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Return of Lolita
After a very deswali version of Shakespeare’s Othello in Omkara, it is time to go the way of Vladimir Nakabov’s novel Lolita as timeless tales of passion and sin seem to have obsessed the Bollywood filmmakers. The basic human emotions that lead to the success of literature remain the same although the tale is twisted around to make something palatable to the Indian cinegoers. Whereas Vishal Bhardwaj set his tale of jealousy and revenge amidst the political mafia of the Hindi heartland, Ram Gopal Verma’s Nishabd, told tenderly in the verdant and secluded environment of a tea estate. It has been inspired by Nakabov’s 1955 famous or infamous, whatever you may choose to call, Lolita, but with a difference. Verma says, “The characters are driven by love and not sexual obsession.” “That is what precisely makes the task of penning the dialogues for Nishabd so difficult. I have worked hard to create the poetry of love between a young girl and an ageing man,” says Amrik Gill who is visiting the city these days. Amrik Gill who did his master is Punjabi as well as a course in theatre from Panjab University before moving to the National School of Drama and thence to Mumbai says that he enjoyed every moment of this assignment. “Once, I had started working on the dialogues, the flow was easy and I completed the dialogues in a record time of two weeks,” says Amrik. The film that is due for release in a couple of months has Amitabh Bachchan is going to play a lead role as a 54-year-old married man who falls in love with 18-year-old girl played by Jiyah khan, her debut film. Interestingly, when Stanley Kubrick first filmed the novel for Hollywood way back in 1962, the age of Lolita was raised from 12 years old to that of a typical high-schooler, probably 14 or 15. However, in India of 2007, Verma has done well by making her a respectable adult all of 18 years old. Hollywood by 1997 had lost most inhibitions and when Adrian Lyne made Lolita all over again the age was back to a precocious 12. Amrik tells that Verma’s version smacks of feminisim in post-feminist era when Jiyah decides to do it alone, getting over the father fixation having lost her dad early. “Her infatuation for a senior man is dealt with psychologically as she could never come to terms with her step-father,” he says. “Then we are left with Amitabh, his guilt, remorse and loneliness and this is what I have enjoyed writing most. I have written as many as nine soliloquies for Amitabh.” So let’s see how the Indian audiences react to the return of Lolita, over half a century after Nakabov’s nymphet took life on paper and enraged as well as inspired ever so many.
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A whiff of fresh air Having come as an Independence Day gift for residents of Manimajra who had no garden to their credit till the Shivalik garden happened for them, this oasis is chirping and humming with the sound of vivacious children while it’s become a heaven for the exercise freaks and the morning walkers.
Swinging time They are just all over the place, enjoying every feature from the swings to the water body, to food kiosks to the children’s play corner. While the garden is under siege by morning walkers and fitness freaks in the early mornings, the evenings are about people of all ages coming together, everybody enjoying their own privacy in a crowd of strangers. The swings, wearing a fresh coat of colourful paints, are a big hit with children of all ages who begin to queue up for their turn to slip down the slide installed at the park or just prance around the open grounds. “Evenings have become a lot of fun for me and my friends since the garden came up in the vicinity of our homes. We finish our homework quickly to be in time to get the swings first. Earlier, we would just sit around or cycle in the by-lanes of the complex. Now, we look forward to the evenings in the playground and our circle of friends is also growing,” remarks 10-year-old-Neha.
Old folks While she plays with children of her age group, her mother, Santosh Kumari, takes time off to chat a while with women from her neighbourhood. “We are even planning to begin walks while the kids play. It’s a rendezvous for people of all age groups,” she added. There are senior citizens who share their joys and sorrows when they come together in the evening. “We are all in the last stages of our life. Before the garden came up, we used to sit in one of the homes and have a good time, laughing and smiling. Now, we have children playing around us, there is mirth and enjoyment in the air, there’s a flavour of happiness and we are making the most of it. We are looking forward to the winters when we can enjoy the warmth of the sun during the day, out of the house and into a new life, even if it is all temporary,” remarks 70-year-old Bachhan Singh who comes to the park daily.
Melting pot In the mornings, too, life is gradually picking up with people thronging to the place for a walk with a zing of vibrancy. Developed over nearly 20 acres of land, the garden has trees and shrubs dotting the boundary walls. Though these are still very short to make their presence felt, the thick carpet of grass adds that dash of freshness to everything around. Couples sitting around the placid lake waters, children playing in sand pits, women chattering away and the elderly watching life go by at a feverish pace—-the Shivalik ground is a melting pot of sorts, bringing together people from all walks of life and all age groups, together. This 59th Independence Day, the city reaffirmed its faith yet again in the motto of unity in diversity. That’s what Shivalik Garden is now synonymous with.
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The Fun Republic saw a special show on Wednesday morning of a Punjabi film Mehndi Wale Hath, produced by Kanwaljeet Singh and directed by Harinder Gill. The special show was directed towards getting tax exemption in Punjab. Now most Punjabi films try for that but this film here, never mind the name, had reason to do so for it highlights gender discrimination in a big way. Every other day, the newspapers throw up horrendous news regarding the fate being meted out by man and machine to the female foetus in the state. The killer well near Pattran jolted the conscience although most of us know that it is going on all the time around us and now for over decades. Decrying it, we have yet accepted it and are living with it. We no longer even talk about it much. We feel more comfortable addressing international issues like AIDS or pollution. Foeticide is at best only a desi phenomenon. Gender issue The film, Mehndi Wale Hath, of course, did not take up the issue of female foeticide but it came out loud and clear against dowry, which is a menace connected to elimination of the female foetus. Ironically, the mother of a son playing the wicked dowry seeker came out with the most convincing performance. Mercifully, she was cured by the end of the film and her penance would melt the most materialistic of hearts. The film shot in an around Chandigarh had a cast of very young people but nevertheless it could hold the interest. Such low-budget films can hold their own for they have a good market in England, America, Canada and Australia because of the Punjabi diaspora. However, the Punjab Government should do what it can to encourager Punjabi cinema for it has a long way to go to come at par with other regional cinema. Faux pas The Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi did well by deciding to hold an exhibition of photographs to celebrate the World Photography Day. However, they committed a faux pas when they sent out letters to photographers of many seasons who have made a name for themselves as professionals home and abroad in which they were treated like beginners. They were asked to submit their works and if three were selected then they would be given an honorarium of Rs 1000. It’s a real squeal or worst still an insult. Only sculptor Shiv Singh who is the presiding deity at the Akademi and his secretary Seema Bhalla can enlighten us what all this is about. One is sure that they would be wise enough to know that competition is for beginners and senior artists are always invited. Or is it intentional? — Nirupama Dutt
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Her diary in vibrant hues Then there is her Sun series. Three of them altogether, showing a link between the three elements of life –sun, wind and mother nature. Through others like Whirling Meditation, Lady in the Wheat Field, Dune of Humanity among others, Aradhana communicates varied and complex human emotions. If warmth of shades is one aspect of Aradhana’s work, than her semi-abstract figurative forms work together towards expressing many layers of human unconsciousness. “I feel life should be colourful, hence is the use of vibrant colours. And as for composition, I use semi-abstract figures as I feel my emotions are best expressed through them,” says the self-taught artist who had dabbled her hand with paint and brush just for the love of painting and has exhibited her works at various places in New Delhi, Chandigarh and California. “My Diary” which is currently on at the Art Gallery of the Alliance Francaise de Chandigarh, is her seventh solo exhibition. ‘My Diary’ for Aradhana is an expression of her observation and a dialogue with her inner self. “No, there is no underlying message. My art is all about different emotions in different situations. I call it diary because of that. The way people record their day-to-day events in writing, I record them with paint and brush” she explains pointing at her Madhushala, the one she painted just after attending a hip and happening party. Same goes for her Dune of Humanity which she pained after traveling throughout the country as discovering the unity in diversity. Aradhana who is comfortable with oil as the medium, is trying out water colour too. Her explanation about choosing oil is simple, “I am a grandmother and live in a family full of grown ups and children. So many times I have to leave painting half way to attend a phone call or answer the door. In those cases painting in oil has its benefits.” But what about the subject matter? “Since I draw my characters from my experience, the subject has gone through an evolution depending upon my outlook in life,” she says. Whatever may be Aradhana’s outlook, we know till she continues to capture her vision of life, even simple emotions would take the hue of celebrations.
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Nature on canvas
Understated elegance epitomises not only this Kolkata-based artist’s persona but also her charmingly hushed and gentle works suffused with the spirit of nature.
Pushpa Bagrodia is no greenhorn to Chandigarh, having exhibited here four years ago in 2002. She is back with 23 works of art, the last one having been completed just three days before this showing and which has a bunch of lilies ensconced within their own leafy ferns. Art came to her late. In her early 60’s today, she first picked up the brush 20 years ago and then stopped completely in the ensuing years. It was only after her dear friend Dr Purnima Advani (ex-chairperson, NCW) persuaded her to come back to painting that she started in earnest again with her first showing at the Lalit Kala Academy in Delhi in 1999. The past seven years have seen her work bloom. “I love nature and am an amateur photographer. Wherever I go, I never forget to take pictures of the natural world around me. When I began again, all these photographs helped tremendously and I derived a great deal of inspiration from them.” However, it is not just the photographs as much as it is the complete composition in the mind’s eye. However, the simplicity her works reflect belies a hand that has mastered the technique of presenting nature in its unique pristine form through the tedious yet effective medium of washes. Water-colours are the preferred avenue and although Pushpa did dabble in oils once, her forte is clearly these lovely endeavours up on display. Flowers, leaves, landscapes, water, even beaches find expression yet they do not appear melancholic. This, perhaps, has so much to do with the artist’s own feelings vis-à-vis her works. “Art gives me peace. Today if I get three to four hours to paint, at the end of the day I feel it has been worth so much,” she smiles. Time is precious for this charming housewife what with her husband, Santosh Bagrodia a Congress MP needing her by his side. But now that she has picked up the palette she is determined to take it along with her, till the very end. “It is never too late to start a hobby. I never believed I could do something like this. That feeling is very important.” The paintings reflect her travels from all over, the West Coast in America, Goa, Pahalgaum and even her own garden, which has been the inspiration for most of her flowers. Her favourite is a lovely bottle-green work of large leaves with shivlings enshrined in one corner of the painting along with one of lovely white flowers. Yes she was interested in art as a child but it is nature that delights her most. “I even took up botany in college so that I could be near flowers, leaves, roots and petals,” she smiles and it is this love along with a natural gift for striking compositions that shines through. The exhibition ‘Translating Nature’ can be viewed till September 9 from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm at Art Folio, # 351, Sector 9-D, Chandigarh.
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Well, to know this, you have to read Neelesh Misra’s Once Upon a Timezone, a romantic novel about outsourced love. “The life of call centre agents has fascinated me since I started writing about them as a journalist. It’s about living with other world that we have always slept through, which they get to reach out. But much more than a call centre romance, this story is chasing one’s dreams, about overcoming prejudice and taking that leap of faith that we are scared of taking, but which often transform our lives. And writing a funny novel was a great escape from my daily duties of grim journalism,” to quote the writer. Neelesh Misra is one of the upcoming young storytellers of the new India. He has penned two best selling non-fiction books, covered South Asia’s most compelling stories as a journalist and gave Bollywood some hit songs like Jaadu Hai Nasha Hai. Born in Lucknow, he completed his education in Nainital, Lucknow and New Delhi. As a journalist he has worked for the India Abroad News Service and the Associated Press news agencies and has covered biggest news stories in South Asia over the past decade, including the Kargil Conflict, Orissa’s supercyclone, the Gujarat earthquake, the massacre of the royal family in Nepal and its transition to democracy, the Asian tsunami etc. He has previously written two non-fiction books, 173 Hours in captivity: The hijacking of IC 814 and End of the Line: The story of the Killing of the Royal in Nepal. Neelesh is also a songwriter in Bollywood and is counted among the new “renaissance lyricists”-a small group of song-writer from different professions who, as outsiders, are bringing a new facets to Hindi film music. He has films Jism, Rog, Gangster and Woh Lamhe to his credit.
—TNS
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Urmila Matondkar has ruled the big screen with her charms and graces, now she is coming soon on the small screen with Sahara One Television’s new reality show SuperStars, where Urmila will choose India’s next SuperStar. In conversation with the Masoom girl. Did you as a child ever dream of being your favorite superstar? Well I never dreamt of being a Bollywood superstar per se, as I come from a non-filmy background. Would always enjoy the industry and its productions but the roller-coaster has definitely shown me horizons unknown. What do you have to say about the kind of talent and potential that exists today in the masses? There’s a huge gamut of talent out there and all it needs is recognition and encouragement. That’s why we have come up with this platform. How does it feel to be associated with superstars? To be honest I am very happy to be a part of Sahara Parivars. Maybe being a part of the making of a superstar might give me a chance to back track and honor my accomplishments and prepare myself for new and different challenges further. No dream is too big, agree or disagree? Definitely, no dream is too big, if you can gather the courage to dream it one day you will live it. What expectations do you have from Superstars? A healthy display of young talented ambitious individuals, a respectable and standardised platform and quality results. You have reached the top with sheer hard work and determination. Can you please give a few words of encouragement for our contestants? This show is not about mimicking the already existing; it’s about incorporating their talents and amalgamating them with your qualities. Sounds difficult, but try it. Lets rock and roll”.
— D.P.
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Get soaked in melody with Jeet Jagjeet’s new album ‘Main Tere Qurban’, released on Wednesday at the Press Club, Sec-27-B by Diwan Manna, a well-known photographer. After ‘Sajjan Dian Chor Akhian,’ Jeet Jagjit has come up with his second Punjabi album, ‘Main Tere Qurbaan.’ The title of the album is based on one of the Baba Buleh Shah’s kalams, which is sung in a new version. Ting Ling Company has produced this cassette. Diwan Manna encouraged the experiments being done with the songs. He said, “Experimenting with old classical songs according to one’s own version always brings in something new. In fact, this was what RD Barman, Mohammad Rafi and AR Rehman did. Most of the times, it results in melodious tunes that come as a pleasant whiff.” He added that Jeet’s songs were for the people from all walks of life— rural or urban. There are all types of songs including the sad, romantic and dance numbers. Young Jeet is richly gifted in melody. “Music is enrichment to my soul. My teacher in school acquainted me with the world of melody” said Jeet. Belonging to Fatehgarh Sahib, he did his education from the city. To be the master of his field, he did MA in Punjabi. “Literacy is not for earning money only; we get education for grooming ourselves.” “It is a must for an artist to be more educated as he adds to the contribution of the nation,” felt Jeet.
— TNS
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Happy blip on Zee’s radar
The number game is sizzling and Zee Television came here to tell us just that! After struggling against the might of the two Ks on Star Plus (read Balaji’s Kyunkii Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki) for six long years, its own K has registered a happy blip for the channel on the prime time ratings. Kasamh Se (incidentally this one is a Balaji production too!) and Saat Phere in the 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm band are rocking the apple carts of Star Plus and Sony Television’s ratings if Zee Network’s Senior Vice-President, Corporate Brand Development, Ashish Kaul is to be believed. “These two shows have been ranked among the top ten shows across the general entertainment channels while the prime time rating for Zee Television has grown by approximately 400 per cent in the last one year.” Kaul is always garrulous and gung-ho about his channel’s upward mobility but this tête-à-tête was not just another rah-rah session. Introspective and insightful Kaul’s volubility touched upon trends in general and Zee’s future plans in particular, stressing on “consolidation with expansion” as the new rating-combating mantra. “Earlier, we used to build brands and properties now our philosophy is to build communities around shows. We are consolidating our hold on the prime time slot and any sign of weakness anywhere will be axed.” In the post 10:00 pm slot where Star Plus has a stronghold, Kaul believes Zee’s “unusual” programming strategy has paid off with non-soapy stuff like Shabaash India and Johnny Ala Re and of course the iconic Sa Re Ga Ma Pa which will incidentally feature in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest running musical show. Kaul’s take on entertainment is simple. “This is one creative genre where the level of engagement is very personal. Nothing offers you this kind of engaging interaction as television does. You are there by appointment of time every day and every day is a new show.” There is no magic to this he insists. “It is the strength of a story, its twists, turns and tribulations that draw you to it.” There is a lot of planning going on. Antakshari is coming back in a new avatar. A new daily soap has been introduced Dulhan Banu Mein Teri and a serial on today’s current hot topic, the girl child, is to be introduced soon titled Betian. The piece-de-résistance comes with having acquired the film ‘9/11 The Path Ahead’ for a world premier to be shown on September 9 and 10, even before any of the American networks show it. Finally Kaul sums up the whole deal succinctly. “You watch television to build associations, icons, relive dreams and hopes. It is not about reality for that you can watch the news.”
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A taste of spaghetti
Right guys, you have guessed it correctly this time. Alluring tops with spaghetti straps are hot favourites among so many girls studying the book of style on the college and university grounds, glamorously and gorgeously. And it’s not just classic tops with straight straps that the younglings are wearing to reveal that daring-do attitude so much in vogue these days. So many of them, savoring youth on the campuses, are showing their best in cross-back spaghetti tops as well! Bold & colourful You have to see it to believe it. Not just the maidens, even the colours of the tops too are getting bolder and bolder. Just hop into your car and drive down the road meandering its way through the academic environs of the city colleges. Within minutes, you will see flappers of the world swashbuckling down the dingy corridors of existence in rugged denims worn under 100 per cent soft cotton spaghetti tops with cross over straps in passionate red and crimson hues. Or else in baby pink and ice-blue. “The stuff was in vogue earlier also. There is no dispute about it. But until a few years ago, it was largely worn by the girls under transparent tops and kurtis for obvious reasons,” says young city-based fashion designer Nidhi Tanwar. “No wonder, the girls used to buy the stuff mostly in white”. But now things are definitely different in the city of beautiful. The inside is out, undoubtedly. The little taskmistresses nowadays prefer to wear the stuff alone without hiding it, under shirts and tops, from the admiring glances of appreciative guys all around them. On the top “You can attribute the trend to open Indian skies beaming right into the living rooms Fashion Television and other channels completely alien to the country’s ethnicity. Or else, you can blame the invasion of the paying guest culture for the drift that’s swaying the youngsters away,” says Tanwar. Flashing a smile, she says: “The fact is that the pretty young things, jiving their way through life, do not give a damn to what the people around them think. Little wonder, they trip the light fantastic after pairing tank and spaghetti tops with long or short skirts in the night clubs or discotheques. Or else, flip through the dog-eared pages of English Literature’s history after sitting over hard wooden benches in classrooms wearing the apparel with flattering fit.” So guys, if you are still searching for girls with duppattas covering them up nicely and properly, look somewhere else. For, their number is fast dwindling. — Saurabh Malik
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The biggest influence on the human state of mind with the possible exception of the weather is colour. We are surrounded by references: “a red rag to a bull”, “blue with cold”, “green with envy”, “in the pink”. The psychology of colour and how colour affects human behaviour is now a serious course of study at universities. Hospital rooms, classrooms, fast food restaurants and offices are painted in colours to influence the behaviour and mood of the people who use these spaces. Even the products on the shelves of your local supermarket have been packaged in colours carefully chosen to attract your attention and encourage you to buy. So why are people so hesitant to use colour in their home environments? The first step to relinquishing fear in the use of colour is to understand the psychological effects it has on us. Red is known to stimulate the appetite, hence it’s an excellent colour for dining rooms. Both blue and green are fresh and calming. They are the colours of nature and could be popular choices for bedrooms. Yellow and orange are energising like the sun, so are good choices in rooms where your energy may need boosting; the kitchen perhaps. Orange in its toned down terracotta form can be ideal in a home office; it has the energising effect of both red and orange but isn’t so bright that you won’t be able to stay at your desk! Many contemporary practitioners have made a virtue of the use of bold colours in wild combinations: violet and lime green; turquoise and red-orange; orange and fuchsia. But be careful about casually throwing colours together. Violet and lime green will work because they are complementary colours; likewise turquoise and red-orange. It is worth investing in a Colour Wheel to help you see how colours sit with each other before you splash out on several gallons of grapefruit yellow and olive green paint for the bedroom. And really consider carefully whether a violet and lime green living room is something you can live with. This does not mean to say that dramatic colours do not have their place. Far too many houses are decorated in various shades of beige or taupe and the standard neutral colour for new dwellings is still the veritable magnolia. Subtle, muted wall colours like off white and taupe are fine, and very easy to live with. But contrast and enliven them with bright highlights in your accessories and upholstery. Consider a multi-coloured rug, some coloured ceramics or glassware, vivid prints or paintings, or squashy cushions in jewel tones. The overall effect will be airy and soothing yet the flashes of colour can bring in your personality and be your signature touches. Strong colours are best confined to the rooms that have less usage. Hallways and cloakrooms are ideal spaces in which to experiment. No one spends much time in these rooms, so you can afford to be bold. Sometimes no amount of white paint is going to change a tiny cloakroom. Why not emphasis its bijou proportions by painting the space dark burgundy, olive green or navy and use lots of white in sanitaryware and towels as the accent colour? A touch of aqua might be the finishing touch. Be like a chef - a dollop of coral, with a swish of aquamarine and a pinch of jade may be exactly the right recipe for your room. Indulge in colour, savour it, devour it, exploit it, use it but please don’t abuse it.
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Printing his way to fame Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood is not only part of one of the world’s highest grossing and popular bands, he is also America’s biggest selling print artist. The former Faces rocker is himself astounded by his artistic achievements, insisting he finds it quite unbelievable that his foray into paintings has finally fetched him fame and recognition all across the world. “I am the biggest print seller in the USA. I only found out the other day, it’s unbelievable,” Contactmusic quoted him, as saying. Ushar optimistic Hip-Hop singer Usher has said the failure of his film In the Mix, his first big screen lead role, won’t stop him from pursuing his acting career. Bond with the bruise New Bond Daniel Craig insists that he tries to do most of the stunts without using a body double; as he feels that the more actual footage of him there is in the films, makes the film more real for fans. Craig is will not receive more than 9 million pounds for all the three movies. Brosnan reportedly lost the role when he demanded 22 million pounds to appear in Casino Royale. Kate’s got an admirer Pop singer Justin Timberlake admires supermodel Kate Moss for coming out stronger after her stint with cocaine.
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A multi-starrer for you
Though he belongs to the new breed, Dharmesh Darshan has stayed safely within the parameters of mainstream Hindi cinema and his films remain rustic in theme and setting. His latest musical romance Aap Ki Khatir is a multi-starrer that stars Akshay Khanna, Dino Morea, Priyanka Chopra, Amisha Patel and Suneil Shetty. New face Bhumicka Singh also stars in this film. It will be released today at Batra Chandigarh, Fun Republic, Manimajra and Suraj, Panchkula. Aap Ki Khatir is Bharat Shah and Venus Tapes and Records Ltd’s presentation. Hopefully this time Dharmesh Darshan will live up to his enormous talent. Produced by Ganesh Jain and Rattan Jain, Aap Ki Khatir promises to be a quite stylish and subtle. The promos have already generated a lot of interest among the audiences. The buzz is that it is a fast track romantic film.Screenplay and dialogue by Suniel Munshi, cinematography by W.B. Rao, choreography by Bosco, Caser and Raju Khan, art by Jeena Shetty and editing by Raj Sinha are major credits. Sameer has penned the lyrics for Himesh Reshammiya. Background score is by Raju Singh.
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Imaginative mind
As compared to other animals, the mind of human being is very imaginative. It is our imagination and creativity that keeps us alive in every circumstance. Human being is the only social animal who responds to all actions. With his ingenious mind, Homo Sapience has developed into what he is today. His creativity helped him to conquer the whole world. He has innovated a new world with his formative ideas. His recent inventions and developments have proved man the master of the world. He has made his life trouble-free with progress and has zilch to do now. Got triumph over the complications of life and made it easier. Nothing is impossible for him. His imagination is now flying high in the sky. Sky is no longer the limit for him. But excess of everything is bad. Where this inventive mind has blessed us with the luxuries of life, on the other hand it has also bestowed us with nuclear weapons. Today the entire world is living under the threat of a nuclear attack. In our desire to conquer the world we have forgotten the significance of life and have lost the ability to become humane. Rachna Nehria
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Health tip of the day
Upper back hump/ pain is due to wrong posture e.g. sitting in front of the computer screen for long periods of times that is fifteen to twenty degrees below the level of eyes.
— Dr. Ravinder Chadha |
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TAROT TALK
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Manimajra’s ticking with an altogether new life and it’s much greener, fresher and livelier than before. On the outskirts of the closely-packed market, surrounded by the residential area on one side, the Shivalik garden is like an oasis in a desert, a breath of fresh air in a jungle of concrete.
Talk to Aradhana Tandon as a woman to woman, she is as unassuming as they come. But have a close look at her paintings, there are layers of emotions which comes only with maturity and a deep understanding of life. For instance, at the first glance her Pain & Compassion you see two human figures, one comforting the other. At a second look, especially at the hands, you know they are the hands of a man who guides as well as comforts. 
In the heart of middle-class India, Neel Pandey, just out of college, dreams day and night of his first love, America and also as escape from his father’s grandiose planss to get him an upper caste wife and a secure government job. Unable to go to the USA, Nell settles for the second best-a job at call centre where he assumes as American identity. But he soon tumbles into a faraway romance that will transform his life….
Everything about the Mast Mast girl Urmila Matondkar is exotic. She is humble, down-to-earth, an opinion shared by virtually all her associates. And let’s face it, that is one of the reasons for her long innings in Bollywood too. 
Spaghetti’s sizzling in the summers of 2006! In fact, you can taste the oh-so-hot delicacy not just in fast food joints across the city offering good Chinese foodstuff! But also on the platter of life in the university and college campuses! 
ARIES: “The Third Eye of Lord Shiva” opens for an inner transformation that leads to new attitude. Redecorating home and office spaces can bring synergy. You face opposition and competition on Tuesday. A new relationship is in the offing. Health and finances need watching on Thursday. Lucky Colour: Pink. TIP OF THE WEEK: Take no chance as despite the assurance of people. 
LIBRA: “The Princes of Cups” infuses you a youthful disposition so you will be flirtatious, but be careful not to ignore or hurt the one who counts most in your life. Progressive changes are on the cards. Short journey and expeditions likely for some on Wednesday. Do not be pennywise and pound foolish. Lucky colour: Pink. TIP OF THE WEEK: Take care of interests and portfolios of your work. 
TAURUS: “The Ace of Wands” reveals that you make progressive professional and personal commitments. Too much socialising may lead to late nights and lack of sleep. A Scorpio person is attracted towards you. You impress people with your style; talent and charisma. Lucky colour: Blue. TIP OF THE WEEK: Be careful not to go in too many directions at the same time. 
SCORPIO: You draw “The Ace of Cups” which brings beauty, pleasure and happiness. Your family may give you happiness and strength. Students will do well and some may have romantic inclination on the higher side. There is reunion of old friends and associates. Lucky colour: Fiery red. TIP OF THE WEEK: Be articulate to prevent people from making their own conclusions. 
GEMINI: “The Emperor” gets you in touch with your leadership qualities. A Virgo person can be relied upon. You may lead, facilitate or organise an important group function. You delegate responsibility and allow others to flower and grow. You may not conform to social norms. Watch out against mood swings. Lucky colour: Forest green. TIP OF THE WEEK: An unexpected confrontation looms on horizon yet you are not afraid. 
SAGITTARIUS: “The Hanged Man” helps you to move into new and better situation. Miscalculations or written errors may provide new insights into present business problems. Remain patient and listen for new instructions. A shopping excursion can set your budget ablaze.Lucky Colour: Burgundy. TIP OF THE WEEK: Do not let opposition faze you when you decide to walk the path you wanted to.
CANCER: Your card “The Hierophant” takes you through variety of experiences from which you learn and grow. Be extra careful if you are signing any paper work on Monday. Socializing will keep you busy on Wednesday. You will push ambitiously ahead. It is important to ignore gossip and sudden brusts of anger. Lucky colour: Chocolate brown. TIP OF THE WEEK: Do not expect too much from others. 
CAPRICORN: “The Fool” infuses you with courage. You find ways to express your creativity and emotion. Your personal interest is likely to be stagnant. Those seeking a career in television media will come across an opportunity to join a well-known group. Wednesday will be an expensive day. Entertainment tops your agenda. Lucky colour: Silver grey. TIP OF THE WEEK: Do not play into the hands of a shrewd set of colleagues. 
LEO: You make an impact and shine like “The Star” as you are seen, noted and heard. You splurge on yourself and those you love. Take one step. Self confidence and subtle negotiations will work wonders on Wednesday. Turn to friends and group efforts. Lucky colour: Royal blue. TIP OF THE WEEK: Meditation and yoga is beneficial to keep your mind cool. 
AQUARIUS: Tremendous energy you draw from “The Hermit” enables you to start professional ventures and new assignments. Matters at home begin to improve. Your focus will be love, laughter and ecstasy. Affair of heart will be discouraging. Try to tackle a stiff necked person with tact and wisdom. Lucky colour: lush green. TIP OF THE WEEK: Make a deciding choice and then live with the outcome.
VIRGO: Though “Knight of Swords” gives you a new vision but over indulgence will lead to trouble. Be attentive toward the ones you love, and let bygones be bygones with those who have upset you in the past. Start off with a clean slate. Don’t hang on to old worries. Your routine will speed up after Tuesday. Lucky colour: Crimson. TIP OF THE WEEK: Seek out information before making any moves. 
PISCES: “The Chariot” brings light into darkness. Progressive changes are on the cards. Don’t waste time counting pennies on Tuesday. Over indulgence in drinking and merry making could have serious repercussions. Attend to family affairs on Thursday. Avoid striking any financial deal on Thursday. Lucky colour: Peacock blue. TIP OF THE WEEK: Try not to get carried away by your initial success.