25112024-LSTL-01.qxd 11/24/2024 8:20 PM Page 1 c m y b WHEN ARIANA TOOK THERAPY Singer and Wicked star Ariana Grande shared that she first saw a therapist at the age of eight so that she could ‘process’ the divorce of her parents. The 31-yearold shared, “I don’t think I was really mature enough to process things but as I have gotten older, my therapist has been everything to me.” WORTHY TRIBUTE Ranbir Kapoor announces Raj Kapoor Film Festival at IFFI 2024 Bollywood star Ranbir Kapoor on Sunday announced that a film festival showcasing restored movies of his grandfather, veteran filmmaker Raj Kapoor, will be held across the country to celebrate his birth centenary in December. Ranbir was in conversation with filmmaker Rahul Rawail at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Goa, to honour Raj Kapoor, ahead of his 100th birth anniversary on December 14. The National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC), National Film Archives of India (NFAI) and Film Heritage Foundation (FHF), and his uncle Kunal Kapoor have started restoring 10 films of Raj Kapoor, the actor said. “We are going to organise the Raj Kapoor Film Festival from December 13 to 15 all over India. We will show the restored version of his 10 films,” Ranbir said to a jam-packed auditorium at the Kala Academy in Panaji. “I hope you guys come as well. I remember the first time I met Alia, she asked me ‘Who’s Kishore Kumar?’ It’s just a circle of life, people are forgotten. But it’s important we remember our roots,” he added. The actor, who has often talked about his dream to make a biopic on his late grandfather, said he has discussed the potential project with his ‘godfather’ and filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali. “I talk to a lot of people, including Sanjay Leela Bhansali, about how to make a biopic on Raj Kapoor. A biopic is not just something which highlights the success in a person’s life, you truly have to portray someone’s life honestly — the lows, struggles, relationship dynamics. “It’s a very tough biopic to make. I don’t know if my family would also agree for most of the things, to show this side of Raj Kapoor. But I think it would really make a great movie,” he added. Ranbir is also excited to reunite with Bhansali in Love & War. The director gave him his first break as an actor in 2007’s “Saawariya”. “I’m excited to work with Bhansali again. Even after 17 years. I respect him so much, he hasn’t changed at all. All he thinks about is his movies,” he added. — PTI TRIBUNE Sweet notes Life At IFFI, Goa, Guneet Monga Kapoor, Oscar award-winning producer, highlighted the growing role of women in various aspects of filmmaking The Tripura government is set to organise Tourism Promo Fests, during which renowned artistes and celebrities, including singer Shreya Ghoshal, will perform. LUDHIANA | MONDAY | 25 NOVEMBER 2024 During my stay in Los Angeles I really saw the power of Women In Film, as an organisation. GUNEET MONGA KAPOOR Inclusive & exclusive Mona Have will, shall change… The session ‘Women in Film - India Chapter: A New Vision’ at the 55th International Film Festival of India, Goa, had Oscar-winning director Guneet Monga Kapoor lead an enlightening discussion on gender parity in the film industry. Guneet, who founded Sikhya Entertainment, the film production house with hits like Academy Award winning-film The Elephant Whisperer, Gangs of Wasseypur, The Lunchbox and Masaan, opened up on an honest note, “I have been a producer for the past 17-18 years and have many women working in my team. In my production company, we mindfully push women directors. Then there are these stats — less than five per cent of directors in India are women!” Guneet came in touch with Women in Film (WIF) at Los Angeles, when she was there for The Elephant Whisperer. Established in 1973, this nonprofit organisation advocates women working in the industry — both in front and behind the camera. Guneet shared how she finally found an ally in WIF “I was surprised . to see them working for women directors, technicians, pushing them for the prestigious awards, whereas we struggle to get one article out.” Once back home, she touched base with women in the industry and thus was born WIF India Chapter. Still in its infancy, it’s an ambitious step. “In India we don’t have the database, we don’t know how many of us are there – 50,000 or 500,000. We are working towards building a structure.” Guneet Monga Kapoor, Tillotama Shome and Jyoti Deshpande were part of the 18th Edition Film Bazaar Knowledge Series 2024 for an enlightening panel discussion on Women in Film - India Chapter: A New Vision at the IFFI. They were joined in the discussion by Andria Wilson Mirza, director, International Programs WIF LA, and Aparna Purohit, CEO Aamir Khan Productions. The session was moderated by Suchin Mehrotra. Meanwhile, actress Tillotama Shome backed Guneet, while taking the conversation forward, “Data makes the invisible visible. Intention is important and I am excited about the possibilities that WIF India can lead to.” Jyoti Deshpande, with her 30 years plus work experience, shared how when she began people couldn’t believe that a woman was at the helm of affairs, but things have changed. “As much as 60 per cent of our workforce comprises women and 60 per cent of leadership posts are with women. I have actively gone out and sought out meritorious women, not because they are women but because they are amazingly good at what they do,” shared Jyoti, President, Media and Entertainment. Reliance Industries Limited. She mentioned how men were equally part of this narrative. “I think it can be very daunting for men to be excluded from the conversation. It sounds like some sort of an activism. It’s not activism. It’s inclusion,” added Jyoyi. She was proud of the work her studio had put out this year, including Laapata Ladies — a movie by the very talented Kiran Rao, which is currently doing its Oscar run. On the other hand, Stree 2 is also a woman’s story, “It’s headlined by a woman actor, which went on to become the highest grossing film of the year. In fact, the highest grossing film of all time, beating all the Khans! So, I think it’s very important to talk about movies like Stree 2 because there is this preconceived notion that if you make a movie with a heroine, it won’t do business.” However, she admitted that equal pay was still a distant dream. “But have we set out on a very positive journey? I think yes.” Viraj Ghelani, who is slowly but surely making a mark in the entertainment industry, attributes his success to a combination of luck and hard work Vikrant Parmar Actor, stand-up comic and digital content creator Viraj Ghelani likes to keep his words simple, yet has the power to convey more than what is said. Viraj’s tale of success began as the Gujju boy of social media, garnering a following of over 1.2 million with his blend of comedy. “I have never wanted to limit myself to a single form of entertainment. I’ve made it a goal to explore a new medium whenever possible. My aim is to challenge myself to explore every avenue of performing arts. I’m looking for roles that will push me and challenge my craft, rather than ones that confine me to a specific type. I want to avoid being stereotyped,” he begins. Following his rise as a social media sensation, Viraj got an opportunity to be a part of films like Govinda Mera Naam and the blockbuster Jawaan. He attributes his rise to a combination of hard work and luck. “I believe both play a role in success. However, relying solely on luck isn’t the way to go, as it’s beyond our control. Luck might give a push but it is hard work, ded- THIS COMIC IS SERIOUS! ication and consistency that will help one sustain the competition in any industry. While I let my stars do their part, I trust my efforts more,” he says. After a successful stand-up debut and films, Viraj made his first appearance at the 77th Cannes Film Festival in association with Warner Bros for the film Furosia: A Mad Max Saga in May 2024. “My career journey has been quite multi-dimensional so far and I aim to keep it that way. I’ve explored various formats and am incredibly grateful for the love I’ve received along the way,” he beams. Following this, Viraj made a sensational regional debut with the Gujarati film Jhamkudi. The movie raked-in a recordbreaking Rs 2.42 crore in the opening weekend, amassing over Rs 25 crore at the boxoffice and became the third highest-grossing Gujarati film ever! He must have had his share of ups and downs amid all this? “What is life without ups and downs? I believe that both struggles and successes are integral to everyone’s career. It’s about the journey, not just the destination. So, I value each experience — whether it’s a challenge or a triumph. I am also extremely grateful to have great family, friends and amazing fans, who c m y b stand by my side, no matter what, making every phase of my life beautiful,” he says. All set to take his stand-up act That’s So Viraj international, with shows in Dubai and Australia, Viraj is looking up to the future with much hope. What’s so special about stand-up shows? “Stand-up acts provide artistes a unique platform to showcase their work in front of a live audience, leading to a more interactive experience. The immediate love and appreciation, after every performance, is incredibly motivating and inspires you to keep improving all the time,” he shares. Having put in the hard yards, any advice for the youngsters eyeing a career in the world of entertainment? “They should focus on honing their craft and improving themselves, as opportunities will eventually arrive. Complaining about the job’s instability won’t help in any way. I must have given at least 200 auditions before landing my first role. Competition has grown significantly, but thanks to social media everyone now has a platform to showcase their art,” he says. Well, that sure is the case.