05042025-LSTL-01.qxd 4/4/2025 9:05 PM Page 1 c m y b FIRST LOOK OF AVATAR Disney revealed the first footage from James Cameron’s highly anticipated film Avatar: Fire and Ash at CinemaCon giving a glimpse into the next installment of the beloved franchise. Introduced by James Cameron in a video segment, the footage showcased the increased emotional depth of the film. TRIBUNE Life Upkar Sanyasi PEHCHAN Nonika Singh B HARAT ka rehne wala hoon Bharat ki baat sunata hoon…that was quintessential legendary actor-director Manoj Kumar. Actor of iconic films like Upkar, Shaheed and Purab Aur Paschim, he wore nationalism up his sleeve as a badge of honour. The sobriquet Bharat Kumar stuck to his persona like second skin. Born on July 24, 1937, in a small town in the North-West Frontier Province named Abbottabad (now in Pakistan), he lived in an era when patriotism was not associated with any political party. Rather, it was a true-blue emotion of love for one's country. Nevertheless, he had the courage to take a stand against the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's draconian Emergency. The policy of telecasting films on Doordarshan two weeks after its release in theatres led him to challenge the government. Yet, by and large, he had good words to say about all political leaders, cutting across party lines. In one of his last interviews with The Tribune, he spoke about how nationalism was as vital in cinema as in society. More than one film of his, Pet love Actress Shraddha Kapoor celebrated her pet dog Shyloh’s 14th birthday, and the ‘only family’ that mattered at this ‘party’ was her adorable dogs. LUDHIANA | SATURDAY | 5 APRIL 2025 Celebs mourn ‘Bharat’ Kumar’s passing away Shor END OF AN ERA Veteran actor Manoj Kumar dies at 87 be it Upkar, back in 1967, set against the backdrop of Indo- Pakistan 1965 war, or Kranti (1981), a historical drama, he directed and produced with patriotic spirit. Songs like Mere desh ke dharti sona ugle… have over time become patriotic anthems, remembered with the same fervour today as when it became the highpoint of the film Upkar. Though in popular memory his image as a patriotic hero, delivering stirring monologues and lip-syncing equally inspiring songs, is indelibly etched, very few can forget his other successful films. Like Gumnaam, a murder mystery or the thriller Woh Kaun Thi with yet another melodious gem Lag ja gale Prominent celebrities, including actors Aamir Khan, Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Manoj Bajpayee and filmmaker Karan Johar, paid tributes to cinema icon Manoj Kumar, celebrating his legacy of highlighting social issues and patriotism through his films. Purab Aur Pachhim KRANTI In a statement, Aamir wrote, “Manoj Kumar was not just an actor and film-maker, he was an institution. I have learnt so much watching his films. His films were often based on important social themes, which brought him really close to the common man. My heartfelt condolences to his family.” Karan Johar said the country had lost a ‘cinema legend’ and recalled watching the actor’s famous movie Kranti as a child. “It took me back to a screening of Kranti I saw as a child... sitting excitedly on the floor with other kids and a packed screening room of filmmaker’s and actors and industry giants... this was the rough cut of the film... a four-hour-long version...Manoj ji was sharing his film at such an early stage seeking feedback... seeking opinions for his ambitious motion picture ......the film went on to create history at the box-office,” he said. ke… reprised a number of times. Though his career started rather dismally in 1957 with Fashion Brand, followed by a string of flops, he went on to deliver more than one blockbuster in a career spanning decades. In 1960s it was Shaheed, based on the revolutionary martyr Shaheed Bhagat Singh, whose zeal had inspired him in his formative years. Though witness to the horrors of Partition, he never lost faith in India's secular fabric or its inherent strength. If his Purab Aur Paschim brought out the dichotomy of East and West, a few years ago at International Film Festival, Goa, he wondered aloud as to why we were obsessed with Oscars. In keeping with his immense pride in the idea of nationhood, instead, he remarked how India needed to come up with an award the world ought to hanker after. The thespian, however, was way above awards. Recipient of Dada Saheb Phalke Award and National Award, he will always stand tall as one of India's finest. If his trademark gesture covering his face can never be erased from India's collective consciousness, nor can the man behind the face that launched a new lexicon for Indian cinema steeped in its ethos and values. Akshay Kumar hailed Manoj Kumar as one of the biggest assets of the film fraternity. “I grew up learning from him that there’s no emotion like love and pride for our country. And if we actors won’t take the lead in showing this emotion, who will? Such a fine person, and one of the biggest assets of our fraternity. RIP Manoj Sir. Om Shanti,” he posted on X. Ajay Devgn said Kumar played an important role in his family’s journey in cinema. He recalled that the cinema icon gave Devgn’s late father Veeru Devgan his first break as an action director with Roti Kapda Aur Makaan. “From there, their collaboration continued all the way to Kranti, creating moments that are now part of Indian cinema’s golden history. Manoj ji’s films — Upkar, Purab Aur Paschim, Shor, Kranti, they weren’t just films…they were national emotions. His creative genius, unwavering patriotism and storytelling depth set a benchmark that very few have matched,” he said. “Rip Manoj Kumar sir,” wrote Sonu Sood. Deeply involved in the making of his films... Dharmendra, Manoj Kumar and Hema Malini “All the films he made were deeply patriotic. He was always connected to the country, and he took great pride in his work. He was an expert at picturising songs. I had the opportunity to work with him in four films. He didn’t just act; he was deeply involved in the making of his films. He always wanted to empower the Indian film industry and bring meaningful films to the audience.” — Hema Malini Manoj Kumar filed a lawsuit against SRK over Om Shanti Om scene Manoj Kumar famously filed a defamation case against superstar Shah Rukh Khan and Farah Khan for parodying him in Om Shanti Om. The scene sees Shah Rukh’s character Om imitating Kumar’s famous palm across face gesture to gain an entry to the premiere of a film featuring Shanti Priya, played by Deepika Padukone. In the film, when the real Manoj Kumar turns up for the pre- LEGAL TANGLE miere, he is shooed away by the guards. Kumar had expressed his displeasure over the scene and requested the makers to remove it from the film. He went to a civil court, which ordered the makers to remove the objectionable scenes before the satellite screening. Shah Rukh had personally apologised and the scene was chopped from the movie. But the matter didn’t end there. The scene resurfaced in a print of the film when it was released in Japan six years later, prompting Kumar to file a lawsuit against Shah Rukh Khan and production banner Eros International in April 2013. — PTI “As Indian cinema bids farewell to its Bharat Kumar a storyteller, a patriot, and a legend. I also wish to say thank you for shaping my father’s journey and for inspiring countless storytellers like me,” he added. Manoj Bajpayee said Kumar was a ‘pillar of Hindi cinema’. “His art celebrated the spirit of India like no other. Deepest condolences to his family and countless admirers,” he said. Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar said he was saddened by Manoj Kumar’s death. “I had the privilege of interacting with him at many occasions and he was truly an icon of Indian cinema. His storytelling and song picturisations in his films inspired national pride and will resonate for generations. My deepest condolences to his family members,” the director said on X. — PTI Perception has been built that only comedy films are made in Punjabi cinema, says Gippy Grewal Karan Johar visits the Golden Temple Punjabi actor-singer Gippy Grewal and Bollywood producer Karan Johar on Friday paid obeisance at the Golden Temple. They attended the ardaas ceremony and did parikrama to seek blessings ahead of their highly anticipated release Akaal. This is the first collaboration between Gippy, who is a big name in the Punjabi film industry with his production house and Johar's Dharma productions. Akaal is a big budget film, starring Gippy, his son Shinda Grewal, Nimrat Khairah, Niketan Dheer and many big names of Indian film industry. It presents a fictional story of Sikh warriors set in 1840s Punjab. Gippy, accompanied by Karan Johar, who wore a pristine white kurta set for his visit, shared his excitement over the upcoming film and his collaboration with Dharma productions. "I feel blessed every time I come to the Golden Temple and always seek blessings ahead of an important juncture in my life," he said. Johar, who refrained from interacting with media, generated interest among devotees and remained sombre during the entire visit. Meanwhile, earlier in Mumbai, Gippy said he had often tried to push the boundaries of Punjabi cinema by attempting different kinds of genres and Akaal was yet another step towards that. Grewal said the success of his 2011 film, Jinhe Mera Dil Luteya paved the way for an influx of comedy films such as Carry on Jatta, and Jaat & Juilet in the industry. The actor soon recognised the need to create diverse content and made Ardaas, a drama, which was followed by action film Warning. The perception has been built that c m y b only comedy films are made in Punjabi cinema. People back then felt this was a safe genre, and about 15 to 16 comedy films were made back-to-back. When we made Ardaas a lot of people said ‘This film will not do well’, but it did well. “Later, we made Warning. We also made Saukan Saunkane, which is a story of two women, and that film did well too. Later, different genres of films were released (and broke the stereotype) and did well commercially. So, a good film definitely works well commercially,” the actor said. Grewal has also written and directed Akaal, besides acting in it. The film follows the story of Sardar Akaal Singh (Grewal) and his village as they face a vengeful assault by Jangi Jahan (Nikitin Dheer) and his forces after the death of Maharaja Ranjeet Singh. Known for films like Carry On Jatta, Singh vs Kaur, Jatt James Bond, and Manje Bistre, the actordirector said stories of courage deserve cinematic exploration. “I thought this is the right time to bring this story today because they motivate us... This film portrays the warriors and what the environment was like then. We believe people will like this film,” he said. — TNS ‘Thank you, Val’ Tom Cruise opens CinemaCon speech with moment of silence for Val Kilmer Tom Cruise opened his highly anticipated CinemaCon appearance on Thursday with a moving tribute to his Top Gun co-star, Val Kilmer, who died on Tuesday in Los Angeles. “He loved movies and he gave a lot to all of us with his performances and his films,” Cruise said to a room full of movie theatre owners. “I really can’t tell you how much I admired his work, how much I thought of him as a human being, and how grateful and honoured I was when he joined Top Gun and then came back for Top Gun: Maverick.” Cruise called for a moment of silence, which stood in stark contrast to the otherwise action-packed presentation of Paramount Pictures’ upcoming movies. “Thank you, Val. I wish you well on your next journey,” he said to the silent room. — AP