Traditional ties
Youngsters from the region are not only about parties and discos; the Baisakhi spirit is alive in many
Jasmine Singh

Deinder Brar, student of Law, Punjab University sits under the shade of a tree at their adda, the Student's Centre at the Panjab University. Discussions on 'fail to impress' IPL saga, the new jokes around Titatnic 3 D and a pretty girl seen often with her aunt in Sector-15 are underway. A SMS in between makes him jump in confusion, delight and urgency. "Oye mundeyo, I am packing my bag and heading home (in Muktsar) for Baisakhi," he announces to the group.

Soon calendars on mobile phones are rolled out and quick calls are made; it's time to be home and sing and dance in joy for Baisakhi. When any occasion is looked at as 'yet-another-holiday', youngsters in Chandigarh and Punjab tell us why they can't let this festival pass by just like that.

Satnam Singh Aulakh, working for the loan department in a nationalised bank, has already booked the ticket of an AC bus that will drop him at his destination (Sangrur) asap (as soon as possible) on Baisakhi. "I generally don't go home on Holi and sometimes Diwali as well. But it is mandatory to be at my village on Baisakhi," he asserts. "All my friends who stay in Chandigarh or Delhi come back to Punjab on Baisakhi. We don't see it as a holiday, but the day to be at our farms — the place we worship the most," says Satnam.

At a time when we assume youngsters to hit discotheques or look for reasons to party given it is a holiday, the eagerness to be with family and friends on this festival brings an inquisitive smile. Priya Sandhu and her friends in Chandigarh will be driving to Tarn Taran, Amritsar, for the day. "We got new suits stitched at a local boutique and picked up some traditional jewellery as well. We will like to be dressed up nicely in traditional clothes on Baisakhi," Priya talks about a small gathering expected in their village where a popular Punjabi singer will perform." It does not matter whether we become modern, traditions will never fade away. I bet every youngster coming from Punjab feels strongly about this festival; after all it marks the beginning of the harvest season," she describes passionately and religiously.

Interestingly, most youngsters from Punjab study in metros so coming back on Baisakhi is natural, but what makes the festival click? "The fun we are having in Chandigarh is because of the money that comes from our fields. Last year, I bought an Elantra car because my father was happy with the gains," Harkirat Sidhu, who is preparing for IAS exam, keeps a stern face while talking.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Harvesting a tune
Baisakhi marks the beginning of the harvesting season for farmers in Punjab, little wonder then music is central to the whole celebration
Jasmine Singh

Trust us to have a song for every occasion. Wedding — but natural, Holi — has to be, Valentine's Day — Oh how can we forget that, and now — Baisakhi. Amazingly, a casual search on Google for Baisakhi songs, reveals that there are 18,750 remixed songs, 846-odd bolis and a list of traditional Baisakhi numbers! Now simply take your pick and celebrate with your favourite number.

Charkha Mera rangla, Aaye Baisakhi by Mohd Aziz and Alka Yagnik, Jat Bhangrey Paunde, Chalooje Bhangra Payiye (an online number by Pankaj Udhas). The list of songs goes from Punjabi Bollywood style to bolis. Punjabi singer Jasbir Jassi zeroes-in on poet Dhani Ram Chatrik's longest Baisakhi number — Toorhi Tand Saamb Haarhi Vech Watt Ke, Lambrhaan Te Shaahaan Da Hisaab Katt Ke, Kachhe Maar. Vanjhli Anand Chhaa Gaya Maarda Damaame Jatt Mele Aa Gaya. "This is an amazing number that highlights the real spirit of Baisakhi. The festival marks the beginning of harvesting season for farmers, which is celebrated by singing and dancing," he shares. As for Jasbir Jassi, tradition has changed with time, but the spirit and essence of the festival remains the same. "Who can beat this number Lokan Vaikhna Baisakhi Wala Mela, Asan Tan Teri Tor Vekhni," he adds, still crooning the number.

Time brings about changes in culture and traditions; if it takes away something, it also adds its bit. For instance, the remix Baisakhi numbers and bolis sung by various Punjabi and non-Punjabi singers. Boliyan pake by Punjabi singer Sukhshinder Shinda, Unkut Boliyan — DJ Vix Ft Amar Arshi are some versions of the songs. "Baisakhi is a big affair in Punjab. Children, women folk and youngsters bask in same enthusiasm and excitement. Even when traditional Baisakhi numbers like Charkha Mera Rangla by Chitra Singh or Jind Mahi Bajre Diyan are still alive, youngsters have discovered remix versions for fun and dance," says Punjabi singer Jeet Jagjit.

While most Baisakhi numbers are sung with the dhol, other musical instruments such as toombi, algoza, chheka, chimta and manjira are also used. The idea is to celebrate Baisakhi with boliyans such as Ambarsare Diyan Papad Ve Main Khaani Haan, Tu Karenda Aakad Vey Main Sehndi Nah. Says Punjabi singer Gippy Grewal, "Each time I am given a chance to perform on Baisakhi, I like singing Chak Lai Jatiye Ni, Baisakhi Wale Mele Chaliye. We have been attending Baisakhi melas ever since we were kids. The frequency of melas has decreased, but this does not stop people in India and abroad from celebrating Baisakhi!"

Reel vs Real
I have been acting since my childhood but now I am trained, says Karanvir Bohra aka Viraj of Saubhagyavati Bhava
Mona

"Men in our society dominate women, whether at home or work. The wife is generally treated as a property. Women bear it all for the fear that society would ridicule them. I guess bearing the torture is much worse." Surprisingly, these words come from Karanvir Bohra aka Viraj who plays a 'tyrant' husband on Life OK's Saubhagyavati Bhava.

In Chandigarh on Thursday for the play Mareechika, Karanvir opened up on what made him take up the 'much-dark-much-loved' role. "When I bagged the role, I thought 'oh I will be hated so much', but the actor in me got a little selfish. I thought, I will get so much to play," says the actor who is pleasantly surprised to get the viewers' feedback. His character is much loved; guess something to do with women's thinking that goes — 'I will change this man'! "Our cameraman would often say that my two-and-a-half-year old is your biggest fan. I didn't believe it till I attended his birthday party and his daughter not only called me 'Viraj', but also fed me the first piece of cake though it was her dad's birthday," he says.

Playing this intense role hasn't been too challenging and Karanvir gives some credit of it to his training for three-and-a-half years in Kathak, "I have done ballet and jazz as well. While Western dance is all body, Kathak has a lot to do with eyes, lips and facial expressions." Karanvir is happy to be part of a daily soap that goes a step beyond the kitchen and bedroom politics, and addresses a serious issue like domestic violence.

Having already wrapped up schedules for two films Mumbai 125 kms and Chemistry, this actor is happy doing theatre. "I enjoy doing multiple things. A lot of things make who you are. No one is a born actor or singer. One needs to constantly work on it," Karanvir is…are you?

Better half

Teejay
Couple Time: Teejay

"He is a nice, sweet, simple and honest guy who takes his wife to coffee after work," is how Teejay Sidhu, an RJ, actor, describes her husband Karanvir who plays an obsessive, abusive husband on screen. Playing lead in Punjabi serial Kinna Sona Tenu Rab Ne Banaya, Tee Jay was in Chandigarh for the play Mareechika. This duo gets to spend time together in between shootings in different studios or doing theatre together. "I didn't know I had it me to be an actor, but this soap has given me a lot of confidence. Theatre helps me to explore more as an actor," she says. The schedules are busy but this girl isn't complaining. "We have been through recession and know how hard it was. We can make-do with sleeping in the car during travel or in between different shoots, but work is welcome!"

mona@tribunemail.com

IN TOWN
Allah ka banda
Kailash Kher, who has taken rapid strides in the world of music, believes that music is the result of one’s experiences in life
Sabia Talwar

Sporting a pink t-shirt and jazzy canvas shoes with striking florescent green-coloured laces, a first look at Kailash Kher and you can hardly believe that he is a Sufi singer! Kailash, whose journey in the field of music has been rather interesting, was in Chandigarh on Thursday to talk about his latest album Rangeele.

Says Kailash, “My experience with music dates back to Allah Ke Bande, when I started, and since then I have never looked back.” Kailash today is a renowned playback singer in Bollywood; is into music direction, has judged many music reality shows on TV and runs a band called Kailasa. “Kailasa is a big brand now, but we never thought about this when we released our first album Kailasa in 2006.”

The industry has very few singers who have a band of their own and sing for Bollywood movies as well; Kailash is one among them. We wonder why he started a band of his own despite his success as a playback singer. “Performing live cannot be compared to anything else. It has a charm of its own, where a team unites to entertain the audience.” Kailash thanks the other band members for their support. “Usually a band is formed during college days, but it does not survive for long. That is not the case.”

Kailash was intrigued by classical music at a very young age, but his father made fun of his art. “I left home at the age of fourteen, but did not learn about music although I learnt a lot about life.” Talking about his album Rangeele Kailash says, “The album is dedicated to love and romance because everything in the world revolves around love.” The album has 11 tracks and one of them has Amitabh Bachchan’s voice as well. The famous dialogue of Big B from the movie Kalia, Hum Jahaan Pe Khade Hote Hain, Line Wahin Se Shuru Hoti Hai goes well for him. “Our band Kailasa is a creator of trends so we are happy that on YouTube it has over one million likes. YouTube has turned to be a blessing especially for non-filmy music so if our album is seen less on television it does not matter.”

Before foraying into singing, Kailash was into business and long ago he also thought of ending his life! “I was under a lot of depression when my business failed and at that time, I did not take my passion for music seriously. But now I feel that it was a very wrong decision.” As for the present singing talent in our country, Kailash says, “I respect the talented youth of today, which experiments with their passion. One should believe in oneself and continuously think-out-of-the-box.”

We will soon hear Kailash’s magical voice in Parash Jha’s Chakravyuh and Ekta Kapoor’s Kya Super Kool Hai Hum. He signs off by saying that music is a by-product of one’s experiences in life.

sabiatalwar@tribunemail.com

Green thumb
Nature’s self-defense
Satish Narula

Normally when we call a plant deciduous in nature, the gardeners interpret it as a plant that sheds leaves to go dormant during the winter. But do not forget there are plants that are summer deciduous that is they shed leaves during summer months and go dormant for a short period of time. Basically, shedding leaves in plants is a natural defense mechanism bestowed upon them by nature to escape the extremes of weather, hot or cold.

With the onset of the summer, it is seen that many a tree shed old leaves and within a few days new leaves emerge. The intervening period is brief. In certain cases, the period is longer, for example, in case of Sterculia alata (Buddha’s Coconut tree), Erythrina indica, Jaccarnada, Dillenia (Chalta), Kusum etc in trees and ber in fruit trees. There are the likes of Tecoma argentia (commonly called Tecoma, see the accompanying picture) Erythrina indica (Erythrina), Jaccarnda mimosifolia (Nilli Gulmohar) and Cassia fistula (amaltas) etc in which case the leaves do not appear till the middle of April. And these plants are at their best during this period when they put forth a riot of blooms. The complete canopy of the trees is covered with flowers only with no foliage in sight. May be the Mother Nature does not want loss of water at the time of flowering in the form of transpiration from them through leaves.

The likes of Buddha’s Coconut tree are quite late in sprouting and show foliage only while nearing the monsoon season. However, they carry the ‘fruits’ or their remnants on them and have a unique ornamental value. Dillenia is also late to give foliage and does so in the middle of May. This should also serve as a reminder for those who recommend such trees for the parking lots. One they shed leaves and two, they do not provide shade when it is needed the most.

When such trees shed leaves that is the time when these can be pruned. Whereas in case of the ornamental trees, it is done to keep the tree in shape, like in case of ber, it is done to contain the plant and to improve the quality of the fruit. This is, therefore, the time to prune bers. Any branch pruned to contain the tree will definitely bear fruit. While pruning ber, the lower branches spreading on the ground should be removed. Second fortnight of May is the time when it should be pruned. The tree is pruned severely after four to five years.

(Narula is a PAU horticulturist)

star track
Mastering the magical act
Shahana Goswami has made a niche for herself in Bollywood. She tells us how to be a good actor...

Shahana Goswami
Spontaneous actor: Shahana Goswami

Though she was already two-films-old (Yuh Hota Toh Kya Hota and Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd), Shahana Goswami was first noticed in Rock On! Her powerful act as Arjun Rampal’s embittered wife stunned all and won her many awards along with unprecedented critical acclaim. She wasn’t just a-one-film wonder as she sparkled in films like Ru Ba Ru, Firaaq and Jashnn with her unmatched screen presence, spontaneity and natural acting. In fact, she was the only saving grace in Jashnn. She also had a role in Ra.One and will be seen next in Madhur Bhandarkar’s Heroine. Having cemented her place in this competitive industry without any godfather or filmy background, Bollywood’s latest powerhouse of talent shares some tips on how to be a good actor.

Self knowledge

You need to know yourself; what your strengths and weaknesses are. You need to be comfortable in your own skin. If you know yourself, only then will you be able to chalk the similarities or dissimilarities between your character and you and portray them.

Keen observer

You need to be aware and observant about life and the people around you. Only then will you be able to extract the finer nuances of a performance from your subconscious. Keep your eyes and ears open while living life.

Extensive research

If you are not exposed to a character and have no idea about that person, then you need to read or study about them and interact with people like them and try to imbibe the qualities and mannerisms.

Healthy lifestyle

Your body is your medium of communication. You have to take care of it and keep it in good shape. The physical aesthetic aspect is important. You have to look presentable and carry off your clothes well. I am not saying that you have to be skinny; you should be healthy and fit. You can do this by having a healthy lifestyle through your diet and exercise.

Specialisation matters

I have not been trained in acting but you can go for a course and train yourself. I believe there are two kinds of people: some people learn better on the job while others learn better when they are guided or directed. Just like when you want to make an insertion in the wall, you have to hammer in one place repeatedly, similarly, for you to make a mark as an actor, you have to establish yourself in one area and hone the good aspects of your performance. Only then will you get noticed and be remembered. If you juggle from one area of acting to another, the audience will get quite confused. So make a mark in one area and then you will get the confidence to branch out to some other area of acting. — HRM

Cast of Kya Super Kool Hain Hum Not so kool

The media was miffed at how late the launch of Kya Super Kool Hain Hum started. Riteish and the girls arrived three hours late, Tusshar Kapoor arrived towards the end of it and Ekta Kapoor was out of town. They are hardly serious with the promotions of the movie.

late comers: Cast of Kya Super Kool Hain Hum

Reel identity

Prachi Desai is happy that she is playing characters that resemble her real self in movies like I Me Aur Main opposite John Abraham and Bol Bachchan opposite Abhishek Bachchan. Both films release in July 2012.

The wait is on

Ajay Devgn starrer Son of Sardar will release on November 13. The film also stars Juhi Chawla and Sonakshi Sinha and is a remake of a South Indian film.Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Screen absence

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is busy playing mother to her daughter. She has signed a big endorsement deal with a jewellery brand. It will be a while before she returns to films. They are even planning a second baby.

Busy mommy: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Poster of Teri Meri Kahani Time travel

Priyanka-Shahid’s movie Teri Meri Kahani is ready for release. The promo has created a positive buzz. The movie spans over the years 1912, 1960 and 2012. Shahid relates to the 1912 character while Priyanka relates to the 2012 character.




Poster of Teri Meri Kahani

Soha Ali Khan and Kunal Khemu Dinner date

Soha Ali Khan and Kunal Khemu were spotted at a suburban restaurant during dinner time earlier this week. They were accompanied by two other girls.

Happy couple: Soha Ali Khan and Kunal Khemu

Priyanka Chopra PC’s environmental concern

Priyanka Chopra visited the Taj Mahal recently and she also got down on her knees and wore gloves to pick up trash from the Yamuna river to inspire people to keep the environment clean.

Socially responsible: Priyanka Chopra

Star power works

From being a contestant on a TV reality show to a host and now a lead in his debut film Vicky Donor, VJ-turned actor Ayushmann Khurrana, says the journey of an outsider has never been easy in films and feels that star kids very much deserve to be in the industry. “I think if I was a star kid I would have made by debut four years back. But I don’t have a godfather in the industry and I have made my own niche and I am proud of it. But that is ok, star kids deserve to get opportunities because their parents worked really hard,” said Ayushmann. “I think there are lot of star kids are doing well like Ranbir Kapoor. I think he is the flag bearer of R K Films; he is brilliant as an actor. And gradually he wants to become a director and revive R K Films banner and that is really commendable he is a superstar. I think even Arjun Kapoor is looking very good in Ishqzaade. I think they deserve to be there,” he said. “But it is slightly difficult for outsiders... but it doesn’t matter much.. it happens everywhere even in business they have their children joining the business. — PTI

New Year surprises

Farah Khan
Patience pays: Farah Khan

Everyone is very excited about Shah Rukh Khan and Farah Khan’s reunion for Happy New Year. However, SRK’s diary is full for a very long time so Farah will have to wait.

A source says, “Shah Rukh Khan is busy with Yash Chopra’s romantic film till July. Then he begins shooting for Chennai Express, directed by Rohit Shetty. The leading lady for the latter has to be finalised. Once he completes Chennai Express, he will then have to choose between his childhood friend Anil Senior’s ABCD and Farah Khan’s Happy New Year.”

The source continues, “Until now, SRK was doing Farah’s film after Chennai Express but now his best friend Anil has come into the picture with ABCD. SRK is acting in it and producing it as well so he will wants to wrap up this film after Chennai Express. Moreover, he is also busy with his epic on Karna which is another mega project for him after Ra.One. So all these films will keep him busy till mid-2013 and the IPL is also there. This means that Farah Khan’s film Happy New Year will only begin with him in late 2013.”

Farah Khan made Tees Maar Khan with Akshay Kumar because SRK was not giving her dates. We hope these date issues are sorted out between them because we do not want yet another Tees Maar Khan!

Not so friendly

Bipasha Basu
Staying aloof: Bipasha Basu

Even after completing a decade in the industry, actress Bipasha Basu says she has no close friends in Bollywood.

The 33-year-old actress says she has her own reservations when it comes to approaching a film-maker for a role.

“If I meet someone at a function, I do say hello. I am cordial to all. However, I can’t pick up the phone next morning and propose to plan a film together. A lot of this is also due to the fact that no one is my buddy in Bollywood. I know that for some out there this does count. Nothing wrong with that but then that’s just not me,” said Bipasha.

“On my speed dial, there is no one from the industry. When a role is offered and it is good enough then I do that. Otherwise I wait for the next right opportunity,” she added.

“I am friends with people around me but not friendly enough to start bargaining with them or emotionally blackmail them. Ultimately it’s a good film that counts and when that comes to me, I give it a go ahead. It is as simple as that,” said Bipasha. — PTI

Comedy, her new muse

Megan Fox
Humorous chick: Megan Fox

Hollywood actress Megan Fox says she is tired of playing mean characters onscreen and would like to try her luck in comedy.

The 25-year-old, who is playing a cameo in actor Sacha Baron Cohen’s new comedy film The Dictator, said public will relate to her more easily if she does some light hearted films, a website reported.

“When I first started acting I was always playing the bitchy or mean girl, then I was playing these cool, robotic women. I was growing tired of playing those kinds of characters and reinforcing this stereotype of me and having to play up to that when I was doing interviews.”

“Now I feel I can be myself again. It’s given me the chance to get away from that sexy, icy image that I’ve been stuck with. I think the public can relate to me more easily in these kinds of movies,” she said.

Angelina’s thrilling act

Angelina Jolie
Short take: Angelina Jolie

Hollywood star Angelina Jolie is in talks to star in director Ridley Scott’s upcoming narco-thriller The Counselor.

The 36-year-old actress is entering a negotiation to take a small role in the upcoming film just a few weeks after her partner Brad Pitt was said to have a discussion for another small part in the film, reported a publication.

Details of what character Jolie is eyeing to play are still unclear.

It is possible for Jolie to join Scott’s project as she will not begin filming her latest film, Maleficent, until late June or early July. Scott himself has scheduled a June start date for his new movie.

The Counselor, which is described as “‘No Country for Old Men’ on steroids”, follows a respected lawyer who thinks he can dip a toe in to the drug business without getting sucked down.

Michael Fassbender, who also worked with Scott in upcoming Prometheus, has been tapped to star as the male lead. — PTI

chatter box
Soap fusion

A still from Parichay
A still from Parichay

Saas Bina Sasuraal and Parichay will come together for an episode with Sunny of Parichay landing up in Toasty’s house. But Sunny’s family will assume someone has kidnapped him.

Family matters

Actress Priyanka Chopra was very keen to be part of NDTV’s It’s my life show hosted by Raveena Tandon. In fact, so eager was she, that she had all the dates and logisitcs worked out. However, Priyanka soon learnt that her parents were not going to be on the show because of her dad’s illness. Even her best friend too wasn’t available for the show. Realising that both her parents and best friend won’t be able to be part of the show, she chose to opt out of it. Now that’s a bit sad.

Wind up time

Maryaada Lekin Kab Tak?  Story got stretched and now will go off air on April 13. The unit had got an extension earlier for six months but the story couldn’t sustain. Raqesh Vashisth feels it is better to end a good show properly.

Tough choice

In Shubh Vivah, Saroj (Neha Janpandit) will soon return to her in-laws post pagphera and will get jewellery with her. But her mother-in-law will claim they are fake and issue ultimatum to her son Amrit (Eijaz Khan) asking him to choose between her and his wife.

A comic turn...

Akanksha Awasthi
Akanksha Awasthi

Akanksha Awasthi who is a popular face on TV is glad that producers are casting her in mature roles. She has done various shows but Uttaran has been her most popular one. She hopes her comic and dramatic histrionics gets her better work

What has been your claim to fame?

I have done many roles in comedy, negative and high-drama genre. Some of my best roles were in - Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyan, Kaun Apna Kaun Paraya, Raja Ki Ayegi Barat, Beendh Banunga Ghodi Chadhunga.

Uttaran has been your biggest ticket yet. What do you have to say about it?

Yes playing the role of Tapasya’s Mami has given me the chance to show a variety of emotions. I love the character graph of my character Rohini, where I move back and forth between being a simple woman who loves to eat and blindly follows her husband. I reallylove her innocence that pins her husband in a quandary at all times.

How is your chemistry with actor Amandeep Arora?

It’s cool. I think it is very important to be at ease with your co-stars.

Post leap, how will your role change?

I am at ease with my role in Uttaran. The new Mami will be richer and more confident. She now strives to live up to her new found status by speaking the Queen’s language leading to hilarious consequences. Her constant refrain “Oh my God” at inopportune moments will tickle many a funny bone.

But don’t you worry about playing a role double your age?

I am happy with my work and it is one of the best production houses. More importantly, I get paid on time. So why not? The role is fun and challenging which is why I don’t have a problem.

What next?

I am glad that the producers cast me for my versatility and give me meaty roles. I have been working really hard and hope to get better roles.

New release
Bittoo Boss

A still from Bittoo Boss
A still from Bittoo Boss

Shot in Shimla, Chandigarh and the virgin locales of Anandpur Sahib, the holy place of the Sikhs, Bittoo Boss a romantic comedy has producer Kumar Mangat’s daughter Amita Pathak as heroine and is directed by debutant Supavitra Babul. The movie is scheduled for release today at theatres near you.

Pulkit Samrat who was seen in Balaji’s serial Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi as Lakshya, plays Bittoo Boss in this comedy film which is produced by father-son duo Kumar Mangat and Abhishek Pathak. The film revolves around a wedding cameraman and his girlfriend.

Pulkit Samrat-Amita Pathak chemistry will be crackling with Bittoo Boss, Rest assured, this rom.com will pack in enough twists and turns to keep you glued to your multiplex seat. Fun guaranteed by newbie Supavitra Babul.

— Dharam Pal

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Your skills will be noticed by those who matter. You gain insight by looking at truth and listing priorities. Take care of health. Don’t compromise on your views.Tarot message: Don’t give up your rights or freedom without considering a second chance. Lucky colour: Saffron. Lucky number: 36.

TAURUS: Don’t waste your time getting into arguments with colleagues. Pay attention to health matters. Listen to your wisdom and be prudent about your plans for the future lest others block you. Tarot message: Think positive and be optimistic. Lucky colour: Forest green. Lucky number: 28.

GEMINI: You may be in an irritable frame of mind and need to guard against making impulsive decisions. You have been spending too much time on some tasks, spare some time for rest. Tarot message: Handle others carefully don’t antagonise anyone. Lucky colour: Brown. Lucky number: 48

CANCER: Take a moment to think about what you need to avoid making impulsive statements. There could be favorable news regarding a family member. Your heart is involved in an exciting personal relationship. Tarot message: Leave the past in the past. Lucky colour: Yellow. Lucky number: 45

LEO: You may have opportunities to make an impression on seniors or new business associates. Your ideas will be appreciated by colleagues. It is time to reconsider your career plans. Tarot message: Adapting to new technology will be important to keep pace with the changing times. Lucky colour: White. Lucky number: 29

VIRGO: You may start a long-term venture, which actualises your potential and brings you fame. Your sense of humour will put you in the spotlight. There is no substitute for hard work; so do not shirk responsibility. Tarot message: Unfinished business will unleash new problems. Lucky colour: Navy blue. Lucky number: 32

LIBRA: Allow your heart to lead the way in personal relationships. Your greatest friends are those you meet in transit. You will be focused and well prepared for important meetings and presentations. Tarot message: Don’t enter into a conflict in a matter that doesn’t concern or affect you. Lucky colour: Maroon. Lucky number: 47.

SCORPIO: Mastery of your skills or craft brings appreciation and fresh opportunity.  An attitude or bad mood will make you less popular than usual. Try to avoid social interaction for the day, if only to let things resolve themselves. Tarot message: Play your cards close to your chest. Lucky colour: Peach. Lucky number: 31

SAGITTARIUS: Aim for the proper method of organising things and you might be set up for a stable environment. There is a chance to deeply impress someone without gloating. Tarot message: Delays are the only obstacle in your way to success. Lucky colour: Ebony. Lucky number: 53

CAPRICORN: Tension in the home will have an emotional affect. There is a chance to gain from interacting with your soul mate. The big ideas you have been setting out for people are starting to take shape. Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky colour: Aqua blue. Lucky number: 41

AQUARIUS: A romance that you might have thought was headed your way arrives on its own terms. It’s advisable to meditate and remain centered within and witness the ups and downs. Tarot message: Learn to rely on your mind and hone your intellectual abilities. Lucky colour: Pista green. Lucky number: 26

PISCES: Look around at the successful people you admire. A classic afternoon get-together between you and an old flame is on the cards. Tarot message: You will need to learn how to cope better with success; its demand and its limitations. Lucky colour: Cream. Lucky number: 65

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is April 13...

Today, your birthday coincides with auspicious Baisakhi. In the current year, try to focus on important issues. The year ahead, will be full of activities and you will keep a busy schedule professionally.

Your enormous confidence and easy work schedule brings you enough time to relax. You need to spend some time with children and teach them good values. But today is Friday the 13th, which may be a hostile combination because of Black Friday so some of you may have to forget your beloved as you confront realities.

Outdoor activities will be tiring and stressful. Wishes will be fulfilled as blessings and good fortune will come your way. All the hard work, you have put in the previous months will brings results. Get involved in something that will improve your earning power. You will find comfort in the arms of your beloved. You need to take extra care of your luggage if you are travelling.

Mood: Growing stronger. Compatible signs: Scorpio, Libra. Lucky colours: Dark green, coral. Lucky days: Tuesday and Sunday. Lucky numbers: 8, 11, 15, 23, 32. Lucky gem: Chrysocolla - The Gemstone of peace. Lucky flower: Bluebell.





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