24082025-LSTL-01.qxd 8/23/2025 8:05 PM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE Dance inferno Life Tiger Shroff and Harnaaz Sandhu dazzle in Bahli Sohni from Baaghi 4, the latest high-energy track choreographed by Farah Khan. Sung by Mani Moudgill, Badshah, and Nikhita Gandhi, this groovy number is perfect for parties. LUDHIANA | SUNDAY | 24 AUGUST 2025 ‘Comedy is cathartic’ Lyricist-screenwritercomedian-director Varun Grover says comedy is an arena where he allows himself to be personal & vulnerable Mona Lyricist. Screenwriter. Comedian. Poet. Director. Varun Grover wears many hats and yet, none of them quite captures the complex blend of wit, vulnerability and socio-political insight that he brings to his work. His popular show, Punjabi Trauma, is a hilarious, heartfelt exploration of identity and pain. A deeply personal yet relatable journey of navigating through the complexities of a Punjabi household in the post-Partition era has resonated with Punjabis across the globe. Merging old with new, from Oh Ho Ho to Inside Out, taking on fellow lyricist Prasoon Joshi to fellow comic Trevor Noah, Varun’s comic pieces makes you laugh, and also ponder. In a conversation with The Tribune, the multifaceted artiste let us in on his life and journey. This dheer gambheer insaan, who writes songs, films, comics, books and comedy shows, is a confirmed workaholic, who takes notes 24X7. A voracious reader and a movie buff, enjoys comedians like Abhishek Upmanyu; loves directors such as Vikramaditya Motwane and listens to old gems from Geeta Dutt. We wonder while cracking hilarious punch-lines, how does he manage to keep a straight face? “I do not get excited generally. I write and perform with a certain detachment. To quote Ghalib, Baazicha-e-atfaal hai duniya mere aage, Hota hai shab-o-roz tamasha mere aage. Comedy has been most cathartic. I am a screenwriter, lyricist, writer, director, and comedian, but comedy is the arena where I speak about the most personal things, where at times I allow myself to be vulnerable,” says the lyricist, who won National Award for song Moh Moh Ke Dhage. Rather straightforward, Varun cracks Silent chaos, loud impact Nora Fatehi unveils her new avatar in Uff Yeh Siyapaa Actress Nora Fatehi’s first look from Uff Yeh Siyapaa has been unveiled. The poster presents her in a new avatar as Kamini, setting the tone for a film that promises to be entertaining. Produced under the banner of Luv Ranjan Films, the project was revealed on social media with the caption: “Meet our silent heroes #SiyapaaSquad.” Speaking about the film on her social platforms, Fatehi expressed her excitement, “I woke up to the announcement of UFF, a film I worked on almost towards the end of the pandemic. So it’s been a while. And it’s an interesting film. It definitely is. I’m actually excited to see how it’s come out because when we shot it, we shot it with no dialogues. So it’s a very highly expressive film. And it’s got an incredible cast, some really great actors.” She added, “I had a good time shooting it. It’s a funny film. And you know me in comedy — I’m really into it right now. And I have a very cool role in the film. I need to see it because I’m super excited.” With its silent yet expressive narrative and the unmistakable touch of Rahman, Uff Yeh Siyapaa is shaping up to be a unique cinematic experience. Manager, lawyer dismiss reports as ‘old news’ amid ongoing speculation Speculation about Bollywood actor Govinda and his wife Sunita Ahuja’s divorce has resurfaced, but the actor’s manager has dismissed the rumours as “old news,” insisting the couple is not separating. A recent report claimed Sunita filed for divorce on December 5, 2024 in the Bandra Family Court, citing adultery, cruelty and desertion. “This is the same old news which came out six to seven months ago. Sunita had filed a divorce petition six to seven months back and now everything is being settled. In a week or so, everyone will hear the Govinda divorce rumours resurface news,” said Govinda’s manager Shashi Sinha. “The whole family is preparing to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi together and Sunita is busy with the preparations,” he added. Govinda’s lawyer Lalit Bindal also dismissed the report, calling it “old news.” Both Govinda and Sunita were unavailable for comment. The couple’s 38-year marriage has been the subject of speculation since reports of divorce first emerged in February this year. At that time, Bindal confirmed Sunita had filed for divorce citing “misunderstandings,” while Govinda’s manager described the rumours as exaggerated. Govinda has avoided commenting directly, dismissing it as “business talks.” Sunita had earlier hinted at marital discord, stating she would not want to marry him in her next life. Married since 1987, they have two children, Tina and Yashvardhan. — PTI c m y b jokes on everyone — from political leaders to his colleagues in the industry. Does it ever get awkward when you meet them? “Many ask me, how come I am still in the industry. I believe that’s because I joke on situations and not target individuals. I keep things factual and balanced, use polite language and satire. I think people are really smart. They understand where I am coming from. When I am cracking jokes on my own Mama ji, then of course I should be allowed to do that to others.” Love, death & ketchup Varun’s latest comedy piece, Love, Death & Ketchup, draws from his obsession with both ketchup and death. “It’s more philosophical than my earlier work. It continues some of the Punjabi narratives.” He also has a couple of films in the pipeline, including Homebound with Neeraj Ghaywan. He’s authored four books in various genres, which include graphic novels, poetry and short stories. His next directorial will be a drama centred on human emotions and love. Painted nails & public reaction Varun paints his nails just because he likes how they look. But the reactions he gets are wild. People assume all sorts of things — “Have you joined a cult?” or “Is this a religious thing?” Some are curious, some outright angry — ‘Sharam nahi aati?’ “Initially, I got irritated. Now, I just find it funny,” he says. Faith in democracy & diversity “India has always been intellectually rich,” he points out. “We have always had a culture of vaad vivad. Right from epics like Ramayana, to its reinterpretation, we have had different voices. Look at the emergence of new voices — LGBTQ+ artistes. I agree there is more to be done. There will always be some issues, but I am hopeful our democracy will only be stronger.” He fondly shares his memories of The Tribune, “I used to read The Tribune back in Himachal, during my growing-up years. Now, to be interviewed by it! Life is strange, and deeply fulfilling.” Love, laughs & a ghost called Mohabbat The Bhootnii, a horror-comedy blends emotion, humour and supernatural suspense in a way which is entertaining as well as unpredictable. Set against the lively backdrop of a fictional college campus, The Bhootnii offers much more than just scares. With strong performances, quirky characters and a thoughtful storyline, the film explores themes of love, friendship and the paranormal with a playful tone. The story unfolds at St Vincent’s College in Delhi, a vibrant setting filled with students enjoying typical campus life — cafeteria banter, hostel decorations, romantic pursuits and preparations for the college fest. Things take a dramatic turn when Shantanu (Sunny Singh), heartbroken after a Mouni Roy starrer The Bhootnii explores friendship & paranormal in a playful tone breakup, makes a wish under the infamous Virgin Tree on Valentine’s Eve. Unknowingly, his plea awakens Mohabbat (Mouni Roy), a ghost with a tragic past. Once awakened, Mohabbat’s presence begins to disturb the peaceful college atmosphere. Unusual supernatural events — disappearing objects, strange noises, floating chalk — begin to escalate. With students increasingly alarmed, college authorities turn to an eccentric ghost hunter, Baba (Sanjay Dutt), for help. Baba arrives with a colourful crew and a bag of unconventional tricks, ready to tackle the ghostly disruptions. Baba, played by Sanjay Dutt, is a standout character. His interactions with the students and his methods for dealing with Mohabbat, offer some of the film’s most entertaining moments. Mohabbat, portrayed by Mouni Roy, is more than just a scary presence. Her character is layered with emotion, hinting at a tragic backstory. The Bhootnii is streaming on ZEE5. — ANI