17082025-LSTL-01.qxd 8/17/2025 12:09 AM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE ANNA, REGINA REUNITE Anna Faris & Regina Hall will return as Cindy and Brenda for the next instalment of the Scary Movie franchise. “Can’t wait to bring Brenda & Cindy back to life and be reunited with our great friends,” they said. Pray for J&K Life Sohail Khan expressed grief over the devastating cloudburst in Kishtwar. Sohail said, “Dekho ye to nature ki baat hai and it is very sad… I urge people to pray for Jammu & Kashmir.” LUDHIANA | SUNDAY | 17 AUGUST 2025 After their popular rendition of Heer, Shehnaz & Sahil Akhtar to explore Bulle Shah’s timeless poetry In tune with each other Mona Carrying forward a rich heritage, the Akhtar Brothers, Shehnaz and Sahil, are steadily making their mark in the music industry, one step at a time. From playback singing for Hindi and Punjabi films to live concerts and collaborations, the duo is now gearing up to infuse the timeless poetry of Bulleh Shah into their compositions, aiming to bring a new depth and richness to their music. Born and raised in Ludhiana, Shehnaz and Sahil’s earliest lessons in music came from their father, Darshan Khan, a musician in his own right. Inspired by their father as well as their talented sisters, Gurlez Akhtar and Jasmeen Akhtar, the brothers naturally gravitated toward a career in music. Reality shows played a pivotal role in their journey, giving them much-needed recognition and opening doors for playback singing opportunities. Their growing repertoire includes tracks like Ik Vaari, Tu Na Chad Dayi Yaara, Ishq, Charkha, and their latest Heer. Hindustan ke liye ladenge… The makers of Sunny Deol-starrer Border 2 have unveiled the firstlook poster and announced the release of the film on the occasion of the 79th Independence Day. In a tribute to India’s bravehearts, Sunny Deol shared the first-look poster of his highly anticipated film, Border 2. The film is slated to release in the theatres worldwide on January 22, 2026. In the newly released motion poster of Border 2, Sunny is seen wearing an Indian soldier uniform while holding a bazooka in his hand. With fierce intensity in his eyes, the actor looks all ready to channel the spirit of an Indian soldier once more. While sharing the poster, the actor wrote, “Hindustan ke liye ladenge....phir ek baar! (Will fight for India, one more time). #Border2 hits theatres on Jan 22, 2026.” Directed by Anurag Singh, Border 2 brings together a powerful ensemble led by Sunny Deol, Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, Ahan Shetty, Medha Rana, Mona Singh and Sonam Bajwa with pro- Sunny Deol, Diljit Dosanjh-starrer Border 2 to release on January 22 duction by Bhushan Kumar and JP Dutta. Producer Bhushan Kumar said, “Border is more than a film, it’s an emotion for every Indian. With Border 2, we aim to carry forward that legacy and bring it to a new generation. The new release date gives audiences more time to come together and experience the film in theatres during an extended Republic Day weekend.” — ANI Award vs reward Denzel Washington has nine Academy Award nominations under his belt and is a twotime Oscar winner for his performances in the movies, Glory and Training Day. However, the actor places no value on such career milestones. While speaking to Jake’s Takes on his Highest 2 Lowest press tour, Washington reportedly said no acting decision he made in his career had to do with winning awards, including Oscars. “I don’t do it for Oscars. I don’t care about that kind of stuff. I’ve been at this a long time, and there’s time when I won and shouldn’t have won and then didn’t win and should’ve won. Man gives the award. God gives the reward,” said Washington. Washington continued, “I’m not that interested in Oscars. People ask me, ‘Where do I keep it?’ Well, next to the other one. I’m not bragging! Just telling you how I feel about it. On my last day, (Oscars) aren’t going to do me a bit of good.” c m y b Their songs have been featured in popular film soundtracks, including Gadar 2, Soorma and Almost Pyaar with DJ Mohabbat. With a deep respect for Punjabi literary traditions, the brothers are passionate about weaving this rich cultural heritage into their music, creating songs that resonate with both tradition and modernity. Reflecting on their reality show experiences, the duo notes, “Reality shows provide instant recognition and help you build a connection with the audience, but the real journey begins after that.” This exposure also gave them an opportunity to work alongside some of the biggest names in the industry, such as Shankar Mahadevan, Diljit Dosanjh and Mika Singh. Shehnaz proudly recalls a special moment from Sa Re Ga Ma Pa when Salman Khan gifted him a turquoise bracelet, which he now carries as a lucky mascot. “I haven’t removed this bracelet ever,” he says. Working closely as vocalists and collaborators, Shehnaz and Sahil admit they do have their share of differences. “All the time,” they laugh, “but we resolve them quickly because our bond and shared passion for music always come first.” Shehnaz recently teamed up with Punjabi superstar Ninja for the song, Heer. “Ninja is like our big brother,” he says fondly. “The idea came spontaneously— one day I was singing Heer while he was playing the algoza, and we thought, why not create a modern rendition of this classic? The song has been receiving so much love, and we are truly grateful.” Speaking about the differences between the Bollywood and Punjabi music industries, the brothers note, “Bollywood performances are often meticulously designed and planned, whereas the Punjabi industry offers a lot more freedom and liberty to the artistes.” Shehnaz and Sahil have grown up listening to legendary voices like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Ghulam Ali and Sardool Sikander. “Listening is learning, and we have learn a lot from following the legends.” They are next looking at releasing their track that’s based on baba Buleh Shah’s kalam.