16072026-LSTC-01.qxd 7/15/2026 8:02 PM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE Looking back Life Nicole Kidman’s commitment to her role in the 1998 film Practical Magic was so intense that she “burst a few blood vessels” while filming one of the movie’s most emotionally demanding scenes. LUDHIANA | THURSDAY | 16 JULY 2026 An unfinished tale Shehnaaz Gill and Jayy Randhawa-starrer Ishqnama brings to life a true love story whose final chapter is yet to be written PHOTOS: VICKY SHEHNAAZ GILL, NIRMAL SINGH & JAYY RANDHAWA AnanyaVerma The trailer for Ishqnama dropped on July 14 giving audiences their first real look at the film ahead of its worldwide release on July 24. Most love stories on screen end when the credits roll. Ishqnama, the Punjabi romantic film, is unusual because its real-life story hasn’t ended at all, and the film’s cast and crew seem acutely aware they’re not just retelling history, they’re standing inside an unfinished one. The facts alone read like fiction. In 1982, Nirmal Singh, known as Nimma, fell for Naseema Begum, a Muslim woman across the India-Pakistan border. What followed was not a single act of devotion but thirty-four of them: thirtyfour illegal crossings of one of the most heavily guarded frontiers on earth, sustained in secret for roughly two-and-ahalf years before Pakistani security forces caught him. He was arrested, imprisoned. Director Arvvindr S Khaira makes his feature debut with the film, adapting it from the book Hind Pak Bordernama. What sets this telling apart is that the story hasn’t fully closed. Nimma has said he spoke to Naseema on the phone in 2019, and that was how he learned where her life had taken her: she told him she now lives alone in England. Efforts are reportedly still underway to trace her, turning the film’s release into something closer to an ongoing search than a period piece. BACK TO 1986 L shimla OOKING for delicious food while enjoying soothing live musical performance, then Caffe 1986 is the place to be. Located at The Mall in Manali, Cafe 1986 has emerged as the most famous eating joints in the hill station. The cafe offers mouth-watering dishes along with a great ambience, making the visit a memorable one. CHIKKA ON ROLL mohali C BRIDAL AFFAIR delhi D ISCOVER a curated showcase of exquisite bridal couture, statement jewellery and wedding essentials—all under one roof for an inspiring and luxurious wedding shopping experience. At Taj Palace, New Delhi on July 18 and 19. era with SIX Guru Randhawa has released a new single, SIX, out now on streaming platforms. SIX breaks from his formula in a way his catalog hasn’t attempted before. It’s a hip-hop leaning track built around trap drums and heavier bass, with Kiran Bajwa returning on vocals. It’s a notable pivot for an artiste whose biggest records, including High Rated Gabru, Patola, and Lahore, leaned on melody first. SIX keeps Randhawa’s Punjabi cadence intact but places it over a harder, more percussive backdrop, the kind more associated with Western rap production than the radio-friendly sound he’s known for. Randhawa framed the change less as a rebrand and more as an extension of interests he states, “I’ve always loved hip-hop culture, but I wanted to blend it authentically with our native Punjabi vibe. SIX is about hitting it out of the park. It’s about the grind, the focus and the mindset it takes to stay at the top. Having Kiran Bajwa back on a track with me made this sonic shift feel natural. We’ve built a specific musical trust, and this track represents the next step in our collaborative journey.” — Ananya Verma Subhash K Jha play love HIP-HOP ‘Bold, innovative, audacious’ WHAT’S HOT eat HIKKA On Roll brings Ruchika to town. Join her on July 19, at 7 pm, at CP67 Mall, Mohali, as she takes you on a humorous and heartfelt journey through adulting, love, hope, friendships, healing, mental health and unforgettable college memories. One small detail from that search has stayed with the team: an old photograph of Naseema that was never finished. It was eventually completed using artificial intelligence and shown to Nimma as a surprise. “When Bapuji saw it, he got emotional.” said Jayy Randhawa. For her part, Shehnaaz Gill, who plays Naseema, said the role had demanded the most of her: “It shook me out of my comfort zone. This is a larger-than-life old-school romance that paints love as a revolution.” She added, “I dedicate this to anyone who has been in love.” Jayy, playing Nimma opposite Shehnaaz, chose Punjab itself to unveil the trailer, calling it a tribute to where his career began. “In many ways, bringing Nimma to life is my humble way of thanking the audience that has stood by me through every phase of my journey,” he said. Reflecting on the emotional weight of the part, he said simply, “Patience and confidence, that never gives up.” Saurabh Sachdeva joined the cast as the formidable Bilawal Khan, marking his own entry into Punjabi cinema. The soundtrack, led by B Praak and Jyotica Tangri’s already-viral track Narak, written by Jaani, leans into heartbreak as its emotional register rather than triumph. Ishqnama releases in India, Canada, the UK, and the US on July 24, and, fittingly for a story about a border, in Pakistan too. Guru Randhawa enters his SHADES OF LOVE The trailer of Vikrant Massey-starrer romantic drama Musafir Cafe is finally out, offering a glimpse into a love story where love, ambition and companionship play a lead role. Apart from Massey, the film stars Vedika Pinto and Mahima Makwana in the lead roles, playing the love interest of Vikrant Massey in the different phases of his life. The trailer begins with Massey’s love story with Mahima as they run a cafe together. The situation takes a twist when the actor’s forgotten love enters in his life in the form of Vedika Pinto. It shows glimpses of Massey’s character’s personal journey. c m y b A couture creation, meticulously hand-embroidered by the women artisans of Mijwan, was showcased during Manish Malhotra’s debut at Paris Haute Couture Week Fall/Winter 2026. The presentation marked a proud milestone for Mijwan and its artisans, bringing the exquisite chikankari craftsmanship of Uttar Pradesh to one of fashion’s most prestigious global platforms. Shabana Azmi, Chairperson of Mijwan Welfare Society, says, “We are deeply grateful to Manish Malhotra for his unwavering faith in the talent of Mijwan’s women artisans. That he chose to showcase their chikankari work during his Paris Haute Couture Week debut is both an honour and a powerful endorsement of their extraordinary craftsmanship.” Interestingly, Malhotra hadn’t told Shabana about his Paris plans for the Mijwan fabric. “I knew Manish was working on his Paris collection but he did not let me know that Mijwan’s work was going to feature in it. When he quietly just sent me the photo I did a somersault. I can’t wait for him to return so we can celebrate. Bold, innovative, almost audacious! This collection puts India firmly on the international scene.” Shabana Azmi says she had no idea Manish Malhotra’s Paris Haute Couture Week 2026 collection would feature Mijwan’s artisanship PHOTO COURTESY: MANISH MALHOTRA