17082026-LSTC-01.qxd 16-08-2026 20:34 Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE AKSHAY’S HAIWAAN B’DAY WISH Life Akshay Kumar gave co-star Saif Ali Khan a special 56th birthday wish with a Haiwaanthemed video. Playing his antagonist character, Akshay sang Mera Hero Hai Woh before wishing Saif and blowing out a cupcake candle. The duo’s upcoming Priyadarshan-directed thriller Haiwaan releases on September 11. Meet Sinister Actor Adam Driver will make an anticipated entrance into the Marvel Cinematic Universe to play super villain Mister Sinister in Disney’s forthcoming film reboot of X-Men. CHANDIGARH | MONDAY | 17 AUGUST 2026 Rabab’s Kashmir story Mona A PUNJABI love song set in Kashmir isn’t unusual. But Sajjna Ve, the latest single by independent Punjabi singer-songwriter Ravneet Rabab, deliberately walks against the tide in more ways than one. Rabab tells the story through a woman’s eyes, and while Kashmir plays a postcard-perfect backdrop in music videos, Sajjna Ve looks beyond its scenic beauty to tell a poignant story of love, longing and humanity. Ravneet’s road to becoming an artiste wasn’t conventional. Although she holds a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and once imagined pursuing it as a career, music eventually became impossible to ignore. “I realised I was willing to sacrifice my sleep for music,” she says. “That’s when I knew it wasn’t just a hobby anymore—it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.” Faria hits back at trolls Telugu actress Faria Abdullah, who was trolled for participating in Bonalu celebrations (a Hindu festival to honour Goddess Mahakali) in Hyderabad, has responded with an emotional video. Faria lashed out at those who called her “kaafir” and said she does not wish them any harm. Faria comes from an interfaith family. Her father, Sanjay Abdullah, was born into a Hindu family before converting to Islam, while her mother, Kausar Sultana, was born Muslim but later developed a deep interest in Hindu spirituality and meditation. — ANI A journey rooted in music Ravneet immersed herself in artistic pursuits from an early age, participating in school and college music competitions. Her greatest influence has always been her mother. “She encouraged me to learn Gurbani Kirtan. I wasn’t very interested at first, but over time I completely fell in love with it.” That foundation shaped not only her voice but also her relationship with music. Keen to expand her skills, she learned guitar through a mix of formal lessons and hours of self-learning on YouTube before posting cover songs online. Those covers gradually opened the door to writing and releasing her own original music. Telugu actress opens up on faith, unity and peace after facing backlash over Bonalu celebrations A story beyond romance Once the song Sajjna Ve was complete, Ravneet instinctiv where its visuals belonged. “When the audio was ready, I felt it had a certain warmth and inno- chandigarh WHAT’S As she continues releasing original music and performing live, Ravneet says one part of her musical journey will never change. “Gurbani will always remain an important part of my life. I’m grateful people have connected so deeply with those tracks. No matter where my career takes me, that’s something I’ll always continue because it’s how I fell in love with music in the first place.” Sony Pictures Networks India announced Celebrity MasterChef Tamil, with Samantha Ruth Prabhu set to headline the globally celebrated culinary format for Tamil audiences on Sony VIZHA and Sony LIV. Bringing together the irresistible worlds of celebrity, food and competition, the show will see some of Tamil entertainment’s most recognisable faces step away from the sets and into the kitchen. Speaking about the show, Samantha Ruth Prabhu said, “Celebrity MasterChef Tamil is unlike anything I’ve done before, and that’s exactly what made it impossible to say no. Food has a wonderful way of bringing people together, creating memories, and revealing a side of you that the cameras don’t usually get to see.” D ELICIOUS food, thrilling rides, shopping, games, live entertainment and family fun await at Chandigarh Carnival 2026, 4 pm – 10 pm at sector 34. On till August 24. NSD SPECIALS T HE National School of Drama Repertory Company Theatre Festival is coming to Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh. Catch Vibhajan… Vibhishika… Tamas… on August 17 and Taj Mahal Ka Tender on August 18. At Tagore Theatre, Sector 18, Chandigarh, 6:30pm. Entry free! Ranveer’s Pralay goes on floors Headlined by Ranveer Singh, Pralay has officially gone on floors in Mumbai. Set against the unmistakable pulse and landscape of the city, Pralay is an original story that seeks to marry breathtaking spectacle with a deeply human emotional core. At its heart is a story of survival, directed by Jai Mehta. Ranveer Singh also serves as a producer on the film. love BADAL SHARMA LIVE ISTOCK chandigarh What’s next? to Tamil audience CARNIVAL play chandigarh means we’re responsible for almost everything,” she says. “We’re creating music, managing releases, handling social media, marketing our work and building our own audience.” She believes social media has opened unprecedented opportunities but has also transformed the demands of the job. “Along with making music, we’re constantly thinking about content, editing videos, creating that three-second Instagram hook, marketing our work and staying relevant.” MasterChef fun G The independent Punjabi singersongwriter explores love, longing and humanity Finding her own path Like many independent in her latest single, musicians, Ravneet wears far more hats than simply being Sajjna Ve an artiste. “Being independent Samantha brings HOT ET ready for an evening of laughter with Badal Sharma Live: Husband Material! Come catch the comedian live as he brings his signature humour and hilarious takes on life, relationships and everything in between. On August 29, 2026, at The Laugh Club, sector 26, Chandigarh, 5pm. cence. Kashmir felt like the perfect place to capture those emotions.” But the music video goes beyond picturesque scenery. “The ending was inspired by the story of Adil (Syed Adil Hussain Shah), the pony guide from the Pahalgam attack who lost his life while trying to save a tourist. The video reminds us how fragile life is and how humanity can shine even in the darkest moments.” The experience also left a personal impact. “I experienced the warmth and kindness of the people of Kashmir. Their generosity and hospitality made the experience so special.” c m y b 51years of Thalaiva Awarapan 2 crosses ~50 Cr Actor Emra an Hashmi’s film Awarapan 2 ha s earned over Rs 50 crore on the se cond day of re lease at the domestic box office. The film is directed by Nitin Kakkar and is a sequel to the 2007 cult film Awarapan, w hich featured the actor in the role of Shiv am. Awarapan 2, which released on Friday, report edly earned R s 23.4 crore nett on the opening da y and Rs 34.09 crore on Saturday at the domestic box office. The tota l collection of the films stands at Rs 54.79 crore at the domestic box office. — PTI Superstar Rajinikanth completes 51 years in cinema, marking the milestone on the sets of his upcoming film Dharman.A cake-cutting ceremony was held on the sets of the film in the presence of the cast and crew. His first film, Apoorva Raagangal, was released on August 15, 1975. Over the past five decades, the actor has gone on to become one of the biggest stars in Indian cinema. Dharman marks Thalaiva’s 173rd film. He was last seen in the action thriller Coolie in 2025!