12032025-LSTC-01.qxd 3/11/2025 7:55 PM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE Actors Vikrant Massey and Shanaya Kapoor have completed shooting for their upcoming film Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan. The film has been directed by Santosh Singh. LUDHIANA | WEDNESDAY | 12 MARCH 2025 ❝ Music has chosen me Lyricist Amaal Malik, who has composed for films like Airlift and MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, and is now ready with the music of upcoming film Inn Galiyon Mein, says his younger brother Armaan Malik is not always the automatic choice to sing his compositions Nonika Singh I T’s not just melodies that come naturally to gifted composer, singer and lyricist Amaal Malik. Words too flow like a torrent, so much so that questions become redundant in this exclusive Zoom interview, where we meet the unplugged composer who wears no filters or guards. Grandson of the legendary composer Sardar Malik, son of Dabboo Malik and nephew of the famous Anu Malik, music races in his blood. Yet, it flows out with an individual stamp. Of course, with influences ‘running from 1960s to 2000s’, he has no hesitation in admitting, “What you listen to impacts your music, only what emerges is your soul.” Hailing from an illustrious musical family does mean that the atmosphere at home was very melodious; it was rather equally competitive, especially with feisty uncle Anu around! Amaal recalls, “When my song Sooraj Dooba from the movie Roy came out, he patted me on the back, but also told me to wait for his new song, which turned out to be the lilting Moh Moh Ke Dhaage.” But he goes on to remind us how his uncle, who debuted in 1977, was still very much around. No mean feat indeed. Interestingly, Amaal, who thought he would make his mark in the 30s, got his first break at a rather young age of 23, when he composed three songs for Salman Khan’s film Jai Ho. Indeed, many dismissed him as not quite the chip of the The five-day Women Directors’ Theatre Festival at Punjab Kala Bhawan highlighted the strength, creativity and resilience of women in theatre Stage of success Vinya Singh The Punjab Kala Bhawan became the epicentre of artistic brilliance as it invited Chandigarh’s theatre enthusiasts and thespians to the fiveday Women Directors’ Theatre Festival recently. The festival was part of Rebooting Punjab, a mega-festival organised by the Punjab Arts Council, Chandigarh. It highlighted the strength, creativity and resilience of women in theatre. The festival, which concluded on March 9, saw ground-breaking perform- old block and the censure even ‘pushed me towards depression’. Now he can afford to joke, “At one point I thought of moving abroad and sell burgers. But then Sooraj Dooba happened and I knew music has chosen me.” Since then, there have been many musical milestones, including collaboration with Grammy winner Dua Lipa, for the remix of her song Levitating. Today, he who has composed for films like Airlift, Badrinath Ki Dulhania, MS Dhoni: The Untold Story and many more, is happy to play big brother to aspiring musicians. For, he sure knows how Bollywood works on the ‘stoop to conquer’ principle. As for real younger brother Armaan Malik, number one on the Top Triller Global Billboard charts twice, well, together they have given us some phenomenal numbers like Jab Tak, Hua Hain Aaj Pehli Baar and Ghar Se Nikalte Hi. And a few like Chale Aana, have had over one billion streams. But that does not mean for every song he composes, Armaan is the automatic choice as a singer. Rather, he laughs and shares how the internationally acclaimed younger brother often doubles up as his demo singer. He reveals, “There are so many songs which I record with him that ultimately go to other singers.” However, make no mistake he is exceptionally proud of Armaan’s achievements. To those who want to be one like him, he cautions, “Armaan was not made in a day.” “With soundscape changing every two weeks, it’s anyway not easy to survive in this industry where the competition is sky high. The best of best have to eat a humble pie,” he says. But on the flip side, he also professes, “It’s a great time for music where you don’t have to only compose/sing for films.” Thus, amidst the bheed of “five lakh singers and 50,000 music composers, artiste Chaar Diwaari, with cutting edge music, could capture your imagination.” To those who continue to dwell in musical nostalgia and lament that melody has all but vanished from the Hindi film industry, he counters, “There is good and bad music in every era. You can’t discredit any.” And to ensure melody doesn’t elude his grasp, he has the nerve to say no to 21 films, ‘also removed from 27’. He asserts, “I can’t do a remix for every film. Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 was an exception for the song Ami Je Tomar 3.0 was central to the franchise.” Music for him is a very personal thing and each time his composition goes out into the world, his heart aches for sharing something so close to him. Today, as he is ready with music of upcoming film Inn Galiyon Mein, in which he has given a racy tongue-in-cheek song to brother Armaan and Palak Muchhal, he is in no rush to get anywhere. “I just want to remain in people’s hearts.” With his dance anthems like Kar Gai Chull and Aashiq Surrender Hua still rocking the musical scene, he is certainly here to stay. In hearts and on the hit lists! 13 YEARS ON… Guns N’ Roses to hold India concert in May Legendary rock band Guns N’ Roses is returning to India after a hiatus of 13 years with a live concert in Mumbai. The American group will be on stage with their full squad Axl Rose (vocals, piano), Duff McKagan (bass) and Slash (lead guitar) at the concert on May 17 at the Mahalaxmi Race Course. Guns N’ Roses, known for 1980s chartbusters like Sweet Child O’ Mine, November Rain, Par- ances, and thought-provoking narratives from women directors. The five-day festival featured some exclusive plays by women-led theatre group of the region like Bol Kyu Lab Khamosh Hai Tere. The Adjustment was one among them. The director, Anita Sharma shared, “The journey of its lead inspired me to adapt; the shocking unravelling of its plot is raw and relatable, making the audience resonate with it.” Together, these narratives create a powerful theatrical experience that sparked conversation, empathy and the call for change. The festival also brought to light the deep-seated social stigma that confines women, questioning traditions that dictate how they should live, behave, and dream. Through these raw and empathetic stories, the festival challenged moral judgments surrounding taboo subjects. ANITA SHARMA c m y b adise City, Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door and Don’t Cry, last performed in India in 2012. The band will take the stage in Mumbai as part of their Asia tour with iconic hits and an unforgettable live performance in 2025. General on-sale of tickets for the Guns N’ Roses India 2025 Tour will go live starting on March 19 at 4 pm IST on BookMyShow. — PTI WHAT’S HOT eat ALL THINGS ORGANIC J HUMROO is a ground-breaking restaurant in Mohali that celebrates century-old Indian culinary traditions through the wholesome goodness of millets. Spearheaded by renowned Chef Vikas Chawla, Jhumroo offers an extensive menu that showcases the rich diversity of Indian street foods and traditional dishes, all crafted with health in mind. At Jhumroo, they prioritise nutrition by sourcing only the finest ingredients, including organic millets, jiggery, cold-pressed mustard oil and desi ghee, while strictly avoiding refined sugars and oils. Guests can indulge in an array of innovative dishes, from fermented millet dosas to gluten-free tandoori stuffed paranthas, each reflecting the flavours of various Indian states. The unique beverages and millet-based chaat bring a delightful twist to the dining experience, while the traditional mithai, reimagined with millets and jaggery, elevates the art of sweetness to new heights. chandigarh Life It’s a wrap play SING ALONG F ASHION director and producer Mohit Kapoor recently released singer Shivangi Bhyana’s single track Shagna Di Raat on White Hill Music platform. It is sung by Shivangi Bhyana and stars Manish Rana and Esha in the lead roles. The song is composed by Mohit Kapoor. Shagna Di Raat celebrates marriage. Expressing her happiness, Shivangi says, “I am very happy to be a part of Shagna Di Raat. It was a pleasure to work with such a talented team.” chandigarh Singer Celine Dion has issued a stern warning to fans about unauthorised AI-generated music circulating online under her name. Dion’s team condemned the creation and distribution of ‘fake’ music that uses her likeness and musical performances without permission. love THE DANCING DENTIST D R VARUN KHANNA, popular as The Dancing Dentist, recently made an appearance at Bahrison’s Book Sellers in Sector 8-C, Chandigarh, for an exclusive Meet & Greet programme. Dr Khanna, a senior disciple of Padma Bhushan awardee Saroja Vaidyanathan and Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee Rama Vaidyanathan, presented his book, Bharatanatyam, published by Parragon Publications. Dr Khanna described how, in mid2022, he was approached by Routes2Roots, a Delhi-NCR-based NGO, to write a book on Bharatanatyam. He embraced the challenge to document his journey in Bharatanatyam. “I’ve always sought to propagate classical arts through various mediums. Writing this book was a natural progression for me. It offers readers, especially young students and art enthusiasts, an easy-to-understand narrative on the history, evolution, and prospects of Bharatanatyam,” shared Dr Khanna. chandigarh CELINE DION WARNS FANS