12122025-LSTC-01.qxd 12/12/2025 12:05 AM Page 1 c m y b IDRIS ALBA’S PHILOSOPHY Idris Elba graced the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, where he spoke on projects that spotlight narratives. In reference to the screening of his short film Dust to Dreams, Elba said, “Anywhere that has an underserved voice, where the narrative is often fed to us rather than us providing the narrative, that’s where I want to be.” CHAT UP RITIKA DHIMAN WINS BEAUTY CONTEST Ritika Dhiman, originally from Chandigarh, has been crowned Miss India Washington USA 2025 first Runner-Up, earning praise from the Indian community in the US and back home in Chandigarh. Ritika also won the Best Talent and Most Photogenic awards at the Global Women’s Festival hosted by Ampowering. HRITHIK’S TAKE ON DHURANDHAR Joining the celebrities who have hailed Ranveer Singh’s latest outing Dhurandhar, actor Hrithik Roshan shared his positive outlook towards the film’s narrative. “I may disagree with the politics of it, and argue about the responsibilities us filmmakers should bear as citizens of the world. Nevertheless, can’t ignore how I loved and learnt from one as a student of cinema. Amazing.” TRIBUNE She is back Life T HE excitement around the upcoming episodes of The Great Indian Kapil Show surged on Wednesday when Priyanka Chopra Jonas dropped by the set for a special appearance. The global icon was seen sharing light-hearted moments with host Kapil Sharma, with the two posing for a picture that quickly set social media buzzing. Fresh off her international commitments, Priyanka’s presence added star power and nostalgia, marking a warm reunion with Kapil, who has long been a familiar part of her promotional tours and public appearances. Priyanka’s trademark charm showed up on this short visit where she managed to not just do the show, but take time to pose for pictures, interact with fans and have some fun moments with Kapil. Priyanka’s next Bollywood outing would be in an action-adventure Varanasi. In a treat for all Hunger Games fans, the OG stars Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson are set to return to the franchise. The film will hit theatres on November 20, 2026. CHANDIGARH | FRIDAY | 12 DECEMBER 2025 PeeCee rocks Enter the mastiverse! SONU SOOD ON SOCIAL MEDIA BAN Sonu Sood called for a ban on social media for children in India. “Countries like Australia have already banned social media for kids under 16 and it’s time India considers the same. Our children deserve real childhoods, stronger family bonds, and freedom from screen addiction. Our government has taken incredible steps for the nation’s future, and this one could set another powerful example. Let’s protect our kids today for a better India tomorrow,” the actor wrote in an X post. Kapil Sharma’s comedy show The Great Indian Kapil Show is set to return with its fourth season on December 20. The show is set to elevate a notch higher as Kapil steps into multiple fresh avatars from GenZ Baba and Tauji to Raja and Mantriji, comprising a range of characters designed for every age group. The new season of The Great Indian Kapil Show brings an exciting, truly unexpected guest line-up to the stage, featuring World Cup champions and global superstars, Gen Z icons, Bhojpuri stars, and more. Joining him in this comedy extravaganza is his beloved parivaar that audiences return to season after season. It includes Sunil Grover, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda and others. Cricketer Navjot Singh Siddhu and actress Archana Puran Singh are set to join Kapil Sharma’s “masti- verse” on the show. Talking about the new season and his many avatars, Kapil shares, “Har baar lagta hai ki ab toh sab kar liya, naye season me kya karunga, lekin phir aapka pyaar aur aapki umeed mujhe kuch naya karne ka rasta dikha deti hai, iss baar bhi aap hi ki ummeedo ne mujhe bahut se naye kirdar aur sath hi wo kirdaar jo aapko humesha se pasand aaye hain, unhe nibhaane ka rasta dikhaya hai ... toh aapke liye comedy ke wo saare avtaar lekar aa raha hoon Netflix par, season 4 me ... jo hoga comedy ke universe ka multiverse yani mastiverse (Every time I feel like I’ve done everything, and wonder what I’ll do in the new season, but then your love and your expectations show me the way to do something new. This time too, your expecta- ‘Congratulations Alia Bhatt…’ The actress receives Golden Globes Horizon Award at Red Sea Film Festival Alia Bhatt made an enchanting appearance at the Red Sea International Film Festival, where she received the honour of the Golden Globes Horizon Award, accompanied by a special retrospective celebrating her remarkable journey in cinema. Alia Bhatt, along with Tunisian actress Hend Sabry, were named this year’s recipients at the festival. “This is an honour to be recognised by the Golden Globes, and I am grateful for the opportunity to speak for a new generation of aspiring performers and women who are making a difference in film and television around the world. At a time when global voices are coming together to tell more inclusive and impactful stories, this recognition feels especially meaningful. The Golden Globes are an iconic part of the global awards universe, and I am delighted to be part of it and look forward to continuing my career in telling more stories of powerful and deserving women,” Alia said. During the festival, Alia also teased her much-anticipated upcoming film, Alpha, which she described as a “risk” due to its female-led action narrative. Speaking to the media, she explained, “Alpha is the first female-led action film from the YRF universe, so that’s also a risk, because you’ve not historically seen that perform in the same way that the other male-led films have performed.” — ANI tions have guided me towards playing many new characters, as well as those characters that you’ve always loved... So, I’m bringing all those avatars of comedy for you on Netflix, in Season 4... which will be the multiverse of the comedy universe, or rather, the mastiverse!),” as quoted in the press note. The show will stream on Netflix. —ANI Chandigarh’s newest Instagram hotspot with a British twist and Punjab’s heart DECEMBER 2025 (Thur to Mon) Dial 9.9.9 for food! Mona Does 9.9.9 ring a bell? No more just the British emergency number, the triple nine gains a new meaning in City Beautiful. Chandigarh’s a new address for style, stories and social buzz — 9.9.9, a gastro bar that’s already becoming the city’s favourite Instagram backdrop. The name, a playful shift in meaning — the “rescue” isn’t from crisis but from the ordinary. The space promises an escape from the mundane into a stunning world. Step inside, the interiors borrow their poise from British architectural cues — the red telephone booth welcomes right at the start, green London townhouse vibe with open seating and different booths to accommodate big and small compa- ny. The lighting, textures, seating nooks and high-spirited vibe come together to create a setting that’s super photogenic. The well-stocked bar with its in-house alchemist Kumar Manglam, top is painted in Phulkari pattern. The food and drinks strive high on fusion. The menu bridges contemporary Indian and European influences — comforting in flavour yet modern in presentation. Cocktails are styled and balanced to match the mood of the space. Crafted brews, expressive cocktails and plates with fusion flavours make it to the menu. From light bites to sharing plates and signature drinks — it offers variety. Scotch eggs are the star of small plates. Sourdough pizzas and herb-crusted lamb chops are the crowd favourites, followed c m y b by desserts a good mix of classics like chocolate cake with vanilla icecream and fresh takes ala key lime pie. Executive Chef Amrick Singh and Chef de Cuisine Prem, pleased with the menu, offer, “We have ensured that vegetarians get as much variety as the meat eaters.” Some of the dishes are pretty daring ala puffed pie – rich tomato gravy served with kulcha – desi flavours packed in videshi style; or kale chane hummus with garlic khamiri roti or Banarasi tamatar ki chaat with burrata (fresh sheese). Full points for innovation, for flavours depends on how adaptable you are. JW hospitality remains at its best. While the design nods to Britain, the flavours wander across continents, the heart of the place remains grounded in the Punjabi generosity. DELICIOUS FOOD COURT FROM 7 STATES WITH BRANDS and KIDS FUN ZONE 2nd day PARADE GROUND SECTOR 17, CHANDIGARH Household Multi-Concepts Exhibition Helpline : 99141-27501