25072025-LSTL-01.qxd 7/24/2025 7:36 PM Page 1 c m y b BAYAAN TO PREMIERE AT TIFF Huma Qureshi’s film Bayaan has been selected for the world premiere in the prestigious Discovery Section of the Toronto International Film Festival 2025, to be held in September. Helmed by writer-director Bikas Ranjan Mishra, Bayaan is the only Indian film in the Discovery section. TRIBUNE Fired up Life Randeep Hooda wishes to do films that can spark a “fire” in himself. “I am currently in the stage where I have to choose. And that is what gives me the fire in my belly to do the next,” he said. LUDHIANA | FRIDAY | 25 JULY 2025 Bad the Girl joins Love rules the ramp ‘bad film’ category A T the opening night of India Couture Week 2025, held at the Taj Palace hotel, Tamannaah Bhatia turned showstopper for renowned designer Rahul Mishra. The event, presented by Hyundai India in collaboration with Reliance Brands, featured Mishra’s latest collection Becoming Love — a continuation of his Paris Haute Couture Week showcase. While the Paris version explored love through cosmic and philosophical themes inspired by Sufi mysticism and Gustav Klimt, the ICW collection brought the narrative into a more personal, emotional realm. Mishra described the collection as the ‘second chapter’ of a transformative love story, portraying love as an eternal, evolving force. Featuring sheer and structured fabrics, the designs included vibrant floral embroidery, 3D floral accents, and a colour palette ranging from pastels to deep jewel tones. Tamannaah graced the runway in two stunning outfits. The first was a figure-hugging gown with a sculpted bodice and intricate floral embroidery in vibrant hues. She later returned in a lehenga set, comprising a sequined halter blouse, a gradient embroidered lehenga, and a sheer dupatta with floral embellishments. She made her first entrance to AR Rahman’s classic Tu Hi Re. Praising Mishra, Tamannaah said his designs highlight the wearer rather than overshadowing them. She also shared her love for live performances, calling the runway a thrilling yet different experience compared to acting and dancing. The India Couture Week 2025 would run until July 30. — PTI Rahul Mishra unveils second chapter of Becoming Love with Tamannaah as muse at India Couture Week As the teaser of Tamil film Bad Girl has been removed from social media platforms, here’s a look at films that faced public outrage for exploring female sexuality Mona The Tamil film Bad Girl has found itself at the centre of a controversy after the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court ordered the Central Government to remove its teaser from all social media platforms within a month. The court’s decision came in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that claimed that the teaser contained obscene content involving minors. In India, Bad Girl joins a long list of Indian films and series that have faced public outrage, censorship and institutional pushback simply for exploring female desire, autonomy, and rebellion against patriarchy. BACKLASH FOR VEERE In 2018, Veere Di Wedding, directed by Shashanka Ghosh, sparked outrage over a masturbation scene featuring a female character. The film, which focused on female friendships and the pressure of marriage, was heavily trolled online, leading to slutshaming and backlash. NO ‘S’ WORD PLEASE! In 2017, S Durga, originally titled Sexy Durga, faced backlash for hurting Hindu sentiments. Directed by Sanal Kumar Sasidharan, the film explored gender dynamics, but the controversy surrounding it led to its removal from the Indian Panorama section at the IFFI. CUT TO SIZE? Alankrita Shrivastava’s Lipstick Under My Burkha (2016) ruffled feathers. Its exploration of female sexuality, desire and the pushpull between hijab and modernity led the CBFC to deny it a certificate, calling it “lady-oriented” with “sexual scenes” PHOTOS: PTI DARING PORTRAYAL Crafting Diljit’s regal look Actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh’s debut appearance at the MET Gala made headlines worldwide, not just for being the first turbaned celebrity at the event, but also for his “royal look” that paid homage to Punjabi heritage. Dosanjh had initially sought to wear the legendary $ 2.5 billion Cartier necklace, which once belonged to the Maharaja of Patiala. However, after Cartier declined the request, the team turned to renowned jewellers Golecha from Jaipur and Mumbai to recreate the historic ensemble. The result was a monthslong project that involved three to four months of intricate craftsmanship, culmi- Vijay Golecha, who among others, designed the jewellery Diljit wore for his Met Gala outing, talks about the thought process that went behind the singer-actor’s regal looks HIMANSHU MAHAJAN Shivani Bhakoo nated in a majestic ensemble that included a grand neckpiece, an emerald-andpolki headgear with kilangi c m y b and three “royal” rings. The look earned widespread admiration from global celebrities across Bollywood and Hollywood. The creators of the regal jewellery, Golecha Jewellers, were in Ludhiana for a private preview on July 2324, which was organised in collaboration with socialite Divya Dhanda. Vijay Golecha, speaking at the preview, shared details of the pieces worn by Dosanjh. “The jewellery was immensely appreciated for its antique finish, real gemstones, and fine craftsmanship. Even Diljit himself praised the detailing and felt proud to represent his culture through such regal styling,” said Golecha. However, they added, “These are not on exhibition or for sale, they are part of our personal museum collection.” Leena Yadav’s Parched (2015), set in rural India, showcased bold scenes involving female pleasure and autonomy. It started a debate for its daring portrayal of women in traditionally restrictive environments. MARGINALISED IDENTITY Margarita with a Straw (2014), directed by Shonali Bose, offered an exploration of bisexuality and disability through a protagonist with cerebral palsy. The film faced censorship over queer intimacy and masturbation scenes. PLAYING WITH FIRE! The most landmark controversy dates back to Fire (1996), Deepa Mehta’s film about lesbian love and women trapped in traditional roles. The characters – Sita and Radha and themes provoked violent protests from right-wing groups and was briefly withdrawn, only to be re-released later.