12062026-LSTC-01.qxd 6/12/2026 1:02 AM Page 1 c m y b TRAILER LAUNCH OF LOCK UPP Netflix is set to expand its reality programming slate with the launch of Lock Upp: Sach ya Sazaa, a new captive reality series hosted by Riteish Deshmukh and Farah Khan. TRIBUNE Pure madness Life The makers of Welcome To The Jungle have unveiled the film’s trailer. The trailer puts Akshay Kumar at the centre of the madness. The film follows a group on a mission to track down a oncefamous actor. CHANDIGARH | FRIDAY | 12 JUNE 2026 Actor-singer Vedang Raina, who turned 26 on June 2, has a lot to be thankful for A quiet birthday, mounting anticipation… Subhash K Jha H IS debut film, The Archies, received a lukewarm response, but Vedang Raina survived the setback. Now, his performance in Main Vaapas Aaunga is earning praise as one of the film’s understated strengths. In this interview, Vedang opens up about portraying a Sikh character and lending his voice to the film’s songs. How did you celebrate your birthday? It was a quiet birthday, just family and close friends. I am not into much shor sharaaba. Main Vaapas Aaunga gave you a rare opportunity to play a sardar, how much discipline and dedication did that require? I had to completely transform myself physically and mentally, and feel comfortable in my new self. It was such a privilege to put a pag (turban) on and play this character. This was a special experience and I hope people feel the same way. The film is set during Partition. As a displaced Kashmiri Pundit, how closely did you identify with the theme? feel as an actor? I’ve heard stories of Partition, I’ve heard stories about Kashmir from my parents and grandparents. How we had to leave our home behind. I strongly feel a sense of returning home—of reclaiming something that was once mine but had been lost. I was able to carry that feeling into the world of our film as well. I think I’ve grown a lot. And if you know me personally, you would know that these words about myself don’t come easily to me. I really feel that difference when I’m on the sets. I also believe that I’ve grown as a human being from all the experiences I’ve had in the past couple of years, that I could carry that into my craft. Your big-ticket film has arrived. What are your thoughts and feelings? How would you describe your vibes with your immediate co-star Sharvari in Main Vapas Aaunga? I’m feeling quite good about all the response we’ve gotten till now. A lot of people from the industry and otherwise have messaged me about how they’ve really loved the trailer and songs. However, I’m feeling nervous. AR Rahman has praised your voice in Main Vaapas Aaunga… It’s one of the biggest compliments of my life. He’s a genius and I’ve been the biggest fan of his work since I was a little boy. I still can’t fathom that he really said this. But luckily it’s on camera so I know I was not dreaming. Between Archies and Main Vaapas Aunga, how much change do you c m y b I have a very good equation with Sharvari. We became friends through the course of this film and it was genuinely such a great experience working with her. I find her outlook very similar to mine, and I love that we both are very driven towards what we’re doing. I’ll always be rooting for her. You are only three films old. What have you learnt about the film industry in this short time? I’ve learnt that things take time. And, what’s most important is to work on yourself and deliver when it’s important. Nothing else matters. Everything falls into place when you’re good at what you do. We are ready Just hours before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off, global superstar Shakira appeared more than ready for the biggest stage in football. The singer on Thursday gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at her final preparations for the tournament’s opening ceremony, as she shared glimpses from an intense week of rehearsals ahead of her much-awaited performance in Mexico City. The global popstar took to her Instagram account to post a series of pictures showing her rehearsing with dancers and crew members as preparations entered the final stretch before the grand event. “It has been a non-stop rehearsal week for us, we are ready!! Can’t wait to see you all tomorrow at the @fifaworldcup Opening Ceremony,” she wrote. —ANI