25012026-LSTL-01.qxd 1/24/2026 8:44 PM Page 1 c m y b KING SET FOR DEC RELEASE Shah Rukh Khan on Saturday announced the release date of his upcoming film King, which will hit the big screen on December 24. Directed by Siddharth Anand, the upcoming film is produced by Red Chillies Entertainment and Marflix Pictures. Shah Rukh shared the announcement video on his Instagram handle. TRIBUNE Life Poetry performed Priya Malik needs little introduction. Known for her live performances across the world and for her roles in shows such as Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhen, Savitri Devi College & Hospital and Bigg Boss Season 9, Malik speaks about her journey as a performer and poet. “I have been performing live since I was very young, starting with school elocutions and debates,” she says. “I was quite active in cultural activities during my academics. But I began performing my own poems over a decade ago. Through competitions like the Australian Poetry Slam, and then professionally in India from 2017 onwards, I became a regular on the circuit.” Her solo performances, she says, vary in structure but usually run for about an hour and a half. “They are a collection of my poems, performed under my name, showcasing my style and signature storytelling,” Malik adds. Elaborating on what sets her solo shows apart, Malik points to complete creative control. “The unique point of my shows is that I am entirely in charge. I write, direct and perform everything myself. It’s a one-woman show, and the audience gets an authentic Priya Malik experience every time,” she says. Malik has performed in major cities Girl power I write, direct and perform everything myself, says actor-poet Priya Malik Dia Mirza has drawn attention to the urgent link between girls’ safety and freedom of movement, marking National Girl Child Day and National Tourism Day with a powerful call for gender-responsive action. LUDHIANA | SUNDAY | 25 JANUARY 2026 Parades, pride, BEL NGING SAANAND VERMA A across India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune and Kolkata. Internationally, she has staged shows in Australia and several other locations, often for audiences from the Indian diaspora. As a performer who writes and recites her own work, the question remains: how does one balance the literary quality of poetry with the theatrical demands of live stage performance? S India celebrates Republic Day, actors from across the industry revisit childhood traditions and personal moments that shaped their sense of national pride. From school flag-hoisting ceremonies to watching the parade on Doordarshan, their reflections highlight India’s diversity, democratic values and its journey as a rapidly evolving nation. MEG HA SHARMA Megha Sharm a feels Repub lic Day dese deeper reflect rves ion. She says it marks the da became a so y India vereign, dem ocratic republic and urges people to think about th eir responsibi lities as citiz ens, not just their rights. H er childhood memories incl ude waking up early to watch the parade on tele vision, flag hoisting at sc hool, wearing white cl othes and practising patriotic songs and da nces. Even without fully understanding the Constit ution then, sh e recalls a strong sense of pride and connection to the country beyo nd textbooks. CHAT UP TAAPSEE PANNU TO LEAD ASSI UPDATE ON DHURANDHAR SEQUEL Taapsee Pannu is all set to come up with a new film titled Assi. Directed by Anubhav Sinha, Assi will hit the theatres on February 20. On Friday, an intriguing motion poster of the film was unveiled. It depicted a girl fleeing from a group of three boys, intercut with visuals of Taapsee Pannu portraying a lawyer, her face smeared with blood. Director Aditya Dhar has shared an update regarding the release of the sequel to the blockbuster film Dhurandhar. Taking to his Instagram handle, Aditya Dhar replied to a fan who asked him to release the film’s teaser soon. He wrote, “Teaser will be out in few days,” accompanied by the folding hands emoji. PRINCE NARULA AND YUVIKA IN THE 50 Prince Narula and Yuvika Chaudhary are set to enter the upcoming reality show The 50, which is set to commence from February 1. Prince is popular for his consecutive wins in the popular reality shows of India, which include Roadies, Splitsvilla and Bigg Boss. The actor appeared with his wife, Yuvika in Nach Baliye, where they emerged victorious. (Clockwise from top) Mona Singh, Ahan Shetty, Varun Dhawan & Taha Shah Badussha Actors recall Republic Day memories, reflect on what India means to them today N PARAKH MADAlic Day was Repub AGE IS JUST A NUMBER At an age when most people talk about slowing down, Anupam Kher is doing the opposite. On Saturday, Kher took to his Instagram account to share a picture from the gym with his friend and co-actor Ravi Kishan. Along with the picture, Kher added a caption that read, “Pain is temporary, but pride is forever.” A grand premiere of Border 2 was a star-studded night for Mumbai. From Sukhwinder Singh to cricketer Yashasvi Jaiswal, several B-town celebs attended the event. One of the highlights of the premiere was Varun Dhawan’s respectful gesture towards his co-star, Sunny Deol, outside the venue. Varun was dressed in blue jeans and a leather jacket paired with a white t-shirt. The grand premiere was attended by the lead cast, including Sunny Deol, Ahan Shetty, Mona Singh, Anya Singh, Sonam Bajwa, producer Bhushan Kumar and others. The grand premiere also featured a guest from the cricket field, including the star batter Yashasvi Jaiswal. He posed with actor Ahan, who Saanand Verma says he feels immense pride in how rapidly India is progressing. As a child, he would watch the Republic Day parade on Doordarshan every 26 January and was particularly fascinated by the grand celebrations and the colourful tableaux representing different states. Those moments, he says, revealed how diverse yet united the country is. Today, he sees that same unity reflected in India’s expanding infrastructure, from new flyovers and metro projects to improving roads. SHIVANGI VERMA Shivangi Verma, who grew up in Delhi, remembers going to India Gate to watch the Republic Day parade live. Despite the winter cold, she describes the experience as joyful and memorable. Having travelled abroad, she feels India offers a unique sense of comfort and belonging, marked by a strong feeling of apna pan. She says her love for the national flag remains constant. says herParakh Madan ipated days of the most antic one of n with a flagwould begi ed childhood. It school, follow g ceremony at hoistin at he often ast parade th tby a march-p use captain. La e school’s ho led as th at home to would gather er, her family rade on Doorepublic Day pa r watch the R is a reminde her, the day darshan. For in its Constitu ngth lies e points at India’s stre th . Sh ity in diversity tion and its un orld’s fourth is now the w a out that Indi y and largest econom y pillar of the a ke order, global sfully succes balancing its civilisational roots with a high-tech future. A star-studded looked stylish in an unbuttoned blue shirt, black jeans and a white t-shirt. Singer Sukhwinder Singh arrived at the event in a black hoodie to attend the grand premiere. Suniel Shetty also attended the event to support his son Ahan Shetty at the grand premiere. Anna was dressed in an all-black outfit, looking stylish while posing for the camera. Parth Samthan also attended the event to show his support for the movie. Apart from them, Athiya Shetty and KL Rahul also attended the grand premiere. Border 2 is directed by Anurag Singh and brings back Sunny Deol in the lead role. The film also stars Varun Dhawan and Diljit Dosanjh in key roles. — ANI affair SUNNY DEOL c m y b GAURAVV SAXENA Gauravv Saxena views India through a global lens, having spent nearly a decade in Uganda before recently returning to Mumbai. To him, India today feels like a powerhouse that has found its rhythm. He believes the country is no longer just developing, but leading, citing its digital infrastructure and growing global influence. He describes India as a beautiful paradox, deeply rooted in ancient spirituality, such as the peace he experienced at the Ganga Aarti in Rishikesh, while simultaneously racing towards a high-tech future. YESHA HARSORA Yesha Harsora describes India as a nation that respects democracy, diversity and unity despite differences. She values the country’s ability to grow while holding on to its core values. Her Republic Day memories include waking up early to watch the parade, singing patriotic songs at school and proudly holding the Tricolour. She also recalls full-day celebrations in her society, whe re children and senior citizens part icipated in games and activities. ‘I feel really fortunate’ Ryan Coogler, the director of Sinners, expressed his delight at the impressive Oscar nominations the movie has received this year for the upcoming Academy Awards. In an interview, Coogler said he felt fortunate for the recognition his movie received from the Oscar jury. “I was very impressed by everything that my collaborators were doing every day, so I’m so happy that everybody got recognised by their peers. Obviously, I’m biased. I think these folks I work with are some of the best in the world. I feel really fortunate. Because it doesn’t always go that way,” said Coogler. The nominations for the 98th Academy Award were announced on Thursday, with Sinners leading the race, with a record-breaking 16 nods. Starring Michael B Jordan, the supernatural thriller received nominations for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor for Jordan, Best Supporting Actress for Wunmi Mosaku, Best Supporting Actor for Delroy Lindo, Original Screenplay, Casting, Production Design, Cinematography, Costume design, Film Editing, Makeup and Hairstyling, Sound, Visual Effects, Original Score, and Original Song. —ANI