06052025-LSTC-01.qxd 5/6/2025 12:04 AM Page 1 c m y b SAVE THE DATE Aamir KhanGenelia Deshmukh starrer Sitaare Zameen Par, spiritual sequel to hit Taare Zameen Par, will be released on June 20 this year. The makers have shared a first look, showing Aamir Khan along with 10 debutant actors. TRIBUNE Clearing the air Life Filmmaker Paul Feig defended actor Blake Lively and said he loves working with her and it is frustrating to read the “misconceptions” about her doing rounds on social media CHANDIGARH | TUESDAY | 6 MAY 2025 Parth Samthaan’s emotional comeback transforms him from a fan to a forensic sleuth Anandita Gupta P ARTH Samthaan is stepping into a world he once watched wide-eyed as a teenager — CID, one of Indian television’s longest-running and most iconic crime shows. But this time, he’s not just a fan. He’s a lead. “I still remember sitting with my parents and shouting iconic dialogue, ‘Daya, darwaza tod do!’ from the couch,” he laughs. “To now being a pivotal part of the show — it’s surreal. Like life coming full circle.” For Parth, this isn’t just a project — it’s a rebirth. Known for winning hearts in shows like Kaisi Yeh Yaariaan and Kasautii Zindagii Kay earlier, he returns to the small screen after years of struggle, silence, and self-discovery. THE HIDDEN YEARS Parth’s rise was meteoric. As Manik Malhotra in Kaisi Hain Yeh Yaarian, he became a national heartthrob overnight. Fan clubs swelled, social media buzzed, and TV had found its newest star. But behind the scenes, things weren’t as seamless. “After the show, I wanted to explore films — it felt like a natural progression,” he says. “But many of the projects I signed were shelved. I faced professional setbacks and personal heartbreak at the same time. It was confusing, lonely, and terrifying.” The break wasn’t intentional — it was the result of dreams that didn’t pan out. “There were nights I questioned everything. I wondered if leaving television had been a mistake.” ROCK BOTTOM TO RESILIENCE What kept him going? “My family,” he says instantly. “They reminded me who I was when I forgot. And my fans — some of them kept messaging me even when I wasn’t active. Their love pulled me back.” He began rebuilding — mentally, physically, and emotionally. Slowly, a stronger, wiser Parth began to re-emerge. THE RE-EMERGENCE His second innings began with Kasautii Zindagii Kay, where he portrayed Anurag Basu. It reignited his stardom and reached a broader audience. His Bollywood debut alongside Sanjay Dutt and Raveena Tandon in Ghudchadi soon followed — a dream realised. Now, with CID, he returns to TV with a thrilling twist. “I’m playing a tech-savvy forensic expert. It’s intense, layered, and so different from what I’ve done before,” he shares. “There’s action, emotion, and brain work — just the kind of challenge I craved.” THE SECRET THE SMILE BEHIND Parth credits his comeback to discipline, consistency, and self-belief. “Even when no one’s watching, showing up for yourself matters,” he believes. Today, his routine includes shoots, workouts, rehearsals, and the occasional bingeing on cheesecake. When time permits, he loves to re-read The Alchemist — “It always reminds me why I began.” From fanboy to CID’s new face Babil is BACK Babil Khan, actor and son of the late Irrfan Khan, posted videos on social media on Sunday in which he lashed out at several actors. Later, he deleted his account. However, now the actor is back on Instagram and wrote in his story that the video was “extremely misinterpreted.” Several celebrities, including Siddhant Chaturvedi and Raghav Juyal, have come forward to support Babil. After Babil Khan’s videos from his now deleted Instagram account were shared widely on social media, his family and team released a clarification statement. “Babil Khan has earned immense love and appreciation for his work, as well as for his openness about his mental health journey. Like anyone else, Babil is allowed to have difficult days — and this was one of them. We want to reassure all his well-wishers that he is safe,” the statement read. — ANI THE BIGGER PICTURE Beyond fame, Parth is clear about his purpose. “I want my story to give hope. Not every path is linear. Sometimes, detours teach you the most.” HIS MESSAGE TO THOSE STUCK “Don’t be afraid to pause. Sometimes, the break is what makes the bounceback powerful. You’re not late, you’re just loading.” As CID gears up to enthral a new generation, Parth Samthaan isn’t just returning to television — he’s rewriting his story, one clue, one case, and one courageous comeback at a time. Gagandeep Arora Rio goes Gaga Lady Gaga sets record for the highestturnout at a concert by a female artiste Lady Gaga held a free concert at Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro recently, performing tracks from her massive catalogue of hits for an estimated crowd of 2.5 million. The gig, which was the pop superstar’s first in Brazil in almost a decade, shattered the record for the most-attended concert by a female artiste in history, held earlier by Madonna. “Nothing could prepare me for the feeling I had during last night’s show — the absolute pride and joy I felt singing for the people of Brazil. The sight of the crowd during my opening songs took my breath away. Your heart shines so bright, your culture is so vibrant and special, I hope you know how grateful I am to have shared this historical moment with you,” wrote Gaga in an Instagram post, celebrating the event. “An estimated 2.5 million people came to see me sing, the biggest crowd for any woman in history. I wish I could share this feeling with the whole world. I know I can’t, but I can say this, if you lose your way, you can find your way back if you believe in yourself and work hard. You can give yourself dignity by rehearsing your passion and your craft, pushing yourself to new heights, you can lift yourself up even if it takes some time,” she continued. Gaga acknowledged the historic moment during her concert, telling the Copacabana Beach crowd, “Tonight, we’re making history.” The musician started her historic show with the 2011 track Bloody Mary, and went on to perform a combination of her classics and songs off of her latest album, Mayhem. Madonna’s concert was also the first by a female artiste to exceed a crowd of 1 million, per Guinness World Records. The overall record holder for the biggest concert crowd is still held by Rod Stewart, as per Guinness — ANI What if I tell you your next pet might not need food, walks...or even a heartbeat! Sounds crazy? It’s already happening. Meet Champak, the BCCI’s robotic dog that’s stealing hearts at IPL matches. This AI-powered pup isn’t just a mascot, it’s a cheerleader, a high-tech entertainer with cameras, agility and charm. You can often see it walking, playing and even interacting with cricket stars and fans during the matches. Champak isn’t alone. Around the world, robot pets are growing smarter, more affectionate and increasingly lifelike. They respond to touch, recognise faces and learn from their owners. Some even learn to “love”. Why robotic pets? Tech magic: They walk, run, obey commands and adapt to your habits, just like Champak does on the cricket field. Best for busy lives: No vet visits, no allergies, no mess, ideal for urban living. Ethical & therapeutic: A cruelty-free alternative that comforts the elderly and kids. Robot pets, real bonds There are real-life stories where people have formed deep connections with robotic pets, especially seniors and patients. At Hospice c m y b A PURR-FECT PET Robo-pets don’t shed, but can they steal your heart? Let’s find out... Price: ~42,200 ($499) Unique selling point: Designed for emotional comfort, with warmth sensors and big, blinking eyes that trigger caregiving instincts. Ideal for: Seniors and children needing companionship. 4. Unitree Go1 (Robo dog) Made by: Unitree Robotics Price: ~2.28 lakh ($2,700 onwards) Why it stands out: Highspeed movement (up to 17 mph), obstacle avoidance and follow-mode. Bonus: Affordable versions on the way. The paw-some future of robo pets CHAMPAK, THE BCCI’S ROBOTIC DOG THAT’S STEALING HEARTS AT IPL MATCHES of the Piedmont, Gloria, 88, with Alzheimer’s, adored her robotic cat, “Kitty Misty”. Its lifelike purring eased her anxiety, replacing restless habits with nurturing care. Similarly, Abby Denby, Chief Clinical Officer at the same centre, saw her dementia-stricken father bond with a robotic dog. It calmed his agitation without medication. Many army veterans at a medical centre in Virginia, US, treat their robotic pets like real companions. Studies confirm robotic Why it’s popular: One of the most advanced robotic pets with selfcharging and cloud AI learning. pets reduce stress and loneliness. More than gadgets, they offer genuine emotional support, proving technology can heal hearts. Top robo-pals making waves 1. Sony’s Aibo (Robotic dog) Latest model: Aibo ERS-1000 Price: ~2.45 lakh ($2,899) Features: Learns owner’s habits, responds to touch and “expresses emotions” through LED eyes. 2. MarsCat (Robotic feline) Developed by: Elephant Robotics Price: ~1.18 lakh ($1,399) Features: Purrs, plays and reacts to touch like a real cat, without the litter box. Standout trait: Fully programmable, tech enthusiasts can customise behaviours. 3. Lovot (Cuddly emotional robot) From: Japan’s Groove X Though the affection of real animals feels deeper because it is rooted in consciousness, not code, robotic pets still shine as alternatives for those who can’t care for living animals. Whether it’s a therapy bot soothing patients or a digital pup at home, these high-tech pets are rewriting the rules of companionship. And with Champak, it’s clear that they’re not just gadgets, they’re heart-stealing superstars. The future of furry (or metallic) friendship is here and it will soon be more affordable than you think. Cyber-pulse: The robotic pet market is set to hit $4.5 billion by 2030. Would you get one?