Most of our very own B-town actors keep a pet that helps them de-stress after a hectic work schedule
Pet passion
Jasmine Singh

Can you picture Salman Khan in tears, sobbing uncontrollably? We understand, given his image it is the others around Salman who are generally seen crying! But for once the unbelievable happened when he discoverd while shooting for ‘London Dreams’ that his beloved pet Myson had died.

A source from the set of London Dreams says, “On Sunday night, when Salman Khan was shooting in Karjat for the film, he got a call from his home informing him about the death of Myson. Salman broke down. After he calmed down, he spoke to the director Vipul and left for Mumbai immediately.”

And you thought actors don’t share a bonding with anyone. And you thought they wear designer clothes, flash expensive cars and acessories, never getting stressed?

Indeed they do, which is why other than partying, hitting the gymnasium, many celebrities bank on their pets for de-stressing. Anyways who else will love them unconditionally!

Romo, my Romeo

My picture with Romo is my favourite. I look blissfully happy. Romo understands me better than anyone else. Before going for outdoor shoot, I have to prepare Romo so that it doesn’t feel sad and trouble anyone else. A cuddly hug from Romo after a tiring day and my fatigue just flies away. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration if I say that Romo can bust stress more than the iron rods at the gymnasium! Kulraj Randhawa
jasmine@tribunemail.com 

Snowy, the wonder pet

It was love at first sight. I saw Snowy at one of my friend’s house, I looked at the little wonder, picked it up, cuddled it and it responded too! This was it I thought and I requested my friend to gift it to me. Till date, we share some kind of a karmic bond. Snowy understands when I am in a mood to talk, when I am excited, when I need to be left alone, better than anyone else. At times when I come back dead tired from the shoot, it comes and sits close to me. It keeps gazing at me for long and I can’t resist smiling back at him. He is like a wonder kid! Sonu Sood 

Celia & Sultan, partners in crime

onita DodaI don’t remember the day they came into my life, these two Celia and Sultan are an amazing duo.

My shooting schedule leaves me with no time to hang out with friends, but these two are always there.

They break into some ecstatic dance when they see me on the gate.

I can’t help smiling at them, and they get into their game of catch me if you can! Jonita Doda

Chicks love Shahid

Former PETA “Sexiest Vegetarian” Contest Winner Shows His Love for chicks (the baby bird kind) The enormously popular Shahid Kapoor stars in an adorable new ad campaign for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India extolling one of the many benefits of a plant-based diet: “Chicks Love a Vegetarian”. The ad, shot by ace photographer Atul Kasbekar, shows a casually dressed Kapoor with two downy yellow chicks perched on his body. Kapoor says, “I love chicks… pigs, cows, fish, and all the other animals too. That's why I turned vegetarian.” The broadcast quality link to the video with Shahid Kapoor's interview and behind the scenes shots can be found at http://petaav.com/4broadcast/shahid_kapoor_veg_peta_india_v1.htm.

In India, animals who are killed for food are crammed into vehicles for slaughter in such high numbers that many animals break their bones, suffocate or die en route. At abattoirs, workers often hack at the throats of goats, sheep and other animals with dull blades. Millions of chickens spend their entire lives in huge factory warehouses packed together so closely in tiny battery cages they cannot even stretch a wing. They stand in their own accumulated waste, which reeks of ammonia. The birds never see the light of day and are denied everything that is natural and important to them.

Meat production is also disastrous for the environment. Senior UN Food and Agriculture Organisation official Henning Steinfeld stated that the meat industry is “one of the most significant contributors to today's most serious environmental problems”. Nitrous oxide is about 300 times more potent as a global-warming gas than carbon dioxide. According to the UN, the meat, egg and dairy industries account for 65 per cent of worldwide nitrous-oxide emissions.

"I am very happy being a vegetarian and I believe that it is the best way to be," says Kapur. "The day I started believing in the fact that I would want not to kill animals for my taste buds that is the day everything changed for me."

Shahid Kapoor is part of a new print commercial encouraging people to turn vegetarian. He says if you love animals, you must not eat them. — HRM

Siddhant’s film goes to Cannes

Siddhant Karmick
His story: Siddhant Karmick

Siddhant Karmick is on seventh heaven as his hard work has paid off. The actor, who is busy shooting for Pyaar Kii Yeh Ek Kahaani, acted in a short film Au Revoir, which will now be screened at the Cannes Film Festival.

Siddhant plays the main lead in the film, which is a story about a young guy and girl living in Mumbai. The film is nine-minutes long.

An excited Siddhant says, “We shot the film in February. It was very hectic as I used to shoot for Au Revoir in the morning and Pyaar Kii Yeh Ek Kahaani at night.”

Speaking about how he bagged the role Siddhant says, “The director Jean Louis Carrasco had come to India to shoot an ad film with Priyanka Chopra. He suddenly decided to shoot Au Revoir and one of my co-actors recommended my name to play the main lead. I decided to do the film for fun and never expected that it would be selected for the Cannes Film Festival. I am totally over the moon and believe me I am jumping with joy and doing handstands.” Way to go Sidhant. — HRM

Star track
Fashion cut

American actress Jessica Simpson is enjoying her role as the owner of a widely successful and affordable fashion line. She was recently spotted with fiance Eric Johnson at a slew of boutiques in London and Paris doing “inspiration shopping for the collection”. “I have the best job in the world!”, says the 30-year old superstar .

The singer, actress and reality star is completely hands-on with the creation of her chic but affordable line. “I’m in the workroom in LA’s Westwood a few times a week from 11am to 7pm at night,” the US Weekly’s Style Icon of the Year said. “Nothing goes out without me seeing it or my mom Tina Simpson, co-creative director seeing it”. Part of her current fashion success means a break from Hollywood career. “This year, I’ve taken time for myself to enjoy being engaged and in love and being a businesswoman instead of an entertainer”, she admits. “It’s really helped the collection!” And Simpson’s labour of love has surely paid off. The Jessica Simpson brand has already raked in 750 million dollars in 35 countries. — ANI

 

Mel Gibson regrets stardom

Hollywood actor-director Mel Gibson says he regrets having pursued fame as a movie star. The Braveheart star, who dominated headlines for all the wrong reasons in the past year due to his legal battle with ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva, now feels that he would have been better off without fame.

“When I was younger and it first started to happen, there was some kind of novelty to it in your twenties. You quickly realise before your twenties are over that it’s not anything it appears to be in your imagination or any other thing, and that it has a lot of downside to it. “If I could go back and make that choice again, I’d make a different choice. It’s unfortunate that I was 21 or 22 years old when I made the choice, without benefit of experience or any kind of maturity,” the actor said.

The 55-year-old star, who is busy promoting his upcoming movie The Beaver, directed by Jodie Foster, insisted “I am angry at me” for the anti-semitic words he said after being arrested for driving under the influence of alchohol and the violent words he spoke to Grigorieva, which were all recorded on tape.

However, he added, “I’ve never treated anyone badly or in a discriminatory way based on their gender, race, religion or sexuality. I don’t blame some people for thinking that though, from the garbage they heard on those leaked tapes, which have been edited.” Asked whether he is now worried that his audiences might desert him and force him to end his acting career, Gibson said, “I don’t care if I don’t act anymore. It really is true.” — PTI

 

Jolie to be face of Louis Vuitton

Angelina Jolie
Cover girl: Angelina Jolie

Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie has reportedly signed a deal to become the face of French fashion brand Louis Vuitton. The Tourist actress who raises six children Maddox, nine, Pax, seven, Zahara, six, Shiloh, four, and two-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne with actor Brad Pitt - has signed a high-profile, print-only deal with the French brand.

According to E! News, the deal would see Jolie earn “close to 66 million pounds ($9.90 million) for the modelling contract.” The 35-year-old beauty, who has recently launched a jewellery line, would be following in the footsteps of Madonna and Jennifer Lopez, who have both modelled for Louis Vuitton in the past. — IANS

 

Robert Pattinson lied about ‘Royal’ connections

Robert Pattinson
liar liar: Robert Pattinson

Hollywood heartthrob Robert Pattinson says he boasted about his royal connections while seeking work in the US. The 24-year-old actor, who struggled to get work, pretended to know the British royal family whenever he visited the US, reported Contactmusic. Pattinson, who shot to fame post the ‘Twilight’ series, was born and raised in London but says he never interacted with any of the monarchy and is amused when people believe his high talks. “I don’t think I’ve ever met them. I used to tell people when I came to the States that I did. They believed me! “Five or six years ago when I first used to come to Los Angeles there weren’t many English people, now there are like a million and people still believe me,” said Pattinson. The ‘Water for Elephants’ star, also spoke of his careless behavior during his frequent visits to various places. “I have three bags. Luckily I wear the same thing every single day. But I still manage to lose things,” added Pattinson. Pattinson who plays the role of circus vet in his new film ‘Water....’, says he was not scared of shooting with animals. “I worked with everything, everything we could think of. I guess because I’ve never been hurt by an animal I just innately trust them. It’s completely idiotic,” said Pattinson. — PTI

 

No invite to royal wedding upsets Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon
Not a guest: Reese Witherspoon

The wedding of UK’s Prince William to Kate Middleton is creating a buzz even across the pond with Hollywood beauty Reese Witherspoon saying that she is more excited about it than her own trip down the aisle.The Oscar winning actress said that she was “sad” about not getting an invitation and planned to get up in the early hours of the morning to watch the live event.

“My mother and I watched Princess Diana’s wedding. I think I was five and my mother sobbed through the whole thing,” she said. The actress who wed her agent Jim Toth in a traditional ceremony last month said that she is forcing her 11-year-old daughter Ava, with ex-husband Ryan Philippe, to watch the wedding telecast with her. “I’m trying to force my daughter to watch it with me and she’s like ‘why?’. It’s just this beautiful moment between two people and I think everybody needs a little break to say ‘Oh there’s happiness’,” said the 35-year-old. When asked whether she was more excited about the royal wedding than she was about her own, Witherspoon said, “Absolutely. It’s more fun going to somebody else’s wedding, but I haven’t been invited, which has really been sad.” Witherspoon has two children, Ava and seven-year-old Deacon, from her first marriage to Cruel Intentions star Phillipe. — PTI

 

Hollywood celebrites donate shoes for charity

Hollywood celebrities like Elton John, Jessica Simpson and Matthew Morrison have reportedly come together for a cause and are donating shoes for a charity auction. Dailystar.co.uk reports that Paris Hilton, TV funnywoman Chelsea Handler and Brooke Burke have also handed over their shoes for the Soles4Souls fundraiser. The charity gives footwear to needy children around the world and the auction marks the organisation’s fourth annual National Barefoot Week awareness drive, which runs from June 1 to June 7. — IANS

Stars Ki Pasand

Barbara Mori
Star choice: Barbara Mori

The stars and directors of Bollywood have always loved Hollywood movies. Find out and watch what your favourite stars are watching.

Barbara Mori

I love 21 Grams because Sean Penn is my favourite actor. This movie was very raw, rivetting, gritty and emotional. I loved the direction, story and acting.

Aishwarya Rai

My all-time favourite movie is Casablanca. I don’t need to tell you why I love it, you have to discover it for yourself!

Chandan Roy Sanyal

I love Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Kate Winslet was absolutely fabulous in it. I love any movie with Kate Winslet.

Imran Khan

I would count Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind among my favourite movies. The romance is flawed and real yet true and the movie is the work of sheer genius! It’s a must-watch.

Imtiaz Ali

I would count Before Sunrise and Before Sunset among my favourite Hollywood films. They are so romantic, so sweet with brilliant writing and acting. Splendid stuff!

Shraddha Kapoor

I love anything with Johnny Depp as he is my favourite actor so I count Finding Neverland among my favourite films. It’s so touching, beautiful, sweet and emotional. It makes me cry.

 

LiLo fuming over jail sentence

Hollywood star Lindsay Lohan is reportedly ‘upset’ about her jail sentence in connection with a 2,500 dollars necklace theft case. The actress returned to Lynwood Jail on Friday after being charged with stealing the necklace in violation of probation. The judge sentenced her to the jail time and a hefty 480 hours of community service. Producer Nathan Folks, who is a close friend of Lohan, admitted that the judges’ decision to send her behind bars is a “setback.” “She is fine,” People magazine quoted Folks, as saying. “Obviously, she is upset about [being sentenced to four months in jail],” Folks added.“She is angry because she has been working so hard on turning her life around,” said Folks, who insisted Lohan is clean and sober. Her trial begins June 3. — ANI

Online casting is the way to go

Jagmohan Mundhra
Next move: Jagmohan Mundhra

Director Jagmohan Mundhra has made films in India, UK, and America such as Shoot on Sight, Provoked, Bawander, etc. He is going to use online casting for the first time in India for his next directorial venture, Kissa Kutte Ka. Jagmohan’s wife Chandra Mundhra and S.Kumar’s Online conceptualised Bollywood Central Online or BCOL. Shammi Kapoor is the ambassador for the site. The website does not have any tabloid material but is more of a resource for Bollywood on the web. Chandra says, “I did not want to go the way tabloid sites have gone. They are doing well for themselves but we wanted to be different. Here, people can find roles in films, do location scouting, find work behind-the-scenes, and even rent film-making equipment.”

Jagmohan explains, “When my wife said that I had to cast for my next film online, I had no choice but to listen to her! I have used websites to cast for my films in the UK and US. There is a detailed procedure where you shortlist resumes with your casting director and then contact the people you have shortlisted for auditions.

We are trying to make casting as dignified as possible. My film has about 75 characters so the roles have been put up online. People need to register to access the content. People from around the world can audition for the roles, if they suit the requirements. This process makes it easy for new directors and producers as well because they do not have to wait for the big stars to give them dates or look at their scripts.

Past in presence
Mona

Mohit Bhardwaj, a model and actor from Chandigarh, is a follower of Arundhati Roy and Vikram Seth when it comes to books. Mohit played lead in Simran, a Punjabi flick released late last year. Reading is one of interests that Mohit follows. A new Walter Semkiw convert, Mohit is through with Born Again and now reading Origin of the Soul and the Purpose of Reincarnation by the same author.

“I got interested in Semkiw, the San Francisco-based author and reincarnation specialist, when his Born Again made it to best sellers’ list,” says Mohit.

Semkiw has written much about many famous personalities’ past lives. “Semkiw’s past readings are the most amazing,” he adds. His book claims Mahatma Gandhi has been reincarnated as Van Jones, the celebrated American civil rights and environmental activist who was named Time magazine’s ‘Environmental Hero’ in the US in 2008. US President Barack Obama, was Lyman Trumbull, a Senator in Abraham Lincoln’s government. Amitabh Bachchan is the reincarnation of famous American actor Edward Booth and displays all his characteristics, while former president APJ Abdul Kalam is the present-day avatar of Tipu Sultan, the first Indian ruler who used rockets in battles. Shah Rukh Khan is the reincarnation of yesteryear Hindu actress-singer and dancer Sadhana Bose. Social worker Annie Besant has been born as Maneka Gandhi.

“The accounts and journey of so many actors that I adore got me interested in the author, who claims to be the reincarnation of American president John Adams,” says Mohit.

Busy reading Origin of the Soul, Mohit shares, “While I read the first book just because I was interested in the previous lives of famous personalities, I am reading Origin, because I am really interested in reincarnation as a subject now,” says Mohit.

Some halfway through the book, Mohit shares, “The beauty is how lucidly Semkiw explains something as complex as reincarnation.”

mona@tribunemail.com

Of light and life
Civil servant Sumita Misra shares notes on poetry
Mona

Sumita Misra
Poetic turn: Sumita Misra

‘To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield’ is Sumita Misra’s mantra in life. A civil servant, Misra has recently achieved a new milestone. A Life of Light is a poetry collection that Misra recently released.

“I was happy writing for myself, till I was goaded by my well meaning friends and legendary writer Khushwant Singh,” shares Misra. A Life of Light brings together poems from Misra’s college time to the present. “Love for poetry started in school times. It took a backseat as I got busy with career, marriage and kids,” shares Misra.

Being a voracious reader, she kept in touch with poets she loves Tennyson, Shakesperaen sonnets, Nissim Ezekiel and Vikram Seth . “We assume that poetry is shrinking in its public space, still, each one of us still relates to a poem or two that touched our hearts,” says Misra. “I am for a style that’s simple and unassuming. That’s how I have written my work and I sincerely hope that it resonates in my reader’s hearts,” says Misra.

Her collection with some 40 poems is divided in two sections: In Transit and Except Love. While the first one relates to life in its complexity, the latter is about love in its myriad forms, remembered, reciprocated, unrequited and the like. Released by Unistar Books, A life is priced Rs 195.

Lone art person in family devoted to science, Misra’s father was an oncologist, mother retired as a paediatrician, husband is an engineer and brother is again an oncologist, Misra has found her literary companion in her younger daughter Gurmehr. “While my elder daughter is more of a speaker, younger one has taken to writing,” shares a proud mum. Together this duo is each other’s appreciator and critics.

While the administrator in Misra loves the fact that her career ensures that she is not stuck to one work forever, she also loves the fact that it helps her positively impact lives. The poet in her is looking forward to release her next collection that’s in Hindustani. As for life, “I continue building a life based on pursuit of happiness be it work, family or being citizen of the world,” she says.

Contour call
Jasmine Singh

Just when we thought we were outgrowing 'looks matter' or something similar to 'first impression is the last impression', we happen to check out a dolphin-shaped mobile phone that looked pretty, 'pick me up' thing. It doesn't come from the existing brands, but there is no harm in checking out what's new about it. The dolphin-shaped TQ 21, from Techcom house, is amongst the top growing brands in computer hardware and consumer electronics in India.

The brand, launched in 2001, has since amassed an impressive share of the Indian market with its products being sold in over 30 countries worldwide. This is about the company, and now what they have to offer. The shape is sleek, interesting and different. Curvaceous from the sides, it gives you a good grip. But how long can you go on looking at the red and black coloured TQ21 till to shake it up, turn it around and check for some substance? To begin with, dual SIM and lightweight (76gms) is a good start. Rest, of course, it is loaded with multimedia features, which will work effectively without the phone getting hanged. The second question that comes calling - is it good enough with social networking? Sandeep Kedia, director of the company, is ready with the answer. "Indeed. Twitter, Facebook along with Java applications; you can chat and stay in touch with the world."

The TQ 21 comes with a 1.3 megapixel camera, but clarity can be an issue. However, if you have a knack for photography, you have other options as well. Voice recording, video and MP3 player, it can work as a good music source as well. A QWERTY keyboard makes messaging easy and fast. A large screen supports visibility. Last, while you are taking one last look, check out the price, which is not too heavy on the pocket. Affordability and quality, says the company, is what they deliver. Validate for yourself!

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Proud Punjabi
Successful sound specialist Davwinder Sheena wants to take Punjab's glory to places
Mona

Davwinder Sheena
Davwinder Sheena

Davwinder Sheena, a world-class sound specialist, has some really ambitious projects on hand - a music conservatory at Sultanpur Lodhi that will bring in students from all over the world to learn the art of making instruments in their original, traditional form; world's loudest sound system to be installed at the Mecca on a 600-metre tall clock tower that will project the call of prayer up to a distance of 6.5 kilometres and a world class sound system at Central Sikh Temple, Singapore.

In Chandigarh to meet up with some architects to work on studio projects, Sheena is formally trained in Audio Engineering and Computer Science from Australia. A recording studio in Singapore, where he as born, Sheena is also involved in theatre, live sound and the performing arts festivals the world over.

Like everyone whosoever is big in any field today, Sheena has also worked in China. Chief Engineer at Asia's largest commercial recording studio in China, he was part of many epic movie soundtracks like Zu Warriors, House of Flying Daggers and Crouching Tiger.

"It gave me an opportunity to work with artistes from different regions that I used as an excuse to learn several languages including Mandarin, Taiwanese, Cantonese, Malay, Indonesian et al," says Sheena, who is fluent in Hindi, Punjabi and English as well.

Neck-deep in work, Sheena takes inspiration from anyone who crosses his path. "My biggest influence till date in my life and career has been my wife. As long as I've known her, she's always given me the right advice and the sense of security when I need it the most. Today when I am at this high point of my career, I owe it all to her," says Sheena.

What's next? "I want to bring Punjab on the world map for producing quality work, which showcases its rich heritage and culture. The potential here is huge," says Sheena, who is looking forward to spending a lot more time here and support the progress of Punjab.

mona@tribunemail.com

GET PHYSICAL
Ditch workout for Zumba
Anup Debnath

The latest fitness trend to take the entire country by storm is definitely zumba. Created in the mid 90's by Colombian Alberto "Beto" Perez, zumba is a fusion of many Latin dance styles. Many Latin women have superb figures and their love for dancing is said to play a big role.

Zumba combines traditional cumbia, popular salsa, samba, meringue, cha cha, mambo, flamenco, and reggaeton in an effort to make exercise fun. Typically zumba involves fast and slow rhythmic movements along with resistance training with the toning sticks. Traditional dancing focuses on one body part at a time. However, zumba involves all major muscles in both upper and lower body. The dance keeps the body moving in different directions and for differing lengths of time, which helps burn calories faster.

If you are apprehensive about dancing, thankfully zumba has no complicated choreography to master and almost anyone can pick up instantly. The music is the most important part of zumba and the score is created with a lot of care. Beats help shift the focus from one body part to another and thereby strengthens the entire body.

The secret to zumba's success in making people love their exercise routine and stick to it is that they don't even feel like they are working out. In fact, it's more like being at a party. The most common query of people who do zumba is about the calories that can be burned in one session. You can expect to burn between 500-800 calories on an average.

So all of you need to be fit and have a toned body, zumba is the answer to all your problems. Best of all, you'll have fun while achieving your fitness targets.

(Debnath is a certified Aerobics, Yoga and Pilates instructor) 

Music in words
SD Sharma

Folk music is an integral part of any culture. I am proud of the humble contribution that has been made by four generations of our family to the otherwise vibrant Punjabi culture," says well-known singer Dolly Guleria, who has come out with her latest Punjabi album Main Tainu Yaad Aawangi recently.

The album, with nine folk songs, has been recoded by Do Re Me Creations in their eighth edition and is a unique blend of tradition and modernity, claims Dolly. "I have attempted to recreate the melody of olden time by following standards set by Surinder Kaur, Parkash Kaur, Asa Singh Mastana and others," she says. The captivating songs like Main Tainu Yaad Aawangi, Bolo Mahia, Jugni Jindua, Boliyan by her disciples at Nightingale Akademy, besides three songs on Punjabi weddings marriage penned by Dolly, portray the pristine folk culture of Punjab with modern sensibility. Young voices from the region, including Kuljit Bakshi, Muktesh Dewan, Sunaini Sharma, Betti and Chitra are mark their presence in the album.

In the interaction that followed, Dolly was all praise for the age-old guru-shishya tradition, while terming the ongoing reality shows as a mere gimmick aimed at minting money. "Meaningful lyrics with literary elegance and not simply raula-rappa can immortalise any song.”

Astro turf
p Khurrana

ARIES: You will be free to operate as you feel is right. Relatives will do all they can to help. It is an excellent day for artists, writers and theatre persons. Speculation in property is not favoured. Legal matters get delayed. Be patient. Tarot message: Use common sense to put ideas into practice. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 57.

TAURUS: Conditions will be rather worrying today. The atmosphere will not be conducive to achieve good results. You will regret using harsh words. Steer clear of trouble and don't react to provocation. Dealing with the in-laws won't be much fun. Finish pending tasks. Take timely action. Tarot message: Keep going and don't allow your confidence to be dented. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 56.

GEMINI:The pendulum of luck will not stop today. Rest is needed, as fatigue will produce pessimism. Leave stress worries and cares behind. Artistic and cultural experiences will be satisfying. Control your temper. Loved ones will be sensitive. Tarot message: A positive and caring attitude heals old wounds in relationship and partnership. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 51.

CANCER: The Knight of Wands promises you a high-profile day. You receive kindness and generosity. Give way to minor issues. Confusion & upsets in travel plans likely. Do not risk cash. People whom you wish to contact may hard to pin down. Tarot message: You reinforce your current position. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 52.

LEO: "The Fool" reveals deception, delays and unhealthy condition in your profession. Keep your wits about you. Strike up a conversation with a beautiful person and see where it leads. New plans bring good luck. Someone may be trying to make trouble between you and your associates. Chronic patients need to take care. Tarot message: Push to succeed. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 50.

VIRGO: Check your plans. Pay more attention to diet. Today you should be able to surprise the boss by showing the adaptable side of your nature. Reacting to aggressive taunts is a waste of time and a losing proposition. Tarot message: Draw on those inner energies. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 27.

LIBRA: Today money may come from unexpected sources. Parents may find that this is a good time for dealing with youngsters. Love life is in for a cool appraisal. A positive mood can quickly turn to negative vibes. Try not to be disheartened if big hopes need re-adjustment. Tarot message: Balance is recommended. Lucky colour: Aqua. Magic number: 29.

SCORPIO: Communicate with people waiting to hear from you. Possibility of a windfall in the afternoon. Students should think about a part time job. Detachment does not mean indifference. An early warning of a health problem is a blessing in disguise. Tarot message: Keep on your course you have charted so far. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 64.

SAGITTARIUS: Today fear of loss of reputation or slander could grip you. Be courageous about a new investment opportunity. Strengthen your position at work. Housewives may develop interest in social activities. Adopt a health routine. Tarot message: Listen to what experienced people have to say. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 48.

CAPRICORN: "The Devil" suggests that of your relationship can be shaken and stirred. A temptation to overindulge might not be good for your credit card debt. Financing for the purchase of a home or renovation likely to be approved. Co-workers will not cooperate. Students: work harder. Tarot message: Enjoy a learning opportunity. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 56.

AQUARIUS: Exercise and take good diet. Focus on the little things and stick to routines. You get some insight into your emotion and relationships. Read a good book or surfing the Internet. Take things step-by-step. Sportsmen: sincerity is the key to success. Speculate only if you are ready to loose. Tarot message: Plan your life. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 27.

PISCES: Get into housework or athletics. Don't overdo it. Look before you leap. Be careful with finances. Paying back loan can be difficult for you. Working women: take complete rest today. Students: Study. Be logical. Tarot message: Minor difficulties at work. Lucky colour: Rainbow pestles. Magic number: 30.

Chatter box
Saif Ali Khan to host Survivor?

If everything works fine, Saif Ali Khan might replace John Abraham as the host of the Indian version of the popular international reality show - Survivor.

John is short of dates while there are speculation that Saif might be roped in.

Phulwa to debut in YRF film

JannatJannat aka Phulwa will now be seen in Yash Raj Films' Love Ka The End. Jannat had shot for the movie before she started shooting for Phulwa but the movie will release on May 6.



Child’s act: Jannat 

Shraddha Kapoor and Taaha Shah play the leads for the show.

Jannat plays Shraddha's little sister who keeps blackmailing her all the time. Since Shraddha plays a teenager who goes out for late night parties and chats on the phone late into the night Jannat makes the most of it.

Sanjeeda joins Twitter

Sanjeeda Sheikh
Tweet time: Sanjeeda Sheikh

Sanjeeda Sheikh is excited is because she has finally joined Twitter. The actress says, “I am not a fan of social networking sites but my fans used to keep requesting me to join Twitter. Since I am busy shooting my fans used to keep me updated about what is being written about me. I have now joined Twitter to be in touch with my fans and will try my best to answer all questions and keep updating my profile. My ID is IamSanjeeda, so hope to see all my fans join me there.

"We do hope Sanjeeda has a good time tweeting. 

Sanjay Leela Bhansali

jealous of Jhalak contestants

Sanjay Leela Bhansali watched Jhalak Dikhla Jaa only for Madhuri Dixit -Nene

Ace director Bhansali would judge Sony's new reality show X-Factor. The director loved Madhuri in Jhalak as a judge but at the same time he was jealous to see other contestants of the show watching her dance in every episode as he had seen her performance live only once during the making of Devdas.

Loha Singh, Gangiya in Swayamvar

The bride in the making Ratan Rajpoot, got a pleasant surprise recently when actors playing Loha Singh and Gangiya, her co-actors from her successful show on Zee TV, Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo, made an appearance on the sets of the Imagine show Swayamvar Season 3- Ratan Ka Rishta. Veteran actors Sudesh Berry and Sushmita Mukherjee who played the popular roles in the Zee TV show with Ratan and helped her out in selecting her suitor. It was a great family reunion for Laali, Gangiya and Loha and they were at their spirited best. 

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is April 25...
The financial aspect, which had been at low ebb till now, will be stronger. If you are a contractor, try to obtain government contracts. Socialising, obtaining membership of prestigious clubs will help in securing the business. New proposals are likely to be self financing; so in 2011 you can take any fiscal risk without even consulting any astrologer, because so powerful are the stars after a very long time. Grab the situation and leave no stone unturned in terms of efforts. Goddess Lakshmi will bless you this year. Proceed without any fuss or show lest the opponents raise eyebrows. Offers are in the pipeline, iron is hot, and you require a good big and strong hammer to strike when the time is right. Take time out to go through the minutest details of the projects. If appearing in exams or competitions, relax and proceed without tension as the results are as per your labour but work hard too. Deeper the well, sweeter the water. As you sow, so shall you reap? Hard work is the key to success whether study or business or office. Overall, 2011 will prove a milestone in your life. 

Actor director and writer

Karan Razdan (April 25, 1961) shares his birthday with you. He is famous for directing films with controversial themes like Girlfriend, Hawas, Souten: The Other Woman. His career is now in slow gear. 2011-12 may not go well for Razdan who was once associated with Late Priya Tendulkar. However in 2014 his life will take a you turn due to number 7. 





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