25072026-LSCB-01.qxd 7/24/2026 8:27 PM Page 1 c m y b WATCH OUT FOR AHAN’S NEXT The release date for Ali Abbas Zafar’s untitled next film, featuring actors Ahaan Panday, Sharvari, Aaishvary Thackeray, and Bobby Deol, will be released on March 26. Shot extensively in the UK, the film is produced by Aditya Chopra. TRIBUNE In support Life Nora Fatehi extended solidarity with the protesting students over the NEET paper leak. “I sincerely pray this opens up opportunity for the system to stand by the future of India,” she posted. LUDHIANA | SATURDAY | 25 JULY 2026 Bollywood actor Raghav Juyal and debutante Niharika NM bring the madness of the Bhai Tera Star Hai to Chandigarh Comedy, they both agree, is serious business. At a time when thrillers, action spectacles and larger-than-life dramas dominate the marquee, actors Raghav Juyal and Niharika NM are betting on laughter with Bhai Tera Star Hai. While in Chandigarh on Friday to promote the film, the duo speak not just about comedy and cinema but also about Punjabi food, family roots and why Chandigarh always feels like a city worth returning to. Laughing Punjabi connect For Raghav, the Punjabi connection runs much deeper. “My mother is Punjabi and my father is Garhwali,” he shares. He also fondly recalls close friendships with actor Jayy Randhawa, whom he describes as an old friend, and another friend Amrinder, whose theth (raw) Punjabi fascinates him. “I’ve learnt Punjabi,” he grins mischievously, “but the Punjabi I’ve learnt... I probably shouldn’t speak it here.” His punchline has everyone in splits. “Punjabi has a different flavour. The joy and energy in it are unmatched,” he adds. In fact, that admiration may soon find its way onscreen. Raghav hints at playing a Sikh character in an upcoming project. “I’ll have to speak Punjabi for I’ve been on sets since I was sixteen. Camera crew, assistant directors, spot boys—that feels like family. Whenever I get time, I go back to Dehradun, spend time with my friends in the mountains, recharge and come back. that,” he says, adding that he’s looking forward to the challenge. Niharika, meanwhile, admits Punjabi is still an unfamiliar territory. Ajay & Roshni Bhai Tera Star Hai is, in Niharika’s words, “a chaotic mess—but in the best way possible. It’s full of wonderfully eccentric people.” Raghav echoes the sentiment. “We don’t make enough films that simply make people laugh like Hera Pheri or Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro. We wanted to make something that leaves people smiling when they walk out of the theatre.” He plays Ajay Singh, an aspiring actor with sky-high confidence and very little talent. “He genuinely believes he’s the greatest actor in the world. The problem is, he acts terribly. So, I had to perform well while pretending to be a bad actor.” Niharika plays Roshni, who sees through Ajay’s delusions but loves him nonetheless. “I would never tolerate someone like Ajay Singh in real life. But she’s in love, and love makes people do strange things.” The chemistry among the ensemble, they say, extended well beyond the camera. Directed by Vivek Agarwal, the film gave its actors unusual creative freedom. “He trusted us to improvise while staying true to the script,” says Raghav. When in London… The London shoot came with its own adventures. Since the story unfolds over a single night, Raghav wore the same costume throughout filming. “We shot in London for almost a month. People around must have thought I owned only one outfit.” Not every memory, however, was amusing. During the shoot, his make-up artiste became the victim of an attempted mugging. “I just grabbed the mugger from behind, and hoped that security lands before he beats me black and blue. You see, yeh bhai such main star hai,” chuckles Raghav. King of Slow Motion Called King of Slow Motion, Raghav has enjoyed an illustrious journey as a dancer, and WHAT’S HOT watch zirakpur A There’s something entirely enticing about golden outfits, those that place you as a standout. Whether it’s a traditional saree or an Indo-western piece, the bling speaks for itself, making everyone’s heads turn for the right reasons. And our very own actresses have pulled off golden outfits like no other. Take a look: Regal frame: Mrunal Thakur SHOW TIME D OCNIGHTS at Alliance Française Chandigarh, presented by Bitchitra Collective, brings award-winning documentaries by women and nonbinary filmmakers to Chandigarh on July 31 at 6 pm. It will screen Because I Couldn’t Stop for Death by Shefali Khan, Log Kya Kahenge? by Rafina Khatun. RAASHII KHANNA Mrunal Thakur looks straight out of a regal frame in a golden outfit by Aditi Gupta, an ensemble that features a pleated skirt and a worked-up blouse. What adds character to the attire is the tissue cape that completes the ensemble alongside a choker, rings and traditional mojaris. Sparkling beauty: Raashii Khanna Raashii Khanna dazzles in a golden piece featuring an embellished fitted skirt with a strap-less blouse and a netted dupatta. Letting the golden sparkle take center-stage, Khanna layers her look with selective jewellery and brings it to a full circle with glamorous makeup. love ARTISANAL BY ISVARI Signature style: Samantha Prabhu F OR generations, gold has defined celebration, but fourth-generation jeweller Manik Jain is giving silver its own spotlight. Carrying forward an 80-year legacy of Gujranwala Jewellers and Isvari India, Jain has launched Artisanal by Isvari in Chandigarh— the family’s first silver jewellery label. Prices start at ~2,500 for silver coins and ~20,000 for jewellery. insists that it’s been a huge part of his career. “The biggest lesson dancing taught me is discipline. My body and mind are trained to practise my craft every day.” Years back, he confessed to us that he wanted to be India’s biggest superstar, having come a long way with recent Kill and The Ba***ds of Bollywood, is he happy at the pace? “I’m happy with how things are moving,” he says, referring to a growing slate of projects, including King. “I think I’m on the right path.” Niharika’s journey has followed a different route—the content creator moved from Bengaluru to California and finally Mumbai. Each city, she reflects, shaped her differently. “Bengaluru taught me that home isn’t a place, it’s people. California taught me fierce independence. Mumbai taught me that you can be surrounded by hundreds of people and still feel lonely—and that’s okay.” Home, for Raghav, has long been a set. “I’ve been on sets since I was sixteen. Camera crew, assistant directors, spot boys—that feels like family. Whenever I get time, I go back to Dehradun, spend time with my friends in the mountains, recharge and come back.” Before wrapping up, the actors echo, “There is so much stress everywhere today. Come and laugh with us. Bhai Tera Star Hai hits cinemas on July 30. Kriti Sanon, Mrunal Thakur to Raashii Khanna — actresses dazzle in golden ensembles S a mark of gratitude towards the nation’s heroes and the families who stand behind them, Nazeer- Zirakpur will host a complimentary lunch for the immediate families of martyrs and the parents of serving personnel of the Indian Armed Forces on July 26, from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Guests are requested to carry a valid identity card or supporting document. play chandigarh Music composer Amaal Mallik launched a sharp attack on fellow composer Tanishk Bagchi on Thursday through a strongly worded post. While he did not mention Tanishk by name, Amaal made several allegations, accusing him of copying songs, using paid publicity, and behaving unfairly within the music industry. In his post on X, Amaal began by calling the composer “Mr Remix & Destroyer of Originals” and claimed he would “show the world” his real place in the industry. He also alleged that old pictures of him were being used in media articles and questioned why the composer continued to act like his “brother” despite their differences. “Dear Mr Remix & Destroyer of Originals. 10 years too late but I will show the world your aukaad. You don’t deserve my mention also after all that has gone down, so please mera 2017-18 ka photos leke articles likhwana bandh kar Lala...” he wrote. — ANI Golden girls! SALUTE TO HEROES chandigarh Tanishk Bagchi through the chaos Chandigarh love “When you’re in Chandigarh, you have to experience the hospitality,” smiles Raghav, settling comfortably into the conversation. Food, inevitably, enters the discussion almost immediately. “Wherever we go for promotions, trying the local food is mandatory. Chandigarh—you can eat anything here. Even the soil would taste good,” he jokes, setting the tone for an interview peppered with humour. BLASTS PHOTOS: RAVI KUMAR Mona Amaal Mallik Samantha Ruth Prabhu stays close to her traditional roots by donning a golden tissue saree featuring a modest border. The actress accessorises her look with a beaded neck- piece and a signature ring, keeping it all simple yet sophisticated. Modern, yet traditional: Kriti Sanon Kriti Sanon keeps her style game strong by donning a golden and white lehenga piece featuring heavy work and embellishments that bring the Manish Malhotra look to life. The Mimi star layers her look with heavy jewellery by Malhotra only to serve a modern royal frame. No skirting around: Janhvi Kapoor Janhvi Kapoor drips in a golden fitting skirt with intricate embellishments and a oneshoulder matching blouse. The Peddi star completes her look with a netted blouse and accessorises her ensemble with heavy diamond earrings and rings. Which of these golden looks are your favourites? SAMANTHA PRABHU JANHVI KAPOOR, KRITI SANON & MRUNAL THAKUR c m y b