02032024-LSTL-01.qxd 3/1/2024 10:58 PM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE Spirited officer Life Yami Gautam hopes her character of spirited intelligence officer Zooni Haksar in the political action thriller Article 370 inspires young women to join the Intelligence Bureau and the National Investigation Agency. LUDHIANA | SATURDAY | 2 MARCH 2024 Lure of the web High pitch Anushka Sharma Gurnaaz Kaur E NTERTAINMENT is an ever-evolving industry and every actor wants to stay relevant. The ones we are talking about here are success stories on the big screen, be it in Hindi cinema or South Indian arena. Now, these stunning beauties are ready to bring their Agame on to the digital platform. While these women are in their pursuit to explore new stories on OTT, we can gear up for some great shows and movies from the comfort of our homes. Ananya Panday Urmila Matondkar Anushka Sharma is eyeing her movie comeback with Chakda Xpress, a biographical film set to premiere on Netflix. Although Anushka made a special appearance in a song for her 2022 production, Qala, this can be called her real OTT debut. Directed by Prosit Roy, Chakda Xpress delves into the life of Jhulan Goswami, the former Indian cricketer holding the record for the most wickets in One Day International matches. The film promises to not only highlight Jhulan’s cricketing achievements, but also provide insight into her personal journey on how she overcame challenges to secure a place in the Indian cricket team. New-age star Ananya Panday Anushka Sharma Richa Chadha, Vaani Kapoor and Kriti Sanon Ananya Panday began her acting career with Student of the Year in 2019. In these four years, with films such as Pati Patni Aur Woh, Kho Gaye Hum Kahan and Dream Girl, Ananya has carved a niche for herself as the new-age star. Now, she is ready to make her OTT debut with the upcoming show Call Me Bae. Backed by Karan With Anushka Sharma’s Chakda Xpress and Kriti Sanon’s Do Patti lined-up, proven stars of the big screen are set to ignite the OTT space. Here’s a look at some of the others who are debuting on digital platforms Johar, she plays a billionaire fashionista in the show, who gets disowned by her family due to a scandal. A thrilled Ananya recently shared pictures from the wrap of the first season’s shoot. The show also stars Vir Das and Gurfateh Pirzada. Period drama Sharmin Sehgal Sharmin made her Hindi film debut with Malaal (2019). Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s niece Sharmin Sehgal is now turning to the digital space with Netflix series Heeramandi. A period drama, Sanjay Leela Bhansali brings his majestic signature flair to stories of love and betrayal in the lives of courtesans in pre-Independence India. Varun is there too… Varun Dhawan is set to headline the Indian adaptation of Russo Brothers’ directorial Citadel, which marks his streaming debut. Billed as ‘the local original spy series’, it is directed by Raj and DK, and also features Tollywood superstar Samantha Ruth Prabhu. The Bhediya actor calls Citadel ‘a landmark moment’ in his career and is thrilled to be a part of it. Love and betrayal Richa Chadha Heeramandi also marks Richa Chadha’s OTT debut. The series, which also stars Manisha Koirala, Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari and Sanjeeda Sheikh, is the second collaboration between Richa and Sanjay Leela Bhansali. They previously worked on 2013 hit Goliyon Ki Rasleela RamLeela. Richa says she loves to work with the filmmaker, as he is relentless. Turning producer Kriti Sanon Kriti Sanon is not just venturing into the digital world with Do Patti, but is also turning into a producer with this one. The movie reunites Kriti and Kajol after eight years. They first shared screen space in Rohit Shetty’s Dilwale. With this film, writer Kanika Dhillon also turns to production. Do Patti, to be streamed on Netflix, is mystery thriller set in the hills of north India. Crime zone Vaani Kapoor Vaani Kapoor has joined hands with Gopi Puthran of Mardaani 2 fame for her OTT debut with crime thriller Mandala Murders. The gritty series has been produced by YRF . About her digital debut, the actress stated in an official statement, “I was looking for something really clutterbreaking for my foray into OTT. I’m thrilled to be working with a mind like Gopi Puthran for Mandala Murders, a gritty crime thriller series that has pushed me to work my hardest in a genre I’ve never attempted before.” Fresh turf Urmila Matondkar She ruled the big screen during the 90s. Urmila Matondkar is ready to take on the OTT platform with her debut film Tiwari. Directed by Saurabh Varma, the show will see the 49-year-old actress doing some action. An emotional mother-daughter story, the first-look poster of Tiwari is doing the rounds on social media. The upcoming thriller drama is about Kalki Tiwari, a woman who spent 14 years in prison for a crime she hadn’t committed. ‘I want to be undefinable’ Actress Meenakshi Sheshadri says about her second innings Ranveer Singh and Rani Mukerji Rani Mukerji, among other celebs, in Jamnagar to attend pre-wedding function of Anant Ambani When stars shine down Arjun Kapoor Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani’s youngest son, Anant Ambani, is set to tie the knot with industrialist Viren Merchant’s daughter Radhika Merchant. Their pre-wedding festivities are taking place in Jamnagar and it is a star-studded affair. Various national and international artistes are reaching Jamnagar for the event. Among many celebrities, actress Rani Mukerji also arrived in Jamnagar. She sported a grey-coloured blazer with a blue shirt. Meanwhile, famous international artiste Rihanna has also reached the place. Apart from her, Shah Rukh Khan, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Anu Malik, Arjun Kapoor and Boney Kapoor were also spotted. On Wednesday, the Ambani family organised anna seva to seek the blessings of the local community for the pre-wedding celebrations. After the meal, the attendees enjoyed traditional folk music. Famous Gujarati singer Kirtidan Gadhvi stole the show with his singing. The functions are expected to be traditional and grand. Guests will get to experience the beauty of Indian culture at the prewedding festivities. They will receive traditional scarves made by women artisans from Kachchh and Lalpur in Gujarat. c m y b Meenakshi Sheshadri made an indelible impression on fans’ hearts with her performances in films such as Damini, Hero and others. Now, she is set for a comeback after a long sabbatical. “I am back in India after hearing my inner voice. My family also supported me and realised that I wouldn’t be getting many opportunities in the US, so I am here,” she said. Meenakshi added that she never wanted to be typecast and even now, after making a comeback, she wanted to be ‘undefinable’. “Even though this is my second innings, I have come again and I want to be absolutely undefinable,” added the Ghatak actress. Recalling her childhood passion for dance, Meenakshi shared, “My mom used to run singing and dancing classes. From the age of one, I started learning how to dance. I later won awards and after passing 12th class, I was chosen as Miss India that year. So the winners of beauty pageants used to get offers for modelling and acting, I too got that and I think classical dance has a big role in getting me into acting...” She made her debut with the film Painter Babu, which was released in 1983 and produced by Manoj Kumar. She is known for her performances in movies such as Hero, Aandhi-Toofan, Meri Jung, Swati, Dilwaala, Parivaar, Shahenshah, Mahaadev, Awaargi, Jurm, Ghayal, Ghar Ho To Aisa, Damini, Ghatak, among others. — ANI Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson Two to tango Emily Blunt in talks to star alongside Dwayne Johnson in The Smashing Machine Actress Emily Blunt is currently in talks to feature in the upcoming film The Smashing Machine, starring Dwyane Johnson. The Academy Award-nominated actress would essay the role of Dawn Staples, the new wife to legendary MMA fighter Mark Kerr. The story is about how Dawn struggles to find her place within the champion’s chaotic and contradictory world while trying to set up a life together. The Smashing Machine is a drama based on the story of Kerr, the legendary MMA fighter from the no-holds-barred era of the UFC. — IANS
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The English edition apart, the 133-year-old Tribune has two sister publications, Punjabi Tribune (in Punjabi) and Dainik Tribune (in Hindi).