07042026-LSTC-01.qxd 4/6/2026 8:06 PM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE SUNNY MEETS SATINDER Life Sunny Deol recently caught up with Punjabi singer Satinder Sartaaj. Sunny took to Instagram and wrote, “Ever since I first heard his music in 2021, his songs have stayed with me.” BAISAKHI BAITHAK T mohali play T FESTIVE JOY HE 4th edition of Exhibition Udaan arrives at Mohali on April 12 at Hero Homes, celebrating creativity under the theme Where Creativity Takes Flight. Dedicated to Baisakhi, the event brings together art, culture and community spirit in a vibrant setting. Visitors can explore exhibitions, artistic showcases and cultural expressions that highlight both tradition and innovation. Udaan captures the festive joy of new beginnings. love SHOP LOCAL chandigarh C HANDIGARHbased label Ibai champions sustainable fashion through close collaboration with artisans and thoughtful textile innovation. Showcasing a rich spectrum of fabrics — from intricate Jamdani to airy Chanderi and bold Ikat — the brand reflects a deep respect for craft traditions. On till today at House No 75, Sector 2, Chandigarh, Ibai invites visitors to explore its design philosophy up close. ISTOCK chandigarh WHAT’S HOT eat HIS Baisakhi, Ikk Panjab, in collaboration with Culture Plus, presents The Heritage Gathering on April 11. The evening blends poetry by Gurpreet and Tanmay Maheshwari with evocative folk music by Simi Bedi, inspired by legends like Surinder Kaur and Amrita Pritam. A thoughtfully curated menu rooted in harvest traditions — featuring dishes like aate da halwa, kulchas and lassi — completes the experience. Priced at Rs 3000–3500. LUDHIANA | TUESDAY | 7 APRIL 2026 Singer-actor Ipsitaa moves beyond pop hits to tackle gender inequality, embracing risk, reinvention and purpose Pop meets purpose A T a time when pop music is often defined by catchy hooks and fleeting trends, Ipsitaa is carving a space that is both deeply personal and quietly powerful. With her latest track Burn It Down, the singer-actor steps into new territory — using her voice not just to entertain, but to provoke thought. “This is my first song where I’m trying to convey a social message,” she says. “It’s very personal to me, but also collective to what women face across industries.” The track, which addresses gender inequality, marks a shift from the upbeat, youthful music she has been known for. “It was a risk,” she admits. “I’ve been seen as someone who makes fun, quirky songs. But I do think it’s a responsibility on artistes to speak about difficult, even taboo topics. As a woman, if I don’t, then who will?” For Ipsitaa, the idea behind the song extends beyond her own experiences. It is also about amplifying unheard voices. “We are still very privileged,” she reflects. “This is an attempt to give a voice to women whose stories we don’t hear — those carrying families, those struggling in conflict-driven areas.” Interestingly, this clarity of purpose was not always part of her plan. In fact, a career in the arts was never part of it at all. Raised in an academically driven household, her father in the civil services and her mother a doctor, music and performance were always present, but as hobbies. “My mom put me in Kathak and classical music classes when I was very young. My brother and I were always performing — but it was never seen as a career option.” That began to change during her college years. Surrounded by professional performers, she started to see the arts differently. “People around me said, ‘Why are you double majoring in economics and psychology? You should be doing music and film,’” she says. “That’s when it hit me that maybe this could be something more.” Still, the transition was anything but immediate. Even after she began sharing music online — posting covers and mashups — Ipsitaa continued to pursue a conventional career. “I worked in behavioural science and consulting and I loved it,” she says. “That’s what made the decision harder. It wasn’t like I was running away from something — I genuinely loved both worlds.” Her eventual leap into music full-time came only about a year and a half ago. “Letting go of a stable income is not easy,” she says candidly. RHYTHM SANADHYA SHARMILA CIRVANTE ❝ n is an Burn It Dow a voice to ive attempt to g se stories we o women whear —those don’t h ies, those il carrying famin conflictstruggling areas. driven “As an artiste, you don’t know when your next project or paycheck is coming. It’s not as glamorous as it looks.” Her honesty extends to advice for young aspirants navigating similar dilemmas. “You have to know your risk appetite,” she says. “If you’re someone who needs stability, this path can be difficult. But if you have that drive and are willing to put yourself out there, this is one of the most exciting times to pursue the arts.” That duality — of passion and pragma- BURN IT DOWN STILL FROM THE On World Health Day, celebs share what it means to be truly healthy MEGHA SHARMA GAURAVV SAXENA Earlier, fitness was mostly about appearance—being slim or fitting into a certain body type. But now, it has become more about how you feel. For me, it’s about having the energy to get through the day, being mentally strong, and feeling comfortable in your own skin. I think that shift towards a more holistic approach is really important. The definition of fitness has shifted from being aesthetic-driven (how you look) to function-driven (how you feel and move). Decades ago, fitness was often associated with heavy lifting or intense cardio, but today it is more holistic. We now prioritise mobility over muscle, focusing on the ability to move pain-free, along with mental fitness, recognizing that a healthy body cannot exist without a calm mind. There is also a growing emphasis on longevity—training not just for a summer body, but to remain independent and active even at 80. Simple habits like following the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) help reduce eye strain, while incorporating standing meetings or walking during calls ensures movement throughout the day. There was a time when fitness meant physical strength—how fast you could run, how much you could lift, or how you looked. Today, fitness also includes mental well-being, emotional balance, sleep quality, gut health, body composition, stress recovery, and more. People should understand that not every trending diet or workout is suitable for everyone. PALLAVI CHATTERJEE I am totally against packaged and frozen food. Anything that is heavily advertised should be avoided for consumption. Also, we Indians tend to overeat. In reality, we need very little food for our bodies—especially when eating the right kind of food. What to eat, when to eat, and how much to eat are all very important. VINEET RAINA Indian food is naturally balanced with the right mix of nutrients. In fact, globally, people are now appreciating Indian cuisine for its wholesomeness. We are slowly seeing a shift back to these roots. tism — also defines her academic journey. Ipsitaa studied at the prestigious Yale University and later at the London School of Economics, experiences she describes as transformative. “It’s not just about the tag,” she says. “It’s about the people you meet, the conversations you have. Those years opened up the world for me.” Yet, even at the height of academic success, music found its way back. Her breakthrough came with First Kiss, alongside Yo Yo Honey Singh — a track that catapulted her into the spotlight. “That song changed my life overnight,” she says. “I’m incredibly grateful he saw something in me and gave me that opportunity.” Since then, Ipsitaa has explored a wide range of musical styles. “When I started writing my own music, everything changed. It became about what I wanted to say.” That shift is now culminating in her debut album, with Burn It Down setting the tone. Themes of independence, identity and self-worth run through her work, echoing earlier tracks like Solo Laila, which encourages women to prioritise themselves. “It’s about loving yourself before loving anyone else,” she says. Alongside music, Ipsitaa is also stepping into films, making her acting debut under filmmaker Omung Kumar. While she remains tight-lipped about details, she shares, “Coming from stage to camera acting is very different — it’s technical in a new way. But I learned a lot and I’m excited to see where it goes.” Today, based in Mumbai, Ipsitaa says she has finally found her rhythm. “I didn’t like it at first,” she admits. “But once you find your people, it becomes home.” Mona FIGURING IT OUT Home-cooked meals are the best way to maintain a healthy diet. Taking the right amount of breaks at regular intervals really helps. At least three times a week, I walk barefoot on grass early in the morning. It allows my body to reconnect and align with nature. It is important to stay accountable to yourself—show up at the gym or get your workout done no matter what. Sound advice Keanu Reeves has offered impactful advice for aspiring actors, Reeves said, “....go to work and respect who you’re working with until they prove they don’t get your respect.” ROOP DURGAPAL Health is the greatest wealth, and it doesn’t require anything fancy. Health requires going back to basics, and nothing compares to simple home-cooked meals that are easily digestible and prepared with familiar ingredients. Getting 7–8 hours of sleep, waking up with the sun, stretching, and practicing yoga are simple yet highly effective habits. c m y b