25092025-LSTL-01.qxd 9/24/2025 7:43 PM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE Ali in action Life Mona W The Indian Film Festival of Sydney to showcase restored Sholay with its original ending Jai-Veeru once more The Indian Film Festival of Sydney (IFFS), presented by the team behind the globally renowned Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, has announced that the newly restored version of Sholay will be its centrepiece film this October. The festival, running from October 9 to 11, will celebrate Indian cinema. One of the most iconic films in Indian cinema history, Sholay has been meticulously restored in 4K by the Film Heritage Foundation in collaboration with Sippy Films. The process, years in the making, involved locating a rare colour reversal print in London and recovering original camera negatives and long-lost deleted scenes from a warehouse in Mumbai. The result is a visual and audio revival of extraordinary quality, returning the film to its original 70mm glory. Most significantly, the restored film HEN septuagenarian Dolly Guleria took to the stage in Chandigarh last weekend at Kisan Bhawan at Communist Party of India’s National Congress, her fans asked — Khate kya ho to sing like a 25-yearold? “Main to music par hi jeeti hoon,” was the simple response from the daughter of The Nightingale of Punjab, Surinder Kaur. Six decades of singing and Dolly Guleria remains committed to music, taking Punjabi folk to the world stage. Whether it’s her father Joginder Singh Sodhi’s composition Saathi O Saathi or the classic Lathe di Chadar, the lilt, the joy in her performance is infectious. She is grateful to her mother for passing on the right genes to her. “My mother was the mamta ki murti. Music was everything to her!” Dedicated to Punjabi folk music, she says, “Music trends may come and go, its treatment may differ, but folk music would stand strong as long as our culture lives!” Dolly, who takes pride in her Punjabi roots, says, “Look at the current times. Floods have caused devastations all over but the indomitable Punjabi spirit refuses to be tamed. Seva takes the forefront in the hour of grief!” She is glad to have passed on her love for folk to daughter Sunaini and granddaughter Rhea. Her two sons, Dilpreet Singh and Amanpreet Singh, Ali Fazal is all set to return to the universe of Mirzapur as he has begun shooting for a movie based on the popular Prime Video series. “GAME ON!! Mthe film begins!! A new era...” he posted. LUDHIANA | THURSDAY | 25 SEPTEMBER 2025 United in bolis Dolly Guleria is grateful that her mother Surinder Kaur, The Nightingale of Punjab, passed on the right genes to her, and now she has made sure that the legacy is carried forward by her daughter Sunaini and granddaughter Rhea too have a strong inclination to music. “They are my biggest critics and biggest strength.” And, as a family, they share their love for music with everyone around them. “We Punjabis are fortunate to have inherited such a rich cultural legacy. It’s a blessing to treasure it and take it forward.” Like mother, like daughter Sunaini Guleria Sharma calls herself the best example of India’s unity in diversity — born to a Sikh Rajput father, studied in a Christian convent school, trained at an early age by a Muslim ustad in music and married into a Hindu family! “Being a fauji daughter, our outlook, our identity is truly Indian,” she avers. In the recent show, she gave a solo performance on Amarjit Chandan’s poem Sada Salamat and Jagtar’s Saleebaan. While performing with her mother, she feels their deep bond come alive, “it feels as if the umbilical cord is still intact, matching thought for thought, breath for breath, and note for note!” That is exactly what she observed as a young child when she watched her mother perform with her grandmother Surinder Kaur. Initiated into music early, she trained with her grandmother’s guru and has performed with both of them. “My naani maa and maa have taken music as ibadat and that’s what I too CHAT UP CELEBRATING ARMANI’S LEGACY features the original ending envisioned by director Ramesh Sippy, in which Thakur avenges his family by killing Gabbar Singh. The restored Sholay had its world premiere earlier this month at the Toronto International Film Festival and now will screen in Sydney. Festival director Mitu Bhowmick Lange expressed her excitement. She said, “Sholay is more than a film—it is woven into the fabric of Indian storytelling, memory and myth. To bring back its original ending, after all these years, is to restore not just a different final scene, but the full vision of its creator. As we mark 50 years of Sholay, we honour the courage of cinema to challenge, to endure, and to be reborn in its truest form.” Isha Koppikar’s Navratri message As we step into the vibrant and powerful festival of Navratri, Isha Koppikar is using the moment to reflect, challenge and inculcate change in the society. “This Navratri, I’m not just celebrating the goddess. I’m calling on all of us to embody her,” she says. “We need to stop standing in silence when other women are speaking up. If you’re not part of the voice, you’re part of the silence, and the problem.” She adds, “It all starts at home. What we teach, or don’t teach our children about equality and respect, that will shape the next generation. Let’s raise better humans.” A retrospective celebrating half a century of Giorgio Armani’s work kicked off at a Milan museum on Wednesday, showcasing more than 100 creations, including rare dresses and suits that defined the legendary Italian designer’s understated elegance. The exhibition, which starts during Milan Fashion Week and runs through January, was curated with Armani’s direct input and coincides with the label’s 50th anniversary. Armani died earlier this month at the age of 91. BAYWATCH REBOOT SERIES GREENLIT American network Fox has given a straight-to-series order for a reboot of the popular legendary lifeguard show, Baywatch. The revival, which will premiere in 2026, will be produced by Fox Entertainment and Fremantle, and consists of 12 episodes. The original Baywatch premiered in 1989 and ran for 11 seasons. A Navratra food trailthrough Chandigarh Mona As the sun sets over Chandigarh, the city hums with the sounds of celebration. It’s Navratra — nine nights of devotion, music, dance, and of course, food. For those fasting or simply soaking in the festive spirit of the season, the city’s restaurants are offering their special food: thalis that blend tradition, creativity and a deep sense of reverence. At Hyatt CentricChandigarh, the spirit of the festival comes alive in the heart of Corby’s. The hotel has unveiled its Sacred Flavors – Navratri Special Thali, a soulful spread that feels more like believe in.” Sunaini remembers her naani as a chilled-out person. “Back in 2003, at a Teeyan gathering in Vancouver, we three were performing. Women started dancing and naani left the stage to me and my mother to sing the ‘bolis’ as she joined them. My mother on the other hand is a strictdisciplinarian. Mawan Te Dheeyan remains one of her favourites to perform on stage! a ritual than a meal. From the very first bite of Jamikand Ki Tikki to the delicate sweetness of Sabudana Kheer, every dish speaks of carefully balancing flavours. Executive Chef Puspendu Sen shares, “With our Navratra Thali, we wanted to showcase authentic Satvik flavours using fresh, seasonal ingredients.” There’s a warmth in the thali — both in flavour and philosophy. Kacche Kele Ke Kofte, Paneer Tamatar Kali Mirch and Kuttu Ki Poori are the stars, accompanied by cooling Anar Mint Raita. Just a short drive away, The Lalit-Chandigarh is offering a different kind of c m y b celebration. Here, tradition meets elegance at Baluchi, where the Navratra Thali takes center stage. The thali here features crispy Sabudana delights, soft Kuttu Puris, seasonal sabzis, and flavour-rich curries. And for those with a sweet tooth, mithais make the meal complete. Everything is made without onion or garlic. Adding to the fasting/feasting times, SocialChandigarh is undoubtedly playful. Known for its bold flavours and quirky presentation, Social’s take on Navratra food is anything but conventional. But make no mistake — it’s still deeply rooted in tra- dition. Both the Elante and Sector 7 Social outlets are offering a Navratra menu that’s vibrant, creative, and vrat-friendly. Their Navratra Thali includes comforting classics like Aloo Jeera, Paneer in Tomato Gravy, and Falahari Poori, served alongside creamy Sabudana Kheer and crispy Vadas. But the real surprise is the Aloo & Banana Tikki Chaat and Mix Fruit Ice Cream with Kuttu Crumble. Social’s twist? Pairing these age-old recipes with Angoor Chutney and modern plating that makes even the humble Khichdi look Instagramworthy. And these are not the few, Navratra Thalis are part and parcel of all major eateries in the town.