Sixty is the new forty… Now who can say that? Who else but the evergreen, ever-gorgeous Shobhaa De! The celebrity author and columnist has no hesitation in not only admitting her age, why, she even penned a book Shobha at Sixty: Secrets of Getting it Right at Any Age.

In the city for Vivek High School’s Founder Day celebrations, however, she says the book is not about her age but a strong message to women for, “Even though we live in a world that worships youth, it’s about time we deconstructed age.” Sixty, anyways, she feels, sets you free for you have nothing to prove.

And if you think she set about her life with definite goals you can’t be more wrong for, “There is no mantra to success, none to writing successfully except diligent practice. Plus the fact that you write to the best of your capability and truthfully at that.” As her truthfulness often borders on candidness, even brazenness, she admits to being a risk-taker for “which you attract a lot of flak but the risk-taking ability also becomes the key to change.”

Reinventing herself time and again now, she is turning into a publisher with her own imprint Shobaa De books. So what kind of writers is De the publisher looking for? You bet De clones are more than welcome, as she laughs: “Actually I have been looking for one for the past 40 years.” But on a more serious note an original honest voice would do. A strong votary of the right to speech she defends (not endorses) Arundhati Roy’s right to speak her mind. As for the newspapers right to put page three people on page one too, she has no problem. Talking particularly in reference to the picture of cricket icon MS Dhoni’s and his attractive wife swimming in Goa making it the cover of many national dailies, she says. “Isn’t it better to have them than venal politicians? At least it made my day.”

Page three phenomenon, anyways, the former editor of Society and Stardust reminds, started some 16 years ago and “ is an attempt to tap into the legitimate aspirations of an upwardly mobile class looking for validation.”

Changing India anyways fascinates her and is the reason why she turned towards writing non-fiction. “Had I not chronicled the cataclysmic transformation that India was witnessing, it would have been a great personal loss.” Writing non-fiction comes naturally to the scribe in her and is an extension of her effortless journalistic felicity. Fiction, on the other hand, she asserts, “is about wearing many different skins.”

Does De inhabit many worlds? “We all do and are not this or that. Identity can be deconstructed too.” So an old-fashioned nationalist and an Indian first and foremost, she is at heart a simple Maharashtrian girl too. And the woman who has set new standards in Indian writing with her cool hep Hinglish as well as erotic content, still enjoys the feel of ink and pen and writes most of her books (not columns) using the good old conventional medium.

Blogging and twittering away merrily, however, she refuses to be a techno slave and instead likes to be on “the top of my time.” Is that why time has not touched this classic former beauty queen? She puts it all down to her gene pool. As for her resounding success as a writer, it’s been gruelling hard work and intelligent time management.

“Each one of us has a story to tell…. whether we tell it honesty or not is the question.” Without doubt De in a career spanning 17 books, including early works of fiction, Starry Nights and Socialite Evenings, her autobiography, Selective Memory, and her non-fiction works like Spouse has always dared to tell it the way it is.

Take it or leave it… her readers have lapped it all (all of her books have been bestsellers) and now critics too have begun to nod in appreciation. And even if they hadn’t, De, a compulsive writer who gets withdrawal symptoms on days she doesn’t have to meet deadlines, wouldn’t have stopped writing. “The oldest show-stopper in the world” as she likes to sum up her recent foray on ramp for Ritu Beri’s collection may not be set to rock the fashion world but in the world of words, she is an unbeatable show-stopper!

Everyone wants to fly high, but there are a few who jump up to fame and for such people sky is the limit. And joining the list of people, who have made a difference by doing something unique, is Archana Sardana.

One of the few women skydivers and a homemaker from Panchkula, Archana started sky-diving some three years ago and today is India’s only woman BASE jumper (jumping from buildings, antennas, span and earth cliffs). Using her talent for a cause, Archana did her first skydive to raise awareness for a ‘Blind Free India’.

Interacting with mediapersons at Chandigarh Press Club-27, she says, “Now, I want to take up the cause of saving the girl child.” Prepared to skydive on the highest drop zone in the world, near Mt Everest, she says, “For the cause of girl child I am ready to jump in every village of the country. But I have some financial constraints, which have slowed down the progress of my mission. So, I am looking for support from social organisations, central and state governments in this very noble cause.” Mother of two boys, how Archana got into skydiving is an interesting story. She says, “I was into adventure sports but it was only after marriage I got to know about skydiving (since my husband is in Indian Navy). In 2007, after a brief interaction with the Indian Navy skydivers I undertook a course in Accelerated Freefall Training (AFF) at the Perris Valley Skydiving School, California, USA.”

Having completed 238 jumps, Archana has a 'C' license from the United States Parachute Association and is a certified Demonstration Skydiver. — Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra

They say, 'Every great dream begins with a dreamer', and turning desire into reality, there are people who have grown by their ideas. In rendezvous with such people we realise that if you have the strength, the patience and the passion you can reach out for the stars and change the world!

Having left his job, Anil Khurrana, started a construction company and today our man is doing very well for himself. Says Anil, "I was working with Groz Beckert but left my job in 2006, as I wanted to start my own business." And what made him leave the comfort of a salaried job? "If one is working in a corporate company as it is you are toiling 24/7 and at the end of the day your hard work goes to someone else's pocket. If you work that hard for yourself you can do wonders." Today he has some great projects in his kitty, "Hard work always pays, today I have multiplied by business and the contentment I get out of my own work is beyond comparison."

Having dreamt in the soft haze of a spring sun, nursing them through rainy days till sun shone on them, Vipul Negi from Negi Sports sincerely hoped his dreams would come true. Today NEGI Sports is a premier organisation involved in the conduction of outdoor adventure-based experiential learning programmes for children. Says Vipul, "I was working with Connect, but then one day I decided to start my own venture." Ask why did he take the plunge? "First of all my concept was novel and second there was no capital investment required in this. I just started on a positive note and believed in myself; I guess that has made all the difference."

With six-plus years in business now, did failure scare him? "It was just for two hours that I thought what have I done, but after that there has been no looking back. I'm glad I did what I did."

Joining the lot of people who have followed their dreams, Deepak Luthra, who started with his family business of fertilisers, is now the managing director of iStudy abroad India and holds the position of managing director - School of Hospitality and Resort Management (India and Singapore), managing director - Cross Oceans Consultants (P) LTD, managing director - Spectrum forex India (P) LTD and director of admissions (South Asia), Griffith College, Ireland. Luthra started from a scratch with Cross Oceans Consultants Agency and after 10 years is an established. "I did join my family business of fertilisers but my mind was always into doing something related to education. I started with the Cross Oceans Consultants Agency and now by God's grace I am doing what I like."

That's not all, Ridhima Arora, who left an HR job to open her own boutique Ritu La Vichtra in Mohali, says, "I wouldn't say I didn't enjoy a salaried job, but at the end of the day I was always discontented as my interest was in fabrics and apparels. So, one fine day I decided to quit and start my own work. Though my business is still catching up, but at the end of the day I feel good that I work for myself."

jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com

It was just for two hours that I thought what have I done, but after that there has been no looking back. — Vipul negi

Whosoever said fashion changes everyday…was so right! On the second day of Blenders Pride Chandigarh Fashion Week, we see it change with every second. Need we say, every model with their own 'unique catwalk style', some inspired the FTV cakewalk…oops we mean catwalk, flaunted a different look by the five different designers Ed Hardy, DE Moda by Mamta Josan, Nida Mahmood, Jattinn Kochhar and Anju Modi?

If day two was a mélange daring, alluring, traditional, contemporary, wacky, neat, it too was a day to acknowledging the fact that style indeed is all about what you make of it. It could be anything like a skeleton tee teamed with denims, a romantic blend of red and blue or a design that you last remembered seeing in your kitchen!

Oh ya, inspiration doesn't always flows in a quiet place, nestled under a tree, in the sound or birds chirping, it also can come from a tiny thing placed next to a burner in a kitchen — something like a small match box!

We were coming to it - style is what the mind makes of it, and Nida Mahmood, the designer who has the knack of picking up things that could come across as boring to you, and dramatising it to an all-new form, sure 'lit up' style with a tiny maachis — the name of her collection showcased at the Chandigarh Fashion Week. "I like to follow the uncommon path," even as she provides details of her collection, let's admit it is 'different'. The inspiration comes from matchboxes across the country, playing with the motifs of a matchbox that we would tend, or better always ignore — dolls, owls, airplanes, bicycles, the small sketches that we see on a matchbox. Howzzatt! "I have no reason for picking up this concept. Matchbox is a tiny, dynamic article that costs so less, but holds great value for our homes." Nida whose collection spreads across four segments has also used the strike of a matchbox as an important part of the prints. For Nida, who has already given us collections like Sadak Chaap, High On Chai, 'uncommonness' is definitely not common. Three cheers to creativity!

JS Jatana, president, Chandigarh Fashion Council, sitting next to designer Anju Modi nods in approval. "The city of course is getting its dose of fashion and style, at the same time it is being exposed to creative couture as well. Everybody appreciated the designs and collections showcased. This edition will certainly open new doors for the fashion lovers." The stage is thrown open for the soft-spoken designer in love with traditional vocabulary with a modern voice. Her collection An Ode To Benares is a tribute to the royal gardens of Benares. Mughal angrakhas, churidars, jackets teamed up with lehangas, saris and evening gowns, Anju is out to celebrate life. What caught our ears is something that she mentions candidly, out of the blue — every limitation has limited options.

She elaborates, "Every fabric has some limitations, but if used differently it becomes unique." This is where we drop the word 'education'. "Education in fashion is important. Experimentation holds the key to many things. Besides, with changing sensibilities of people, cities like Chandigarh have come up as no less than a metropolitan city." And there is nothing like a particular garment for a particular thing. Anju, however, feels, "the fashion scenario has changed to the extent that there is no division left. A garment can be worn with anything."

And if you think Anju has thrown a challenge by asking you to 'wear anything with anything' designer Jattinn Kochhar on the contrary is up with another challenge. "It will be a task to design a pure white shirt with any crutches," he says, all set to explain. "By crutches I mean 'embroidery'. Indian designers just can't do without embroidery. Naturally, it hides any snag." Too bold a statement for a designer, as bold as his collection 'Black Out'. Glamourous evening wear in shades of ebony with streaks of silver, amalgamation of cocktails dresses, evening gown, tunics and jump suits, Jattinn is all for fashion weeks. "An event like Malaysia Fashion Week is a good place to meet designers from all across Asia, making friends, learning new things and an open arena for creativity," says the designer who finds immense comfort in knit fabric. "It is a tricky fabric and I have been working on it for almost 19 years now. One has to be technically very sound to use this fabric," says Jattinn.

If fashion is about a fresh change, we had model-actor Shawar Ali and Zulfi Syed dance and throw some cool moves at the audiences for the ED Hardy show. Fashion is change, and change my friends can never be boring!

jasmine@tribunemail.com 

The Rani Breast Cancer Walkathon October 2010 was inaugurated on Friday by Flying Sikh, Milkha Singh, Padma Shri, Arjuna Award winner and a legendary athlete.

As per Milkha Singh who congratulated Rani Breast Cancer Trust (RBCT) said such events are very important for the betterment of the nation. Praising the efforts of Rani Breast Cancer Trust. "Activities of these kinds should be organised regularly. We should involve more youth for such activities as they have a lot of vibrancy and passion."

Dr Raj Bahadur, Director GMCH-32 also congratulated RBCT for its efforts and complimented stating that the Walkathon on Treadmill was definitely a very innovative idea to create a buzz in the modern day living. According to Bittu Sandhu, the managing Trustee of Rani Breast Cancer Trust Walkathon October'10 this is the time that we've attempted treadmill walkathon for Chandigarh, wherein people can participate in the cause in their own convenient way. A treadmill that has been placed at the sector 17 plaza stage and an open invitation is made to people to be a part of this walkathon and mark their concern for the cause. The aim of this three-day activity is to make more and more people to be aware of the rising incidence of breast cancer and to clear the myths associated with breast cancer among masses.

Bittu Sandhu has been spearheading the campaign invites people to be a part of the fight against breast cancer. "In our day to day lives we get so caught up with our daily routine, that such issues don't affect us and we always tend to ignore them. As a social responsibility if we do not come together and fight this fatal disease and show we care, this disease will be clutching more families," she says.

She adds that the reason for the walkathon is to spread the message that Breast cancer is a silent disease, which if detected early can be cured. More that 250 people walked on the treadmill, which included men and women across all age groups. The walkathon also saw the participation of Polish tourists who were very impressed by the activity and requested to walk. The culmination of the walkathon will be a 'Pink Walk' across sector 17 on October 31 starting 4.30 pm. — TNS 

In this era of soap operas when stage shows, TV shows and reality shows have become phenomenally popular, some anchors have suddenly become much sought-after.

One such anchor is Chetan Joshi, a well-known name in the social and cultural scenes of Punjab. He has anchored all kinds of shows, fairs and festivals with elan. His colourful presentation of the show is a sheer delight to watch. Anyone who has seen him hosting the show, is aware of the delightful chuckles this anchor is capable of evoking among the viewers.

Best known as guru of parodies, he tickles the funny bone of the audiences by narrating informative and interesting anecdotes befitting the occasion. Whenever he holds the mike, people do nothing but just listen to him intently and attentively. He enthrals the audience with his vast repertoire of words. No doubt, his stage presence keeps audience asking for more who seem to enjoy every bit of the moment even if sometimes the programme itself is nothing much to talk about.

"The beauty and elegance of an event lies in its successful presentation," remarks Chetan. "One must know exactly what his audience wants and be ready to deliver the goods," he adds. Chetan knows too well how to grab the attention of his viewers. For he loves the stage and his audience. "Speaking in front of a large audience is no easy task," he maintains. "It requires skills and a style to convey your message. Every anchor has his own style. And, I have my own," he says. Chetan's style is simple and down-to-earth.

Born and raised in village Khunda at district Gurdaspur in Punjab, he had his early education at Dhariwal and Batala. Chetan is a natural artist. During his childhood he was a great fan of Tariq Aziz, a popular Pakistani stage anchor and would closely observe him singing on the stage. He himself was introduced to stage as a child artist when he performed qawali at the age of nine. That was just the beginning.

A product of Guru Nanak University, Amritsar he did his M.A. in Hindi. His interest in anchoring was excited during his college and university days when he was often asked to deliver the welcome and valedictory address during the cultural functions.

Later, he went ahead to try his luck at anchoring at other social and cultural events of the region. It was during one such stage show that he was noticed by a Director Doordarshan and was offered the part time job of anchoring. Since then there has been no looking back. He has hosted more than 700 TV shows so far and has also worked with Zee TV.

The week before Divali appears to be inauspicious for Bollywood's big budget releases so it's the small ones that find themselves jostling for the big screens at cinemaplexes. So, this week it's Nakshatra that releases on the silver screen.

An attempt at the thriller genre, which comes unstuck at the first fifteen-minute post, that's Nakshatra for you. Directed by Mohan Savalkar, the film gives a break to a host of newcomers- Shubh Mukherjee plays the lead, an aspiring scriptwriter obsessed with gaming who is given an ultimatum by lady love Jiah, essayed by Sabina

Sheema. He becomes so serious that he writes his success story — a thriller about a museum heist and ironically it occurs in real life too and he becomes the prime suspect. How he un-involves himself from the crime forms the crux of the narrative. It's a convoluted set-up and the director himself seems to be confused mid-way through the film. The characters are mere cardboard cutouts. The 
writing and the treatment is such that you fail to empathise with their plight. The manipulations are obvious. The other technical aspects are also without distinction. You've got to look left or right for entertainment this week, for sure!

johnsont307@gmail.com

FIFA has introduced its latest range of fashion-collection, which is going to hit fahion-stores nationwide. The Collection introduces several themes inspired by its more than 100-year-old heritage.

Editions: This collection is inspired by the winning teams of the World Cups since 1930 that celebrates each of the champion team's highlighting important elements of the particular game played that year. Prominent graphic gold embroidery on each garment is the highlight of the collection. Available in both short and long sleeved t-shirts, variety of colours such as the blues, blacks and oranges rule this collection.

Heritage: The Heritage style for men from the latest range of FIFA's Collection is a must- have as it is a prized possession. The graphic t-shirts feature posters of the official FIFA world cup on them. Shades of greys, blues and oranges comprise this collection.

Code: This is inspired by moves of street football, a unique and story-telling. Code collection familiarizes the fans, the variety of kicks of the football game ball and their interpretations. Bold use of colours like true red, charcoal, black and golden yellow complete this array.

Essentials: A collection that consists of graphics on garments interpreting the select pieces of history of foot ball fetched on the backgrounds of shades of blacks, dark reds and blues makes it a must-have in every wardrobe of aficionados and amateurs of Football alike.

1904: This is the collection of stories and graphics from the archives of a century-old Football heritage, these garments with vintage detailing elements of the early football era impart a retro look. — TNS

Actress Neha Dhupia, who has made more news for her onscreen attire than for her forgettable roles, says she isn't too perturbed when people call her bold but considers it a compliment.

"There have been a number of occasions when people found my onscreen presence really bold. I don't know what they mean when they say that. To me being bold is all about stepping into any role and being able to mould into the character," said the actress, who came into limelight with Julie.

"I experiment a lot with my roles. How many times have audiences seen me repeating my roles?" asked the 30-year-old.

"I can wear a two-piece swimsuit and at the same time play a dacoit queen, which I am doing in one of my upcoming projects. If that's what people mean by saying that I am bold then, yes, I am bold," Dhupia said.

The former Miss India feels that the Indian film industry has finally "come of age" and gone are the days when what the heroine wears or doesn't wear gains precedence over her skills as an actress.

"Most actresses these days, even the top ones, have a bikini scene or two in their movies and they carry it off well. It doesn't look vulgar. Despite the entire hullabaloo about skin show and stuff my acting skills haven't gone unnoticed and I'm happy about that." Talking about her first international project, where Dhupia will feature alongside Hollywood actor Chris Kattan in a US television show titled 'Bollywood Hero,' Dhupia said she played the role of Lalima, the industry's reigning queen who is known more for courting controversies than her acting skills.

Does this have a slight semblance to her life off-screen? "Not at all, I got a call from Tabrez Noorani who is the executive producer of the series. I took up the challenge immediately," gushed Dhupia.

Bollywood Hero, a romantic comedy is about an unsuccessful Hollywood actor who tries his luck in the Indian film industry and traces his journey in showbiz. Dhupia plays the protagonist's love interest.

"Acting in a television series was no less challenging than acting in a movie. The only differences are a lot more discipline is involved while acting for a series. It was shot in just 45 days!," said Dhupia, adding that in one of the episodes she had to play a 75-year-old which was Herculean.

"Trust me, looking old and gnarled is a lot more difficult than looking pretty," laughed the actress.

The show, which was premiered in US on August 6, will be aired on HBO on November 7.

Dhupia, meanwhile, is also awaiting the release of her upcoming movies Action Replay and Phas Gaye Re Obama. "Vipul Shah's Action Replay, where I star opposite Akshay Kumar and Aishwarya Rai, will release on November 5.

Another movie directed by Subhash Kapoor, where I play a dacoit queen is slated for release on December 3. My fingers are crossed," said Dhupia. — PTI

Bollywood beauty Dia Mirza looked stunning in a white wedding lehenga as the showstopper for designer Rocky S. on the opening day of the Aamby Valley India Bridal Week in Mumbai.

Giving an unconventional approach to his collection, Rocky used white for his showstopper -- a colour not usually used for weddings. "What is interesting is to see an Indian bride in a white lehenga. So surreal and beautiful. The garment is stunning and I think that in itself is a reflection of the line. What Rocky is trying to do with this collection is asking why stick with the mould? Break it and try something new," Dia said.

"And I think it works very well because wearing it I felt beautiful. The garment is stunning and quite honestly, if I were to be getting married, white could be quite a colour for me," the actress said. Rocky's collection also entailed other shades including maroon, red, burgundy, beige, brown, pink, peach, grey and black along with a few more whites.

"The signature colours were black and white but I have used a lot of other hues too. I feel today we are out of the typical Indian colours. We are now in a new generation, when you see the collection you will realise that it is styled in a very modern way," said Rocky. "Just because it is a bridal collection, we don't have to be completely Indian in our approach. We are today's people and we dress up in a very different manner than just wearing a typical lehenga or a salwar kameez," he added. The designer's collection, along with Indian lehenga's and sarees, also included varied cocktail dresses and westernised kurtis and tights. The show also had something for the men. Male models showcased what a bridegroom can look forward to this wedding season. Velvet blazers, bright, embroidered and plain sherwanis and classic tuxedos completed the men's collection.

The show, however, did face a slight glitch, when a model sporting a net sari, slipped while coming down the stairs. — IANS

Bollywood star Akshay Kumar's black sherwani, designed by Bangalore-based designer Ramesh Dembla, will be auctioned after he wears it at the grand finale of his signature campaign Saturday against the use of the word 'retard'.The actor, who is the brand ambassador for 'Special Olympics Bharat', will be walking at the event titled 'Be a Fan of Dignity' - being held to motivate people to eradicate the use of the 'r-word' in reference to mentally challenged people.Dembla is excited about being associated with the cause."Akshay called me up and said he would like me to do this show. I was very excited about being associated with such a sensitive cause," Dembla said.The designer has made a black sherwani for Akshay to wear for the show.His collection of 80 outfits will be dominated by black, red and gold. "I wanted to portray certain emotions through my show. So my usage of red, black and gold signifies bravery, determination and pride, respectively.

My show is called 'Nishtha', which means dignity and we are working towards the cause of the dignity of the mentally challenged," said Dembla.Akshay will also lead a pledge at the ceremony where everyone present will take an oath to eradicate the use of the 'r-word' in reference to mentally-challenged people.The actor is attempting to ban the usage of the word retard in all languages across India. — IANS

City foodies, time to enjoy! The festive melas and exhibitions not only are a shoppers' delight but also high on delicacies. Gorge on the chatpata, masaledar' or barbequed, choose from street food, special menu or buffet. And while you make merry, forget about calories!

Street flavour

If you are missing the street food masti, then National Crafts Mela at Kalagram is the place to try out. Famous chaat papari, gol gappe and tikki at the Delhi Rasoi will remind you of a Chandni Chowk. Add to that the tangy saunth chutney and mint sauce. Well, feel the flavour in your mouth; go ahead!

Another spicy flavour comes with the Rajasthani food stall. Mirchi bada, dal bati churma, kachoris and gatte ki kadi. The rustic delicacies suit Punjabi taste buds just fine. And as warm as the food are the people who serve it.

For the sweet tooth, the offer is as big as it can get — special jaleb from Sonepat. One is enough to keep you sweet for a month. Jokes apart, the traditional delicacy is a major attraction for foodies at the Crafts mela. Citco da dhaba is one-stop shop for all your food choices. From basic Punjabi tadka to sandwiches and salads, it has something for everybody.

As Divali unrolls and the evenings remind us of lighting Diyas and the starlit sky reminds us of the beautiful fireworks. We at Taj Chandigarh add the purity of flavor into these beautiful thoughts. Taj presents authentic mithai and chocolates prepared in the most delectable where the aroma reminds us of the purity and the succulent taste takes us into the sweetness of the festive celebrations. To adorn the Indian culture with delicious chocolates we present fine molded beautiful chocolates to tantalize the festive celebrations with your near and dear ones. — TNS

It's a story of resentful wives, of emasculated sons, of controlling in-laws, rapacious siblings, four to complete the count…at the heart of it all it's a slice of life novel of an Indian business family; where money is the main character; everything else weaves around it. "It's a powerful factor, sometimes used as an expression of love, as a metaphor for everything," Namita Devidayal, in Chandigarh for CII's Young Indian's chapter, introduces one of the underlying themes of her latest book Aftertaste.

The story is set against the backdrop of baniya families, this one especially into the mithai business; then there's the picture of a matriarch controlling the family, in a place called Kalbadevi, the old business district of Mumbai. She adds, "I myself come from a baniya family, know the intricacies of the family. I feel the institution hasn't been given its due and been explored in literature the way it should have been."

The plot weaves in details of the astute business houses from the '40s down to the eighties. The ways in which marriages were arranged, young women moulded into wives, the politics of in-laws, the inheritances. Did she have to do any research on the social milieu of two decades back? "I would go into the archives section of the newspapers - the kind of ads that would appear in those days, from the headlines to everything. It gives you an idea as to what would be going on those days." As for the name, "Aftertaste is about how everything in life is a lingering after effect of something or the other."

Back to the protagonist, the money, it's a story of four siblings, a story of certain mindsets, where being seen as poor is worse than being poor. At one point of time, bankruptcy hits, that's when, "The matriarch comes forward and takes over to mithai business. Where she makes her husband feel as if he's running the business," adds the Mumbai-based author.

Post her debut, The Music Room, it's food as one of the plots she takes to. "Food is a big part of any Indian family. A lot of mothers control their sons through it. It's a symbol of love." She adds, "As a writer you're a thief, you're constantly stealing ideas. Maybe while sitting in the tarin compartment and eavesdropping on the conversations."

Between the two, The Music Room is what she would rather have today's children read than Aftertaste. "That's because it really takes you into the Indian classical music. Something that I feel today's children don't have access to as much as they should. They need to know that you can be a completely contemporary and still be into Indian classical music." Anything that she's working on? "I really don't know what would come next. Working on nothing as of now." Guess it's still rolling on with one of the after tastes.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

TAROT TALK
What the cards say today...
P. KHURRANA

ARIES: The karmic Wheel of Fortune turns in your favour. An upswing in your earnings keeps you in high spirits. Family relationships can be restored to harmony. Influential people will be actively helpful in your affairs. Focus on exercise and yoga. Tip of the week: You should pursue your goals without a thought for the disapproval. Lucky colour: Brown.

TAURUS: You draw The Fool, so you feel free, unburdened and happy. Sit tight on your savings. You should not allow yourself to be guided by friends. Serious miscalculations are likely to happen. Romance could be upsetting. Expect a guest on Wednesday. Tip: You are advised to focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Scarlet.

GEMINI: Knight of Wands brings gracious and aesthetic influences in your life. Trust your feelings and look for the silver lining and hidden values. A solid appreciation brings rewards. Be cautions in your action and speech. Tip: Don't get built into accepting situations you dislike. Lucky colour: Black.

CANCER: The King of Pentacles blesses you with an inner flowering that allows many possibilities inside and outside. Must push yourself harder. Use imagination to make your surroundings more pleasant and attractive. Romance may blossom at your place of employment. Tip: Do not play into the hands of a shrewd set of colleagues. Lucky colour: Red.

LEO: Your card The World reveals love and close relationships are important. A problem with an older relative can be sorted out. Romance wakes up and startles you into an understanding of your own emotional fabric. A Leo friend is supportive. Tip: Avoid situations that may turn nasty. Lucky colour: White.

VIRGO: You cope better when detached and lighthearted. The early part of the week is likely to be important. Life is a movement and not a freeze. This period is not good for sports persons. Chronic patients should consult the doctor. Tip: Overindulgence in food as well as alcohol may lead to health problems, so try and strike a balance. Lucky colour: Rainbow pastel.

LIBRA: Six of Swords brings mental clarity and perspective in chaotic situations. Rise of income continues. You will have to watch your emotions. Spare time should be devoted to creative activities. Be positive in your approach. An excellent week for journeys. Tip: Don't waste an opportunity by not exploiting a contact even if it is from your past. Lucky colour: Burgundy.

SCORPIO: Ten Golden Cups arranged in the tree of life pattern suggests deep family roots, feelings and strong relationships. Monday is best to contact influential people. Romance will be particularly exciting. Keep on the course that you have already set for yourself. Be punctual and act righteously. Tip: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky colour: Crimson

SAGITTARIUS: The Queen of Cups infuses trust and friendship. Household tasks can be done in record time. Speculation would be most unwise. No problem should arise in romance. Models: admirers will stick to you like bees; but be careful. Tip: Cut away the frills and concentrate on what is truly important. Lucky colour: Royal blue.

CAPRICORN: Your card The Moon reveals you gain balance, perspective and clarity in relationships. You will be popular with both the sexes on Tuesday. Boring routine jobs can be made more bearable through teamwork. Keep your head cool and avoid confrontation as far as possible. Tip: Delays are the only obstacles in your way to success. Lucky colour: Turquoise.

AQUARIUS: The Queen of Wands allows you to achieve professional success with calm authority. Make sure that you do not transgress your budget. Mental & physical energy can be successfully combined on Tuesday. You should be in a good form. Be gentle with subordinates. Tip: Take one step at a time and avoid being overanxious. Lucky colour: Ebony.

PISCES: The Magician conjures up some travel and business opportunities, so sure you are ready to make new beginnings. Worry is likely to occur due to child's health. Do not allow creative work to put you to additional expenses. Postpone signing important documents. A beloved brings security. Tip: Avoid the tendency to criticise or judge others too harshly. Lucky colour: Rust.