MODEL theory
Good looks and the ‘raring to go’ attitude helps city’s models carve a niche for themselves
z Mona

Be it ramp walk, commercials or reality shows, models from our city register their strong presence. Does Chandigarh provide a good platform to those aiming at a career in the glam world or is it their individual effort that makes them stand out? We find out.

Seven years into the modelling profession, Mohan Kapoor has done fashion shows, commercials, music videos and theatre in the city and around. Mr Panchkula 2009, Mohan is now planning a move to Mumbai. “Chandigarh offers little to upcoming models. Though I have survived a few years in the industry, I have to make a move to Mumbai to advance my career,” he shares.

About opportunities, he holds a dismal view. “Although there are few agencies that offer grooming and work, but most are just an eyewash. I feel there is not much value for talent here. If you can pay for the music video you want to start with, you are good,” says Mohan.

Jonsy, basically from Kurukshetra, has made Chandigarh the base for her modelling career. “I have been around for a few years. I have been supporting myself comfortably with fashion shows and print advertisements,” shares Jonsy. “I am not really keen in videos for here they are dime a dozen. Everyday one or two videos are made and I don’t want to be part of the rat race.” As for grooming opportunities in the city, she says, “Ultimately it’s the individual’s learning experience. Agencies can get you the break but one only learns with experience.”

Karan Chhabra, a final-year engineering student and a part-time model, rues the lack of opportunities in the city. “I am fortunate that auditions for Punjab International Fashion Week were held in the Tricity and I got a chance to walk the ramp with well-known models,” says Karan. As for Sahil Anand, born and brought up in Chandigarh, he has a number of print and TV commercials to credit. He has been part of TV shows Naam Karegi Roshan and Rang Badalti Odhani. After finishing his engineering and work experience of a year, Sahil moved to Mumbai in search of greener pastures. And, he was not disappointed. “I aimed for a career in the glam world right from my childhood. I got a breakthrough through Roadies (Season 4),” shares Sahil. “I have been in Mumbai for close to two years now. The initial period was challenging, but I made it a point to make efforts and not sit at home waiting for an opportunity to come my way,” says Sahil. “The difference between Chandigarh and Mumbai is that one needs to pay if one wants to act in Chandigarh, while in Mumbai you get paid for it,” he adds.

With commercials of prestigious brands, including Reliance, Samsung, Dabur, Onida, Reebok and Hero Honda to his credit, Sahil is content as of now. “Of course, I want to join movies, but before that I have to prepare myself. The day I feel I am ready, I’ll go for it,” smiles Sahil who dreams of doing something fruitful for Punjabi industry someday.

Very successful and role model for many from the city, Aanchal Kumar opines, “Over the years, the opportunities have grown. When I started one could pursue modelling as a hobby, but not as a profession. Now at least the city provides a stepping stone to this career.” With the Chandigarh Fashion Week and many other prestigious shows happening here, things are bound to change. “By the end of it, it’s all a question of networking and how one handles situations. But if you want to move to another level, you have to move from here,” says Aanchal. “Delhi and Bangalore offer much more in the form of shows and commercials.”

And what makes city youth stand out in the crowd? “ It’s the good looks. North Indians are one race blessed with beauty, which is one of the many things that are required to make a mark in the glam world. Plus they have a ‘raring to go’ attitude,” says Aanchal.

“Chandigarh people are hardworking and competitive, which really helps them grow in Mumbai. The very attitude of ‘he has it, so would I’ comes in handy here,” laughs Sahil.

But what of the ‘loud’, ‘querulous’ and ‘show-off’ nature of Punjabis — the picture that gets presented on reality shows? “That’s for TRPs. Contestants think that it can help them stay on in the show for long. But then I am sure, they cannot go beyond the show,” says Sahil.

Seconds Aanchal, “The way you present yourself in reality shows is your call. I am glad I handled some of the tough situations with maturity while I was at Big Boss. Be yourself is my mantra.”

mona@tribunemail.com

What’s cooking?
Even though on the home front it is women who rule the kitchen, most chefs in big restaurants continue to be men
Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra

What’s cooking got to do with men? Nothing if you see at the home front and everything when it comes to cooking a meal at a restaurant! Going by the industry standards — from Gordon Ramsay to Paul Bocuse, Bobby Flay, Anthony Bourdain to Thomas Keller all are men and are amongst the best chefs of the world, but when it comes to the home front it’s women who rule the kitchen. We ask the men in business what makes them the king of a restaurant kitchen?

“For ages, cooking has been associated with women rather than men, but it is more of a creative activity and has nothing to do with gender,” says Swatantra Gautam, executive chef at Zazen in Page 3. He adds, “Anyone who finds cooking enjoyable with a basic sense of taste will make good food. But one of the reasons why males are taking lead in cooking business is that they are ready to take risks and willing to try things differently. Being creative is important for taste and men are ready to alter many recipes, trying to come up with different recipes all the time, but women generally wouldn’t take risks. However, to be fair to women, I agree they can cook fast and keep the kitchen clean; they can be good and creative chefs. Imagination and risk taking comes naturally to men, but women are fast and multitaskers. Men are better at any job that requires invention, while women can coordinate and manage details better.”

Earlier, cooking was confined to women but today it has become a profession and going by what the statistics say we can’t deny that men are better placed than women. Says Ramanpreet Ahluwalia, executive chef at The Lobby, Sector 26, “The profession is very demanding and the stress levels are too much for women to handle.” Talking about the industry and their relation to women, he says, “Women do enter the profession but leave after 4-5 years as they get married and don’t have time to spare.” He adds, “A chef’s job is quite hectic and requires a lot of time and patience. I don’t say women don’t have patience and the skill, but they definitely don’t have time.” “Cooking now is no more an art, it is a science that involves invention, managerial skills and a lot of creativity. And it has been proved that men are better in science than women,” he quips. Going back in time we always had bawarchi and khansama at home and royal palaces, but never women cooks. Giving a reason that can best explain the scenario, Huang Te Sing, executive Chinese chef at Hotel Marine Plaza in Mumbai says, “Cooking is a skill that is developed through practice. Both men and women are equally skilled, but men always view cooking as an arty profession while for women it is just like a chore.”

He adds, “More than that, men are far ahead in taking up courses like hotel management as compared to women. Hence, most of them also excel as chefs in restaurants.” As for Kandla Nijhowne, food columnist, “Indeed the hotel industry is male-dominated although women too are coming up of late. In my opinion, the horribly extended long hours and the strenuous workload are responsible for the less number of women chefs. Believe me, it is a tremendously difficult task.”

On her experience as part of the Masterchef challenge, she says, “Varied tasks were thrown at us, we had to lift vessels, woks and pressure cookers the size of a mountain. I could not move my arm for days after the heavy ordeal! I can quite imagine how difficult it would be for a young woman to perform such chores on a regular basis. Raising a family would also be a lot more tricky in this profession as the timings are very erratic.”

jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com

A chef’s job is quite hectic and requires a lot of time and patience. I don’t say women don’t have patience and the skill, but they definitely don’t have time
Ramanpreet Ahluwalia,
executive chef, The Lobby-26

For ages, cooking has been associated with women rather than men, but it is more of a creative activity and has nothing to do with gender
Swatantra Gautam, executive chef,
Zazen, Page 3

One for the road
Documentary FilMmaker Arjun Pandey spends as many as 250 days in a year travelling for his shoots 
Jasmine Singh

His friends know him as a swashbuckler, his family adores his warmth (with one or two odd instances when they want to retrace their judgment), and his friends see him as a teacher who likes to learn. Arjun Pandey, documentary filmmaker and CEO of 24 Frames, which is a full-fledged production house engaged in making corporate films, documentaries, training videos, current affairs programming and new media content development, including Narrowcasting, mobile content, IPTV et al. And nothing describes him best than the 'road'. After all the filmmaker in on the road for almost 250 days, 115 days short of 365! Do you expect more from a documentary filmmaker?

Before the camera rolls, it is natural for us to know more about this guy, whose name sounds familiar. Indeed it does. His father Lt Ishwar Pandey and uncle Mike Pandey are names to reckon with in the field of documentary filmmaking. "I would accompany my father to various shoots during childhood. It was his work on environment conservation that appealed to me and got me into documentary making," says Arjun, who has literally seen the scenario change in this field as well. We can see that - young boys and girls peeping through the latest equipment. Arjun smiles, he falls in this category, save for 'young'. "We can call it a slightly older, young guy," he laughs, sharing how documentary making has changed. "I believe in making films that help make a difference, whether they are on wildlife or health. Documentary film is a great visual medium that has the potential to create, explain and make an impact. At the same time, it is a responsible medium as well," he adds moving to the changes.

"It is a considered a cool thing now, driven by awards. My father and uncle have always maintained that teaching younger people the skills of the trade helps a lot. For those who are interested in this, I recommend that they should understand that it is a responsible medium, which means more than handling latest gadgets. Also, a documentary needn't always be about social change. It could be on music, heritage and whatever one feels passionate about."

Sharing the knowledge finds a mention in his chat, time and again. Arjun who has been a part of seven campaigns that have yielded results has also won Presidents Award for Best Producer and Director for Scientific and Exploration film on Horse Shoe Crabs, along with his cousin Gautam Pandey.

You don't expect a documentary filmmaker to sit in a swanky office beside a teakwood desk and Arjun too is nothing close to it. "I am working with the anti-tobbaco campaign. I am also making a documentary on His Holiness Gyalwang Drukpa , in addition to be being part of a project with my uncle Mike Pandey called Return Of the Tiger, which is also backed by John Abraham," he says.

And Arjun's company takes interns from anywhere in the country as well as abroad. "There could be a lot of people wanting to shoot documentaries, especially in Punjab and Chandigarh, and what they need is to be holistically trained.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Winds of Change
Prem Chopra, Rahul Dev, Rannvijay and 
Jimmy Shergill are in the tricity for the shooting of Punjabi movie Dharti

Jasmine Singh

Punjabi movies — another word that describes it best is 'on the move.' Without much debate, it is evident that Punjabi cinema is headed for a change. As we catch up with the cast and crew of Punjabi movie Dharti in Mohali, we realise that actors from Bollywood have taken a liking to it. The cast of this movie Prem Chopra, Rahul Dev, Rannvijay and Jimmy Shergill has a similar take on it.

Prem hi Prem

Somehow, hero-villain of yesteryears has some kind of karmic connection with Sikhs. First, it was Rocket Singh, next is Patiala House and Dharti, Prem Chopra plays a sardar in all these flicks. "I find that this is a very brave community, which is not dependent on anyone. People of this community take good care of each other and people outside as well," says Prem Chopra, who plays the president of a party, something like a kingmaker in the Punjabi movie Dharti. "It is a thriller that reflects the political scenario. I started my career 45 years back with Punjabi flick Chaudhary Karnail Singh, and now with Dharti I am making a comeback."

We still scout for the real reason for a comeback. "I liked the script. Besides, this film is being made on an elaborate scale, which means it is being given a good treatment in all respects. There are a lot of helicopter sequences, where will you find all this in Punjabi cinema?" says Prem. With actors playing villain, and villain doing miss-two-goody-shoes, Prem Chopra sees it as winds of change. "There is nothing wrong in it. At least, the audiences have recognised that actors can do various roles. Unlike our times when the roles were defined, this is a new phase where actors are exploring their talent," says the actor who will be seen in movies like Mirch (a movie on sexuality) and Agent Vinod. "Robert De Niro plays a good and bad man at the same time, why can't our actors here do the same?" he questions.

First take

Budget is one thing that can be worked around, rest Rahul Dev, who plays a young leader with his own ideology in this movie, would like to see Punjabi cinema as a case of so far so good. He is candid when he says that he hasn't seen any Punjabi movie so far, but he has heard about how the sensibilities are changing for good. "Punjab is a culturally rich state and some interesting political plots got me to do Dharti," mentions Rahul. "Some interesting plots can be woven around this theme, which interested me a lot."

Best of folk art 
Ashima Sehajpal

The festive spirit continued with the same zest on the Day 2 of the SAARC Folklore and Heritage Festival. People enjoyed the performances by folk art groups from Bhutan and Pakistan.

Guests from Far East

Our subjects for the day were all ready for interaction. Sporting their traditional costumes for the performance, they were also holdings props to make us understand the past and present of their folk art, Bhutan Folk Song, better. It seemed like a typical interview session with questions on history of their folk art, its popularity, time it takes to master it…only till we hadn't realised that there was a language barrier! The folk art performers from Bhutan only understood Bhutanese, which was never a part of our school curriculum. So, here is an account of as much we could understand of what they spoke and how much they could from what we asked. The folk song is seven centuries old and is performed wearing masks of different animals. "The preferred ones being, lion, tiger, deer and dragon. In ancient times, these were worn to scare away the evil powers. The costumes are bright for the same reason," informs Kinzang Wangcitole of Menjong Luyang Performing Arts Group. He adds that it takes a minimum of two years to learn the art form, "That too if one practices daily. The art form also demands a lot of energy," which was evident once the group was on the stage.

Devotional beats

This art form that dates back to centuries is still very popular in Pakistan. Known as Kalandhari Dhamaal, it's a form where participants dance to the tunes of a dhol. Says Sain Abbas of the Malangs Whirling Darvesj group, "Despite the strong western influences, the folk dance form is still very popular in Pakistan because people consider it as a prayer in the praise of Allah." Another reason for the popularity of this dance form is that it is not very difficult to learn. "There are no definite steps. One can learn the art by watching it," adds Bain Mohammed Asif of the group.

ashima@tribunemail.com

Picks & piques
The Prized catch
Johnson Thomas

'Yes we can' was US president Barrack Obama's winning slogan and it seems to be Subhash Kapoor's too. His Phas Gaya Re Obama takes a brave little swagger at the two biggies hitting the theatres this week - Ashutosh Gowariker's attempt at recreating little-known history Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se and Ram Gopal Verma's bloody round two of Raktacharitra.

Film: Phas Gaya re Obama

Cast: Rajat Kapoor, Neha Dhupia, Manu Rishi Chadha, Sanjai Mishra, Samit Nijhavan, Amol Gupte

Director: Subhash Kapoor

A tangy tale of a kidnapping gone awry because the kidnapped appears to be more needy than the kidnappers themselves, Phas Gaya Re Obama is a Tere bin Laden amongst the big budget monstrosities peppering the screen of late. Subhash Kapoor's little film has a big heart. His cast consists of little known faces and newcomers, only Rajat and Neha can claim any form of mainstream acquaintance. And it's this very lot of actors, who make this film a memorable experience. Subhash smartly connects his tale set in western UP with the global recession following Obama's ascendancy. The film begins with a group of kidnappers, leader called Bhai saab(Sanjai Mishra) with a freshman Anni (Manu Rishi) and others(Amit Sial et al) ruing the dismal state of their business wherin their victim's kin finds it difficult to pay even the smallest of ransoms. Even a discounted rate fails to strike the right bargain. So when bankrupt NRI businessman Om Shastri (Rajat Kapoor)comes back to India in order to sell his haveli and somehow salvage his pride, they think they have a fitting candidate. But Ali, Munni (Neha Dhupia)and a State Minister(Amol Gupte) have other ideas.

The premise is pretty flimsy but it's execution is near faultless. Subhash who has also scripted the film does a great job creating situations that are unpredictable and original. The dialogues are well in keeping with the milieu the film is set in and the actors perform their respective roles with reverb. The characters are well defined, each with their own peculiar ticks. The film starts off on a strained note. The effort to pitch in the laughs seems forced and it's only when Munni (Neha Dhupia) and her gangs of female men hating Gabbars enters the narrrative, that it starts perking up. Once turnabout happens, it becomes a joyride with one improbable twist after another bringing on the guffaws. A smart director can make even a flimsy idea look good-that's what Subhash Kapoor does.

More pain, little gain

Film: Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Se

Cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Deepika Padukone, Vishakha Singh, Maninder,

Director: Ashutosh Gowarikar

After Lagaan and Jodha Akbar , his only two genuine box office successes, Ashutosh Gowarikar attempts yet another period piece. The film is based on the book Do and Die by Manini Chatterjee which brought to light the heroic feats of 64 committed freedom fighters who spear-headed a revolution that ultimately brought India her freedom. The little known Chittagong Uprising(1930-35) is just a footnote in the history books so Ashutosh's film is a welcome addition to the few and far between celluloid nuggets on history that Bollywood honchos seek to bring out from time to time. It's his ponderous unyielding narrative that is hard to take though. Here too Ashutosh exhibits the same faultlines he exhibited with Swades . The film has the weight of a true story and should have become a celluloid celebration but Ashutosh's style ( or lack of it) makes it's experience laborious and unexciting. The first half is completely devoid of any tension. Surjya Sen(Abhishek), teacher cum revolutionary and his team consisting of Nirmal Sen(Sikander Kher), Ananta Singh(Maninder Singh), Ambika Chakraborty(Shreyas Pandit), Ganesh Ghosh(Samrat Mukherjee) and Loknath Bal(Feroz Wahid Khan) meet up in slow succession . Then come the two women Preeti Lata(Vishakha Singh) and Kalpana Dutta(Deepika) and finally the teenagers join up. The planning of the uprising gets elaborated for another twenty odd minutes and finally the action. It's all so heavily procedural that you even begin to wonder whether you are in a boring history class or watching a cinema. Once the action sets in the background score does the ingratiating trick of drumming up some momentum while the gun fire and body count mount in quick succession. The narrative lacks pace and the linear approach appears old worldly. In fact for almost fifteen minutes towards the end there is no sign of Surjya Sen. It's as though Ashutosh was readying him for the final gambit- a sequence that is so idiotically executed that the entire 3 hour plus effort comes-a-cropper. As the camera pans across the faces of fellow revolutionaries shedding copious tears while he is being carried out you are reminded of Shaheed. But the effect is not the same. You don't feel even half as moved as you did in Shaheed. Ashutosh's most glaring mistake is that he populates the narrative with people who matter in the final count. Even the performances are not up to the mark. Abhishek makes for a very stiff and arrogant Surjya Sen while Deepika, even with sincerity writ large in her performance, looks totally out of place in the set up. Maninder Singh who makes Ananta Singh is the only credible character of the film. Go for it only if you are looking for a history lesson!

Johnsont307@gmail.com

Act 2 

Bollywood actress Rani Mukherjee has signed a new movie with Aamir Khan and is all excited to be paired opposite her favourite co-star after a gap of five years. The actress said she is on board Reema Katgi's suspense drama opposite the 45-year-old actor. The film will go on floors in February next year. "Aamir and Shahrukh (Khan) are my most favourite co-stars. They worked with me when I was a newcomer and I have learnt a lot from them professionally as well as personally. I can do anything for them," Rani said. "After Ghulam and Mangal Pandey-the Rising, I am extremely excited to work with Aamir again," she added.

Her new film No One Killed Jessica is all set for a New Year release. Rani Mukherjee says her character of a TV news reporter in No One Killed Jessica is the only fictional aspect of the story based on the high profile Jessica Lall murder case. "Nothing is fictional in the film except my character. But, it has lot of realism," said Rani. According to her, the media was seen in a different light in the case and showed that if their power is used correctly, they can make a huge difference.

"The manner in which the media followed up the case to its logical end and the gritty, thrilling script penned by director Rajkumar Gupta was intriguing and made me opt for this film," the actress said. She said her character is not modelled on any particular journalist. "It's a dynamic role," she added. Rani also remarked that it was easiest to be a Bollywood reporter while it was tough to be a crime reporter. "You need to be dynamic and fearless," she said. — PTI

Family time on big screen 

Life Goes On, the film which sees Sharmila Tagore share the screen with daughter Soha Ali Khan for the very first time, will hit theatres in North America before its release in India. Besides the unique distinction of casting the mother-daughter duo, the film boasts of the finest talent from Bollywood including veterans, Girish Karnad and Om Puri.

"Life Goes On is our very first English Language film which is slated for mainstream release all over North America. The Indian Diaspora living here will be able to immediately identify with this film," said Oney Seal, chairman of the Databazaar group, which is releasing the film here.

Sharmila Tagore said that working with Soha was a significant decision and she thoroughly enjoyed it. "Life Goes On is my first British film and I very much liked the process of working with a British crew, with Om Puri and with my daughter Soha for the first time," Tagore said in a statement. — PTI 

Right CUT
Designer store Vedic Belle opens in Sector 10 
Deepali Sagar

Looking for a garment that speaks of fusion in style? Well, your search has ended as the city has come up with 'Vedic Belle' in Sector-10. This store presents Indian art in contemporary designs.

"Our designs are inspired by Indian art and we want to create garments that are a perfect blend of the contemporary and traditional," says the managing director Anuwant Pahwa. The store offers a wide variety of bridal wear, evening gowns and kurtas. "While creating the designs, we have experimented with both dark and light colours, as it is an autumn collection," says Shefali Bajaj, the designer.

Adds Pahwa, "The collection is very wear-able and stylish, but not too flashy. We also have a wide collection of evening gowns." The designer has also experimented with patchwork and zari to give an altogether new look to the sarees.

Says Anuwant Pahwa, "Chandigarh is a good market. People here know that fashion isn't about going to a branded shop and picking up a garment, it's all about creativity." This store has introduced 'conceptualised clothing' through garments done up intricately and tastefully without going overboard with any detail. A unique feature of the store is that if you have a design in mind, they will customise it and provide it within no time.

Warming up to winter

As winter sets in, it's time to take out your woollens and get cozy in the warmth of those knitty knots. Liven up this winter with edgy styling, fashionable fits and playful detailing as John Players lines up an array of outerwear range from formal suits, casual jackets, to blazers and pullovers.

Presenting a new kind of style that is youthful, vibrant and above all playful; the formal suits offer a mix of patterns and textures in a plethora of shades, providing an eclectic and an appealing look. Casual denim heavy washed jackets are fit for every mood and occasion this season. Reversible polyester half jackets in tones of browns and olive green with multiple pockets, metal zippers are an absolute 'must have' for this season. What's more, the new range of quilt jackets in colors like black, brown and military green will surely help beat the chill this season. And if that's not all, one can choose from a range of sweaters & pullovers which are available in contemporary patterns. — TNS

Wheel of life 

India's largest private radio FM network 92.7 BIG FM and Avon Cycles are all set to attempt the biggest ever Greenathon: Avon Big Greenathon. The Greenathon will engage the citizens of India to one unique pledge to cycle to work at least once in a week. The Radio Station - BIG FM has crafted Avon BIG Greenathon for all its 45 stations throughout the country. At Chandigarh, the Avon BIG Greenathon is all set to happen on December 6 at Sarovar Path RJ Anubhav will lead the Avon BIG Greenathon along with prominent sports person and bureaucrats of the city. The initiative has been crafted for a better and greener tomorrow. The AVON BIG Greenathon will be flagged off by government dignitaries and sports persons on Monday. Soon after the Greenathon, one lucky listener would be selected and would stand to win an Avon Jockey bicycle! - autographed by the RJ.

As the Greenathon starts, the morning RJ had promised its listeners that once a week he will cycle to work. Through the activity promotion the BIG FM team will encourage the residents to use their bicycle at least once a week. The RJ's will motivate the listeners to support the cause by sending support messages and by adopting the habit of cycling. BIG FM has already started the promotion of the activity and is using various platforms to promote the same.

Says RJ Anubhav, who strongly feels about the whole issue. "Look what we have done to our environment already. It is time we realise that we need to do something about it and awareness is one step towards a change. Also, cycling does more than one thing for us. It is a way to good health at the same time it is a good way of ensuring a clean environment." Adds Anubhav, who vows to cycle down to the office every Monday, "Although there are many ways to contribute to the environment but the act of cycling once a week is the easiest, free and with this habit any one can contribute. While going to office, shopping, school or to visit a friend if instead of starting up the car or motorcycle, we decide to use our cycle the same would not only be free but would help reward us with great health and environment."

According to Sukhdeep Sohal, cluster head, Punjab, 92.7 BIG FM, "We at BIG FM are always trying to reach out to the people of the city and in this process we try to positively impact the lives of every listener, the idea of Greenathon came from our listeners, I am proud of RJ Anubhav that he took the initiative of starting this activity and now full team of BIG FM is supporting him to bring the change. The idea is to bring a small change in the way we all live and if each one of us contributes then the results would really be exceptional."

By sending in support SMS's or join the RJ on the day of the Greenathon, the listeners would stand a chance to win a high end Avon Jockey bicycle from Avon. — TNS 

Tarot talk
P. Khurrana

ARIES: You draw Ten of Wands you will review a close partnership, wandering whether it gives you what you want. Good news, you have been expecting comes at the end of the week. Beware of over indulgence in food drink or emotion. A Leo person is a loyal friend. Lucky colour: Black. Tip of the week: At work don't hold back anything from your employer.

TAURUS: You draw Emperor Even the smallest life change makes you Emperors feel like the sky is falling. An extremely favorable week for the culmination of a legal case. Your health improves as you focus on fitness routines and healthy diets to health the body. Lucky colour: Green. Tip: By applying yourself you can build great success.

GEMINI: Like The queen of cups you are dreamy, poetic, tranquil and imaginative in loving relationships. Students get good grades in tests and are well prepared for the approaching examinations. Family life is peaceful and happy. You bring abundance in business aspects. Lucky colour: emerald green. Tip: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter.

CANCER: Two of wands spin in speculation luck. Your speech may be good and also you may be able to convince people very fast. Don't let a misunderstanding cause the rot to set into a close relationship. You have been so busy recently that you may have forgotten to pay attention to those closest to you. Lucky colour: Yellow. Tip: You have to push to succeed and your efforts will pay off.

LEO: The Magus bring monument; change and travel in your life. A pure spiritual and exalted influence transforms your professional priorities. You are right not to rush into things, but others will not wait forever. Things have been all work and no play and you have let things get out of balance recently. Lucky colour: wine red. Tip: Empty promises are certain, therefore try to put your terms and conditions in writing.

VIRGO: The Sun shines on you to enhance new beginnings at work. A brief pleasure trip is on the cards. Children & family demand quality time and attention. A protective aura and light surrounds you as you move through different aspects of life and a variety of experiences. There is a blossoming of consciousness and the fragrance is all around you. Lucky Colour: Forest Green. Tip: You find within yourself a fountainhead of a will power.

LIBRA: The Ace of Wands reveals that you make progressive professional and personal commitments. You could be revisiting a previous relationship and enjoying the connection. Follow the trends; resisting will only lead to frustration. Lucky Colour: Burgundy. Tip: You gain by being practical; don't be emotional.

SCORPIO: Your card Ten of Coins so friends could get on your nerves. Mixing business with pleasure works well for you. Professional people may have to go slow, lest they may incur losses. Family situations may be generally tensed and you may have to adjust with your partners. Lucky Colour: Baby pink. Tip: Do what is right and watch your best interests.

SAGITTARIUS: The High Priestess reveal family pressure and responsibilities be careful, as you are sufficiently distracted to run into trouble if you don't pay attention to what you are doing. In a relationship you need to express yourself more openly, so that others around you know your true inner self. Lucky colour: Silver grey. Tip: You are advised to focus on professional changes.

CAPRICORN: The Prince of Wands rides in his flaming chariot of gold to instigate dynamic changes. Profits are expected from a new deal if it comes through on Monday. Romance may blossom at work place. Keep home and work strictly separate. Journalists; teachers, advocates, models and cine stars are in the lime light. Lucky colour: Creamy white. Tip: You must share responsibility with others before continuing.

AQUARIUS: Nine Golden Cups full of lights and happiness light & lotus blossom greet you. Contentment, emotional well-being and harmony prevail in your personal relationships. Be understanding and keep in mind the likes and dislikes of your mate. Lucky colour: Silver. Tip: Think positive and be optimistic.

PISCES: Your card The World reveals love and close relationships are important. But now, you wonder whether a commitment was quite what you wanted. Loved ones may be irritable or quietly thoughtful. Complicated family issues, past romantic promises or repeated social patterns require immediate consideration. Lucky colour: Ruby. Tip: Focus new light on your emotional and spiritual place. 




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