25082025-LSTL-01.qxd 8/24/2025 7:50 PM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE Recall value Life Margot Robbie has revealed the Penguin was originally slated to be the villain in the initial draft of her 2020 film Birds of Prey, but director Matt Reeves decided to change it. LUDHIANA | MONDAY | 25 AUGUST 2025 PHOTOS: RAVI KUMAR HOT dharamshala WHAT’S I T’s not often the buzz before a show feels bigger than the show itself. Yet at the Filmfare Awards Punjabi, held at the IS Bindra PCA Stadium in Mohali, the red carpet was the real headline-maker. Long before the first trophy was lifted, the carpet gleamed under spotlights, cameras clicked in rapid bursts and fans pressed against barricades, straining for a glimpse of their favourites. You could almost feel the pulse of Punjabi cinema beating through that stretch of crimson fabric. The fashion parade The arrivals were nothing short of a style marathon. Naiqra Dhillon turned heads with a black-and-gold gown that looked regal without being overdone, her confidence doing as much talking Geeta Basra makes her comeback Geeta Basra is set to return to the big screens after nearly 10 years with the Punjabi film, Mehar, which also stars producer Raj Kundra in the lead role. Geeta took a long hiatus from Bollywood after her marriage to former cricketer Harbhajan Singh in 2015. She is now a mother of a daughter and a son. In an interview, the actress recalled the situation of Bollywood 15 years ago, when she lost a few films due to her marriage. “A few years ago, it was difficult for a girl to establish herself, to stand on her own feet. Today, I feel like we are in the best time, in the best generation, especially in the industry also where I am so happy. 15 years ago, it was very different,” said Geeta. The actress claimed that she lost a few films when the makers found out about her marriage. “I lost four films because they heard that I am getting married.” —ANI as the outfit itself. In contrast, Tina Ahuja kept it softer — a pastel pink dress that carried a sense of ease, elegance, and almost spring-like freshness. Sunanda Sharma’s entrance was different. It wasn’t just her vibrant look; it was her personality spilling over on the carpet. She cracked a line from one of her favourites, drawing laughter and proving that wit can be as dazzling as sequins. Then came Rabica Wadhawan, who decided to break into song mid-walk — the carpet momentarily transformed into a live stage. It was unexpected, unpolished, and that’s exactly why it worked. There was also history woven into the night. Hans Raj Hans arrived with his trademark charm, his outfit reflecting tradition, his aura reflecting decades of contribution. Pranjal Dahiya, meanwhile, brought the opposite energy — fresh, young, wide- Spotlights, sequins & stardom The red carpet that stole Filmfare Punjabi 2025 eyed. As a nominee for Best Debut, she seemed to embody the future of Punjabi cinema, glowing more than any spotlight could manage. Bollywood crashed the party It wasn’t just Punjabi stars stealing attention. Jacqueline Fernandez added a dose of Bollywood glam to the proceedings, her walk down the carpet commanding the kind of flashbulb frenzy you’d expect in Mumbai. Yo Yo Honey Singh, though, may have generated the loudest cheers. Fans chanted his name even before he set foot inside, clearly waiting for the high-voltage performance he would later deliver on stage. The carpet became less about walking and more about owning the space, and Honey Singh owned it. Mark Ruffalo, Natalie Portman lead English dub for French animated Oscar hopeful Arco More than just clothes, clicks But to say the red carpet was only about fashion would be selling it short. The atmosphere was electric — influencers livestreaming, bloggers dissecting each look in real time, hashtags like #FilmfarePunjabi2025 lighting up social media. It felt as if the carpet had become a show in itself, a parallel event where every pose and every smile mattered. The awards eat Of course, the ceremony had its defining moments. Ardaas Sarbat De Bhale Di walked away with Best Film. Amar Hundal won Best Director for Warning 2. Amrinder Gill and Neeru Bajwa picked up the Best Actor honours, while Hans Raj Hans and Guggu Gill were celebrated for their lifetime contributions. Curtain call By the time the ceremony wrapped up, one thing was clear: the red carpet wasn’t just a prelude to Filmfare Punjabi 2025. It was the night’s heartbeat. It told a story of tradition meeting glamour, of old legends standing beside new voices, of Punjab’s cinema industry striding confidently into the global spotlight. Sometimes the show begins long before the stage lights dim. Star power meets sci-fi soul The French animated feature Arco has assembled an A-list cast for its English-language version, with Hollywood stars Mark Ruffalo, Andy Samberg and Natalie Portman set to lend their voices. The line-up also includes America Ferrera and Will Ferrell. The film follows the journey of Arco, a 10year-old boy from a blissful, futuristic world, who accidentally travels to the year 2075 — only to find a planet in steep decline. As he navigates the harsh new reality alongside a companion, Arco ultimately comes to understand his role in this troubled future is far greater than simply returning home. The English-language release is being backed by American production company Neon, known for acclaimed titles such as Portrait of a Lady on Fire, Parasite and I, Tonya. Arco is set to be submitted in the Best Animated Feature category at the 98th Academy Awards, scheduled for 2026. — PTI TASTE OF THE HIMALAYAS N ESTLED at the heart of McLeodganj, Tibet Kitchen is a culinary haven for those seeking authentic Himalayan flavours. This popular eatery blends Tibetan, Bhutanese, North Indian and Thai influences, creating a menu that feels both traditional and refreshing. Must-try dishes include Thentuk (hand-pulled noodle soup), crispy Shabalay, fiery Ema Datschi, and the ever-popular steamed or fried momos. The interiors are warm and inviting, featuring elegant wooden décor that makes it the perfect spot to relax after exploring the bustling town. The prices are reasonable, and the food quality never disappoints. What truly elevates the experience is the friendly, attentive service that makes you feel at home. play SOME MINDFUL PARTYING! W E already know Gen Z wants to do everything different. After fake weddings, Gen Z has introduced another emerging party trend — Coffee Rave. Turning the traditional ‘raves’ that millenials know of into a fully present and sober experience, these coffee rave parties are social events that invite people to chat, dance and do anything that seems fun over a cuppa coffee. This trend is tansforming cafes into energetic spaces where DJs play house or techno music, baristas serve coffee, and attendees enjoy the music and company without alcohol. Amritsar recently was introduced to one such coffee rave that also invited community members to support a social cause at Cafe Delhi Heights. Another such event is now scheduled to happen on August 29, at Brewave—Coffee, Chaos and Cause, where the young will have fun and also raise funds for a cause. love Fashion designer Manish Malhotra’s film, Gustaakh Ishq, to release in November Manish’s reel ishq Renowned fashion designer and couturier Manish Malhotra is all set to unveil the first glimpse ofhis film, Gustaakh Ishq, on Monday. Marking his debut as a film producer under Stage 5 Production, he announced the development on his social media handle and also revealed the film’s release month. A part of his note read, “Since childhood, I’ve lived with a deep Ishq for cinema. The magic of the stories, the glow of the big screen c m y b and the emotions that stay long after the credits roll.” He added, “That love has shaped who I am, and today, it gives me the greatest joy to share a dream come true. This November, 2025, my first film as a producer, Gustaakh Ishq — Kuch Pehle Jaisa, will release in theatres.” Another part of it read, “This Monday, I will be sharing with you the very first glimpse into the poetic world of Gustaakh Ishq.” TOUCH WOOD! W OODEN Creators, a designer furniture showroom, was inaugurated in Industrial Area, Sector 75, Mohali. The showroom offers everything from heritage handcrafted furniture to modern office and residential designs. The venture is part of well-known Vinod Furniture of Nabha, Punjab, also popularly called Vinod Furniture Nabha Wale. Ashok Jindal, Chairman & Managing Director(CMD) of Woodesign Creators, said, “Furniture is often a once-in-alifetime investment for families, and our goal is to create pieces that combine durability, artistry, and timeless appeal. Teak wood remains our hallmark, supported by the craftsmanship of highly skilled artisans.” mohali Yathesht Pratiraj Phool GUGGU GILL amritsar NAIQRA DHILLON