31052025-LSTL-01.qxd 5/30/2025 8:27 PM Page 1 c m y b SAIYAARA TEASER OUT Ahaan Panday is all set to make his debut in Bollywood as the leading man in Saiyaara, a passionate love story directed by Mohit Suri. The teaser for the upcoming film was dropped on Friday. Produced by Yash Raj Films’ CEO Akshaye Widhani, the film stars Ahaan opposite Aneet Padda. TRIBUNE It’s official Life Brad Pitt spoke about his relationship with jewellery designer Ines de Ramon and talked about their decision to make their public debut at the British Grand Prix last year. LUDHIANA | SATURDAY | 31 MAY 2025 ‘SMOK NG IS NOT COOL’ SAANAND VERMA …celebrities chorus as they reflect on tobacco’s toxic image SAVI THAKUR A S the world observes Anti-Tobacco Day today, voices from the entertainment industry call out the long-standing glamourisation of smoking in films and television. While some actors acknowledge that the narrative demands of portraying characters who smoke, many are drawing a clear line between performance and personal conviction. In a candid conversation about influence and responsibility, celebs open up about their discomfort with on-screen smoking, the rise of tobacco as a misguided symbol of rebellion and the urgent need for stronger social messaging. SHUBHANGI ATRE especially among the youth. This is a dangerous trend, influenced by what people see in films and web series. While creative freedom is important, we also need to be aware of the impact such visuals can have. I have my own reservations about doing smoking scenes unless there is a very strong reason in the story. Public figures have a big responsibility as our choices may influence many. HEALTHIER WAYS TO COPE Kunal Sharma I’m against smoking. It’s not at all cool to smoke — just because characters in films played by our favourite actors smoke doesn’t mean it’s macho or admirable to smoke. We need to filter what we absorb from films. I wish the government would ban cigarettes. Smoking has sadly become a social bonding tool, especially in today’s stressful world where people seek quick relief. But there are healthier ways to cope. As actors, we sometimes play characters who smoke. I do what a role demands but never let it become a habit. There’s a fine line between acting and reality — knowing that line is key to personal and professional balance. As public figures, we must be mindful of the messages we send out. KUNAL SHARMA WRONGLY LINKED TO REBELLION Savi Thakur Smoking is considered ‘cool’ or ‘rebellious’, As a non-smoker, I’m not comfortable with smoking on screen. I do my best to avoid it whenever possible, but sometimes, if it’s essential to the character, there’s no way around it. BEING A ROLE MODEL MATTERS Sheel Verma IT’S NOT COOL. IT’S CANCER Romiit Raaj WHY DOES IT SEEM COOL? Deepak Paramesh I’ve come across people who smoke just to look cool. But why do it if you’re not interested? It’s easy to say, ‘No, I don’t smoke’ and still be part of a conversation. Nothing much seems to have changed when it comes to smoking in public. Sure, there are rules, but ultimately, people need to take responsibility and respect others’ space. do it. But yes, smoking is injurious to health, and that’s why those statutory warnings are always displayed. Unfortunately, smoking has become a trend because some people want to appear ‘cool’ or fit in socially. I feel it’s more about peer pressure and perception than actual choice. Many don’t even enjoy it — they just want to be accepted. As an actor, I understand sometimes smoking is part of a character. If it’s essential for the role and justified in the story, I’m okay doing such scenes. But personally, I’m very conscious about not glorifying it. Smoking is seen as something cool or bold, especially among youth. But that’s a wrong idea. As an actor, I respect the story and the character. If I ever have to perform a smoking scene, I’ll feel uncomfortable doing it. I believe such scenes should be handled with care. Public figures have a strong influence, especially on the youth, so we need to be responsible about what we portray. NO SILENT ACCEPTANCE Shubhangi Atre Yes, I think most people smoke just because they feel it’s trendy. It’s not ‘cool’. Earlier, smoking used to be more private, but now it’s very public — you see it everywhere, even on public transport and film sets. As actors, if we’re playing a character dealing with addiction, it sometimes becomes necessary for the role. Every character has certain nuances and emotions. So, if smoking is part of the character, I’ll LEAD BY EXAMPLE, NOT SMOKE Muskaan Agarwal MUSKAAN AGARWAL WE NEED INNOVATIVE DETERRENTS Saanand Verma Smoking has become a trend and the more anti-smoking campaigns we run, the more smoking seems to increase. It’s sad people think smoking cigarettes is cool. With globalisation, Western influence has grown significantly and that’s why many people are openly smoking. On screen, it’s often the demand of the character and if I play that character, then I fulfil those demands. We have created a lot of awareness, but it has had little effect on people’s attitudes. ROMIIT RAAJ Decoding the Army ethos Mona In a hall full of people, WIZ met rizz as our not so ‘Tiny’ Lt Gen KJS Dhillon (retd) launched his second book, Wafadari Imaandari Zimmedari: War Room to Boardroom, on Thursday evening at SD College-32. Tall and commanding, the Lt Gen, Tiny Dhillon to his family, friends and colleagues, regaled his audience with interesting anecdotes. Wafadari Imaandari Zimmedari highlights the step-by-step process of making of a leader in the Army by imbibing the military ethos of following traditions, adhering to regimentation, holding fast to honour codes, balancing emotions, respecting family values, making hard choices, and above all, withstanding unbearable pressure in any given situation. The evening was enriched by Lt Gen Dhillon’s storytelling, which ranged from inspiring to humorous, often interspersed with thoughtful shayari that resonated with the audience. A particularly touching moment occurred when he presented a signed copy of his book to the youngest attendee. Lt Gen KJS ‘Tiny’ Dhillon (retd) launches his second book, Wafadari Imaandari Zimmedari: War Room to Boardroom Budding designers unveil sustainable, innovative collections at exhibition From yarn to runway dreams Mehak Kochhar The Northern India Institute of Fashion Technology (NIIFT), Mohali, organised an exhibition to showcase the creations of its Textile Design students at the Government Museum and Art Gallery, Chandigarh. This exhibition marked the culmination of a five-month industrial training programme undertaken by the students with leading fashion and textile brands. NIIFT students showcased their hard work, dedication and passion for design through a variety of works. Each piece told a story inspired by diverse sources such as material waste, cultur- al trends, nature and tradition. Each student was required to present three collections designed for upcoming fashion seasons. Every creation was supported by extensive research and a strong conceptual narrative. A jury of industry experts evaluated the students’ work and presented awards. c m y b The chief guest on the occasion was General VP Malik (retd). He complimented Lt Gen Dhillon for educating the masses on leadership in simple, soldiers’ language. The Army veterans on stage were joined by the book’s editor, Premanka Goswami, who said his perspection of the Indian Army changed after meeting the decorated soldier. In a jovial mood, Lt Gen Tiny shared how the publishing house said a firm no to the Hindi title for his first book. Also, they had rejected his picture as he looked too fierce for their liking. They, in fact, made a portrait of him in which he looked like yesteryear Bollywood actor Jeetendra. But Tiny would have none of it and told them that he would rather withdraw his manuscript. Lo and behold! The next morning all his demands were met and Kitne Ghazi Aaye, Kitne Ghazi Gaye became a hit! The same publisher soon requested him to write another book — one with a Hindi title, a fiercer-looking picture and the same simple language which he used in the previous one. This one too has a promising start, as even at the pre-order stage, reportedly Wafadari Imaandari Zimmedari: War Room to Boardroom has already gone into reprint. It’s published by Penguin Veer. “A good commander never loses sight of humanity. Leading with heart is what sets the greatest leaders apart,” he emphasises. Who will wear the crown? Celebration of culture as contestants vie for Miss World title The Grand Finale of the 72nd Miss World pageant is set to dazzle at the HITEX Exhibition Centre on Saturday evening. After about a month of vibrant events, including exploration of tourist destinations in Telangana, cultural immersion and purpose-driven activities, 108 contestants from around the world would vie for the coveted Miss World crown in a spectacular celebration of beauty, purpose and unity. The grand finale would be hosted by Stephanie del Valle (Miss World 2016) alongside Indian presenter Sachiin Kumbhar. Bollywood stars Jacqueline Fernandez and Ishaan Khatter will perform. The panel of judges includes actor and humanitarian Sonu Sood, who is set to receive the Miss World Humanitarian Award. He will be joined by Sudha Reddy, who recently hosted the ‘Beauty With a Purpose Gala Dinner’ and Caryna Turrell, Miss England 2014, a public health physician, philanthropist, investor and Fellow at the University of Cambridge. Presiding over the jury and announcing the winner would be Julia Morley CBE, Chairwoman of Miss World. Manushi Chhillar, Miss World 2017 and Bollywood actress, will also make an appearance. As per the Miss World Selection format, the 108 contestants would first be presented to the world, setting the stage for an exciting competition. The grand finale will conclude with the crowning of the new Miss World by the reigning titleholder, Krystyna Pyszková, the 71st Miss World, who was crowned last year in Mumbai. — PTI