05012025-LSTL-01.qxd 1/5/2025 12:00 AM Page 1 c m y b FARHAN BATS FOR ROHIT SHARMA India’s T20 World Cup winning captain Rohit Sharma has found an admirer as he struggles through a lean phase. On Saturday, Farhan Akhtar took to his Instagram, and lauded Sharma for his selfless nature of putting the team ahead of his pursuit for getting his form back. TRIBUNE Life Sweet talk Janhvi Kapoor visited Tirumala to seek the blessings of Lord Venkateswara on Saturday. She was accompanied by her rumoured boyfriend Shikhar Pahariya. LUDHIANA | SUNDAY | 5 JANUARY 2025 Challenge accepted Mona A CTOR, author, travel junkie, and now a motivational speaker, Divya Dutta has led life on her own terms. The Punjabi girl dreamt of being an actress, and she is living her dream. Never mind that she had to learn and unlearn things on the way! The year 2024 was special for Divya. Films like Sharmajee Ki Beti and Sikandar Ka Muqaddar won her love, and the web series Bandish Bandits brought her critical acclaim. “Last year was fantastic. I shot for about five different films, and travelled a lot,” opens up the National Film Award winning actress. “I welcome 2025 with lots of gratitude and hope,” adds Divya, who ushered 2025 in Mumbai, with her family and friends. No New Year resolutions for her. Talking about her character Nandini in Bandish Bandits 2, she says, “I was an ardent admirer of Bandish Bandits Season 1, which was mesmerising. The story was beautifully told by Anand Tiwari.” When Tiwari asked Divya if she would be interested in playing the part of Nandini in Season 2, she jumped at the opportunity. The part was initially written keeping a male actor in mind but Tiwari later changed it to a female one. “It just worked out beautifully. The character of Nandini was so nuanced, whether it’s her look or the character arc; her backstory, the intrigue factor and her philosophy of music, everything made her an attractive character to play,” she says. Divya had to unlearn a few things and learn a lot on the sets. “An absolutely different world it was, and very challenging, exciting and amazing for me. I’m so proud and honoured that I could be a part of this one.” Divya is inundated with messages and calls for her portrayal of Nandini. “I’m delighted No New Year resolutions set in stone for actress Divya Dutta, but the National Award winner is challenging herself to get out of her comfort zone by taking up multiple projects in different genres Life goes on A STILL FROM BANDISH BANDITS SEASON 2 that everyone is watching Bandish Bandits 2 and loving it so much. I guess the music has resonated beautifully with the audience. The songs have become a rage. My young niece and nephew are humming those songs. So, I’m sure it has reached all generations.” With a number of films to her credit, including Veer-Zaara, Delhi 6 and Welcome to Sajjanpur, Divya is loving her time on OTT. “OTT has paved a path for women, who are in their 30s 40s and above. Being an actress is no longer just romancing the hero or just get- ting kidnapped by a villain. The characters are more layered now. People want to know what happens after happily ever after, people want to know the grey that lies between a black and a white, and see a woman in such shades. Our audience is ready for it and so are the storytellers, so there’s a lot more happening for actresses now.” Thought it’s been three decades in the profession, for Divya it’s still a learning process. “I have been very lucky. I have worked with the best directors.” Among them was Shyam Emilia Perez, Conclave, The Substance top BAFTA longlist TOP NOTCH The British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) has revealed the longlist for the upcoming 2025 BAFTA Film Awards, and leading the charge are two high-profile contenders — Jacques Audiard’s Emilia Perez and Edward Berger’s Conclave. The longlist was released by the official X handle of BAFTA. Both films have secured prominent places across several categories, with Emilia Perez reportedly claiming a record-equalling 15 longlist nominations. Emilia Perez’s 15 nods span a range of categories, including Best Film, Best Director for Jacques Audiard, Adapted Screenplay, Film Not in the English Language, and Leading Actress for Karla Sofia Gascon. The film garnered support in the Supporting Actress category, with Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldana, and Adriana Paz all securing longlist mentions. Trailing closely behind, Conclave amassed 14 nominations, including nods for Best Film, Best Director for Edward Berger, and acting mentions for Ralph Fiennes (Leading Actor), Stanley Tucci (Supporting Actor), and Isabella Rossellini (Supporting Actress). Among the unexpected names featured in this year’s longlist is Dev Patel, who received a longlist nod in the Leading Actor category for his performance in Monkey Man. — ANI Meet the boss lady Simaran Kaur, who is currently playing Riddhi Chotwani in Jamai No. 1 on Zee TV says the adrenaline rush while preparing for a scene, performing it, and seeing it come alive on screen is quite rewarding. Tell us about your character in Jamai No. 1? A STILL FROM CONCLAVE, (INSET) DIRECTOR EDWARD BERGER Riddhi is a strong, boss girl. She is the CEO of Chotwani Vineyards. She’s passionate about her work. Riddhi is stern and doesn’t believe in love. Her father had left them, and her mother always told her to focus on her career and avoid distractions. However, she is not emotionless. She deeply loves her mother, her grandmother and her brother. What makes your role stand out from typical television protagonists? Riddhi is relatable and grounded. Unlike the overly dramatic protagonists in daily soaps, who go to unrealistic lengths to solve problems, Riddhi is practical and smart. She reflects today’s reality. She represents the modern woman who stands up for herself, isn’t afraid to put people in their place, and handles situations uniquely. She’s like a coconut—tough on the outside but soft and kind on the inside. If someone shows her love, she gives double the affection. But if someone crosses her, she ensures that the person knows his place. What attracted you to this role and the show? A STILL FROM EMILA PAREZ, (INSET) DIRECTOR JACQUES AUDIARD ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT SECURES SPOTS Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine As Light continues its remarkable run on the international awards circuit, securing spots on the BAFTA Film Awards longlists in three categories. Kapadia’s movie, which scripted history by becoming the first Indian movie to win the Grand Prix award at the Cannes in May, has made it to three longlists of 10 movies each — Best Film Not in English Language, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. — PTI Benegal, who gave her the memorable character Vindhya in Welcome to Sajjanpur. “He was an institution unto himself. With his unassuming persona, he could bring out the best in his actors. I learnt a lot from him!” Divya will next be seen in Laxman Utekar’s historical drama Chhaava. “I’ve also completed a biopic recently, and a film with Manoj Bajpayee. I have taken up many projects and that is pushing me out of my comfort zone. That’s something I want to explore in 2025.” We are watching! What drew me to Jamai No. 1 was the unique storyline. Television often recycles the same stories, but this show is completely different. Riddhi’s character is multi-layered and challenges me as an actor. That’s what excites me about playing her. How did you prepare for the role? DEV PATEL RECEIVED A LONGLIST NOD IN THE LEADING ACTOR CATEGORY c m y b This kind of character was completely new to me. To prepare, I spoke to friends to understand how CEOs behave and carry themselves. I also loved Riddhi’s formal wardrobe. It’s so rare to see such attire on television, and it helped me get into her mindset. Angelina Jolie is glowing after the divorce battle between her and Brad Pitt reached a settlement. The actress recently posed for photos at the Palm Springs International Film Festival on January 3, which marked her first major event since she and Brad Pitt, 61, reached a settlement in their divorce. The actress parted her long, blonde hair to the side along with her new bangs. She accepted the Desert Palm Achievement Award, which recognises her acclaimed performance as the titular opera singer in the Netflix biopic Maria. “Jolie’s extraordinary portrayal captures the heart and complexity of an artist whose life was as captivating as her music,” said Nachhattar Singh Chandi, the Palm Springs International Film Festival’s chairman, in a statement. —IANS Angelina Jolie attends Desert Palm Achievement Award with daughter Zahara after divorce REUTERS