30122024-LSTC-01.qxd 12/30/2024 12:17 AM Page 1 c m y b MANISH MALHOTRA AT WORK Manish Malhotra recently gave a sneak peek into his lavish store in Dubai. Taking to Instagram, he posted a video in which he, along with his team, is seen working to set up the store. Manish captioned the post: “Sunday .. work day .. love setting up the store in the morning.” TRIBUNE Heartbreak Life Varun Dhawan, who can be seen in the movie Baby John, feels that heartbreak is a difficult phase for any man. He said, “When a man’s heart breaks, the society doesn’t think much about what happens to him.” CHANDIGARH | MONDAY | 30 DECEMBER 2024 The screen belonged to them PHOTO: SUNIL KUMAR Actors who made impressive debuts in films and web series The year 2024 saw some fresh talent. These debutants have not only proved their mettle but have also left a lasting impression on the audience. Here’s a look at six breakout stars who redefined the notion of newcomers with their powerful debuts. MATURE BEGINNING Junaid Khan in Maharaj ON A SONG: Lisa Mishra in Call Me Bae KILLER INSTINCT: Lakshya Lalwani in Kill Singer-turned-actor Lisa Mishra made a splash with her OTT debut in Call Me Bae. She played a modern, independent woman navigating the complexities of life and relationships. Known for her melodious voice, Lisa ventured into acting with a story that resonated with today’s youth. Lisa’s natural screen presence and relatability made her a star. Lakshya Lalwani, who debuted with Kill, delivered one of the year’s most talked-about performances in this gritty action thriller. His role as the protagonist in this Karan Johar-backed project showcased his emotional range. Known for intense fight sequences and raw vulnerability, Lakshya’s performance broke stereotypes associated with debutants. Critics hailed him as Bollywood’s next big action star, and fans couldn’t stop raving about his gripping performance. ALVIDA 2024 Back in action Neha Saini F ROM commencing the shoot of his film Fateh from Amritsar last year to now gearing up for its release, life’s come full circle for actor Sonu Sood, who also makes his debut as a director and writer with the film. Describing the film as ‘high action thriller’, Sonu confidently says that the film will be ‘high on action, never experienced before onscreen’. In Amritsar, once again as Fateh is set to hit theatres soon, Sonu shares how he feels a special connection with city. “Coming to Punjab is always like coming back home. The energy one feels here is different and it automatically transfers on-screen as well,” he says as he pays obeisance at the Golden Temple. Dedicating three years of life to the film, Sonu says that personal experiences through his philanthropic foundation was the trigger to come up with the concept of the film. “All these years, we have had so many incidents of fraud being reported in the name of our organisation that eventually it pushed me to take up the subject of cybercrime. We have had over 40-50 FIRs registered for cybercrime and fraud in the name of helping people and there are so many, who get duped by such criminals.” Calling 2025 a year of high quality action cinema, Sonu says it’s about time that Indian action films not just compete but make Hollywood take note of its brilliance. “I wanted to make Returning to the big screen with high octane action thriller Fateh, Sonu Sood also makes his debut as director & writer a film that has high quality action sequences, something that the audience have never seen. We got Lee Whittaker, the man behind intense action blockbusters, including Fast and Furious 5, Jurrassic Park 3, Captain Marvel, X-Men. We got action crew from Mexico, we have got Grammy winning vocalist Loire Cotler to pen down a song for Fateh.” He adds that it will not be a ‘stylized, blood spattercars flying, action movie. “It will be like that classic action, stunt sequences. We have single shot action sequence that will blow up the screen,” he says. About his off-screen endeavours, Sonu says he has been busy with his charity organisation while steering away from politics. As someone, who openly confessed that he was offered political positions but refused, Sonu says, “Politics can wait. I feel one can do a lot, bring the change we desire without going into politics. I have so many things left to do, much to create. ” Well, for now. ❝ Coming to Punjab is always like coming back home. The energy one feels here is different and it automatically transfers on-screen as well The Alpha female Bollywood actress Sharvari, who rose to prominence with Munjya, punched her last working day of 2024 on the sets of her upcoming movie Alpha. On Sunday, the actress took to the Stories section of her Instagram, and shared a picture of her harness from the sets of the movie. She wrote on the picture, “Harness-ing my last working day of 2024 energy #Alpha. Grateful for each working day of 24, A year that has particularly been a testing one. Going to work has been my biggest blessing. Has kept me motivated; going.” Alpha is produced by Aditya Chopra, and is a part of the YRF spy-universe. It is directed by Shiv Rawail, who is known for the streaming series The Railway Men, which was also produced by YRF It is the first . female-led film from the spy-universe, and also stars Alia Bhatt and Anil Kapoor. The film’s title was unveiled in a special video by the makers. In the title reveal video, Alia Bhatt is heard saying, Sharvari “Greek alphabet ka sabclocks last se pehla akshar. Aur humare program ka working day of motive, sabse pehle, sabse tez, sabse veer. 2024, shoots Dhyaan toh action sequence har sheherse dekhojunmein ek gle hai. Aur jungle mein for Alpha hamesha Raj karega Alpha (The 1st letter of Greek alphabet, and the motive of our program. The first, the fastest of all, and the bravest of all. Look carefully, you will find a jungle in each city. And the Alpha will always rule the jungle)”. The video dismisses the notion that only men can be alphas. In the film, both Alia and Sharvari play superagents, and it looks like Aditya Chopra is presenting them as the Alpha girls of the pack in spy-universe. Created by producer Aditya Chopra, the YRF spy includes blockbusters like Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai, War, Pathaan and Tiger 3. —IANS c m y b Aamir Khan’s son Junaid Khan debuted with Maharaj . The film presented Junaid with a role that demanded depth, maturity, and an understanding of historical nuances. UNFORGETTABLE Nitanshi Goel in Laapataa Ladies In Laapataa Ladies, Nitanshi Goel gave an unforgettable performance as a young bride.