25012025-LSTL-01.qxd 1/24/2025 8:35 PM Page 1 c m y b BENEDICT TO RETURN AS SHERLOCK? Benedict Cumberbatch, renowned for his portrayal of the iconic detective Sherlock Holmes, has addressed the possibility of returning to the beloved role in the future. While Sherlock has undoubtedly been one of the defining roles of Cumberbatch’s career, the actor said he was not interested in being confined to any one character. TRIBUNE Taking a dig Life After the biographical film Emergency faced protest, Kangana Ranajut used social media to take a dig at the Indian politicians for their pindrop silence on the matter. LUDHIANA | SATURDAY | 25 JANUARY 2025 In gratitude Gurnaaz The cast of Punjabi film Shukrana— Neeru Bajwa, Jass Bajwa and Amrit Maan— believes content is king now and the audience only admires genuine scripts I F you think it is comedy and light-hearted content that dominates Punjabi films, Shukrana, streaming on OTT platform Chaupal, reflects the continuous evolution of the industry. The film emerges as a refreshing change. It’s a narrative that not only reflects the struggles and triumphs of ordinary life, but also conveys a universal message of gratitude, strength and emotional depth. And its actors Jass Bajwa, Neeru Bajwa and Amrit Mann remain committed to telling real, heartfelt stories that resonate with a broader audience. AUTHENTIC PORTRAYAL: Jass Bajwa Jass Bajwa, known for his dual talents in singing and acting, reflects on the novelty that Shukrana brings to the showbiz landscape. “It’s a challenge to write such scripts when Punjabi cinema is perceived as a source of comedy content,” he shares. The depth and emotional arc of the film appealed to him, especially the way it authentically portrays the struggles of a Punjabi household. “I liked the emotions, the depth and the storyline that depict the true essence of a Punjabi family. Anyone can relate to it.” Jass also speaks fondly of his co-star Neeru Bajwa, calling her one of the finest actors he’s had the privilege to work with. “She is a wonderful actor. She is someone whose films I have always appreciated, and to work with her was adding a feather in my cap,” he says. When it comes to his future projects, Bajwa is looking forward to Sarpanchi 2. MOVING BEYOND LOOKS: Neeru Bajwa For Neeru Bajwa, a powerhouse in the Punjabi film industry, playing JASS BAJWA a de-glam look was a refreshing shift, as she is known for her glamorous presence. “I was very happy when I read the script that someone tried to utilise my skills. The audience is also maturing as they’re more interested in content now than just glamour,” she says. The evolution of Punjabi cinema has been a significant journey for Neeru. She recalls how in the past Bollywood influenced the trends. “When the films were made during earlier times, most of the content was inspired by Bollywood, but now we’re making films of Punjab and by Punjab, which are being appreciated by people outside the country as well.” The landscape of cinema is shifting and Neeru believes it’s the content that holds the most value now. For Neeru, who has a Hindi film in her kit- AMRIT MANN ty, the idea of returning to Bollywood isn’t about nostalgia, but finding scripts that resonate. “I don’t mind doing Hindi projects, but all I want is good scripts where I can give my 100 per cent,” she says. ALL FOR GOOD CONTENT: Amrit Maan If you also think Shukrana is something totally different from all that Amrit Mann has done so far, the singer-actor quips, “Well, that’s the other shade of a good, biba Punjabi munda.” When asked whether singing or acting comes first, Amrit is quick to point out that while he’s selective about his acting roles, music is deeply intertwined with his soul. “I am very choosy about my acting projects, but music is something that comes from my soul,” he says. He envisions a future in films that are grounded in real, impactful stories. “Good content, with strong roles, real stories from Punjab,” he sums up his aspirations. The essence of gratitude that Shukrana conveys isn’t just a theme in the film, but something Amrit carries into his personal life as well. “Life is not fair to everyone or in every situation. You experience both good and bad times. At times, you feel supported, and at other times you feel unsupported. But the key to standing tall in every situation is having gratitude towards the Almighty,” Amrit reflects. It’s a sentiment that resonates with the very core of the movie, a story about standing strong through the highs and lows, with a sense of gratitude that pushes you forward. NEERU BAJWA Short creates big impact Priyanka Chopra and Guneet Monga hail Oscar nod for short film Anuja Hollywood stars Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Mindy Kaling, and Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga have celebrated the Academy Award nomination of their film Anuja in the Live Action Short category. The New Delhi-set short film from directors Adam J Graves and Suchitra Mattai is pitted against A Lien, I’m Not a Robot, The Last Ranger and The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent in the category at the Oscars 2025. The nominations for the upcoming award ceremony, which were twice postponed earlier this month due to wildfires in Los Angeles, were announced by comedians Bowen Yang and Rachel Sennott on Thursday. “Anuja follows a gifted nine-yearold, Anuja, who must make a choice between education and factory work alongside her sister—a decision that will shape both their futures. It stars Sajda Pathan and Ananya Shanbhag. Monga serves as an executive producer on the film, with Mindy Kaling taking on the role of producer. Recently, Priyanka Chopra Jonas also came on board as an executive producer. “Yaaaay! Anuja is heading to the 2025 Oscars as a nominee for Best Live Action Short Film! Incredible! Thank you to @theacademy for the amazing honour,” Priyanka posted on TEAM WICKED Netflix’s Spanish-language musical Emilia Perez topped the list of movies nominated on Thursday for Academy Awards, followed by The Brutalist and Wicked. Emilia Perez, the story of a Mexican drug lord who transitions to a woman and starts a new life, earned 13 nominations. The Brutalist, about a Holocaust survivor chasing the American dream, and The Wizard of Oz prequel Wicked picked up 10 nods each. All three films will compete for the coveted best picture trophy at the Oscars ceremony in Hollywood on March 2. A Complete Unknown, starring Timothee Chalamet as a young Bob Dylan, dark romantic comedy Anora and papal selection drama Conclave also landed in the best picture race. The other nominated films were the science-fiction blockbuster Dune: Part 2, Brazilian political docudrama I’m Still Here, racial drama Nickel Boys and horror movie The Substance. Nominations for the film industry’s highest honours were postponed twice as Los Angeles grappled with wildfires that devastated Emilia Perez leads Oscar nominations THE CAST AND CREW OF EMILIA PEREZ parts of the city this month. Several red-carpet celebrations have been postponed or cancelled. First nod for Demi Moore Demi Moore has added new glory to her career as she is being recognised for her firstever Oscar nomination for her role in The Substance. The 62-year-old actress was named one of the five contenders for Best Actress at the 2025 Academy Awards on Thursday. Moore shared, “Being nominated for an Oscar is an incredible honour, and these last few months have been beyond my wildest dreams. Truly, there are no words to fully express my joy and overwhelming gratitude for this recognition. Not only for me, but for what this film represents. I am deeply humbled.” In her statement, the actress also opened up about the challenges her community is facing due to recent fires in Los Angeles. “This is a time of incredible contrasts, and right now, my heart is with my friends, family, neighbours and community here in LA,” she wrote. “The fires have devastated so many lives, but to see the way our community has united leaves me in awe of the resilience and compassion that defines us, and this moment is a reminder of how incredible we are when we stand together,” Moore added. The Substance is a dark horror comedy in which Moore plays Elisabeth Sparkle, a struggling actress who begins taking a mysterious drug to stay young and relevant. The drug creates a younger version of herself, played by Margaret Qualley, and the two must share their public lives - a fragile balance that soon spirals out of control. The role has earned Moore rave reviews and a Golden Globe win for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical. — Reuters & ANI GUNEET MONGA AND PRIYANKA CHOPRA DEMI MOORE c m y b Instagram. “It’s an honour for @purplepebblepictures and I to be a small part of this film’s journey alongside our amazing partners @suchitramattaistudio, @mindykaling, @guneetmonga, and @shine.global,” she added. Kaling hailed Anuja as a story of ‘resilience, sisterhood, and hope’. “We’re incredibly honoured to be nominated for Best Live Action Short Film at the Academy Awards 2025... It has been such an honour to produce this short film and learn from the artistes involved. So proud @kalinginternational gets to be a part,” she wrote on Instagram. Monga, who earlier produced the 2023 Academy Award-winning documentary short film The Elephant Whisperers, said Anuja is an ode to the ‘unbreakable bond between two sisters who dared to dream beyond their circumstances’. “Ultimately it is a celebration of all the beautiful children who face dire circumstances every day around the world. Even through unimaginable odds, they show us there is reason to smile. We are endlessly grateful to our team, partners and audiences — who believed in Anuja and carried its message across the globe. This nomination is a testament to how a story made with all heart can transcend all borders, sparking meaningful conversations about education, child labour rights, and the dreams of young children everywhere,” Monga said. — PTI