22022025-LSTL-01.qxd 2/21/2025 8:29 PM Page 1 c m y b WATCH OUT FOR DUPAHIYA Prime Video will premiere its upcoming Original comedy series Dupahiya on March 7. The nineepisode series weaves fun and drama with small-town charm. TRIBUNE Life Heartfelt journey Renowned singer Shreya Ghoshal’s new track Namo Shankara is out and she said it was more than just a song. It was rather a heartfelt journey that connects to the cosmic energy of Shambho Shiva. LUDHIANA | SATURDAY | 22 FEBRUARY 2025 In Chandigarh, former supermodel Marc Robinson says diversity isn’t going to be the mainstay for long, but AI is in for a long haul On the Kani or Punjabi Phulkari, handwork is going to stay, coexistence being the key here.” MAKE EDUCATION YOUR MAINSTAY Marc Mona PHOTO: RAVI KUMAR H E practises what he preaches; 35 years strong in the modelling and fashion industry, one of India’s first male supermodels, Marc Robinson kept his yearly date with the City Beautiful! In Chandigarh for Pepe Jeans Fashion Designer Awards 2025 Student Edition, as he addressed the budding designers at INIFD Chandigarh, the enthusiasm and excitement was palpable, especially since the last year’s award winner Arbaz Khan was from the same institute! Marc has been living his passion—to scout and hone talent from small places and take them to the world stage—for years now. Arbaz has since moved on and is now working with a leading fashion designer Arjun Khanna in Mumbai. Very proud of another feat, he shares, “This is what keeps me enthused even after decades in the industry. To meet these young talented boys and girls, shy and introvert, without any passport, finding it difficult to converse in English, and then to break every barrier that is and shine on the global stage, is wonderful.” Marc recalls when he launched Elite Model Look India, he had to intervene for ensuring visas for the models. “Now those very people are living and working in Paris and Milan, opening shows for big names like Versace,” says Marc, rocking his blond look. STICKING TO THE BASICS With Artificial Intelligence and diversity being the buzzwords, driving every field, including beauty and fashion, the rules remain basic and simple. “We may run with it, but diversity isn’t PHOTO: PRADEEP TEWARI going to be the mainstay for long, as we saw lately with beauty pageants,” says Marc. Courtesy Donald Trump, who proclaimed ‘the US government will recognise only two sexes, male and female’, Marc points out, “When the President of America says so, it’s hard to overlook.” Marc recalls meeting Trump in Russia for Mrs Universe contest. “He was Mrs Universe licensee then and has influenced the beauty pageant For the newcomers trying to make a mark in the glamour world, he repeats his own formula. “Make education your mainstay, be a model as a hobby, go to your job till you have so much work that you cannot give time to your job.” Interestingly, this is the path he took too. Working with KLM Airlines in Delhi in sales and marketing, he kept his 9 to 5 job till he got so many modelling and fashion show assignment that he couldn’t get to work. “I remember flying in and out of Bombay, at times 26 days a month.” And this is the mantra he gives to his youngest daughter Sienna, who wants to pursue in his footsteps. While his elder daughter Chanel is in the veterinary field, his son interested in finance, he is happy the genes have taken the effect in Sienna, who is interested in modelling and fashion. “But I tell her to make academics a priority first.” As for choosing an agency to represent, he advices, “Do thorough research. See who all the agency is representing, and if it signs you, can it fetch The term you work? It any agency is supermodel isn’t asking money from you, it relevant anymore. The might not be right.” Marc loves coming to models who could have been Chandigarh! While his supermodels, including Katrina team flies from Mumbai, Kaif and Deepika Padukone, took Marc ties his Chandigarh assignments to the ones to Bollywood and made it big in Delhi, so that he can there. Now ramps are ruled take a car ride and stop at scene for a significant the dhabas to sip kulhad tea. by films and sports amount of time.” Any changes that he has stars. As for AI, Marc points out, noticed? “Food has only gotten bet“It’s going to be in for a long haul. ter and now the dhabas have stepped But we need to be cautious. As Elon up to become Instagram worthy.” And before Musk says ‘we are summoning the demon’.” he heads back, he ensures to stock up on gajar But he doesn’t worry about the competition. ka halwa, mathri and namakparas, “I am big “AI would still need human input. One can go as on winter savouries and ensure to take them diverse or not when using AI, but be it Kashmiri back to Mumbai with me.” Character wise Bhumi Pednekar reveals key references that shaped her role in Mere Husband Ki Biwi Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar recently opened up about the reference she drew for her character in the film Mere Husband Ki Biwi. The actress plays the role of Prableen, a typical Punjabi woman whose personality traits drive much of the film’s intriguing storyline. Bhumi shared that most of her references for portraying her character came from her director, Mudassar Aziz. She revealed that Mudassar’s strong grip on language helped her refine her portrayal. The Dum Laga Ke Haisha actress also expressed gratitude for working with him, as she felt protected and supported throughout the process, allowing her to explore and embody the role fully. Pednekar shared, “Mudassar sir’s hold on the language is very strong. Most of my work references came from. Whenever my language went off-track, he would always correct me,” she explained. She added, “I feel very fortunate to have gotten a character like this with him because I was very protected.” Bhumi also reflected on the uniqueness of playing such a character, “I haven’t done a film like this before, nor have I played a character like this. When I read the script, I found many similarities between me and my character.” Mere Husband Ki Biwi also stars Arjun Kapoor and Rakul Preet Singh. — IANS Treasure hunt! Vinya Singh In the quiet campus of Alliance Française, Chandigarh, a curious installation has transformed the premises into a treasure hunt. Artworks come to life, fantastical animals whisper questions and figures move, surrounding the onlookers with mystical creatures, invisible to the naked eye. With a simple scan of your phone, a fluorescent cat appears, watching you with glowing eyes or a fox before you, asking an unexpected question. This is the magic of Uramado by Julie Stephen Chheng, a Paris-based artist whose innovative augmented reality (AR) art installation is full of spirit animals guiding visitors through an interactive journey of self-discovery. The artist effectively blends digital storytelling with traditional paper-based art to create the exhibition, inviting visitors to explore hidden AR artworks scat- Uramado by Julie Stephen Chheng, a Paris-based artist’s innovative augmented reality art installation, combines art and psychology to create a great experience tered across the campus courtyard and library. Using a special app called Uramado AR, each scan reveals a beautifully designed Tanuki, mythical racoons with the ability to shape shift—ranging from majestic lion to tranquil owl, each representing different personality traits and emotions. But there’s more, each animal poses a thought-provoking question to the visitor, encouraging reflection on personal growth, natural elements and the spirit world. As quiz players progress, they collect digital spirit animals within the app. By the end of the experience, their responses unfold into the shape of a personalised result, revealing their own custom spirit animal and the symbolism like if the individual is connected more to the day or the night! Eva Saini, a visitor, says, “According to the app, I have l’esprit du Chat! and I do agree with the nocturnal symbolisms of cats.” The installation combines art, psychology, and ‘gamification’ to create a deeply immersive experience—one that resonates with the visitors. Fanny, the institution’s librarian, says, “The exhibition has something to offer to both the young and adults, while developing language skills.” (Open to visitors till February 28 between 10 am to 5 pm on workdays) Star power! Martin Scorsese’s crime drama to star Dwayne Johnson, Leonardo DiCaprio Martin Scorsese-directed crime drama is set to feature Dwayne Johnson, Leonardo DiCaprio and Emily Blunt. The untitled film will revolve around the story of a world of organised crime in Hawaii, based on a real-life crime boss who fought to control the underworld during the 1960s and 70s. Written by Nick Bilton, the story follows a powerful and ruthless Hawaiian mob leader, similar to Robert De Niro’s character in Goodfellas, who battled rival factions and mainland corporations to dominate Hawaii’s criminal empire. The film will depict his rise to power, his violent struggles and his fight to protect his ancestral land. Meanwhile, this also marks another major collaboration between Scorsese and DiCaprio, who have worked together on films like The Departed, Gangs of New York, and Killers of the Flower Moon. Johnson and Blunt are also reuniting after their work on Jungle Cruise. Johnson, who has strong ties to Hawaii, has long wanted to make a film set in the islands. The film’s producers include Scorsese, Johnson, DiCaprio, Blunt, Bilton, Dany Garcia, Lisa Frechette, and Rick Yorn. Johnson and Blunt initially pitched the idea to Scorsese and DiCaprio, who then brought Bilton on board as the screenwriter. Bilton will begin writing once the project is fully set up. — ANI EMILY BLUNT c m y b