25102026-LSTL-01.qxd 10/24/2026 7:12 PM Page 1 c m y b FAUZI TEASER OUT The makers of Prabhas-starrer Fauzi celebrated the actor’s 47th birthday as they released the film’s teaser that reveals the lead star as a fearless rebel soldier. It opens in Berlin featuring a tense historical conversation between Adolf Hitler and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose about British oppression in India. TRIBUNE Take a break Life Jenna Ortega plans to step away from television for a while after completing her work on Netflix’s hit series Wednesday, saying she wants to make room for new opportunities in her career. LUDHIANA | SUNDAY | 25 OCTOBER 2026 ‘I have soul connection with Punjab’ At the Khushwant Singh Literary Festival in Kasauli, a conversation about stories, creativity and Punjab could wander in any direction — much like an Imtiaz Ali film NehaSaini T HERE is something delightfully simple yet deep about a conversation with Imtiaz Ali that centres around Punjab, wanders into the history of aviation, takes a detour through love and loneliness, and eventually arrives at the question of why some stories simply refuse to leave us alone. The filmmaker behind hugely successful films like Jab We Met, Rockstar, Tamasha and the recent Main Vaapas Aaunga, has made a career out of people, some in search of love, others purpose. His characters are flawed, vulnerable yet endearing. Perhaps that is what makes him such an interesting storyteller. Imtiaz finds himself at home with stories that come with a bit of wonderment for him. “I am a daydreamer. I spend a lot of time day dreaming, wondering about things that, at some point of time in life, happened to me. I used to daydream in my class, now I do it through my stories,” said Imtiaz. As a filmmaker, he said he is on a lucky ride. “I feel I am living a charmed life where I am doing exactly what I would have wanted to do.” It also means taking up stories that simply need to be told — with creativity, compassion and a little humanity. “Main Vaapas Aaunga was made because I met survivors of Partition, who did not have hate in their heart. Only memories of their ‘home, or a beloved’ that was left behind,” he explained to an audience looking to understand how a historically traumatic event could form the basis of this year’s most endearing love stories. Coming to love, Imtiaz doesn’t claim to understand it. And that is perhaps where the fun of talking to Imtiaz lies. One can ask him about love without expecting a conventional answer. “You think I would know about love or ishq because I made Laila Majnu, Jab We Met or Tamasha. Contrary, I would not have made these films if I had any understanding of ishq.” But Imtiaz confesses his love for Punjab and its stories. “I came across the famous lines from a Shabd composition that says, Main hoon param purakh ko dasa, dekhan aayo jagat tamasha (I am the servant of the Supreme Divine Being, and I have come down to this world to witness the play/drama of creation). And that made me work on Tamasha. I have some soul connection with Punjab. Also, I got to know that the first woman to fly a plane from Punjab was named Imtiaz,” he threw in a trivia to drive home the point. So, which story from Punjab now piques his interest? “The historical event of “Haa da nara” (Cry for Justice) and the unique heritage of Malerkotla is what interests me. Malerkotla is the town famous for remaining entirely peaceful during the bloody violence of Partition because of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s historic blessing,” he signed off, leaving with wonderment of turning a historic event into a film someday. What’s Haa Da Naara that fascinates Imtiaz Ali? Haa Da Naara refers to an historic event connecting the story of Nawab Sher Mohammad Khan of Malerkotla—who boldly stood up against the Mughal Governor Wazir Khan to protest the bricking alive of Guru Gobind Singh Ji’s sons (the Sahibzadas). According to historical accounts, Nawab Sher Mohammad Khan was present at Wazir Khan’s court during this trial. Despite the fact that Malerkotla was at war with the Sikhs, he vehemently protested against the Governor’s decree to execute the Sahibzadas. This bold protest became immortalised in history as the Haa da Nara. To this day, it’s believed that the Guru blessed Nawab Sher Mohammad Khan and declared that the roots of Malerkotla would never be uprooted, and the town would always remain safe. ‘Satish was my twin’ Valentino’s Diwali glamour Maison Valentino’s Diwali celebration in Mumbai became a showcase of high-fashion drama, with guests arriving in bold looks against a glowing purple-lit backdrop. Fatima Sana Shaikh went all black in an oversized, shoulder-padded blazer dress, finished with a sheer lace-appliquéd skirt and a white clutch. Khushi Kapoor chose black and white, wearing a black top with a bow at the neck and a sheer cutout, a sleek ivory column skirt, feathered cuffs and a Valentino bag. Diana Penty glided in a flowing blue gown with a sweeping cape and studded heels, a graceful statement among the night’s sharper silhouettes. Aditya Roy Kapur kept it sleek in a dark suit over a black shirt with a gold medallion print. Dino Morea matched the evening’s relaxed confidence in a black velvet blazer over a crisp white shirt. Together, the looks balanced festive elegance with Valentino’s signature drama. Anil Kapoor fondly remembers his late friend Satish Kaushik and their unbreakable bond Some moments on television go beyond the format of a show, turning into heartfelt tributes to relationships that remain timeless. An upcoming episode of India Ke Top 1% The Anil Kapoor Show witnessed one such moment when contestant Gagan’s striking resemblance to the late actor and filmmaker Satish Kaushik brought back fond memories for host Anil Kapoor. During the interaction, Gagan shared that people often compared him to Satish Kaushik. He also recalled meeting the veteran actor during a shoot in Delhi for the television show, Sumit Sambhal Lega. His revelation prompted Anil Kapoor to fondly remember his close friend, with whom he shared a bond that went far beyond their professional association. Reflecting on their friendship, Anil said, “My bond with him, I cannot explain. Even if this shoot were 70 minutes long, it would not be enough to tell his stories. He used to tell me, ‘Tera talent lajawab hai.’” Revisiting some of their most cherished memories, Anil revealed that he fondly called Satish Kaushik Danny DeVito. The two also shared a love for the WHAT’S film Twins and had often imagined playing twin brothers together. Remembering their unique equation, Anil said, “Agar mera koi judwa bhai ban sakta hai, toh woh sirf Satish tha, kyunki usko mere baare mein har cheez pata thi mera gussa, meri khushi, har cheez. He knew me so well.” Adding a touch of nostalgia and humour to the emotional exchange, Gagan and Anil recreated one of Satish Kaushik’s memorable dialogues on stage: “Mera naam hai Calendra, main chala kitchen ke andar!” The moment brought his unmis- takable comic spirit back into the conversation, leaving the audience with a smile. Appreciating Gagan’s gesture, Anil told him, “Aapne mera dil jeet liya hai.” Keeping the mood light, he then jokingly appealed to the audience that if anyone had the money to make a film inspired by Twins, they should cast the two of them as twin brothers. The moment was a touching reminder of Satish Kaushik’s enduring legacy, not just as an actor and filmmaker but also as a dear friend whose warmth, humour and memories continue to live on. HOT c m y b FUN ON STAGE JAPANESE KINTSUGI ART B IKANERVALA has opened its new outlet at Medallion, Sector 68, bringing its signature Indian sweets, snacks and multi-cuisine delicacies to the city. The launch coincided with the brand’s Melbourne launch, celebrating its universal taste across markets. kharar Love D ASTAK Theatre Festival at Chandigarh University will present Pati Gaye Re Kathiawaar, a humorous theatrical production on October 25. At AuditoriumAcademic Block D1 at 2 pm. chandigarh FATIMA SANA SHAIKH, KHUSHI KAPOOR & DIANA PENTY play SWEET SOMETHING mohali eat E XPERIENCE the ancient Japanese art of mending broken pottery with gold, repairing a ceramic mug in a mindful, hands-on restoration workshop. It’s on at Olive Cafe and Bar, Chandigarh today.