27062025-LSTL-01.qxd 6/26/2025 8:38 PM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE New role Life Reality TV star and entrepreneur Kim Kardashian is reportedly in talks to star in a liveaction film based on the popular Bratz fashion doll toy line. LUDHIANA | FRIDAY | 27 JUNE 2025 ‘It’s healthy competition’ Paris’ new pulse Ishaan Khatter blends cultural roots with cutting-edge couture, turning heads, winning hearts Yathesht Pratiraj Phool Let’s be honest; walking into Paris Fashion Week as a Louis Vuitton guest is no small feat. But walking out with fans chanting your name, your look making waves online and doing it all with calm, unfiltered charm? That’s Ishaan Khatter. The young actor — yes, the same guy who gave us the head-turning performance in the The Royals — just marked another milestone. This time, it wasn’t on a film set but on the pavements of Paris, right outside the Pompidou Centre, where Pharrell Williams unveiled Louis Vuitton’s Spring-Summer 2026 men’s collection. Sonakshi Sinha says it is a significant moment that two women led films, her Nikita Roy and Kajol-starrer Maa, are releasing side by side. Nikita Roy, a psychological thriller, is set to release in theatres across the country on June 27, alongside Maa, a mythological horror film. “It’s so cool that we’ve two films led by women that are releasing side by side. That’s like a step in the right direction, and, amazingly, it’s happening. And there’s room for everyone. Both are different films, and we wish them well. It’s like a good, healthy competition (between the two films),” Sonakshi said. “I have seen the trailer of Maa and I enjoyed it. Kajol is a phenomenal actress. She’s somebody that I’ve looked up to and I admire. I’m looking forward to watching her film,” the actor added. Both films tap into the celebration of strong female narratives, a theme that Sonakshi is passionate about. For years, the actor said she has made a conscious effort to choose roles that empower women whether it is Akira, Dahaad or Heeramandi. In Nikita Roy, Sinha plays the role of an investigator who debunks supernatural claims and exposes frauds and dismantles deceptive beliefs. But Sonakshi Sinha on BO clash between her film Nikita Roy and Kajol’s Maa when she encounters a case that defies all beliefs, her convictions begin to falter. Written by Pavan Kirpalani of Phobia fame, Nikita Roy explores the fragile boundary between perception and reality, unravelling themes of paranoia, buried truths, and the human mind’s darker recess- Wearing a tailored Louis Vuitton ensemble, Ishaan wasn’t just dressed; he was styled. He had the kind of look that doesn’t scream for attention — but turns heads anyway. His style leaned into that sweet spot between global couture and desi cool, echoing the very theme Pharrell Williams explored in the collection itself — a nod to India through fabrics, motifs and textures. And while celebs such as Beyoncé, Jay-Z and LVMH Chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault took their seats, Ishaan was busy doing something... refreshingly real. He was outside the venue — chatting, posing, laughing with fans. Not in a PR-managed, ‘two-pics-then-go’ kind of way, but like someone who just enjoys such moment. It’s rare, honestly. Especially at events where everyone’s either too famous or too busy to notice the crowd. But Ishaan noticed. Shah Rukh Khan, the King of Bollywood, has completed 33 incredible years in the Indian film industry. From his first TV show Fauji in 1989 to becoming one of the biggest stars in the world, his journey is nothing less than magical. He is loved not just in India, but across the globe. His story shows us that if you have talent and dreams – anything is possible. SRK came to Mumbai with only a suitcase and big dreams. He had no family in the industry, no godfather. But his passion, acting skills, and charming smile made him stand out. He made his Bollywood debut in 1992 with Deewana. Since then, there has been no looking back. With films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Baazigar, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, My Name is Khan, Pathaan and Jawan, he rules our hearts. Fashion with a heartbeat Now, let’s talk about the show itself. Pharrell — musician, mogul and now Vuitton’s men’s creative director — went full throttle with elephants, palm trees, live drums and a choir that moved the runway. One model even wheeled a transparent purple acrylic trunk down the set (which, by the way, was painted like a giant snakes and ladders board). It was fashion-meets-theatre, with a bit of summer heat and cultural remix. The collection played with silhouettes — loose, pleated trousers, striped coats and workwear jazzed up with embellishments. Accessories? Think chunky leather flip-flops with suits, like a Goan dude at a beach wedding, but make it Paris runway. Ishaan’s look fit right into this aesthetic — a smooth blend of East and West, casual and couture. Why Ishaan matters more than just his outfit JAY-Z AND BEYONCE turned out to be a ‘smooth’ collaborative process. “I thought that as siblings, we would have our squabbles on set, but that was not the case. On set, I was the actor, he was the director. He’s clear in his head in terms of what and how he wants to portray a scene,” she said. — PTI ‘SRK not just an actor, he’s an emotion’ Not just showing up — showing out Here’s the thing — this wasn’t just about fashion. It was about visibility. About a young Indian actor standing confidently among the global crème de la crème of fashion and cinema, not as a plus-one, not as a token, but as someone who belongs. From his breakout role in Beyond the Clouds to his nuanced performance in Mira Nair’s A Suitable Boy, Ishaan’s career has never followed a straight line. He hops between indie and commercial like someone changing subway lines — effortless, purposeful and always headed somewhere interesting. Fashion, it seems, is just another track he’s comfortably walking. es. It is helmed by Sonakshi’s brother, Kussh S Sinha, who is making his debut as a director. With her brother Kussh at the helm, Sonakshi said it Idea of equality in love exists only in films: Fatima Sana Shaikh Love code Fatima Sana Shaikh says true equality in love means mutual respect and understanding, which she believes exists only in film. The actress is coming out with her film Aap Jaisa Koi, a romantic drama that delves into the lives of two unique individuals, Shrirenu Tripathi (Madhavan) and Madhu Bose (Shaikh). The movie, directed by Vivek Soni of Meenakshi Sundareshwar fame, explores the theme of equality in love and relationships. “The idea of equality of love is where two people respect each other, and they will listen to each other and won’t deny it. I think that is an equal relationship now and compromises need to be done by both,” she says. Has she found such love in life? The actress says, “No one is there. No good guys. They exist only in films.” The film is set to release on Netflix on July 11. —PTI c m y b B-town hails Shah Rukh Khan’s inspiring 33-year journey in the entertainment industry Apart from acting, Shah Rukh Khan is also a successful businessman, a global icon, and a loving father and husband. His production company, Red Chillies Entertainment, has produced many hit films. His last film Jawan broke several box office records and proved once again that the King still rules. Shah Rukh Khan is not just a great actor but also a humble and kind human being. He is known for his wit, intel- New Bonding The Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve will direct the next James Bond film, as revealed by Amazon MGM Studios. Tanya Lapointe boarded the film as an executive producer, while Amy Pascal and David Heyman will serve as the producers for the upcoming movie. Denis Villeneuve recalled his earliest memories of 007 and said that he feels honoured for taking the James Bond ‘tradition’ forward. He calls it a huge ‘responsibility’. “Some of my earliest moviegoing memories are connected to 007. I grew up watching James Bond films with my father, ever since Dr. No with Sean Connery. I’m a die-hard Bond fan. To me, he’s sacred territory,” Villeneuve said. “I intend to honour the tradition and open the path for many new missions to come. This is a massive responsibility, but also incredibly exciting for me and a huge honour. Amy, David, and I are absolutely thrilled to bring him back to the screen. Thank you to Amazon MGM Studios for their trust,” added Villeneuve. Villeneuve is an acclaimed, Oscar-nominated French-Canadian filmmaker who most recently helmed Dune and Dune: Part Two. The much-awaited third instalment, Dune Messiah, is in development.—ANI ligence, and deep respect for women. As he completes 33 years in the industry, fans across the world are celebrating his journey. Actress Shivangi Verma shares, “Shah Rukh sir is not just an actor, he is an emotion. I have grown up watching his movies. His smile, his eyes, his presence – he’s truly magical. He teaches us that no dream is too big.” Actor Neel Samarthh adds, “What I love the most about Shah Rukh is his discipline and dedication. He made it on his own, step by step. He inspires me to work harder and stay grounded.” Popular YouTuber Gauravv Saxena says, “I’ve always been a big admirer of Shah Rukh. He’s proof that even a common man can become a superstar. He has shown the world that talent can shine without any background.” — TNS Dune filmmaker Denis Villeneuve to direct next James Bond film