31082025-LSTL-01.qxd 8/30/2025 8:21 PM Page 1 c m y b ROCK ON!! TURNS 17 Bollywood actor Farhan Akhtar marked a special milestone as his cult musical drama Rock On!! completed 17 years. The actor, singer and filmmaker shared his excitement on Instagram by reposting a note from Excel Entertainment, the production house behind the film. The caption read, “The band, the beats, the bond. Celebrating 17 years of Rock On!!” TRIBUNE Fun trip Life Selena Gomez jetted off for a Mexican bachelorette trip with her friends. Days after kickstarting the prewedding festivities, Selena has now offered a sneak peek into the party. LUDHIANA | SUNDAY | 31 AUGUST 2025 A food story rooted in India’s fields Mona In the times of plant-forward, farm-to-plate and sustainable practices guiding one’s food choices, Chandigarh enjoyed a unique nine-course artisanal vegetarian feast at Corby’s, Hyatt Centric, Chandigarh this weekend. Mharo Khet — the celebrated farm retreat from Jodhpur — brought its earthy, soulful essence to the city. Helmed by Chef Ishan Ahluwalia, the evening featured a thought- fully curated nine-course vegetarian menu that celebrated seasonal produce, indigenous ingredients, and the stories rooted in India’s fields. Each course was a homage to the land and its bounty, plated with finesse and served with passion. “We have got flavours form across India, picking up humble regional classics and given them modern-day makeover,” shares Ishan. Guests were taken on a journey through flavours both nostalgic and inventive. Dishes like Banarasi Tamatar Chaat and Kachori Tartlets kicked off the meal with playful familiarity, while Sweet Melon Crudo and Squash Paturi added refreshing, regional flair. The highlights also included Baby Corn Polenta — a nod to Punjab’s love for Palak Methi Malai — and a vegetarian Jackfruit Haleem, rather rich in umami. The meal concluded on a sweet, comforting note with a delicate Stewed Apple and Filter Coffee Payasam. Tricity foodies were treated to a nine-course artisanal vegetarian feast, courtesy Mharo Khet — the celebrated farm retreat from Jodhpur CHEF ISHAN AHLUWALIA & HIS TEAM A shining example of aapda me avasar (opportunity in disaster), Mharo Khet is more than just a farm. It’s a passion project, a true Covid baby. Founded by Rajnush Agarwal and family, the initiative bloomed during the early months of the pandemic. With businesses paused and cities shut, the Agarwals turned inward, cooking with love at their family farm. What started as meals for their own consumption soon evolved into something larger—a vision to serve, connect, and nourish communities through food grown with care. Their produce, initially shared within Jodhpur, sparked curiosity and admiration. “People wanted to check if we were really growing what we were selling. Having them drive forty minutes’ from the city to farm, we thought we must feed them,” said Rajnush. What followed was a series of experimental Sunday lunches, cooked outdoors under trees, evolving organically into full-service meals and a farm stay experience. Curiosity made them take the experience out of their farm. Mharo challenged perceptions, especially around vegetarian cuisine, proving it could be fun, inventive, and deeply satisfying. Having done successful pop ups in Tamilnadu and Kerala, bringing Mharo Khet to Chandi- garh was both a risk and a revelation. “People often say Chandigarh doesn’t like vegetarian food,” said Chef Ishan, “but we wanted to change that narrative.” From the Sol Kadhi palate cleanser to the desserts, every element of the menu drew from different corners of India. “Each course is an ode to my own journey — my Banarsi experience reflects in Tamatar Chaat, Filter Coffee Payasam reflects my love for coffee,” says Chef Ishan. As Rajnush put it, “We’re not just serving food. We’re inviting people to experience a way of life — rooted, honest, and full of joy.” REUTERS Tears, kisses & hugs Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield’s After the Hunt gets a six-minute standing ovation at Venice Film Festival 2025 Julia Roberts got emotional as her new movie, After the Hunt received a six-minute standing ovation at the ongoing Venice Film Festival at Lido island. As the clapping continued, Roberts wiped away tears, blew kisses to the crowd and hugged the movie’s director, Luca Guadagnino and co-stars Ayo Edebiri and Andrew Garfield, who attended the screening of the movie. ADIL HUSSAIN, NIDHI SAXENA & VIMUKHTI JAYASUNDARA Secret Of A Mountain Serpent receives heart-warming response The worldpremiere of Nidhi Saxena’s Secret Of A Mountain Serpent’s at the 82nd Venice Film Festival 2025 receives a heartwarming response The premiere was attended by lead actors Adil Hussain and Trimala Adhikari, producers Vimukhti Jayasundara, Rahul Saxena, executive producers Richa Chadha, Ali Fazal alongside filmmaker Nidhi Saxena. Nidhi’s second feature opened the Biennale College Cinema programme at the Venice Film Festival. The film won the Biennale College Cinema fund, making Nidhi the first Indian woman to win it. The film is Emma launches Bugonia trailer The official trailer for Emma Stone-starrer Bugonia was released on Thursda. It unveiled the first look at Emma Stone’s dramatic hair transformation as Michelle Fuller. Bugonia a co-production between India, Italy, and Sri Lanka. Nidhi said, “It was so overwhelming and emotional because for one year I worked on the script in the biennale script lab and direction lab. So, all those people were there and it felt like a full circle. I got such a heartwarming response at the premiere. That was very rewarding.” Adil Hussain said, “I was taken in by the strength of the poetic visuals and sounds. An anti-war and pro –‘freedom to love and desire’ film — these two themes are interwoven with so much beauty and compassion.” — TNS JULIA ROBERTS, ANDREW GARFIELD & EMMA STONE c m y b