08082025-LSTL-01.qxd 8/8/2025 12:33 AM Page 1 c m y b TRUMP MOCKS STEPHEN COLBERT US President Donald Trump called popular late-night host Stephen Colbert ‘talentless’ after CBS announced it would cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert following a 10year run. “Colbert has no talent. I could go outside in the beautiful streets and pick a couple of people that do just as well or better,” he said. TRIBUNE In action Life Amitabh Bachchan has commenced shooting for the 17th season of the long-running quiz show Kaun Banega Crorepati. The show celebrates its 25th anniversary. LUDHIANA | FRIDAY | 8 AUGUST 2025 Suneel Darshan is back after 20 years with a new gen of stars for Andaaz 2 Mona T WENTY years after his blockbuster film Andaaz launched the careers of Lara Dutta and Priyanka Chopra, director Suneel Darshan is ready to unveil his next, which he is calling Andaaz 2. While developing a new story, Darshan found himself drawn to a love triangle that carried the same emotional graph and vibrancy as the original. That creative spark led him to title this film Andaaz 2, marking not just a sequel, but also the continuation of a legacy. “If Andaaz launched two stars, I want the sequel to do the same,” says Darshan, who reunites with legendary composer Nadeem and lyricist Sameer to craft a soundtrack that echoes the romantic intensity of the first film. The film, which explores themes of love, friendship and some pressing social issues, is set to release today. Reflecting on the journey, Darshan shares, “Even though I started the sequel 20 years later, it has a similar strong emotional connect. The story is fresh with new faces, but it has the same fervour.” Meet the new stars Just as he introduced Lara and Priyanka to the world in Andaaz, Darshan has once again cast fresh talent in lead roles. The male lead, Aayush Kumar, hails from Gurgaon and studied in Chandigarh. Origi- Ek naya Andaaz nally auditioning for a friend’s role, he unexpectedly caught Darshan’s attention. “Aayush is a remarkable boy — not only does he have the looks, but he’s also highly talented. I have high hopes for him,” Darshan shares. Aakaisha, who makes her debut with Andaaz 2, was discovered through her Punjabi music videos. “She has an incredible screen presence,” says the director. “I wonder what she was doing in music videos all this time. Maybe, the universe made that happen so that I could discover her,” laughs Darshan. “She’s a born heroine,” he adds. The third lead, Natasha Fernandez, had worked with the filmmaker in the past but took a break from acting and relocated to Delhi. Andaaz 2 marks her return to the silver screen and to Mumbai. “It’s great to have Natasha back, she suited the role well,” he emphasises. It’s a love story at heart, with action, strong friendship bonds and intense drama. Everything that audiences still crave in a good film. However, I believe cinema should do more than just entertain — it should reflect and address social issues too. Classic with a modern edge When asked about the film’s genre, the producer-director of memorable hits like Ajay, Jaanwar and Barsaat describes Andaaz 2 as a quintessential Hindi entertainer. “It’s a love story at heart, with action, strong friendship bonds and intense drama. Everything that audiences still crave in a good film.” However, Andaaz 2 isn’t just about romance and entertainment. “I believe cinema should do more than just entertain — it should reflect and address social issues too,” says Darshan. Staying true to this belief, the film weaves in themes that resonate with current societal challenges. Shades of Saiyaara? Yes & no Given its story of a musical protagonist and a youthful love triangle, Andaaz 2 may remind audiences of the current favourite Saiyaara. But the director is quick to point out that his film brings more to the table. “While there are surface similarities, Andaaz 2 is its own film — rooted in emo- SUNEEL DARSHAN tional depth, backed by timeless music, and driven by sincere performances.” For Suneel Darshan, who comes from a film family and has spent decades in the industry, filmmaking is more than a career — it’s a calling. “Even when I’m not making films, I’m dreaming them,” he says. “Sometimes, audiences live those dreams with you; other times, they don’t. That’s the filmmaker’s journey.” The plot With a heart full of dreams, a soundtrack steeped in nostalgia, and a trio of fresh faces ready to shine, Andaaz 2 promises to be more than just a sequel — it’s the rebirth of an era. Old & new Eye catcher For Natasha Fernandez, Andaaz 2 marks her return to the silver screen after a long break. Aayush Kumar hails from Gurgaon and studied in Chandigarh. Originally while auditioning for a friend’s role, he unexpectedly caught Suneel’s attention. Aakaisha, who makes her debut with Andaaz 2, was discovered through her Punjabi music videos. Aakaisha, according to Suneel Darshan, has an incredible screen presence and is a ‘born heroine.’ Asparagus Tempura Sushi, Bambu Bali Chicken & Coconut Custard — OKO’s new Chef’s Specials blend bold textures, global twists & quiet elegance on a plate Yathesht Pratiraj Phool So here’s the thing — when someone says Chef’s Special Menu, you half-expect it to be a glorified greatest hits album, a few crowd-pleasers dressed up with fancy garnish. But the new Chef’s Specials at OKO, The Lalit Chandigarh? Totally different story. I walked in thinking I’d just nibble on something decent and scroll Instagram in between bites. What happened instead? I was floored. This wasn’t just about presentation (though let’s be honest, when your sushi shows up perched on a bed of ice with mango curls and avocado fans like it’s prepping for a runway shoot, you do pause for a photo). But let’s start where it began. Sushi with soul (and crunch) Asparagus tempura sushi. Sounds basic, right? Like, “Oh cool, some deep-fried veggies rolled in rice.” Except, it’s not. This thing was a textural opera. Crispy asparagus tempura wrapped in seasoned rice, paired with creamy avocado and just the right amount of kick from spicy mayo and yuzu zest. It wasn’t trying to prove a point. It didn’t scream fusion for the sake of it. It just worked. And if you think sushi without seafood is boring, this might gently change your mind. Flavour, fire & a floral finish just a little sweet, sitting on a cloud of lemongrass rice. Add a drizzle of sambal matah (a Balinese chili relish that’s all fire and flavour) and suddenly you’re having a plate of comfort food… from another country. What’s wild is how balanced it was. You don’t need to be into Southeast Asian food to love it. It felt both new and familiar. Like visiting an old friend’s house and discovering they cook with way more spice and style than you expected. Dessert anyone? If there’s one thing I usually skip, it’s dessert. Too sugary, too predictable. But this one? Different story. This was a coconut custard dessert, slow-cooked, creamy and laced with pandan essence, which, if you’ve never had it, tastes like vanilla’s cool, tropical A Balinese detour… via Chandigarh? Now, here’s where things got personal. I grew up with butter chicken curry and jeera rice, so I didn’t expect the Bambu Bali Chicken to hit home. Yet, it did. Think grilled chicken, smoky and c m y b cousin. It came plated with almond flakes, mini meringues and just a whisper of syrup that made it sweet without being sticky. You know what? It didn’t even feel like a dessert. It felt like a slow exhale after a loud day. Soft, cold, fragrant, the kind of finish that makes you stop talking for a second and just nod at your plate. Worth showing up for Look, you don’t always expect hotel restaurants to surprise you, especially the ones that come with panoramic views and polished menus. But OKO pulled it off. These three dishes weren’t just wellmade; they had personality. They told stories. And they did it without yelling. So, if you’re someone who rolls his eyes at the phrase “signature dish,” maybe give this menu a shot.