17022026-LSTL-01.qxd 2/16/2026 8:32 PM Page 1 c m y b VIJENDER SUPPORTS RAJPAL Boxer Vijender Singh was among the latest to support Rajpal Yadav, inviting him to join his upcoming film with Sanjay Sanju Saini. On Monday, Rajpal was granted interim bail in his cheque bounce case, bringing relief to Bollywood colleagues. Industry peers, led by Sonu Sood, had earlier extended financial and moral support for the actor. WHAT’S HOT TRIBUNE Never too old... Life Hollywood star Kate Hudson defied critics who told her she was too old to start a music career, releasing her debut album Glorious in 2024 and earning overwhelming love from audiences. LUDHIANA | TUESDAY | 17 FEBRUARY 2026 MohapatraMagic at NYFW hoshiarpur Yathesht Pratiraj Phool W HEN Bibhu Mohapatra stepped into the grand ballroom of The Pierre on February 15, he wasn’t just staging a runway show at New York Fashion Week. He was telling a story. Fall/Winter 2026, titled The Pilgrimage, felt personal — almost like reading pages from a diary stitched in silk and velvet. The mood? Think of it as “power draped in poetry.” Strong, but soft. Structured, yet fluid. A little contradiction and that is the entire point. sing GURDAS MAAN LIVE H OSHIARPUR is all set for a musical treat as popular Punjabi singer Gurdas Maan takes the stage on the evening of February 17, marking the grand finale of the four-day Nature Fest organised by the district administration. Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain has invited residents to join the Singer Night at Lajwanti Stadium, promising an unforgettable evening. The fest has already seen a spectacular performance by Prabh Gill and has kept the spirit high with adventure activities like off-roading, bird watching, cyclothon, trekking, and forest camping, making it a vibrant celebration of nature, music, and community. COLOUR, CONFIDENCE, CRAFT The canary yellow strapless gown stole more than a few glances. Its bubble hem — sculpted from gazar — floated like a flower midbloom. Then came the deep plum peplum look: sharp shoulders, floral embroidery at the waist, and a flowing skirt that bal- play anced edge with elegance. Warrior energy, but make it chic. There were other moments too — a burgundy tulle gown dusted with appliqués, a crisp white layered outfit topped with a fur-trimmed vest and even a rust-coloured jumpsuit that whispered modern minimalism. Fashion, here, wasn’t loud. It was assured. A LOVE LETTER HOME Here’s the thing: this wasn’t just about clothes. Mohapatra drew from childhood memories in Odisha — his mother’s handiwork, traditional rice paintings, sari drapes. Custom lace and velvet embroidery carried that heritage forward. Even the jewellery, created with Tanishq, echoed regal Indian craftsmanship. When he took his final bow to a standing ovation, it felt that it was earned. For young dreamers watching, the message was clear: your roots aren’t baggage. they are your superpower. STRINGS ATTACHED S amritsar TREET Music that hits different and lets you take a break from the virtual world. One doesn’t need a stage or an orchestra, just a bit of a courage and vibes that resonate. The Unplugged music evenings at VR Ambarsar mall every weekend brings together members of community to enjoy live impromptu music performances by budding singers, digital artistes even random bathroom singers, who share love for music. Hosted by Timeless Amritsar’ volunteers and city-based artistes, these musical evenings bring together families, friends and others grooving to classics and some new-gen mixers. chandigarh love PUPPET PANORAMA T HE stage at Tagore Theatre transforms into a passport to distant lands as the 13th International Puppet Festival 2026 unfolds in Chandigarh. Organised by the Department of Cultural Affairs, Chandigarh Administration in association with the Tagore Theatre Society, the ongoing festival is a vibrant celebration of storytelling, tradition and imagination. On February 17, Turkey’s Flying Hands Puppet Theatre brings The Rock, a charming non-verbal production, that tells the story of a giant rock that blocks a busy road — until a child, armed with a simple yet magical idea, saves the day. With humour, visual effects and expressive puppetry, the show gently reminds viewers that the simplest solutions are often the most powerful. The global journey continues with India’s Jack and the Beanstalk on February 18, Korea’s visually rich Doong Doong Alert on February 19, and Albania’s musical spectacle Albanian Wedding on February 20. With shows daily at 10:30 am and 6:30 pm, the festival promises wonder for both young audiences and adults alike. Stars hail India’s BIG WIN Indian film stars and public figures flooded social media with celebratory messages after India crushed Pakistan by 61 runs at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Sunday, sealing a Super Eight berth in emphatic fashion. Riding on a blistering 77 off 40 balls from opener Ishan Kishan at the R Premadasa Stadium, India posted 175-7 before bowling Pakistan out for 114 in 18 overs, extending their tournament record against their arch-rivals to 8-1. But even before the final wicket fell, celebrations had begun online. CAPTAIN’S TRIBUTE BOLLYWOOD ERUPTS (L-R) SURYAKUMAR YADAV WITH ISHAN KISHAN ARJUN RAMPAL HARDIK PANDYA & MAHIEKA SHARMA Actor Ajay Devgn hailed the side’s dominance on X, writing: “This brilliant team makes winning look like a cakewalk. Kya khela hai (What a game)!” Malayalam superstar Mammootty congratulated the team on what he Celebrities erupt on social media as Kishan’s 77 sinks Pakistan in T20 World Cup clash called “a proud moment for the nation” following their victory over Pakistan. Sharing a series of photographs, Arjun Rampal posted: “Done and dusted. What a CHAT UP India’s concert culture is set for a defining moment as Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, prepares for his firstever performance in the country. On March 29, the hip-hop icon will take over Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium with a stadiumscale spectacle that promises cinematic visuals, precision acoustics and a career-spanning setlist featuring classics such as Stronger, Heartless and Runaway. Politician Shashi Tharoor and actress Priyanka Chopra reunited at India Conference 2026 at Harvard University, where she delivered the closing keynote. Sharing pictures on X, Tharoor praised her poise, wisdom, and global achievements, calling her a pride for India. Chopra responded with admiration for Tharoor’s oratory and thanked him for attending her panel.Priyanks will star in SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi next. c m y b fabulous performance to enter the Super 8s, congratulations men in blue, we love you,” while also giving a special shout-out to Kishan. Anupam Kher uploaded a India captain Suryakumar Yadav also joined in the celebrations online, posting a photograph with Kishan and captioning it in Hindi: “Jiya ho Bihar Ke Lala,” a nod to the batter’s roots in Patna, Bihar. Speaking after the match, Suryakumar said Kishan had taken responsibility at a crucial moment. “At 0-1, someone needed to step up and he did that amazingly,” he said. Saiyami, Akshay bond over fitness PEECEE MEETS THAROOR YE’S FIRST INDIA GIG video capturing his animated celebrations as India sealed the win, captioning it with chants of “Har Har Mahadev”. Veteran actor Anil Kapoor wrote that he was “super proud” of the Indian team, while actorpolitician Khushbu Sundar declared: “And we win! India at the top, always.” Vivek Oberoi praised Kishan’s “mammoth 77 off 40 balls” and lauded the early breakthroughs delivered by India’s bowlers. AOORA’S SHIV BHAKTI K-Pop sensation and former Bigg Boss 17contestant Aoora captivated fans with his latest spiritual-electronic fusion track, Shiv Shivam (Tandava), released around Maha Shivratri. The song, dedicated to Lord Shiva, blends bhakti with modern EDM rhythms, creating a unique homage to the deity. Aoora was spotted at Vedapureeswarar Temple in Chennai, immersed in devotion and singing bhajans. Actress Saiyami Kher is set to star alongside Bollywood superstar Akshay Kumar in Priyadarshan’s Haiwaan. For Saiyami, this collaboration is personal, as Akshay has long been a major influence on her fitness-first lifestyle. The bond between the two actors extended beyond the camera. On the sets, Akshay and Saiyami were often seen indulging in various sports and fitness activities, reflecting their shared passion for an active lifestyle. Recently, Saiyami shared a video of the two playing a game together, which delighted fans and netizens alike. Talking about her experience, Saiyami shares, “I grew up watching Akshay sir’s films, and he was the OG film star that actually inspired me in my own fitness journey. His discipline, lifestyle, and the way he prioritizes health have always been a huge inspiration to me. To now stand alongside him in Priyadarshan sir’s Haiwaan feels very exciting.”