05022026-LSTC-01.qxd 2/4/2026 7:58 PM Page 1 c m y b TAAPSEE FIGHTS IT OUT IN ASSI The trailer for Taapsee Pannustarrer Assi has been finally unveiled, offering an unflinching look at the uncomfortable truth of rape cases that continue to make headlines every day. TRIBUNE New height Life PHOTO: RAVI KUMAR Badshah is set to take part in the 2026 Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game in Los Angeles. His participation also makes him the first-ever Indian rapper to take the court, which will take place in California, on February 13. CHANDIGARH | THURSDAY | 5 FEBRUARY 2026 Faith, football & a father’s hope Mona C HANDIGARH’s own Suvinder Vicky, an actor celebrated for his intensity and rooted performances, is stepping into yet another compelling lead role — this time as a conflicted father — in ZEE5’s upcoming series Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz. The show, which premieres on February 6, explores the delicate space between parental legacy and a child’s personal dreams. Suvinder plays a devoted raagi, who hopes his son will carry forward the family’s sacred musical tradition. However, the boy harbours a very different dream — football. The emotional tug-of-war between faith, expectation and individuality forms the heart of the series. Bringing together veteran Suvinder Vicky and promising youngster Mihir Ahuja, Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz explores a tender father–son bond where tradition collides with aspiration In Chandigarh on Thursday to promote the show, Suvinder, who looked dapper in a black ensemble with red turban, was joined by his reel son Mihir Ahuja, dressed in contrasting off-white; and the duo instantly won hearts. The young actor’s respectful demeanour to his senior was evident throughout, matched by Suvinder’s generosity in allowing him the space to shine. During the interaction, the two enacted an emotional scene from the series, leaving Mihir visibly overwhelmed — his tears flowed naturally, blurring the line between performance and emotion. As the duo was asked to sing a shabad, observing maryada, Mihir respectfully covered his head before the two sang — So Satgur Pyara Mere Naal Hai, creating an atmosphere that echoed the spiritual core of the show. Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz follows the journey of Ghuppi Singh, a 16-year-old boy living with a stammer, torn between honouring his father’s wishes and chasing his own aspirations. A father to two daughters in real life, Suvinder found the opportunity to portray a father–son relationship on screen particularly intriguing. To authentically embody the role of a raagi, Suvinder underwent rigorous preparation — learning harmonium and practising singing before the shoot. “A raagi’s work may appear simple but it isn’t,” he shared. “Waking up at 3:30 am during brahmvela, taking a snan, and serving as a pathiat the Gurdwara requires immense discipline, commitment and zeal.” Matching that dedication is Mihir Ahuja, a “zillennial” (caught between millennials and Gen Z), who mirrors his co-star’s sincerity. The Jamshedpur-born actor said the show helped him reconnect with his roots. “I belong to a Punjabi family and used to speak Punjabi with my dadi, whom I lost two years back. It felt special to speak Punjabi again with Suvinder ji,” he said. While the series blends Hindi and Punjabi, Mihir said its emotions transcend language. “It will strike a chord across generations and regions because emotions speak louder than words,” he noted. Suvinder agreed. “Parents should heed the aspirations of their children, and children must understand that parents are right in their own ways. It has to be a smooth collaboration between the two,” he added. Following the success of Kohrra, which catapulted him to national recognition and even earned him a top IMDb ranking alongside stars like Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif, Suvinder remains grounded. Despite Mumbai being his karmabhoomi, Chandigarh continues to be home. “I still live here,” he said with a smile. “Mumbai meri roziroti sambhal rahi hai, par Waheguru se ardaas hai — Bombay aur Chandigarh nu ek kar de.” Shabad – Reet Aur Riwaaz is a sensitive coming-of-age drama that asks the timeless question: Is legacy something we inherit — or something we choose? Catch the series streaming exclusively on ZEE5 from February 6. CHAT UP LILI REINHART’S SNOWY GETAWAY Lili Reinhart gave fans a glimpse into her personal life as she shared pictures from a romantic winter getaway with her partner, Jack Martin. Taking to Instagram, the Riverdale star posted a series of adorable photos where the couple can be seen enjoying quiet moments together during what looked like a snowy vacation. Along with the pictures, the actress wrote, “I’ve got my love to keep me warm.” JOHN CENA ON UNDERCOVER MISSION The first look of John Cena’s upcoming action film Matchbox: The Movie is out, and it shows the actor on the run with his old gang back together. Apple TV+ on Tuesday unveiled the first look images from the action-adventure comedy. The film will start streaming on Apple TV+ on October 9. Netflix India unveils star-studded slate for 2026 Netflix India on Tuesday unveiled its ambitious slate for 2026 with Sunny Deol, Madhuri Dixit, Saif Ali Khan and Anil Kapoor set to headline some of its biggest projects, while well-loved stories like Kohrra, Mismatched and Maamla Legal Hai return with new seasons. Unveiled as part of its Next on Netflix showcase, the slate comprises many returning and new series as well as half a dozen films, cutting across drama, crime, comedy, romance, war, sports thrillers and unscripted entertainment. The event also celebrated the streamer’s 10 years in the country. “While it is a big milestone for us and we are very proud, it is also a moment to pause, reflect and express our deepest gratitude... This journey has taught us how to listen and adapt according to the diverse Indian audience. Over the years, we have learned one truth — there is no single way to tell an Indian story. India is many Indias, shaped by language, culture, taste, and context,” said Monika Shergill, Vice-President, Content, at Netflix India. Sunny Deol makes his streaming debut with the film Ikka where he plays a lawyer fighting a nemesis in Akshaye Khanna. Anil Kapoor and Madhuri Dixit, the romantic on screen hit pair of many films in the 90s, have different projects on the streamer. Kapoor plays a business tycoon in Hansal Mehta’s series Family Business. The business thriller will see him (Clockwise from left): Jimmy Shergill, Saif Ali Khan, Kapil Sharma, Vedika Pinto, Vikrant Massey, Mahima Makwana, Vijay Varma, Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit and Triptii Dimri go toe-to-toe with former protege-turned-rival, played by Vijay Varma. Dixit, meanwhile, stars as a saucy single mother to Triptii Dimri and Dharna Durga’s characters in Suresh Triveni’s film Maa Behen. The film also features Ravi Kishan. Saif Ali Khan headlines not one but two films — Hum Hindustani and Kartavya — on the streamer. Rasika Duggal stars opposite Khan in Kartavya. The film’s slate also includes Ghooskhor Pandat, a gritty thriller directed by Ritesh Shah. It features Manoj c m y b Bajpayee as a corrupt officer. Besides, Netflix is bringing back the anthology franchise Lust Stories for its third instalment. The third chapter of the Emmy-nominated anthology includes short films directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, Kiran Rao, Shakun Batra and Vishal Bhardwaj. The series lineup includes Chumbak, directed and written by Aatish Kapadia. Popular YouTube creator Bhuvan Bam returns with season two of his show Dhindora, which originally streamed on YouTube. Actor Vineet Kumar Singh leads education-themed drama Hello Bachhon, inspired by the journey of Alakh Pandey and students whose lives intersect with his mission to make quality education accessible across India. The streamer also announced its first Tamil and Telugu original series. R Madhavan headlines Tamil crime drama Legacy, while Telugu comedy-drama Super Subbu. National Award winner Massey plays the lead role in Musafir Café. The show is a romance unfolding across two timelines in Mussoorie, and also features Vedika Pinto and Mahima Makwana. The biggest series title for Netflix this year will be war drama Operation Safed Sagar, which revisits the Kargil conflict. The series features Siddharth, Jimmy Shergill, Dia Mirza and Abhay Verma. Kapil Sharma’s hit comedy The Great Indian Kapil Show has also been greenlit for season five. Among returning favourites, Netflix announced the fourth and final season of Mismatched and season two of Maamla Legal Hai. — PTI THE DRAMA TRAILER OUT The trailer for actors Zendaya and Robert Pattinson’s upcoming film The Drama is now out, and it offers a first look at a relationship that is not as perfect as it seems. The one-minute-twenty-eight-second trailer introduces Emma Harwood, portrayed by Zendaya, a bookstore clerk from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Charlie Thompson, played by Pattinson, a British museum director living in the United States. WATCH OUT FOR THIS LEGAL BATTLE The trailer for actor Rajeev Khandelwal’s upcoming courtroom drama Amar Vishwas has been unveiled. The series, based on the novels of writer Suhas Shirvalkar, revolves around a murder case that the media quickly labels as “open and shut.” Khandelwal said, “Amar Vishwas is far from a conventional courtroom hero. He’s flawed, instinctive, and driven by a deep sense of justice for those who don’t have a voice.”