20082025-LSTC-01.qxd 8/20/2025 12:46 AM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE Gender issue Life Randeep Hooda Up close & personal Five facts about the actor, who celebrates his birthday Born on August 20, 1976 in Rohtak, Haryana, Randeep Hooda is not just an acclaimed actor but also a producer, writer and director. As Randeep turns a year older, these lesser-known facets of his journey remind us that he’s much more than just a brilliant actor. hinting at the film career awaiting him back home. Struggle to success After facing his share of hardships in Australia, when Randeep came to Mumbai, he had just Rs1,500 in his pocket and a dream to carve his place in B-town. A director and actor from school days Randeep’s love for storytelling and performance began early — he was already dabbling as both an actor and a director in school. Those formative years laid the foundation for the versatile artiste he would become. Stardom began in Australia During his student days in Australia, Randeep worked as a waiter at a Chinese restaurant. Interestingly, the owner would often introduce him to customers as ‘Bollywood star Dharmendra’, unknowingly Kabir Nanda, who plays the lead in Ghich Pich, is happy that the film was well received at the ongoing Indian Film Festival of Melbourne Shivanshi Verma K ABIR NANDA’s debut film Ghich Pich, a family drama, is winning hearts. Born in Ferozepur, he shifted to Chandigarh at the age of 12. Kabir calls the City Beautiful his launchpad as it was here he auditioned for Ghich Pich and eventually bagged the lead role of Gurpreet Singh. Actress Helen Mirren says she doesn’t think women can portray James Bond, as the search for the next 007 agent is underway. “I’m such a feminist, but James Bond has to be a guy,” says Mirren. CHANDIGARH | WEDNESDAY | 20 AUGUST 2025 Making a splash of his toughest moments on set, the climax scene where with a simple smile he had to convey layers of remorse, acceptance and growth. “It took many takes but it came out beautifully,” he says. His journey also had its share of tense moments, including an incident when an entire day’s footage went missing. Fortunately, it was recovered late at night. A film about generations Hollywood crossover Randeep’s Hollywood journey began in 2020 with Extraction, where he starred alongside Chris Hemsworth under the direction of Sam Hargrave. The collaboration clicked so well that he reunited with Sam for their next film, Matchbox. The film is slated to release in 2026. An accomplished horseman Randeep is a national-level equestrian, excelling in show jumping and dressage. He owns six horses. — TNS Directed by Ankur Singla, Ghich Pich, set in 2001, highlights the generational gap that exists in many families. According to Kabir, this gap “keeps growing until it feels like a mountain,” and the film attempts to capture the silences, conflicts, and connections that define fatherson relationships. Challenges on set The young actor recalls one c m y b Recognition and motivation Despite these challenges, the young actor feels grateful for the love the film has received at the on-going Indian Film Festival of Melbourne and before that in Cinevesture International Film Festival, Chandigarh and also in cinemas. For Kabir, the praise has been both encouraging and motivating. “It creates a positive pressure to keep improving, because the first brick you place after building your base is the most important step,” he reflects. The road ahead With projects like Kohrra Season 2 on Netflix and Dice Media’s Ikatthe in his kitty, Kabir Nanda’s journey has only begun. Dream role While he enjoys playing lively and relatable characters, he says he wants to do an intense role someday, one that challenges him as an actor. Firmly rooted Kabir shares a heartfelt note with his viewers, “I want my work to stand as proof that ambition and hard work can take you anywhere, no matter where you begin. Having said that, I’m a Chandigarh boy at heart, and I want to make my city proud.”