13062025-LSTL-01.qxd 6/12/2025 7:56 PM Page 1 c m y b SABRINA’S NEW OFFERING Pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter has announced a new album, Man’s Best Friend, which will be released on August 29. It will be her seventh album. Carpenter released the album’s lead single, Manchild, which was written by her and frequent collaborators Jack Antonoff and Amy Allen, last week. TRIBUNE Blunt talk Life Emily Blunt shares an update on the sequel to The Devil Wears Prada. She says the movie goes into production next month, and she’ll reprise her role as Emily Charlton. LUDHIANA | FRIDAY | 13 JUNE 2025 ‘Acting made me stronger’ Gurnaaz Sachiv Ji and Manju Devi are BACK! Panchayat 4 trailer gives glimpse into Phulera’s fiercest showdown Prime Video has officially released the highly anticipated trailer for Panchayat Season 4, confirming its worldwide premiere on June 24. The comedy-drama series, produced by The Viral Fever (TVF), continues its humorous and heartfelt portrayal of rural life in the fictional village of Phulera. Created by Deepak Kumar Mishra and Chandan Kumar and directed by Mishra along with Akshat Vijaywargiya, the new season brings back the show’s signature blend of satire, warmth and rustic charm. The story picks up with political rivalries in full swing, capturing the chaos, drama, and comedy of small-town elections. Returning to their iconic roles are Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, Chandan Roy, Sanvikaa, Durgesh Kumar, Sunita Rajwar and Pankaj Jha, each adding depth and nuance to the growing tensions in Phulera. The newly launched trailer showcases a village transformed into a vibrant political battleground. With raucous rallies, campaign slogans, and behind-the-scenes scheming, the election drama between Manju Devi and Kranti Devi sets the tone for a high-stakes, laughter-filled season. The trailer teases a mix of music, mischief. Chandan Kumar, the series’ creator and writer, emphasised the show’s commitment to evolving characters and relatable storytelling. “Each season unfolds naturally, always grounded in Phulera’s emotional rhythms. With Season 4, we dive deeper into the relationships and introduce dynamics that keep the world fresh while staying true to its heart,” he said. Neena Gupta, who reprises her role as Manju Devi, reflected on her character’s transformation and said, “It’s been exciting to watch her grow from a hesitant pradhan to a confident voice in village politics.” — ANI When Sadia Khateeb steps into a role, she doesn’t merely act—she lives, breathes, and becomes the character. In The Diplomat, her portrayal of Uzma, a woman caught in the whirlpool of real-life trauma and resilience, has proved that. And for Sadia, that process was transformative. The young actress from Kashmir, first seen in Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s Shikara, opens up about the evolution between her two landmark roles, her artistic instincts, and the emotional toll (and triumph) of telling a story rooted in real events. “When I auditioned for The Diplomat, I had only two scenes,” Sadia shares. “There was no script, no backstory. I didn’t try to act, I just responded instinctively, as if I were in Uzma’s place.” That raw, natural approach became the foundation of a deeply affecting performance. Director Shivam Nair encouraged her not to research Uzma or mimic her, but to find the truth of her within herself. “That honesty allowed me to connect on a deeper level. The emotions weren’t fabricated. They came from a real place inside me.” Sadia admits that detaching from Uzma wasn’t easy. “Even after we wrapped up, I couldn’t leave Uzma’s world behind.” The most emotionally harrowing scene, she says, was the Buner sequence. “It haunted me. I remember telling Uzma ji, ‘If I felt this much pain portraying it, I can’t imagine how you lived through it.’” It took a month in Srinagar—and the quiet strength of her parents—for her to begin healing. Despite the intensity of the story, Sadia found joy and inspiration on the sets, especially in sharing screen space with John Abraham. “He’s someone I’ve always admired,” she says. “What struck me was his humility and his passion. Even offcamera, he was fully present, Sadia Khateeb, who plays Uzma in The Diplomat, says the real-life story shook her so badly that it took her a month in Srinagar and her parents’ support to begin healing giving cues with the same commitment. It taught me how important it is to love the craft, no matter where you are in your career.” Sadia’s debut in Shikara was tender and introspective—an experience she calls ‘a lesson in peace and softness’. But The Diplomat? “It shook me,” she admits. “It made me stronger, more fearless. Like a workout that breaks you and rebuilds you. As a woman and as an artist, I’ve grown so much.” That growth has changed her filter for choosing roles. “I was always selective,” she explains. “But now, I’m hungrier for characters that push me further.” Sadia’s casting in The Diplomat came down to a moment she still treasures. “I finished my audition and my casting director, Jogi, just turned around and said, ‘See you on set.’ He said it so casually, but it stayed with me. That moment felt like magic.” She credits Vidhu Vinod Chopra for igniting that magic in the first place. “Everything I know—about being present, understanding the camera, using my eyes—I learned from him on the set of Shikara. His mentorship shaped how I approach every role.” Praise for The Diplomat has poured in from critics and audiences alike. Her parents were proud, but her father’s words lingered most. “He said, ‘You did well—but you’re capable of more.’ That was so motivating. It made me want to keep striving.” When it comes to feedback, Sadia listens carefully. “I reflect on what’s constructive, but I don’t carry every opinion with me. I move on, I grow.” Asked what she hopes young women take away from The Diplomat, Sadia doesn’t hesitate. “Courage,” she says. “The kind that comes when you have no options, but still move forward. That’s what stayed with me, and I hope it stays with them too.” And what has the process of acting added to her selfdiscovery? “Acting has made me mentally stronger. I didn’t realise how resilient I was until I stepped into these intense roles.” Though acting came to her by ‘destiny’, Sadia sees it as a long-term journey—one that keeps evolving. “I want to explore everything—period dramas, hardcore romance, even comedy. I think comedy really suits who I am. And yes, I’d love to be a Sanjay Leela Bhansali heroine. All that grandeur and grace. I’d love to experience that.” “Success, for me, is creative satisfaction first,” she says with conviction. “Then critical appreciation. And yes, box office success too— it means the story connected with people. I want all three. That’s balance.” As for the industry, Sadia sees it slowly shifting toward more nuanced, women-led narratives. “We’re getting there. Stories like The Diplomat are proof that audiences are ready. Writers just need to keep writing them.” From Jaggery Latte to Cranberry Americano to Roohafza Matcha Latte — Tricity is quietly brewing up some seriously unique coffee tales Yathesht Pratiraj Phool Coffee’s more than just a caffeine kick these days — it’s culture, comfort and sometimes, a little bit of magic in a cup. You know what? Wandering through the Tricity, you stumble on cafés that aren’t just serving coffee; they’re serving stories. Ever wondered what a cup of coffee can really tell you about a city? Well, Tricity is quietly brewing up some seriously unique coffee tales. Coffee with a twist PHOTO: VICKY c m y b Warm hug from Waycup Café Jaggery Latte & Coconut Brew Nestled in Sector 68, Mohali, Waycup Café feels like that cozy nook where the barista knows your name and your favourite blend. The Jaggery Latte here is nothing short of a revelation. Imagine the comforting sweetness of jaggery meeting the bold richness of espresso, all rounded off with frothy milk that’s silky smooth. It’s earthy, caramellike and honestly, a little hug in a cup on those chilly mornings. A regular described it perfectly, “It’s like nostalgia and novelty wrapped into one sip.” And that sums it up. The jaggery doesn’t overpower but rather dances with the espresso, giving a subtle hint of tradition in an otherwise modern espresso culture. If you plan on visiting, just know, the Jaggery Latte has its perfect companion in the Alfredo sandwich — a warm, hearty bite that brings a comforting richness of its own. For these warmer days? The Coconut Cold Brew steps in with a tropical twist. It’s like a mini vacation for your taste buds. Bright, bold at Talez Patisserie Cranberry Americano Nostalgia meets trendiness Roohafza Matcha Latte Dessert in a cup Vietnamese Tiramisu Latte Shift gears towards Sector 26, Chandigarh and you land at Talez Patisserie & Kitchen. Their coffee offerings are turning heads too. The Cranberry Americano isn’t your usual black coffee. A bold Americano is brightened with a tangy cranberry infusion, which gives it a punchy balance of tartness and depth. The way the cranberry juice sharpens the smoky bitterness is a little surprising at first but totally addictive once you get it. A coffee enthusiast said, “Never thought cranberry and coffee could be BFFs, but here we are.” And honestly, it makes sense why this combo is turning heads — fruity coffees are gaining traction globally and Talez is bringing that trend right to Chandigarh. Panchkula’s Kali Coffee, in Sector 20, has a trick up its sleeve — the Roohafza Matcha Latte. Now, if you’re wondering what on earth that is, let me explain. Roohafza, the beloved floral syrup that’s been a staple in Indian summers, meets the earthy, slightly bitter matcha powder. The result? A vibrant, aromatic latte that’s both nostalgic and new. One person described it as “a cup of summer memories, brewed with a twist.” You can’t talk unique coffee without mentioning Tan Coffee in Mohali. Their Vietnamese Whipped Tiramisu Latte is the kind of indulgence that feels like a mini celebration in every sip. Whipped coffee gets a decadent upgrade here with tiramisu flavours layered into the mix. The creamy, dessert-like richness comes through without being overwhelming, making it perfect for those who want a sweet treat without the guilt. A MUST-TRY So, what’s the takeaway here? Coffee in Tricity is more than a beverage — it’s a storybook, blending tradition with innovation in ways that surprise and delight. So, next time you’re roaming through Chandigarh, Mohali or Panchkula, take a detour from your usual order. Try something you’ve never heard of or thought you’d like — you might just stumble on your new favourite.