14042025-LSTL-01.qxd 4/13/2025 7:29 PM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE OWEN COOPER’S NIGHTMARE Life Actor Owen Cooper, who featured in Adolescence, says he hasn’t watched the entire show yet. Cooper said, “I just don’t like watching myself. And now Jack says it’s going into schools … that’s my worst nightmare.” WHAT’S HOT PHOTO: RAVI KUMAR chandigarh CUISINE CONNECT T HE passion project of Rajan and Deepika Sethi, Ikk Panjab now opens its doors at Chandigarh after a successful launch at Connaught Place in Delhi in January this year. The menu at Ikk Panjab is a window into the culinary treasures of the undivided Punjab, divided by Partition and united by its shared history and passion for food. It reimagines and preserves recipes that have travelled through time— from royal courts and bustling city streets to humble village kitchens and community langars. The highlights include the regal Gosht Beliram, named after a celebrated chef in Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s court, and the rustic Atta Chicken from Kotkapura, baked in a dough shell for earthy perfection. The Karachi Koyla Kadhai brings the bold flavors of West Panjab, while the soulful Lahori Chikkad Cholle captures the essence of the streets. play GUITAR & RAGAS chandigarh T HE music lovers of City Beautiful were treated with a scintillating guitar recital by Manik Kohli on the occasion of the 306th monthly Baithak programme of Pracheen Kala Kendra. The ML Koser Indoor Auditorium reverberated in an ebb and flow with the melodious strains. The programe commenced with Raag Yaman. After the melodious notes of alaap, jod alaap and jod jhala, this young artiste presented vilambit and drut gats in teen taal. It was followed by some compositions in Raga Charukeshi. Manik concluded the programme with a dhun composed in Raga Bhairavi. He was accompanied on tabla by Mahendra Prasad Verma. Supermodel Gigi Hadid has expressed her heartfelt gratitude to fans for respecting the privacy she and former partner Zayn Malik have maintained around their daughter, Khai. LUDHIANA | MONDAY | 14 APRIL 2025 For Amitt K Singh, the soul of the project and the director’s vision are more important than the platform Gurnaaz A eat Family code MITT K SINGH’s latest role as Reza in Mohrey is a far cry from the brave police officer he portrayed in Bhaukaal. He takes on a character unlike any he has portrayed before, showcasing a deeper emotional complexity and fresh approach to his craft. As he is ready to reprise his role in Season 2, he says, “Reza has different shades to his character. He’s impulsive, unpredictable, and his background and surroundings are very different from all the cast. Which was challenging yet fun to explore this character,” he explains. His commitment to authenticity comes through in his work, as he notes that if an actor is true to his craft, the audience will naturally connect to the character. “I don’t focus on making it relatable for the audience, I only try not to show ‘effort’ while shooting and be present in the moment,” Amitt shares. EVOLUTION OF AN ACTOR Looking back at his journey, Amitt credits his growth to the passage of time and experience. “An actor grows with time and experience,” he says. “For me, understanding the character, knowing the soul of the project, how my character is leading the story, and the director’s vision are more important than the medium or platform.” His transition from television to digital was a smooth one, as he views every project as an opportunity for learning. In fact, Amitt has a distinctive take on television. “I’ve never done any television show for more than three months. Somehow, I feel I’m unfit for that format,” he admits, though he’s open to surprises. ‘I am a secure actor’ NEW PROJECTS With his repertoire spanning diverse roles, from the sci-fi grandeur of Mission Mangal to the gritty crime thriller of Mohrey, Amitt isn’t looking to be boxed into any one genre. In fact, a rom-com is high on his wishlist. “I am awaiting the opportunity to try my hands at a genre that’s often a departure from the intense characters I’ve portrayed so far.” Fans can also look forward to more intriguing roles in the near future. “A feature film Wahham, based on a true story, is set to release next year, where I’m playing a CBI officer along with Vijay Raaz,” he reveals. Additionally, he’s also involved in an international project, Courage, where he plays a doctor living in the US. “It was the official entry at The Festival de Cine Global de Santo Domingo (FCGSD) this season.” THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE With the changing contours of the industry and the rise of digital platforms, Amitt is optimistic about the future of content. “OTT and ‘current cinema’ (excluding commercial) have definitely given more opportunities to talented actors,” he says, acknowledg- ing the increasing chances for actors to push their limits and perform in unique, diverse roles. “The content they are creating has a lot more chances for an actor to perform.” It’s this sense of opportunity that excites him about the future. BEYOND ACTING When he’s not acting, Amitt enjoys exploring other facets of life. “I love travelling, reading, and watching good cinema,” he shares. These hobbies keep him grounded and creative, allowing him to continue honing his craft during downtime. “I also keep doing workshops when I’m not shooting,” he adds, further emphasising his dedication to continual learning. TRUE TO THE CRAFT For Amitt, the journey is more about authenticity than perfection. Reflecting on his past roles, he says, “I’m a secure actor. Revisiting or doing things differently won’t do any good. What I did was the best I could have done at that particular moment of being.” This philosophy guides his work, allowing him to stay true to the essence of each character he portrays. Neetu Kapoor recalls her engagement with Rishi Kapoor Nostalgia alert! love FESTIVE MOOD Mohali T O celebrate the vibrant spirit of Punjab, CP67 Mall has organised Pind Di Goonj, a 17-day Baisakhi celebrations starting which will conclude on April 27. The festival kicked-off with a Baisakhi Mela showcasing puppet shows, group dance competitions on Punjabi folk songs, a live flute performance, and high-energy crowd interactions led by an anchor. The highlights of the festival are performances from Sufi sensation Kanwar Grewal and lyricist-singer Harf Cheema creating an enthralling cultural atmosphere for the people. Master puppeteer Vikram Bhat showcasing a one-of-a-kind Do Hand puppet show. Ustad Amjad Ali Khan (centre) with his sons Amaan Ali Bangash & Ayaan Ali Bangash Veteran actor Neetu Kapoor, time and again, treats fans of late star Rishi Kapoor to his priceless and vintage pictures from the past. This Sunday was no exception. Neetu took a stroll down memory lane and shared a throwback black-and-white photo of herself with Rishi Kapoor on Instagram Stories, reflecting on her engagement. “Was engaged on this day in 1979 (two hearts emoji) time flies,” she captioned the post. In the black and white picture, the young couple smiled as they looked away from the camera. Rishi and Neetu got married on January 22, 1980, and were blessed with two children, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni and superstar Ranbir Kapoor. Back in the 70s and 80s, the couple starred in several hits together like Amar Akbar Anthony, Khel Khel Mein, Rafoo Chakkar, Kabhi Kabhie, Besharam, and more, inspiring generations with both their on-screen and off-screen romance. Rishi Kapoor died on April 30, 2020, at the age of 67, after a two-year battle with leukaemia. —ANI A day to remember Kesari 2 song O Shera out San Diego names April 13 as Amjad Ali Khan Day Baisakhi celebrations on the West Coast turned joyous as the City of San Diego officially proclaimed April 13 as Amjad Ali Khan Day! The City Council President Pro Tem Kent Lee honoured Amjad Ali Khan’s extraordinary artistic achievements and his profound cultural impact as a globally celebrated virtuoso of the sarod marking the special day. Not that San Diego is the first city to bestow such an honour on the Padma Vibhushan award recipient. Back in on April 20, 1984, Governor Michael Dukakis declared Amjad Ali Khan Day in Boston, Massachusetts. San Diego’s City Council’s proclamation specifically recognises Khan’s unparalleled mastery of the sarod. It also emphasises his tireless, lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting the rich traditions of classical music, ensuring its legacy for future generations. Furthermore, the proclamation highlights Khan’s numerous collaborations with artistes from diverse genres. Expressing his gratitude, c m y b Khan stated, “I am extremely honoured and humbled by the great honour bestowed upon me by Council President Pro Tem Kent Lee by declaring April 13 as Amjad Ali Khan Day in a proclamation made by the city council of the city of San Diego. Every award is a blessing for any artiste especially when they receive it at a time while they are still serving the world of music.” Currently, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan is on a tour in the US with his sons and disciples, Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash. — TNS AKSHAY KUMAR & ANANYA PANDAY The release date of Kesari 2 is around the corner and the makers are leaving no stone unturned to create excitement among the audience. On Saturday evening, O Shera song was unveiled. “Ab Samay aa gaya hai sachchai ki garaj sunne aur veerta ki takat mehsoos karne ka. O Shera (Teer Te Taj film version) song out now. #KesariChapter2 in cinemas 18th April, worldwide,” a post read on Zee Music Company’s Instagram handle. Kesari Chapter 2 will focus on the untold story of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. The lead star Akshay Kumar will play the legendary advocate C Sankaran Nair in the film. Actors R. Madhavan and Ananya Panday are also a part of Kesari 2. The film will be released on April 18. —ANI