07012026-LSTL-01.qxd 1/6/2026 8:36 PM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE EMILY IN PARIS RENEWED Netflix has renewed Emily in Paris, starring Lily Collins, for a sixth season. The renewal comes less than three weeks after the fifth season premiered on the streaming platform. Karan Razdan, writer of the original series, Rajni, and writer- director of its 2.0 version, tells us what made him revisit the memorable show from the 80s Life Wish list Kristen Stewart has expressed interest in directing a remake of the globally popular Twilight saga, stating she would be open to re-adapting the franchise if it is ever rebooted. LUDHIANA | WEDNESDAY | 7 JANUARY 2026 CHAT UP Rajni HOMEBOUND IN NEXT VOTING ROUND Indian cinema returned to the global awards spotlight as Homebound advanced to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards. The Academy announced that fifteen films from across the world have moved to the next round of voting in the International Feature Film category. The final nominations for the Academy Awards will be announced on January 22. is back in new avatar Nonika Singh Back in 1980s, Basu Chaterjee created a strong woman character, which not only ruled the public conscience but also became their voice. Today, one of Indian television’s most powerful and iconic reel women, Rajni, lives again in a new form and avatar. Karan Razdan, writer of the OG and writer — director of its 2.0 version, shares what made him revisit the memorable show. Even after four decades, Rajni refused to die in his memory, and its poor imitations over the years compelled him to recreate her in Rajni 2.0 through the character of her daughter, Guddu, which Anupam Kher dubbed as ‘masterstroke.’ The series is now airing on Doordarshan and its streaming platform Waves. Razdan shares, “Back in 1985, Rajni had a free ride, for Doordarshan was the only channel. Today, there is a surfeit of platforms, hence the competition is stiff and it’s a challenge to make your voice reach out amidst the noise.” Add to it the fact that crime rules the roost and thrillers are go-to choice of most film-makers. So, what made him opt for a series with a huge social conscience? Well, Razdan does not go into preaching mode. He avers, “As makers, our first job is to enter- tain, may be inform and educate too.” Interestingly, making of the series has been a learning experience for him too and while he understood many finer points of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, legal terms like ‘natural witness’ came as a revelation. His lead heroine, enthusiastic and feisty Aradhana Sharma too has learnt a thing or two about RERA — Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act — and India’s landmark POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) Act. “Rajni is an emotion and a huge responsibility. To carry forward the legacy is not easy but I am truly enjoying the weight of the character etched in public memory by the irrepressible Priya Tendulkar,” Aradhana says. Aradhana relates to the indefatigable spirit of Rajni 2.0 and she is emerging stronger with each episode. As a woman she wants the show to deal with issues like marriage. “Marriage is often perceived as the be-all and end-all of a woman’s life. I want this notion to be challenged. Parents should not pressurise their daughters to tie the nuptial knot, just for the heck of it,” she says. Interestingly, Razdan has touched upon the same concern in the episodes on the dowry menace. Acutely aware as to how issues have changed in the last four decades, the writer in him is exploring current ones like digital fraud, VIP racism, chit-fund scam, propertyrelated problems, et al. He feels comparisons with the Basu Chatterjee’s original are not fair. He says, “It’s easier to call out government bodies today. Back then, we were told to pack up after 48 episodes.” So, what number is he aiming at today? He replies, “I can go on and on, as long as burning issues present themselves.” Here’s a piece of advice from this ‘voracious writer’ to voracious viewers of today — “You will find the show very relatable since it deals with issues which concern a common man.” His advice to women, his core audience is — “Be the change you want to see.” For Aradhana, “Silence is not golden and one must raise one’s voice especially against oppression.” HAPPY PATEL’S NEW OFFER A new song, Chaanta Tera, from Mithila Palkar and Vir Das-starrer Happy Patel was unveiled on Monday. The song features lead actors Mithila Palkar and Vir Das giving a unique twist to love songs, as Mithila is seen slapping Vir throughout the song. Happy Patel: Khatarnaak Jasoos is a quirky, offbeat spy, which also stars Mona Singh, Sharib Hashmi and Srushti Tawade along with special appearances by Aamir Khan and Imran Khan. DEEPIKA’S NEW INITIATIVE Deepika Padukone celebrated her birthday on Monday by launching an initiative that will empower the next generation of creative talent. Sharing a video on Instagram, Deepika said, “I’ve been feeling very strongly about identifying incredible creative talent from across the country and giving them a platform to be seen, heard and experienced. I am beyond thrilled to announce the launch of The OnSet Program.” ‘Singh ni darde…’ Mona At New York City’s mayoral inauguration, Babbulicious emerged as an unexpected yet powerful face of diversity — not through a speech or slogan, but the viral song — Gaddi Red Challenger – which is being played at one-year old’s birthday bash to geris, to sangeets across the world, and now an official ceremony! The Canada-based Punjabi artiste’s performance reframed what celebration can look like in a city built by migrants, cultures and contradictions. Unapologetically honest, Babbulicious admitted he was nervous moments before stepping on the stage. But as he put it, “fired by the Mayor’s speech and that “Singh ni darde,” he had the crowd moving, with Zohran Mamdani himself joining in singing, “New York Vich Munda Rehnda, Sonniye Punjabi Aaye Ayee.” Known for blending Punjabi rhythms with contemporary beats, his music reflects the lived experience of diaspora: rooted in heritage, but shaped by global cities and hybrid identities. When those sounds filled the inauguration space, they did more than entertain — signalling that the diversity is now being celebrated. The moment resonated visually as well as musically. The singer in striking fuchsia turban, the newly sworn-in, the first Muslim and the first Millennial Mayor of New York, Zohran Mamdani moving to Punjabi beats alongside c m y b Viral sensation Babbulicious, who performed at NYC’s mayor Zohran Mamdani’s swearing-in ceremony, talks about how he overcame nervousness to be part of the historic event Bernie Sanders and supporters sent a clear message: leadership does not have to distance itself from culture to be taken seriously. Instead, it can embrace it. That image travelled quickly across social media, turning Babbulicious into a symbol of the ceremony’s broader meaning. Reactions were mixed, and that contrast only sharpened the impact. Praise highlighted the joy and authenticity of the moment, while criticism revealed discomfort with seeing immigrant culture so visibly woven into political ceremony. Some on socials mistaking Babbulicious to be an Afghan. His response – ‘Love and peace to all!’ In a city that speaks hundreds of languages, Babbulicious didn’t need to represent everyone to represent something essential — that New York’s identity is lived, dynamic and unapologetically plural. NAACHE NAACHE LAUNCHED The Naache Naache song from Prabhas-starrer The RajaSaab was launched in Mumbai recently. The event was attended by actors Malavika Mohanan, Nidhhi Agerwal, Riddhi Kumar, Zarina Wahab, and Boman Irani, along with producer Vishwa Prasad. Slated for a pan-India release, The RajaSaab will hit theatres in Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam on January 9.