03062025-LSTL-01.qxd 6/2/2025 8:45 PM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE HAPPY GILMORE SWINGS AGAIN Chan strikes Life Happy Gilmore 2, directed by Kyle Newacheck and penned by Tim Herlihy and Adam Sandler, picks up nearly 30 years after the 1996 original. Sandler reprises his role alongside Christopher McDonald and Julie Bowen, with cameos from Eminem and golf legends. “We’re nervous but confident,” said Sandler. Jackie Chan returns as Mr Han in Karate Kid: Legends, guiding kung fu prodigy Li Fong alongside Ralph Macchio’s Daniel LaRusso. The film is directed by Jonathan Entwistle. LUDHIANA | TUESDAY | 3 JUNE 2025 Beauty & theburden With Rachel Gupta returning her Miss Grand International 2024 crown over ‘toxic environment and broken promises’, it’s apparent that not everything is hunky-dory in the world of beauty Mona ❝ It was a nightmarish experience for me to work with the authorities of Grand International 2024. I was abused and harassed. The contract mentioned that I would be made to tour across 20 countries as an ambassador but was taken to only to the Czech Republic. I was not paid any stipend after the first month of winning the crown. I had to seek financial support from my parents in Jalandhar even for basic needs like food. Purpose or presentation…what’s bigger? PHOTO: SARBJIT SINGH RACHEL GUPTA As the eyes of the world were on the Miss World, Miss England Milla Magee reportedly left the pageant midway citing family problems. Following Magee’s exit, Charlotte Grant, the Miss England runner-up, arrived in Hyderabad to take her place in the competition. Days later, Milla in a statement to a British tabloid expressed disappointment with the pageant’s environment, which she said did not align with her expectations of ‘beauty with a purpose’. The contestants were allegedly expected to wear make-up and remain dressed in ball gowns throughout the day. She also alleged that she was being exploited, claiming that she and the other women felt they had been provided as ‘entertainment for investors as a thank you’. “I thought this was a really good opportunity for me on a global stage to be able to talk about Go Far with CPR (her campaign about making CPR and first aid training compulsory in schools). This isn’t about me standing on the stage, this isn’t about what I wear. It’s not about what I look like,” she was quoted. However, Miss World CEO Julia Morley denied the allegations, “Earlier this month, Milla Maggie requested to leave the competition due to a reported family emergency involving her mother’s health. We responded to Milla’s situation with compassion and immediately arranged her return to England, placing the well-being of the contestant and her family first. Unfortunately, it has come to our attention that certain UK media outlets have published false and defamatory statements, allegedly made by Milla Maggie, regarding her experience in India. These claims are completely unfounded and inconsistent with the reality of her time with us,” read the statement. The Miss World Organisation also released unedited videos recorded during Milla’s stay in India, in which she expresses gratitude, joy, and appreciation for the experience. “These videos reflect her own words and sentiments, and serve as a direct contradiction to the recent false narratives,” the statement said. Miss World remains committed to truth, dignity, and the values of “Beauty With a Purpose”, it added. She left it, or expelled? Milla Maggie & Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu History revisited Rana Preet Gill breathes new life into a forgotten revolutionary saga The Chandigarh Press Club on Saturday played host to the launch of The Ghadar Movement, the fifth book by acclaimed author and veterinary officer Rana Preet Gill. This evocative new work delves into one of the most audacious yet often overlooked revolutionary uprisings against British colonial rule. Meticulously researched and vividly told, The Ghadar Movement charts the emergence of a transnational rebellion born in 1913 among Indian immigrants in the United States. Speaking at the launch, Gill said, “This book is my tribute to the forgotten heroes who dared to dream of a free India from foreign soil. Their courage and sacrifice deserve to be remembered.” She added, “The Ghadarites may have failed in their mission, but they lit a spark that inspired future revolutionaries such as Bhagat Singh.” — TNS Binita’s big MOMENT M ISS England 2024 Milla Magee left the Miss World pageant in Hyderabad midway citing ‘personal and ethical concerns’; Rachel Gupta allegedly returned her Miss Grand International 2024 crown over ‘toxic environment and broken promises’ and Miss Universe Harnaaz Sandhu was brutally trolled for weight gain—the not-so-pretty side of pageants has raised its ugly head time and again. Closer to home, Jalandhar girl Rachel Gupta alleged that she was not given food or fruits, or pots and pans to cook during her stay at a Thai hotel and house. She also alleged body shaming. According to her, a representative pinched her and told her to lose weight. She said she had to ‘buy herself food’ and take care of her health and fitness. She levelled allegations of unfair practices like countries buying votes and a case of sexual harassment. Miss Grand International Organisation gave a different version of the events and claimed that Rachel was officially terminated from her position due to her alleged failure to fulfil her IS BEAUTY JUDGED FAIRLY? I’m not sure if I’ll be taken seriously — they could say I’m just bitter because I didn’t win — but pageants feel random. There are no clear criteria or standards. Winning seems like a fluke. If beauty is truly within, why were there no plump contestants? Even with relaxed height rules, it’s still not inclusive. — Karuna Singh, Femina Miss India Punjab 2020 POWER OF ‘NO’ There is an immense pressure on women to look a certain way, not just for beauty pageants but otherwise too. As Miss India, I didn’t face any exploitation. I got what I was promised. But if these women today are saying they were made to feel uncomfortable, they had every right to say no. — Alankrita Sahai, Miss India Earth 2014 duties, engagement in external projects without approval, and refusal to participate in a scheduled trip to Guatemala. According to an announcement, Christine Julian Opiaza of the Philippines will assume the title. Is plump not pretty? Miss Universe 2021 Harnaaz Kaur Sandhu went through brutal trolling about her weight gain, and went public with her struggle with maintaining body weight due to coeliac disease. “Nobody knows about my coeliac disease. That I can’t eat wheat flour and many other things.” She has taken the online attack in her stride and through phases of weight gain and loss, maintained her positive outlook. “I am someone who believes in body positivity. There are a lot of other individuals who are trolled every day irrespective of their Miss Universe or not. I am empowering them by making them feel that if I feel gorgeous, you are beautiful too,” she gave a befitting reply to the trolls. Is the burden of expectation is a tad too much for these beauties or is it a cry for real change? It depends on who you ask. But what the organisers can do is maintain transparency and accountability to ensure that the espoused ideals align with the lived experiences of the women who participate. Assam celebrates the dancer’s success at Britain’s Got Talent Nine-year-old Binita Chetry from Assam has captured hearts across continents by securing third place at the ‘Britain’s Got Talent (BGT) 2025’ finals, earning thunderous applause from the audience and a warm congratulatory message from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Taking to his official X handle, the CM shared a video of the BGT finale, which showed Binita on stage alongside fellow finalists — magician Harry Moulding and dance group The Blackouts. In his message, CM Sarma celebrated Binita’s achievement, calling it a moment of immense pride for Assam. “Dancing her way to glory. Many congratulations to our very own #BinitaChetry on securing the 3rd spot at #BGTFinal. Her performances have mesmerised audiences from the Brahmaputra to the Thames and made us all proud. I wish her all the best for her future endeavours,” Sarma posted. When asked about her experience, the young dancer beamed and said, “I am happy and proud of myself and it’s the best experience.” The visibly emotional moment was met with enthusiastic cheers from the audience, to which Binita responded with folded hands in gratitude. Going wild! Hooda clicks the wildlife Actor-filmmaker Randeep Hooda, passionate about wildlife and cinema, has travelled to the scenic Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh. Known for his deep commitment to animal welfare and environmental conservation, Hooda is visiting the park to capture its rich biodiversity through his lens. An avid wildlife photographer, the actor is using this trip to rekindle his passion for photographing animals in their natural habitat. He is accompanied on this personal journey by his wife, actor and entrepreneur Lin Laishram, as the couple explore the lush expanse of one of India’s most iconic national parks. Over the years, Randeep has cultivated an interest in wildlife photography alongside his extensive involvement in various conservation efforts. Kanha National Park, a renowned biodiversity haven, is home to a wide array of species including tigers, leopards, swamp deer (barasingha), blackbucks and other rare and endangered animals. Randeep said, “Taking time off to be in the wild is like hitting the reset button. Wildlife photography isn’t just a hobby for me — it’s a way to reconnect with nature, with myself. Observing animals in their natural habitat teaches one patience, humility and perspective. It grounds me in a way very few things can.” Randeep Hooda has long been a vocal supporter of causes related to animal rights and environmental sustainability. His advocacy has increasingly found space in public dialogues around wildlife protection and ecological awareness. Kushal ‘Gullu’ Tanwar’s wildcard comeback seals victory in MTV Roadies Rannvijay Singha-hosted MTV Roadies Double Cross has concluded, with Kushal Tanwar — popularly known as Gullu — emerging as the winner. A member of Elvish Yadav’s gang, Gullu clinched the title after a powerful wildcard comeback and a performance that stood out for its intensity and grit. Originally part of Elvish’s gang, Gullu was eliminated early in the season. However, he re-entered the show as a wildcard contestant under Gautam Gulati’s leadership. His gamechanging moment came when, after winning the ticket to the finale, he was offered the opportunity to Gullu’s glory double-cross his current gang leader. Choosing loyalty, Gullu returned to Elvish’s gang, leaving Gautam’s side behind. The finale saw Hartaaj Singh Gill, from Prince Narula’s gang, finish as the first runner-up. Reflecting on his victory, Gullu said, “Winning MTV Roadies Double Cross wasn’t just a title, it was a silent scream finally heard. There was no support, no guiding hand, no one to lift me when I was down. I went through it all alone.” He added, “This win is more than a trophy. It’s a symbol for every person who’s ever felt alone, who’s ever been told they’re not enough. I walked this path by myself, but I never gave up. And that’s what this victory is: not fame, not glory — but proof that even when you have nothing, you can still become everything.” Gang leader Elvish Yadav praised Tanwar’s journey, saying, “From Day 1, I saw fire in Gullu. He didn’t just win tasks, he won hearts. His journey defines.”ANI RANNVIJAY SINGHA AND KUSHAL TANWAR c m y b