10122024-LSTC-01.qxd 12/10/2024 12:01 AM Page 1 c m y b ‘MERA KASOOR THODEI HAI’ Diljit Dosanjh has addressed concerns regarding the black marketing of tickets for his Dil-Luminati Tour. He said, “For some time now this has been going on against me, ‘Diljit’s tickets are being sold in black’. How is it my fault that it is happening? If you are buying tickets for Rs10 and selling for Rs100, then how is it the artiste’s fault?” TRIBUNE Superhero Life Allu Arjun, who is currently riding high on the success of his latest release Pushpa: The Rule, shared that he is humbled by Amitabh Bachchan humility and called the megastar his “superhero”. CHANDIGARH | TUESDAY | 10 DECEMBER 2024 Of love & commitment Anchal Singh, who plays a woman who would go to any length to attain her love in Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein, says she fails to understand concepts like situationship ROOTED IN TRADITION Nonika Singh M ORE than a decade ago when this lovely Punjaban, Anchal Singh, decided to try her luck in the world of arclights, she had a vision, a dream and a promise to herself. Today as she is enjoying her moment in the acclaimed Netflix show Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein Season 2, Purva is one character she will forever be grateful for. Whether it has launched more shows for her, she is not at the libWHAT UNITES US ALL erty to disclose but it has made ACROSS COUNTRIES, RACE AND RELIGIONS ARE EMOTIONS. many bigwigs notice her. And the compliments coming her way after the Season 2 I WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW ME streamed on November 22 this FOR WHO I REALLY AM. year have been a steady flow. NOBODY’S LIFE IS PERFECT. The one she truly loved is, ‘PurWE ALL GO THROUGH va is a red rose with hidden thorns.’ Then there are many who UPS AND DOWNS. ❝ The Punjaban in Anchal Singh manifests in her daily routine, which begins with a path, and paying obeisance at a Gurdwara is a must. Of course, that does not mean this widely travelled daughter of an ex-Defence officer is not open to other cultures or religions. Rather, she is ever curious to learn and absorb. “Adapting is part of my personality,” she says with confidence. feel so strongly for her ‘not so white’ character. Fans are even advising what Purva should or should not do, even which man she should go for in the series since Vikrant, played by Tahir Raj Bhasin, is not reciprocating her love. On screen, she plays a woman obsessed who would go to any lengths to attain her love. In real life, she offers sagacious advice to the gen next. Love for her, like Purva, is forever. However, before you jump in and out of relationships, she says, “Take your time to ascertain your feelings. And once you are committed, stay that way.” Old school, in deed and thought, she fails to understand terms like ‘situationship’ and observes, “Fractured relationships are truly scarring the young both emotionally and mentally.” Part of the industry where you truly need to be a fighter, she admits “It’s not easy for anybody. I would not like to glorify my struggles. But when you realise very little is being offered, the dilemma is; how do you choose the right project?” Several television ads, ‘where product is the hero and the focus is on the face’ taught her how not to be self-conscious while facing the camera up close. The rudiments of acting came with a Sri Lankan film Sri Siddhartha Gautama, a Tamil one and a Punjabi Zakhmi too. Her first big break in Hindi came with Undekhi. Interestingly, she can Body of work! Lt Gen KJS ‘Tiny’ Dhillon (Retd) debut book Kitne Ghazi Aaye Kitne Ghazi Gaye wins award How do people react to your physical transformation? What do you think of fad diets for weight loss? I don’t trust diets that promise rapid weight loss. I believe in patience and consistency. I have never come across any magic diet that works quickly and sustainably. I’ve been working out for nearly a decade. Consistency and patience are the two most important factors for anyone aiming to stay fit. Without these, you can’t achieve substantial progress —it just becomes a hobby or a short-lived New Year resolution. What has been your biggest takeaway from your fitness journey? My biggest takeaway is consistency. It’s the hardest part but also the most rewarding part. Without consistency, there’s no real progress. I’ve been consistent with my workouts for almost 10 years, and it’s become an integral part of my life. How has your body transformation evolved over the years? My journey has gone through multiple transformations. I went from being lean at 76-78 kg to a very muscular 100-103 kg during my bulking phase. Later, for my model- People often compliment me saying, “You used to be so lean, but now you look so good!” or “Your appearance has changed so much.” What truly touches me, though, is when someone says, “I’ve seen your journey, and I want a physique like yours.” That level of appreciation is the ultimate reward and makes me feel like my efforts have paid off. How has your fitness journey impacted your confidence? When people appreciate my hard work, that significantly boost my confidence. Building a good physique feels amazing, and I’m grateful to God and my parents for good genes. However, maintaining a balanced body, neither underweight nor overweight, was my responsibility and I’ve given it my all. It feels great to see years of consistent effort being recognized. What mistakes do people commonly make on their fitness journey? Most people expect instant results. They try shortcuts, which don’t lead to sustainable progress. Another mistake is not being disciplined. Discipline in your diet and workouts is crucial. Also, people often give up too soon. Fitness is a long-term commitment, not a quick fix. What advice do you have for people trying to lose weight? My advice is simple — avoid expecting quick results. Anything that happens quickly often fades away just as fast, sometimes with templation. When her Instagram followers deluged her with queries about her future projects, she came up with a heartfelt honest post. In fact, the reason she has become visible and active on social media is, “I want people to know me for what I really am and not the manufactured persona.” Unfiltered Anchal has no qualms in confessing that thrillers, the genre of her two hugely popular series, is personally not her favourite. Sight of blood makes her queasy. In the series, she kills without flinching, yet on the sets she was petrified of wielding even the proxy gun. Though to prepare for her character she did watch Scarface and other content, romcoms and comedy figure high on her viewing list. But that does not mean, you should not catch up with Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein… for both its seasons are trending right at the top in more than one country. Her Purva and her invincible spirit anyway give you ample reasons to root for both her character and the actor. And the winner is... ling career, I leaned down to around 90 kg to achieve a more suitable physique. Adjusting my body to fit my goals has taught me the importance of adaptability and patience. Actor Srikant Dwivedi, who plays the role of Lord Vishnu in the mythological show Shiv Shakti - Tap Tyag Tandav, says fitness for him is a long-term commitment, not a quick fix. relate more with Tejee of Undekhi than Purva’s unapologetic ways. “For Tejee, how to achieve her goal matters as much,” she adds. Working with Sidharth Sengupta, director and creator of Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankehin, also the creator of her first web show Undekhi, translated into an easy comfort level. Today she calls Sengupta her mentor, who has not only given her meaty Purva but also an assurance, ‘Don’t fear hard work or rejections. Good work can take time.’ Even otherwise her motto always has been in alignment with the karma doctrine and leaving the rest to God. She says, “With hard work and persistence one can make it.” Imagine she enrolled for classes in Tamil after the release of her Tamil film Dhilluku Dhuddu, “so that I am better prepared in case another offer from the Tamil film industry knocks at my doors.” Ironically, the question ‘what next’ has often led her into deep thought and con- harmful effects. The keys are patience, consistency, and discipline. Discipline in your eating habits and workout routine makes all the difference. As they say, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Hard work, dedication, and trusting the process are essential. What keeps you motivated to continue your fitness routine? Fitness has become an addiction for me—a positive one. The satisfaction of seeing results, the confidence it brings, and the appreciation from others keep me motivated. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling strong, healthy, and balanced. I’m committed to staying consistent and giving my best every day. c m y b Lt Gen KJS ‘Tiny’ Dhillon (Retd) has won the Crossword Books Award for Best Non-Fiction Book in the popular choice category for his debut book Kitne Ghazi Aaye Kitne Ghazi Gaye. The award was presented by Bachi Karkaria at an awards ceremony held at The Lalit Mumbai on Sunday. The book is centred on the elimination of terrorists, especially the leader called Ghazi, involved in the Pulwama terror attack. Developing on the attack, the book traces Lt Gen Dhillon’s life story in which he recounts fascinating tales about the toughest challenges he has encountered, from age three right up to becoming the Commander of the Chinar Corps, with Kashmir as an inseparable part of this story. A first-hand account, it also talks about the half-truths and questions regarding the exodus of the Kashmiri Pandits, the barbarous attack on an Indian security convoy in Pulwama district, the Balakot air strikes and the abrogation of Article 370 and its impact on the socio-political, economic and law-and-order situation. Speaking at the awards ceremony, Lt Gen KJS Dhillon (Retd) said, “I dedicate this book and award to four of the most beautiful women in my life over four generations; that is when I was only three years old child, my mother fought a wild animal to save her husband but unfortunately died of the wounds having saved her husband, second is my maternal grandmother who took care of this three-year-old and made me a soldier, third is my wife who married this soldier and raised the family all by herself when most of the time I was in field and the fourth is our daughter and son who always supported me when I was doing my duty at the front’. He added, “With a prayer on my lips and pride in my heart, I also dedicate this award to the brave Indian soldiers, who made the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. I also honour all the soldiers and officers with whom I lived for 40 years and they taught me everything in life and fought the enemy and terrorists together.” He thanked the Crossword for this award and said he would always remain a soldier and not an author. He also talked about his next book, tentatively titled Wafadari Imandari Zimmedari … War Room to Board Room. His second book is also being published by Penguin Random House India. — Jupinderjit Singh