05062025-LSTC-01.qxd 6/4/2025 11:50 PM Page 1 c m y b MEMORIES OF FORREST GUMP Actor and director Mykelti Williamson shared his shooting experience with Tom Hanks in the 1994 comedy-drama film Forrest Gump, directed by Robert Zemeckis. Williamson revealed that he first heard about his eventual role as Forrest’s friend Benjamin Buford “Bubba” Blue when two of his acting students went in to audition for it. TRIBUNE Coming soon Life A Big Bold Beautiful Journey, a romantic fantasy movie starring Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell, is set to be released in Indian theatres on September 19, according to Sony Pictures Entertainment India. CHANDIGARH | THURSDAY | 5 JUNE 2025 Finally, jersey No. 18 — after 18 years T HE Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 witnessed a momentous achievement as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) clinched their maiden IPL title, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a thrilling final on Wednesday. This victory, after 18 long years, not only marked a historic moment for RCB but also sent emotional waves across the cricketing world, especially through the tinseltown, where several celebrities lauded the incredible achievement. The victory was met with a flood of congratulatory messages from Bollywood, with stars such as Ajay Devgn, Ranveer Singh, Vicky Kaushal, Arjun Kapoor, Allu Arjun and Kartik Aaryan, among others, taking to social media to celebrate Virat Kohli’s stellar performance and RCB’s triumph. Ajay Devgn shared a poster of RCB, exclaiming, “Been watching and cheering for years... finally RCB has made history. Congratulations @virat.kohli and the entire team @royalchallengers.bengaluru.” Ranveer Singh shared a photo of Kohli and AB de Villiers, calling it ‘everything’. He also posted a video of Kohli’s emotional moment on the field and tagged him as a ‘One club player’. Vicky Kaushal, on his Instagram Stories, shared a heartfelt tribute to Kohli, writing, “To the man who’s given everything to the sport... this was long due! @virat.kohli PATRIOTIC FERVOUR Musician Shankar Mahadevan and his sons Shivam and Siddharth’s musical performance at the IPL 2025 closing ceremony was a goosebump-inducing moment, evoking a spirit of patriotism among spectators as the trio honoured the Indian armed forces with their songs. From Suno Gaur Se Duniya Walo to Vande Mataram and Aye Watan, the trio paid a beautiful and musical tribute to the Indian armed forces. Celebs congratulate Virat Kohli for IPL win #18,” adding a red heart and trophy emoji. Meanwhile, Kartik Aaryan couldn’t hold back his excitement, posting a video of Kohli celebrating and writing, “Finally Jersey No 18. After 18 years. Congratulations, GOAT @virat.kohli.” The heart-warming reactions didn’t stop there. South Indian superstar Allu Arjun shared a video of his son, Ayaan, getting emotional over RCB’s victory. In the video, Ayaan is seen lying on the floor, visibly moved by the historic moment as Virat embraces his wife, Anushka Sharma, on the field. The actor confirmed for the sequel of 28 Days Later Arjun captioned the post, “Ayaan getting super emotional. #viratkohli fan boy moment. Soo cute my chinni babu #alluayaan #rcb #ipl2025.” In another clip, Ayaan, who admitted to being a huge fan of Kohli, says, “I love Kohli,” with his face glowing with excitement. Arjun responded, “Your face is glowing.” Ayaan continued, “I like him so much. I got into cricket because of Kohli.” In a post on X, Allu wrote, “The wait is over. Ee sala cup namde! At last! We’ve been waiting for this day for 18 years. A big, big congratulations to RCB!” —ANI HUGS AND KISSES As RCB lifted the trophy, Virat Kohli was visibly overwhelmed with emotion. With tears in his eyes, he ran to the boundary ropes to embrace his wife Anushka Sharma. The couple shared a tender moment, with Anushka consoling her husband and giving him a sweet kiss on the cheek. Speaking to broadcasters after the historic win, Kohli said, "Watching us just miss out. What your life partner does for you to be able to play - the sacrifices, the commitment, and just backing you through thick and thin is something you can't explain in words... This is very, very special for her as well, and she's going to be so, so proud. Thank you." Gurnaaz SUPPORT FROM SUNAK Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was present at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad with his wife, Akshata Murty, to cheer for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final of the 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) against Punjab Kings on Tuesday. Sunak took to X and posted a selfie with his wife and captioned the post, “Let’s go @RCBTweets.” Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Mayank Agarwal, his wife and their child Shadi on her mind! For Hollywood director Bronwen Hughes, stepping onto the set of her latest film—a romantic comedy set against the vibrant chaos of an Indian wedding—feels less like entering foreign territory and more like coming home. Known for her work across genres and acclaimed projects like Forces of Nature, Breaking Bad, The Journey Is the Destination among others, Hughes is now diving into something wholly new and yet deeply resonant—a cross-cultural tale of love, laughter, and self-discovery, rooted in the sensory splendor of Indian tradition. Bronwen Hughes has turned her lens on India and the outcome is a rom-com set against an Indian wedding. A chat with the Breaking Bad director, who is in love with all things Indian… Cillian on board Director Danny Boyle confirmed that Cillian Murphy will reprise his role in the 28 Days Later franchise. Murphy, who starred in the 2002 film 28 Days Later, will appear in the upcoming sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. In a recent interview, Boyle revealed that Murphy will have a significant role in the third film, which has yet to be green-lit. However, a strong box office performance from 28 Years Later and Murphy’s involvement could help secure the project’s future. While 28 Years Later is set to release on June 20 and 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple will release on January 16, 2026. —ANI In an exclusive conversation, this Canadaborn filmmaker opens up about her journey. “I didn’t realise there were so few female directors when I started,” Hughes says with a laugh, reflecting on her early days in the industry. “That was my greatest protection.” Unaware of the gender imbalance, she drew inspiration from bold visionaries like Jane Campion, Claire Denis and Mira Nair— women who, like her, simply began. “My hope,” she adds, “is that the next generation doesn’t even notice it’s unusual anymore. And honestly, from what I see on my sets today, that’s already happening.” With stories in every language and culture now a click away, Hughes believes we’re living in a ‘global village’. “Streaming has opened up the world in ways theatrical releases never could. We can now experience other lives, other cultures, from anywhere. That’s the real evolution.” This evolution led her to her latest project, a romantic comedy centered on an Indian wedding—a genre she first explored in Forces of Nature for Spielberg’s DreamWorks Studios. “I was interested in show- ing that few can find happiness in many forms, not always the same or expected. After that, I was offered many rom-coms, but they seemed to me to be stuck without a modern look at the woman’s self-actualisation.” But for Hughes, this story does more than follow genre conventions. “It digs deeper than just marriage. It’s really about the eternal questions— how we become the best version of ourselves.” Explaining the themes further, Huges adds, “This story is modern, progressive and sometimes arcs towards a different way of finding happiness.” And the settings in which she is exploring the genre — c m y b an Indian wedding and modern Indian cities —has been an immersion in every sense of the word. Huges and her crew, which recently stayed at a hotel hosting a real wedding, have been ‘crashing’ sangeets and barats with open arms and wider eyes. “Indian weddings are cinema gold,” she gushes. “The colours, the textures, the soundscape—nothing else compares. Indian creativity around weddings is never-ending and I am learning something new every day. Even the local crew is debating which version of which ceremony we should include. It’s amazing.” Seven palace visits later, Hughes is still wide-eyed. “Six of them were setting up for weddings! It’s like the universe said, ‘Here, soak it in.’” With her signature wit and sensitivity, Hughes is rethinking rom-com humour for an Indian context. “We’re not trying to mimic a Western tone. We’re staying true to these characters and their specific cultural reality. When you do that, the humour resonates naturally. Love, awkwardness, joy—those emotions are universal.” And as for her Indian collaborators? “They read my mind. They seem to know what I will like before I like it myself. Seriously. With such amazing crew recommendations, casting choices and now locations —they are next-level.” She beams while talking about her co-producer, Preeti Singh. “Preeti is pure fire. A laser beam. She’s my cultural compass and creative co-conspirator. She makes sure we aim for excellence, always.” As for food, she can already navigate an Indian vegetarian menu like a pro. “I eat Indian food four times a week. And yes, I’ve been singing Hindi songs to the crew. You should’ve seen their faces!” Hughes has directed everyone from Sandra Bullock and Ben Affleck to Bryan Cranston and Bob Odenkirk. Her secret? “Psychology,” she says. “Actors—famous or not—work best when you understand what they need from you. You have to read the room. Create the space they need to fly. And the same goes for all creatives in the team. I hope to cheerlead the best out of every department.” As for her directing style, it’s ever-evolving. “Each film demands a different language— visually, emotionally, structurally. I try never to get stuck in one way of seeing.” Looking back, instead of an advice to her younger self, Hughes has a thing or two to learn. “Young me was a better director because she didn’t know what was impossible, so anything felt possible. I try to keep that spirit alive. I try not to curb my ideas. Sweat is not the problem. We film people love to work hard.” As for her next project, she won’t spill all the details just yet, but Hughes hints at future stories dancing around in her head—literally. “Let’s just say music and dance will play a big role.” For now, Bronwen Hughes is focused on bringing to life one very special love story—set against the backdrop of traditions older than time, told with the freshness of a modern voice, and wrapped in the colour and heart of India. It’s a match made in cinematic heaven. Stay tuned, the shaadi and the storytelling have only just begun.