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Dramatic dialogue
Often, when art is seasoned with perspective, it tenders a vision that dances attendance to the tunes of wisdom, thereby creating a dialogue that is both substantially significant and engaging. Perhaps, that is one of the many reasons behind GR Iranna's exceptional success as a painter, sculptor, and an installation artist.
Invited by the Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi for an audio-visual presentation, titled Tempered Branches, on his body of work at the Government Museum and Art Gallery-10, Chandigarh, Iranna dissects his works with an analytical eye, giving us a little peak into his disposition as an artist. Regarded as one of the finest contemporary artists of India, Iranna was born to a middle class farmer family in Karnataka, which as he says, left him with no other choice but to become an artist. "I really had no other choice than to become an artist because there was not enough money in the family that could afford my studies as an engineer or a doctor. Also, my heart was set on art, so it required very little convincing to pursue anything other than art," he begins. Known particularly for his ability to create a morbid satire on society and politics while exploring the behavioural tendencies of humans, Iranna weaves a dramatic dialogue between two contrasting elements that dwell on his perception of passive and active spaces. Quite evident in his painting series titled Mask, where he covers his subjects, human faces, with a cloth and his Where Is My Homeland series, the contents of which form the heads covered with maps leading to nowhere, Iranna explores expressionism while approaching it with poignant and hiding them instead, thereby making it even more conspicuous. A similar undertone of dark sarcasm that takes a pungent dig on society and system is reflected in his installations like a charka on a hospital bed, Peace and Pieces, which showcased Buddha nailed on a toolbox and blindfold men bowing in prayer on a plank of wood with wheels, often used by the handicapped beggars. When quizzed about the challenges that he faces as an artist, significantly while ideating, Iranna says, "The toughest part is to convince myself of the subject that interests me and to sift the right from the wrong and acceptance from rejection. In fact, every moment I struggle with the idea," he says. While talking about his source of inspiration that articulates his need for revolution in society and political system, Iranna shares that he has always been sensitive to innocence. "Even as a child, I have always been sensitive to the idea of innocence and of how it is exploited. That is also the reason why I made a sculpture of a donkey, which in my opinion is the most hard-working innocent animal. In another sculpture, I gave my donkey the skin of a tiger," he says. As he talks about the commercialisation of art, which in his opinion is necessary for an artist to sustain, he objects to the idea of succumbing his creativity to the market pressure. "We all work for money and for an artist, his works are like his emotions, which don't come with a price tag. So, the collectors and galleries determine the rate. However, I have and I never will accommodate my art and creativity to market manipulations," he signs
off. amarjot@tribunemail.com
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Truth be told
It was the story that author Pinki Virani henceforth decided to share with the world. Aruna's Story (1998), her debut novel, that narrated the incident of a young nurse brutally sodomised and left to die in a vegetative state. Passive Euthanasia became not only a topic of national debate but translated onto a historic judgement passed in March 2011. Since then it has been a life devoted to the body of work which gives voice to individuals that have none. "After I came to know about her, I went into the public hospital where Aruna was kept." It has been a relationship that Pinki kept alive well past her 50th and 60th birthday, to "Till today, she's in that condition, can't speak, smell, move…," she shares, here for the premier of Kahaani Karuna Ki, as a part of the ongoing Chandigarh Literature Festival. It has been a conscious decision to show the mirror to society and the need for people to feel the pain. "This was my way of reminding people…look here." As for the subjects, she shrugs, "Books find readers of their own. I am one of the few authors who asks for where book sales are happening. But I think my books make for such sad subjects." Bitter truth
Like with her third novel, the National Award Wining Bitter Chocolate: Child Sexual Abuse in India (2000). A book she hasn't read after having written except to cater to literary demands when it went into 25th edition. "It was meant to be a book for both boys and girls. Lots of research suggested that if one half of girls are in danger then one fourth of boys are in danger of being sexually abused and in total 50 per cent in their privacy and sanctity of their homes and school includes homes." A hitherto muted fact of society that was, as she likes to call it, "cutting across all caste and class lines." A year's research went behind Bitter Chocolate. "I travelled all over the country. After gathering information, when I sat down to write, it made me sick and pukish. I don't read that book." Nevertheless the law makers did and POCSO (Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences) passed in May 2012, four of her inputs and several suggestions from the book. Something she didn't expect. "When you sit down to write, it is for the sheer beauty of it writing and the research," shares the journalist turned author, born and brought up in Mumbai. As she likes to extend it, 'born, brought up, buttered, battered in Bombay'. No wonder, in-between her second book Once Was Bombay, yet another bestseller, highlighted the complete collapse of Mumbai as a city. From a cosmopolitan city to a platform for the provincial politicians out to divide in the name of region and then religion. Dramatic turn
The latest Deaf Heaven, her first book of fiction, brings forth the façade of present day modernity through a set of characters. "I am currently working on my fifth Bloody Hell, which is a literary diptych to Deaf Heaven but can be read as a standalone. And then there's a non- fiction international book." About which she would like to keep you guessing as of now. But certainly not on the fact that it will be a work of substance. manpriya@tribunemail.com
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A unique historical journey
A journey that all the four members of the family initiate together, an experience that touches all of them differently, a destination that they reach and a story that they will be sharing together; a story of four brave souls who made the ultimate sacrifice — is the story of Chaar Sahibzaade.
Director Harry Baweja, creative producer Harman Baweja and producer Pammi Baweja, along with her daughter, reveal more about the film in Chandigarh on Saturday. The film reveals some intriguing, unknown facts about Sikh history and will be released in Punjabi, Hindi, English, among other Indian and foreign languages. Chaar Sahibzaade is about the four sons of Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Guru of the Sikhs. As the interaction rolls, the director is first to take the mike. "It took me almost five years to bring the story alive for the audience. It is a story that I had heard in my childhood and something that I wanted to work on," says Harry Baweja, who has done a good deal of research on this project. The five years time for the project validates it. "We consulted every historian for the project." The film is an animation, something which is in the nascent stage in India and unheard of in Punjabi films. "I agree, animation is in an initial stage, but then someone had to do it. We couldn't have anyone play the Gurus or any other character, so it was animation," adds Harry Baweja, who hands the mike to the handsome man sitting next to man. Now, this man has been news for some debacles and link-ups. Nevertheless, actor Harman Baweja comes across as a warm person totally engrossed in the project. He is the creative producer and he has taken this role seriously. "This topic came up at the dinner table when my father expressed his desire to make an animation film on this subject. The entire family was with him and this is how we are part of the project." The creative producer has virtually turned their office into a Sikh history library. "We took care of every little detail, from the costumes of the sahibzaade, their armour; in fact we had everything checked from the SGPC so that nothing would go wrong, no fact misinterpreted," adds the actor whom you might not recognise in the first go, as his full grown beard covers his chiselled face. Laughs Harman, as he jokes about how his father has actually made him work like an assistant director, "I was not the creative producer for him. I gave my inputs, the final say was, however, his; I guess that's how fathers are," passing the mike to his mother, who in her warm voice talks about the film being an experience. Another actor, who makes a blink and miss appearance in the interaction, Amrinder Gill, has sung the track Mitar Pyaare Nu in the film. "Singing in a film like this is an experience in itself; it not only cleanses my throat but also the soul." Amrinder Gill is also promoting his upcoming film Happy Go Lucky, produced by Pammi Baweja and directed by Amarpreet GS Chabbra. The music director is Jatinder Shah. The film also stars Harish Verma. After the success of Goreyan Nu Daffa Karo, all eyes have turned to Amrinder. "I try and make every film a new project, and I try to bring in a different element in it. With HGL, I am trying to do the same, you will not find Kala of GNDK in this film," adds
Amrinder.
jasmine@tribunemail.com
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A complete entertainer
A radio jockey, an actor, and a musician, RJ Abhimanyu comes across as a jack of many trades, who swears that he is the master of one - "entertainment". As we greet him on his homecoming, which extends to two very significant frames of his existence, one of which is his career as a radio jockey and the other being his love for Chandigarh, he seems only too elated to be back.
"It feels good to be back to the city after so many years, especially as an RJ because I started here," begins Abhimanyu, who will soon be hosting the Big Morning Show from 7 am to 10 am only on Big 92.7 FM. However, before we start shooting show-related questions his way, we quiz him about his humble acting career that started from a talent-hunt reality television show titled Zee Cine Starts Ki Khoj, where he made it to the final top ten contestants. "Reality shows, in my opinion, are a very good platform for showcasing one's talent and it is courtesy this show that I was offered another television show titled Prakriti, which will soon be telecast on DD National," he says. While expressing his desire to act in Punjabi commercial cinema, he says, "As an actor or a musician or even a radio jockey, I think I cannot bracket myself in any of these mediums because I consider myself a complete entertainer," he smiles. While talking about his show, he shares that with the Big Morning Show, he aims to introduce the city to a metro-format of a radio show. Having worked as a radio jockey at Delhi's leading radio channel, Abhimanyu's experience as a radio jockey is as vast as intense. "Since I have worked as an RJ in the metro, I think I will be able to introduce the audience to an infotainment format of a show, which will be quite a new thing for them," he says. Abhimanyu gives us a little dope on the three-hour long show that is divided into many segments, including khul ja gym gym (that caters to health and fitness), Good, bad, mad (about the three, good bad and mad happenings of the previous day) and an interactive segment shor macha ke, where the listeners can express their views about a topic. "We also have a very interesting Yo Yo Rap-ta Singh on the show, who will rap about the recent happenings of the city," says Abhimanyu. The show will also feature an interesting History ki mystery segment that will inform the listeners on This day-That year and will also include a generous sprinkling of daily information inputs on happenings in the city/flight/train timings updates/gold and sensex/ traffic/water and power cut/traffic etc. So, get early to bed and early to rise, but listen to RJ Abhimanyu to get healthy wealthy and
wise! amarjot@tribunemail.com
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Deep impact
The literary journey just gets better. On the second day of Chandigarh
Literature Festival, we get up, close and personal with authors Aniruddha Bahal, Jai Arjun Singh and KR Meera.
Beyond genre In Chandigarh for the ongoing literature festival, journalist, author, founder and editor of online magazine Cobrapost.com, Aniruddha Bahal says journalism is just a means to an end, the end being the ability to sustain his writings. "I was a novelist before journalism came my way. I would've been jobless had I not been a journalist," says Bahal, known for his adventurous career, which starred with sting operations. His previous novel, his third, The Emissary (2010), transports one to the heart of ancient Greece in the time of Alexander the Great. Ask him how he ended up picking up this topic in particular and he says, "VS Naipaul advised me to read up on a lot of history and that history just happened to be that of Greece." Bahal talks about revisiting his old works with a new perspective. "When I told my daughter that this book of mine will be discussed at this festival, she started naming some characters from my book that I, for the love of god, could not recall. So, I had to pick up my book and go through it to know what she meant. Thus, when you revisit your work with a fresh perspective, it gives you an insight into your own writing.” Bahal's first novel Crack in the Mirror (1991) and second Bunker 13 (2003) that deals with drugs, sex and espionage in Kashmir, has differed widely from his third. "I can't stick to one genre, unlike most of the authors today. These new-age authors look at their books as brand building. They go after a genre and keep at it. Take Amish Tripathi's mythological trilogy for instance. I simply get bored with the same genre. Like I got bored of doing the same investigative stories over and over again so we opened Tehelka, and then Cobrapost.com," says the king of sting.
Classic thought Ask him if the social media, with its clutter of information is to blame, and he says, "Yes, and no. Yes, people are more aware, and hence more reactionary, in their approach about things that were okay in the past. But, at the same time, they also have the medium to voice their opinions on injustice." Ask him if a Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron can be remade today and he says, "What's a classic is a classic. But, we do have some very promising directors like Dibakar Banerjee, Vikramaditya Motwani and Zoya Akhtar today, who have the potential to produce cult films for generations to come." So, with new directors challenging the boundaries of parallel cinema, it's a good time for cinema, right? "The divide between parallel and commercial cinema was much wider 40 years ago. Things have changed now. With films like Bombay Talkies, the lines are blurring. Now, directors too have more mediums to explore and challenge themselves."
Feminist voice She has, however, written the screenplay for four serials so far, but, she's not one to be associated with cinema. "Though I have written the screenplay for a film - which found the director of the film and me in the courtroom — I prefer not being known for my work in films. It's not that I don't enjoy doing it; I just don't have the freedom to write what I want or give my perspective on the issue at hand. When I'm writing books, I'm the authority, not the director. With films, you're never really truly happy with the way they interpret your writings." Being every bit the feminist, Meera adds, "Women make for better writers. That could be because they see life more deeply than men, but all of the world's best writers happen to be women. For instance, my sister and I know the passages of God of Small Things by heart!" And her favourite authors? "Although I'm in love with Kamala Das' writings, my all-time favourite remains Gabriel Garcia Marquez." somya@tribunemail.com
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Punjabi Tadka Harf Cheema comes out with his first album, Stand Jatt Da, this week Jasmine Singh
Having created poetry for almost a decade, Harf stepped into the professional arena almost two years ago. Now, he is ready to roll out a full-fledged album, Stand Jatt Da. This handsome singer can switch from being an introvert to an extrovert in the right company. Over to the man, an engineer, by the way, staying in a castle made of words and thoughts. As of now I am eagerly waiting for the release of my album, Stand Jatt Da, which releases this week. It has a total of eight songs; all of them have been written by me. If you are looking for different elements in this album, all the songs are based on reality, something that happens to us in real life. The album has the right mix of songs from a touch of desi, romance to a peppy number as well. Here I am… a singer I finished my BTech in 2011 from CEC Ladran, which means had I not been a singer, I would have been an engineer. But, I have been writing poetry for many years, so singing was likely to happen. Training first I believe that singing, like any other art form, is a gift from god. At the same time, I feel it is important to prepare oneself for any task ahead, even passion. So, for almost two years, prior to getting into singing, I trained for it. If I were to collaborate… It has to be with Gurdas Maan; I have grown up with his music. He is a singer who can melt hearts. Live wire Last year, I performed at my own college, and it turned out to be the best stage performance of my career. It was like home coming and it felt like I was giving back to the place that fine tuned me as a person. Students' cheering and hooting still resounds in my ears… Inspiration comes calling From singers like Gurdas Maan, he breathes life into his songs that can inspire any singer. Track favourite I love the track Punjabiaye Zubaaney Acting can wait As of now, I am only concentrating on singing, my heart lies in this part of the world. jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Jazbaa teaser for Aishwarya
Why not put together a three-minute teaser of Jazbaa and present it to her. I made sure she didn't get to know about it as I slogged for 18 hours a day to get it ready in time," Gupta said. The teaser of “Jazbaa” was just one of the many gifts that were lined up for Aishwarya on her birthday. If a source is to be believed, Abhishek had been birthday shopping for his wife in Dubai where he had gone for the premiere of his new film Happy New Year, and their daughter Aaradhya has put together a card specially designed for the occasion. “This year, Aishwarya has a lot to celebrate during her birthday. Her husband's new film is a super-hit. And Aishwarya is ready to make a comeback to acting with Sanjay Gupta's Jazbaa,”said a source close to the Bachchan family. When asked what plans there were for her birthday, a source said: "No big bash has been planned as such. Ash will be with Abhishek, her parents, brother and bhabhi (sister-in-law), Abhishek's parents and Aaradhya. “A trip to the temple is also on the anvil. Other than that, Aishwarya was in no mood for a big celebration this birthday.”
— IANS
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Kim’s weight problem
“I’ve lost a little bit, but I feel like I'm gaining it back. It's hard. A couple of years ago the scales said I was 20lb thinner then I am now, but after you have a baby your body changes. “But it's been over a year, so I have no more excuses. If I could lose 10lb it would be ideal,” she said. The 34-year-old star, who is busy promoting her new Kardashian Kollection for high street label Lipsy, along with her sisters, Khloe and Kourtney, says exercising is not easy, but one has to do it. “It’s tough but you've got to work out and eat right. I love running on the treadmill. But on this trip I haven't been able to at all. I've been eating a lot and not working out,”she said.
— IANS
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Success is temporary: Deepika
Deepika Padukone continues her smashing success streak with Happy New Year and balancing blockbusters with independent or content-driven films. She talks about her success and more.
Easy approach I still have the same approach to work as I had earlier. I just enjoy my films. Of course, when I hear or read good things about my work, I feel good. It has taken a lot of hard work to achieve all these. But you shouldn't take your achievements too seriously. Do your work and move on! Superstar tag and pride I don't feel proud at all. Yes, it does feel good. But it also means I must focus more on my work. Being grounded I’ve always believed that success is temporary. So, enjoy it till it lasts. It's me today; it will be someone else tomorrow. That's how this business works. One needs to stay balanced. If you enjoy your work, the rest happens on its own. Choosing films I’ve always followed my instincts. I've worked with all directors, established and newcomers. In fact, I've worked more with newcomers. I've never chosen a project on the basis of the set-up. I've always looked at whether I connect with the story. Knowing Ranveer Ranveer Singh is an extremely giving actor and highly energetic. He has the knack of keeping everyone happy. And, he doesn't need to do anything special to make you happy. That's his personality. He connects easily with all. He makes every person feel special. He spreads happiness. I believe such people are God's children. They spread joy. I believe he's God's child. Whatever happens in his life, good or bad, his attitude towards life remains unaltered. I am excited about working with him on Bajirao Mastani again.
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Hrithik, Sussanne now legally divorced
Hrithik Roshan and his estranged wife Sussanne Khan were granted divorce by the Bandra court on Saturday, the Bollywood star's lawyer said. Lawyer Deepesh Mehta said, "They are legally divorced now. Today at around 10:30 am, all things were done.
They have got divorced in a very unique and elegant way where there is no alimony and not a single document drawn up between them. It's all on the basis of trust, respect and faith." Mehta said "this is an example they have set on how a couple should part ways in an elegant and classy way." It was earlier reported that a Rs100 crore alimony was involved in their divorce but Sussanne had officially denied it.
— IANS
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Rajasthani tune for P.K.
Rajasthani singer Swaroop Khan has been roped in by Rajkumar Hirani for his next project P.K. Swaroop Khan was a very popular contestant on a singing reality show and was appreciated for his talent.
Rajkumar Hirani wanted a Rajasthani feel for a song in his P.K. He felt Swaroop would do complete justice with his Rajasthani folk music. The song titled Tharki Chokro is a Rajasthani song featuring Sanjay Dutt and Aamir Khan. Sanjay addresses Aamir as Tharki Chokro in the song. It is a classic song and has a very catchy tune. The song is very special for Swaroop Khan as it the first time he has sung for such a big project. P.K. is Rajkumar Hirani's next starring Aamir Khan, Anushka Sharma, Sushant Singh Rajput and Sanjay Dutt, set to release on December 19.
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Prabhu Dheva’s tribute to Elvis
Prabhu Dheva has released the first song of his upcoming film Action Jackson titled Keeda. The song is generating a lot of buzz as it not only sees an otherwise serious Ajay Devgn dancing but also because through this peppy romantic number the actor-director duo has paid tribute to the King of Rock & Roll, Elvis Presley.
The song also features the movie's lead actress Sonakshi Sinha and has been shot in Austria. The actors have not only performed some of Elvis' signature moves in the song but the background dancers' costume has also been inspired by Presley's famous white and red bell-bottom jumpsuit and they have also sported the King's famous hairstyle. "Elvis Presley is an icon. Prabhu sir and Ajay sir are huge fans of Elvis Presley; hence they took inspiration from him for the costumes of the background dancers. They have been dressed just like Elvis Presley and will be seen doing some signature moves of the legend,'' says a source close from the production team.
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Amitabh looks his part
The superstar, who plays Deepika Padukone's dad in the movie, has grown his hair long and sports a big belly to look the part. The look is quirky yet adorable, somewhat similar to the shade and treatment of Piku. Piku, directed by Shoojit Sircar, is a slice-of-life cinema. A quirky roller-coaster ride of a crazy father-daughter relationship essayed by Amitabh and Deepika, along with Irrfan Khan in a pivotal author-backed role. The film is currently being shot in Kolkata. Besides Kolkata, the film will also be shot in Delhi and parts of Gujarat. Piku also stars Bengali actors Moushumi Chatterjee and Jishu Sengupta.
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Strength of character
What do you think is the reason behind you creating such an impact with Mahadev?
If you look like the character, it works for the show. My shoulders, sharp features, my eyes and looks all contributed, and it was half the battle won as I looked the character. According to producer Nikhil Sinha and the channel, I was the right choice. The character has such depth and power that if anyone else would have got the opportunity, he would have also created the same impact. How did Mahadev happen to you? I was approached, auditioned and fitted the bill. It nearly took a month. There were a lot of 'look' tests. Many people were considered for the role and I was a contender too. I went through regular casting procedures. I had gone out of town and the makers waited for me to return. We have been receiving unending letters from your fans who want to know
the man behind the image. Can you please tell us how the Mohit was in his younger days? I was naughty and used to indulge in pranks too. While growing up, I became an introvert. I was a normal child. I grew up in Jammu and Kashmir. I did my college there. I used to play snooker. I was fond of listening to the 'air' that comes out when you prick a tyre. I used to be scolded a lot for it! How was the atmosphere at home? I was brought up in a modest family, but given a lot of freedom. My mother Dura Raina worked for the Central Government. My father Udesh Raina was a doctor. I was brought up in a happy environment. What are the three most important things for you in life? My family, my work and being a good human being. Do you look forward to breaking ground in Bollywood? Television is where I am. I respect the medium and give it my best. In case of films, you get a lot of time for the character. In case of TV, we are always running against time. In TV you sometimes compromise. In case of films, the medium is large and there is more responsibility. All film actors are on TV in one way or the other. Film actors are icons and TV actors are characters.
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The right platform
Ali in a new role
Seasoned actor Ali Hassan has been roped in to play a pivotal role in Zee TV's Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke. He will be seen essaying the role of Omkar, a man who's turned bitter and vicious following a spate of unfortunate incidents in his life. He plays a pivotal role in bringing about a change in Rachna (Mahima Makwana). Ali said, "What I loved about Omkar's character is that it has many layers to it. Playing a negative character is not easy, but the makers of the show have done very well.” Tribes around the world often tattoo or cut themselves to mark important, life-changing events. Tattoo Hunter follows tattoo anthropologist Lars Krutak, as he investigates ancient body modification rituals from around the world. He seeks to understand the meaning behind these sacred traditions that date back thousands of years by immersing himself into the daily life of warriors, cannibals and head-hunters. Tattoo Hunter premiers on Thursday, November 6, at 11 pm on Discovery Turbo. Home away from home
A still from Ek Rishta Aisa Bhi
So when Preeti goes to the sets to shoot for her show, it seems that she doesn't miss her sisters or cousins at all.
Preeti's role in the show is that of an elder sister who is very close to her five sisters. And as they say, the love of a family is life's greatest blessing and this has come true for Preeti Chowdhary in every sense, as she is showered with love by just not her real sisters but her show sisters as well. It seems Priyanka Chopra has been taking it easy after her gruelling schedule in Mary
Kom. She stepped out in a really tight dress at the Abu Dhabi International Film Festival. She is currently shooting for Bajirao
Mastani.
It’s Kolkata or nothing for SRK
While Bollywood biggies may flaunt their newfound status as football team owners, superstar Shah Rukh Khan has revealed how he refused to be a part of the Indian Super League
(ISL) for not being able to lay his hands on the team from his beloved Kolkata. He is the brand ambassador for West Bengal and owns the IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders. So, it was Kolkata or nothing, for him! Weekend fun
Riding on the immense popularity of Har Mushkil Ka Hal Akbar Birbal,
Big Magic is extending the show on weekends, with a one-hour new episode
every Saturday at 9 pm. Titled Shahi Shanivaar, the overall aim is to
retain the attention of the audience even on weekends. There will be an episode on Vishkanya on
November 18.
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ASTRO TURF
ARIES: 'The Prince of Pentacles' infuses financial stability. You will find appreciation and applause for your culinary talents. Delays can be expected today. A happy surprise awaits you.
Tarot message: Don't do anything at the cost of health. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 43.
TAURUS: Like the 'The Knight of Cups' you are emotional in personal relationship and graceful on social occasions. You are likely to find an ideal partner.
Tarot message: Lack of persistence can be disastrous in business matters.
Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 47. GEMINI: Do not get sucked into overtime. Plan some fun and relaxation with friends and loved ones; leave stress city behind. A brief business cum pleasure trip is just on the cards. Tarot message: Don't waste an opportunity by being rash or impulsive.
Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 44. CANCER: 'Ace of Swords' pulls you in an opposite direction when making a decision. A yearning for overseas travel and adventure can encourage a career of your choice. Be focused.
Tarot message: Keep your eyes on the future. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 28. LEO: Some very interesting people come into your sphere of business and give you a few ideas on how to go about financial matters. Avoid new debt or excess spending. Tonight rest and pamper your body. Tarot message: Time will heal all pains and wounds.
Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 33 VIRGO: 'The Prince of Cups' brings you to your hopes and desires, which you mask with a calm surface. You are good at getting people to express their opinions and keeping your own hidden.
Tarot message: Be positive. Lucky colour: Peacock-blue. Magic number: 36.
LIBRA: 'The Lovers' facilitate you to be open and inspired by new ideas. A surprise phone call can put you back in touch with a friend. Youngsters should be capable of entertaining themselves Tarot message: Do not be in the rush to spend extravagantly.
Lucky colour: Grey. Magic number: 54. SCORPIO: "The Priestess" infuses promise and commitment in personal relationships. Bring up the sensitive issues that will encourage some open and revealing discussion. Tarot message: Spend time meeting experienced people.
Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 37. SAGITTARIUS: 'The prince of Wands' comes riding with a promise of power and energy. Lots of secrets and undercover scenarios can make for an interesting day. Tarot message: You can make things happen out of the most unlikely circumstances.
Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 56. CAPRICORN: 'The Fool' infuses you with courage. A neighbour has some gossip to divulge to you. Make sure you really want to hear secrets or rumours about someone.
Tarot message: Don't try to end all the deadlocks at one go. Lucky
colour: Ebony. Magic number: 25. AQUARIUS: 'Ten of pentacles' bodes extremely well for relationships and romance. Today, you will be able to enjoy interaction with people who share your views and thoughts.
Tarot message: Do not trivial problems haunt you. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 28. PISCES: The karmic 'Wheel of fortune' turns in your favour. Do not put up with a headache or a neck-pain; visit a doctor before it gets too late.
Tarot message: Capitalise on your strengths and do not trust others at all. Lucky
colour: Forest-green. Magic number: 32.
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THE YEAR AHEAD
If your birthday is November 2...
Your birthday falls on the historic celestial transit of Saturn into Scorpio. It will remain in your sign for the next 27 months. It will be a smooth year on the work front. The number 2 of 11th month under Scorpio sign rarely lose; they just keep on going, since they are stubborn and determined to succeed. Medical expenses for the health of family members are seen. You might have some worries regarding the progress of your children. Generally, it will be a normal year. Keep an eye on your weight and do not indulge in overeating. If without own home, Saturn may provide a built-up house, flat or ancestral property. Positive colours: White, Silver. Select days: Sunday, Monday. Favourable numbers: 2, 4, 8. Charity on birthday: Donate any gold item to an orphan girl in her marriage.
You share your birthday with Shah Rukh Khan (November 2, 1965, New Delhi). SRK began his career in television serials in the late 1980s. SRK will remain the heartthrob of cine-goers owing to combination of numbers 2 and 7.
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As a young journalist, she had just given into the urban trap of work hard and party harder. A mother's timely admonition lends perspective to the way of life she was yet to embrace. "My mother said only one thing to me, 'Feel your freedom, but always remember you are only one step away from incredible failure' and told me the case of Aruna Shanbaug."
In retrospect, he's the buster of bubbles. His work has impacted almost everything that really matters to an average Indian - the 'faithful' system of the Parliament, the mental safety of our banking system, and of course, cricket.
Films are serious business; so is writing about them. Delhi-based freelance writer-journalist Jai Arjun Singh has been blogging about them for over a decade and he has nothing but layers of insights into the industry. Amongst the author's most famous works is his monograph on the 1983 cult film, Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron. "That film, as legendary as it has been through the years, was seriously irreverent about religion - what with the Mahabharata being tampered with or a Christian man's dead body being made to wear a burqa. Today, we can't afford to be so flippant towards religion. That was the beauty of that era. People now are more intolerant of religious humour; we, as a society, have become far more sensitive," says the blogger.
The winner of Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award (2009), amongst many others, Malayalam author KR Meera is one to challenge the designated boundaries of feminism, which is not limited to just her writings. The author of the book Hangwoman - a coming-of-age tale of a 22-year-old woman executioner, who is thrust suddenly into the public eye - Meera prefers her stories to unfurl the dark side of life as we know it. 
His closest friends have been words — words he has pulled out from under the blank sky of his village, Cheema (Sangrur district), words he has splashed on white-blank pages, words he has rolled out in moonlit nights. For singer Harvinder Singh, better known in the music industry as Harf Cheema, words have and continue to define him.
Aishwarya Rai, who turned 41 on Saturday, has many special things to look forward to. While her family has been ensuring to make it a memorable birthday, Sanjay Gupta, the director of Jazbaa, toiled to put together a premature teaser trailer of her movie. "It was an idea that came to me very late.
Reality TV star Kim Kardashian, who shed weight after the birth of her daughter last year, is keen to loose 10lb (about 4.5 kg) more. She talked about losing weight while talking to Grazia magazine and said that she feels she is gaining again.
The first look of Amitabh Bachchan's upcoming film Piku is out and knowing Big B's penchant for getting into the skin of a character, his first look is no surprise.
Promoting a film on Kapil Sharma's show seems like the latest trend in Bollywood. The star cast of Shaad Ali's upcoming romantic-action Kill Dil recently visited the sets of Comedy Nights With Kapil. Actor Ranveer Singh couldn't hide the excitement. He tweeted: 'Rollicking RIOT of an episode!!#comedynightswithkapil. EPIC
television!!'
We may not have it all together, but together we have it all. This indeed stands true for Sony Pal's Ek Rishta Aisa Bhi's lead Preeti Chowdhary, who finds a home away from home on the sets of her show. Preeti, who in real life is blessed with the love and affection of not one but 11 cousins and sisters, hails from a very close-knitted family.
Take it easy
Gems recommended: Moonstone, Opal