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The show
goes on! India
Shining in Hollywood
NATURE
CALLING MATKA CHOWK Biking all
the way! Coffee at
Taj ‘Sundari’
in town Film & FASHION
YOUTH SPEAK
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In our country, where couch potatoes find it such a headache to go and cast their vote in the general elections, we surprisingly have unlimited fingers feverishly typing
SMS’s to vote for their ‘Indian Idol’ or ‘Nach Baliye’ couple. Anandita Gupta takes a look at the trend of musical shows on TV catching up
The recipe is perfect…Take a
bunch of celebrities, pair them with professional dancers and just let them
twirl and swish across the stage, pirouetting and doing a full split mid-air,
leaving many mouths gaping at them. Or better still, pick up some not-so-known
talented youngsters, groom them right and let them swing .The celebs are here
too, but not as performers. They are rather sitting upright, cutting coherent
but painfully unfunny jokes at the participants (what else would so wonderfully
evoke the audience’s sympathy towards the humble participant?). And as the
performers start loosing themselves to the joy of performing and the high of
applause, you find those bubbly Endorphins (joy inducing hormones) doing a rock
‘n’ roll in your body too! Little wonder then, that the dance shows on TV
earn TRP’s, money and fame, no less. Be it ‘Strictly Come Dancing’
and ‘Pop Idol’ on British Television, ‘Kaboom’ on Star
Plus, ‘Fame Gurukul’ on Sony TV, or the recently concluded ‘Nach
Baliye’ on Star One, these shows have made public laugh, cry, shriek and
vote! Is it the sheer joy of letting oneself lose to the joy of dancing (or
singing), identifying and emphathising with a commoner enroute fame or the
built-up curiosity and media hype, that has made these shows so close to our
hearts? Lets find out. To beef up their TRP ratings, various TV channels are
falling over each other to include performance based shows in their gambit.
When Sony went ahead of the Antakshri era by airing Boogie Woogie prime time,
no one knew dances would notch up exorbitantly high viewer-ship. But, such
shows have got the nation rocking today. Another milestone came with the ‘Indian
Idol’ getting aired on Sony. In terms of viewership, this show was third
in the pecking order, following perennial faves ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi
Bahu Thi’ and ‘Kasautti.." What was it about ‘ Indian Idol’
that tugged the heartstrings so well?
Reasons Supreet Kaur, an M.Sc student from Patiala, "The greatest thing about these shows is that one really can’t tell. The performers improve so quickly and so drastically. A participant who amazes you with awkward movements, can suddenly stun you with fast, raunchy and energetic moves." Adds youngster Kalyani Bansal, ""Dance as a concept for TV, though a very young genre, has done well. Thanks to the bevy of soaps that people have got tired of." And another segment surely pleased with these dance-cum-performance-shows is the one with smiles on their faces and spring in their steps. Yes, these are the choreographers behind performers. Opines famous Dance Director Saroj Khan, " I believe such shows are an excellent platform for the country’s young talent. Not only do they hold the interest of viewers but of producers and directors who pick the best performers for their forthcoming projects." And how about the celebs ala spice quotient of these shows? Most of these shows have celebs either as judges, guest performers or compeers, to hold the interest of the viewers. A recently aired dance show ‘Nach Baliye’, in fact, had TV stars as celeb performers. Plus, there was famous choreographer Saroj Khan and model Mallika Arora Khan as judges to add some spice. Muses Saroj Khan, the lady who’s ruled countless celluloid dance sequences for decades, " Our presence is not just to boost TRP’s but also to encourage and judge the performers. I always try to guide the participants by giving them cues on improving their performance." How do the celebs feel to be aired in such shows? Chuckle winners Sachin and wife Supriya Pilgaonkar, "For stars like us, prize money is never the prime consideration. It’s rather that envious attention and love from our fans that’s the driving force!" Adds Hulle Hularey girl Rajeshwari, "Despite our share of goof-ups, cutting comments from judges and the pressure of grilling rounds, it’s fun with all those flattering flashlights on you. If TV stars like us can get such a high from all this attention, imagine the plight of a commoner!" she winks. To grab all segments of viewers, channels are falling back on these shows. Like style shows just attract the fashion savvy, up market segment. And quiz shows grapple the intellectual kinds. But these shows carrying a potpourri of dance, singing, awareness and personal grooming take care of the masses. Moreover, they are a respite from the serials carrying saas-bahu brigade. So all you viewers out there, fasten your dancing shoes, let your hair down and get ready to shake a leg. Who knows, you could be the next Indian Idol!
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Parbina Rashid talks to Gurmukh Singh who was in city to promote his third book ‘California Dreams’
The book comes with the ‘feel good’ factor, by his own admission. And how can one feel good if India is not shining? Pick up Gurmukh Singh’s ‘California Dreams’ and you are bound to feel all that the author promises you. The catch line ‘India Shining in the Land of Hollywood’ is heady enough to make you go drooling. Why just California and that too Southern California? The introductory page says it all —‘Southern California is the place where the American Dream of Indian immigrants actually began more than a hundred years ago. The first Indian immigrants might have landed in northern California but many moved down south, particularly the Imperial Valley and Fresno.’ And before we can move on to our next question Gurmukh, a seasoned journalist, makes our task easy. Information flows – ‘There are more than 2.5 million Indians living in America and about 20,000 in Southern California alone. This book is an attempt to highlight the contributions of Indians in every field.” So the book that starts with a chapter on ‘The Journey So Far’ takes one through the lives and achievements of well known as well as lesser known personalities like Dalip Singh Saund, who was the first Asian to be elected to the US Congress, Dr Amarjeet Singh Marwah, the papa of Indian American doctors, Dr Harkeerat S. Dhillon, the cardiologists with record patents, Dr Harvinder S. Sahota, India’s flag bearer and many more. Keeping in sync with the Hollywood spirit, the author has worked on a delightful chapter ‘Their Cinema, Our people’ which just does not talk about people like Ismail Merchant, Ashok Amritraj or the latest sensation Manoj Night Shyamalan who delivered mega hits like ‘Sixth Sense’, ‘Signs’ and ‘The Village’, but also traces back to the historical event when Sabu, the first Indian boy made an appearance in Zoltan Korda’s ‘Elephant Boy’ way back in 1937. Injected with a heavy dose of anecdotal history, Gurmukh’s style of writing keeps pace with the historical facts, keeping the flow smooth for the reader. It took him about four months of intensive research to come op with all necessary information. This is his third book; his first ‘A Hero of American Hearts’ was published in 1991 and ‘The Rise of Sikhs Abroad’ in 2003—both published by Rupa & Co. With ‘California Dreams’, Gurmukh has established his own publishing house, the British Columbia Books Publication. He is here to promote his book, which will be officially released next month.
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Past of the
postbox In this age where people prefer to communicate by e-mails and SMS messages, one rarely finds people dropping mails in the letter box standing at the corner of the neighbourhood. The good old letter box has come a long way. In fact, letter boxes in India have completed 150 years. To mark its sesqui-centennial year in the country, the Department of Post and Telegraph has issued a set of four commemorative stamps. An information brochure of the Department of Post and Telegraph states that, historically, letter boxes came in different shapes and sizes, combining functionality while also representing the authority of the state and its prerogative of being the sole provider of postal service in the country. The genesis of the letter box lies in the ‘Stone Post’. In the seventeenth century, Dutch and English ships made long voyages around the Cape of Good Hope. They stopped for fresh water there and left their letters under a big stone from where they were collected by the next ship going in the opposite direction. It is said that France was the first country to introduce roadside letter boxes in 1853 followed by Germany and Belgium. In Britain, Rowland Hill first suggested installation of the roadside letter box in 1840. However, the first letter box in the British Isles was only set up in 1852 when pillar boxes were erected at St. Hellier in Jersey on the recommendation of Anthony Trollope, who was the Surveyor’s clerk for the post office. In 1853, the first pillar type post box, called a Victorian box, was erected at Botchergate, Carlise. In 1859, the design was improved and green became the standard colour for the Victorian box. The Victorian Crown type was the first letter box to be imported to India in 1856-57. This was followed by the Lotus type letter box also known as the Penfold letter box, after its designer. Between 1866 and 1879, the hexagonal Penfold box with a cap decorated with acanthus leaves became the standard design for pillar boxes and red was adopted as the standard colour. In 1879, the cylindrical type of letter box was adopted around the world. From 1887, the words “Post Office” were also placed on either side of the aperture. Later, the hours of collection also came to be indicated on the boxes. From 1857 onwards, the wall box-type letter boxes came into use which could be fixed to existing walls. Small lamp-post boxes were introduced in 1896. At present, two types of letter boxes —the TV type and the pillar type are in use by the Department of Post and Telegraph in India. Different colours have been introduced to easy segregation of mail. While the green one is for local mail, the blue one is for the metropolitan cities and the yellow one is for Delhi while the good-old red one has the rest.
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NATURE CALLING Natural ingredients like aloe vera, tulsi, mulethi, neem, wheat-germ oil, sandal, and almond oil no longer results in raised eyebrows, as people are not only hearing these words more often but also using these ingredients extensively. Is not there a saying that trends move in a full circle? This is evitable from the fact that the market is flooded with herbal products. The benefits of ayurveda are not new as they are referred to in our Vedas and has been given due importance by our ancestors. Now people are much inclined towards the herbal and natural products and preferring these to the synthetic ones. This trend has been seen in the western countries from quite some time but now India too wants to follow the same path. A plethora of herbal products is flooding the market like never before. Every other day a new range of herbal products is being introduced. Not only new companies are coming up with a whole range of natural products but also the well-established market players are diversifying into the herbal range. The cosmetics and healthcare products are predominantly following this trend. Companies like Himalaya came up with a whole range of herbal products, including baby care, hair care, cosmetics and drugs. Sunsilk and Clinic Plus, the senior members in the hair care segment have recently come up with ayurvedic shampoos. Even Parachute has launched Parachute Sampoorna hair oil, the herbal version of the earlier one. Hindustan Lever Limited recently introduced Lever Ayush Ayurveic Health and Personal care products with the brand seal- “Truth of Ayurveda, Proof of Science.’ Godrej Herbal Hair dyes, Emami Naturally Fair are some of the new products comprising distinct herbal ingredients. Dabur (does have herbal products like Dabur Chawanprash) is also expanding through the launch of herbal toothpaste and Vatika Henna conditioning hair packs. Even the baby care has jumped into the bandwagon. Kauter Healthcare launched an exclusive herbal baby care products aptly called Tenderils. Pharmaceuticals sector does not want to be left behind as it has adapted itself according to the consumers demand for herbal remedies. Now you don’t need to add tulsi, mulethi or ashwagandha to your cup of tea as these herbal ingredients are already served in your tea packs by Red Label. People are buying herbal products without any second thought and even don’t mind shelling out a rupee or two more when it comes to providing natural care. Receiving this positive and overwhelming response from the consumers the market players are exploring new avenues and trying to tap each and every segment. The question of authenticity and originality does arise with so many companies selling their products under the herbal tag. With the herbal rage soaring still high, it won’t be surprising if companies go for herbal garments or even footwear.
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MATKA CHOWK The crisp, cold winter air has brought out colourful sweaters and has given us all an extra-dose of energy and cheer — amply evident if you decide to enjoy the chilly evenings wandering the city streets. Sector 17 is one of the favourite haunts. At this time of the year — it shines like a jewel in the crown. Lots of badly parked cars compete for space. Lots of happy faces flood the fountain side. Lots of women are buying exquisite shawls — as if they really need another one! Men, fewer in number, are dutifully escorting women from shop to shop. Children are demanding food and drinks and rightfully, throwing fits. The smell of fresh popcorn is adding to the already festive air. There are more people browsing the bookstore, since New Year cards are also on display. New calendars and diaries are gleaming in the racks. Many shops are displaying overpriced Christmas decorations. Silver bells and holly have been crafted in great style. Lots of young girls are looking for the perfect new-years-eve-party-dress and of course, the magical glass slippers. Another place that people of the city flock to is the Lake. Migratory birds are in the lake — of so many colors and shape. Every place else where in the city, flowers are blooming on every chowk. People are gearing up for the flower shows — Rose festival and others. Many exhibitions are on —selling regional handicrafts, refrigerators and pickles. Gardeners are busy planting rows of Dahlias and Chrysanthemums. Grandmas are busy buying the right shade of wool. Women like me, with no knitting skills whatsoever are eyeing the lovely sweaters adorning the shop racks. The smell of fresh methi is spiraling up from many kitchens. Tawa and tandoor are in great use. Badminton racquets are out and the neighbourhood cricket pitches are ready to roll. Picnics are being planned with gusto. Tins of chocolates, biscuits and nuts are being sold in dozens. And of course, pinni is in demand. Bakeries are busy planning for a busy cake season. Butter is in and so are hot frothy cappuccinos. Mothers are nagging the children to wear appropriate warm clothes - children are fighting a lost battle. Even street dogs have mended their differences and have resorted to snuggling tight. The Christmas Season as they say is the season for giving and sharing — of joy and goodwill. Since, we are not feeling so angry at the world these days, this might be a good time to count our blessings. We seem to remember every single misdeed we have suffered, but tend to forget all that we have to be thankful for. Have you counted your blessings lately?
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Biking all the way! While on one of his short trips to the hills, Karan came across these fiery motorists who were zooming their bikes away. Awe-struck that he was, he decided to be one of them. Well, that was it! There was no looking back after that. The first time he took part in the raid was in 2000, without any preparation. Not even in the attire, with his jeans and no protective gear. But he had oodles of determination and enthusiasm. His determination couldn’t lead him to the finish of the race the first time. He then changed his bike, graduated to RX 135, got proper shoes and came third in the Motorcross in Chandigarh in 2001. Sounds easy, but its always easier said than done. Despite winning many such rallies, some where down the line he wasn’t satisfied. He wanted to prove himself that he could actually complete the Raid-de- Himalaya. “Getting a position in the Raid-de-Himalaya is like an experience to behold but finishing this raid is a huge challenge in itself. To ride at a temperature of –10º C is something that every one can’t do.” In 2003, he again went for this raid and came out second. This was, according to him, was the first moment of glory. The 2004 raid didn’t see him as his academics came in his way. But his absence from it made him a force to reckon with. He made Chandigarh proud by coming fifth overall and second in his group. That is not all. He got the John Mark James trophy, named after his fellow motorist (from England), who lost his life in 2001 for his most outstanding performance. Also he was voted as the Best Biker. What drives him to this sport ? The answer that followed was a little disappointing. He says, “There is no money in this sport, sponsors don’t come to you and on top of that you are not even given credit for the hard work that you have put in. This is an expensive sport and maybe just because of the expense many talented people don’t come up. The only drive that I have towards this game is my love for this sport. I wish we too were given some incentives.” Karan feels bad as according to him if he had some sponsors he would have gone much ahead. Makes us feel bad too, but despite all odds he did manage to prove himself. For one, this winner has a family, which is supportive. He wants to encourage all those who have it in them, “For those who have the mettle in them, should participate in such rallies and not just on Chandigarh roads.” He has a lots more to say but believes in compiling it all in just one line which is his sole motto in life, “Life is a book, if you don’t travel, you just read a page.” And do we not believe him.
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Coffee at Taj There are some things one never gets tired of… like gobbling those munchy-crunchy popcorns while watching a Yash Chopra flick, lazing languidly on an idle sunny afternoon with ones favourite book and yes, sipping that simmering black brew on a chilly winter evening. In fact, your fave cuppa of coffee is something that gives you that essential kick (quite literally) to move on. Cashing in on this coffee craze are the leading coffee brands offering delightful varieties of the magic bean.
Standing tall, in fact holding its head up high among these is the Coffee Shop at The Taj Hotel, Sector 17, Chandigarh. Though this may not be the place where you’ll find the best Cappuccino outside Italy, it promises serving a spectacular coffee cuppa in style. Launched on 20th June, 2005, the haunt has been revamped to please palettes of its regular customers this Christmas. Here’s a lowdown on the new feel of the place. Drinkable coffee, pleasant surroundings and friendly staff. That’s not all at the Taj Coffee shop. For, the place holds a promise of much more. First and foremost, it’s not satisfied just being dubbed as a haunt for the city’s arty folk. It rather seems desperate to be labeled as a chic place to chill around. So, while the renovated warm interiors and wooden flooring confirm its classy status, the open-air seating arrangement emits those chill out vibes. Beams Anil Malhotra, General Manager, the Taj, Chandigarh, “ Winter is the best time to savour delicious delicacies sitting in the afternoon sunshine. So, we have Alfresco- our open-air seating arrangement for the young sunshine lovers.” Something about this coffee den that simply can’t be beaten? Here’s some good news for all foodies —the coffee shop is swanky food bar camouflaged as a café. So, gourmets could gobble a pretty mean mouthful, food and drink I mean! There are assorted biscuits, crispy bread rolls, Italian sandwiches, patties, salads, desserts, smoked almonds and even biryanis and bhelpuris. “Our diverse menu is the star attraction. Be it the range of our dishes, their quality or taste, we claim too be the best in town and that’s our forte.” chips Sanjay Vijj, the chief Chef at the Taj. And prices? “Our range caters to everybody’s pocket, starting from Rs 100 to 1500,” confirms Malhotra. Now, all you’ve got to do is be there.Sit, relax and order the finest cup of coffee. Enjoy the delicious delicacies to die for. And while you sip a simmering coffee, don’t forget to thank the Italians and Brazilians for that magic coffee bean!
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Harish Khanna, a trained actor from the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi, has won many accolades, both as an actor and teacher, says Kabir Singh He speaks with piercing honesty and each answer he gave was seeped with a concentrated energy. On the difference between the NSD and the Central School of Speech and Drama, London. The NSD has one of the best training programmes in the world. India is a multi-cultural society with many languages and diverse approaches to the performing arts. The NSD in its training programme manages to expose the students to this immense range and scale. On the other hand the CSSD is much more standardised and specific in its approach. This is because Europe does not have an active and living folk tradition that India has, but they are very impressive in vocals and voice modulation. On making a living out of stage acting
Glum. It’s very difficult, especially in the Metros Is regular work available for a stage actor, work that will sustain him financially? The NSD has started doing extensive programmes, which involve the graduates of the school, so there is some amount of money to live by through these workshops. This supports you in that period before you get a project as an actor. How did you manage to portray the role of a female in ‘Sundari’ ? It was a long and vigorous process that lasted about three months. Right from looking after the clothes i.e. my sari and blouse to the walk and gestures of a woman, all these meticulous details had to be taken into consideration. I also had to incorporate the soul of the woman inside me; theatre as a matter of fact has no gender. It goes beyond the sexes. What brings you to Chandigarh? My work brings me to this city; I will be sharing my knowledge and skill with the students of the Department of Indian Theatre. On the significance of voice and speech in a production. A stage actor has to exhibit absolute confidence, conviction and composer in dialogue delivery. The relaxation and control of breath is crucial for voice modulation, to give you a distinct style in dialogue delivery. Tips for the young actors? You should enjoy your work and not place any kind of barriers before you only then you are ready to receive. An actor should also establish an animated relationship with his audience. He has to be sensitive to the actions, reactions and moods of the audience. The actor’s activities should always be in a state of alert. —
Photo by the writer
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Film & FASHION Spanish beauty Penelope Cruz is to be made a Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters by French President Jacques Chirac. The Vanilla Sky star will be honoured in the New Year in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the world of cinema. Earlier recipients of the prestigious honour include Martin Scorsese and Bruce Willis, reports Contact music.
— ANI Gwyneth’s romantic getaway
The couple, who have been happily married since the past two years, have left daughter Apple with close pals and family, so that they could enjoy each other’s company without any disturbances, and rekindle their romance all over again, at the Amangala Hotel, which is located within the walls of a 17th- century fort, reports Contactmusic.com
— ANI Mummy to Aniston’s aid
The Break Up star Jennifer Aniston has claimed that her mom’s inability to cope with her own break-up, has in fact taught her how not to deal with her split from ex-husband Brad Pitt. The actress believed that her mother, Nancy Dow, wasted the whole second half of her life fighting over a lost cause. However, she now thanks her, as from her experiences she has learnt what not to do while dealing with her break-up.
— ANI Hollywood beauty Naomi Watts has blamed ‘King Kong’ for “destroying” her private life. The sexy star, who plays blonde heroine Ann Darrow in the movie, says she now wants to put aside her movie career and concentrate on her love life and raising a family instead. “It’s not that I want to give up acting, but I do feel I’ve made so much room in my life for this movie — and it has fulfilled me in many ways but now I want to make room in my life for other things,” she was quoted by Femalefirst, as saying. “I want to start a family. My private life has suffered badly,” she added.
— ANI Maclaine slams media
Maclaine has recently worked with both the leading actresses and she admits that she is upset at what they have to put up with the media, according to contactmusic.com. The actress says, “They belong in the slammer. They pay these guys so much money that they really can put microphones under beds and tables to spy on us. Then they get a story that’s got an ounce of truth in it, and Time magazine sits up and Newsweek and the rest of them and, before you know it, they are in the psychology of ‘You know, they might have something there.’” She adds, “People who were having illicit affairs but wanted to be written about would go to a table where they knew there was a microphone and it would get reported. “But what Jennifer has to go through every morning or Cameron Diaz or Nicole Kidman, these wonderful women I have worked with, half their day is spent trying to escape the media.”
— IANS Cruz, Salma to be Elton’s bridesmaids
Latino beauties Penelope Cruz and Salma Hayek are desperate to be bridesmaids at Elton John’s wedding to David Furnish on Wednesday. Spanish Cruz and Mexican Hayek were among dozens of celebrities who begged the singer and his Canadian film-maker partner for a role in their same-sex civil partnership ceremony in Windsor, England. “Penelope Cruz and Salma Hayek asked, I kid you not, at the Cannes Film Festival...they both stopped me and asked if they could be the bridesmaid,” Furnish was quoted by Femalefirst, as saying.
— ANI Kanye West’s album best
Rap star Kanye West’s album ‘Late Registration’ has topped US magazines Spin and Rolling Stone’s end-of-year polls, reports Ratethemusic. While in the Spin albums category it beat Mia’s ‘Arular’ and Franz Ferdinand’s ‘You could have it so much better’, in the Rolling Stones category, it is followed by Rolling Stones’ ‘A bigger bang’ and The White Stripes’ ‘Get behind me Satan’.
— ANI
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YOUTH SPEAK The dreaded day finally arrived when the mirror replied that a young beauty named Snow White , with skin white as snow, lips as red as the red, red rose, and hair as black as ebony had surpassed the queen’s beauty. We all know what kind of a frenzy she sent herself into. In fact, we all have both this wicked queen and the lovely Snow White princess living inside us. The wicked one, of course, is our ego and naturally, the princess is our true self. When the ego sees that the true self has the power and wisdom greater than it, it tries to kill our inner true self. But when this wicked ego is no longer controlling our lives, we’ll see a pleasant change, though not as dramatic as the wicked queen’s demise by falling off a cliff into an abyss. As we come to a greater acceptance of our lives and purpose here, we will come to see the true beauty that lies within. —
Sohrab Khandelwal Young and bubbling with creative vibes? Have something to say? Well, send your views on something you feel strongly about to lifestyle@tribunemail.com or Lifestyle, The Tribune, Sector 29-C Chandigarh. The best will find place in Lifestyle.
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Avoid continuous use of heaters: Using heaters non-stop causes dryness in the lining mucosa of nose and mouth. This can lead to dry cough and also a nose bleed. — Dr Rashmi Garg is senior consultant, Fortis, Mohali.
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Want to have long lustrous hair, glowing flawless skin or remedies for ailments through natural ways. No need to work hard and go through all those processes of mixing, grinding or purifying. Almost all major FMCG companies are adopting the “Dadi Maa Ke Nuskhe”. The companies seem to have recognised the importance of herbal and natural ingredients in our lives. Mother nature is the solution for nourishment and care and demand of the day. This is what the companies seem to believe in. 
Here is one rock star in true sense. He has nothing to do with entertainment or the glitz and glamour but each time he goes ‘there’ he proves himself. Meet Karanbir Bedi, who has become the common name in the Raid-de-Himalaya rally, the highest motor sport event in the world. This enthusiasm infused soul, despite all odds managed to make a mark for himself.
And this wasn’t a distant dream. But to achieve this dream this young man had to go through various tests that were actually life risking. In 2001, in the same raid, the route given to the motorists was from Shimla to Kargil (where he could actually hear the shelling) and back. This year, again, it didn’t meet Karanbir’s expectations. For one, he had a major accident just 6 km short of the finish line and secondly, this raid made him witness the death of three members of the group. It totally spooked him out but didn’t let his guts die down. 
Harish Khanna, a freelance actor believes that knowledge can only be acquired if only you have a thirst for it. In city to conduct a workshop in acting and speech at the department of Indian Theatre, for this artiste everyday is a learning experience.
Oscar winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow has reportedly flown off to an ancient Sri Lankan castle to enjoy a romantic winter getaway with rocker husband Chris Martin, on the eve of her second wedding anniversary.
‘King Kong’ destroys Naomi’s life
Veteran actress Shirley Maclaine has come to the defence of her co-stars Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Aniston saying invasive journalists should be jailed.
In the fairy tale Snow White and the seven Dwarfs, everyday the wicked queen would ask, “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?” The mirror would answer, “Oh my queen it seem to me, there is none fairer in the land than thee.” As long as the mirror said that she was the most beautiful woman, all was well in her world. 
ARIES : You are able to complete projects and meet targets with energy and resolve today. Romantic relationships could go through some tense moments. Lucky number: 7 Lucky colour: Turquoise.
LIBRA : An excellent day to set off on a new course, one which may eventually involve overseas connections. Avoid verbal battles and try to compromise. Love life gets better. Lucky number: 1 Lucky colour: Pink
TAURUS : The Knight of Pentacles' brings healing and attention to practical matters. Romantic relationships will be good but you feel the need for extra attention from family. Lucky number: 10 Lucky colour: Scarlet.
SCORPIO:
Going on a journey? It might be a voyage of the spirit. Property investments, insurance, taxes or inheritance should bring you financial gains. Lucky number: 3 Lucky colour: Cherry red.
GEMINI : Artistic and creative pursuits are back on. Spending time with loved ones will help you relax. You make correct conclusions and predictions from previous knowledge. Lucky number: 3. Lucky colour: Red.
SAGITTARIUS : Sudden changes at home will affect family members more than you anticipated. Your hypnotic eyes will capture the hearts of those who interest you. Lucky number: 2. Lucky colour: White.
CANCER : Your charm and wit will attract attention and you will be happy being in the spotlight. You spend time with family and friends to celebrate at home. Lucky number:12. Lucky Colour: Purple.
CAPRICORN : Avoid any gossip and be careful that you aren't misinterpreted. You will have an inaccurate assessment of your status in society. Avoid shopping for luxury items. Lucky number: 6. Lucky colour: Green. 
LEO : You will be in a very competitive mood and will go out of your way to get ahead. Put aside your knee jerk reaction and be ready to take an independent journey towards success. Lucky number: 4 Lucky colour: Dark red.
AQUARIUS : You may bag a contract. You'll be able to discuss your ambitions with your mate. Residential moves look hectic and sudden changes in your life are likely. Lucky number: 6. Lucky colour: Crimson
VIRGO : You will be in a bright and cheerful frame of mind and will not let minor problems at work affect your mood. Sort out your financial implications. Lucky number: 14 Lucky colour: Brown.
PISCES:
"The Knight of Swords" instigates you to be active and clever. You can make money if you're willing to push your ideas on those in a position to support your efforts. Lucky number: 14. Lucky colour: Ebony.