23072026-LSTC-01.qxd 7/23/2026 12:23 AM Page 1 c m y b ARCHIE ONCE MORE The series version of the Afterlife With Archie comics is in the works. The show was originally reported to be in development at Disney+ in 2025 with a script-to-series commitment. TRIBUNE Coming soon Life A biopic on Snoop Dogg is finally happening! Universal Pictures is set to release the Snoop Dogg biopic on August 6, 2027, which will follow the rise of the artiste, mogul and gangsta rap icon. CHANDIGARH | THURSDAY | 23 JULY 2026 The trailer for Netflix’s series Operation Safed Sagaroffers a gripping glimpse into the IAF’s daring combat mission during the Kargil war (L-R) ARNAV BHASIN, ABHAY VERMA, AMRITA BAGCHI, SIDDHARTH, DIA MIRZA, JIMMY SHERGILL, PRAJAKTA KOLI, MIHIR AHUJA AND TAARUK RAINA DURING THE TRAILER LAUNCH OF OPERATION SAFED SAGAR IN MUMBAI. Girinandini Sharma J ULY 26, 1999! It’s been 27 years since India’s hardfought victory over Pakistan in the Kargil war. While the world knows about the massive ground offensive, with the infantry battles having been brought to the silver screen many a time, there’s a chapter that often slips beneath the radar — Operation Safed Sagar. In the freezing, thin air of 18,000 ft, the Indian Air Force’s combat mission in the unforgiving, snow-capped terrain made history for becoming the world’s highest air operation. Until now, there had hardly been any deliberations on the tactical ingenuity and sheer bravery required to give our aerial troops an upper hand. However, bringing this grey, high-altitude saga down to the earth, the official trailer launch of Netflix’s web series Operation Safed Sagar felt like a bridge across 27 years, more of an overdue paid to history. Outside, Mumbai was washed in the monsoon rain whereas inside, the air was charged up with a different kind of intensity. HONOURING A LONG OVERDUE HISTORY Top military brass, including Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh and Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa (retd), stood alongside veteran air warriors of the Golden Arrows— the legendary No. 17 Squadron that flew highrisk reconnaissance and strike missions. Joining them were fellow air veterans Group Captain Amit Gupta, Group Captain Alok Chaudhry and Group Captain Tarun Kumar Singha. Reflecting on how long it took to reach the screen, Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa (retd) said, “Twenty seven saal ho gye hain ...it was long overdue.” WHAT’S HOT play chandigarh MOBE WALI QAWWALI C HANDIGARH, the wait is finally over. Sana Khan takes the stage at Mobe on July 24 for an unforgettable evening of soulful melodies, powerful vocals, and timeless qawwalis. Five hours of music, emotions, and unforgettable vibes, whether you are a qawwali lover or simply looking for a magical night, this is where you need to be. The invisible front in the sky FROM ASUR TO HIGH-ALTITUDE ACTION the brave stories of real people on the line of action. On a different quest following the making of gripping mythological thriller Asur, director Oni Sen is now in charge to bring across the tale of the vast air operations that led us to have an edge over the enemy. “Overwhelming” as he cited the only thought that came to his mind while filming it, Sen shared that he had to shoulder massive responsibility to weave in Moments later, the stage was taken over by the amazing star cast: the multi-talented Punjabi boy Jimmy Shergill, Munjya fame Abhay Verma, Siddharth, Mihir Ahuja, Taaruk Raina, Arnav Bhasin, Dia Mirza, Prajakta Kohli and Adil Hussain. What makes the series feel so immediate is that it’s shot right in highaltitudes where the missions STAR-STUDDED SQUADRON Singer, song writer and composer Guru Randhawa has voiced support for students following the police action during the July 20 CJP protest, calling it a collective awakening for an uncompromised future. Guru posted his statement on social media earlier today — “United for education. United for youth. United for India. Our students are not divided by region, state or background. Their struggles and their dreams are shared by the entire country. Politics aside, this is a collective awakening for an uncompromised future. I hope their voices are heard with empathy, their safety is prioritized and a constructive resolution is brought forward immediately. Jai Hind!” ‘United for India’ ludhiana LA DOLCE VITA D IVYA DHANDA brings L’Dolce Vita — Celebration Edit to Ludhiana, a curated exhibition of fashion, jewels, and décor that promises to be a feast for the senses. The perfect pre-celebration browse for anyone looking to life. At Hyatt Regency, from July 29 to 30 at 11 am to 7 pm. learn GET YOUR CLAYPOP ON G Popular YouTuber MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) is now married. He recently exchanged vows with his girlfriend, Thea Booysen. On Tuesday, MrBeast dropped mesmerising pictures with Thea from their wedding ceremony. “I found Mrs Beast (red heart emojis) and it was the best day of my life,” he captioned the post. THE EMOTIONAL SIDDHARTH AND GRITTY JIMMY When asked about his biggest learning from the show, Siddharth was visibly emotional. Teary eyed, the actor said, “There’s a hope that whatever you do reaches young minds...there were many martyrs who laid their lives for us. It will begin a series of discussions among youngsters. ” Jimmy added, “When I was young, everyone wanted to join the Forces. At present, everyone wants to make films but no one wants to serve the country. Who is gonna fight then? It’s time for people to know who are true heroes are.” THE POWERFUL DIA Playing the role of a wife of an air force officer, Dia felt some- thing within her shifted the moment she entered the air force camp. “Kamal ma’am’s role was one of an anchor...someone who held the women together and connected them on a mission.” Her biggest takeaway?: “Every single day when their husbands stepped out of the home, they bid them goodbye with a smile on their face even if they had a fight the night before.” Operation Safed Sagar will stream on August 7. Maye ni, main ik shikra yaar banaya… Guru Randhawa stands in support of protesting students love chandigarh actually took place, far from comfortable studio sets. At its centre is a team of young Squadrons helmed by Wing Commander BS “Tony” Dhanoa (Jimmy) and his second-in-command, Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja (Siddharth), who venture into an impossible war. The freshfaced pilots with their respective callsigns, Dhali, Baldy, Sangu and Goofy, enter into a war that’s finally made possible to win under Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC- MrBeast weds Thea Booysen in-C) of the Western Air Command Vinod Patney (Adil), who is now Air Mashal. Dia Mirza portrays Kamalpreet Kaur Dhanoa. Mona Shiv Kumar Batalvi: The poet whose verses continue to echo across generations As admirers of Shiv Kumar Batalvi observe his birth anniversary on July 23, they are eagerly awaiting the day when his extraordinary life finally arrives on the big screen. With filmmaker Honey Trehan developing a feature film on the legendary poet, as well as another long-awaited biopic by director Mudassar Aziz, Batalvi's remarkable journey appears poised to reach a wider audience. This fascination with the poet's life is not new. A Films Division documentary Shiv Kumar Batalvi (1979) by Balwant Gargi remains one of the archival portraits of the man behind the verses, while Jessica Sadana's Haal Faqeeran Da (2020) offers a poetic exploration of his life. Together, these projects reaffirm the enduring appeal of a poet whose words have travelled far beyond literature. Known as the Birha Da Sultan (King of Separation), Batalvi transformed heartbreak into timeless poetry. His verses, steeped in love and longing, remain among the finest in Punjabi literature. Though he died at the age of 36, his legacy continues to flourish among younger audience, finding new expression through music, films and contemporary interpretations. On his birth anniversary, here's a look at his timeless songs: #1 Ikk Kudi (Udta Punjab) ET messy, get artsy, and sculpt your own designer mirror at this wildly satisfying PopClay Workshop in Chandigarh. Foamy, squishy, and poppy — it is not just art, it is a mood. Two hours of hands-on clay fun for ages eight and above. Deepakriti Institute of Creative Arts, Sector 44, Chandigarh. July 23 onwards till July 31. Based on Batalvi's poem, Ikk Kudi Jida Naam Mohabbat, composed by Amit Trivedi and soulfully rendered by Shahid Mallya, this haunting adaptation became one of the most memorable tracks of modern Hindi cinema. Its club mix by Alia Bhatt and Diljit Dosan- c m y b jh got its own following! #2 Main Kandyali Thor Ve Popularised in the Punjabi film Long Da Lishkara (1983) sung by Jagjit Singh, Main Kandyali Thor Ve remains one of his most popular song. Also sung by Mahendra Kapoor and others, the song captures the tenderness and ache that define Batalvi’s poetry. #3 Loki Poojan Rabb The Queen of Punjabi folk, Surinder Kaur's soulful rendition of Loki Poojan Rabb Main Tera Virhada beautifully captures Batalvi's profound exploration of longing and separation #4 Maye Ni Main Shikra... One of his most beloved compositions, immortalised by Jagjit and Chitra Singh, this heart-wrenching ode to love remains among the top celebrated songs in Punjabi music. # 5 Maye Ni Maye! Mere Geetan De... One of the most iconic Punjabi poems ever written by Birha Da Sultan, it has been sung by many well-known artistes including Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Jagjit Singh and Hans Raj Hans. This poem written from a woman's point of view captures the absolute peak of birha. #6 Ki Puchhde Ho Haal Fakiran Da A deeply moving meditation on detachment, this poignant poem sung by several legendary singers, including Kuldeep Manak and Ghulam Ali, remains one of Batalvi’s defining works, admired for its profound spiritual resonance. Then there have been others… From Ajj Din Chadheya in Love Aaj Kal to Jasleen Royal's Panchhi Ho Javan, various artistes have interpreted his verses in their own unique ways, ensuring that his words remain as resonant today as ever.