24092024-LSTC-01.qxd 9/23/2024 11:39 PM Page 1 c m y b ED SHEERAN AA GAYA OYE! In a delightful turn of events, music sensation Ed Sheeran made a surprise appearance during Diljit Dosanjh’s ongoing Dil-Luminati Tour in Birmingham. Both artistes shared a reel on Instagram, capturing the moment when Diljit excitedly announced Ed’s arrival with, “Ed Sheeran aa gaya oye!” TRIBUNE Life PHOTOS: VICKY Oh boy! Boman Irani, whose directorial debut The Mehta Boys received a standing ovation at the Chicago South Asian Film Festival, has been feted with the SAFA (South Asian Film Association) award for his film. CHANDIGARH | TUESDAY | 24 SEPTEMBER 2024 The Dafli Maan Mona L IVELY and energetic, a heart full of love for his fans, gratitude for the elders, praise for the young artistes… Legendary Punjabi singer Gurdas Maan on Sunday evening opened up on his upcoming album, Sound of Soil, and more. During an interaction at a tricity mall, Maan said, “The album has nine songs, like navratan — a mala that I have created with much love. It also has two qawwalis for I want the younger generation to be connected with this art form.” Legendary Punjabi singer Gurdas Maan shares anecdotes, breaks into Bhangra, all the while maintaining his gravitas as he talks about the creative process behind his latest album, Sound of Soil While its first song Main Hi Jhoothi has been released, Maan spoke of another, Panchhi Udd Gaye, “I wrote this song as a tribute to those who have left this world. This line first came to me when my father completed his worldly journey.” He mentioned how most of his songs came to him while on the move, “It’s like a divine rhythm is always going on for me, and that’s how I write and compose songs.” Going down memory lane, Maan talked about his first song. He was seven or eight and would try writing to the metre of legendary singer Lal Chand Yamla Jatt’s songs. One day, as he was singing his creation, his chacha ji heard him. “That evening at Ramlila my chacha ji requested the organisers to let me present my song on stage; they agreed and I sang Jatta Teri Joon Buri,” he shared. The next morning as he was walking to school carrying his bag, some girls sang the same song to him. “I became famous from my first song itself,” said Maan. He revealed how his baba ji (grandfather) would take him along to the baraats that they were invited to and ask him to sing. “And I would, then and there. Dressed in a new kurta, chadra and kantha, I would love to perform.” Going over many memories, Maan also addressed the recent Cananda incident where during a live show some people started shouting slogans against him. “I did not abuse. I kept requesting them with folded hands but when they kept on calling me names, I reacted. But that was not a gaali.” One of his videos lately doing the rounds that has Maan asking maafi has troubled his fans. “I had asked for forgiveness for the Canada incident the very next day. And I did this video after my promoters asked me to do so.” Sitting at leisure, Maan patiently answered all queries. He recalled the first time he fell in love with the dafli. It was in Patiala as he went with a friend to music shop and spotted one. “When I touched the dafli and tapped on it a bit, I heard the sound of Om. From that day till now, dafli has been a part of my all my performances.” Maan has got love of not only his listeners, but also singers who evoke him in their songs. “If a singer takes my name in his songs, it’s the biggest honour. I am glad that I have made space in their hearts,” he said. When asked if he was open to working with other directors, Maan looked at his wife Manjeet Maan, who is also a director and filmmaker, and said a firm no. Manjeet added, “Maan saheb while listening about a role goes into another realm thinking of his music, so I have to be around to make sure he is following the script.” And, yes they are open to another movie! During the conversation the topic of Maan working in the Electricity Board also came along. He shared how he was given the task to ensure that letters reached the persons concerned, but when he could not keep up, a senior helped out. “He understood that I was not born to do that job. My song came soon after and he, along with others, was pretty proud of me.” The interaction ended as he joined youngsters in a Bhangra performance. As one wondered how he kept up with the energy, he humbly said it was a gift of the universe! Kiran Rao delighted as Laapataa Ladies named India’s official entry to Oscars ‘Great privilege...’ And the winner is... As her film Laapataa Ladies has been chosen as India’s official entry to the Oscars 2025 in the Best Foreign Film Category by the Film Federation of India, filmmaker Kiran Rao expressed her gratitude and said that it was a great privilege to be selected from among such amazing Indian films this year. “I am deeply honoured and beyond delighted that our film Laapataa Ladies has been chosen as India’s official entry to the Academy Awards. This recognition is a testament to the tireless work of my entire team, whose dedication and passion brought this story to life,” Kiran said in a statement. Kiran added, “Cinema has always been a powerful medium to connect hearts, transcend boundaries, and ignite meaningful conversations. I hope that this film will resonate with Rhea Singha has been crowned Miss Universe India 2024, and she will now represent India at the global Miss Universe 2024 pageant. The grand finale of Miss Universe India 2024 was held on Sunday in Jaipur, Rajasthan. audiences across the world, just as it has in India.” She then expressed her ‘heartfelt gratitude to the selection committee and to everyone who believed in this film’. The film was contending alongside 29 movies, including Animal, Kill, Kalki 2898 AD, Srikanth, Chandu Champion, Joram, Maidaan, Sam Bahadur, Article 370; the Malayalam film Aattam, which was feted with the National Award for Best Feature Film this year and Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light, a Cannes winner. “It is indeed a great privilege to be selected from among such amazing Indian films this year — who are equally worthy contenders for this honour,” she said. She went on to thank Aamir Khan Productions and Jio Studios for their unwavering support and faith in this vision. “It has been a privilege to work alongside such a passionate and talented team of professionals who shared my commitment to telling this story. I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the entire cast and crew, whose immense talent, dedication and hard work made this film possible. This journey has been one of incredible collaboration and growth,” she added. She added, “To the audience, your love and support mean the world to us, and it is your belief in this film that continues to inspire us as filmmakers to push creative boundaries. Thank you once again for this incredible honour. We look forward to taking this journey ahead with great enthusiasm.” Laapataa Ladies premiered in March 2024 in India and told the story about the misadventures of two young brides who become separated on the same train, but with different grooms. It is a blend of mistaken identities and laugh-out-loud escapades. — IANS c m y b SHAMKHAN A Rhea Singha crowned Miss Universe India 2024 After her big win, Rhea said, “I am so thankful. I have done so much work to get to this level where I can consider myself worthy enough for this crown. I am so inspired by the previous winners.” — ANI SHOWMAN! Vikrant Parmar How often can one think of the fashion world while pursuing a course in mechanical engineering from a college in Punjab? Nine out of ten times the answer will be never! But not for fashion show choreographer Shamkhan A, who not only treaded that path but is also acing it with each passing day. Born and brought up in Kolam, Kerala, Shamkhan grew up with dreams in his eyes. “While in college, I started modelling in 2012. I also choreographed shows during those days. With time, it all grew upon me,” he says. Having helmed the official Miss Universe India Pageant in Jaipur, one wonders what his job entails. “Actually, it is about how the whole fashion show pans out. It is different than just choreographing; the lights the models, the music all have to fall in place. The job is like that of a show-runner on OTT; take it up and bring it all to a conclusion,” he adds. Having been the man behind shows like Miss India Earth, Miss India International, Miss India Globe and many more, he says, “It’s about team work. I make sure to connect with all the people who are backstage.”