Matter of one year!
Vasudha Gupta

I got admission in a few other colleges, but had to go to the best. — Abhinav Uppal

There was a time when the value of one year was only understood by a student who lost a year in college. Today, the definition has changed. Getting through the college of choice is not a matter of capabilities, but more of being able to clear the gap of that .2 per cent to secure a seat in a coveted engineering school. We spoke to a few who have dropped that one year.

It’s even rarer to find a student who is willingly to drop not one, but two years to get into IIT Bombay! “It is the only college that has a tie-up with John Hopkins University,” says Abhinav Uppal. This young lad didn’t think even once before dropping two years as he was certain that one year won’t improve his ranking in AIEEE. Inspired by movies like Inception, he is clear that he will make it. “I got admission in a few other colleges in the US for the same course, but I just had to go to the best,” he smiles. In the next two years, apart from turning into a bookworm, Uppal is all ready to also come out with a composition. “Music is my passion; hopefully the song should be out soon,” he says.

Arshia Pasricha Photo: Nitin Mittal

If for Abhinav it is studies, for Arshia Pasricha spending time with family and having fun was the motivating factor behind dropping one year. After completing her XIIth from Carmel Convent, Arshia was uncertain about how she wanted to shape up her life. “I needed some time to figure out what I wanted to do with my life,” she says.

Now, all set to leave for a Leisure Management course in London, she is more than happy with the decision. “Being a social person, there could not have been a better course than this,” she says. Taking it as a break, Arshia has done all that she loved during the one year – right from traveling to aerobics. “A lot of things in me had to be fixed; the one off year did just that,” she laughs.

Utkarsh Chanana decided to get into the field of engineering in Class XII. By October, he knew it wasn’t his cup of tea and approached the school authorities to let him switch over. “The school told me it was too late. I knew I could not have just taken admission in XII directly and needed my basics clear. It was the best to drop a year and go back to XI in commerce,” he shares. All due to his mother’s support, Utkarsh dropped a year and joined an NGO, Optimizing Development in Education, to teach dyslexic children. Utkarsh feels that parents tend to play an important role in the decision-making process. “Even when I dropped a year, I was studying with my juniors and never felt left out,” he says.

No matter what the reason, the decision to drop a year does remain a big thing. It’s a concept not only for the students in XII, but also for post-graduates. With the hope of making it to one of the top MBA schools of the country, Manisha Sood has dropped a year after completing her BCA from Khalsa College, Ludhiana. Now, amidst her preparations for MBA, she is certain to make it big. “It’s nothing but being strong-willed when it comes to dropping a year,” she shares. Manisha is glad to have supportive parents.

And for the others, it’s the dream to make it to a better college. Despite getting through Petroleum Engineering course in the University of Petroleum and Energy Sciences, Dehradun, Akshit Ojha has dropped a year to make it to the IIT. “It’s about not making compromises. I know I am capable and will crack it next year,” he shares. Despite his parents being against it initially, they later agreed. Says Akshit, “I am glad they realised that I am ready to give in my best,” he says.

If you are one of those who could not make it to BITS Pilani or the legendary IITs, just take a decision and bury yourself in books to crack it in 2012!

vasudha@tribunemail.com

BAGging for more
If you think one lakh is an astronomical sum to spend on a handbag, think again. There are plenty of takers in Chandigarh for brands like Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Gucci, Christian Dior and Hermes...  
Sabia Talwar

The movie Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara showcased a Hermes handbag called Bagwati to portray the trend among women going crazy for branded handbags. The rage about branded handbags is somewhat the same among Chandigarh women too.

Brands like Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Gucci, Coach, Christian Dior, Fendi, Chanel, Guess and many more entice many women to possess them, even if they are very expensive.

Flaunting them as a status symbol at social gatherings or while going out shopping, we talk to such women about the real pleasure and satisfaction behind owning a branded handbag…

Shares Ragini, a housewife, “I’m obsessed with handbags and clutches of quality brands. My latest one being a white Christian Dior which is from the US and cost around Rs 1 lakh. I don’t mind spending money on handbags because I like collecting them but I do save up a lot for them.” She adds, “My handbag collection includes Gucci, Loius Vuitton and Coach.”

Smiles Ruchi Bajaj, another Chandigarh-based housewife, “Though I’m not into buying such handbags, I’m lucky enough to have them as gifts. My mother-in-law recently gifted me a Louis Vuitton handbag which cost over a lakh of rupees.”

Even working women are flaunting such handbags. Shares Sanjali Jain from Jain Jewellers, “I have to move around in society, so I prefer spending my earnings on handbags. The recent one being a Louis Vuitton from Dubai which cost around Rs 1 lakh.” She adds, “I agree that having expensive handbags have become a status symbol and sometimes you need to keep up with the trend.”

Says, Neha Singh, director, Girl in the Café-17, “All branded handbags are of premium quality and have a unique look of their own. Nevertheless, a handbag for a girl is ideally the one in which she can dump almost everything.” She adds, “The most expensive of my handbags is a Louis Vuitton which my parents gifted me on my birthday. It costs around Rs 1.25 lakh.”

The young brigade is in sync with the trend and makes it a point to purchase such handbags.

Shares, Ashima Chhabra, a student from PU, “For sure, having a branded handbag is all about status symbol. I have two Louis Vuitton bags, one Hermes, one Fendi and one Gucci clutch.” She adds, “As I’m a brand freak, I will continue to buy them and my latest one is a Louis Vuitton which cost around Rs 1.3 lakh.”

Shares Naman Kansal, a newly married woman, “I have a collection of handbags which include Valentino, Louis Vuitton and Jimmy Choo and some of them are part of my trousseau shopping, but I used to carry them earlier also.”

Says Shikha Arora, a pass-out from Panjab University, “I have a huge collection of handbags like Fendi, Gucci, Coach, DKNY and Burberry. Another one in my collection is a Louis Vuitton and it cost around Rs 1 lakh, which is not astonishing.”

Watch out for this baddie!
Sabia Talwar

From Chanyaka in Chandraguptra Maurya to Vilaas in Ram Gupal Verma’s Shabri, Chandigarh-lad Manish Wadhwa is the Bollywood baddie to watch out for. We catch up with him.

Were you always in for acting?

Yes, since my childhood I used to take part in a lot of plays. I was in Chandigarh till my sixth grade and then shifted to Mumbai. I was very much into theatre there, and was awarded the Balraj Sahni trophy and others.

What was the turning point in your career?

When I got the chance to do a commercial play Maa Retire Hoti Hai with Jaya Bachchan; we travelled to UK, US and the Gulf for staging this play.

How did you get your first Bollywood break?

I was lucky enough to get another chance to work with Jaya Bachchan for the play Dr. Mukta. And during this period I got to debut in Bollywood in Prakash Jha’s Rahul.

Having worked with Jaya Bachchan twice, tell us about your experience?

It was a wonderful learning experience and I would like to say that big as well as successful people like her have a heart of gold.

How did Shabri happen to you?

When I was doing the serial Kohinoor, playing the character of Kaali, Ram Gopal Verma called me for auditions. Seeing my work in the serial, he offered me the role.

What is Shabri about?

It is a story of the first lady gangster in Mumbai. It revolves around the underworld. And, the most interesting thing about the movie is that people don’t work under Shabri, but with her.

What is your role in Shabri?

I’m playing a character named Vilaas. I don a different look with long hair, short beard and short kurtas.

What’s your take on RGV giving flops and you working in one of his projects?

Shabri is just a movie by RGV Company, but directed by Lalit Malhotra and the cinematographer is Amit Roy. Rest about the flop part I think it all depends on the cast as a whole.

You as Chanakya in Chandragupta Maurya…

It is role closest to my heart. My family and friends keep saying that the character is so similar to my own nature. Also, somewhere there is a Chanakya in each one us!

Manish as a struggler…

I have struggled a lot initially. But, now, I thank God that I have a lot in my bag. There is a long way to go still. According to me, an actor is a struggler forever.

What is the major difference between theatre and television?

Theatre won’t fetch you money, but television will. However, theatre helps you evolve and grow.

One advice for upcoming talent…

Just be careful about yourself and be ready to face any kind of challenge. 

Comeback trail

UTV Stars unveiled a star studded chat show Up Close and Personal with Preity Zinta recently in Mumbai. The show will take fans up, close and personal to their favorite celebrities as Preity chats with them on their journeys via personal quizzes, career maps, their favorites in Bollywood, some dark secrets, hidden talents and not to forget impromptu tests of their acting and dancing skills. In short, a fun, glamorous, intelligent and gutsy show which perfectly complements the gorgeous host, Preity Zinta.

Shot on lavish sets exhibiting sheer glamour and style, Preity invites Bollywood biggies like Akshay Kumar, Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan, Farhan Akhtar, Ajay Devgn, Saif Ali Khan and more. The show is in sync with Preity's personality - stylish, sexy and fun.

Star track
Inked out

Hollywood star Megan Fox is removing her tattoo of screen siren Marilyn Monroe in a bid to avoid attracting negative energy. The 25-year-old actor began laser treatment on her forearm inking earlier this year and said that she wanted to get rid of the tattoo because she thinks the late screen icon is a negative character, reported a publication.

“I’m removing it. It is a negative character, as she suffered from personality disorders and was bipolar. I do not want to attract this kind of negative energy in my life,” said Fox.

Talking about the meaning behind her Monroe tattoo, Fox had previously said, “I really admire Marilyn Monroe, but I would never try to emulate her. I got the tattoo as a warning. It warns me not to let myself be treated so badly by the film industry so that it breaks me down.” It’s not the only thing Fox has grown to regret - she also removed her navel piercing when she was 20.

“I did it when I was 16 years old because I was a fan of Britney Spears. The only time I tried to imitate someone else. But then I thought it was tacky and so I removed it when I turned 20,” she said.

The Transformers actor has around nine tattoos and her other inkings include a quote on her shoulder.—PTI

Brand new love

Another try: Neha Dhupia

Neha Dhupia has found her new love. After breaking up with squash player Ritwik Bhattacharya, Neha seems to have found a new Venezuelan boyfriend, Jimmy.

Both have been spotted at many parties and night clubs.

Burying the hatchet

Reunion: Bipasha Basu

Much ado about nothing
We look at films that created controversies and immense hype before they were released. The scenario post release was a different story altogether  

What went wrong?

Aarakshan: Prakahs Jha’s latest film had an impressive cast comprising Big B, Deepika Padukone, Saif Ali Khan, Prateik, and Manoj Bajpai and it was about reservation in education, a relevant issue. Controversies were created when a certain group of people burnt down the sets of the movie and some political parties also didn’t want the movie to release. Against all odds, the movie released to empty halls. The buzz couldn’t push people to go watch the movie at cinema. The ones who went did not like it. The reviews haven’t been spectacular, either. All in all, Aarakshan has not done well.

Fried-day

Bheja Fry 2: The first film was a runaway success so expectations were high from the sequel. Minissha Lamba and exotic cruise locations added to the glam factor of the film. There were new names such as Kay Kay Menon and Amole Gupte. There was music too. When we saw the film, we hated it as it was plain unfunny and stupid.

Empty vessels…

Shor in the City: Ekta Kapoor’s gift to her good-for-nothing brother was a complete dampener. It toured and was “acclaimed” at festivals around the world. Even Indian critics raved about it. However, its cast was highly uncharismatic and their tactics are mostly repulsive. Not once did we feel any connect with the characters. The movie was promoted very well but didn’t open to a very good response from audiences and a certain section of critics. We wondered what the noise was all about! Maybe the directors should learn a lesson or two about making good gangster movies from Anurag Kashyap (Black Friday, Paanch) or Vishal Bhardwaj (Kaminey, Maqbool).

Sleaze quotient

Ragini MMS: Yet another pointless movie produced by Ekta Kapoor! The hype around the film and its sleazy content was dizzying! It was a mix of Paranormal Activity and The Blair Witch Project. The movie was made on a shoe-string budget and the hype combined with the combination of sex and horror ensured a good weekend. Horror of horrors? A sequel is in the pipeline!

Thank you, very much!

Thank You: Anees Bazmee made an out-and-out commercial film so naturally, it was promoted on a massive scale across the country. The cast attended special parties and weddings and even rode in an exclusive bus. Not to mention, they went to malls and attracted crowds. The music was jarring, the dialogues were cheap, the acting was horrible, and the movie was utterly outdated. We have no idea how it was financed.

Not a good story

Not A Love Story: If it is a Ram Gopal Varma film, it is bound to be controversial. This one is based on the Maria Susairaj-Neeraj Grover murder case. RGV shot this movie in barely two months. The verdict of the court was also released around the same time. Of course, Maria said that she would stall the release of the movie and sent a notice to RGV. He got a few more notices. We also heard that he had edited portions of the movie under pressure. The movie released last week to the shock and horror of audiences and critics alike. He has shot Mahie Gill in a disgustingly cheap way and the violent and weird movie is pointless. It has fictionalised the incident and tells us nothing we do not know. RGV must go underground.

Sad score

Always Kabhi Kabhi: Roshan Abbas’ much-hyped directorial debut was produced by Shah Rukh Khan solely to launch his friend Karim Morani’s daughter Zoa. The ever-charming SRK appeared in the promos and even did an item song for it. We thought it would be a decent and watchable romantic-coming-of-age-comedy. It was anything but that! The lines were sad and the songs were tuneless and too many. It was baffling that a credible team could make such a torturous movie!

Up for grabs!

Hollywood star couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have put their Malibu house up on sale for $13.7 million. The property overlooking the Pacific Ocean has four-bedrooms and four-bathrooms.

To entice buyers, the house also has a heated pool, a private tennis court and stair access to a private cove, reports a website. Pitt also successfully applied for planning permission to add another floor on to the single level home. The couple currently stays in East Hollywood hills area of Los Angeles.—IANS 

No FALL in fashion
Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra

Monsoon is almost over and for the first Fall of the new decade, fashion comes in a new calling as this is the time of the year when you want to evolve your personal style for the months to come.

As always, it is 'ladies first' and we get for you what's in store for the women. Seventies fashion remains high on the list of carry-over trends, flares and wide-leg pants too will stay; while on the tough side, biker and punk follow through to the new season.

"Retro look dedicated to 50s, 60s and 70s is back. Though it's the Bohemian and sophisticated glamour that rides high," says Geet Sethi, consultant and training head, India, Espirit. She adds, "High-waist pants with elegant blouses by day is a trend to be cashed-in but what's energising in Autumn/Fall 2011 is a subtle interpretation of the imagined retro and punk look. The 70's denim too is a trend to look out for."

Fur is another fabric that will be seen in the Fall collection. And if you are a fashion follower, you will know that fur is once again going to play a huge role in many of the collections from the world's biggest fashion houses.

Akhil Duggar, creative head, Madame, says, "Autumn is always a season to look out for. We have a lot of floral patterns and when we say floral it's not fabric but we have used flowers as embellishments."

He says, "There will also be a lot of kaftans and kimonos." About the retro look, he says, "This year is no different than the last; we will again witness the rise of retro this fall and winter."

As for designer Amit Kashyap, "Pleats will be in this season and so will be cuffs. Chunky knits and light-weight sweaters too would be seen. But what fashionistas would witness this year is use of brighter hues like crimson, neon orange, purple, sky blue and others. Besides, these eye-popping tones can come in daring combinations."

So, look out for the best this Fall season.

Songs of the soul

It is not said without reason that Bollywood film songs are the folk songs of the urban population of India. Indeed these songs connect people who speak different languages ranging from Kashmiri to Tamil. The feet of the young and the old tap in unison when film melodies are sung or re-sung.

Come September and music lovers in the city can get ready for a bouquet of film melodies at Tagore Theatre with LEMACS (Legendary Mukesh Musical Arts and Cultural Society) organising Bhooli-Bisri Yaadein on September 4 with celebrated singer Anuradha Paudwal as chief guest.

The rehearsal is in full swing in the city and amateur andsemi-professional singers are busy putting together an evening of songs that stir the soul ML Singla, moving spirit behind LEMACS, says: "This is our fourth musical bonanza having dedicated an evening to the songs of Mukesh and Talat Mehmood in the past. This time we are going to sing the songs composed by legendary music directors including SD Burman, Hemant Kumar, Shankar-Jaikishan and others."

Interestingly, Singla served a lifetime in the Punjab Excise and Taxation Department. "I loved to listen to songs and sing from my childhood but after retirement I have been devoting all my energy to this passion." Accompanying him in the singing is his young daughter-in-law Richa among other singers including Simranjit, Safia, Gopal, Manju Arora and Rajesh. The music is being arranged by well-known director Rajinder Singh Commando. — TNS

It's all about money, honey

A survey results have indicated that people are willing to choose higher-paying jobs over their happiness. More than 2,500 people were asked which job would make them happier - a job which paid 50,000 pounds with "reasonable" hours allowing them 7.5 hours sleep or the one paying 90,000 pounds with "unusual" hours allowing them just six hours sleep.

The researchers, a team of economists from Cornell University in the US, found more respondents chose better pay despite the fact they believed it would make them less happy. When asked for the reason behind their choice, many people said that they felt picking the better paid job would make their family happier. Others said they would enjoy the greater social status that came with the role while some said it would give them a greater sense of purpose.

Alex Rees-Jones, one of the PhD students behind the research, said he believed the findings had political implications. "Our research suggests that if governments choose to design policies to maximise happiness measured in their surveys, they might impose policies that people would not want for themselves," he said.

The research is being presented at the Fourth Lindau Meeting on Economic Sciences in Austria and will be published in the American Economic Review. — ANI

TROUBLE SHOOTER
Don't put yourself down
Simmi Waraich

I spend an awful lot of time worrying about people liking me. Or, what people thought of me. Or, what they thought of the clothes I was wearing. This bothers me a lot and I am unable to focus on studies. I want to do well in my life but this is proving to be a hindrance. I am 21 and in college.

— Preeti, Chandigarh

Most people really aren't even taking notice of us. (They're too worried about what other people think of them.) Of the few who are noticing us, the people who are judging us harshly are not the people we want around us anyway. A lot of it happens in your own head, like one thinks, "You're not as good as them," "They'll think you're stupid," and "You don't fit in here."

So in reality you yourself are putting you down. If we hear others talk ill of us everyday either we will tell them to keep quiet or avoid them but we do not tell the voice in our head to keep quiet. Learn to ignore the voice in your head- by countering it-- "Relax-I believe in myself, that is the important thing." "Perhaps I am giving these people too much importance." or tell yourself, "There goes the voice in my head again - putting me down. I do not have to listen to it."

Write these down and repeat them to yourself. Whenever you get those thoughts again in front of other people, repeat the self suggestions silently to yourself and later give yourself a pat on the back for getting through it. Remember it's what you think of yourself that matters, not others perception of you.

Well, I have a different type of problem. I have generally found that ladies after marriage always tend to follow their parent's advice. Whatever the husband or his relations say, they will always ring up their mothers for advice. And more so they never act independently. There are very few exceptional girls who deviate from this rule. My wife will always do something that suits hertaste whether it is wrong or right for health reasons. Any amount of reasoning or coaxing from me will not help. Can you give me your views on this?

— Harpreet, Ludhiana

Well, this may have something to do with our society. Right from an early age, children are encouraged to follow the advice of elders. It is a quality highly valued in our culture, especially in women. This is also a reason why many Indians have problems with assertiveness and saying 'no' to people. Even if they wish to say 'no', often women and even men say yes instead. This is one reason why in the West, people from the Indian subcontinent are known to be more likely to be dependent on family members for daily decision making etc. However, perhaps you are generalising because of your experience. It is not necessary that all women will be dependent on their mothers for daily decisions.

(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)

GET PHYSICAL
YOGIC GOODNESS
Jassi Oberoi 

Our hermits and sages, in other words the wise men didn't invent the miracle of yoga only as a cure for various type of diseases but also which will help to purify the mind and body to be able to live a full life. The body cannot perform it's worldly duties properly without being spiritually at peace.

The very motive of yoga is self-realisation. So asanas actually help us to remain healthy. In my experience while practicing yoga in it's many forms, the sequence followed should be first that of breathing exercises i.e pranayama , then stretches of different kinds or 'asanas' and the final--mediation.

The initial breathing exercises help to clear the passages of any mucous or excretions which are beneficial in doing the exercises that follow.

Today we elaborate on a very useful asana - Bhu namana asana. The name is derived from the posture of bowing one's head on the floor. It looks difficult at the first instance but with practice one can achieve the desired pose.

Spread a mat on the floor and sit down. Spread your legs like a vulture opens up its body. Bend down touching the chin to the ground first and then the head. Those with cervical problem do not need to look down. You can also lift your hands from the toes to increase flexibility. The legs have to remain straight during this asana. Hold this position for a minute before trying again. It can be done two to five times. While doing this asana we have to breathe slowly and calmly and then the mind comes under control. Eventually with practice it becomes so peaceful that we feel that we are not even breathing.

Bhu namana is very useful for dancers as it induces flexibility and the waist and lower parts become more supple. Medically it helps to cure urine related problems and piles. This can be done by both men and women but it is seen that mostly women are able to perform this asana more easily. After becoming habituated to this asana we can move our body right to left and vice versa comfortably like rubber.

YOGIC TIP Do not try to the resist the call of nature in daily life for it is very harmful and especially while doing yoga. One can also a take a break for a minute or so for the needful.

(Oberoi runs her own Yogic centre and is the disciple of Swami Gopi Chand Jindal)

As told to Poonam Bindra

Master Chef
Mango mania!
Kandla Nijhowne

Much as one welcomes monsoon's downpour after the wrath of the scorching sun, I so deeply mourn the consequent departure of the mango season! Yes friends, the time draws nearer to bid adieu to our wondrous, succulent, juicy, fragrant king of fruits.

Nothing beats biting into a firm slice of mango but there are other ways to put some preserve aside for future ecstasy! Puree the pulp of ripe mangoes, cook down to a thicker consistency. Add some sugar towards the end. Let it cool, then squirt some lemon juice into it. This preserved sauce keeps well for several months in the refrigerator. You can use it later for milkshakes, ice cream or simply thin it and pour as a sauce over ice cream, cake or fruit. Mango cheesecake, the perennial favourite can also be prepared with this sauce, well after the mangoes have said goodbye!

Classic mango cheesecake

2 ripe mangoes

150 gm mildly sweet biscuits

3-4 tbsp melted butter

2 tbsp grain sugar

600 ml full-fat yoghurt

130 ml whipping cream

60 gm powdered sugar

4 tbsp lemon juice

3 tsp gelatin

Method

n Peel both mangoes, then puree ¾ of the flesh. You may need a splash of water to help the process.

n Neatly dice the remaining ¼ of the fruit.

n Tie up and hang the yoghurt in a square of muslin from a kitchen hook. Place a bowl beneath to collect the dripping liquid. In a few hours, you will be left with a thick yoghurt. You can save up the fluid for making "karhi"

n Crush the biscuits to a fine powder. Blend in the butter and sugar till you have a sticky mixture.

n Press mixture into the base of a pie dish and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.

n Beat the hung yoghurt with half of the powdered sugar until blended.

n Separately, beat the cream with the remaining sugar till fluffy.

n Dissolve 2 tsp of the gelatine in ¼ cup of water.

n Gently combine the yoghurt, gelatine, whipped cream, 1 ½ cups of puree and 2-3 tsp of lemon juice. Check the acid and sweet balance. Add more sugar or lemon juice if necessary.

n Spoon the mixture over the chilled biscuit crust, scatter the diced mango bits and level the mixture.

n Return to the fridge for 5-6 hours.

n Heat half a cupful of mango puree and sprinkle the remaining gelatine over it. Stir till it dissolves, then stir another half cup of puree as well as a tsp of lemon juice. Sweeten if necessary and cool.

n Pour over the set cheesecake's surface, spread evenly into a thin layer and return to the fridge for another 1 hour.

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Doing overtime or dealing with crisis are possible reasons for being dragged back to the workplace. Make the best of it by doing what must be done quickly and effectively. Influential people will praise you. Tarot message: You find within yourself a fountainhead of a will power. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 24.

TAURUS: Give a serious thought to your business. Decisions that need to be made especially involving career should not be put off. The day will produce one or two pleasant surprises. Be aware of a minor injury. Tarot message: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter.

Lucky colour: Silver Grey. Magic number: 54.

GEMINI: A major domestic purchase can be made but may not be available next week. A comfortable evening ahead, for great connections among people who are out to enjoy themselves.

Tarot message: Take limited risks with your capital. Lucky colour: Sea Green. Magic number: 60.

CANCER: Put knowledge into practice or learn how to do something better. Working women: be careful while dealing with the clients. Children may enjoy the company of their parents. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid the in-built delays that come your way. Lucky colour: Peacock green.

Magic number: 29.

LEO: A good day on the financial front. If your career is in good shape, a request for higher pay can be answered positively by management, which values your capability. Tarot message: Use careful judgment in handling issues involving property. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 61.

VIRGO: Relations with fellow workers are on a high and your popularity can increase. Shareholders will have a beneficial day. Businessmen: Think twice before signing a new deal. Tarot message: Work could pose certain minor difficulties but don't worry. Lucky colour: Rainbow Pastels. Magic number: 55.

LIBRA: Minor pinpricks by employees will provoke you. Workers in the factories will cause a number of delays. Newly-married will find home atmosphere tense. Tarot message: Empty promises are certain, therefore try to put your terms and conditions in writing. Lucky colour: Pomegranate red. Magic number: 32.

SCORPIO: An excellent day ahead. Do not feel guilty about taking time out to look after your well-being, both mental and physical. Preventing health problem is better than treating them. Tarot message: Delays are the only obstacle in your way to success. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 42.

SAGITTARIUS: Charm, diplomacy, respect and cooperation are far better attributes to employ in dealing with people if you want positive results. You might suffer a sudden loss of confidence. Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky colour: Pink.

Magic number: 65.

CAPRICORN: Be prepared for multiple invitations to social events and gatherings. Offer to host it at your place. Turn your attention to jobs that gives you an opportunity to make the best use of your intellect. Tarot message: Don't be dismissive of advice from youth. Lucky colour: Royal blue.

Magic number: 36.

AQUARIUS: Doing a spell of overtime or catching up with work at home would help pay the bills. Now is the time to distinguish clearly between wants and needs. Tie up the loose ends.

Tarot message: Beware of depleting your energy or resources on others. Lucky colour: Cream.

Magic number: 33.

PISCES: A healthy competition instinct can be harnessed. There may be trouble brewing in the family that would benefit from a sensible voice of reason before matters spiral out of hand. Tarot message: Versatility and a quicksilver mind will bail you out of a situation. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 64.

Chatter box
To be or not to be?

guest of honour: Salman Khan

Buzz is that superstar Salman Khan might appear in Colors' show Na Aana Is Desh Laado to promote his film Bodyguard. Several film stars appear on TV shows to promote their films. Salman has already done the same to promote Dabangg too. But Salman has not been keeping well as his backache is troubling him a lot, so we will have to wait and see if he does indeed appear on the show.

On a roll

Karan Singh Grover became famous with his role of Dr Armaan and still enjoys his popularity. But now he is back on telly with a new role. After playing a guest appearance as himself in Channel V's fictional show Dil Dosti, Karan now will be seen playing Karan Malik a student counselor in the show. Cool. Guess fans will rejoice to see him on television on a regular basis now.

Wedding bells for Tapasya

Finally Tapasya got married to Rathore in Colors' Uttaran. After many ups and downs, she found the man who loves her and took this big decision to leave the person she always wanted-Veer. Ultimately Veer is free of Tapu. Uttaran will soon take a 20 year leap, but the audiences can expect many more dramatic moments before that. Apparently the lead won't be a part of the show post leap- so enjoy Veer, Ichcha, Tapu and Rathore till then.

Jokes apart

Comic timing: Ayushman

The host of Just Dance, Ayushman is a funny guy on the sets and has been made the scapegoat of many jokes by the judges too. Apparently Farah Khan is impressed with his style, comic timing and dance moves and told him that she would love to cast him in her next film. She added she planned to remake Jaane Bhi Do Yaroon and he could play the dead body in it. Well if it is true, it is a big opportunity for Ayushman but if a joke, then it is brutal.

And the award goes to

For the first time ever talented names from reality shows were nominated for Talent of the year category at the Big Television Awards held recently in Mumbai. The category had interesting names like Shreeram from Indian Idol 5, Shakti Mohan and Dharmesh of Dance India Dance, Pankaj from Master Chef India, Kamal Khan from Sa re ga ma pa…- the first winner in this new category is Shreeram from Indian Idol 5 who with his melodious singing & satin silk voice charmed the viewers and made a special place in their hearts. What's important is not the winning, but appreciating a section of talent, that too janata ka pasand, that most people tend to forget. So here's great going for the upcoming talent in this country.

Asiya’s wish list

all for reality: Asiya Kazi

Television actress Asiya Kazi, who shot to fame with Bandini's Santo, is back on small screen playing Kastur in Imagine's Dharampatni. Looking superb in the show, Asiya says besides acting in television show, she also wants to be the part of different reality shows. She would love to do a dance-based reality show and was also chosen for Khatron Ke Khiladi 4, but her schedule with Maati Ki Banno didn't allow her free time. Asiya loves to catch up on her beauty sleep and spend time with her family.

Break and make

retired hurt? Ridheema Tiwari

Ridheema Tiwari aka Disha bhabhi is on Star Plus' Sasural Genda Phool, is having a tough time shooting. Riddheema replaced Pooja Kanwal in the show but hardly did she immerse herself in her role that she got injured. While shooting, the actress recently fell from the stairs and fractured her foot. But as the ongoing track is around her character, the actress had been working despite pain. Says Riddheema, "When I began shooting, within few days of my shoot I fell from an auto and got hurt. I recovered from it and now again fell off the stairs. My co-workers have named me accident prone!"

Blessing in disguise

Men’s act: Sargun Mehta

Sargun Mehta aka Phulwa has got into the groove of the character and is getting an opportunity to do what usually actresses don't get to do in tv soaps. She gets into a male disguise in the wedding sequence of chunni. Sargun confirms, "It is definitely not easy to play a male especially with moustache as it is sticky and irritating. But a challenge and everyone felt I looked convincing as a man. This was an opportunity of a life time.

—HRM

Tisca turns host

on the job: Tisca Chopra

Sony Entertainment Television will soon launch a new non-fiction show called Prayaschit - Gunaho Ke Jakhm.

As the name suggests, people will appear on the show, will repent their mistakes and talk about it, apologizing too.

Actress Tisca Chopra will be hosting the show. Produced by music company Saregama, the show will go on air from 9 September.

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is August 25...

Your birth on the 25th August modifies your life path by giving you special interest in technical, scientific, or other complex and often hard to understand subjects. Don't show this and don't confide in unreliable people. Your goals in love may be too lofty and thus can be prone to disappointment when relationships inevitably fall short of ideal.

Business: You'll have many brave, unusual and winning ideas and this will give you the courage to present them to your boss. Even if you can accomplish your usual workload with half the effort, use that extra time to get ahead. Career: You will have to ignore all useless arguments. If you are self-employed, prepare a detailed plan and focus on your battlefield abroad. This will bring you luck and profitable earnings. Education: Don't pay any fee to any educational institute unless you know their credibility. Success is assured in exams or interviews after little bit of hard work. Family: A childhood memory of yours is apt to come into sharp focus today, and you can use it to deal with a current situation. Finance: There could be argument with people you are trying to do business with. Share holders may make some quick profits at the stock exchange. A good news from abroad comes by the end 2011. Friendship: Social events spark a lot of romantic interest for single and paired Virgos. Health: The health of children is more delicate. Health of parents, elders, in-laws, however, could cause concern. Love: It can be a good time to make changes in a close relationship. Travel: One of the nice things about travel is that your usual schedule and preferences get turned upside down. Mood: Vulnerable. Compatible Signs: Sagittarius, Pisces. Lucky Colors: Fast Pink, Yellow. Lucky Days: . Wednesday and Friday. Lucky Numbers: 5, 9, 11, 15, 22. Lucky Flower: Day-Lily (Yellow). Lucky Gemstone - Carnelian.

Vijeta Pandit (August 25,1967) famous for her first film Love Story (1981) comes from a musical family background. Her elder sister is Sulakshana Pandit, and like her, is an actress and playback singer. Her brothers are Jatin Pandit and Lalit Pandit, known as the former composing duo, Jatin-Lalit. Vijeta played the lead in Jeete hain shaan se, Deewana tere naam ka , Zalzala, Pyar ka toofan . She also sang for films like Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, Saazish Dev and Chingari. Her stars don't show much work in films