30072025-LSTC-01.qxd 7/30/2025 12:37 AM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE Love & hope Life Monali Thakur announced her new track,Ek Baar Phir, on Monday. The singer called her upcoming song a ‘piece of her heart’, which is centred on the themes of ‘love and hope’. CHANDIGARH | WEDNESDAY | 30 JULY 2025 Janhvi Kapoor wears a embellished fish-cut lehenga by designer Jayanti Reddy Tears & cheers for ROHIT BAL A CTOR ARJUN RAMPAL turned the runway into a heartfelt tribute at the Hyundai India Couture Week 2025 as he walked for his late friend and celebrated fashion designer Rohit Bal, lovingly called Gudda by those who knew him best. At ICW 2025, Arjun Rampal looks to the sky in tribute to late friend Rohit Bal Wearing an all-black velvet sherwani, Rampal looked elegant and poised. The outfit, long and regal in style, shimmered subtly under the lights. But it wasn’t just about the fashion. At one point, Arjun Rampal looked up and pointed toward the sky, as if sending a silent message to his dear friend. Rampal, when asked about the emotions he was carrying as he Not just a plot point Surveen Chawla calls for richer, more central roles for women in cinema Actress Surveen Chawla, known for her powerful turns in streaming hits such as Sacred Games, Rana Naidu and Criminal Justice, says she is eager to work in films, but finding meaningful, women-led narratives remains a challenge. Chawla believes the film industry is still evolving when it comes to providing equal opportunities for women, both in front of and behind the camera. “Women need to be the stories, not just mere parts in them,” she said. “The industry is progressing and we’re slowly reaching a space where we’re aspiring for equality — be it in storytelling, pay parity, quality of roles or how one is treated, regardless of hierarchy.” While film roles remain limited, the actor finds the OTT space far more fertile ground for strong characters, which is why she is currently focusing her energies there. Chawla, who has appeared in films such as Ugly, Hate Story 2 and Parched, said she gravitates towards roles that offer her a significant stake in the story. “I feel there’s a real scarcity of such parts in films and that’s what draws me to OTT,” she said. Chawla was seen Mandala Murders, a Netflix original series. — PTI walked the runway for his late friend, said, “I had to hold them in; that’s what I had to do. It was difficult. He was my mentor, friend, best friend, great designer, great teacher, and brother. I’ll tell you a secret about Rohit Bal. He said ‘Fashion is fun; never take it seriously.’” Arjun had walked for the ace designer at several shows, including the grand finale of his Kashmir-inspired collection, Gulbagh, where he was the showstopper. The show ended on a note that only Gudda could inspire. Models broke into a spontaneous dance, a signature Rohit Bal finale. The audience rose in a standing ovation. Attendees were also visibly teary-eyed. The collection, titled Kash-Gul, took inspiration from the calm beauty of Kashmir and the poetic charm of Gulistan, a garden of flowers. Rich in craft and emotion, the pieces were created using chanderi, matka silk and velvet. Delicate gold zardozi and threadwork added grace, while a palette of black, ivory, and wine added depth. Bal, who was 63 at the time of his passing, had been struggling with a heart ailment for some time. He left for his heavenly abode on November 1 last year. Janhvi Kapoor on Monday channelled her inner desi girl but with a modern twist at India Couture Week in Delhi. The diva strutted down the ramp for designer Jayanti Reddy in an exquisite embellished fish cut lehenga with saree like pleats from below knees. She paired It’s a break Ananya Panday, who is currently filming for her upcoming movie Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri took a beautiful break from her hectic shooting schedule to visit the timeless Taj Mahal in Agra. Dressed in a breezy blue and yellow printed dress, the actress looked radiant as she posed in Ananya Panday visits the Taj Mahal amid Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri shoot c m y b front of the iconic monument flashing her signature smile. Known for sharing candid moments and sneak peeks from behind the scenes, Ananya once again gave fans a glimpse into her off-set adventures. Ananya’s photos radiate calm and charm amidst the chaos of a film set. Janhvi shines the blush pink lehenga with a blouse featuring a plunging sweetheart neckline. The cold-shoulder sleeves were adorned with beaded chain embellishments draping over the upper arms, adding a regal, jewelryinspired effect. The long duppatta was draped in a modern way, and no doubt, it perfectly reimagined the Indian ethnic ensemble. —ANI Welcome to Pandora The official trailer for James Cameron’s Avatar: Fire and Ash is finally here. A third instalment in the beloved fantasy epic franchise, the film will take audiences back to the magical world of Pandora. — ANI