16052026-LSTC-01.qxd 5/15/2026 8:21 PM Page 1 c m y b DHURANDHAR 2 ON OTT Ranveer Singh’s Dhurandhar: The Revenge has made its OTT debut for international audiences, arriving on Netflix with a special ‘raw and uncut version that was not released in Indian theatres. The film, which enjoyed a strong theatrical run in India, began streaming overseas on May 14. Mona H AYE Ni Bebe Meriye positions itself as a Punjabi family comedy-drama that blends humour with an urgent social reflection on migration, identity and belonging. At its heart, the film asks a simple but resonant question: what does it mean to stay connected to your home when the world is constantly pulling you elsewhere? Lead actor Mehtab Virk, who transitioned from music to acting, calls the film an entertaining family drama, emphasising the everyday Punjabi life shapes the story. Having started his career in music in 2011 and stepping into films in 2022, Mehtab sees this project as a continuation of his creative journey. Now in his third film as a lead, he traces his beginnings back to TRIBUNE Life singing and recalls how performance has always been part of his identity. “From the beginning, I was very much attached to music,” he shares. The film’s central theme is the growing trend of Punjabi youth moving abroad. Rather than framing migration as aspiration alone, Haye Ni Bebe Meriye explores alternatives within Punjab itself. It encourages young people to consider building futures at home through entrepreneurship and agriculture. The narrative introduces modern farming ideas, positioning innovation as a bridge between tradition and progress. The message is direct yet hopeful: stay rooted, but think forward. Actor Aditi Aarya brings this idea to life through her character — an educated, determined woman who believes in transforming agriculture CHANDIGARH | SATURDAY | 16 MAY 2026 Staying rooted through knowledge. She explains, “I play and through my education, through my degree, I am supporting farmers.” Her role reflects a shift in how rural professions are being reimagined through technology and youth participation. For Aditi, the character is also personally challenging, particularly due to Punjabi dialogues and emotional nuance. “There are very beautiful dialogues… I still have a lot to learn,” she admits, adding that working alongside seasoned artistes made the experience enriching. Aditi’s own journey — from law Haye Ni Bebe Meriye: A comedy drama blends social message & humour student to Miss India Chandigarh and now actor — adds another layer to the film’s theme of possibility. “I am a lawyer,” she says, reflecting on how unexpected her transition into cinema has been. Add to it that she’s a practising lawyer. “It’s dif- Roopi Gill brings Punjabi heritage to Cannes red carpet Roopi Gill made a graceful appearance on the prestigious Cannes Film Festival red carpet, representing Punjabi cinema on the international stage while promoting her upcoming film Chardikala, which is set for a theatrical release on May 29. Gill’s presence at the globally celebrated event marked a significant moment for Punjabi cinema, drawing international attention to Chardikala. Elegantly dressed in a traditional Punjabi ensemble, the actor brought a strong cultural identity to one of cinema’s most recognised platforms. Gill’s outfit featured an ivory sharara set consisting of an off-white short kurta paired with voluminous sharara pants detailed with delicate gold block printing and embroidery. The standout element of the look was a traditional Phulkari-style ivory dupatta with a heavily ornate gold border, draped over her head in classic Punjabi fashion. Health issues Emilia Clarke has opened up about the lasting emotional impact of surviving two brain haemorrhage during her years on the television series Game of Thrones, saying she became convinced she was “meant to die”. She completed the look with elegant ethnic jewellery, including a traditional polki and kundan necklace accented with emerald drops, matching statement earrings, and gold bangles. Her sleek hairstyle, tucked beneath the dupatta, kept the focus on the intricate craftsmanship of the attire and jewellery. Sharing the inspiration behind her appearance, Gill captioned the moment, Punjab Di Mitti, Cannes De Carpet Te (The soil of Punjab on the carpet of Cannes). Ammy Virk, who also stars in the film reposted the picture and praised Roopi Gill for representing Punjabi heritage on global platform. He wrote, “@roopilgill kya baat ae, feeling proud. Saadi film Cannes film festival te gyi ae.” Produced by Pinky Dhaliwal under the banner of MAD 4 FILMS and directed by Amarjit Singh Saron, Chardikala stars Ammy Virk, Himmat Sandhu and Roopi Gill in key roles. —ANI c m y b ficult to manage both the worlds, but I am loving it.” Writer Raju Verma, who has spent over 25 years in storytelling, frames the film as both entertainment and observation. “It’s a comedy drama and every character has an arc,” he notes. The narrative draws from lived realities in Punjab — families separated by migration and shifting social structures,” he adds. Directed by Parveen Kumar, the film is streaming on Chaupal.