KNOT an issue anymore!
Unlike yesteryears, the marriage of celebrities does not send their female fans into frenzy. The wedding of Olympic gold medal winning boxer Vijender Singh is a case in point
Jasmine Singh

Times have changed; you definitely don't need someone to tell you this at least, albeit we get this inane thought because of boxer Vijender Singh!

Romance King: Rajesh Khanna
Romance King: Rajesh Khanna

This champ, a handsome young man, is tying the knot with a Delhi-based girl Archana Singh and not a single girl has dropped a tear, no television set has been broken, not even a single, far-flung case of suicide! What's happened to you girls? Where has all the drooling love vanished? You would cover Rajesh Khanna's car with lipstick marks, chant his name and write letters in blood. One of you also broke the television set when he announced his marriage. Not to forget one among you from Varanasi who tried to commit suicide when she came to know that the hunk Vinod Khanna was married. Times have changed…indeed!

Bollywood pin-up boys marrying their childhood love (read MS Dhoni) or new-found love is no big deal. It doesn't break anyone's heart anymore.

In fact, the boys are more than willing to pose with the girlies for cover pages. We mean unlike those days, when they had to hide their marital status fearing to lose out on female fans. Like Sunny Deol did. The daahi kilo key haath wala actor took way more than daahi years to reveal that he was booked for life!

Something has indeed changed.
Strong Man: Sunny Deol
Strong Man: Sunny Deol

First things first, it's a great day for Vijender Singh and the man is naturally excited. No, he is not bothered about his female fan-following going down for he has a different take on it, "I think girls like married men more. Look at Shah Rukh Khan or Akshay Kumar for that matter, girls are crazy about them despite the married tag," he shares.

Vijender wanted a simple marriage and he is doing just that. "Close family members and friends are attending the wedding. I invited my celebrity friends as well; I guess they are busy with shooting. Can't blame them, it was a last-minute decision." Vijender wears designer Manav Gagwani's Sherwani. "It's a kid-like excitement. I want to slip into the ensemble."

Now that the issue of female fans increasing or decreasing is hardly an issue, the boxer has no qualms in talking about the woman he is smitten by. "Archana likes boxing; she is not a die-hard fan though. Isn't it good,  two different people should have different interests. I travel a lot and so does she. This is fun," he laughs.

Somehow we can't imagine the old-time celebrities talking candidly about their girlfriends, fiancés or wives. Actor Raza Murad, yesteryears villain, remembers how female fans went berserk when he got married in the 70s. "Girls were reported to cry uncontrollably, they went crazy, which was little unexpected. There were attempts by girls to commit suicide. Now, it is different, fans know everything about the film stars. There is no shock value now. However, I think the day Salman marries a similar craze would be witnessed among girls."

jasmine@tribunemail.com

In a bid to promote storytelling, members of Centre for Education and Voluntary Action are set to hold storytelling sessions across Chandigarh
A STORY to tell
Ashima Sehajpal

"Welcome to the fantasy world. Here trees, birds and animals are friends with each other. Together, they are searching for their friend, cloud, who has lost his way. It hasn't rained in the jungle for quite sometime and the scene wouldn't change until he is located." As the storyteller further reads The Rain Cloud, we realised that each child was gradually becoming a part of the fantasy world.

The magic of storytelling still exists, even though the practice doesn't. Aware of the fact, Rajni Bhatia, the storyteller, modulates her voice for each character to keep the children hooked on to the story. "Storytelling isn't that simple a task in the age of a dozen cartoon channels, where every character becomes alive. However, it's very important not just for recreation purpose, but also for education," says Rajni, who is also the member of the English team of the Centre for Education and Voluntary Action (CEVA), an organisation that's helping schools to make education interactive through its programme — Ethnova.

Making a beginning from the Capital Book Shop, CEVA will hold many such storytelling sessions across the city. "The target age of students is 6-12 years. Storytelling can be used as a learning tool. Having a question-answer session at the end of the session is as good a method of testing a student's knowledge as the written examination." She adds that the practice will also help the society get over the student-teacher barrier. "Teachers will have to be accessible to students. No matter how many changes the HRD ministry suggests or try to bring in, the desired effects will be produced only if teachers and parents change their approach. The fear factor of scoring high marks has to be replaced by appreciation of knowledge."

Harleen Kohli, another member of CEVA, feels that educationists have to be open to innovative learning methods that education scientists invent. While storytelling can certainly help in improving language skills, it can also be devised to learn practical subjects like science and maths. "For example, through the Rain Cloud, we would educate students about the water cycle, how important is rainwater harvesting as well as saving water," says Harleen. In the same manner, history and civics can be taught.

CEVA also wants to engage parents in the practice. As Harleen says, "Only if parents will encourage new learning methods, educational institutes will readily accept them. It has to be societal change to be really effective. It also means opting for continuous, comprehensive evaluation rather holding exams biannually."

ashima@tribunemail.com

Travolta still on a feverish pitch

John Travolta can't imagine not being an actor and gets excited about new roles even after 30 years as a Hollywood star. The 57-year-old star shot to fame in 1977 with his Oscar nominated performance in Saturday Night Fever and despite the hard work involved with making movies, he still gets excited about new roles more than 30 years later.

“I can't imagine ever getting tired of it, I grew up with it. After a while it's hard work more than it's a creative thing. I know I'd probably be shot for saying that sometimes, but you have to be there to know it,” he said.

One of the reasons Travolta loves to act is to it helps him work off excess energy. “There's a mischievous child in me and it gets me in trouble on sets. I was a classic child of the '60's, filled with sugar highs and crashes. I was rumbustious and creative and I would channel that energy into performing a lot. If I am not able to perform, watch out, because I am filled with the spirit of the play.” — PTI

The hate list

Bollywood celebrities easily praise films (not that they mean it) but have you ever wondered about the films they did not like? Read on to find out. Mughda Godse: I never think of a film as boring or bad because every film has something to say.

Sonam Kapoor: I will not call it a boring film but the length of Lawrence of Arabia took me three nights to watch it. I just couldn't see it in one go.

Tusshar Kapoor: The most boring film I have ever watched is Australia starring Nicole Kidman. It was simply slow and boring.

Chitrashi Rawat: In recent times, I will say Tees Maar Khan. Thank God I was watching it at home so that I could enjoy and entertain myself with other things.

Puja Gupta: I really got bored while watching Sucker Punch. — HRM

Good Bengali cinema for me please: Priyanshu

With films like Goutam Ghose's Moner Manush and Aparna Sen's Iti Mrinalini in his kitty, actor Priyanshu Chatterjee says he is looking to create his own space in meaningful Bengali cinema.

“I want to consolidate my hold in meaningful Bengali cinema while at the same time I will work on creating my own space in Bollywood with substantial roles," Priyanshu said.

With the adulation to his role as Rabindranath Tagore's elder brother Jyotirindranath in Moner Manush behind him, the 38-year-old actor is looking forward to Iti Mrinalini, the yet to be released film by Sen.

“I play a young director Imtiaz, who has studied filmmaking at a renowned institute abroad and has a bit of an ego," said Priyanshu, who was promoting Bengali film Bhorer Alo.

“My character comes into Mrinalini's life when she is past her prime, wanting to make a film with her and himself. So here it is a film within a film format,” he added.

The film also stars Sen, playing an actress past her prime with daughter Konkona Sen Sharma playing the younger Mrinalini.

Priyanshu was approached by Sen before Goutam Ghose did for Moner Manush, though the latter released months back.

“For me it was a great honour to be approached by directors like Rinadi and Goutamda back to back. I had read and heard so much about Jyotirindranath during my growing up years. But this time I had to research a lot.” — PTI

Comic turn

After receiving acclaim for Forest Gump, actor Tom Hanks is returning to his comedy roots opposite Julia Roberts in upcoming movie Larry Crowne. The 54-year-old has co-written the script with My Big Fat Greek Wedding director Nia Vardalos and was keen from the start to cast Roberts in the character of a teacher in the movie.

“I had some teachers who looked like Julia. I would see them and think, I love you, so there was never anyone but Julia. Still, even after she said yes to the role, I was the boss. That meant I got to say, 'You don't wear this dress, you wear that dress and Julia's Julia, she can be intimidating,” Hanks said.

Hanks will star as a middle-aged man who loses his job and decides to go back to college and Roberts plays his disillusioned teacher.

While it might be a little scary directing Roberts, the mom of three confessed that parts of filming were scary for her too.

“This was my first college experience. And the first time I had to speak in front of a classroom, I was apoplectic. All these faces looking up at me, thinking, 'What is she going to teach us? It was very hard it was terrible, in fact," she said. — PTI

Papu celebrates Madhuri’s b’day

A fan of actress Madhuri Dixit, Papu Sardar, celebrated the cine star's 45th birthday in a novel way-helping a couple, belonging to the below poverty line tie the knot.

"I bore the expenses for the couple, whose wedding was solemnised last evening on the eve of my favourite film star Madhuri Dixit at the 19-year-old girl's residence, after consulting with a local organisation of the minority community from which the couple belong to," Sardar said as he cut a big cake today and offered puja to pray for the Bollywood actress' "comeback in films". Besides bearing the wedding expenses, Sardar, the owner of a chaat shop at Sakchi Market, said he would bear the medical expenses of three Thalassemia-inflicted girl-patients belonging to poor financial background to mark the day.

"Madhuri Dixit is like my elder sister," the 43-year-old Sardar said, adding "her birthday has always motivated me to help the needy. This year I have decided to bear the medical expenses three thalassemia inflicted girls." Sardar has been organising birthday celebrations of Madhuri from 1996 and the day attracts large crowd every year.

— PTI

SUCCESS MANTRA
Woman of substance
Rajni Bector, the brain behind Cremica, shares how she rose amid trying circumstances
Mona

Rajni Bector had no more than a minute to name the brand that she led from a meagre Rs 300 to a turnover of around Rs 600 crore. One of the directors and more of a mentor of Cremica group, Bector's is a true success story from the region. This entrepreneur from Ludhiana established a huge empire when women from 'good' houses did not work.

"It all started when my children were away to hostel. Alone in a large house, I took succour in cooking and organising parties," shares Bector. Her cooking got popular among friends, especially the ice-creams. Encouraged by family and friends to turn her passion for cooking into her profession, Bector started making ice-creams from her kitchen. Orders started pouring from close ones whom she couldn't refuse. Demand grew so much that she had to move from her kitchen to her backyard to put up a small ice-cream plant. "It was then that my husband, a businessman himself, suggested registering the company. 'Do it properly' he said and asked me the name for the concern. I asked him to give me some time before I could come up with a suitable name, but he would hear none of it. I was working with cream that time, so 'Cremica' was born," shares Bector.

Ice-cream led to bread, biscuits and then children came back finishing their studies and joined Bector. Then came McDonalds' prestigious order and work further diversified to buns, sauce, namkeen and is growing with each year. Today, Cremica supplies to the Army, railways and exports as well.

"The beginning wasn't easy. It was looked down upon if women worked, but my husband gave me unconditional support and so did my father-in-law. He said, 'Do what gives you happiness'," remembers Bector.

Today, she is more of a mentor for Cremica and spends a larger part of her time in looking after her associates. Her factories have addresses all around the country with some 5,000 workers manning operations. When Bector is not looking after her concern or her family, she is helping the less privileged ones.

And what is she looking forward to in life? "To ensure that my family stays together and charts a new course of success," she says. This woman with a vision shares her success mantras with our readers.

Work is worship

These are no simple words. Treat your work as a prayer and you will sure be rewarded with success.

Listen to others

'I am right' attitude is unfavourable for success. Listen to others if you want to grow.

Strive for perfection

Don't let complacency set in. There is always scope for improvement. Keep striving to better your work.

Put the best effort

Never compromise on quality. I use only the best available ingredients in my products. Similarly, invest in the best resources to get the best results.

Be genuine to yourself and others

Bluffing doesn't work. Be true to your inner consciousness and also people you work with. Let not success turn you headstrong. Be humble, let success only fuel the desire to strive better!

mona@tribunemail.com

stress buster
Eat small, think thin, be merry
Renee Singh

“I love food and have always been a foodie but keeping a balance between my taste buds and body weight has probably been one of the most stressful tasks in my life. Restaurant eating is of course a fad that most us give in to because not only does it satisfy our palate it also keeps us “with it”.

Different foods being a great part of our entertainment, the marketing staffs of food chains understand the consumer psyche and offer a lot to them for their money.

Weight loss clinics do a roaring business and gyms are great stress busters in our day and age.

The culprit is food stress–feeding our natural internal drive we spend money actually is creating this stress and spend money again in eliminating it.

Fad diets

These have become great de-stressors for foodies and the coffee party circuit thrives on discussing the latest stress busting diet they are on.

I would strongly recommend a book by Mireille Guilano to the ladies ‘French women don’t get Fat’. It’s a diet book with some common sense.

I feel we are all turning into a nation of people who constantly snack. With all the food chains opening up everywhere we have all tuned into our childhood and love to indulge.

Most important is to take it easy and go slow on eating and taking small portions frequently.

Food stress

There is a constant confusion about what to eat and how good or bad it is for you.

Food is one of the most pleasurable things in life. Constant analysis over what you are eating or forecasting gloom over every morsel you are no longer experiencing any pleasure.

Guilt

It is another layer of stress. People look at eating as a sinful activity.

Each scoop of ice cream consumed by some folks is the topic of an entire evenings conversation. Even nuts with an evening drink. French fries a hot favourite that appeals to all ages or potato chips are told to be substituted by soy chips for your penance.

Give yourself a break. The more you think about your weight while eating, the more you stress over it, the more weight you gain.

Each negative thought is releases a powerful chemical in your brain, so every time you think fat, you actually auto suggest that to your mind. Scientific research has proved that our cells communicate with each other. We tell each other what we eat makes us fat and that it surely does.

Think positive

Think healthy

Think thin

Dr Steven Bratman says we now have an unhealthy obsession with healthy eating so just Eat Wise and allow it to naturally de-stress you.

So eat, drink sensibly and be merry and enjoy the joys of food in your life.

(Singh is a Chandigarh-based psychotherapist)

Tips to a de-stress diet

* Eat three meals a day

* Keep the portions small

* Drink a little wine or a glass of juice mixed with soda for some sparkles

* Buy seasonal vegetables

* Go for regular walks

* Enjoy a treat now and then, its good for you

Par Excellence
The body turn
Jesse Grewal

Off-centre contact leads to a loss of distance and can also cause direction problems. Poor contact with the ball can be caused by a poor grip or an unstable swing centre. If the body does not maintain its position over the ball, it is difficult to hit the ball in the centre of the club.

The incorrect action of the body could be a sway or lateral movement, an up and down movement of the spine causing topped or duffed shots or a forward or backward movement towards or away from the ball leading to shanks or toe hits.

While making an effort to turn the shoulders on the backswing, some players move their upper body laterally. This is also because of an exaggerated effort to shift the weight to the right. While we need to rotate the shoulders 90 degrees, this must be done with the minimum movement of the head to the right (for right-handed players). The sway brings the upper body too far behind the ball, leading to duffed shots or push hooks as the only way to square the club from here is with the hands.

To stop a sway, hit shots with your feet together feeling the arms swing up and down to the ball. Initially, hit half shots till you feel centre contact and then increase the length of your swing. This helps the arms swing freely with the body centred. This drill also teaches us balance.

Another drill is to place a cushion between your head and the wall. Simulate the motion of the swing keeping your head firmly against the cushion to avoid any lateral movement.

One can also minimize a sway by turning your back to the sun so that your shadow is directly in front of you. Make swings looking at your shadow and seeing it not move against a reference point on the ground.

A 90 degree turn of the shoulders on the backswing and a complete turn of the body towards the target, while maintaining the spine angle and creating a shoulder plane to a point approximately 4 feet outside the ball to target line.
A 90 degree turn of the shoulders on the backswing and a complete turn of the body towards the target, while maintaining the spine angle and creating a shoulder plane to a point approximately 4 feet outside the ball to target line.

(Grewal has coached several national champions and professionals apart from being coach of the Indian golf team for the Eisenhower Cup (World Cup) in 2008. He is currently Director, National Golf Academy of India and CGA Hero Honda Golf Academy. If you have any queries get in touch with him at parexcellence@tribunemail.com)

Close(t) secret

Every time you open your closet, you struggle with those big piles of unused clothes which are tried over and over again, and yet never make it to the particular event. Every girl wants to look perfect when it comes to dressing up for some special occasion, but sadly that closet which is on the verge of blowing off with all those dresses, is still inadequate when it comes to the dress. Be it a party, an official meeting, lunch, dinner date or a casual hangout; you have to look your best. We ask our Bollywood celebs what every one must-have in her wardrobe:

Classy LOOK: Sameera Reddy


Sameera Reddy

One should have a white shirt with blue denims and a cute and simple one-piece dress in one's wardrobe for sure.




Spoilt for choice: Preity Zinta
Preity Zinta


Short cocktail dress, white kurti, blue denim and some nice t-shirts should be must in anyone's wardrobe. I feel we are lucky to be women because we have so many choices.






Black magic: Amrita RaoAmrita Rao

Full length gown and LBD (Little Black Dress) one should must have in one's wardrobe. One has to have at least one outfit in one's closet that spells elegance and nothing portrays grace more than a gorgeous full-length gown. Choose a deep colour with a hint of shimmer which one can wear in formal parties too.

Kangana Ranaut

One must have a summer dress and a pair of denim with a shirt. One can wear these every season with a little mix and match. One can pair them up with a sweater, jacket, waist coat or even a shrug and different accessories for different looks. With a summer dress one can stay calm and stylish. And in the rainy season wear denims with t-shirts or shirt.

desi girl: Sonakshi SinhaSonakshi Sinha

Ne cotton salwar kameez and one pair of denims with one cotton shirt are must haves. It's very important for a woman, especially an Indian woman, to have a salwar kameez set because that's the best dress and we can wear it anywhere.






cool dude: Arshad WarsiArshad Warsi

(Laughs) What else a man will wear? Apart from the pants and shirt? But still, I will say a guy must have two pairs of shorts, three fourth, formal pants and one pair of jeans. Just see what's the event and wear what you want.

Tusshar Kapoor

We are blessed with the fact that boys don't need to think what they have to wear today as they can buy two pants and three t-shirts and mix match them. But I would suggest you should have a variety of shirts and t-shirts.

chatter box
Dipika gushes over SRK

My Hero: Dipika Samson Dipika Samson can’t believe her luck. She shot a scene with Shah Rukh Khan for her first lead show Sasural Simar Ka. Dipika talks about the experience of meeting King Khan and shooting with him

What was your first reaction?

I can’t explain what I felt when I heard that Shah Rukh Khan would be appearing on my show. It was an indescribable feeling. I was speechless for a while and when I found my voice, I screamed with glee. I am a huge fan of SRK and have seen all his films since childhood.

How did you find him as a person?

He is so sweet and cool. I used to love and respect him as an actor even when I hadn’t met him but ever since I met him and shot with him, my love and respect for him has grown 10 times. As he had time constraint, he allowed us to shoot in his house Mannat. He was so gracious about the whole thing. He took care of the little things and ensured everyone in the unit was comfortable. That was very sweet of him. He is my favourite actor.

How was the experience of shooting with him?

Incredible! We did some combined shots with him as he played a judge on Chak Dhoom Dhoom where Simar, my character, performs. He comes shakes my hand and encourages my morale. The shot was over too soon much to my chagrin (grins). But what I remember the most is that in the shot he was supposed to hold my hand and give me courage to follow my dream. During rehearsals, he held my hand and didn’t let go till we completed the shot. I didn’t notice that as I was busy admiring him and staring at him.

What kind of response have you got for the show?

The response for Sasural Simar Ka has been positive. People feel the show is nice, interesting and has a different story to tell. People find the content fresh too.

Why did you choose this show?

I loved the story when it was offered to me. Secondly Simar’s character is close to my personality and thirdly I wanted to work with Colors as I had heard it is a great channel to work in. Now that I have I can say Colors is a cool channel.

What is the best thing you like about playing Simar?

Simar loves dancing and so do I and that is what I love about her the most. Though I haven’t learnt dancing in real life, before shooting the show, I did a week’s workshop in freestyle dancing.

What do you find most challenging about Simar?

Her innocence is most challenging to portray. She is a small town girl with pure heart and innocent feelings. So at times I get stuck and have to work hard to project the right emotions.

How similar is Dipika to Simar?

We both love our families a lot. Like Simar, I would never put my career before my family. I dress like her in ethnic Indian wear and love keeping my hair open.

What does acting mean to you?

Acting means learning, learning and learning some more. I have done two shows before Simar- Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo and Devi and I learnt a lot from them.

What does television mean to you?

Television is a great medium to work in and provides loads of opportunities. It is a cool platform as it has a wider reach as almost everyone has a TV set at home.

Nikhil needs Blackberry tuition!

Comic actor and contestant of Comedy ka Mahamuqabla on Star Plus, Nikhil Ratnaparkhi won the most appreciated performer award on the show and bagged a brand new Blackberry phone. An overwhelmed Nikhil said, “I was planning to buy one already, I’m surprised to get one so soon.” Meanwhile, he was also seen asking his fellow actors on how to operate his first Blackberry. Versatile actor and a dear friend, Supriya Pilgaonkar offered her expertise to the owner of this new blackberry and was seen giving him quick lessons in the middle of the shots.

Get married: Khandelwal’s advice

Rajeev KhandelwalActor Rajeev Khandelwal recently had a cool honeymoon in Himachal Pradesh. He zoomed off with his wife Manjiri in their customised car. They enjoyed trekking, fishing and uncovered many new places. The duo had the most wonderful time together. Rajeev’s career sure is doing well as he his two films Shaitan and Soundtrack are releasing while his TV show Sach Ka Samna returns. His chilled out wife doesn’t mind the gushing mails from fans especially women and Rajeev couldn’t thank her more. No wonder he has been heard recommending marriage to everyone.

Shorr to be axed?   

With numerous shows ending on Sony, Colors and Imagine, buzz is that Shorr on Sahara One will end soon too. The channel expected better ratings for the show but as it hasn’t picked up, the decision to axe it has come forth. In all probability in June post IPL, Shorr will be replaced.

Rushali-Maninee best pals

When Rushali Arora, in Rang Badalti Odhani heard that her good friend Maninee Misra was joining the show, she was glad. And co-incidentally, they play best friends in the show. The two have a wonderful time shooting together, giggling like schoolgirls and yapping non-stop. Their off screen chemistry sure has rubbed off on their on-screen character and their comic timing. But we heard Maninee’s track will soon end.

Beat it

Genre: House
Song: Cry (Just A Little)
Singers: Bingo Players
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j19_bA515Ws

 DJ Sameer’s song of the dayBingo Players are a duo of Dj-cum-producers, Paul Bäumer and Maarten Hoogstraten from Netherlands. This track is one from there latest release, which is released from the record label on Hysteria Records. I like these artists for the funky music they churn out. About this track personally, I like the drum patter of the track and the kind of work done on the vocals. The head bangers can enjoy the track, also those who plan to turn into one.

(As told to Jasmine Singh)

The year ahead 
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is May 17...
Suitable options come your way if you want a career during 2011-12. These include banking, accounting, music, landscape gardening, florist, building contractor, engineering, fashion designing, interior decoration, photography, finance, politics, public office, advertising, antiques and real estate, etc or any other profession that requires patience and determination.

In the banking sector, it will be easy to get along with a good team player. You will be practical and grounded.

Don't be lazy. Once you are up and running, you will win the race. You love the profession you are in. most suitable will be dealing with money. A positive event will bring an exceptional moment of luck, which is probably going to allow you to win. Money either through legacy, insurance or quiz contest is likely to come your way. A Nicole "Nikki" Houston Reed lucky year begins on May 17 and will prove memorable in your entire life.

Nicole "Nikki" Houston Reed (May 17, 1988), an American film and television actress, and screenwriter, shares her birthday with you. She became known in 2003, after the release of the film Thirteen for which she co-wrote the screenplay. Reed has since appeared in several films, including Lords of Dogtown and Mini’s First Time etc. She also portrays Rosalie Hale in The Twilight Saga.

Astro Turf 
P Khurrana

ARIES: Get real about your daily routine and make it a happy one. Meetings and negotiations with potential contractors, employers, employees and consultants can be productive. In the afternoon you concentrate on leisure activities. Imagination is important for artists and scriptwriters. Follow doctor's advice. Tarot message: You find your will power. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic Number: 47

TAURUS: "The Magician" so you are not likely to be taken unawares by surprise happenings. Pay grocery bills on time. It is a better period to work in familiar surroundings. You should consider alternative therapies to recover. Tarot Message: At work don't hold back anything from your employer. Lucky colour: Metallic Grey. Magic number: 42

GEMINI: Spend the day with your sweetheart. Drop whatever you had scheduled and be with the one you love the most. Answer business correspondence and pay bills. Exciting new contracts emerge from chance encounters. It is a social day to rate the best of them. Tarot message: You must share responsibility with others before continuing. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 35 

CANCER: With a new job or contract negotiate and organise all terms and conditions. Work load increases. Special skills and abilities will not be noticed. You may begin to feel rather tired, do not over exert. Accept an invitation to a party and hang out with friends. Tarot message: Don't make impulsive decisions in personal relationship. Lucky Color: Ebony.
Magic number: 40 

LEO: Today is a test of your know how and competence in your profession. Your performance is in public view and those in charge will be carefully watching your every move. The day favours those treading unfamiliar path. Don't pay attention to gossip. A comfortable evening ahead. Tarot message: You gain by being practical; don't be emotional. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 32 

VIRGO: Sudden encounters with extraordinary characters leave a mark on your life. You are unlikely to forget such incidents quickly. Work & domestic duty follow a familiar pattern today. You will find it difficult to reach agreements with loved ones. Family members criticise you. Take care of your stomach. Tarot message: Don't be emotional. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 25

LIBRA: Your lover may demand your attention. Employment affairs may be somewhat unsettled. Factory workers: no co-operation from labour. Home & family affairs will be most enjoyable when the time comes to relax and unwind. Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky colour: Sky Blue. Magic number: 28

SCORPIO: The cash should be flowing into your account today. This abundance is not due to luck but all because of your hard-work. Long-term projects and contracts can be paying off handsomely. Mental work is stimulating. Be cautious. Fanciful schemes suggested by friends should be firmly rejected. Tarot message: Focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 32

SAGITTARIUS: The run of good business continues. It is a case of making hay while the sum shines. Relationships become intimate, love deepens and is fulfilling sexually. Don't work late. Once you have decided on a certain course of action stick to your guns. Women: Don't overspend. Tarot message: Push to succeed. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 40

CAPRICORN: Turn on your charm. Take full advantage of the good opportunity that comes your way. Singles are in luck, and those with partners are back in the saddle. Clean the house. Enjoy an early dinner and go to bed. Tarot message: Apply yourself. Lucky colour: Peacock green. Magic number: 51

AQUARIUS: Workaholics establish a powerful momentum of productivity. Income may dwindle and expenses could rise. Do what you can to improve your mind. Friends and finance will not mix. Tarot message: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 65

PISCES: Apply for a job. Don't focus your attention on your partner. Don't let too many people in on what you are planning. Bizfolk: financial constraints. Club and social activities not favoured. Tarot message: Empty promises are certain. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 61





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