17052026-LSTL-01.qxd 5/16/2026 11:18 PM Page 1 c m y b DRAKE TRIPLE ALBUM DROP Drake shattered multiple Spotify records after surprisereleasing three albums — Iceman, Maid of Honour and Habibti. He became 2026’s most-streamed artist in a single day. The releases also reportedly earned Amazon Music’s biggest global 24hour debut of 2026. TRIBUNE The Bride! Life Maggie Gyllenhaal’s Gothic romance The Bride! that reimagines the classic Frankenstein story, starring Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale in lead roles, is set to premiere on May 22, 2026. LUDHIANA | SUNDAY | 17 MAY 2026 From Aspirants to Vimal Khanna, Sunny Hinduja speaks on immersive acting approach Nonika Singh “ Audiences are my heroes and critics my superheroes,” says talented actor Sunny Hinduja. A UDIENCES’ love for his screen character Sandeep Bhaiya of Aspirants has led to a spin-off series whose second season is all set to be aired on Amazon Prime. Critics’ appreciation has recently won him Critics Choice Award for Best Actor for the short film, That’s a Wrap. As yet another series, Vimal Khanna, in which he plays the titular part is streaming on Amazon MX player, the FTII alumnus digs into the process of acting, how real and reel submerge and how struggle is but another word for education. Seen in significant cameos in more than one series like Mandala Murders, Saare Jahan Se Accha, for him the truth of the character is more important than the length of the part. He observes, “As an actor, my endeavour is to get so close to the skin of the character that audiences do not see the real me. Sure, there will always be an ‘ansh’ of me in every character. But since acting is a bare act, you need to shed yourself.’’ Incidentally, this is a lesson he learnt at the prestigious FTII. So what is it with the institute that churns out one fine actor after another? Sandeep Bhaiya is back As an actor, my endeavour is to get so close to the skin of the character that audiences do not see the real me. SUNNY HINDUJA While he credits teachers and mentors at his alma mater, he observes, “One learns as much from peers and when these are actors like Vijay Varma, Jaideep Ahlawat and Jatin Goswami, impressions run deep.” Sunny, whose brilliant act in his short film That’s a Wrap treaded the thin line between real and reel, adds, “I am in constant conversation with my character; where he is coming from, what are his dilemmas what are his goals.” Of course, he feels that each person’s barometer of measuring accomplishment is different. Sunny smiles, “Mere mansube bahut hai but complaint koi nahi.” Among his many dreams is to play ace spy Ravinder Kaushik. Sports biopics too fascinate this athlete. The thoroughness in acting comes from many sources as he puts it, “One can say there is a method and then there is no method at all.” If between action and cut, the actor in him thrives on whatever the role demands, this direc- tor’s actor doesn’t judge his characters. So in his hands, part of Pakistan’s ISI head Murtaza in much acclaimed Saare Jahan Se Accha, does not become a caricature, rather comes across as a shrewd, intelligent who is the hero of his country. But hero or villain is never the deciding factor. Nor are the mediums for this actor of big budget films like Shehzada and Yodha. Acting is the only constant favourite. Sau baat ki ek baat, audiences should watch Vimal Khanna for it’s based on master of pulp fiction Surendra Mohan Pathak’s novel. If Mohan’s novel is a page turner, its screen adaptation, he insists, “is as intriguing and will keep you on the edge and introduce you to a character who is a vichitra praani, man of indomitable will ready to face life head on.” Besides, his fans would see him in a different avatar and also many avatars of his character. Quintessentially, directors’ actor ‘for cinema is their medium,’ he is all praise for ones like Apoorv Singh Karki, Sumit Purohit whose vision has let him soar. Raj and DK with whom he worked in The Family Man come in for fulsome praise, “They are a magical combination of wit, energy and impromptu improvisation.” He, too, balances the many demands of acting — from rehearsal to research — and delivers earnest portrayals of his on-screen characters. ...a sequel to 3 Idiots Subhash K Jha Conflicting reports on what Aamir Khan will be doing next should not confuse his fans. Here is the truth about Aamir’s next project. After dilly dallying over what he will do next, Aamir Khan is finally onto his next project. Aamir has given the nod to the sequel to Raj Kumar Hirani’s 2009 hit 3 Idiots. The script is work in progress. Director Raju Hirani has taken a month off for personal reasons, and will finish the script as soon as he returns. Aamir Khan saw potential in developing the original film into a second film. There was no point in just doing a film because the first one was popular. The new story takes up the lives of the characters ten years after the first film ended. R Madhavan, Sharman Joshi and Aamir will play the same characters they played ten years ago. Aamir is kicked by the way the script is progressing. The project should go on the floors by the end of this year. It is to be noted that Aamir won’t be doing any other film before 3 Idiots 2. Announcements of other projects featuring Aamir Khan like the cricket film on based on 1952 India-Pakistan Test series, are premature if not entirely untrue. An honour Mrs India beyond the Oscars… @Cannes Two-time Oscar nominee John Travolta was presented with an honorary Palme d’Or ahead of the world premiere of his feature directorial debut, Propeller One-Way Night Coach at the Cannes Film Festival 2026. The honour was presented by Cannes chief Thierry Fremaux before the Apple TV production screened at the festival. The move echoed a similar surprise tribute arranged by Fremaux for Tom Cruise during the 2022 Cannes premiere of Top Gun: Maverick. Receiving a standing ovation from the audience, Travolta described the recognition as “an honour beyond the Oscars.” Speaking about his directorial debut, the Pulp Fiction star added, “What you’ll see in the movie is completely my perspective on what I witnessed. People go through what they look like, what they sounded like, what they felt, and then I put music to these images, and it’s the most personal thing I’ve ever done, this movie you’re about to see.” Sherry Singh made a striking Cannes debut at the Cannes Film Festival 2026, celebrating Indian craftsmanship and modern womanhood. Wearing a custom Rimple & Harpreet ensemble with real zari work, paired with handcrafted jewellery by Kavya Potluri, she said, “This Cannes debut is a reminder that dreams evolve with you.” Her appearance reportedly also marked the return of an Indian Mrs. Universe titleholder to Cannes after 48 years. SIMONE STUNS Huma Qureshi brings Coming up next from Aamir... Simone Ashley turned heads at the Cannes Film Festival 2026 in a striking archival red silk taffeta gown from the Fall/Winter 2005 collection by Alexander McQueen. Styled by Rebecca Corbin-Murray, the structured strapless ensemble featured a dramatic tiered mermaid silhouette, blending theatrical elegance with timeless couture glamour. Banarasi saree Huma Qureshi made a striking appearance at the ongoing Cannes Film Festival in a traditional Banarasi saree that celebrated Indian craftsmanship on a global stage. The 39-year-old actor shared a series of photographs on Instagram, showcasing herself in a muted plum-hued saree featuring intricate gold zari work. She completed the look with gold temple jewellery and minimal makeup, blending traditional elegance with contemporary styling. Qureshi wrote, “From the ghats of Banaras to the French Riviera.” Reflecting on the significance of the attire, she added, “There’s something incredibly special about wearing a weave that feels like it has lived through time.” c m y b