20042025-LSTL-01.qxd 4/19/2025 8:55 PM Page 1 c m y b JOHN TO PLAY DUMBLEDORE John Lithgow is set to play the role of Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series. Many Harry Potter fans expressed displeasure over his casting. While talking on BBC’s One Show, Lithgow said, “I will be following the great Michael Gambon. I’m not an Englishman, although I’ve played one on TV,” he said. TRIBUNE Selfie obsessed Life Kareena Kapoor has treated her fans with a glimpse of her obsession with ‘selfies’. The Crew actor posted an album of adorable selfies on Instagram and wrote, “More selfies than I thought... sorry not sorry...” LUDHIANA | SUNDAY | 20 APRIL 2025 Meet these five Bollywood actors who will be seen in patriotic films in 2025 They arebattle-ready Akshay Kumar dishes out yet another patriotic film, Kesari Chapter 2. He plays Sir C Sankaran Nair, who battles the might of colonial Britain to uncover the truth behind the savage slaughter of hundreds of unarmed Indians who had congregated at Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar on April 13, 1919. As Bollywood continues to explore themes of valour, 2025 is shaping up to be a significant year for patriotic cinema. Several leading men—from veterans to newcomers—are all set to bring stirring tales of bravery and sacrifice to the big screen. Here’s a look at five actors who will be seen donning the uniform or flying the tricolor high in upcoming films: BRAVE HEART: Varun Dhawan—Border 2 Varun Dhawan is gearing up for Border 2, the follow-up to the 1997 classic Border, which continues to hold a cult status. Taking the baton forward, Varun will step into the boots of a young soldier, bringing a modern lens to wartime bravery. The film is expected to blend high-octane battlefield sequences with emotional depth, capturing the camaraderie, sacrifice, and patriotism of India’s armed forces. For Varun, this marks a significant shift from his usual commercial entertainer image, as he ventures into more mature territory. REAL STORY: Farhan Akhtar—120 Bahadur TALE OF HEROISM: Sikandar Kher—Ikkis GROUND REALITY: Emraan Hashmi –Ground Zero Farhan Akhtar returns to the big screen in a war-based epic titled 120 Bahadur, inspired by a real-life story of 120 soldiers who defied all odds in a heroic stand-off. Known for his dedication to physically and emotionally prepare for his characters (Bhaag Milkha Bhaag being a standout), Farhan is undergoing rigorous training to embody the discipline and demeanor of a seasoned military commander. The film promises to be a powerful tribute to unsung heroes, and with Farhan at the helm, it’s expected to pack both grit and gravitas. Sikandar Kher will be seen in Sriram Raghavan’s war drama Ikkis. Sikandar will portray an Army man, showcasing the resilience, discipline, and heroism of the armed forces. The film, reportedly based on the life of Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal, is set against the backdrop of the 1971 Indo-Pak War. Emraan Hashmi takes a detour from his typical romantic and thriller roles with Ground Zero, a gripping patriotic drama set in Kashmir. In the film, he plays an Indian Army officer stationed at one of the most volatile borders in the country. The narrative is expected to delve into the mental and emotional toll of serving in conflict zones. YOUNG AND PROUD Ibrahim Ali Khan— Sar Zameen Ibrahim Ali Khan, the promising newcomer and son of Saif Ali Khan, will star in Sar Zameen, a patriotic drama that’s already generating significant buzz. Produced by Dharma Productions, the film reportedly revolves around a young Army cadet’s coming-of-age journey. With a story that blends emotion, action, and national pride, Sar Zameen will be a fresh addition to India’s war-drama genre. AKSHAY KUMAR It doesn’t take much to breathe life into your living space. With a gentle hand and keen eye, you can transform your house into a comfort zone AnanditaGupta Our homes are a mirror to our hearts. When the world outside feels overwhelming, it’s the little corners of our home that hold us together—our favourite chair by the window, the soft throw blanket, light that filters through those old cotton curtains. It doesn’t take much to breathe life into a space. It just takes intention. A gentle hand, a keen eye, and a heart that seeks beauty in the everyday. If your home feels a bit dull lately—like it’s waiting to exhale—maybe it’s time to add a little soul back into it. Let’s not aim for perfection. Instead, let’s fill our spaces with warmth, stories, colours, and textures that speak to us. Here’s how you can start... HOME classy home! PHOTOS: ISTOCK MY SPACE, MY RULE Splash of mood-lifting colours Colours have a magical way of setting the mood. So, why not paint your home with feelings? Let soft, oceanic blues or seafoam greens lull your bedrooms and minds into peace after a long day. Invite sunlight into your kitchens with cheerful corals, sunny yellows or terracotta accents—colours that smell of turmeric, spice and childhood breakfasts. Let your living rooms come alive with earthy neutrals (warm beiges), pops of forest greens, or charcoal greys, accented with burnt orange or indigo—creating a balance of calm and energy. Choose shades that feel like you. Let every room carry its own heartbeat. Let drapes flow like poetry There’s something inherently romantic about long, flowing drapes swaying with the breeze. Ditch the heavy curtains and opt for sheer, breath- able fabrics. Airy cottons, flowing mulmul or hand-woven chanderis in pastels or block-printed patterns lend an old-world grace. Whites and pastels can let light in while adding elegance and movement to your room. They create an effortless sense of softness and openness. your hallway, a Warli mural near your study, or even framed Pattachitra prints in the living room can bring a piece of history into your home. These artworks don’t just beautify walls—they tell stories of tradition, community and culture. Supporting local artisans while doing so is just the icing on the cake. Spirit of India through art Indian folk art is not just decor—it’s a legacy. A Madhubani painting in Add green friends to corners No home ever feels truly alive without a touch of green. c m y b Whether it’s a tall Areca palm in the living room, a cluster of succulents on the windowsill or money plants trailing from a bookshelf—plants instantly uplift your home’s vibe and purify the air. They’re low effort, high reward. So, let green life spill into every room. Ferns by the sink, a tulsi in the courtyard, creepers near the balcony. You could even add a bowl of mogra by your bedside, or a vase of marigolds on the dining table. Celebrate craftsmanship Layer with love Light that glows, not glares In a world of factory-made furniture, handcrafted pieces are poetry. A carved wooden side table, hand-painted ceramic tiles, brass lamps, handthrown clay pottery in earthy glazes, a brass urli filled with water and floating marigolds — displayed thoughtfully can infuse your space with soul. These aren’t just items— they’re heirlooms-in-themaking, whispering tales of Indian craftsmanship. Warmth often lies in the details. Layer your home with cushions in rich fabrics, soft rugs, handmade quilts, and baskets woven with care. You could lay down durries woven in Bhuj, stack kantha quilts at the foot of your bed, or place a wicker trunk full of ancestral textiles near a cozy corner. Each layer adds comfort and a lived-in, loved-in feeling. Skip the harsh overhead lights. Instead, welcome the gentle glow of amber-hued lamps, candles or diyas. Use fairy lights behind sheer fabric or copper lanterns on staircases to create an amber dreamscape. In the end, enlivening your home isn’t about trends. It’s about returning to the roots, embracing what feels warm, welcoming, and you. Because when your home breathes freely, so do you.