08082024-LSTL-01.qxd 8/7/2024 8:02 PM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE SHARVARI BAGS AWARD Life Sharvari, who is fresh off the success of the horror-comedy Munjya, has received the IMDb ‘Breakout Star’ STARmeter Award. Munjya, which belongs to the Maddock Films’ supernatural universe, became a surprise hit of 2024, and continues to play in theatres. Coming up Nawazuddin Siddiqui is all set to play the notorious Assamese judge Upendra Nath Rajkhowa in his next film, as confirmed by his brother Faizuddin Siddiqui, who is producing the film. LUDHIANA | THURSDAY | 8 AUGUST 2024 HEARTBREAK! Ace wrestler Vinesh Phogat might have been disqualified from the Paris Olympics, but celebrities praise her resilience, determination and indomitable spirit Aparshakti Khurana Fatima Sana Shaikh Vicky Kaushal Mona A S the country was slowly reconciling to the hockey loss on Wednesday morning, wrestler Vinesh Phogat being disqualified right before the final for being just a hundred grams overweight threw the entire nation into mourning! The thrill of our Haryana girl defeating Cuba’s Yusneylys Guzman 5-0 in the semi-final in women’s 50 kg wrestling event to reach the Olympic final, was washed down as a night full of effort by Vinesh and her team fell short. Dangal actor Aparshakti Khurana, did not let grief overpower what was and still is an incredible feat. “What happened with Vinesh Phogat is truly heart-breaking, but kudos to her. What a woman. What resilience. What a show! She made India proud, and only that matters. Inspiring to another level,” shared the actor, who played Omkar Singh Phogat in the sports biopic. The entire country backed Vinesh, reaching out to her on social media, right from the Prime Minister of the country to sportspersons to the common man. The film fraternity too showed support for the athlete. Huma Qureshi was one of the first ones to express her solidarity. “But… You are gold @vineshphogat. Heart broken,” she posted on her Instagram story. Actress Taapsee Pannu, who has been part of sports dramas Shabaash Mithu, Rashmi Rocket and Saand Ki Aankh, took to Instagram to express her support, “This is heart-breaking, but honestly this woman has already made her mark beyond gold by now! @vineshphogat.” Taapsee’s Saand Ki Aankh co-star Bhumi Pednekar lauded Vinesh for her courage and determination, “You are and will always be a winner @vineshphogat itni jaan aur himmat bahut kam mein hoti hai.” Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar echoed the same sentiment, writing, “Champion @vineshphogat. You are gold! What you have achieved is beyond medals. So proud. So inspired.” Uri actor Vicky Kaushal too posted on his Instagram story, “A winner beyond medals,” along with Indian flag and red heart emoticons. Actor- director Farhan Akhtar, who won over the audience playing The Flying Sikh, Milkha Singh, in Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, wrote a heartfelt note on Instagram, “Dear @vineshphogat ... One can only try and imagine how devastated you must be, but still not fully understand. Heartbroken for you that the quest ended like this. But please know that we are all very proud of you and all you have done for the sport. You will always be a champion and an inspiration to millions. Keep your chin up.” There were others who weren’t afraid to share their disappointment, “Heartbreaking,” wrote actress Rakul Preet Singh, on her Instagram story with a broken heart emoticon. “Heartbroken ... We are and forever will be proud of you dear @Phogat_Vinesh #Champion,” posted Riteish Deshmukh on X. Then there were others who questioned the crushing development, leading to hordes of conspiracy theories, “Who believes this 100 grams overweight story?” questioned actor Swara Bhasker. Youtuber Dhruv Rathee found the shocking development unbelievable, offering his ingenious solution in an X post, “Just for 100 gms?? This sounds too unbelievable…That much weight can be reduced by just shaving the head.” Dangal actress Fatima Sana Shaikh, who essayed role of Geeta Phogat, posted a bunch of news reports on her Instagram stories, first calling out people for not being in solidarity with the wrestler when she was ‘seen crying on streets’ and then lauding her for making it to the final match and later supporting her after the disqualification. Her co-star, Sanya Malhotra, who played Babita Phogat in Dangal, wrote on her Instagram Story, “True champions are defined not by a single moment, but by their resilience, and you have shown incredible strength and dedication throughout this journey. Vinesh! There is no one like you! Overall, the sentiment was that of grit amidst gloom, as ace actor Alia Bhatt took to Instagram stories to send a message of solidarity, “Vinesh Phogat you are an inspiration to the entire nation. Nothing can take away your resilience, nothing can take away your courage and nothing can take away the hardships you’ve been through to create history! Today you must be heartbroken to say the least and we are heartbroken with you. But woman you are gold — you are iron and you are steel! Nothing can take that away from you! A champion for the ages! There is no one like you @ vineshphogat,” adding a Tricolour emoji. Sanya Malhotra Here is a look at some power-packed ladies of B-town, who are set to portray the role of police officers in their upcoming projects Cop story KUBRA SAIT, Deva DEEPIKA PADUKONE, Singham Again BHUMI PEDNEKAR, Daldal In Rohit Shetty’s much-awaited film Singham Again, Deepika Padukone, will be stepping into the shoes of Lady Singham. This film marks her entry into Shetty’s famed cop universe. Known for her powerful screen presence, Deepika’s portrayal of a strong, fearless police officer is eagerly anticipated by fans and critics alike. Bhumi Pednekar is set to make her OTT debut with the series Daldal. Directed by Amrit Raj Gupta, Bhumi will be playing Mumbai’s newly appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police, Rita Ferreira. She recently shared her first look from the series on Instagram, showcasing her in a commanding police uniform, hinting at a compelling performance. Kubra Sait is excited to play a cop in Deva, alongside Shahid Kapoor. Currently shooting for the film, Kubbra has expressed her enthusiasm for the actionpacked role and the unique perspective of Mumbai that the film provides. Her portrayal promises to bring a fresh and dynamic energy to the screen. c m y b KRITIKA KAMRA, Gyaarah Gyaarah SONAKSHI SINHA, Dahaad 2 Kritika Kamra is gearing up to don the police uniform in ZEE5’s upcoming series Gyaarah Gyaarah. Known for her versatile acting skills, Kritika will be seen in a serious avatar, portraying a dedicated and righteous cop. To ensure authenticity in her performance, she has undergone rigorous training to master the essential skills required for the role. Sonakshi Sinha is set to reprise her role as a police officer in the second season of the hit series Dahaad. The makers have announced plans for Dahaad 2, and fans are excited to see Sonakshi don the police uniform once again. Her powerful performance in the first season has set high expectations for her return. (As told to Dharam Pal)