clockwise from top) Saji Varghese, Loveleen Mishra, Mridul Toolsidas, Amit Ashar and Ronak Kumar Samantray Karman Singh Stories that It was a day of motivational talks as nine accomplished speakers from diverse backgrounds shared their life experiences with students of Dikshant Schools, Zirakpur, recently during the fourth edition of the TEDx. The event took place at Punjab Kala Bhawan, Sector 16, Chandigarh. inspire CANNES CALLING VOICE OF DISSENT: Trolley Times Directed by Gurvinder Singh, Trolley Times portrays India’s largest sit-in protest by farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh against new farm laws. Named after the protest’s newsletter, it highlights voices of activists, writers and artists. POWER OF LOVE: Dear Jassi Dear Jassi is directed by Tarsem Singh and stars Pavia Sidhu and Yugam Sood. The young lovers desperately want to be together but they are separated by distance and societal expectations. This feature film delves into the heart of Punjabi culture, exploring themes of love, sacrifice and resilience. Through its richly drawn characters and poignant narrative, the film captures the essence of human emotions and the enduring spirit of the Punjabi people. c m y b Mridul Toolsidas, director of the National Awardwinning movie Toolsidas Junior, spoke about his challenging yet rewarding journey. “I come from a background where nobody had anything to do with cinema. Youngsters need to recognise their powers, kyunki superpowers sirf superheroes main nahi hote,” he said. His first movie, Missed Call, made it to Cannes. His second film, Toolsidas Junior, won the National Award. “Years and years of persistence and hard work, and just a flash of a moment! Follow yourself rather than following 100 people, and you can make it!” he advised. GIVE IT A SHOT Amit Ashar is a Mumbaibased photographer, who is passionate about his craft. “Parents should understand and allow their children to prove themselves,” he shared. “It’s not easy to achieve greatness in any profession, but when you start enjoying your work, it never feels like a burden. God has given me the camera as an instrument to harness and express what I feel.” Other notable speakers included Loveleen Mishra (actor, storyteller & writer), Sachin Jha (technocrat), Saji Varghese (associate professor, Christ University), Ronak Kumar Samantray (founder, Take Me2Space), Tapash Baniwal (student and aviation photographer), Dipankar Saharia (senior director, TERI), and Rahat Kulshreshtha (co-founder, Quidich Innovation Labs).