06102025-LSTC-01.qxd 10/5/2025 7:35 PM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE Full of life Life Dwayne Johnson described The Smashing Machine as ‘not a fight movie’ but ‘a life movie’ during the film’s premiere at the Samuel Goldwyn Theatre in Beverly Hills. The biopic charts the life of UFC legend Mark Kerr. LUDHIANA | MONDAY | 6 OCTOBER 2025 American-Indian Simran Baidwan, who got the Emmy for The Pitt, which she co-wrote and executive produced, says life is back to normal, but the lustre has not worn off ‘Emmy still feels magical’ Nonika Singh F ROM courtroom to Hollywood, it has been a momentous journey for US-born writerproducer Simran Baidwan. What started as a leap of faith has brought her on to the Emmy stage. As she took home the prestigious Emmy for the medical drama, The Pitt, which she has co-written and executive produced, she shares how life is back to normal. Yet, she adds “The lustre has not worn off, Emmy still feels magical.” So, what does it take to create a show that is at once audiences and critics favourite? She smiles, “We do put our best foot forward and were mighty pleased with what we had done with The Pitt. However, what makes a show a hit is the audiences’ reception. Besides, what is most gratifying for us is how medical professionals have responded and found a true reflection of their lives in the show.” A lawyer by profession, who worked as a criminal prosecutor in the Bay Area, San Francisco, 16 years ago, wouldn’t a courtroom drama been more up her alley? Indeed, but for Conviction, which ran for 13 episodes, several medical shows have come her way. She, who also assisted another popular medical show House and worked on The Good Doctor, Chicago Med and Royal Pains, chuckles, “It is the closest my parents get to have a doctor as a child.” Undeniably, lot of research goes into getting the nitty-gritties of the medical world right. Prep involves meeting health experts on a weekly basis. Besides, they had multiple on-board medical consultants, including Dr Joe Sachs, an emergency physician also the executive producer of the awardwinning show. Since The Pitt has several writers in the Writers Room, who has the last word? “R. Scott Gemmil, our showrunner,” replies Simran. Seriously, theirs Sara, Ibrahim walk the ramp for Abhinav Mishra Bollywood star siblings and actors Sara Ali Khan and Ibrahim Ali Khan turned showstoppers for designer Abhinav Mishra, turning the runway into a spectacular couture showcase in the national capital. As the designer launched his latest collection, The Shrine, paying homage to carved pillars, mirrored walls and fading frescoes, Sara and Ibrahim brought their playful equation, adding a refreshing spark of camaraderie that had all the attention. For the show, Ibrahim chose a regal sherwani in earthy gold katan silk, intricately embroidered with mirror work, resham and zari. The ensemble with the Sarzameen star’s poised walk and understated charm reflected a princely aura. On the other hand, Sara closed the show in a royal ensemble in similar shades of rusty orange, hand-embroidered with Abhinav Mishra’s signature mirror work, sequins, zari and resham, further finished off with shimmering crystal fringes. Further in the show, the designer brought to the front a couture collection that was “celebratory, versatile, and deeply rooted in storytelling, a living homage to India’s cultural spirit and artisanal excellence.” With prints expanding to watercolour washes, abstract interpretations, geometric repeats, and floral sketches, the collection saw embellishments layering richness into the outfits with pearl, sequin dori and kirkiri embroidery. Mishra’s signature mirror work and gota took centrestage, glistening across bridal lehengas, flowing anarkaliis and contemporary separates. The show was held across the lush gardens of Sanskriti Greens in Chattarpur, Delhi. — ANI Ranbir turns heads at Stars’ day out Ranveer Singh meets with Adrien Brody at NBA pre-season game in Abu Dhabi Bollywood star Ranveer Singh recently attended an NBA preseason game in Abu Dhabi. And guess what? He met with international actor Adrien Brody there. Taking to Instagram Story, Ranveer shared a picture with Adrien Brody. In the picture, the two can be seen chit-chatting while watching the match. He also bumped into Afghan international cricketer Rashid Khan and rapper Badshah. With just less than three Delhi event Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor made a stylish arrival in the national capital on Saturday, turning heads with his dapper look. Ranbir Kapoor attended the store launch event of his fashion and lifestyle brand ARKS a mall in Saket. The actor looked handsome as ever, dressed in a plain white t-shirt, which he paired with a brown jacket and black trousers. Ranbir coordinated his outfit with a pair of shades. Following his arrival amid loud cheers from the fans, Ranbir appeared delighted as he expressed gratitude for all the love, especially after the crowd dedicated a birthday song to him. Ranbir also joined his fans and sang along. The actor shared, “Launching a lifestyle brand was my dream, and I have fulfilled it. I also have a dream to direct a film. Maybe someday I’ll direct a film.” In a fun session, he also enacted a few of his most popular dialogues from films like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Rockstar, Animal and his favourite Barfi. At one point, the actor engaged in a fun interactive session with stand-up comedian Harsh Gujral, who brought much humour to the point. The duo’s camaraderie left the crowd clapping and cheering. Ranbir inaugurated the store with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, before posing for the media. Earlier in the day, the actor was spotted at the Mumbai airport. — ANI is a very democratic set-up and as she puts it, “we all disagree to agree.” Another heartening aspect is that the Writers’ Room is becoming far more inclusive and she in particular does have inclusivity uppermost on her mind, “I am a great believer in rising tide lifts all boats. When you are in a position of power, rather than going back to the same hiring list you must include people ready for the job from marginalised communities. I was able to do it with Clean Slate and The Pitt.” One day she would certainly like to not just include Indian characters but write and produce an Indian show, even shoot it in India. With Trump’s new tariff plan in the offing that aims to put higher duties on films made outside US, would shows be impacted too? She says, “We have yet to see things in effect and I hope better sense would prevail.” As things stand, she observes, “Indeed, Hollywood could do with more infusion of cultures from outside. Currently people like Poorna Jagannathan and Mindy Kaling are doing a great job. So is John Wells Company I work for, which is soon coming up with Unaccustomed Earth, based on Jhumpa Lahiri’s short stories.” Her dream project too is a family drama, straddling two different worlds. She adds, “I want to focus upon the meshing of cultures. Hailing from a core Punjabi family yet branching out by marrying in a different community gives me an interesting perspective.” We wonder, if Punjabi actors should get ready to audition for it? She smiles, “As and when the writing is ready.” Right now, she is knee deep in season two of The Pitt, mindful of not just the medical jargon but also individual characters’ journeys. To those aspiring to walk in her shoes, her advice is, “If you think your passion and voice needs to be heard… simply pursue it.” Proud to represent her community at an international platform, she believes, “If you can see, you can be it…” Take a good look at her and her inspiring achievements…. weeks left for the National Basketball Association (NBA) 2025-26 season to begin, the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers started the pre-season schedule in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. Meanwhile, on the work front, Ranveer will be seen headlining Dhurandhar, an action-packed film by Aditya Dhar. He also has Farhan Akhtar’s directorial Don 3 in his kitty. —ANI Anita crowned winner of Chhoriyan Chali Gaon After two months of laughter, tears and determination in the heart of rural India, Zee TV’s pathbreaking reality format, Chhoriyan Chali Gaon, reached its grand finale this weekend. Amidst cheers and much anticipation, Anita Hassanandani was announced the winner. Hosted by Rannvijay Singha, the season stood out for capturing the unfiltered beauty of rural life and testing the mettle of its celebrity participants. RANBIR KAPOOR & HARSH GUJRAL c m y b From milking cows and drawing water from the well to cooking on chulhas and building bonds with the locals, Anita’s journey reflected resilience, humility, and an infectious sense of warmth that endeared her to fellow contestants, villagers, and audiences alike. Anita said, “When I agreed to be part of Chhoriyan Chali Gaon, I knew it would push me far out of my comfort zone, but I didn’t anticipate just how much I would grow through the experience. ADRIEN BRODY & RANVEER SINGH