29122025-LSTC-01.qxd 12/28/2025 7:34 PM Page 1 c m y b CAVILL IN SUPERMAN SUIT Zack Snyder, the director of Man of Steel, Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice and Justice League, shared few photos of Henry Cavill, describing ‘the original Superman suit’. The first image shows a besuited Cavill, in what looks like a test photo, looking into the distance on a concrete pad. WHAT’S TRIBUNE Life 2 amritsar 025 has been a landmark year for Indian OTT content, with streaming platforms delivering some of the most compelling narratives and unforgettable performances. From gripping crime thrillers to politically charged dramas, this year saw actors pushing boundaries and breathing life into complex characters, keeping the audiences glued to their screens. These seven performers totally inhabited their roles with such authenticity and depth, that they’ve set new benchmarks for excellence in digital storytelling. Here are the actors who gave us performances we won’t soon forget. AN ELEVATED MULLED WINE EXPERIENCE C OME winter and mulled wine becomes our comfort drink, at least for the connoisseurs. The warm, spiced, aromatic drink is a winter and holiday season essential and offering elevated experience are some of the best in business in Amritsar’s ever increasing food industry. The Bagh and The Elgin Cafe are a must-try for some rich, comforting mulled wine experience that also comes with a variety of red wines and surprisingly, white as well. One can also get some add-ons for more flavour, including raisins, fruits, apple cider or a dash of brandy. That tall, full bodied, aromatic and cozy glass of wine with music makes for a perfect winter ‘self-care’ socialising. play A NIGHT FOR MUSIC & GAMES T ludhiana HIS New Year’s Eve, skip the couch and head to SMAAASH Ludhiana for an unforgettable night of music, games and indulgence. Starting 8 pm on December 31, the party promises electrifying DJ beats, Bollywood hits, unlimited food and drinks, plus bowling, arcade fun, and thrilling VR adventures, all under one roof. Whether you’re celebrating with friends, family, or someone special, this five-hour bash is designed to make your countdown to 2026 truly epic. Let the games begin, the music play, and the memories roll in because this New Year deserves a proper goodbye and a grand welcome! Jamie Lee Curtis recently shared how a producer once wanted her to audition for The Exorcist when she was just 12 years old. However, her mother, Janet Leigh, shut down the opportunity. LUDHIANA | MONDAY | 29 DECEMBER 2025 The rulers of HOT eat Mom said no OTT From Tillotama Shome to Sayani Gupta, Jaideep Ahlawat to Zahan Kapoor — meet the OTT powerhouses who kept us glued to our screens in 2025 MANOJ BAJPAYEE: The Family Man Season 3 The wait for Manoj Bajpayee to return as Srikant Tiwari in The Family Man Season 3 ended in November 2025. His performance captured the vulnerability, wit and determination of a man caught between protecting his nation and preserving his family, making it one of the most talked-about performances of the year. JAIDEEP AHLAWAT: Paatal Lok Season 2 Jaideep Ahlawat reprised his career-defining role as Inspector Hathiram Chaudhary in Paatal Lok Season 2, delivering what critics called a lesson in powerful performances. Released on January 17, the second season saw Ahlawat build on the character’s journey with even greater depth and introspection. His nuanced portrayal of a Delhi cop pursuing justice, while battling systemic apathy, earned him the Best Actor award at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025. ZAHAN KAPOOR: Black Warrant Zahan Kapoor emerged as a revelation in Black Warrant, which released on January 10. The show, based on the memoir of a Tihar Jail superintendent, saw the actor deliver a breakout performance that showcased his range and intensity. His portrayal brought authenticity to the dark and cruel world of prison life and the moral complexities faced by those who work within the system, marking Zahan as a talent to watch in the coming years. JAIDEEP AHLAWAT RAGHAV JUYAL SAYANI GUPTA: Delhi Crime Season 3 Sayani Gupta delivered yet another striking performance in Delhi Crime Season 3 as Kusum, a character rooted in quiet resilience and moral complexity. Sayani brought a restrained intensity to the character, a victim of the system who has now turned a survivor. In a season driven by an ensemble cast that also delivered powerful performances, Sayani shined bright, and Kusum lingered in the viewers’ mind, long after the episodes ended. ZAHAN KAPOOR MANOJ BAJPAYEE 2. Known for her nuanced performances, she brought depth and gravitas to the critically acclaimed series that explores the dark underbelly of Indian society. Her character added fresh layers to the show’s exploration of crime, corruption, and the socio-political landscape of the country. TILLOTAMA SHOME: Paatal Lok Season 2 Tillotama Shome made a powerful addition to the Paatal Lok universe in Season HUMA QURESHI: Maharani Season 4 Huma Qureshi returned with ferocity as TILLOTAMA SHOME Rani Bharti in Maharani Season 4 in November 7. Her transformation from a housewife to Bihar’s powerful Chief Minister now taking on national politics remained one of OTT’s most compelling character arcs. She delivered a commanding performance that captured both the vulnerability and steel of a woman navigating India’s male-dominated political landscape. SAYANI GUPTA RAGHAV JUYAL: The Ba***ds of Bollywood Raghav Juyal took a bold leap with The Ba***ds of Bollywood, which premiered on Netflix in September. The series marked a significant departure from his dancing and hosting background, allowing Raghav to showcase his dramatic acting chops. His performance in this edgy series demonstrated his versatility and willingness to take risks. — TNS Legendary actress Brigitte Bardot passes away at 91 love SHINING IN THE WORLD OF BEAUTY C HANDIGARH’s Anupama Sharma was crowned 1st Runner Up, Forever Mrs India 2025 at the grand finale, which was recently held in Jaipur. The finale showcased outstanding contestants representing diverse backgrounds and stories, all embodying the spirit of modern Indian womanhood. chandigarh Huma Qureshi Ranbir, Alia go on vacation Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt were spotted at the Mumbai airport just days before the New Year. However, what stood out the most was Ranbir’s fresh new look. In videos, the actor was seen with a clean-shaven look. He was also seen giving a thumbs-up to the photographers waiting outside. Alia also greeted the paparazzi warmly. She was seen smiling, waving, and even blowing a kiss before entering the airport. Earlier this week, Alia Bhatt also shared pictures from her Christmas celebrations. She posted several pictures on Instagram from a c m y b Christmas party held at her mother Soni Razdan’s home in Mumbai. The pictures showed happy family moments, including sweet glimpses of Alia with Ranbir and their daughter Raha. On the work front, Alia Bhatt will next be seen in the film Alpha. — ANI French film legend Brigitte Bardot has passed away at the age of 91. The news of her demise was announced by her foundation. "The Brigitte Bardot Foundation pays tribute to the memory of an exceptional woman who gave everything and gave up everything for a world more respectful of animals," the foundation said. "Her legacy lives on through the actions and struggles the Foundation continues with the same passion and the same fidelity to her ideals," the statement further read. Known in France merely by her initials BB, Bardot tantalised audiences and scandalised moral authorities with her raw display of sexuality in the 1950s and '60s. She became a box-office phenomenon in the US and helped to popularise foreign films with Americans at a time when censorship in Hollywood movies forbade frank discussions of sex, much less nudity. Describing her impact, Life magazine said in 1961, "Everywhere girls walk, dress, and wear their hair like Bardot and wish they were free souls like her." Beyond her work in film and music, Bardot's distinctive fashion sense kept her at the forefront of popular culture throughout the latter half of the 20th century. Her bleached blond hair, worn long and straight or up in a twist with tresses cascading down, as well as her penchant for casual, form-fitting outfits, kept her image contemporarylooking long after the '60s were over. Jane Fonda and Julie Christie were among the actresses who would mimic her, while models such as Kate Moss and Claudia Schiffer would also copy her sexy, tousled look. Retiring from film at 39 in 1973, Bardot turned her public profile toward animal advocacy. "I gave my beauty and my youth to men, and now I am giving my wisdom and experience, the best of me, to animals," she said at a 1987 auction of her memorabilia. — ANI