14122024-LSTL-01.qxd 12/13/2024 7:45 PM Page 1 c m y b RANI RETURNS IN MARDAANI 3 Yash Raj Films (YRF) has confirmed the production of Mardaani 3, the next chapter in the critically acclaimed Mardaani franchise. The film will once again star Rani Mukerji as the fearless and determined cop, Shivani Shivaji Roy. This marks the third instalment of the film. TRIBUNE Life Gurnaaz B-town applauds D Gukesh on making history as youngest chess world champion Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh has made history by becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion. The 18-year-old sensation’s stunning victory over China’s Ding Liren on December 12 has sent waves of pride across India, with Bollywood celebrities among the first to congratulate him. Arjun Kapoor shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, “Congratulations Gukesh on this amazing achievement at this age you make every Indian proud.” Filmmaker Karan Johar wrote on social media, “Best thing you will see on the internet... the face of victory, of compassion, of years of resilience...” Stars including Ranveer Singh, and Bhumi Pednekar, among others, also celebrated Gukesh’s big win on social media. Actress Kangana Ranaut wrote, “Wow!! A wonderful and historic day for Indian chess. The country is immensely proud of young #gukeshdommaraju, who becomes the youngest chess player (18 years old) to win the World Chess Championship.” Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu, known for her heartfelt posts, also congratulated Gukesh. She wrote, “World champion. Champion of our hearts.” Stars including Ranveer Singh, and Bhumi Pednekar, among others, also celebrated Gukesh’s big win on social media. — IANS Tom Holland, the star of the Spider-Man franchise, has officially ventured into production, signing a deal with Sony Pictures through his newly launched production company, Billy17. LUDHIANA | SATURDAY | 14 DECEMBER 2024 AGLOBAL STORY O Congratulations! Production VER the past two decades, actress Riya Sen has transitioned seamlessly between Bollywood, regional cinema and the everexpanding digital space. Now, as she ventures into Hollywood, Riya opens up about her experience, evolution of the film industry, her family legacy and future aspirations. Riya’s recent Hollywood debut Highway 905 marks a significant milestone in her career. “My Hollywood debut was actually an unexpected opportunity,” she reflects. “Working in Hollywood was an exciting experience; it’s a whole new world of filmmaking. I had to adjust to a different environment and understand the nuances of their style of storytelling, but it was incredibly enriching.” Given the rise of global streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, opportunities for Indian actors in international cinema have grown exponentially. “These platforms have opened so many doors. The audience is global now and Indian talent is being recognised on a larger scale. For young Indian actors aspiring to break into international cinema, my advice is simple—stay true to your roots, work hard and be patient. Talent alone isn’t enough; it’s your resilience and adaptability that will set you apart in the global market,” she says. Over the years, Riya has witnessed the film industry evolve dramatically. “When I first started, the industry was very different,” she admits. “The roles for women, in particular, were more limited and often one-dimensional. Today, there are far more diverse roles for women and storytelling is more dynamic, thanks to technology. The future is about global stories and innovative filmmaking. I’m excited to see how the industry will continue to grow.” Riya Sen, who made her a Hollywood debut with Highway 905, says patience, adaptability and the willingness to embrace new experiences have been the key to her success As an actress who has worked across Bollywood, regional cinema and digital platforms, Riya’s approach to choosing roles is equally varied. “I choose roles based on the story and the opportunity they present for my own growth,” she shares. “I’m drawn to characters that challenge me. Every new project is an opportunity to learn something new and that keeps me motivated.” In terms of the portrayal of women in films, Riya sees a significant shift. “It’s wonderful to see how women’s roles have become more complex and realistic. Today, women are shown as multifaceted individuals with their own strengths and weaknesses, rather than just serving as side characters or love interests.” The digital era, with its explosion of web series and streaming content, has been a game-changer for many actors, including Riya. She’s appeared in several successful series, including Ragini MMS: Returns, and has embraced the creative freedom that the Actress Priyanka Chopra honoured at the Red Sea Film Festival 2024 held in Jeddah digital world offers. “I love working with digital platforms,” Riya admits. “They allow for more creativity and flexibility. There’s always some pressure to meet audience expectations, but that challenge excites me.” In today’s world, social media is an inescapable part of an actor’s life, and Riya has a balanced approach to it. “Social media is tricky. I try to stay active and engage with my fans, but I also make sure to keep my personal life private. It does change how fans perceive me, but I try to remain authentic and true to myself.” As Riya reflects on her career, she is excited for the future. “Looking back, I’ve learned so much from my early roles,” she says. “Patience, adaptability and the willingness to embrace new experiences have been key. These lessons have made me a better actress.” Her aspirations are vast. “I’d love to explore fantasy or sci-fi genres in the future. These genres offer new challenges, and I’m always eager to push my boundaries,” she says. For Riya, diversity in storytelling is crucial. “The industry needs to focus on more inclusive narratives and better representation of different cultures and experiences,” she says. “This is not just important for the audience, but for actors as well. It’s about telling stories that reflect the true diversity of life.” As Riya looks to the future, she’s driven by new goals and ambitions. “I want to keep exploring new creative avenues,” she says. “Directing or producing could be something I’d love to try in the future. The possibilities are endless.” When asked about her legacy, Riya reflects thoughtfully. “I hope to leave behind a body of work that is diverse and meaningful,” she says. “And I want to be remembered for my contributions to society as well. To my fans, I’d say — believe in yourself, stay true to your passions, and never stop pursuing your dreams.” Melody man Rock legend Bryan Adams delivers an unforgettable performance in Gurugram Rock icon Bryan Adams took to the stage last night at the Backyard Sports Club in Gurugram, delivering an unforgettable performance that resonated deeply with his fans. The event, part of his So Happy It Hurts India Tour, saw a packed crowd of 15,000 fans, all eager to witness the legendary singer-songwriter in action. The 65-year-old singer captivated the audience with a nearly two-hour show filled with high-energy hits and emotionally charged ballads. The concert kicked off with KickAss, a track from his latest album So Happy It Hurts. From there, Adams seamlessly transitioned through a mix of crowdpleasers, including classics like Summer of ‘69, Run to You, and Can’t Stop This Thing We Started. — ANI TRUE ICON BENEDETTA PORCAROLI, SARAH JESSICA PARKER, PRIYANKA CHOPRA, NICK JONAS, RICCARDO SCAMARCIO AND JOHNNY DEPP Actress Priyanka Chopra was bestowed an honorary award at the prestigious Red Sea Film Festival 2024, held in Jeddah. The event, which brought together filmmakers and talent from around the globe, celebrated Chopra’s remarkable contributions to global cinema. The award was presented to Chopra by Sex and the City star Sarah Jessica Parker, who described it as a ‘true honour’ to recognise Chopra’s achievements. The actress, known for her roles in both Hollywood and Bollywood, was joined on the red carpet by her husband, singer- actor Nick Jonas, who looked dapper in a black blazer and trousers. Priyanka herself dazzled in a shimmering gown, radiating grace and joy as the couple made their way down the red carpet. In her acceptance speech, Chopra expressed deep gratitude for the recognition. “Thank you for the wonderful honour, Red Sea Film Festival,” she said, sharing her appreciation on social media, alongside stunning photos from the event. “Congratulations to all the winners and participants. Here’s to continually bringing the world of entertainment together.” Chopra’s speech highlighted the importance of the Red Sea Film Festival in fostering a space for filmmakers across cultures and languages. Reflecting on her career, she shared how, early in her journey, she was told that non-English films wouldn’t be able to ‘travel’ internationally. “I come from an industry that spoke Hindi and Telugu, basically non-English films. Yet, we are here today,” she remarked, commending the festival for creating a platform that transcends borders, language and nationality. The actress expressed her gratitude to her fel- c m y b low artistes and collaborators, as well as to her family. Addressing Nick Jonas, she said, “My wonderful husband is here, waiting to escort me down, the gentleman that he is.” She also took a moment to honour her late father, who passed away in 2013. “My father was the first entertainer I ever knew,” Chopra said. Chopra concluded her speech by congratulating all the winners, filmmakers, and participants of the Red Sea Film Festival, praising the event for its role in bringing the world of cinema closer together. — ANI