24012025-LSTC-01.qxd 1/23/2025 8:27 PM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE Sequel time Ben Affleck is back on the big screen with the sequel to his 2016 hit action film The Accountant. Amazon MGM Studios unveiled the first look of The Accountant 2. LUDHIANA | FRIDAY | 24 JANUARY 2025 Let’s have fun PHOTO: VICKY From loving comedies to being in one, actress Neha Sharma is looking forward to the shoot of her next Punjabi film Sanjog Mona F Ode to tradition Nita Ambani’s sareefor Trump’s swearing-in featured a hundred traditional motifs As the world gathered in Washington for PresidentElect Donald Trump's swearing-in ceremony, Nita Ambani, Chairperson Reliance Foundation, graced the Private Reception with her characteristic elegance. Draped in a traditional Kanchipuram silk saree by Swadesh, designed with extensive research to feature over 100 significant traditional motifs inspired by the spiritual and historical essence of Kanchipuram's grand temples, and adorned with 18th-century heritage Indian jewellery, she carried the soul of India to the stage of the world. The custom-made saree, woven by National Award-winning master artisan B. Krishnamoorthy, featured intricate and meticulously chosen motifs like the Iruthalaipakshi (double-headed eagle symbolising Lord Vishnu), Mayil (representing immortality and divinity), and the mythical Sorgavasal animal trails (embodying the charm of India's rich folklore). Adding a contemporary touch, the saree was paired with a Manish Malhotra velvet blouse with a built-up neckline and intricate beadwork along the sleeve hem—epitomising timeless sophistication. Complementing this masterpiece was a 200-year-old rare Indian pendant crafted in Southern India—a parrot-shaped treasure encrusted with emeralds, rubies, diamonds, and pearls set in gold Kundan technique with red and green enamel. — ANI OR actress Neha Sharma, each visit to Chandigarh is like being back home. Even though she belongs to Bhagalpur, Bihar, it’s the relaxed pace of life here that gives her a warm feeling. In the city recently, Neha shared, “Chandigarh is one of my favourite cities. Each time I come here I am bowled over; it’s so green and clean. People don’t seem to be in any rush, unlike the fast-paced Mumbai. Coming here is so relaxing.” Even though each time that the Crook actress comes to the city, it’s for work, she said, “Work doesn’t feel like work here, the great vibe of the city rather rejuvenates me.” From a political lineage (her father Ajit Sharma is a Congress MLA in Bihar), Neha started with an aim to pursue fashion design and studied at the National Institute of Fashion Technology in New Delhi. While studying, she got into modelling I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE and films. SCRIPT OF SANJOG, IT’S She opened her film HUGELY ENTERTAINING AND innings with a Telugu MY CHARACTER IS QUITE A film in 2007 and over the years, she has been LOT OF FUN. part of Tamil, MalayNEHA SHARMA alam and Hindi films, including Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum, Yamla Pagla Deewana 2 and Tanhaji. POLLYWOOD CALLING Language is certainly no A fan of comedies, she is barrier for this actress, who looking forward to be her also has to her credit a Man- next, Sanjog. Neha has darin film Xuanzang—a been part of Punjabi movie 2016 Chinese-Indian histor- Ik Sandhu Hunda Si earlier. Sanjog, to be directed by ical adventure film. ❝ Harish Gargi, would see Neha Sharma join Jassi Gill, Happy Raikoti and many other known faces of Pollywood. “I have long enjoyed Punjabi comedies and to be a part of one is quite wonderful.” Touted as a gripping Punjabi movie filled with emotion, drama and unforgettable moments, it offers a peep into a world of destiny, love and unforgettable twists. “I fell in love with the script, it’s hugely entertaining and my character is fun,” shared Neha, who is looking forward to the month-long shoot schedule in Punjab later this year. In tricity, to inaugurate NITZ Beauty Lab & Co, she looked gorgeous in an eth- nic velvet ensemble. “NITZ Beauty offers diverse services and is soon going to be a hotspot for brides and grooms to be. I saw their fashion show and am quite impressed by their hair and makeup dos.” Neha is raring to be back for the film shoot, and hoping to explore the City Beautiful more. A leaf from history The fans of Vicky Kaushal are in for a treat as the trailer of his highly anticipated period drama film Chhaava has been released. The movie is slated to release in theatres on February 14. Produced under the banner of Maddock Films, Chhaava is a period drama that portrays the legendary story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, played by Vicky Kaushal. The film is set to depict the courageous Maratha ruler’s legendary reign, beginning with his coronation in 1681. The movie has been directed by Laxman Utekar. The trailer of Chhaava offers a glimpse of an adrenaline-fuelled epic war between Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, played by Vicky Kaushal, and Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, played by Akshaye Trailer of Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna, released SACHIN TENDULKAR WITH WIFE ANJALI, DAUGHTER SARA AND BRITISH SINGER CHRIS MARTIN High PITCH Marking half-a-decade of serving the less-privileged, the Sachin Tendulkar Foundation (STF) held a close-knit celebration in Mumbai at The Bombay Club. Tributes from friends, family, well-wishers and non-profit partners flowed, as STF reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring better living with primary focus areas of health, education and sports for children. The theme of the evening, ‘Shine Brighter Together’ shed light on the Foundation’s core idea of impacting lives, especially children, through sports, health and education. Meanwhile, Coldplay’s Chris Martin was in atten- Celebration at Sachin Tendulkar Foundation was a starry affair SAGARIKA GHATGE dance and engaged in a tetea-tete with Sachin Tendulkar on stage. Pressing on the Foundation’s journey, Sachin shared, “When I walked back to the pavilion one last time, I had an inkling in my mind that my innings was far from over. Anjali and I had this vision to do something to SHANKAR MAHADEVAN ease living for the less privileged and give young dreamers some assistance to believe in themselves and take flight. We realised that the germination of the idea was easier than implementing it. Eventually, STF came into being and now we’ve traversed half-a-decade of doing our bit.” —ANI Khanna. Rashmika Mandanna looks elegant as the Queen of Swarajya, playing the role of Maharani Yesubai Bhonsale, Chatrapati Maharani of the Maratha Kingdom. The trailer is full of breath-taking visuals and powerful scenes of Vicky. Akshaye looks ruthless in the film. Among many powerful scenes in the trailer, one which stood out the most was the epic battle between Vicky and a lion in an enclosed space surrounded by spectators. At the trailer launch in Mumbai, the director said, “Everything from the sets to the costume to the dialogues have been kept as authentic as possible. The trailer is just the first glimpse of this extraordinary journey,” he said. — ANI A woman’s world Actress and environmentalist Bhumi Pednekar, who is at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, talked about the challenges in bringing about greater gender equality in society and also about her acting career. Recognised as a Young Global Leader (YGL) by the World Economic Forum last year, Bhumi Pednekar said c m y b she was keen to be a good role model for young girls who watch movies. “We all are here just to have positive conversations about how can we make the world better and, honestly, I’m full of gratitude that I was given this opportunity because right from the start of my career with my work on screen and off screen, I’ve Bhumi Pednekar talks about gender equality at the World Economic Forum in Davos truly tried to make a difference,” she said. Bhumi said there was a need for more women in places of power. “We need women in places of power and this change needs to happen from a grassroots level— from the grassroots level to boardrooms. We need to see women in the process of decision-making.” — ANI