The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - The Tribune Lifestyle

	Small is big It was Reema Godhwani's mother who started the label Zooni some 21 years back at the boutique level. As for Reema, it's just been four years since she entered the business and changed it all. "I took it up to the corporate level, got into aggressive promotions and it has done a lot of good to the brand." She hasn't shown at any of the major fashion weeks in India but that doesn't mean her clientele is any less, something that her price range explains well. Beginning from Rs 14,000 onwards, it might just climb up to a couple of lakhs!
	Without a trace The removal of make-up takes as much finesse as the act of putting on make-up itself Sabia Talwar A perfect base make-up with a foundation that suits your skin tone, a good smudge-free eyeliner, kohl and a few coats of mascara and to add to the trove is a blush-on, eye-shadow, lip-liner, lip colour and a gloss! These are all you need to step out in style. But what happens when you get back? It requires you to remove every bit of make-up as properly as possible to save your skin from any harm. Says Richa Agarwal, managing director, Cleopatra, Sector-8, Chandigarh, “The first step is to remove the eye make-up as the eyeliners, kohls and mascaras are water-proof and cannot be removed easily. Secondly, one should use a milk-based cleanser. Those having dry skin can also use baby oil for removing the make-up.” Last but not the least, one should wash the face with a good face wash which suits one’s skin type. It is contrary to the regime most of us usually follow—wash faces with face wash first and cleanse later. So if one knows how to apply make-up, one should also know how to do away with it. “There are different kinds of make-up removers available in the market for different purpose. Any kind of chemical harms the skin. So one should allow the skin to breathe,” adds Richa. If you think all these cleaning steps require a lot of your time, then you are definitely mistaken. Says Sonia Ahuja, a make-up specialist at Salochna Beauty World, Sector 8, Chandigarh, “One can just take some amount of cleanser on a cotton ball and gently rub on the face. Apart from that one can also use baby oil and then wash the face properly. Applying a night cream or a moisturiser is a must before retiring to bed.” Removing make-up is very essential for a younger looking skin. Says Rachit Malhotra, director, Femina Plus, Beauty Salon and Spa, Sector-44, Chandigarh, “There are cream-based wet tissues which really help in removing the first layer of make-up. But to remove it properly, make-up removers are a must which help in breaking the colour elements of the make-up so that one can easily wash them off with a good face wash and cold water.” Eyes are the most sensitive area and prone to infections. “You should clean your eyes with cleansing milk and after rubbing it gently one should massage on their eyes to soften the area,” adds Rachit. Coming to the practical application of the theory, Harpreet Kaur, a student from Panjab University, says that whatever is available at home can also be used for the removal of make-up. “I apply a lot of make-up when I’m out for parties. I don’t buy products especially for make-up removal but I do clear my make-up with the help of a cream-based moisturiser and then for the toning part I use rose water.” So, keep your skin as clean as possible for the next make-up session! sabiatalwar@tribunemail.com
	green thumb Green curtain satish narula A thing of beauty is joy forever. Yes, you can say it for plants too. But besides beauty, they can add to the comfort level and attraction of the garden if used for utility purpose. See the accompanying picture. The climber has been used to cover the window and protect it from direct sun and heat. It has become an attractive garden feature besides providing comfort. A garden is not only a hedge here, a climber there and a lawn. Those who plan their garden, have an edge over others. The plants are the same, it is the way you present them and make features by their judicious use. What are the utilities that we need in a garden so as to enjoy it to the utmost? Foremost is the privacy from the peeping Toms that could be a passerby or a neighbour. While planning one should always take all the ‘openings’ into consideration. Those accesses, that are at or less than eye level, could be covered by the use of shrubs or using shrubbery plants as hedges. Gardeners also, at times, use bamboo fence etc. But these are short lived and fade and break after some time. At outer boundary wall level, various climbers could also be used. A big advantage with them is that they need minimum maintenance and give flowers too besides curtain effect. You can conveniently replace hedges with climbers. For higher exposures, the gardeners can make use of columner trees like Ashok (pendula). The saplings can be planted at three feet from each other so that when grown up they provide a perfect screen. But remember this tree has to be clipped at 10 feet every year or else, it may grow high, branch and then bend on a side and be a lurking danger, the branches ready to break with any excuse. For further high screening, you could use trees like casurina and clip these at 13 to 14 feet. They will form a perfect hedge at that height. The plants are best used to provide shade to windows exposed to the sun. Climbers make perfect cover and are most suitable as the fragrant climbers may send down the whole house besides providing shade. In the winter, these could be clipped to let the sun in if the direction suits. The plants are also used in the garden to restrict movement in certain areas. This is best done with the help of potted plants. This kind of utility is, however, mostly used in institutes and public places, especially for stopping vehicles beyond a point. (Narula is a senior PAU horticulturist.)
	food wise Too sweet to be true Bhumika Batra The role of sugar in our diet has always been a major concern. Many have attributed the rise in problems like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease etc. to too much of sugar intake. It is precisely these effects that have propelled people to substitute the natural sugar with the ‘artificial sweeteners’ in their diet. They are nothing but the chemicals earlier developed for some other purpose when researches tasted them and found them sweet. But are they safe? Can they be taken in uncontrolled quantity? The discussion below is one of the attempts to answer such questions. The American Dietetics Association (ADA) and American Heart Association (AHA) have given a cautious nod to the use of these sweeteners in place of sugar to combat obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Use of artificial sweeteners can make you shun healthy and nutritious foods while consuming more artificially flavoured food. The Food Drug Administration regulates the use of these sweeteners and it has also established an acceptable daily intake for each artificial sweetener. Saccharin Positive: Zero calorie, no increase in blood sugar. Negative: Possibility of bladder cancer (still debatable), possibility of allergic reactions. Not safe for infants or pregnant women, causes irritability, muscle dysfunction. Aspatame Positive: Provides less calories than sugar. Negative: Watch out for symptoms like headache, abdomen pain, spasms, anxiety, and depression. The debate continues for the evidence for tumors and cancer. Suralose Positive: Less calories, non-carcinogenic. Negative: Too much chemical formulation, presence of chlorine makes it little risky. Interferes with the absorption of prescribed medications. Acesulfame Positive: Contains carcinogen-methylene chloride Negative: Long term exposure leads to headaches, nausea, kidney, visual disturbances. Many a time the use of these sweeteners also increases sugar cravings. On the affect on pregnancy, there are findings by the Danish National Birth Cohort that daily intake of artificial sweeteners may increase the risk of pre-term delivery. It’s always important to weigh the overall health benefits when choosing food and beverages. Unfortunately, no studies on the affects of these sweeteners and possible long-term consequences of children consuming them have been authenticated. Now, talking of natural sugar substitutes which are promoted as healthier options, it is imperative to know that these natural sweeteners often undergo processing and refining making their vitamin and mineral content lower. Natural options recognised as safe by FDI include: Date sugar Honey Maple sugar Molasses Agave nectar Honey and sugar for instance are nutritionally similar; both end up in your body as glucose and fructose and also give you similar calories. Honey is not safe for infants as it may contain botulism toxin. Natural sweeteners cannot be helpful for weight loss or diabetes because of the above reason. Maybe in pregnancy or iron deficiencies jaggery may be replaced with table sugar. When choosing sugar substitutes be informed and look beyond the hype. While artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes may help in weight management, they aren’t magic bullets and should only be used in moderation. (Batra is a Chandigarh-based senior clinical nutritionist)
	Go-getter Painting the town bright Vasudha Gupta Someone once said that an artist never really finishes his work, he merely abandons it. In one sentence, that is how Shifa Mahajan’s life is. A well-paying corporate job in one of the best metropolitans of India is perhaps an ordinary dream. But to let go of it in pursuit of your passion is rather rare. Unaware of the artist within her until recently, Shifa, 23, shares her newfound love for painting. Motivational factor Appreciation was probably what got Shifa going. “While I was in Class III, my teacher pushed me to take part in an art competition,” she says. Her award was presented by Dara Singh. That was her introduction to the world of art. Taking the CAT and pursuing an MBA programme in Symbiosis, Pune did not look much of an achievement to her. “I knew that I would not be able to find solace in a regular job,” she adds. The thought kept troubling her till she finally quit her job and undertook sojourns across India. Open to learning all mediums, she painted on walls, stairs, heels, shoes and just about anything one can imagine. “People expressing joy at my art is a huge motivation,” she says. Her solo exhibition in Hyderabad has brought her some rave reviews . Feathers in the cap It was way back in Class X that Shifa gifted her painting to APJ Abdul Kalam An expert in all kinds of techniques of art, she can work equally well with acrylics as she does with crayons. Shifa sold off her painting to the president of her firm Credit Sussie. Leaving her job and visiting Hyderabad taught her not only a lot about the artistic heritage of the city but introduced her to some great names in the art fraternity. Currently, working with the Nek Chand Foundation, for Shifa this has been her biggest achievement. She has gone on to paint the interiors for Books and Brew, Rajbhog (an upcoming restaurant in Chandigarh) and DAV College canteen. She has a tie up with a leading shoe brand, which will carry her exclusive designs on shoes. Strengths and weaknesses “My biggest strength is that I don’t come from an artistic background,” she says. Moving out of the norms and boundaries of art, Shifa goes beyond the conventional. “I always wanted a vibrant life and even art at times tends to give a bit job-like feel, once you have explored all techniques,” she adds. Her MBA gives her an extra edge. “People are really surprised when I have rules and regulation with a price tag based on a financial model,” she laughs. Plus, because of the degree, her clients take her more seriously. About her weaknesses, she does feel bad when her admirers talk about her techniques more than her. “When people talk jargons, that’s where I feel left out,” she says. “But I still love the unpolished, raw nature of my work,” she quickly adds. Words of wisdom The girl feels success talks. “Follow your dreams and never give up,” she says. Focusing on her unconventional artistic streak, she is a firm non-believer in boundaries. “Break the rules but certainly get a good education to fall back upon,” she says. vasudha@tribunemail.com
	More than skin-deep! Beauty care has now come out of the parlours as more and more clinics are offering permanent solutions to skin and hair problems Manpriya Singh No one can say this about the beauty, but the beauty treatment is skin-deep! From the first acne in teenage years to the stretch marks post-pregnancy, once upon a time the beauty parlour around the street tried taking care of everything. But that was once upon a time…how many would now trust even a dermatologist employed in a beauty salon when it comes to skin problems? Awareness grows Even as the concept of parlours has branched out into spa and salons, their roles are not far behind. "That's because the concept has changed altogether. People are much more educated now and have far more awareness. They know that they should be treated from inside first and then outside and not vice-versa," shares Dr Ashima Goel, dermatologist at Parisa Skin Cosmetic and Laser Centre. Perhaps, very few believe that a burst of acne will get fine with a few sittings of facials. Then there are a lot of beautification options with dermatologists. Says Dr KM Kapoor, of Anti-Clock-Age reversal clinic and Medispa, "We have laser hair reduction for which not just women, but even men come. Then for pigmentation there's microdermabrasion and there are photo-facials and chemical peels. For wrinkle treatments there's botox and there are fillers." The reasons for their popularity are not hard to guess. He adds, "They are effective and give 100 per cent results as compared to the facials and beauty treatments at parlours, which mostly provide a feel good factor." Adds Dr Ashima Goel, "I recently got a patient who had vegetable peel done from one of the leading beauty salons in Chandigarh. He ended up with pimples. People now know that for any treatment, their skin needs to be analysed first. They come to us asking what sunscreen to use, what moisturiser will suit them and what ingredients should their anti-ageing cream have." For a cause that's inside, can't be cured from the outside! Common woes What gets them maximum calls is one of the most visible problems. Says Dr Maleeka Sachdev, "Among the teenagers, acne is the most common problem." Something that needs to be treated internally and something they seem to have well-realised. There is an echo. Nods Dr Ashima Goel, "For the youngsters, acne, sunburn and suntan are the most common problems. For people in a slightly higher age-bracket, pigmentation, anti-ageing and stretch marks remain the most common problems." Salon vs clinic Given the difference in roles, it is no more an 'either-or' situation. As one of the doctors says, "We can almost have water-tight compartments." Explains Dr Nishtha Juneja, former dermatologist at Government Hospital, Ludhiana, "It's not like dermatologists are replacing beauty salons and parlours, it's just that they have widely different roles to play and people have begun to realise that." Says Dr Maleeka Sachdev, dermatologist based in Sector 18, Chandigarh, "It would be very unfortunate if we aren't able to differentiate between a medical problem and a cosmetic problem." She adds, "Beauty parlours and salons should be resorted to for beautification and not for treatment, whereas in case of diseases one should consult a doctor." But nowadays, cosmetic and laser centres claim to take care of every beauty problem while every beauty salon will promise the advice of skin experts. "No wonder, these days a lot of beauty parlours have rephrased themselves as skin clinics. But it's simple. Just as you wouldn't go to a dermatologist for wedding make-up, you shouldn't go to a parlour for treatment of pigmentation," chips in Dr Sangeeta Saluja, cosmetologist with a Chandigarh-based salon. "One of the reasons people prefer dermatologists with beauty treatments is that everyone today has opened a beauty parlour. Nowadays, people are more aware and search on Internet and trust their skin with the doctors,' shares Betty Nangia, beauty and diet consultant. In real life though, we hope sorting the two out was just as easy! manpriya@tribunemail.com
	Punjabi Tadka Singer of the soil Jasmine Singh He has taken the stories and culture of Punjab to the world. His bright folk dress is something many non-Punjabis have taken fancy to. Meet Pammi Bai, the folk singer of Punjab, who started his professional career in 1994 and delivered his hit album on boliyan in 1995. Pammi Bai has recently come up with a folk band, popularising Punjabi folk instruments. He likes to meet people and smile a lot, a mantra for his health as well. Here, he gets candid. My favourite folk instrument I can play all instruments, but my favourite is buckhoo because it creates a unique sound and you don’t have to purchase it from the shop specially. It can be made at home easily. The live show I enjoyed I performed in Paris in front of non-Punjabis and they enjoyed every bit of my performance. That was one moment I could never forget. No stage fright I am thankful to the Almighty for this. I had the chance to perform with the best of singers always as an amateur, which is why I never had a stage fright. My performance dress My Punjabi attire is something I like to wear when I perform. This is the attire that I have made popular across the world. My song People often ask me to sing Nahi jaan nu karda... The present day songs All present-day songs are devoid of literary flavour. There is no song I can say that I am proud of. Love to perform with Gurdas Maan and Arif Lohar. These are two singers who are icons in their own way.
	STAR TRACK PC—Up, close and personal Priyanka Chopra has made it big and is a force to reckon with even though she does not come from a filmy family. Her career is going great guns and she has just launched a music career on the international scene. We can totally imagine her doing music concerts. She talks about her family, her journey and more. Family way My dad is conservative but lets me take my own decisions. When I moved to Mumbai from Bareilly, he said that my mother should accompany me. She left her medical career to come and live with me in Mumbai while I chased my dreams. Teething troubles I was thrown out of three movies because they had to accommodate established actresses or filmy daughters. I felt bad of course but it made me value work. I work hard and in difficult conditions. Lessons learnt I used to be very friendly and open and this led to link-ups. So I became reserved and kept to myself. I have friends entirely on my own account. I am not a part of any camp. So I get hurt and sometimes feel bad but I also know that my friends love me for who I am. Hits and misses Flops do hurt me and I get upset. I took solace in the fact that no matter how my films do, if I work hard my role will be appreciated. I have come a long way since the time I joined Bollywood. I have created an image for myself because of several teams and also changing with times. I love myself the way I am. I keep changing my look from time-to-time. Marital status I have always wanted to get married. I need the right guy. He has to be like my father. I have to have a lot of respect for him. He has to be successful with values in place. He should be full of life, have a zest for life and also have a sense of humour along with intelligence. — HRM
	Finally, it's happening Though Bollywood couple Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor continue to maintain silence over their much awaited wedding, yesteryear's actress and Saif's mother Sharmila Tagore has indicated that it would take place in October. "The wedding would take place in October," Sharmila said. However, she did not disclose the date of the wedding and said only Saif can tell about it. Earlier, it was reported that Saif and Kareena's wedding would take place on October 16, but later Saif refused to confirm it. Saif had earlier said that the wedding would take place in November or December. Sharmila, the wife of late Nawab of Pataudi Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, arrived in Bhopal to take part in the first meeting of Aukaf-e-Shahi (Wakf properties) of which her eldest daughter, Saba Sultan, is the Mutawalli (custodian). The meeting was held to discuss the issue of caretaker of Rubaat (guest house situated in holy city of Medina). The row has been settled with the appointment of Saba Sultan as the naazir (caretaker) of the rubaat, Sharmila said. Mansoor Ali Khan was the son Iftikhar Ali Khan (eighth Nawab of Pataudi) and Sajida Sultan, who was the second daughter of the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal. She also informed that Fahim Rizvi is appointed to manage the properties at Mediana Shareef. Rubaat at Medina is the property of erstwhile royal family of Bhopal which provides accommodation to those visiting the holy city during Haj. The meeting was attended by erstwhile members of royal family of Bhopal including Sharmila, Saleha Sultan and Arjumand Ali Khan. — PTI
	The report card Ek Tha Tiger continues to rule the box office as its collections in the second week stand at over Rs 160 crore, second only to 3 Idiots. Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi got a dull opening at the Box Office with good reviews not translating into collections, as yet.
	I, me and my family Akshay Kumar's movie Oh My God! has a special Govinda song by Prabhudeva and Sonakshi Sinha. The actress requested him to have a special screening of the movie for her family this week and he has obliged. Her father is now out of hospital.
	In memory of… Actor Shah Rukh Khan, who is currently shooting in Kashmir for Yash Chopra's yet untitled film, got nostalgic as his father always wanted him to visit the Valley. "My father's one unfulfilled wish was to bring me to Kashmir because his mom was from here. Now that I am here, it feels as if I am in his big strong arms," he tweeted. The film will get a name on Yash Chopra's 80th birthday on September 27 and is expected to release this Diwali.
	In the pipeline Tiger Shroff has found his heroine. He will play the hero in HeroPanti and his heroine is Athiya Shetty, Suniel and Maana Shetty's 18-year-old daughter. The film is produced by Sajid Nadiadwala.
	Linguistic spell Kareena Kapoor knows and speaks Marathi fluently. She would converse in Marathi with Madhur and the crew members on the sets of Heroine. We didn't know that about her.
	Shahid's life takes off! Shahid Kapoor was sitting idle for sometime after Teri Meri Kahaani but he will begin shooting for four movies back-to-back. He had to pull out of Maneesh Sharma's next movie because of date issues. A source says, "Shahid committed to Maneesh long ago for this movie and even turned down Punit Malhotra's movie and Vishal Bhardwaj's Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola for the same. Now he has to shoot for Rajkumar Santoshi's Phata Poster Nikla Hero and Prabhudeva's Namak this year and then shoot for Bejoy Nambiar's film along with a film directed by Neeraj Pandey (of A Wednesday fame). So he had to bow out of Maneesh's film. Everything is amicable between them."
	Ashton is India bound Hollywood star Ashton Kutcher is India-bound. If sources are to be believed, the Two and a Half Men star is expected to visit India anytime next week. The actor, as is known to all, is playing the lead in the biopic on late Apple founder Steve Jobs. Kutcher is coming to India to shoot certain vital scenes for the film. He will be shooting for the biopic in UP, Agra and Jharkhand. It's a known fact that India has had a big influence on Steve Jobs. The whiz kid spent about seven months in India where he came to attain spiritual enlightenment. So, any film being made on the life of Jobs would be incomplete without a visit to India. Jobs had come here in 1974 with his friend Reed, and had spent a lot of time travelling between Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. They used public transport and also trekked to Himachal Pradesh and went to parts of Uttarakhand. At that time, Jobs had shaved his head, and worn the Indian attire. "Locations were scouted long before - they will shoot in parts of UP, Agra, Jharkand and other areas," revealed a source. — HRM
	Old wine, new bottle Nazia Hassan and Biddu's hit song Disco Deewane has been remixed for Karan Johar's Student of the Year and the disco video features all the three actors grooving to the song. It is sung by multi-talented Sunidhi Chauhan and is an official remix. Three birthdays and a movie! Madhur Bhandarkar usually celebrates his birthday privately. This year was different because Kareena Kapoor surprised him with a cake on his birthday along with the cast and crew and that made him very happy. The movie Heroine’s shooting began on Arjun Rampal's birthday, Madhur's birthday was during its promotions, and it will release on Kareena's birthday.
	Better than the best While the music of Anurag Basu's Barfi has been getting a wonderful response, there was a buzz that Ranbir Kapoor liked its music even more than his earlier film Rockstar. Moreover, Ranbir also texted to the film's music director Pritam saying the same. However, Pritam says that he didn't receive any such message from the actor. Says Pritam, "Ranbir did not send me any message saying that he loves Barfi! more than Rockstar."
	chatter box Going to B-Town All TV actors vie for a role in films and Leena Jumani aka Mala of Colors’ Kairi is grinning these days as she has got a good role in Ajay Devgn’s upcoming film Himmatwala. While shooting the promo with him the news came out that she would play Ajay Devgn’s sister Padma in the film.
	Making an impression All contestants in a reality show just want to impress judges, but in Life Ok's Laugh India Laugh one of the judges, Chunky Pandey did the other way round. Chunky sported a zig zag beard to impress his contestants and audience. Chunky, who always has a unique style quotient, never lets anyone down. He wanted to look different so he experimented with his beard to make it look cool. And guess what, he got a lot of appreciation from all.
	Travel diaries Bharti Singh, who has been garnering great reviews for her cool acts in Colors’ Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, recently went to Nepal for a performance. As another Color’s Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha was being shot in the country at the airport, a huge crowd gathered. But the moment they saw Bharti they all rushed to meet her. Wow, she sure must have felt good!
	Not feeling so good The handsome Punjabi munda, Kushal Tandon, who is currently ruling the hearts of his viewers as Virat in Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai, has been down with malaria and typhoid. Though the actor fell ill a few days ago, the illness went on to become more severe.
	Shah’s television debut Spoofs, gags, films and now telefilms!! Yes, the Dusvidaniyan and Chalo Dilli director Shashant Shah is going to try his hand on telefilms. No Time for Love, is what his debut telefilms is titled. The telefilm is a heartfelt love story of a young couple. Versatile actors like Upasna Singh, Sahil Chaddha and couple of fresh faces, Rahul Sharma and Umang Jain will be featured in his directorial venture. This telefilm will talk about his experiences in television and film industry. His past two films Dusvidaniyan and Chalo Dilli were critically acclaimed and his films are a mixture of comedy and tragedy. “This telefilm is very close to my heart and I hope people will like the film,” Shashant says. When asked about his shooting experience with the cast, he adds, “The shooting was tough due to excessive heat in Chandni Chowk but the constant support from the cast and crew made my telefilm a memorable experience. Here’s wishing luck Shashant!!
	Let’s talk about success Barun Sobti aka Arnav Raizada is on cloud nine as his show Star Plus’ Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon has been doing so well. He is mighty happy about bagging a film as well. Why do you think Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon is a hit? The show is a hit because of the freshness in the story, it has some interesting twists is properly presented and two diverse characters –Arnav and Khushi. Lot has been said about your chemistry with Sanaya aka Khushi. What do you feel about it? Even I have heard a lot from my fans that they love my chemistry with Sanaya. I feel it’s all about the characters, their projection and attitude which the fans love. I am doing my job as an actor and I am glad that my work is being appreciated. What does your family, and your wife think of the chemistry between Sanaya and you? My family, wife and friends love the show and our chemistry. They are more concerned about Arnav and Khushi actually (smiles). My wife loves the concept of the show and the story of how opposites attract. She was amazed to see me as Arnav. What do you like the most about Khushi and Arnav's characters? I like Khushi’s righteous nature while I like Arnav’s melancholy. He is lonely and doesn’t believe in love. What is the real Barun like? I am completely opposite to Arnav. The real Barun is jovial, funny, romantic and has a great sense of humour. I could relate to Shravan from Baat Humari Paki Hai. I simply concentrate on my work and then I go home. I don’t bother with any other thing except my work. What kind of fan experiences have you had? My fans like to take pictures with me and want autographs but then there are others who want to hug and even kiss. That gets embarrassing for me. — HRM
	The year ahead Madan Gupta Spatu If your birthday is August 30... It is not worth acting in this particular moment as the general situation is not entirely favourable. You will gain more profits by pulling back temporarily and maintaining your independence. Your wisdom now consists in waiting and avoiding unpleasant people. You have to let go of the past if you wish to get out of the sentimental mood that grips you. In case you are looking for ways to make little extra money, invest in secure financial schemes. Do not come under pressure of others when making important business decisions. You will be committed to the people who look up to you for help. Your birthday on August 30 stands for artistic expression - writing, painting, music. You will freely express your inner feelings and enjoy life more. You also dream of becoming more popular and appreciated. Strong in your opinions, you always tend to think you are on the right side of an issue. You may get a promotion or expand your business after May 2013. Those who are in jobs may be assigned some very important and secret duty. You are not averse to learning and are a natural student of human nature. Cultural, religious or political differences make the world more interesting for you. Your interest in occult and mysterious sciences will increase. Encouraged by the results of your constructive actions, you may like to take on as many assignments as possible. Mood: Emotional, vulnerable and downright prone to 'mini-depression'. Compatible signs: Leo, Aquarius. Lucky colours: Light grey, Royal blue. Lucky days: Saturday and Sunday. Lucky numbers: 2, 4, 14, 24, 42. Lucky flower: Camellia Lucky gemstone: Tourmaline. Shobha Khote originally Shubha Khote (born August 30) is a famous movie personality of yesteryears. She is the daughter of Nandu Khote, a star on stage and in silent movies. Durga Khote was her aunt. Her daughter too is in serials. Shobha Khote, Mehmood and Dhumal were a highly popular team and did roaring business at the box-office. Sasural, Dil Ek Mandir, Dil Tera Diwana, Bharosa and several other films celebrated jubilees. Shobha is still active in serials and stage shows.
	Astro turf P Khurrana ARIES: You may be under some stress. Do not attempt to get new plans going. Work in seclusion from your own house if possible. Take the help of a Gemini person. Work behind the scenes. Tarot message: You can stabilise your financial situation if you make investments in property. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 60 TAURUS: Argument with your spouse is possible in the afternoon. You will have to watch your temper if you want to maintain harmony. Pay a little more attention to the creative and spiritual side of your life now. Tarot message: Over-optimism could lead to mistakes. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 30 GEMINI: Take advantage of the good opportunities that come your way. No arguments with elders please. You will get what you expect. Your moods could be up and down. Tarot message: Do not overspend just to impress others. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 36 CANCER: Keep your spirits up putting forward a cheerful face. Look at stocks and savings you have. Creativity shines. You are likely to attract happy and positive people with whom you can have fun. Tarot message: Don’t waste an opportunity by being rash or impulsive. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 55 LEO: The card Two of Cups promises many opportunities on financial fronts. If working on a commission basis you will be able to increase your earnings. Overall the day ends very nicely. Tarot message: You will get the help you need if you ask for it. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 32 VIRGO: Tricky day if you are hoping for spectacular results. It would be best to keep new ideas under wraps. Housewives: protect yourself against an accident while cooking. Look after your expenses. Tarot message: Wait a while; everything will get sorted out on its own. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 40 LIBRA: A secret meeting with influential people will go off particularly well. You will get a salary increase in the near future. It is a good day to seek a loan or other financial support. Tarot message: You need to be creative if you want to retain your grip over business. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 52 SCORPIO: You should give a serious thought to your business. Decisions, especially involving career should not be put off. Plan a romantic evening with your loved one. Do not walk about in daze. Be careful about minor injury. Tarot message: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter. Lucky colour: Silver grey. Magic number: 54 SAGITTARIUS: A fine day for starting something new. Businessmen may make a lucrative deal. Envy can be a problem, so get advice but keep your real plans under your hat. Tarot message: Feel good about yourself and prepare yourself for a mental battle. Lucky colour: Sea-green. Magic number: 42 CAPRICORN: Your card Ten of Pentacles reveals that plans that you have for saving are likely to meet with approval. Be careful, as you are likely to jump the gun. An emotional mood can interfere with your judgements. Tarot message: Health of elderly member needs care. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 26 AQUARIUS: Do not try to make money the easy way. Romance is highlighted. The second half of the day is favourable for social work. Women drivers: follow all safety rules. Tarot message: This is not a bad time to open up new doors that could lead you in a lucrative direction. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 62 PISCES: Do not make snap decisions. Mutually held funds must not be disturbed without your consent. The demands of your ego are not likely to be very strong, which makes you more sensitive to the world around you. Tarot message: Avoid gossip session at the work place. Lucky colour: Aqua. Magic number: 44