15102024-LSTL-01.qxd 10/14/2024 11:51 PM Page 1 c m y b MEET THE ASLI SINGHAM! Ajay Devgn and Kajol fans are in for a treat as both husband and wife will be seen in cop avatars in their respective projects, Singham Again and Do Patti. On Monday, Kajol was seen in a fun mood at the trailer launch of Do Patti in Mumbai as she called herself Asli Singham. Mona A CTOR, director, writer and former pilot Nav Bajwa sure has a knack for stories. The man who gave Punjabi cinema one of the very first science fiction films, Raduaa, gathered a score of cast members for the poster launch of his upcoming film Madhaniyan, in Mohali, on Monday. The film has a fresh lead pair, Neeru Bajwa and Dev Kharoud. They are joined by Gurpreet Ghuggi, Poonam Dhillon, BN Sharma, Sara Gurpal, Mannat Noor, Didar Gill, Rupinder Rupi, Paramveer Singh, Prabhsharan Singh and Gurjeet Bajwa, among others. TRIBUNE On panel Life Actress and environmental activist Dia Mirza will serve as one of the jury members at the All Living Things Environmental Film Festival 2024, which will be held from November 22 to December 8. LUDHIANA | TUESDAY | 15 OCTOBER 2024 Churning out the best PHOTO: RAVI KUMAR At the poster launch of Punjabi film Madhaniyan, as a bevy of stars came together, each had a story to narrate The leading lady of the industry, Neeru Bajwa, looked every inch glamorous, dressed in black. “Such a stellar star cast, hats off to Nav for making this happen. While I was happy to hear about the story that celebrates bonds, I am happier to pair with Dev,” she said. Turning it into a mutual admiration club, Dev spoke, “In these years in the industry, I have seen hero after hero work with Neeru ji. I have been patiently waiting for my turn.” Veteran actor Gurpreet Ghuggi plays the jija of the groom. “We have all grown up listening to Madhaniyan — Hai O Mere Dadeya Rabba, Kihna Jammiyaan, Kihna Ne Le Jaaneyan, Hayee...It’s in the happiness of the girl that the hearts of the two families beat,” he said. He is happy that this film explores Punjabi roots, “Our industry has come a long way. Punjabi film industry today is giving Rs 100-crore movies. Now is the time we hit further milestones, so we need the audiences to support us in this bid.” Nav, who met Dev while gymming in Patiala, added, “Call it a manifestation, I play younger brother to Neeru ji in this film.” Playing nani to this onscreen brother-sister duo is the iconic Poonam Dhillon. Essaying a chilled out granny from Canada, she said, “Chandigarh is my hometown and I am always happy being back here. It’s due to Nav Bajwa’s dedication that such a stellar GURPREET GHUGGI, NEERU BAJWA, DEV KHAROUD, POONAM DHILLON AND NAV BAJWA cast has come together. His energy and love for cinema is infectious.” While Neeru essays a successful girl from Chandigarh, the groom-to-be is from Bhatinda. “Increasingly, we are losing all relations — taya, tayi, chacha, chachi, masi, masad — as singlechild is fast becoming the norm. But in our film we bring all these relations together and weave a beautiful family saga.” offered Nav. His ambitious sequel to Raduaa — Raduaa Returns is due for a year-end release. “It took me three-and-a-half years to make it. The VFX and CGI is so high and took long hours. It’s going to be a visual treat for our viewers,” he shared. Laung Laachi-fame Mannat Noor will act in Madhaniyan too and she will also be seen in Raduaa Returns. “She plays the first AI voice in our sequel,” Nav shared. MEET THE SENIOR BAJWA Amongst the scores of stars, it was Gurjeet Bajwa who stole the limelight! The retired Air Force personnel, got a new lease of life in films. Immensely proud of his son, Nav, the senior Bajwa shared how he insisted on his son being first a pilot before exploring his passion for acting. “Nav would close doors and practice dialogues, but I was insistent on him flying a fighter plane.” The duo agreed on civil aviation before Nav explored films. “I was very happy to see Nav on the big SOHA ALI KHAN, SUSHMITA SEN, ANANYA PANDAY, KARISMA KAPOOR, SANGEETA BIJLANI AND SHRADDHA KAPOOR Celebs rock the ramp in their own distinctive styles at the grand finale of Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI 2024 Soha talks of fitness Soha Ali Khan dazzled in a lovely traditional outfit as she turned showstopper for designer Simmi Saboo. She wore a golden lehenga and a blouse with golden embroidery and silver motifs. The collection ‘Zooni’ was a grand fashion merger of timeless Indian crafts and artistry, inspired by Kashmir. Soha talked about her fitness mantra, “My current fitness mantra is strength straining because I am in my 40s now and need to keep fit.” Sushmita dazzles in saree Sushmita Sen stole the limelight at Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI 2024, gracing the runway as the showstopper for designer Rashi Kapoor on Beauty in motion Sunday. Walking for Rashi Kapoor’s debut collection, titled Espiritu Libre, which translates to free spirit, Sushmita exuded grace as she showcased the designer’s vision inspired by the bold and vibrant Frida Kahlo. Sushmita shared, “You know what is really special is that I had no idea when she asked me to be her muse for the show... I said how many LFWs you have done, she said it is my very first one…and the young designer has killed it...” Karisma oozes sophistication Karisma Kapoor graced the runway as the showstopper for designer duo Ritika and Prerna, showcasing their debut collection under the label Urmil. Karisma captivated the audience as she strutted down the ramp in an enchanting ethnic outfit that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the festive season. She looked ethereal in a light green sleeveless blouse, adorned with intricate beaded embroidery and playful tassel detailing. The asymmetrical hemline and delicate bow cascading from her shoulder added a touch of drama, beautifully complementing her matching flared skirt, embellished with floral sequin embroidery and frill accents. Accessorising her look with multiple stacked silver bracelets, a statement ring and elegant silver strappy heels, Karisma exuded sophistica- c m y b tion. Karisma noted, “I would describe this outfit as soft and fierce, maybe something like me. I like to wear what I am comfortable in. This outfit that I am wearing is a standout piece. Today’s women are bold and fierce, yet soft, and this is something that epitomises everyone.” Shraddha stuns in lehenga Shraddha Kapoor too captivated audiences as she took to the runway in style. She turned muse for Kalki in a pastel pink colour lehenga set adorned with intricate heavy embroidery. Shraddha, undoubtedly, oozed oomph in the beautiful ethnic ensemble. For the glam, she chose for bold make-up and styled her hair in soft loose curls. She opted for min- imum statement jewellery to slay the look. Talking about Kalki’s collection, Mushk is inspired by the irresistible scent of gardenia musk. Ananya shines Ananya Panday turned showstopper for ace designer Rohit Bal. She looked beautiful in a black lehenga with huge red roses, a bralette blouse, and a capestyle blazer. Her makeup and jewellery added to her glamorous look. Bal’s collection Kaaynaat: A Bloom in the Universe was a celebration of the beauty of nature and the delicacy of flowers. Sangeeta Bijlani looked gorgeous in a red sari as she graced the ramp for designer Sanjukta Dutta. — ANI screen in 2012 in Pure Punjabi. Acting is very tough job, jahaj udana saukha hai ji,” he said. With a theatre background, during Covid he had a chance to act in Nav’s film Teri Meri Nahi Nibhni. “Nav took three auditions before assigning me the role. I did well as the judge and enjoyed it to hilt.” Gurjeet returns as an actor in Raduaa Returns, while he has also been a part of ZEE5 web series Weekends. “All us senior citizens should love and enjoy life after retirement.”