18122024-LSTL-01.qxd 12/17/2024 7:45 PM Page 1 c m y b MADONNA IS BACK Madonna has fans buzzing with excitement as she teases the arrival of new music, set for release in 2025. In a recent Instagram post shared on December 16, the ‘Queen of Pop’ shared a video montage that showed her working in the studio with long-time collaborator Stuart Price. TRIBUNE Tribute! Life Newlywed actress Sobhita Dhulipala recently paid a Banjara-themed tribute to her backpacking days, which played a key role in shaping her identity. LUDHIANA | WEDNESDAY | 18 DECEMBER 2024 Noorie... once more VikrantParmar H ER mellifluous voice spans multiple languages and genres, something which allows her to transition seamlessly from Bollywood hits to independent music projects. Singer Jonita Gandhi is indeed charting her own unique course in music, blending her IndoCanadian heritage with a fierce dedication to experimentation and versatility. Since her debut in 2013 with Chennai Express, Jonita has become the voice behind several chart-topping hits, including The Breakup Song, Arabic Kuthu and What Jhumka? Her latest remix number Noorie is making quite a mark too. “The original song, sung by legends Lata Mangeshkar and Nitin Mukesh, is extremely popular and has a special place in everyone’s heart. I wanted to pay a tribute to the classical elegance of the original song while adding modern elements to it. I have also been attached to the version of Noorie that was crooned by Bally Sagoo and Gunjan,” she says. In the song, Jonita has simultaneously sung is three different languages—Hindi, English and Punjabi—and that too with equal flair. Must be quite a task, right? “Singing in multiple languages is challenging, but it’s also a lot of fun. Since every language has a unique rhythm and feel, I focus on understanding the emotions expressed in the lyrics. I try to ensure that blending languages in my music doesn’t feel forced or take away from the emotion of the song.” Having been into music since childhood, it soon became her calling in life. “It’s been a roller-coaster ride and a journey of self-discovery. The more experienced I become as an artiste, the more I feel the need to learn and grow,” she adds. Jonita has been a part of some remarkable collaborations in 2024, including her work with Darshan Raval and Rochak Kohli on the song Soni Soni, as well as her duet with Arijit Singh in Amar Singh Chamkila, a film starring Parineeti Chopra and Diljit Dosanjh. Singers in Punjabi cinema often take to acting—is she going the same route? “Acting is Jonita Gandhi, who is making waves with her remix song Noorie, says crooning the number in three different languages was a challenge she relished such a fascinating field, and I deeply admire artistes who can excel in both singing and acting. But, right now, my focus is entirely on music—it’s my first love and where I feel most at home. That said, I’m open to new possibilities. If the right opportunity comes along in acting and it feels like something I can connect with, I would definitely consider exploring it in the future.” It’s a world of OTT out there and no dearth of opportunities. “OTT platforms have completely transformed how we consume content. For creators, these now present a new way to reach out to a global audience. I believe OTT is not just a medium for entertainment, but also a space for innovative storytelling.” Jonita loves to perform live, as she believes there’s nothing like the energy of a crowd, the way people sing along and cheer. “There’s an unspoken bond that forms in those moments with my audience and it’s incredibly fulfilling to see how my music resonates with people. The spontaneity and raw emotion of live performances make them truly special.” Currently working on several exciting projects, including a mix of singles and collaborations with incredibly talented artistes, she is looking forward to the future with much hope. “Each project has its own distinct flavour and I can’t wait to share them with my fans. Some of these will showcase new sides of my musical journey and I’m thrilled about the surprises in store.” Jonita, who loves to be around her family in free time, likes eating, watching movies, travelling and exploring new places. “It inspires me creatively and allows me to unwind,” she beams. As for her advice to youngsters, she says, “Stay true to who you are, embrace challenges and never stop learning. The journey might seem tough at times, but consistency and persistence is the key. Every step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to achieving your goals.” For the simian friends! Under Akshay Kumar-funded initiative, over 1,250 monkeys fed in Ayodhya Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar usually garners headlines for his philanthropic works. In his latest social media post, the actor announced that he fed over 1,250 monkeys in Ayodhya with the help of his team and Anjaneya Seva Trust. Taking to Instagram, Akshay highlighted the issue of PUSHPA 2 FEVER As Pushpa 2 fever continues to take over, Akshay Kumar has joined the frenzy by recreating the film’s most iconic dialogue, ‘Wildfire hu’. In a video circulating on the internet, Akshay is seen delivering Allu Arjun’s iconic line, ‘Wildfire hu’. Soon after the video surfaced online, fans couldn’t help but gush over Khiladi Kumar. IANS the increasing population of monkeys in the holy city of Ayodhya. In the video shared by the actor, a bunch of monkeys were seen wandering around the temple premises and the surrounding areas. Under this initiative, Akshay claimed that the monkeys in Ayodhya were fed clean and nutritious food daily. To keep waste management at a minimum, the team of Akshay Kumar collects the banana peels discarded by the monkeys. They are then fed to the cows, whose dung is then used as manure for the plantation of banana trees. Akshay called it a chhoti si koshish (a small effort) while sharing the video on Instagram. Earlier this year, the actor had donated Rs 1 crore to feed monkeys in Ayodhya. — ANI c m y b Notes of a foodie Singer Byran Adams loves rajma chawal, vada pav and gol gappas Bryan Adams, who is currently in India for his So Happy It Hurts Tour 2024, has expressed his love for Indian food. Adams, who will wrap up his seven-city India tour on Tuesday in Goa, said India had always been close to him. “I am excited to be back in India for my tour. India has always held a special place in my heart. I’m especially looking forward to rajma chawal, idli sambar, gol gappas, vada pav and masala dosa,” he said. — IANS