03092025-LSTC-01.qxd 9/3/2025 12:44 AM Page 1 c m y b NUSHRRATT’S SPIRITUAL SOJOURN Nushrratt Bharuccha offered prayers at Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. She said, “I can’t describe my experience in words...Devotees in large numbers come to offer prayers at the Mahalakeshwar Temple...One can only describe this feeling by offering prayers at the temple...” TRIBUNE Coming soon Life Jon Batiste is set to make his debut in India with performances in Delhi and Mumbai. The composer will have his concert in Delhi on November 24, followed by another performance in Mumbai on November 26. CHANDIGARH | WEDNESDAY | 3 SEPTEMBER 2025 Punjab is not alone As floods throw normal life out of gear in the North, celebs stand in solidarity I N the face of devastation across Punjab and northern India, a wave of solidarity, compassion, and action has emerged. From flooded villages to displaced families, the scale of this disaster is heartbreaking — yet the spirit of the people and the unity shown across the country is a powerful reminder that we are stronger together. Celebrities, cricketers, and everyday heroes are stepping forward — not with just words, but with action. From Vicky Kaushal’s heartfelt message and Sonu Sood’s pledge to never back out, to Harbhajan Singh and Shubman Gill’s on-ground efforts and calls for unity — Punjab is not alone. The floods in Punjab & Himachal and other parts of India have caused immense distress. I urge everyone to avoid non-essential travel to affected areas. If you’re impacted, please reach out to local helplines for assistance & stay safe. Let’s stand together & help however we can. — SUNNY DEOL Scrolling, seeing all that’s happening in Punjab and other regions in the North… villages flooded, people suffering. Praying for all those who are affected. Rabb meher bakshe. Kuch Rabb de bande jede pindaach jaa jaa ke madad karde paye aa… onhanu salaam (Salute to those people of God who are going from village to village helping others). Figuring and reaching out to do my bit. Affected areas will need long term help. We stand together in this.” — VICKY KAUSHAL My prayers are with everyone affected by the floods up North. May relief and strength reach you at the earliest. The floods have claimed lives, uprooted homes and shattered livelihoods to say the least. For those who can, please support trusted relief funds and join local aid efforts.” — KAREENA KAPOOR KHAN Heartbroken to see my Punjab devastated by floods. Punjab will always be stronger than any adversity, and we’ll rise up from this. My prayers are with all affected families. Standing strong with my people. — SHUBHMAN GILL The devastation caused by the floods in Punjab is truly heartbreaking. Sending strength and prayers to everyone impacted. I will support in every way I can. May Babaji bless and protect all in Punjab. — SANJAY DUTT I stand with Punjab. Anyone affected by these devastating floods is not alone. Together, we will help every single person get back on his feet. If you need any kind of help, please don’t hesitate to message — we will do our best to reach out and support you in any way we can. Punjab is my soul. Even if it takes everything, I will not back down. We are Punjabis — and we do not give up. — SONU SOOD REUTERS Dwayne gets emotional The Smashing Machine receives 15-minute standing ovation at Venice Film Festival Actor Dwayne Johnson broke down in tears after his film, The Smashing Machine, received a 15-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival. Dwayne Johnson could be on his way to the Oscars after his deeply moving performance in The Smashing Machine. The 53-year-old actor broke down in tears as the Venice Film Festival audience erupted into a thunderous 15-minute standing ovation on Monday night. In the film, Dwayne plays two-time UFC heavyweight champion Mike Kerr. The film tracks Kerr’s professional triumphs and personal struggles, includActor Kim ing his substance Novak poses with abuse battles and the Golden Lion for his tumultuous relaLifetime tionship with wife Achievement Dawn (Emily Blunt). award Amanda Seyfried moved to tears as The Testament of Ann Lee receives 15-minute standing ovation at Venice Moment of Actress and singer Amanda Seyfried got emotional as her film The Testament of Ann Lee received a 15minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival. The Testament of Ann Lee is a historical drama musical film cowritten and directed by Mona Fastvold. It stars Amanda Seyfried as Ann Lee, the 18th-century founder of the Christian sect the Shakers. The Testament of Ann Lee is “an epic fable inspired by the life of Ann Lee, the founder of the Shakers, a radical religious movement that began in the late 1700s.” Fastvold said in a statement, “Our film is a speculative retelling of the life of Ann Lee, one of the few female religious leaders of the 18th century. She and her followers, known as the Shakers, worshipped through ecstatic song and movement — trembling, exuberant and physically expressive acts of devotion.” Amanda said, “It’s a celebration. It’s an experience. It’s unlike anything, so it is hard to describe for me as somebody who’s not very good at describing things. But it felt very brave, and it felt very scary. But once we were shoot- ing that lifted.” Asked whether she loved singing on screen, the ace star shared, “I did. I love singing. And I love the way it makes me feel when I’m acting. After the first week in the studio working on the two main songs before we started shooting, it felt great because I understood exactly what it was and what Mona wanted. But I do remember Mona just laying on the floor with me and my dog (Seyfried’s nearly 16-year-old Australian Shepherd, Finn) in the studio in Budapest while I was singing and trying to get closer to Ann Lee’s grief.” Seyfried said during the press conference that making the film was an “incredible” experience, but noted that “it’s also really hard playing somebody who’s a leader.” “Like yes, I relate to the mother instincts, I relate to the need for community and kindness and compassion and the quality. And I love Mona’s intentions and Ann Lee’s intentions behind everything they did, and it was just so attractive,” the Emmy Award winner explained. The Testament of Ann Lee also stars Thomasin McKenzie, Lewis Pullman, Stacy Martin and Tim Blake Nelson. — ANI glory Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt c m y b As Punjab reels under devastating floods, singeractor Diljit Dosanjh has adopted ten of the worst-hit villages in Gurdaspur and Amritsar to support relief efforts, working with NGOs and the local administration. Taking to Instagram, his team said they were focusing on essentials such as food, water and medical aid, while also planning rehabilitation and long-term reconstruction. “Together, we can rebuild,” the caption reads.