02112025-LSTC-01.qxd 11/2/2025 12:31 AM Page 1 c m y b KEANU REEVES TRAVELS IN TIME Keanu Reeves and Deadpool director Tim Miller team up for the sci-fi film Shiver. The movie, produced by Matthew Vaughn and Aaron Ryder, follows a smuggler trapped in a deadly time loop in the Caribbean, surrounded by mercenaries and sharks. Release date TBD as Warner Bros finalises negotiations. TRIBUNE 549 & counting Life Marathon Man Anupam Kher has begun shooting for his 549th film and has teamed up with celebrated filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya. On the first day of the shoot, Kher presented Barjatya with an “auspicious shawl” from Ayodhya. CHANDIGARH | SUNDAY | 2 NOVEMBER 2025 Entertainment & Promotional Features SRK@60 Understanding the role of genetic counselling G Love, legacy & ENETIC counselling is a process that helps people understand how inherited conditions might affect them or their families. During a genetic counselling session, a trained genetic counsellor collects detailed information about the person’s medical background and family history. This helps identify patterns that may suggest a genetic condition. The counsellor explains how genes work, how certain diseases are passed down, and discusses the chances of developing or passing on a condition. They also talk about available genetic tests, their benefits, risks, and possible outcomes. If testing is done, the counsellor interprets the results and explains what they mean for the person’s health, treatment, or family planning. In addition to medical guidance, genetic counsellors provide emotional support, helping individuals and families cope with difficult information or decisions. Overall, genetic counselling helps people make informed and confident choices about their health and future based on scientific understanding and compassionate care. limitless stardom As Shah Rukh Khan turns 60, celebrations for the “Baadshah of Bollywood” have begun across the world — from Mumbai to Peru. The Delhi-born superstar, who began his journey with television shows like Fauji and Circus, went on to rule Indian cinema with iconic performances in Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge, Dil To Pagal Hai, Swades, Pathaan and Jawan. Over three decades, SRK has redefined romance, embodied versatility and become one of the most influential figures in global entertainment. His charm continues to transcend borders. Claudia Calle and Manigret Aparicio, ardent fans from Peru, have travelled to Mumbai to celebrate their idol’s birthday. “Shah Rukh means love,” says Claudia, who even named her home “Mannat” after the actor’s residence. Back home, fan clubs like SRK Universe and Team Shah Rukh Khan are marking the milestone with charitable initiatives — from blood dona- tion drives and cancer patient support to screenings of his films for underprivileged children. “He inspires us to do good and dream big,” says Yash Paryani, co-founder of SRK Universe. Chennai-based fans plan to light up the skies near Mannat, reaffirming their devotion to the man who taught them love through cinema. Despite renovations at his residence, crowds are expected to gather outside, waiting for his signature balcony wave — a ritual now symbolic of his enduring connection with his admirers. Beyond films, Shah Rukh reigns as a producer, entrepreneur and family man. Married to Gauri Khan, he’s a proud father to Aryan, Suhana and AbRam — each carving their own creative path. Next, the superstar gears up for King, co-starring Suhana Khan — a symbolic passing of the cinematic torch. R ENUKA SHAHANE, best known for her warm smile and memorable roles in Surabhi and Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, has proven once again that her true passion lies behind the camera. Her animated short film Loop Line has been creating ripples on the festival circuit, earning the Best Animation Film Award at the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival 2025 — India’s only Oscar-qualifying short film festival — placing it in contention for the Oscars 2026. Kajol, Renuka has loved being behind the camera. “Direction has always been my passion,” she says. “Surabhi and Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! won so much love so I kept on acting, but my true love has been direction.” Loop Line is that journey of passion. She funded Loop Line entirely on her own and as it reaches Oscar contention she is elated. “It’s the first ever Marathi animation to reach Oscars long list, it’s a prize for me in itself. It’s heartening how a film based out of a housewife’s life get appreciation from across the world.” The Oscars process demands lobbying and money, but Renuka is taking a day a time, “I have used all my money to make and take Loop Line to festivals. Now I am hoping that the Academy jury finds its merit and it makes to Short List and nomination, dreams to bahut se hain.” Loop Line’s big leap Breaking animation myths In India, animation has long been associated with advertising, children’s cartoons or mythological tales. “Animation is a powerful storytelling medium — not just for kids,” she says. “Indian animators are so talented that Hollywood banks on them, yet our own market for animation remains limited to few subjects and sections.” Despite the high production costs and a lack of short film platforms, Shahane chose to tell her story through animation. “I knew it might not find a market, but the story was worth telling. Producing Loop Line was incredibly freeing,” she reflects. A story rooted in the everyday Set in Mumbai, Loop Line follows a middle-class Mumbaibased housewife caught in the endless cycle of domestic chores and a domineering husband. Her only escape lies in her vivid imagination Looking ahead — until a cruel remark from her husband’s friends leads to a darkly comic fantasy. Shahane’s sharp, empathetic storytelling has resonated globally. “The feedback has been overwhelming,” she admits. “It’s a deeply local story, yet people everywhere have connected with it.” Recognition across the globe Loop Line has enjoyed a stellar festival run. Apart from Bengaluru, it has won the Best Animation Film and Best Story awards at the Mumbai Short and Documentary Film Festival 2025 and received an Honorary Mention at the Tasveer South Asian Film Festival 2024. It was also an official selection at the MONSTRA — Lisbon Animation Festival 2025. The film was recently played at the Dharamshala International DR SHEETAL JINDAL Dr Sheetal Jindal, Senior Consultant /Genetic Expert at Jindal IVF, SCO 21, Sector 20-D, Dakshin Marg, Chandigarh, who can be contacted at 958-246-9429. Disclaimer: The views/suggestion/opinions expressed in the article are the sole responsibility of the experts. Renuka Shahane’s Marathi animated short wins hearts and awards creating Oscar buzz Mona DR SHEETAL JINDAL Film Festival (DIFF) 2025. “DIFF is one of the best curated festivals in the country. It’s a matter of great prestige for my team and me to have Loop Line showcased there,” Shahane said. A journey of passion From her early acting days in Lifeline (1980) and assisting Vijaya Mehta, to directing her first Marathi film Rita and Netflix’s Tribhanga starring Shahane is currently developing a Marathi feature that explores social prejudices, along with a Hindi black comedy and another feelgood animated short. On the personal front, she credits her husband, actor Ashutosh Rana, for being her pillar of support. “My laughter never stops around him. My fcontent family life is my source of creativity.” With Loop Line, Renuka Shahane proves that stories rooted in everyday Indian life can speak universally. It’s a heartfelt reminder that meaningful art finds its audience — regardless of medium or market. CHAT UP HOW SRK INSPIRED CENA John Cena thanks Shah Rukh Khan for calling him a “rockstar”, saying he’ll “never forget your kindness” and calls SRK his “constant inspiration”. The two superstars exchanged heartfelt words on social media, with Cena revealing SRK’s Ted Talk changed his life and inspired personal growth. Their mutual respect has fans thrilled. AUDITION ACE Josh Brolin reveals his tough start in Hollywood, sharing that he auditioned nearly 350 times before landing his first movie role in the 1985 cult classic The Goonies. Despite his famous father, James Brolin, Josh’s persistence and discipline helped him succeed, building a remarkable career with iconic roles in films like Avengers: Endgame and No Country for Old Men. DHARMENDRA’S WELL Veteran actor Dharmendra, 89, was hospitalised for a routine health check-up at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai. His family says he’s doing well and receiving proper attention. Dharmendra recently underwent eye graft surgery and is set to star in Sriram Raghavan’s war drama Ikkis and Maine Pyaar Kiya Phir Se. ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ Bollywood frenzy on Netflix ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ c m y b Get ready for a Bollywood extravaganza! Netflix is celebrating the 60th birthdays of two of India’s biggest stars, Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, by bringing their iconic films to the platform. From November 14, Netflix will stream nine of SRK’s most memorable films, including Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Chak De! India. Similarly, three Salman Khan blockbusters, including Ek Tha Tiger and Sultan will be available from December 27. This is part of a larger partnership between Netflix and Yash Raj Films, which will bring a curated lineup of the studio’s popular titles to audiences worldwide. In addition to SRK’s films, Netflix will also stream classics like Chandni and Lamhe, as well as Ranveer Singh’s popular titles like Band Baaja Baaraat and Gunday. — PTI Sangram roars into the cage India’s wrestling legend Sangram Singh is ready to make history on November 2 as he steps into the cage for his European Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) debut at the Levels Fight League (LFL) in Amsterdam. Facing Tunisia’s Hakim Trabelsi, the 40-plus Haryana powerhouse fights not just an opponent, but every stereotype about age and endurance. The lion of Haryana set for his MMA debut at Levels Fight League Amsterdam “I’ve trained harder than ever,” says Sangram, his voice steady with purpose. “This isn’t just a fight — it’s about proving that dreams don’t come with expiry dates.” A two-time Commonwealth Heavyweight Wrestling Champion (2015-16), Sangram enters the 93-kg division, blending wrestling mastery with MMA precision. With over 5,000 fans expected in attendance and over 10 million global viewers, this fight could earn Sangram a title shot.