04122025-LSTC-01.qxd 12/4/2025 12:10 AM Page 1 c m y b DRISHYAM 3 SHOOTING WRAPS UP The makers of the much-awaited third instalment of Mohanlal’s Drishyam have finally wrapped up the shooting of the movie on Wednesday. TRIBUNE Star power Life Sarah Paulson received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, in Los Angeles. Sarah is the recipient of numerous accolades, including a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award and a Tony Award. CHANDIGARH | THURSDAY | 4 DECEMBER 2025 Ashutosh Rana, who brings his popular play Humare Ramto Tricity, says acting for him is a form of salvation CHAT UP Mona AAMIR KHAN JOINS HANDS VIR DAS Aamir Khan Productions has officially announced its next film, Happy Patel, a spy comedy that also marks actor-comedian Vir Das’ directorial debut. The film will also feature Das alongside Mona Singh in lead roles. R ENOWNED actor, writer and performer Ashutosh Rana is bringing his acclaimed theatre production Humare Ram to Chandigarh, carrying with him not just a play but a lifelong journey steeped in theatre, introspection and artistic devotion. The production has already generated excitement across the country. Many spectators, Rana notes with gratitude, have watched the play 20–25 times — returning each time with the same freshness and joy that can be described as “meeting an old friend for the first time.” “There is no greater happiness for an artiste,” he says, “than to have a loyal audience. It’s my fortune that I have gotten so much love.” A dialogue with self A life shaped by theatre MILEY ENGAGED TO MAXX MORANDO Miley Cyrus is engaged to musician Maxx Morando after nearly four years of dating. The speculation around their engagement began earlier this month; however, it intensified when Cyrus hit the red carpet at the Avatar: Fire and Ash world premiere in Los Angeles on December 1, where she was seen proudly flaunting a sparkling diamond ring on her left hand. While Ashutosh Rana’s cinematic presence — Dushman, Sangharsh, Sonchiriya, Haasil, War and Pathaan among others — has been celebrated for decades, his artistic journey has much been defined on stage. His years at the National School of Drama shaped him into an actor of depth, discipline and sensitivity. He recalls performing in NSD productions, and plays even after passing out, many of which, like Vijaya Mehta-directed Purush, achieved the cult status. But his relationship with the stage began much earlier. Rana fondly remembers stepping on the stage at the age of four, experiencing for the first time what he calls anand — the pure joy of appreciation. The applause of elders, the acknowledgement of his effort and the sense of responsibility that followed became the foundation of his artistic temperament. “That appreciation taught me that an artiste must be nipu? — skilled, disciplined, accountable,” he reflects. “The stage trains you to respect your craft.” Learning and a continuing yatra RASHMIKA SLAMS AI MISUSE The rising misuse of Artificial Intelligence to morph and generate fake and explicit images of film personalities has sparked growing concerns across the Indian entertainment industry. Several actors have recently spoken out against this alarming trend, and now Rashmika Mandanna has joined in to share her strong stance on the issue. Taking to her X account on Wednesday, the actress called for accountability and responsibility in the handling of “AI-generated content.” DHURANDHAR’S SONG EZ-EZ OUT NOW After dropping the chart-topping Dhurandhar title track, the makers have now unveiled another banger, titled Ez-Ez. Diljit Dosanjh and rapper Hanumankind have joined forces for the new song. Actor Ranveer Singh took to his Instagram on Wednesday to share the music video, describing the collaboration as “the biggest collab of 2025.” After graduating from the NSD, Rana embarked on what he describes as a long, fulfilling sukhad yatra — a journey of learning, unlearning and relentless selfrefinement. He believes that acting is not merely performance but a process of meeting oneself over and over again. “Mere liye acting khud se khud ki mullakat hai,” he says. “Each of us carries many selves within us — ten, twenty, perhaps more. Acting helps me connect with those selves. It is a form of salvation.” This philosophy is at the heart of Humare Ram, a production that blends mythology, inner reflection and contemporary relevance. It invites viewers to look not only at the story of Ram but also inward — toward their own values, conflicts and conscience. Priyanka on backing Born Hungry Priyanka Chopra Jonas is constantly trying to challenge herself but as a producer, she says she wants to back stories that move her personally, something that propelled her to back the documentary Born Hungry on celebrity chef Sash Simpson. The documentary, currently streaming on JioHotstar, traces the life of Simpson — from being abandoned as a young boy in India to his adoption in Canada and his success as a renowned chef. It is produced by Priyanka’s banner Purple Pebble Pictures along with Barry Avrich’s Melbar Entertain- ment Group. The actor said she was moved by Sash Simpson’s story. “As an actor and as a producer, my hats are kind of different. And my brain splits into two. I think as an actor, I’m constantly trying to challenge myself. As a producer, I’m empathetic and our ethos is a lot around wanting to give opportunities to newer filmmakers or filmmakers that want to achieve something that they haven’t been able to or are kind of hitting a wall somewhere. My production side kind of comes from what personally moves me,” Priyanka said. PTI A performance, a pilgrimage For Rana, bringing Humare Ram to Chandigarh is not merely a tour stop but a meaningful continuation of that personal pilgrimage. As he and his team travel extensively across cities, he expresses both astonishment and gratitude that audiences have begun to “know” him again through theatre — not as a film star but as a storyteller. He describes each staging as a reunion of hearts — a moment Singularly happy! The trailer of Kunal Kemmu-starrer Single Papa was unveiled on Tuesday. Created and co-produced by Ishita Moitra and Neeraj Udhwani, with Shashank Khaitan as executive producer, Single Papa is directed by Shashank Khaitan, Hitesh Kewalya and Neeraj Udhwani. Manoj Pahwa, Neha Dhupia, Prajakta Koli and Ayesha Raza are also a part of the Netflix show. The trailer gives audiences a first look at Gaurav’s hilarious yet heartfelt journey as he tries to balance baby bottles with bad decisions, often at the same PizzaExpress, which opens its outlet in Chandigarh, promises simple, fresh and hand crafted food Mona Pizza lovers in Chandigarh have something new to celebrate. PizzaExpress — one of the UK’s most loved pizzerias — has opened its first restaurant in the city at Nexus Elante Mall. Known globally for its handcrafted pizzas, open kitchens and warm, contemporary dining spaces, the brand is stepping into Tricity with a clear promise — food made with care. The launch follows the enthusiastic response PizzaExpress received in Mohali (CP67 Mall) and Ludhiana. In Chandigarh, the brand aims to offer the same flavours that has made it a favourite across 13 countries. At the core of PizzaExpress is its food philosophy — keep things simple, fresh, and crafted by hand. Jerry Thomas, culinary head for PizzaEx- slice A of happiness press, describes the dough as the “hero” of the kitchen. Every pizza begins with slow-proofed dough, stretched by skilled pizzaiolos (skilled pizza chefs) in full view of diners. The attention to detail extends to the tomato passata, made of San Marzano tomatoes crushed within hours of harvesting, giving their pizzas a flavour that is both clean and unmistakably PizzaEx- press. Chandigarh’s menu offers a generous mix of classic favourites and dishes created especially for Indian palates. The restaurant features three signature bases — Classic, the original and comforting; Romana — thin and crisp, known for delivering flavour with every bite; and Naples, the newest base — soft, airy and indulgent. Global favourites like the Romana Queen Margherita, American Hot, Lava and the Michelin-star-inspired Calabrese share table with flavour-packed local creations. For the Chandigarh crowd, the team has introduced pizzas such as the Spicy American Hottest, Padrino and Chicken & Paneer Coriander Pesto, all made to appeal to the region’s taste for bold seasoning and vibrant spices. Punjab’s love for chicken c m y b hasn’t been forgotten either. The menu includes four kinds of wings — crispy fried, smoky BBQ, classic hot and creamy red jalapeño — each offering a different experience for spice lovers and comfort-food seekers alike. While pizza remains the heart of the brand, PizzaExpress in Chandigarh goes beyond it with a full all-day dining offering. The beloved Dough Balls, one of the brand’s most recognisable dishes, make an appearance. Also on the menu are fresh salads, handmade pastas, risottos and lasagne. Chandigarh diners get a first — rice bowls. For fitness enthusiasts, there is the Leggera, a lighter, under-600-calorie innovation — that is a pizza and a salad in its centre. Those calorie conscious can dig in Piadinas, kind of light pizza sandwiches. Dessert lovers can look for- where performer and audience meet in a shared emotional and spiritual space. Humare Ram promises an evening of reflection, devotion, and artistic excellence — a performance that, like Rana’s own journey, blends mythology with humanity, discipline with emotion, and art with self-discovery. Humare Ram will be staged at the Indradhanush Auditorium, Panchkula, on December 6 and 7. ward to cheesecake, mango desserts, gelato and the popular sticky toffee pudding. The beverage menu brings together cocktails, mocktails, sangrias, a curated wine list and specialty coffees. with small portions and sharing plates, one can choose one’s indulgence. “Our quality ingredients and craft would ensure you do not feel too full even after meals here!” vouches Jerry Thomas. True to the brand’s signature style, the Chandigarh restaurant features an open kitchen where diners can watch pizzas being tossed, stretched, and assembled — bringing an element of drama to the meal. With its mix of global classics and local flavour innovations, PizzaExpress arrives in Chandigarh offering a taste of a global tradition — now made just for Chandigarh. time. From fumbling with diapers, dodging unsolicited advice from everyone within a 10-km radius, to trying to convince his shocked parents that this is not a prank, the trailer delivers humour, sensitivity, and unapologetic desi drama. —ANI Prajakta Koli & Kunal Khemu