03092024-LSTL-01.qxd 9/2/2024 10:59 PM Page 1 c m y b DIGITAL ROUTE FOR VISFOT Visfot, starring Fardeen Khan and Riteish Deshmukh, has taken the digital route. Helmed by Kookie Gulati, the film is set for a release on JioCinema on September 6. The update was shared on the official Instagram handle of the streaming platform. The makers also revealed the film’s poster. TRIBUNE Life Break time Star singer Adele has decided to take a break from music. During a recent performance in Munich, the Skyfall hitmaker shared this update with her fans. LUDHIANA | TUESDAY | 3 SEPTEMBER 2024 PHOTO: VICKY Son of the soil Sheetal T HE wait is over — Punjabi singeractor Babbu Maan is making comeback after four years! We do not know if the movie, Sucha Soorma, will do wonders for Punjabi cinema, like Shah Rukh Khan’s comeback film Pathaan did for Bollywood, but the fans are excited to see him back. As Babbu appeared for the trailer-release event at Bestech Square Mall, Mohali, on Monday, he was his regular witty self in the same hairstyle that we have known him for since Mittran Di Chatri and Pehla Peg. Alongside Babbu was the director, Amitoj Mann, and other cast members. “This period film is about love, heroism, friendship, traditional sports and action,” revealed Amitoj, who had also directed Babbu’s Punjabi debut film Hawayein in 2003. Little wonder then, Babbu said, “Before reading the script, I said yes to the film because of our friendship, which goes back long years.” Babbu, who was happy to see how stars like Guru Randhawa were making a mark globally, said during the time off from films he was busy watching kabaddi and cheering the team. “Hun mein vapis raid paun aaya hai. (Now I am back to ‘raid’),” he quipped. As the trailer was played not once but twice, Amitoj revealed, “We are doing a period film. More than the script, the making of the sets and depicting the timeline was crucial for its success. In that period, everything was loud, from dialogues to action sequences, so we have kept it that way.” Based on the life of folk legend Sucha Singh and what led him to become a dacoit, in Sucha Soorma, Babbu would be seen in the titular role. Regarding social media, he said, “I don’t relate to social media when it comes to promoting yourself or your work. Yes, there are benefits of the Internet, phone and these social media platforms, but anything is a curse when forced down your thought. These corporates and multi-national companies think ten years ahead of us. Every nursery kid is eating with a phone in hand. It’s ruining our culture and leaving us Punjabi actor Babbu Maan, who is returning to the silver screen with the film Sucha Soorma, says social media should not lead youngsters away from their culture and roots I am a kisan and I will be a kisan. Everybody fights differently, but I do not choose to speak loudly on stage or disrespect anyone. I believe anything can be said humbly without pointing a finger. THE POSTER OF SUCHA SOORMA misinformed.” The actor even quipped that if every star on social media was charged Rs 10,000 for going live, there wouldn’t be anyone left to go live! “Similarly, if an app is launched to find genuine likes or clicks on your music video, everyone will know how many have been faking 10 lakh as 10 crores views! It’s a sham,” he said. Through movies that especially tell stories about Malwa region of Punjab, Babbu said he was trying to educate the people of Punjab about the rich folklore, history and real-life heroes. “Sucha Soorma is one such step in the direction. If the film works, we will bring more projects that help propagate Punjabi culture and language. In the fast pace world when metaverse is making cities, it’s important to bring stories of our heroes through cinema. Because syllabus books in schools are busy making us learn about John Keats in third standard! Who will talk about Bawa Balwant?” he questioned. Saga Studios and Seven Colors are together presenting this film, which also stars Sameksha Oswal, Suvinder Vicky, Sarabjit Cheema, Mahabir Bhullar, Gurinder Makna, Gurpreet Toti, Gurpreet Ratol and Jagjeet Bajwa. It will release on September 20. SPICMACAY founder Kiran Seth, in Chandigarh, urged youngsters to focus on ancient Indian arts music ‘In lies true bliss’ Mona Boman Irani’s directorial debut The Mehta Boys to premiere at the Chicago South Asian Film Festival On to the global stage The Mehta Boys, which marks the directorial debut of actor Boman Irani, is slated for a world premiere at the 15th Chicago South Asian Film Festival on September 20. Irani, known for films such as the Munna Bhai franchise, 3 Idiots, and Khosla Ka Ghosla, also serves as the writer and producer of the Prime Video Original film. He has written the project in collaboration with writer Alexander Dinelaris Jr, best known for the 2014 Oscar-winning film Birdman. “The Mehta Boys, starring Irani and Avinash Tiwary, is based on a father and son at odds with each other, who find themselves compelled to spend 48 hours together. The film follows their tumultuous journey and offers a nuanced exploration of the complexities often inherent in a father-son relationship,” read the official synopsis. The screening at the Chicago gala will be followed by a conversation featuring Irani along with Dinelaris Jr, actors Tiwary and Shreya Chaudhry, as well as produc- er Danesh Irani and executive producer Ankita Batra. Irani and Dinelaris Jr will also conduct a masterclass on the writing process of The Mehta Boys on September 21. An Irani Movietone LLP and Chalkboard Entertainment LLP production, the film also stars Puja Sarup. It is produced by Vikesh Bhutani and Shujaat Saudagar. The Chicago South Asian Film Festival is set to commence on September 19 and conclude on September 22. — PTI Making a moving call for youth to focus and cultivate patience, Kiran Seth, founder of the Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music And Culture Amongst Youth (SPICMACAY), captivated his audience once again as he came calling to Chandigarh on Monday. “Our ultimate aim is not to promote classical music, but to help people become better in their respective fields,” said Seth, who is on a three-day visit to the City Beautiful. The Padma Shri recipient has been teaching at IIT Delhi for over four decades. SPICMACAY is his passion project, which during the last 47 years is working towards promoting Indian classical music, dance, folk forms, yoga, meditation, traditional handloom, handicrafts and more amongst youth. "With a phone in our hands, we are finding it even more difficult to control our mind, which flits from one thing to another. An exposure to classical arts has proven to help improve one's concentration,” said Seth. He elaborated with examples, “Mathematical genius Albert Einstein played the violin, our very own Missile Man Abdul Kalam the veena, while number theorist Manjul Bhargava the tabla. It has long been established that classical music helps build concentration.” Another thing he wanted the youth to have is dhairya. “I have been teaching for four decades. Now students are surely brighter, but lack focus. Classical arts can help them build concentration and patience. In music lies true bliss.” His six-month solo cycling yatra from Kashmir to Kanyakumari has left him in awe of our country all over again. “We are blessed to be living in a country that's so rich in natural resources and culture, but we are slowly degrading everything.” c m y b SPICMACAY has been doing exceptional work and getting a rousing response from the students all over the country. From Punjab, they have picked up Bhangra and Malwai Giddha. Legendary folk singer and sarangi maestro from Punjab, the late Sharif Idu, too had been a part of SPICMACAY programme. His organisation has long been involved in addressing issues of female foeticide and drug prevention. “We have the artistes prepare their presentations around these themes and launched successful signature campaigns,” said Sumit Taneja, who has been a volunteer for over 15 years. Seth ensured that the volunteers present with him — Dr Shakuntala Lavasa, Dr Kamal Gogna, Amulya Shukla, Sumit Taneja and Nalin Taneja — shared their experience too. " SPICMACAY has a series of events planned in Himachal Pradesh in the coming year and over a hundred schools in Chandigarh keep their annual date with the artistes. While, along with thousands of volunteers, Seth is making a monumental effort for a long 47 years, he is yet to reach the masses. Seth explains, “Classical arts have their effect slowly. But, today, due to Instagram, Facebook and other social media platforms, which provide immediate gratification, people don't have the patience to wait. He, however, added, "Not everyone has to be a musician, but even listening to music can help immensely." Seth would spend the next two days in the city, meeting heads of education institutions and volunteers. He signed off with the resounding words, “Saraswati — the Goddess of knowledge — has now been replaced by Lakshmi — Goddess of wealth. People think money would make them happy, but that's not the case. Only gyan (wisdom) can bring true happiness. And, our ancient arts and heritage are a key to it.” PHOTO: PRADEEP TEWARI