20012025-LSTC-01.qxd 1/20/2025 12:21 AM Page 1 c m y b ASSAMESE FILM WINS BIG Ansuni Chinkhe, a poignant short film written and directed by Dr Parthasarathi Mahanta, has garnered significant acclaim at the Jaipur International Film Festival. The sole character of the short film, portrayed by actress Seema Biswas, earned her the prestigious Best Actress award. TRIBUNE Good news? Life Rihanna, a nine-time Grammy winner, has sent fans into a frenzy after being spotted entering a recording studio in New York City. The artist has not released an album since her critically acclaimed Anti in 2016. CHANDIGARH | MONDAY | 20 JANUARY 2025 ‘No godfather, God’s on my side’ A VikrantParmar DAH SHARMA, who was last seen in the web show Reeta Sanyal, is a versatile actress. The show’s success catapulted her to new heights, earning her critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. The year gone by was a roller-coaster ride for Adah, but she enjoyed every bit of it, “I have had four releases in 2024 and all so diverse. The Kerala Story on OTT, where I was a vulnerable student; Sunflower 2, where I was an evil bar dancer; Bastar, where I played a soldier fighting for her country; and Reeta Sanyal, where I got to play 10 characters. It has indeed been quite fulfilling as an actor.” Adah feels fortunate for the loyal fan base she is slowly garnering. “Right after The Kerala Story, fans accepted me in Sunflower 2 and then Reeta Sanyal. Due to this, I am able to take more risks as far as my characters are concerned. For an artiste, it is always a blessing if she can choose to essay diverse characters and put the whole range of her acting skills on display. I hope to live up to expectations each time.” In investigative thriller Reeta Sanyal, Adah does justice to each of the 10 characters she essays. “It was a challenge, but I essayed each character with utmost sincerity. I believe that is the most important thing. I play an advocate in the series, who assumes different disguises to solve cases. For one character, I had to look really BASTAR THE NAXAL STORY SUNFLOWER 2 Jasleen Royal performs We Pray with Chris Martin at Coldplay’s Mumbai concert WOW FACTOR Singer Jasleen Royal brought a special touch to Coldplay’s concert at DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday. Jasleen opened the show with a soulful performance of her song Kho Gaye Hum Kahan, captivating the audience. Later, she joined Coldplay’s frontman, Chris Martin, on stage for a heartfelt duet of We Pray, a track from the band’s latest album Moon Music. Sharing highlights of the memorable evening on Instagram, Jasleen posted clips of her performance and rehearsals. Dressed in a shimmering black outfit with smoky makeup and wavy hair, she looked stunning as she played the piano and sang to loud cheers from the crowd. Expressing her gratitude, she wrote, “Thank you Mumbai, I love you.” The evening was filled with surprises, with Chris Martin infusing a uniquely Indian flavour into the concert. The concert featured several surprises. Chris Martin charmed fans by reading placards held by the audience, saying shukriya and even shouting Jai Shri Ram, which drew enthusiastic applause. Curious about the phrase, Martin asked fans what it meant. Adding a playful twist, Martin gave a shoutout to Indian cricketer Jasprit Bumrah. During one of the final songs, he joked, “Hold on, we have to finish the show because Jasprit Bumrah wants to come and play backstage. He says he needs to bowl at me now.” Although Bumrah didn’t appear, the mention thrilled the crowd. The concert, organised by BookMyShow Live, was a sensory extravaganza featuring Coldplay classics like Fix You and A Sky Full of Stars. The concert, organised by BookMyShow Live, featured iconic Coldplay hits like Fix You and A Sky Full of Stars, leaving fans in awe. Before the event, Chris Martin and his partner, actor Dakota Johnson, visited the Shri Babulnath Temple in traditional Indian attire, adding a spiritual touch to their trip. Coldplay’s India tour continues with performances in Mumbai on January 19 and 21, followed by two shows in Ahmedabad on January 25 and 26. — ANI c m y b After making herself a household name with films like The Kerala Story, Bastar: The Naxal Story and web series Reeta Sanyal, Adah Sharma gears up for 2025 with ‘more action, more romance and more comedy’ REETA SANYAL patient, while a lot of others got to do characters that I would have loved to essay, was tough on me. However, to be able to say no to work even when I didn’t have any work, because I did not like the roles being offered, was also commendable. Patience is a virtue, I have realised.” BALANCING ACT In the entertainment world of today, balancing films and OTT platforms is sure an art. Does she approach the two mediums differently? “I approach everything in exactly the same way - with honesty! I don’t know any other way. I have the same sincerity if I’m doing a big movie releasing in theatres or a brand collaboration on Instagram. So, my method of working remains the same and I adapt according to situations.” UP NEXT THE KERALA STORY fat, while for another I had to mimic the voice of a Bollywood heroine,” says the 32year-old actress. GUIDED BY FAITH As is widely accepted, without a godfather it is difficult to carve a niche in the entertainment industry, but Adah says, “I might not have a godfather, but I have God on my side. That is a true blessing and my faith grows each day.” There have been many challenges and Adah has aced each one of them. “The biggest challenge was to not go crazy while waiting to get the right roles. To remain Adah achieved many a milestone on the individual front in 2024. “I learnt some very complicated pieces on the piano and for that I’m very proud of myself.” As for 2025, she jokes, “I plan to clean my cupboard for sure before the year gets over or my mother will be really upset.” On a serious note, “Professionally, I don’t make plans. I feel plans sort of limit me. I just aspire to be a better person each day. I am so fortunate that I get to meet so many diverse people.” Adah remains tight-lipped about her upcoming projects, “There is more action, romance and comedy— that’s what I can promise.” Bring it on! Alankrita Sahai is ‘immensely grateful’ for Band Of Maharajas making it to the Oscars Note of gratitude Alankrita Sahai, the lead actress of Band Of Maharajas recently spilled her excitement about her movie making it to the reminder list of Oscars 2025. The movie Band Of Maharajas has made the cut for the Best Picture Reminder List for the 97th Academy Awards. Talking about the latest milestone, Alankrita said, “Immensely grateful to the Academy, the audience and everyone for their love and support towards our film. This is once again a testimony of the fact that good quality work always shines sooner or later. When we heard the news last year that our film is in the race for Oscars from India, we were immensely happy. And now, the ‘reminder list’ is one step ahead for the big occasion. My gratitude to everyone for showing love to my work and our film and here’s hoping and praying that we can continue to make the country proud.” She wrote in a social media post, “A heartfelt thank you to all my producers for believing in my storytelling, vision, especially to Puneet, with whom I embarked on this journey as the producer-director duo. Our first collaboration, Jal, has not only been a stepping stone to this Oscar journey but has also garnered acclaim at Busan, Indian Panorama, and received a National Award. Following this, Torbaaz on Netflix has been recognized worldwide. The Academy’s acknowledgment of Band of Maharaja is a testament to the dedication of everyone involved in this project,” — IANS