Foolproof Strategy

If you can walk the walk and talk the talk, one second is what it takes to make a fool of someone. Today, you officially have 24 hours, full of those seconds. Friends, co-workers, roommates, siblings…there's no dearth of people to indulge in a bit of leg-pulling. That too with extempore ideas! Here's legitimately wishing everyone a very Happy Fool's Day

Prank-call someone:

There's many pranks you can play over the phone. All you need is a poker-straight face and little bit of conviction in tone. Quietly switch off your friends' mobile and after a while tell them how their mother, daughter, friend frantically called up. Take another. Open your phone and pretend to get into a huge dramatic messy fight with your lover in front of your mutual friend. Give the right pauses while you are arguing. Ask him to call your beloved and play the peacemaker.

Re-map the keyboard:

For those who are used to the exclamation mark in the motivating mails, 'C'mon guys!! We have to clinch the deal this time!!' Imagine the new replacement and your colleague typing, 'C'mon guys?? We have to clinch the deal this time??' If re-mapping gets too technical, white marker should come in handy.

Psychological tricks:

Pick a silent victim; get your entire team to smile at them the entire day. All the while sending those April 1 mischievous vibes.

Replace the paraphernalia:

Go on an exchange marathon. All you need to do is reach the office five minutes early. Rearrange all your co-workers drawers. Better still; borrow your friends phone and put one's sim card into the other and vice versa. Even better still, in your best friend's phone, replace the dad's contacts with their beloved's and see the disastrous consequences!

Congratulations, now you are an official prankster! — Manpriya Khurana

Statutory warning

Before you reach out to celebrate April 1 at someone else's expense. Consider a couple of pros and cons. The possible consequences of the prank - who you are playing it on and the level of embarrassment caused to the 'victim' by your act. The idea is to share a laugh because today don't we all celebrate what we all are on the other 364 days? 

A legacy & much more 
Wali Hamid, Pakistani classical vocalist, ninth-generation singer from the Patiala Gharana, is all set for his Bollywood debut opposite Kangana Ranaut
Mona

 Wali Hamid Ali Performing at Wembley Arena, London, UK, is a dream come true for any artist ever born. And Wali Hamid Ali has done that not once but thrice! This Pakistani classical vocalist, ninth-generation singer from the Patiala Gharana, apart from touring the world with his fusion band Raga Boyz, loves to come to India time and again.

On this trip that he undertook to cheer his friend Shahid Afridi, he shares what it means to belong to the lineage of darbar gayak of Maharaja Bhupindar Singh. "The day the child turns five, classical music training begins in our family. One is free to choose whatever career one wants, but coming from Patiala Gharana, it is a given that you know the nuances of music. 'Wherever you are in the world, you represent a great heritage and whenever asked about it you need to give accurate answers,' say our elders," shares Wali.

Son of legend Ustad Hamid Ali Khan, Wali takes utmost pride in his family. "I belong to the family of Barey Fateh Ali Khan and General Ali Baksh, who were awarded with the title of 'general' and 'colonel' of music, respectively."

And his effort is to take classical music to the masses. "It's singers only who are responsible for alienating the masses from classical music and it's the duty of singers to connect them again," says Wali. Part of Raga Boyz, which is a curious mix of two classical singers, a rapper and a pop singer, Wali is trying to take classical music around the world. "We start from a khayal and all four of us sing the same in variations," shares Wali.

All set for the worldwide release of his album Zindagi, this singer, model, actor, is making another beginning. "I will soon make my Bollywood debut as an actor opposite Kangana Ranaut," says Wali, who is gaining weight for the role!

mona@tribunemail.com

Building bridges

Zabardast is how Mushtaq and Javed Afridi, brothers of cricketer Shahid Afridi, describe their semi-final experience in India. Says Mushtaq, "It was India's day. The team played well, the way Sachin bhai got chances even luck was on their side." He is not down with the defeat. "We were touched by the hospitality and honour we got here. Vivek Oberoi and Suniel Shetty went out of the way to make us comfortable during the match. And though we lost the match, Aamir Khan paid a visit at the hotel to appreciate the game. This gesture shown by the Indian stars means so much to us," says Javed. On a parting note, Afridi brothers say in unison, "Masses from both the countries are looking forward to better ties." Their host Aman Deep Kohri from Sector 19 says, "I am elated that they chose to be our guests. It's our opportunity to bridge the gap between us." Amen!

Web of trouble

More and more children are spending time on the Internet
Family Concern: More and more children are spending time on the Internet

A new study has found that more and more parents are concerned that increased amounts of time their children spend online, social networking, twittering and instant messaging each other is decreasing their interactive time with family members.

According to the study from the USC Annenberg Center for the Digital Future, which queried roughly 2,000 families, more than half of parents now restrict Internet use as a form of punishment. In addition, it seems the amount of time families spend with each other face to face has gone down 25 per cent over the past three years.

"As far as brain development goes, playing with toys, building things for younger kids, fantasy play are much more important in child development than what you're going to watch on a screen," said Robert Myers, a child psychologist.But other experts in the field disagree.

Karen Sternheimer, a sociologist who works on kids' issues, says she's concerned about the flipside of this issue.

"It's the kids who never have been on Facebook, MySpace, who don't know the logic of social networking. I am more concerned in the long run that they will be left behind in the market place," insisted Sternheimer.

The study also found that parents who are concerned about their kids spending too much time in front of a screen have begun to apply supervisory approaches to the new medium, much like they do with television. — ANI

Saif has cricket in his blood
Saif Ali Khan's father Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi did the nation proud when he was a cricketer. The versatile actor talks about his passion, fondness, and memories of the game.

Saif Ali Khan
Cricket Love: Saif Ali Khan

Field day
I love cricket and have a lot of respect for the game. More than just a past-time, it is like a family tradition for us. The World Cup is certainly keeping me occupied these days, though I confess that I haven't been able to follow it ball by ball due to prior commitments. But I have made it a point to catch the crucial matches.

Go India

More than wanting my favourite players to do well, I hope the team clicks as a unit. Our entire cricket team is very entertaining to watch. For instance, I like watching Yuvraj when he bats well, as he is doing these days. Dhoni's captaincy skills as well as (Virender) Sehwag's opening play are a treat to watch. Of course, Sachin Tendulkar is one name that stands out for most of us. I am excited about the final. I am shooting in Delhi, but I will take some time off and fly down to Mumbai to catch the match at the Wankhede stadium.

Game for it

When I was in school, I really liked the idea of being a professional cricket player like my father. Just like every other school boy, I used to play cricket for my school team. The sport was taken very seriously in my school — we had such beautiful cricket fields to play on. But frankly speaking, I don't think I was good enough to play the game for my country (laughs). Obviously my life laid down another path for me to tread.

Childhood memories

I remember when we were kids, we used to play cricket with my dad. We would bowl at him most of the times. Sometimes, we played a father v/s son match which had obvious results. Dad always won convincingly, as it was impossible to get him out. All of my family, including my cousins, would head to the field while we were in Delhi. They were all captains of the universities they studied in. So, cricket definitely runs in our blood.

Sunny turns shutterbug

Sunny Deol
Right Click: Sunny Deol

The picturesque beauty of Varanasi revealed an old secret passion of Sunny Deol. Sunny was found capturing the beauty of Banaras while he was shooting for Dr Chandraprakash Dwivedi's upcoming satire Mohalla Assi. Not many are aware that has been a closet photographer for years now. When he wasn't facing the camera, he was found imprisoning Benaras' charm through his camera. He has captured many colours of Banaras, the Ganga, different ghats, the morning ray of brightness, forts etc. Seeing so enthusiastic about photography was a rare sight for the onlookers as well as the crew on location.

Rani to play mother

Rani and Kareena play parallel leads in Aamir Khan's next film, which is directed by Reema Kagti. Our source from the sets informs us, "Rani plays a mother in the film whereas Kareena is the lead opposite Aamir Khan. But both the actresses have equal screen space." This is the second time Rani will be seen as a mother onscreen. She has played mother in Tara Rum Pum earlier.

Shahana plays journalist in Game

Seems like every film has at least one reporter in it! Game has a multi-star cast: Abhishek Bachchan, Kangana Ranaut, Sara Jane Dias, and Shahana Goswami. And in Game, Shahana plays a crime reporter for a television channel. She is based in London, and is wayward and cynical.

Ragini MMS to get steamier

Producer Ekta Kapoor plans to re-shoot two love-making scenes in Ragini MMS, to make them steamier.

Having viewed the rushes of the film, which releases on May 13, Ekta was of the opinion that there was reason for the scenes to be steamier, as they are integral to the paranormal happenings in the story.

Young actors Rajkumar Yadav (last seen in the controversial bare-butt sex scene in Love Sex Aur Dhokha) and Kainaaz Motivala (who played Tanya in Wake Up Sid) have been asked to re-shoot some intimate on-screen moments on April 3. 

Rahul’s gay and happy

Rahul Bose
Different Take: Rahul Bose

Rahul Bose will soon be seeing in Onir's next film I AM where he plays the role of the protagonist, Omar. He talks about his role, the film and more…

Tell us about your next release, I Am.

I Am tells you different stories where different people tackling different problems like surrogate pregnancy, homosexuality, child abuse and Kashmir issue. Onir has made a wonderful film where in one film there are different stories.

What's your story in I Am?

I play the role of a gay man called Omar, in the story that deals with homosexuality.

Is it the only release this year?

No, there is one more film Kuch Love Jaisa, which is a Vipul Shah film. It is a love story between two extremely opposite people; one is an affluent housewife while the other is a small town crook. The two meet one day when circumstances put them together. The film is a journey of this unlikely couple. Kuch Love Jaisa will release by this year end.

Any other script you are looking into?

There is a film that focuses on secularism and inter-religious hatred between Hindus and Muslims. And then there is another project, which is a psychological thriller. But nothing is finalised yet.

If you are not working, what do you do in his spare time?

I spend time watching football or chatting with friends, I am also a reader. So, read some book apart from that I spend my time with my NGO.

One thing that gives you pleasure?

Acting! That's my hobby and I love acting. — HRM

Casting couch does exist: Ranveer

Newcomer Ranveer Singh who wowed us with his stunning performance in Band Baaja Baraat is happy with the way his career is shaping and offers but there is one thing, which Ranveer doesn't like. He explains, "Unfortunately, the casting couch exists in our industry.

I don't think it exists in the high-rung studios because the stakes are too high, the money involved, and the people involved are too professional," says Ranveer Singh.

Action time for Darsheel

Child star Darsheel Safary
Playing Superhero: Child star Darsheel Safary

Child star Darsheel Safary is said to have performed some daring action sequences in his upcoming film Zokkomon under the guidance of Hollywood actor Jackie Chan's stunt director William Ong. The 15-year-old, who made his Bollywood debut with Aamir Khan's Taare Zameen Par, is playing a superhero in the film. He has performed all the stunts himself, and will be seen in a never-seen-before avatar, says a source.

"Darsheel trained for months to perfect his moves with international stunt director William Ong, who has worked with the legendary Jackie Chan," said the source.

Darsheel says he had an enjoyable time training and shooting for the movie.

I loved doing the action sequences. I am thrilled to see myself as Zokkomon, all the special effects and action sequences are something I haven't done before," said Darsheel.

Zokkomon, directed by Satyajit Bhatkal, is an action adventure film about an ordinary boy who meets extraordinary challenges. The movie, releasing on April 22, also features veteran actor Anupam Kher and actress Manjari Fadnis. 

Art imitates life 
Deepali Sagar

Students pose as models for Punjabi Virsa section at an INIFD exhibition
Rustic flavour: Students pose as models for Punjabi Virsa section at an INIFD exhibition

‘Countryside Saga’ the annual exhibition by the students of INIFD replicated the beauty of rural life. The theme was not restricted to the villages of Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat but also captured the scenic calm of the rural life in 
Scotland, Mexico, and Netherlands also found expression in the creations of the designs.

A visual treat, the models recreated life in villages across the globe.

On one hand it was the colourful and royal countryside of Rajasthan with its havelis and monuments famous for their architectural beauty and grace. "We have tried to revive the culture in slightly modern scenario," says Shruti Jain, the head of the Department of Interior Designing, INIFD.

Gujarat, known for its incredible diversity was displayed by setting up a Gujarati country retreat restaurant called 'Uttrayan'. Students adopted the mantra of 'simplicity and authenticity' in the model of this countryside.

Models showcasing Punjab, the land of five rivers, agriculture, bhangra, charkha and so on infused the fragrance of the land through a traditional boutique 'Virsa'. "We have tried to feel the glory of Punjab," says Shubhangi Pandey, a faculty member. South India is picturised in 'Dakshinachitra' dotted with innumerable exquisitely carved temples instilling the sense of peace and spirituality in the hearts.

The heritage of Netherlands found expression through a studio apartment in a windmill 'Souvernir's Solace'. The apartment showcased a calm and composed environment away from the urban hustle and bustle.

Inspired by the vibrant, exuberant and colourful Mexican interiors, the students developed 'Mexican Refresco-a juice and salad bar'. "One feels a perfect blend of the rustic, ranching lifestyle as well the festive, bold, playful and friendly approach of the expressive Mexicans," says Shruti.

Come and savour the comforting Scottish ambience chilling to the soothing sound of the bagpiper. Brimming with style and culture, Scotland is sure to mesmerise you with its rustic elements gelled with modernity.

Welcome to the land of meditation where you can study your own self and bring yourself close to the nature in the realm of Lord Budhha. "Zazen is inspired from Tibet's tradition of meditation. The room serves as a reminder of Buddhist philosophy. It also had authentic Tibetian religious," says Nishtha Roshan, a faculty member.

Students of INIFD tried to revive the village culture that binds us to our roots. 

Trend Setter
Minimal is classy

Nimrat Narang, BA, interior designing student
Standing tall: Nimrat Narang, BA, interior designing student

Every person has a sense of style. Yet, there are only a few who'd attract the second glance, or make heads turn. The magic could lie in tousled hair or it could lie in a torn jeans! This week's face in the crowd, Nimrat Narang, BA, interior designing student, believes in individuality when it comes to dressing up.

Your sense of style is…

I would describe it as urban yet classy, with minimum accessories. For spring summer 2011, I would style myself with colours like pink, peach and white coupled with a comfortable footwear. My focus for the season would be jump suits.

Latest addition in your wardrobe…

A lovely pair of stilettos by Fendi.

Brand freak or street junkie?

A brand freak because a brand lasts for long and is classy.

In today's world with the kind of society we live in, brand has become more of an addiction or should I say a "status symbol".

Choose a look; sporty, glamorous or chic

It definitely has to be chic. My priority has always been comfort and sophistication.

My style icon would be…

Courtney Cox

So who's the worst dressed celebrity?

Pamela Anderson. After all the implants and surgery do you still have to fake!

One fashion trend you just don't understand…

Arrgggh…I so want to share notes on this. One trend I just don't understand is when girls re bond their beautiful hair.

Your take on accessories

It all depends on how you wear it. I personally don't like accessorising but yes, one should always keep in mind that accessories can make or mar your look. So watch out.

One thing that boosts your confidence:

I like to experiment and it always gives me the confidence. But one mantra I truly believe in is that fashion fades but style is eternal. So keep styling and never following!
— As told to Manpriya Khurana.

(If you think you too fit in the profile, get in touch

with us at lifestyletribune@gmail.com)

TROUBLE SHOOTER
This too shall pass
Simmi Waraich

I am pretty grounded. I know how I feel pretty quickly. I am agile and adaptable, able to examine my shifting thoughts and feelings within a few minutes. But when I heard that my cousin had been in a very bad accident, I started fearing that the same would happen to someone in my family. I was unable to get the thoughts out of my head.

It helps to become aware of the neurological 'magic quarter second,' during which it is possible for a thought to be 'caught' before it turns into an emotional reaction. It is so much easier to nip a feeling in the bud, before it really takes root and spreads. When we find our minds rushing to the next thought of disaster, focus yourself by thinking:

The body What is going on in my body right now? Is my heart racing? Is my breathing shallow? Am I tensing up?

Our feelings How am I really feeling? Am I anxious? Frustrated?

The mind What thoughts are running through my head at this very moment?

Then decatastrophise, say to yourself- "I have been having these thoughts recently- they will pass." Relax, these are just thoughts, stay with them. They will pass off. It's important to stay with the anxiety. Don't seek reassurance for it. Keep practicing.

Be clear and firm

My son is in Class XI. I have been busy with my business and did not realise when he started bunking school. Our worst fears came true when we realised he had fallen into bad company. We even caught him and his friends with marijuana. Since then I have been dropping him to school but he has got into trouble with the police as well. He was a good student before Class IX. What can we do?

Since you say he was good academically before Class IX, I presume he has changed after keeping the company of the boys you mentioned. Sometimes children develop this problem in a particular company, as at this age peer influence is very strong for them. Both parents need to be clear and firm. So your rules in the house need to be clear, with clear-cut repercussions which should be discussed and agreed to by the child. So you may need to take your wife and any other member in the family for counselling as commonly family members say different things or contradict each other in front of the child. This is an absolute No!

Monitoring him, keeping a check on his friends and if he is still getting into trouble, be clear about no mobile phone use without permission. As children can get quite manipulative, it is better to get a psychiatrist or trained clinical psychologist to set up a contract with the child and both parents.

Continue to nurture your relationship, spend time as a family, involve other relatives and friends and give him opportunities to get involved in Sports, music etc. Physical exercise if you can is a must and often life altering.

Also, watch what you are saying to him-do not be too negative by comparing with yourself when you were his age. Stay calm when you talk. Be clear and implement what you say. Take it easy.

(Dr Waraich is a Chandigarh-based consultant psychiatrist. Shoot your problems to lifestyletribune@gmail.com or write to Troubleshooter, Life+Style, The Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh)

HIGH SPIRITS 
Guava magic

Guava is an unusual concoction is a powerhouse of vitamin C and fibre. Have it with your afternoon snack to complement a chatpata dish. Remember to use fully ripened guavas as they taste the best and also you need to add less sugar. Now that you know about its goodness, Cocktail Jockey Vineet Mishra tells you how to make the best use of it in Chatpata Guava

Chatpata Guava

A desi Indian taste of guava with white rum, a dash of rock salt and chat masala

Ingredients:

45ml Havana Club (aged white rum)

20 ml fresh lime juice

10 ml sugar syrup

1 tsp chaat masala

1 tsp rock salt

A pinch of red chilli powder

Top with guava juice.

Garnish: Lemon wheel

Instructions:

Shake all ingredients (including guava juice) in a cocktail-shaker with ice. Strain into a chilled Tom Collins glass. Fill it with lots of ice.

Cocktail Facts - Pomegranate syrup is also known as Simple Syrup or Grenadine Syrup.

(As told to Jasmine Singh)

 

'Bloody' complicated this one!

After tackling the chemistry of coffee, tea, fruit juices, soda pop, beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages, experts have now tackled the chemistry of the Mount Everest of cocktails, the Bloody Mary. "It's a very complicated drink," said Neil C. Da Costa, an expert on the chemical analysis of flavours at International Flavours and Fragrances, Inc, Union Beach, NJ.

"The Bloody Mary has been called the world's most complex cocktail, and from the standpoint of flavour chemistry, you've got a blend of hundreds of flavour compounds that act on the taste senses. It covers almost the entire range of human taste sensations - sweet, salty, sour and umami or savoury- but not bitter." Da Costa said those flavours originate in the basic ingredients in the traditional Bloody Mary, which by one account originated in a Paris bar in the 1930's. Stories link the name to various historical figures, especially Queen Mary I of England, noted for her bloody repression of religious dissenters.

The ingredients include tomato juice, Worcestershire and Tabasco sauce, fresh lemon or lime juice, horseradish, black pepper, and celery salt. Shaken with ice or served over ice, it is often garnished with celery and a lemon wedge.

"Most of the ingredients have been analysed for their key flavour volatiles, the chemicals that can evaporate from the glass and produce the aroma," Da Costa explained. " My presentation reviews the composition of these ingredients and highlights the key components and their sensory attributes." — ANI

Fashionista
The cape story
Ritu Kochar

Cape is the friendliest ensemble this season. Size no bar, age no bar, shape no bar, colour no bar and even fit no bar! It is the most body friendly and a very feminine piece of clothing. In short, it is a light flowing piece that is just apt for these summers. This garment is a hot favourite of most designers as it was seen doing many rounds in the recent fashion week.

Although capes come in many styles and forms, but this season it is best worn in one solid colour or floral. Go in for capes in light flowing chiffons, georgettes, mul mul, cottons and voiles. Depending on the occasion or event, you can easily slip on a cape and you are ready to rock. The garment is so flowing that it hides away all that you are conscious of.

All of us put on a few extra kilos during winters and it takes a while to shed that extra weight, till that happens such body friendly pieces cover all the right areas. Thereby, making the wearer look slim and tall, because the viewer's eye does not fall on the problem area and instead goes up and down the fall and drape of the cape.

Be it on top of a simple tee or a top clubbed with denims, capris, tights or trousers, just put on this super wonder and you'll turn into a fashionable diva instantly. One can also coordinate this piece with a short or a knee length dress thereby turning it into a perfect formal attire, just apt for a lunch date.

In floral prints or contrasting colours, capes look casual yet dressy for a summer evening.
Cape Town: In floral prints or contrasting colours, capes look casual yet dressy for a summer evening. Photo: S Chandan

A colourful floral cape looks very appealing on top of a kurta or a churidaar. Be adventurous enough to club it with a plain white lucknawi chikan kurta and salwar and slip on a flowing cape instead of a dupatta. Accessorise your look with a nice pair of earrings and some junk jewellery and a cool pair of flats.

This summer you could slip this piece with a cool pair of shorts, which lends it a very summary and a feminine touch. The sleeve length can vary as per your own choice and style preference.

White and black mul mul capes with colourful piping are topping the charts this season. These simple tricks can do wonders and change the very look of this attire.

1. Change of footwear will change the look of the ensemble. Flats will give it a cool and casual appeal and a pair of super sexy pumps under it will transform you into a highly fashionable chic.

2. A floral hairclip / neckpiece is casual whereas a beaded rib boned piece clubbed with it makes for a formal eveningwear.

3. A cool, funky jhola / shoulder bag is for a casual college day and the same cape with a stylish tote is just right for evening get together!

The longer the length of the cape, the more stylish it appears but remember to carry it with loads of confidence and attitude. 

astro turf
p Khurrana

ARIES: The Knight of Swords instigates you to be active and clever. The higher you aim, the more precision you need. Peacefully resolving recent hassles and differences should be relatively easy. Tarot message: Listen carefully to words of wisdom even if you do not relish them.Lucky colour: Pink.Magic number: 47.

TAURUS: You draw Five of Pentacles so friends could get on your nerves. Mixing business and pleasure works well. Don't get into disagreements with the seniors. Plan a special romantic evening with your partner. Tarot message: You will receive a useful tip at the stock exchange, which can be put to profitable use. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 30.

GEMINI: Your card The Moon reveals you gain balance and perspective in relationships. A frequent change of mood is likely. Further studies will help fine-tune your capabilities to perfection. Start your evening by soaking in the local scene. Tarot message: Allow a sick situation to blow over before starting afresh. Lucky colour: Burgundy. Magic number: 32.

CANCER: Do not put undue pressure on yourself and take on unwelcome tasks. Be willing to take a break. Guard against becoming independent and free. You will be able to spot mistakes in important projects. Love life will be good.

Tarot message: Balance and perspective will lead you out of problematic situations. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 39

LEO: Three Wands represents the Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. You will be successful in whatever you do today. Romance could lead to some happy moments. Monetary gains are indicated. A caring heart may be needed to resolve family tensions. Focus on diet and exercise. Tarot message: Don't fall for rash promises. Lucky colour: Golden yellow. Magic number: 35.

VIRGO: Early in the day is most exciting. Make initial moves to set the ball rolling. There could be lots of activity at work, which may lead to additional job responsibilities that will help enhance your career prospects. Tarot message: Try a new off beat style of handling things. Lucky colour: Rust. Magic number: 54.

LIBRA: Your health and well being are a priority. Set aside part of the weekly budget to ensure you stay in top shape. A new approach to an old problem could be the ultimate solution. Networking is more your style than team playing. Tarot message: Try an offbeat style of handling things. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 43.

SCORPIO: The Priestess manifests material and emotional abundance with inner strength, maturity and communication skills. This is a good time to compete for a position of power. A general feeling of dissatisfaction lingers throughout the day. Tarot message: Use your instincts to get into the top circles. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 62.

SAGITTARIUS: The card Magician reveals your imagination can run wild now, and you want to vent out strange desires. Promotion will be yours if you have acted professionally in times of crisis. Steer clear of money-wasting activities. Tarot message: Learn from past experiences and desist from making similar mistakes. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 42.

CAPRICORN: Your card The Princess of Cups manages to maintain clarity and direction in complicated situations. Make a list of tasks and complete any pending work. Love ties grow stronger and hotter! Children may be annoyed if they feel restricted. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from reaching their own conclusions. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 46.

AQUARIUS: The Ace of Wands strengthens and you may feel elated on seeing roses all the way. You can expect sorrow to evolve from the information you discover. Don't deal with strangers. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish those tasks, which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 26.

PISCES: The Knight of Pentacles brings attention to practical and earthy matters. You need some help today. Try to get away with your mate. Changes in your home are apparent, and you must be willing to bend. Do not speculate. Tarot message: Take things one at a time. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 47.

chatter box
Saumya to host Comedy ka Tansen

Saumya Tandon Sony isn't letting their hit franchise Comedy Circus go and are back after the success of Comedy Circus Jubilee with yet another laugh riot called Comedy Ka Tansen. The show will launch on April 1 and buzz is that Saumya Tandon and Sumeet Raghavan have been roped in as anchors. Due to the format, they will anchor for two episodes only. The show will be power packed with celebrities like Preeti Amin, Muskaan Mihani, Ali Asgar, Anjum Farooki, Shweta Tiwari, Paresh Ganatra, Sudesh Lahiri.

Delnaaz hates to cook

Though Delnaaz Paul might be enjoying hosting Filmy Dabba Party on Food Food Channel currently, the irony is that she is disinclined to cooking. She hates the idea of cooking so much that she hardly ever enters her kitchen. Of course the excuse of being a busy, workingwoman comes handy but even on her day off she doesn't want to cook. Delnaaz agreed to do the show as the concept was fun and different. In the forthcoming episodes, celebrity guests Sunidhi Chouhan, all rounder Irrfan Pathan and Tushar Kapoor will grace the show.

Madhuri Dixit back on television

Madhuri Dixit-Nene wowed the audiences in Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa and was supposed to return to the US to her family but now she is staying back to be part of FoodFood Maha challenge, a new reality show on Chef Sanjeev Kapoor's food channel. She will be mentoring contestants and pitching them with Kapoor's contestants. The auditions for the same in several cities are currently on. Buzz is that Madhuri will lead a women's team, while Sanjeev Kapoor will have only men in this competition. Wouldn't that be fun?

Karan turns fitness freak

Karan V GroverIf you happen to be in Filmcity in the wee hours of the morning and spot a tall, good looking man running in a track suit, do not mistake him to be a spot boy running errands. It is none other than Karan of Zee TV's Yahaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli, who comes way before his call time and jogs around the green pastures of Filmcity.

An Indya source from the sets of the show told us that, "Karan eats organic food, has plenty of leafy vegetables and fruits and ensures his daily water intake is more than 3 litres. He also plans to get a trainer on the sets and learn power yoga. He is also keen to learn kick boxing as it will not only help build up physical strength but also improve mental stamina and he is very much in to fitness."

Fitness is the new mantra for Karan V Grover and he reveals, "We actors have to constantly watch what we eat and have to stay fit. With our hectic schedules and continuous shooting, it becomes very difficult to manage our health and so innovative methods helps us keep fit and I am hoping everyone would follow it."

By the way Karan, is there something more to this work out regime?

Tune in to Yahaaan Main Ghar Ghar Kheli every Monday to Thursday 8:30 PM only on Zee TV. —HRM

 

Manav-Archana launch song

Sushant Rajput & Ankita Lokhande
lets dance: Sushant Rajput & Ankita Lokhande

Manav (Sushant Singh Rajput) and Archana (Ankita Lokhande) of Pavitra Rishta on Zee TV will launch the first song of Ekta Kapoor's new movie Shor. The romantic song Saibo will be part of the dream sequence featuring Manav and Archana in their hit serial. Ekta and her team have come up with this innovative idea of launching the music of the film instead of the usual press conferences. Pavitra Rishta being the number one show on TV is Ekta's best bet.

Archana aka Ankita Lokhande says, "Saibo is a very melodious song. We are happy that we got a chance to promote it." We tried contacting Sushant Singh Rajput but he could not comment as he was busy shooting. Lets see if Saibo becomes as popular as Pee Loon from Ekta's Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai that Manav and Archana danced and romanced earlier in the show. 

Mahi wants a pat for Nakusha

Mahi Vij, aka Nakusha of Laagi Tujhse Lagan, is looking at a new scenario at work these days. With the lead of the show Mishal Raheja no longer playing Datta, the love story of Nakusha and Datta has come to a standstill. Looking forward to interesting twists in the show, Mahi relives her Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa experience and wants a surprise on her birthday.

Mahi VijIn Laagi Tujhse Lagan, Dutta has gone missing, and new characters will be brought in. Does it upset your rhythm on the sets?

A new storyline is planned ahead and it is very interesting. I will miss Mishal on the set and in the show. It was a great working experience with him and even the audiences loved our pair. The show has been doing well and I know in the future too the audiences will enjoy of Laagi Tujhse Lagan.

How was Mishal as a co-star?

He is a good competent actor as we all know and on the sets too was friendly with everyone. We all used to have lunch together so sure I will miss that. He would bring prawn curry for me which I love- I will miss that. (laughs). But seriously he made a mark as Datta and the audiences loved him a lot.

Who are you most friendly with on the sets?

Aashaka Garodia, Vinay Sapru and Swati. We all hang out together and chat during breaks. Mostly you end up making friends with co-stars and few stay with you even after a show is over.

How easy or difficult was it to relate to Naku’s character?

It was difficult to get into the character as not only it required me to be meek but even the physical transformation took a toll. To put on the heavy pancake everyday in a dark colour affected my skin and my mood and was tough. I deserve a pat on my back for the role.

What do you think about people who are obsessed with fair skin?

Perhaps white skin is attractive, looks good and is perceived as beautiful. Or maybe we are conditioned from childhood that white is pretty.

How do you look back on the Jhalak experience?

It was tough, really tough and very entertaining not only for me but for the audiences as well. I enjoyed myself. in that gruelling schedule. I learnt a lot about dance and its numerous forms. 

the year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is April 1...

It may be Fool's Day for others but it is very lucky day for you. More than anything, 2011 with number 4 and your significant number 1 has a very close affinity. Your love to make money will be fulfilled without much stress and strain. A good bank balance is assured. Membership of a social organisation may be offered to you, which will raise your status.

The time till September will be quite enjoyable. The later half of the year will be hectic and sometimes exhaustive too but it will be fruitful at the same time. Your educational front will be solid. Do not pick any quarrels on petty matters, which may lead to litigation. Avoid road rage. Drive safely between December and March.

You may enter into a new relationship during family ceremonies. If you have land, construction is not far.

Ayaz Khan (April 1, 1987) is a model. He has appeared in Hindi films such as Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na. He appeared opposite Rahul Bose and Esha Deol in Ghost Ghost Na Raha and will star in Apna Sa with Koyel Mullick. A very progressive year lies ahead for Ayaz.





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