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M. 82890-54134 To keep your artistic voice intact, you have to understand the economy of India, which is so different from that of Europe or the US. For, unlike the West we don’t we have the culture of grants. Faraz Ali, whose short film Obur swept the Critics’ Choice Awards this year, says he wanted to show that there is life in the Valley NonikaSingh A WARD winning filmmaker Faraz Ali’s short film Obur is a revelation in more ways than one. Telling the story of a young boy in Kashmir, it neither trains its lens on military nor militancy. What’s more, the entire film is shot on an Iphone. As Obur literally swept the Critics’ Choice Awards this year, winning no less than four awards for best film, direction, cinematography and writing in short film category, Ali shares, “All through the making of the film, I prioritised storytelling over anything else.” Encapsu- lating the tale of a mother and son and how power outage affects him, he wanted to draw attention to everyday issues of ordinary mortals. Hailing from Allahabad, now Prayagraj, Ali was inadvertently drawn to The Valley often represented in broad strokes of beauty or terror. What struck him the most was, “There is life beyond the shadow of the gun. People have fun, why even we played cricked on its streets, and above all there is hope.” In fact, the talented filmmaker’s earlier feature Shoebox was on his hometown, Allahabad, which he has seen changing so much that it became a friend he grew up with, but could no longer relate to its changing characteristics. Truth of the city is interesting for him, “Allahabad is a fragment of my memory.” He shares how personification of a city is evident more impactfully in films like Garam Hawa. He observes, “The same city can be seen differently through the gaze of different filmmakers. For instance, the Bombay seen in Ram Gopal Varma’s movies is so different from the one in The Lunchbox. The one in Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light is again markedly unique.” Only he doesn’t find much difference between the problems of people in different cities. Yes, even those living in the Valley face similar predicaments as any other. GOING BY THE FEEL More than facts, he feels its truth which will survive the test of time. Indeed, each person’s vantage point is unique. He states, “Sky is blue is a fact. But I might see sorrow in it, whereas another maker might sense happiness.” Hence, it’s not ‘seeing is believing’ for him but feeling is. As he puts it, “Your gut instinct always tells you what is right.” Interestingly, capturing the film on a mobile phone seemed the right choice for this advertis- ing professional. For it meant the crew didn’t have to drag heavy equipment through snow-laden terrains and reach remote areas. “Choice of equipment complements your story.” Since most actors were facing the camera for the first time, he reveals, “They were not intimidated by a mobile phone as they were quite accustomed to making reels on it.” Ali’s background in advertising is not the reason why he turned to making films. His cinematic sensibility may not have been shaped by his vocation of making commercials. He opines, “To keep your artistic voice intact, you have to understand the economy of India, which is so different from that of Europe or the US. For, unlike the West we don’t we have the culture of grants.” So, he believes in the axiom, ‘one for the soul and one for the kitchen’, with the later invariably, feeding his artistic integrity. He quips, “Why does a filmmaker have to die in penury?” WONDER OF CINEMA In the near future, he will once again be making a film on Kashmir, hoping to pull off a comedy, but in long term he does not want to burden himself with expectations of particular kind of films he would ‘Balance is the key to fitness’ stronger and more connected to my body. And, of course, weight training is my go-to for feeling powerful. Have you ever tried meditation? Simaran Kaur, who is currently seen in Jamai No. 1 on Zee TV, takes her fitness regimen quite seriously. Know her mantra to staying fit. Simaran Kaur does not mind indulging in a slice of chocolate cake or a comforting bowl of pasta, but she makes it up with an extra hour in the gym What’s your daily fitness routine? I like to mix things up to keep it fun and challenging! My routine usually includes Pilates for flexibility and core strength, weight training for toning, and cardio to stay agile and build stamina. Depending on my schedule, I alternate or combine them throughout the week. Do you follow a specific diet or nutrition plan? I don’t believe in crash diets. I focus on balanced nutrition—lots of greens, protein, healthy fats and hydration. I try to eat mindfully and fuel my body based on what it needs, rather than restricting myself. I believe in eating clean, balanced meals that support my fitness routine. My diet includes proteinrich foods like Greek yogurt, paneer, tofu, and legumes. For sustained energy, I rely on complex carbs, such as oats, quinoa, brown rice, sweet potatoes, and millets like ragi and jowar. Healthy fats are equally important, so I include nuts, seeds, avocado, and a little ghee or olive oil. Hydration is the key, so apart from drinking plenty of water, I also have coconut water and herbal teas. For snacks, I prefer roasted makhana, fruits, nut butter with apple slices, or a small portion of trail mix. It’s all about variety, nourishment, and listening to what my body needs. What’s your go-to meal for a healthy and fit body? It can be anything from grilled veggies with some paneer or tofu to vegetable chila, oats, bread and peanut butter etc. Do you believe in cheat days? If so, what’s your favourite indulgence? Absolutely! I believe food is meant to be enjoyed. My favorite indulgence has to be a good slice of chocolate cake or a comforting bowl of pasta. But I think balance is the key to fitness. How do you keep up with skincare and wellness amidst a hectic schedule? Cleansing, moisturising, and sunscreen are important, no matter how packed my day is. I truly believe that even five minutes of care every day makes a huge difference in the longer run. I always keep a travel-size face mist and c m y b lip balm in my bag, especially during shoots or events. It helps me feel refreshed instantly. Wellness, for me, also means listening to my body. I try to stay hydrated, sneak in quick breathing exercises or stretches whenever possible, and get quality sleep when I can. What’s your favorite workout or fitness trend? Lately, I’ve been loving Pilates—it’s graceful yet so effective. It helps me feel Yes, and it’s made a huge difference. Even 10 minutes of meditation in the morning helps me set the tone for the day. It keeps me grounded and focused, no matter how hectic things get. How do you maintain your energy levels while working long hours? Staying hydrated and eat small, nutritious meals throughout the day. I also carry some healthy snacks on set. A quick breathing break or stretching between shots recharges me instantly. How important is discipline in maintaining a healthy lifestyle? It’s everything! Motivation can fluctuate, but discipline keeps you going. Even on low-energy days, I try to show up for myself—whether that’s doing a light workout or just eating clean. What fitness advice would you give to someone looking to start their journey? Start small, but be consistent. Find a workout you enjoy, listen to your body, and don’t compare your journey with anyone else’s. Fitness isn’t just about the body—it’s about your overall well-being. — Dharam Pal like to be known for. All he wants is, “To have a great time while making films and ensure that no one on his sets is having a bad time. While I am in the thick of action, my prime motive is to make films ethically.” For him, means don’t justify the end but are as important the final goal. Thus, to the aspirants from small towns desirous of taking a plunge into the world of filmmaking, he does not have any advice, only ready to offer a ‘non- toxic environment’, so when they work with him, the wonder of cinema is intact. Winning awards may not be sine qua non for keeping his sense of amazement or love for cinema alive. But as he states, “It puts the spotlight on you. Every filmmaker needs that attention. Success of each film decides what you make next. Besides, it might inspire someone writing a beautiful story sitting in Kashmir to make one.” Of course, beyond success or failure, curiosity for him is the real trigger. As Walt Disney said, “We keep moving forward, opening new doors and doing new things, because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.” Rest assured, Ali will be forging new ones. Global star Priyanka Chopra Jonas joins Will Ferrell-Zac Efron’s upcoming comedy film Actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas will be featuring alongside Hollywood stars Will Ferrell and Zac Efron in an upcoming comedy film by director Nicholas Stoller. Priyanka joined the project along with Michael Pena, the star of movies and shows such as Shooter, Fury, End of Watch, Narcos: Mexico and Jack Ryan. The movie, which was earlier titled Judgment Day, focuses on a young convict (Efron) who gets out of prison and takes an unscripted TV courtroom hostage, as he is convinced that the judge (Ferrell) delivered a ruling that destroyed his life. The cast also includes Oscarwinner Regina Hall, Jimmy Tatro and Billy Eichner. The project reunites Priyanka with Efron, her costar from the 2017 movie Baywatch. Priyanka’s upcoming projects also include The Bluff and Heads of State, starring John Cena and Idris Elba. She is also awaiting the second season of her action series Citadel. — PTI