12102025-LSTL-01.qxd 10/11/2025 8:35 PM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE COST OF STARDOM & FAME Swift storms Life George Clooney pulls from personal experience to play filmstar in Jay Kelly. Two-time Oscar winner George Clooney drew from his own life to play a Hollywood legend in his new movie Jay Kelly. The comedy-drama stars Clooney as ageing global superstar Jay Kelly and combines humour with contemplation on the cost of being a celebrity and fame. Taylor Swift set records and topped the UK music charts on Friday, with her new album The Life of a Showgirl powering straight to No.1 and three of its tracks also taking the top spots. LUDHIANA | SUNDAY | 12 OCTOBER 2025 A look at some of the finest performances by the timeless legend who redefined Indian cinema A MITABH BACHCHAN, one of India’s most celebrated actors, has defined Hindi cinema for over five decades. With his diverse roles, he has created an indelible mark on Indian cinema. He gained popularity in the early 1970s with films such as Anand, Zanjeer and later came a string of cinematic landmarks, including Deewaar, Sholay and Don, each cementing his place as a cultural icon. Born on October 11, 1942, Bachchan never confined himself to one genre. His versatility shone through in lighter roles, such as Chupke Chupke and Amar Akbar Anthony, where his impeccable comic timing added another dimension to his stardom. While in Silsila and Kabhi Kabhie, the audience got a glimpse of his romantic side as an actor, which proved that he can go beyond his ‘angry young man’ image. His performance in Mohabbatein, Black, Paa, Piku, Pink and Jhund showcased his remarkable ability to adapt and excel in unconventional roles. Each role, whether the irritable yet endearing father in Piku or the stern lawyer in Pink, has shown his continued relevance and artistic evolution. Big B also made his impact in regional cinema with films such as Gujarati comedy drama, Fakt Purusho Mate, Telugu epic science-fiction, Kalki 2898 AD and Tamil action drama, Vettaiyan, also starring Rajinikanth. As the actor continues to inspire generations at the age of 83, here’s a look at five of his best movies that reflect his unmatched versatility and screen presence. Amitabh Bachchan turns 83 Zanjeer (1973) Amitabh Bachchan’s rise to superstardom began with Zanjeer, the film that introduced audiences to the “angry young man” persona. Playing Inspector Vijay Khanna, he brought a new intensity to the silver screen. The movie’s powerful dialogues, emotional depth, and action-driven story turned Bachchan into a national sensation. New spin on classic queer love story as Deewaar, Sholay became a landmark in Indian film history. As Jai, one half of the memorable duo with Veeru (Dharmendra), Bachchan balanced action and emotion with ease. His understated performance and chemistry with co-stars helped make Sholay a timeless classic that continues to attract audiences across generations. Don (1978) In Don, Bachchan showcased his ability to play dual roles with style and confidence. As both the ruthless underworld don and his simple lookalike Vijay, he delivered a performance that remains unmatched. The film’s gripping narrative and memorable dialogue made Don a cult favourite and led to several remakes over the years. Kalki 2898 AD (2024) Even decades after his debut, Amitabh Bachchan continued to surprise audiences with his range. The epic science-fiction film, co-written and directed by Nag Ashwin, features Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, and Disha Patani. In Kalki 2898 AD, his performance as Ashwatthama has been widely praised for its intensity, commanding screen presence, and acting prowess. From intense dramas to light-hearted comedies, Amitabh Bachchan has proved that talent has no limits and age is no barrier. With a filmography spanning more than 200 movies, he remains one of India’s most respected and admired actors — a true legend whose influence continues to shape the world of cinema. — ANI Deewaar (1975) Singer and actor Jennifer Lopez had multiple roles in the movie musical adaptation of Kiss of the Spider Woman, and she was determined to make all of them her own while following in the footsteps of acclaimed Latina actors Sonia Braga and Chita Rivera. “You really do have to kind of let that go and make it your own,” Lopez said about her approach to taking on her roles as the Spider Woman. The action crime film written by Salim-Javed and directed by Yash Chopra, is among the cult classics and is often considered one of Big B’s greatest performances. His portrayal of Vijay Verma remains one of Indian cinema’s most iconic roles. The film’s famous line, “Aaj mere paas maa hai,” remains etched in cinematic history. Sholay (1975) Released the same year RANG BARSE BHEEGE CHUNARWALI Fans gather outside Jalsa to get a glimpse Elizabeth Berkley reflects on the backlash, resilience and redemption nearly 30 years after Showgirls CHAT UP RASHMIKA’S RING REVEAL The internet is buzzing as Rashmika Mandanna hints at her engagement to Vijay Deverakonda. The couple, reportedly engaged in a private Hyderabad ceremony last week, appear to be confirming the news subtly. Rashmika’s recent Instagram video playing with her dog revealed a sparkling diamond ring, catching fans’ attention. Vijay was also spotted wearing a ring recently. Rumoured to be together for nearly seven years, the pair are said to be planning a grand wedding in February 2026. Fans of Big B gathered outside his bungalow, Jalsa, to catch a glimpse of their favourite movie star on the occasion of his birthday. One of his fans expressed excitement and shared how relevant Big B’s birthday is for them, saying, “Today is the birthday of the Superstar of the century. For us, today is Diwali and Holi. We wait for October 11th every year, and may he always remain healthy...” Another fan who came from Bikaner, Rajasthan said, “Happy Birthday gurudev..aap swasth rahe, mast rahe aur aapka aashirvaad hume milta rahe.. (Happy Birthday Gurudev… (May you remain healthy, happy and may we continue to receive your blessings.)” BOLLYWOOD’S WORK HOURS DEBATE An old clip from The Kapil Sharma Show featuring Abhishek Bachchan, Akshay Kumar and Riteish Deshmukh has gone viral amid recent industry discussions. During a Housefull film promotion, Abhishek and Riteish joked about Akshay’s strict eight-hour work schedule, noting he starts promptly at 7 am and wraps up on time — even during breaks. The video resurfaced following Deepika Padukone’s remarks on Bollywood’s double standards, where she highlighted male stars’ consistent eight-hour days versus the challenges women face in the industry. ‘I was isolated’ Actress Elizabeth Berkley opened up on the intense criticism she received following her 1995 film Showgirls. Directed by Paul Verhoeven and written by Joe Eszterhas, the film features Elizabeth Berkley, Kyle MacLachlan and Gina Gershon, among others. Berkley played Nomi Malone in the movie. It’s been nearly three decades since the actress made an impact on silver screens as a Las Vegas dancer in the 1995 erotic drama. During the 30th anniversary screening of the film in Austin, she recounted the backlash she received after the movie’s release. “I took a beating, guys,” she said during a fan Q&A before the screening. “It was not fun for a little while. c m y b I’m not going to lie. It was painful. I was isolated.” She continued, “I’m not a victim. I never have been a victim. I never will be a victim. And because of your love and your embrace of this film, in the face of that vitriolic cruelty from journalists and industry people, but because of you, we’re standing here sharing a meaningful evening together.” Although her film didn’t receive a good review from the press, Berkley shared that her Saved by the Bell castmates were supportive. “We were very close and we still are. They’re like siblings to me,” she said, “When I got the role, they were just happy for me. I mean, we were all wanting to kind of branch out and do new things.” Berkley shared how she got an opportunity to join the project, saying she was “reading Variety voraciously at that time, because I was looking for my break.” “When I saw they needed a girl who could dance, who could act, who could play a showgirl and ‘Oh, my God,’ Paul Verhoeven, who had just made Sharon Stone the biggest star in the world, was directing it?!” she added. “I stopped at nothing to go after this role. Everyone in my camp, my representatives, said it was not going to be possible. That they were going to go for a big name or someone really established, but definitely it was not going to be me. And I’m sure some of you beautiful humans here at some point in your life had someone tell you it was not possible.” She continued, “Whatever you were dreaming for yourself, whatever you were hoping for yourself, wishing for yourself, whatever vision you held for yourself. And I sure as hell hope you showed them what was possible. If you haven’t yet, it’s not too late.” In 2020, Berkley shared how portraying Nomi affected her personal life. “It changed me,” she said, adding, “It was a life moment, and I cannot help but say I would be a different person had I not gone through the depths of what it taught me.” When it was first released in the ‘90s, Berkley faced criticism and disappointing box office numbers. — ANI