Horse whisperers
Riding a stallion is every man's dream; but owning one? Well, it's a joy which only a select few have experienced
Vasudha Gupta

Pukhraj Singh Jeji Every history book has a reference of these grand warriors. All battles ever won have been with the assistance of stallions--one of the most royal soldiers known to men. Although the age of battles is long gone, the presence of a horse is still considered synonymous with regal passion. The city has a chosen few who posses stallions.

With Rajasthan as a hub of this royal passion, several horses of the city belong to the royal state. “It’s a hobby of sardars,” shares Yadvinder Singh Pirzada. The admiration for horses came down to him through his great grand parents. Yadvinder acquired one a year back. “It’s an extraordinary stallion and the entire family just loves him,” he laughs.

Rearing horses is not only a passion for those who can afford it, the industry runs into billions of dollars worldwide. We got in touch with Tegbir Singh Brar, who acquired his stud farm as an heirloom. “My family has been part of the industry since several generations,” he says. With over 200 horses and 150 people looking after his Dashmesh Stud Farm, Muktsar, he is hoping for better government support. “The horse industry in the US has a multiplier effect on the economy and runs into $13 billion annually. In Hong Kong, 9 per cent of the GDP is generated out of betting on horses. The industry can be better in Punjab if we have a proper race course,” he says.

Tegbir feels that with a passion like horse rearing, meeting professional associates in a casual setting helps. So, he formed a society. “Owning a horse is like running a sports franchise at a fraction of the cost it takes to own an IPL team. Racing is a great equaliser where money doesn’t necessarily buy you success,” he says.

Far more expensive than a regular pet, these hoofed animals need more than a walk in the park and eat much more than a pedigree. “The feed includes chana, dry feed, green fodder and dry grass,” shares JS Toor, a lawyer. Toor gifted his son a horse on his second birthday. “As a kid, I was always in love with horses, but the city had no opportunities. I got a personalised instructor and eventually formed a society,” he shares. The society today boasts of 30 thoroughbred horses.

Like us, these tall steeds too have their passports. These passports have specific description of horses, markings, date of birth and name of the stud farm they are acquired from. “Similar markings are made on the back of the horse, under the saddle,” Toor says.

For others, it’s the kind of emotional connect with the horse, which helps them perform better in races. For Pukhraj Singh Jeji, a young doctor in the making, the bonding with the horse has helped top competitions and trust matters. “A horse knows how to perform when he is in a competition. All my races have been won, only because of how much faith I have in him. I call him Colonel Cool,” he says.

For Pukhraj, more than the servant-master relation, it’s an affable friendship she shares with his colonel. “I don’t think I ride very well. He makes me look like a good rider,” he smiles.

So if you dream of galloping through the forests, having an interesting conversation with the wind, tighten your helmet, hold on to your reigns in your hand and get this wild force under your control. As a last thought, always remember never go in front of your boss and behind a horse to avoid trouble.

vasudha@tribunemail.com

Wide angle
In Chandigarh to promote his film Sahi Dhande Galat Bande, Praveen Dabbas shares his journey from facing the camera to moving behind it
Jasmine Singh

As per the track record, which is now an established fact, director Mahesh Bhatt doesn’t need a forum to talk. Yet, he latches on to the little birdie called Twitter to comment on every particle and atom on earth. Ditto for Mr Perfectionist, Aamir Khan, spilling the beans of sensibility or Big Daddy Amitabh Bachchan track listing his daily schedule. If it is in your mind or heart, it has to be on Twitter.

Then we find out from actor Praveen Dabbas that he got the name of his directorial debut from Twitter. Here is some serious business happening on this social networking site. And in actor turned director producer Pravin Dabbas’s life as well!

In Chandigarh to talk about his venture Sahi Dhande Galat Bande releasing on August 19, the Monsoon Wedding star charts his ride from being in front of the camera to the life behind it. But, first how he found the title of his movie from Twitter.

“I was thinking about an English title for the movie, but that didn’t click. Then I announced a cash reward of Rs 15,000 for suggesting a title for the film. It was then Anupam Kher posted this small contest on Twitter. We got great response, out of which we finally selected Sahi Dhande Galat Bande. I paid Anupam ji the money,” he smiles.

What a relief for the actor, selecting titles for a movie is more tedious than making a movie! Well, Praveen can answer this. “I like things to be organised in a certain way, and selecting the title sure saved us a lot of energy that was later used in the production process,” he adds.

It sounds quite a deal for Praveen, what say. “Both acting and direction are different things and each is good in its own way. In acting of course, I would perform my scene and head back home. Direction, however, is a huge responsibility. I wasn’t out of sync with direction, in fact I was well prepared with everything, right from selecting shooting locales, costumes for the actors, planning out with the cinematographer, everything was laid out.”

Parvin’s Sahi Dhande Galat Bande is an action comedy that revolves around a gang of four guys. The film stars Anupam Kher, Chandigarh lad Vansh Bharadwaj of Heavens on Earth fame, newcomers Kuldeep, Ashish Nair and Tina Desai. “We have shown the prints to some students and they quite liked it,” provides Dabbas.

He is taking a small break from acting as of now. “I am concentrating on this flick,” he keeps it short and sweet adding that he would now have to be more cautious as an actor. And why? “Earlier, I could still intervene in the movie making process, now I wouldn’t want directors to say that I am trying to teach them a thing or so,” he laughs. Sahi hai bande!

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Rattan wants Mr Confident

She is bold, bindaas and a brilliant actress and now Ratan Rajput is on television with her Swayamvar on Imagine. Though the show has been dogged with controversies, Ratan emphasis that she is here to search for a life partner and not just be part of a reality show. Ratan knows her priorities and has her goals in life in mind and we wish her best of luck.

Why did you opt for Swayamvar?

I didn't opt for it the channel approached me. I have no clue why they offered me the show. Like any young girl I too want to marry and they learnt that and thought I would be a good prospect for the show.

What was the reaction of your parents and family?

Well, my parents asked me if I wanted to go ahead with it. We all sat down and discussed if I should be having a Swayamvar. I took my time to think over the offer and came to a decision. My family wanted me to think carefully if I wanted to marry so soon.

How is Ratan in real life?

I am a normal girl-next-door. I am a bit stubborn but a positive person on the whole. I have a mixed nature like any girl. You get angry in situations that need anger and feel happy when someone makes you smile. I won't be play-acting any character in Swayamvar. I will be myself.

What are the highs and lows of being a celebrity?

I have never felt like a celeb or behaved like one. All I can say is when you are famous, people expect a lot from you, they connect with you and want you to be a certain way. That is a tough order for any person. You feel responsible and want to make everyone happy. Your good and bad sides get magnified and that can be scary.

Does some acting come in on reality TV?

I don’t know about it being easy or not but I feel if you keep it simple, then everything works out. I don't stress on how it will look on TV but I focus on being real and being myself. It isn’t possible to keep acting for days on end. At the end of the day, this is about my life and my choices so if I act even an iota, the whole thing will be pointless. I am going to be myself and let people see the real Ratan.

What are you looking for in a husband?

I am looking for qualities that every girl wants. I want my man to be caring, loving, understanding and supportive. I admire independent men so I want him to be independent and I want to depend on him totally. I feel an independent man is confident and can handle anything in life.

Who are helping you in Swayamvar?

My parents, didi, jijaji and my nephew who I am really close to are few I can name. Dolly didi, Sudesh Berry and many more from the industry will also come.

Are you feeling the pressure to choose?

No I am not feeling pressurised at all. There are 16 guys and gradually I have to select one. It is tough and confusing at times.

What about the rumours that you will chose no one?

Would you want me to go ahead and marry even if I felt none of the guys suited me? So I took on Swayamvar with the idea of finding Mr Right. I am looking for my perfect match, the suitable boy. This is my life and not just a show. I am serious about getting married. — HRM

Asin not Ready to join rat race

Pick & choose: Asin Actress Asin Thottumkal, who is all excited about her upcoming film Ready, says she does not want to be part of the rat race and was comfortable about her place in the film industry.

"I am not an insecure person as an actress...my priority is not to be in public eye all the time just by signing a lot of films. There was a gap between Ghajini and Ready. But I am working at my own pace. I don’t want to be a part of the rat race. I need to work at my comfort level.

I am a secure actor. I don’t believe in competing unnecessarily," she said.

"As an actress I am satisfied with the way my career is shaping up. I believe every actor has his/her own share of work and that it will come to him/her at a given time." Asked how she felt when all the credit for success of Ghajini was taken away by Aamir Khan and now Salman Khan is seen all over the posters of Ready, the 25-year-old said, "It’s not at all a drawback to work with big stars. The kind of talent Aamir has and the kind of star he is, he carried the film entirely on his shoulders." As far as Ready is concerned I feel whatever importance Salman is getting he completely justifies it. I always get the credit which I deserve; so have no complains." On the fierce competition in B-town among the actresses, Asin said, "I don’t look around and see what the other actresses are doing. I am busy concentrating on my own career and have no time to see others."

Asin made her Bollywood debut with Gajini opposite Aamir in 2008. After that she was seen alongside Ajay Devgn and Salman Khan in London Dreams. This year she will again be seen opposite the Dabangg star in Ready. — PTI

Kainaz loves rain dance

Kainaz Motivala made her full-fledged debut with Ragini MMS. She was previously seen in small roles in Wake Up Sid! and Paathshala. She has also become a media favourite because of her sweet nature and down-to-earth personality. She talks about her plans for the future and her love for rains.

Films

I love watching Bollywood movies. I knew I will end up in Bollywood. I used to participate in plays when I was in school, so acting was close to me. I was happy to do side roles. Because when you work hard, you get paid for it and I am happy that I got Ragini MMS.

Rains

Like acting, I love rains. When I was in school I used to jump in water and bring snails back home. At that time it was different. These days rains cause traffic jam, diseases. You get stuck which is bad and we should keep the city clean so that we enjoy the lovely season. I hope monsoon hits us as soon as possible.

Rain dance

Mohra's Raveena Tandon-Akshay Kumar's rainy song Tip Tip Barsa Paani is my all-time favourite. Then Dil Toh Pagal Hain's Chak Dhoom Dhoom is my other favourite song. I hope I get a chance to dance in the rain and around trees in a movie.

Ekta Kapoor

She is a brilliant lady. How many successful lady producers do we have? She is one who is known for her work. First she ruled television and now she is ruling cinema. She is someone whom you can look up to and I really admire her a lot.

Future Projects

Currently, I am reading some scripts with different subjects but I have not yet signed anything. I have heard of Ragini MMS 2 which is called Chudail but I have not been offered the film yet. So, I cannot say anything about it.

Born winner

Success story: Lady Gaga Eccentric singer Lady Gaga has become the fifth female artiste of all time to pass the platinum mark in a week.

Her album Born This Way debuted at No 1 on the Billboard 200 chart with 1,108,000 copies sold in its first week, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

It's only the 17th album to sell a million in a week since SoundScan began tracking sales data in 1991, and the highest sales week since 2005.

The album also marks Gaga's first No 1 album -- The Fame debut peaked at No 2, while The Fame Monster EP reached No 5 and dance effort The Remix hit No 6.

Born This Way's release is the largest sales week of any album since 50 Cent's The Massacre sold 1,141,000 in its first week, in March of 2005. The last album to hit the million-plus number was Taylor Swift's Speak Now, which premiered at No 1 with 1,047,000 in November of 2010.

Gaga is only the fifth woman to notch a million-plus week. The record frame for a woman is held by the bow of Britney Spears' Oops! I Did It Again, which started with 1,319,000 upon its release in May of 2000. The Bodyguard soundtrack, driven mostly by Whitney Houston songs, was the first SoundScan-era album to shift a million in 1992 (1,061,000).Norah Jonas' Feels Like Home debuted with 1,022,000 in 2004. — PTI

Booked in Bollywood

Mahie Gill Mahie Gill, the Dev D girl seems to have arrived in Bollywood. She was brilliant in Dev D and Gulaal. She did justice to her part in Dabangg. One of the biggest projects she is working on is Not a Love Story which is based on real life of Maria Susairaj and Neeraj Grover and is being directed by Ram Gopal Verma. We talk to the actress about her films…

What kind of research have you done for the film?

I was back after shooting for Buddha in a Traffic Jam and met Ramu, so I didn't get much time for research but I have gone through the case. Ram Gopal Verma has done the research from speaking to Maria's friends and lawyers. I understood the character in Ramu's vision and have tried to do everything on my behalf. In real life, Maria has done some Kannada films whereas in the film I am shown from Punjabi film industry.

Did you find it difficult to play the character?

Not that much because Ramu was quite clear with his vision. Maria was a struggling actress and I am also an actress. I know that part. Murder is a new angle, so I have to do some research on that. There are hundred questions in people's minds and in mine too. Like how Maria and Emile could cut a man into so many pieces and how could they make love on the same night? So that was the toughest part to play.

We heard that Neeraj Grover's parents are not happy with the film?

Even I heard that. We don't want to upset anyone. The film doesn't depict anything bad of Neeraj. It was unfortunate that such a thing happened to him. When the case was going on I heard about it, I read about it, and felt bad for him and I hope we will not hurt them anymore.

What else do you have?

I have Michael with Naseeruddin Shah. I am very excited about this project as he is one of my favourite actors. Then Sahib Biwi Aur Gangster, Paan Singh Tomar, Buddha in a Traffic Jam, and Not A Love Story. I am busy for next two years. — HRM

Learning about TV

Hollywood actress Halle Berry is all set to play a college professor in a new TV series, Higher Learning.

The 44-year-old star has been linked to a show written by veteran TV movie actress Lee Rose and produced by Dreamworks TV, which is pitching to major US networks HBO and Showtime, reported a publication online. However, the brunette expressed doubts about her ability to play the role because of her lack of vocal talent.”I can’t sing! If I could carry a tune, I’d consider it. Someone should tell Aretha that I can’t do her justice,” said Berry. The Academy Award-winning actress, who was recently cast in the movie adaptation of Cloud Atlas and is also starring in romantic comedy New Year’s Eve, would be making her return to TV after Knots Landing in 1991.

It was also revealed earlier this year that she was personally chosen by Aretha Franklin to star in a biopic about the legendary singer’s life. — PTI

Calling it quits?

Hollywood couple Amanda Seyfried and Ryan Phillippe have called off their seven-month-long relationship. The on-off couple, who parted briefly in February, have both decided that it’s time to end their relationship for good.

“It was mutual. They were never fully committed. They were seeing other people,” said a source close to the former couple. The source said that Philippe, 36 , and the 25-year-old Red Riding Hood star were always on and off. — PTI

THE foodies
Food square
Poornima Gupta

A delectable fusion of Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisines has made this eating joint popular despite it being located away from the usual geri routes of Ludhiana.

The owner Sahil Kansal said the driving force behind the setting up of the hotel L-Square in an industrial area stemmed from the inconvenience of taking and entertaining short time business associates to the city far from the factory premises. The launch of the joint in 2006 did set tails wagging as to the feasibility of the place amidst the humdrum of factories and labour class. But in a span of five years and L-Square can boast of a strong footing among the popular hotels in Ludhiana.

Leicester Square is known as one of the finest concepts in dining. The hotel comprises 21 business class rooms with four conference halls, a lounge bar, a restaurant and an in-house café with mouthwatering refreshments like burgers, pizzas etc. The sausage meat rolls and chocolate money bags in the café are the hot selling favourites. The hotel also quenches thirst with a neon-lit pulsating lounge bar-Storm used for small parties. The highlight of the Hotel is it’s fine dining restaurant-Indian Summer that actually lives up to it’s name. The ambience of the place with a backdrop of live gazals, rustic lights, ornate embroidered table embellishments and the well-dressed courteous staff in ethnic pathanis mesmerise you with that Indian hospitality that says “atithi devo bhava”.

Surinder Kaul, who’s been the general manager since the opening of the restaurant, added his bit to the list of delicacies. Paneer in Saket wine and stuffed and glazed mushrooms that we were recommended were something to die for. The main course too comprised specialities like Indian Summer murgh, Sabz diwani handi and Yaki tori- an interesting presentation of simmered vegs served in a hut shaped stand on a bed of coal.

master chef
Sweet note
swatantra Gautam

Jaggery or popularly called gur is one sweet meat that all love to have. Low in calories, gur is used in various recipes. But this week we have chef Swatantra Gautam from Zazen in Page 3, Panchkula, making paratha. Yes you read in right, we have a recipe of Gur ka parantha for you.

Gur Ka Paratha

No of Portions: 1

Ingredients Prepration Qty

Dal Arhar boiled 50gm

Green Cardamom Crushed 4

Almonds Crushed 5

Kismis Crushed 5

Cashewnuts Crushed 5

Jaggery Minced 50 gm

Whole Wheat Flour 100 gm

Desi Ghee 50 gm

Method

Mix jaggery, nuts, dal and crushed cardamom  for stuffing.

Prepare a hard dough using desi ghee, whole wheat flour and water.

Stuff the filling in the the dough and roll it.

Pan grill the parantha till done using desi ghee from both sides.

Cook till crisp and golden brown in colour.

Serve hot with a scoop  of  vanilla ice cream

(As told to Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra)

the ‘in’ side
Space out
Sukhmani

Sukhmani If you have a very big living room and are at your wit’s end trying to figure out a way to fill up space, don’t fret. You are actually one of the lucky ones to have so much open space. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while dealing with huge spaces:

Partition your space. Set up different areas for different activities like reading, playing, relaxing.

Do not align your furniture against the wall. Pull your sofas forward and place them at an angle. Make more than one sitting arrangement in the room and place furniture in groups. This facilitates conversation and makes the room feel warm and welcoming.

Add rugs to divide your floor space. Even if you have a wall to wall carpet, throw some rugs over it to define different areas. This can make the room appear fragmented and thus small.

Do not hesitate in using oversized furniture like deep sofas or high back chairs. Add some space minimising objects like folding screens or tall plants to partition off a small section.

Use warm colours in medium to dark tones to make the room appear smaller.

If your room also has many windows, try reversing colours on different windows. This will not only create a beautiful effect but also will make the room appear cosier.

Use large pieces of art work to decorate your walls and also use bigger show pieces around the room.

Avoid dead space. Don’t leave space empty without any use. Make use of each and every corner of your room and at the same time make sure you don’t clutter it up. If you can’t think of what to put in an empty corner, just put a tall plant with some drift wood and you’re done.

(Sukhmani is Chandigarh based interior and landscape designer)

trend setter
Rough edge

Anna Kler — Photo: Himanshu Mahajan Following trends sets the fashion and those who follow it become beacons of style, elegance and inspiration for others. For Anna Kler, a student of non-medical studies, fashion is all about experimentation.

Your sense of style is …

Style for me is to experiment with my looks. It is not following fashion per se. I like the roughness around the edges.

Latest  addition to your treasure of clothing or accessories…

My favorite ribbed Levis jeans. I really love the colour and the ribbed texture.

Brand crazy or street pick ups?

Both.

My style icon would be…

Selena Gomez. Her style is eclectic and glamorous.

Who do you think is the worst dressed celebrity?

Kristen Steward, the protagonist of Twilight.

Which look would your prefer – sporty, chic or glamorous

Glamorous.

One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension...

I can’t understand why people overdress to impress others.

Your take on accessories?

Never step out without glares and belts tend to complete a look of an outfit.

What gives you a high on the confidence level…

I feel on top of the world when my mom calls me her ‘pretty princess’ 

(As told to Poonam Bindra)

BOLLYWOOD GOSSIP

Bandra Darshan: Dia Mirza & Zayed KhanGuided tour

Dia Mirza and Zayed Khan have wrapped up shooting for their production, Love Break-Ups Zindagi. They invited the media on the last day of shooting in Bandra. The two of them looked great. The scene was about Dia taking Zayed on a tour of Bandra and has been shot at Mount Mary Church, Band Stand, and Carter Road.

Bandra Darshan: Dia Mirza & Zayed Khan

Making waves: Shraddha KapoorShe's happening

Shraddha Kapoor is all over the place. She was on the cover of a lifestyle magazine, then a woman's magazine, and now she is on the cover of a popular film magazine with Prateik Babber. Way to go! The girl's got spark!

Making waves: Shraddha Kapoor

Red Hot: Jacqueline FernandezHot & cold

Jacqueline Fernandez is smolderingly gorgeous in the promos of Murder 2. However, we simply do not like Emraan Hashmi's long hair. It doesn't suit him, even as a bad boy. The songs Hale Dil sounds a lot like Maahi from Raaz TMC.

Red Hot: Jacqueline Fernandez

Sarah Jane DiasGoing South

Sarah Jane Dias didn't make a splash with her Bollywood debut Game. She has now signed a Telugu movie. She is preparing for the film by watching Telugu DVDs. She doesn't understand the language.

Surprise package

Shah Rukh Khan made light of the Ra.One track being leaked on the internet. He said, "I am glad you guys like it but I assure you that what you have heard is an earlier version of the song and the one you will see in the film is a different version. The music will be launched in August. We have tracked down the IP address and asked our crew members to be more careful from now on."

Sister act

Salman Khan's sister Arpita Khan hosted a special screening for Ready. Kangna Ranaut, Dino Morea, Nandita Mahtani and family members were invited. — HRM

chatter box

On a break: Abhishek TewariDeepak has fun time in Pune

Television actor Deepak Wadwa aka Abhishek Tewari from STAR One's Dhoond Legi Manzil Humein is enjoying the pleasant climate in Pune as the cast and crew are shooting there. The actor is enjoying the climate of the city especially in the evenings. He feels as if he has come to some hill station in Northern India.

On a break: Abhishek Tewari

Follow your own style: Hrithik

Bollywood icon and dance sensation, Hrithik Roshan, is a perfectionist and an amazing performer. Hrithik is making his debut in Star Plus' dance reality show Just Dance, and though the actor is monitoring the participants, he is also sharing his gyan on dance! The God of dance completely believes that dance is an art where one needs to completely absorb themselves in every move, every gesture that one makes. Follow your mentor but never lose your own style, he says. Not only does Hrithik encourage and give the contestants few tips, but also shows them some moves and shakes a leg with them when they insist. So much is the love for dance that he can't help but give in. A perfect mentor!

Neha learns cooking

The leading ladies are busy perfecting their strategies to win the title of Kitchen Champion in the fourth season of the show on Colors. Neha Marda (Gehna), who got engaged recently, has been practicing cooking at home as she's going to become a bahu in real life too. Since she knows that her in-laws will be scrutinizing her performance on the show, she's not leaving anything to chance.

Jia’s holiday

Jia Manek, the protagonist of Saath Nibhaana Saathiya, recently visited Ahmedabad for a holiday. Jia who plays the role of the perfect Gujarati bahu in the show met many fans who recognised her as her character Gopi. Some lucky fans got to meet and greet the actress. Jia too had a fun time interacting with them.

Bless me Lord: Ekta KapoorEkta Kapoor seeks Bappa’s darshan

Ekta Kapoor never forgets to thank the lord and take His blessings once her shows or films are launched.

So it was no surprise when her much awaited show on Sony, Bade Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, was launched recently, Ekta offered prayers at Siddhivinayak shrine.

Ekta knows people are expecting a lot from the show as it stars Ram Kapoor and Sakshi Tanwar after a hiatus. She went dressed casually and quickly walked out.

Bless me Lord: Ekta Kapoor

Tipsy moments

The shooting of Sanjog Se Bani Sangini has ended and when asked about what he will miss most about the show, witty actor Iqbal Khan apparently quipped that he will miss being a sharabi. We are sure even Iqbal's fans will miss this handsome sharabi.

new release

A nutty romance

Ready

Producer: Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar and Rajat Rawail

Director: Anees Bazmee

The original Ready starring Ram and Genelia D’Souza was a sweet family drama in Telugu. If the original is anything to go by, the Hindi remake Ready should be a light-hearted romantic comedy. Salman is back with this film which is being touted as a masala entertainer in trade circles.

After No Entry, Anees Bazmee and Salman Khan have once again teamed up for this film. It is a mad-cap-romantic comedy set in Mauritius.

Ready is T-series most expensive (Rs 50 crore) film in which world-renowned Thai action director Seelum Pradit has been roped in along with Indian action director Mahendra Verma. Salman has got his Veer co-star Zarine Khan for a guest appearance. Zarine will be seen with Arbaaz Khan in a brief role. Ajay Devgan, Sanjay Dutt and Kangana Ranaut also make special appearances.

— Dharam Pal

astro turf
P Khurrana

P Khurrana ARIES: Love and travel figure prominently today. You can put yourself in line for a promotion or salary increase. The accent is on pleasure and entertainment. Strong feelings can overwhelm you and distort your sense of perspective. Don't let steam off in public. Call a family meeting. Tarot message: Be secretive. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 63.

TAURUS: Make more of an effort to attain and maintain harmony. Communication on the job can assume greater importance. Don't get caught up in red tape. Don't let petty aspects take precedence over what is rewarding. An opportunity to work in advertising might come your way. Tarot message: Don't do anything at the cost of health. Lucky colour: Aqua. Magic number: 59. number: 4

GEMINI: You meet exciting new people. Take care of your health. Travel is not favoured. Take it easy. You enjoy the company of your lover. Parents enjoy playing with the kids. Personal and professional interests can clash. Tarot message: Make compromises outside and come to terms within yourself. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 36.

CANCER: Love life is beautiful. Enjoy the pleasurable vibes and plan a relaxing day. Get into your hobbies or sport. You may be overprotective of your children. If you have teenagers, be prepared for a battle of wills. Don't gamble. Tarot message: Don't expect too much from others. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 50.

LEO: A piece of good news arriving by mail or phone will cheer you up. Household affairs continue smoothly. Bizfolk: don't invest in hasty deals. A romantic feel to the day is more conductive to artistic and healing pursuits than the cold hard facts of reality. Tarot message: Lack of confidence or caution can leave you in losses. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 35.

VIRGO: There can be a small get together at home. A promotion to a management position might trigger self-doubt. Be conscious of what you speak. Anxiety disturbs your well-being. Go for a walk. Tarot message: Don't make hasty decisions as it could lead to a waste of time and money. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 33.

LIBRA: Take things step-by-step. Sportsmen: sincerity is the key to -success. Club and group activities occupy you. Health glows. Speculate only if you are ready to lose money. Focus on hobbies. Be careful about initiating a legal matter. Travel plans can get under way. Tarot message: Don't be rash or impulsive. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 25.

SCORPIO: Working women: take complete rest today. Students: bury your nose in books. Be logical in your thoughts. Housewives: financially you are secure. A change of plans can create problem. Stop worrying about what other people think of you. Be firm and maintain healthy boundaries. Tarot message: Learn from past experience. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 25.

SAGITTARIUS: Push routine to one side. Your marital status figures prominently. You fall madly in love during travel or attending a conference. Drive carefully. Partnership issues are likely to surface. With love and honesty bring change. Tarot message: Be determined and increase your self confidence. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 31.

CAPRICORN: Auspicious day to buy ornaments. Avoid hasty actions. Keep your wits about you and pause if agitated. Catch up on your emotions and stay on track. Colleagues and associates might step on your toes or try to bully you. Financial concerns can give you cause for worry. Tarot Message: Be articulate. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 42.

AQUARIUS: There will be good opportunities to show off your artistic flair. Loved ones help you solve financial problems. You can expect to have people trying to influence you. Stay focused. Consult an older and wiser colleague. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish those tasks which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 52.

PISCES: "Six of Wands" emphasises fun, frolic and social activity. Your effort will not go unnoticed by superiors. Talk to your lover about your future plans and goals. Your imagination is likely to be a peak. Please be strict with your diet. Tarot message: Don't swing away from the course you have charted so far. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 40.

the year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

Madan Gupta Spatu If your birthday is June 3...

New ideas and great opportunities will truly make the year 2011 an exciting time for you. There are changes in all aspects of your life. You will leave all worries behind and focus on only the good things of life. Kids will cooperate. Spouse will keep you comfortable. You make contact with foreigners. Avoid escapism or irresponsibility. Speculation in shares stocks real estate will be gainful in January 2012. Romance: 2011 shows all the signs of being a significant phase of your life, especially where love is concerned. Finance: The year will be extremely satisfactory for you where your finances are concerned. Health: This year health will be mostly stable with enough stamina to see you through many ups and downs. Sometimes you might be accused of being boring, but 3s are known for creating things and finding solutions. The number 3 people have pink, blue and gold aura. March and December are good months for them, while Wednesday is a good day for them.

SarikaSarika (June 3, 1962, New Delhi) National Award winning actress shares her birthday with you. She started her film career as a child actress (baby Sooraj) as a boy in the 60’s in Hindi movies. She did Geet Gaata Chal with Sachin. She was often cast as a vamp. She gave up her career after marriage with Kamal Hassan at the peak of her career. She has now made a comeback in Hindi films after her divorce. She also appeared in Bheja Fry and had a small but important role in Manorama Six Feet Under. She will keep appearing in odd roles in 2012 and meet a new partner soon.





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