Shining GLory
Jewellery designer Roopa Vohra, in Chandigarh with her Bespoke Jewellery collection, says she only believes in working hard
Ashima Sehajpal

Attending a page 3 party has never been on her agenda. Socialising, rubbing shoulders with the right people was never the way to popularise her work. In times when the tag of being a socialite lends impetus to business, jewellery designer Roopa Vohra sticks to her conventional approach of achieving success through hardwork. It seems all the more difficult when the ladies in competition boast of being a host to glam doll Paris Hilton and have A-listers of Bollywood in the family. But Roopa is unfazed by the latest trend of working 'smart', "Why should I bother? I am in the industry from the last 20 years and people know me for my work, not for the last bash I went to."

It gets easier to understand the same when she says that jewellery designing didn't happen by chance. "That's how it is today. Anyone who has a lot of money ventures into jewellery designing. In my case, it was always a career. " says Roopa, who was in Chandigarh on Thursday to showcase her Bespoke Jewellery collection. She rues the fact that jewellery designing these days has become like fashion designing. "You have money, five workers, seven tailors and you open up a designer boutique. It's high time people started recognising who has a penchant for work and who does it for the heck of it."

More than a jewellery designer, she prefers to introduce herself as a revivalist, as she has revived old art forms like theva, naqaashi, rose cuts and Hyderabadi jewellery designs. "Surprisingly, my clientele is from two different parts of the world - Indian and East European countries. It indicates that there is a similarity between Victorian and old Indian art forms." Though she travels around the world showcasing her collection, she feels that the Indian International Jewellery Week is not a platform for her. "After all these years in the industry, I don't need it. However, it might serve the freshers well."

And if celebrity associations are a measure of success, then she has plenty to count. She designed wedding jewellery for Gul Panag, supplied for the star cast of 'Patiala House' and even Madhuri Dixit sported her jewellery on the show 'Jhalak Dikhla Ja'.

Coming to the collection that she has brought here, it is in diamonds and colourful stones. The range begins from Rs 25,000 and goes up to a few lakhs. Roopa says that her aim is to create heirloom pieces, considering the volatile metal market. "If diamonds are forever, than buying gold is a sensible investment. It's difficult for people to choose between the two, so the idea is to create pieces that don't lose their value in future and what's better than heirloom collection." A few pieces in the collection in kundan and diamonds look worth the cause and second her claim well - "Let your work do the talking!"

ashima@tribunbemail.com

 

Back to the roots Roopa Vohra's Chandigarh connection is not just limited to the biannual exhibition of her work here; she is born and brought up in the city. Alumni of Carmel Convent School, she feels that the city gives her some of the best clients. "People here are well travelled. They understand what fusion designs are. They love to experiment with colourful stones and look beyond the usual yellow gold and white diamonds." Plus she enjoys the home advantage.

Brush with ‘real’ Punjab
Mona

Tisca Chopra

The warmth, love and the easy-going pace of life is what actor Tisca Chopra has experienced, and that is precisely what gets reflected in her Punjabi flick Khushiyaan.

"Bollywood has its own version of Punjab; doing Khushiyaan has brought me closer to the real Punjab," says Tisca, who has been touring Punjab for the promotion of the film. "I feel the movie has turned out pretty well. I am hoping to get positive response from Punjab," she says. A story that charts a family's journey has Tisca and singer Jasbir Jassi in the lead roles. "The movie is an emotional and gripping, tale especially in the second half," says Tisca.

How has it been working with Jassi? "It's been a great experience. Though the movie has a solemn subject, we still had a blast on the sets. I guess the role was much more challenging for him as he plays a really emotional character, which is way different than his happy, real self," says the actor.

mona@tribunemail.com

Curtains down on WIFW

With gigantic mirrors placed strategically on the ramp and models sashaying in striking futuristic designs, designer duo Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna on Wednesday night brought the curtain down on the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) Spring/Summer 2012.

They presented their futuristic collection titled The Theatre of Illusions which highlighted the amalgamation of various designs and elegant showmanship. "Our collection incorporated intricate elements of designs and fabrics with embellishments depicting the powerful femininity of the powerful Indian women. Our collection is quintessentially modern and represents our own style," Rohit said.

As audience expected the Bollywood presence in the finale, the designer chose to keep the show collection-centric and rather began the grand finale with the contemporary dance sequence by Aneesha Dala.

The life-size projectors were fitted on either sides of the ramp that illustrated the labour of love and models walking down the ramp in striking futuristic designs. Similar to the Gothic fashion, the collection saw usage of mostly black and grey colour palate. The fabrics used in the collection are silks, tulles and nets. — PTI

Band Baaja Baraat marriage!
Marriage without music is something one cannot even imagine. Rather, we have a set of dedicated wedding songs that are mandatory at every marriage function
Manpriya Khurana

Punjabi Beat: Dhol is the most important ingredient of wedding music

First come the loud and blaring celebrations, then there’s a sob story at the farewell and then once again the happy beginning, which the reception announces. Wedding is like coming a full circle!

Fitted in are half-a-dozen traditional ceremonies and there needs to also fit in the right music for every occasion, rather each relative! Whether it’s your Best Friend’s Wedding to the Monsoon Wedding, do we have a set of standard 300 dedicated wedding songs? The ones that are re-mixed, reversed and made to play on repeat mode? “There are a couple of tracks that are invariably made to play at every wedding no matter the season or year; songs like Gur Nalo Ishq Mitha, Laung Gawacha and the track Balle Balle from Bride and Prejudice,” DJ Cherry, resident DJ, Score, shares his observation of the select weddings that he plays at. He adds, “But the kind of music that gets played at a wedding totally depends on what the families want. Punjabi families largely want all sorts of Punjabi music, right from folk to commercial.”

From the feel-good happy songs to the soft melodic nostalgia, from pre-wedding bashes to the traditional sangeet ceremony, there are ‘readily available’ all sorts of songs. Opines Rehmat Kalra, wedding organiser, “Music is such an integral part of the affair, that sometimes we get the entire music approved from the clients beforehand. What plays where depends on their individual tastes and also the theme as well as occasion. For instance, if it’s a bachelor’s party by a groom, then Western hit singles are the norm, otherwise it’s commercial music.” The most successful of Bollywood hits are either wedding albums or wedding collections. “Though it depends on the requirement of the clients, commercial music rules,” shares DJ Raj, from Spin 69, city-based mobile DJ providers. Read Bollywood, Punjabi beats and popular remixes. He adds, “This time, the song Saadi Galli from the film Tanu Weds Manu and Desi Beats from Bodyguard are likely to be hot favourites. Then there are also staple songs by the likes of evergreen artists like Chamkila.”

Songs and wedding themes are an inextricable part of the culture anyway. The music of a marriage is never complete without the beats of a dhol. From the very contemporary DJs to the traditional wedding bands, we are never missing on them. Shares Chan Singh Buttar, traditional dhol player from Chandigarh, “I am invited at almost all the high-profile weddings. Complicated musical instruments and orchestra cannot be carried everywhere after all. Moreover, some consider traditional dhol very auspicious.”

With due respect to the good old traditions, gone are the days of Aaaj Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai…if the music fraternity is to be believed. Shares DJ Cherry, “That’s very rare. I’d say that kind of wedding music doesn’t play any more.” Agrees Rehmat, “Everything is pretty much like a club, except that the genre like blues and house gives way to dhol as well as Punjabi classics. The beats, the lighting, the acoustic; everything else remains the same.” Sounds good already!

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Remembering Dadamoni
Shy man, accidental actor, good samaritan— that’s what Ashok Kumar was

He was a shy man with average looks, definitely not the Bollywood type; yet destiny had other plans for Ashok Kumar who got into showbiz by chance and never looked back. As the late actor's 100th birth anniversary dawns on Thursday, film historians and fans remember the Dadamoni of Indian cinema.

Born in a Bengali family on October 13, 1911, he did his schooling from Presidency College in Kolkata, and graduated in sciences and law. Not quite starry-eyed, he came to Mumbai in 1936 in search of a job. He got the role of a lab assistant in the newly established Bombay Talkies. But one day film director Himanshu Rai was furious with the lead actor of his film who had vanished without informing him. On the spur of the moment, he laid his eyes on Ashok and wanted the man as the lead in his film Jeevan Naiya.

"Ashok Kumar was compelled to join films. He was working as a lab assistant in Bombay Talkies. He was very shy and not a hero type; he wasn't that handsome either. He even cut his hair to escape this offer, but nothing worked. Finally, he had to give in and this is how he accidentally landed in Bollywood, and as they say, the rest is history," informs film historian Nalin Shah.

The accidental actor tasted real success with Achhut Kanya starring Devika Rani and the road ahead was smoother as he delivered hits like Kismet (1943), Parineeta (1953), Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958), Khoobsurat (1980) and Khatta Meetha (1981), building a strong fan base all along. He has also lent his voice to songs like Main ban ki chidiya and Rail gaadi.

His unconventional and average looks never posed a problem for the actor. His personal life, however, was troubled as his wife Shobha was reportedly an alcoholic. "In an era when handsome and good looking actors were popular, Ashok Kumar with his unconventional looks surpassed everyone and made his mark. — IANS

Hand...some designs
Karva Chauth is here again. And so are the mehendi-walas with the latest designs
Sabia Talwar

It's difficult to survive a day without a single drop of water. Who says? Each year women, especially in North India, do exactly the same on Karva Chauth, which is a festival when women fast all day and pray for the long lives of their husbands.

And it is also the time of the year when the mehendi-walas mint money; courtesy—their creative designs and patterns. Since mehendi is mandatory on this auspicious occasion, there is no escape route. According to popular belief, darker the colour of the mehendi, the deeper is the love of your husband for you!

Says Vijay, a mehendi-wala from Sector-19-C, Chandigarh, "We have prior bookings by customers because there is a huge rush during Karva Chauth. The patterns and designs remain the same - very traditional." Virender Gupta, has a special stall at Sector 22-D, "We want women to be comfortable as we apply mehendi. I have a team of six people who will be helping me to manage the crowd; rates depend on the designs." The same location is dotted by various mehendi artists.

Then there are also hawkers selling metal bangles in Rajasthani patterns in bright colours for Rs 50 (per pair) and mehendi packets at Rs 5; mehendi cones at Rs 10 and a packet containing bindis, bangles and a small mirror for Rs 10. There are also colourful bangles in glass as well.

Shares the owner of Bittu Fashioners 27, Sector 19, Chandigarh, "We have a huge variety of bangles in metal as well as glass. These are available in various colours like pink, red, green, golden, and textures at a very reasonable price. Also, simple and fancy stick bindis are available from Rs 35 onwards."

There are some outlets at which professional artists are invited for the occasion. Says, Simran Chadha, owner, Iris beauty parlour, Sector 9, Chandigarh, "We have a team of trained girls coming from Mumbai who work for Veena Nagda, a mehendi artist of Bollywood fame. The rates depend on how intricate the designs are."

Shopping for cosmetics is also a must during Karva Chauth and when you get complimentary service along with the purchase, it becomes a bonanza. Says, Atul Kapoor, Catwalk, Sector-17, Chandigarh, "We have at our shop a famous mehendi artist from Meerut, who is a specialist in Rajasthani, golden, silver and black mehendi. Any customer who makes a purchase of cosmetics worth Rs 500 gets to apply free mehendi."

sabiatalwar@tribunemail.com

Fill good factor

Food that are rich in protein-eggs, meat and fish for example — are more filling and hence curb overeating, Australian researchers say. Researchers from the University of Sydney, Australia, tested three diets on 22 male and female participants.

All three diets were modified to contain 10, 15 or 25 per cent protein. Each subject spent four days on each one.

Researchers found that participants felt hungrier after the 10 per cent protein diet in the 2 hours following breakfast than they were on both higher-protein diets.

Volunteers also gave in to the urge to snack more after indulging in the diet with the least protein.

From the first day to the last, participants ate a 12 per cent greater volume of food overall on this diet. "When protein in the diet is diluted by extra fat and carbohydrate, even by a small amount - something that has happened over recent decades in westernised countries - we keep eating in an attempt to attain our target level of protein," Stephen Simpson, co-author of the study, said. —ANI

Dreams come true

Living and working in scenic Chail has been chronicled in a book by septuagenarian Barinder Kaur. 'Merey Sapney' is a collection of 32 poems that reflect nature and life through her eyes.

"I still remember when as a school girl I got appreciated by none but Pandit Nahru. We were once told by school authorities to write to Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru. I sent a poem. The school authorities sent that poem to Nehru Ji and I received an appreciation letter from him which encouraged me to write," says Barinder with a twinkle in her eyes.

Studies, marriage and work kept her busy till she chose to devote her time to writing again post-retirement.

Unlike her contemporaries, Barinder has kept herself busy. "It was encouragement by my son Kamaljeet and his friends that made me publish my poems," she says. Barinder's nazams have found favour with Sardar Anjum. "What I see in this book is a collection of beautiful poems, expression of someone sensitive. Some of them reflect the scars that life has given," says Sardar Anjum who released the book on Thursday in Chandigarh.

— Mona

Minaj sings with Grace

Singer Nicki Minaj duetted with an eight-year-old girl Sophia Grace on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

The 28-year-old rapper was blown away when she saw YouTube footage of Sophia and her five-year-old cousin Rosie perform her track Super Bass, and surprised the children by joining them in a rendition of the song, reported a website. "She blew me away. Within five seconds of seeing her video, I was calling everyone!," Minaj said.—PTI

Fashionably yours

Style statement: Kangna Ranaut

Kangna Ranaut is a style icon in her own right. She is not afraid of taking chances and experimenting. She talks about fashion, style and style icons.

Fashion for me

For me, fashion means looking good and setting trends. Since childhood, I have always tried something different and new and I have always been a fashion conscious girl. I used to read fashion magazines since my school days. I have learnt a lot over the years.

A girl's must-have

Pair of blue denims and a white shirt and few t-shirts are a must for every girl to keep in her wardrobe. You also need a little black dress and one traditional set. Have fun with your clothes; mix and match them.

Bollywood divas

I don't want to hurt anyone but according to me it's Sonam Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra. They know how to carry themselves. I don't think anyone else has a better taste in fashion.

Stylish best

I think I was fashionable in Raaz 2 and Fashion, of course. But Gangster and Metro showed me in a different way and my fans loved my avatar in those films.

Truly Big

I think Amitabh Bachchan is the most stylish actor in the industry. He always carries himself well and always wears something different and he has a great physique too.

Designs on them

I love Shantanu and Nikhil's designs and admire their creativity. They always make outfits that flatter my complexion and figure. I like Sabyasachi and Masaba too.

On the cards

I will start shooting for Tanu Weds Manu's sequel and Ishqiya's sequel. I am quite excited about them as both are different genres of films. — HRM

Can't do with, can't do without

Smoke without fire: Priyanka Chopra

good going: Sonam Kapoor

Stars and the media share a symbiotic relationship. Either cannot live without the other. Here is what Bollywood stars have to say about the media

Priyanka Chopra: Media has an imagination of its own. Some stories are really fictitious.

Ranveer Singh: Some people should maintain the integrity of journalism and confirm stories.

Sonam Kapoor: Any news is good news. At least, the papers want to write about me and people want to read it.

Salman Khan: The media publishes its own version anyway. What's the use of getting a reaction from the stars?

Amitabh Bachchan: I'm not saying that the media corrupts everything, but sometimes we're misconstrued.

John Abraham: I love the media, but I shut myself out from it. Having said that, stars can't be condescending to the media. They're an important part of the industry.

Kareena Kapoor: I am happy to talk about my professional life but my personal life is my own. The media helps us promote our films and their importance cannot be denied. — HRM

The new bad boy

Actor Orlando Bloom says he signed on to The Three Musketeers because he always wanted to play the bad guy. The 34-year-old The Lord of the Rings star, who plays the Duke of Buckingham in the swashbuckling adventure, admits it was "liberating" playing such a different character to those he is usually offered, a website reported.

"I know I'm usually the good guy and that's why this was the direction I had been itching to go in. That's why I did the movie actually. I'm not sure I would have wanted to play D'Artagnan. I wanted to do something like play the bad guy. When I sat down with Paul Anderson and also with the producer, Jeremy Bolt, I hadn't read the script, yet they said, 'When we thought of this, we thought of you, and we were thinking this would be a really interesting turn, a real difference'. So, I read it and I just really enjoyed it. The bad guys have more fun, so much more fun, and it is totally liberating," he said.

The movie was shot in 3-D, technology which director Paul W S Anderson was already familiar with, and Bloom thinks it has got a cutting edge feel to it.

— PTI

She is such a hit!
Oops…she does it again…Britney Spears crosses 10mn-mark on Twitter

Singer Britney Spears has become the sixth person in twitter history to reach the milestone of 10 million followers.

"OOOMMMGGG, I just realized that I hit 10 MILLION FOLLOWERS! Words can't even begin to express the love I feel for all of u," contactmuisc.com posted her tweet.

"I gotta do something special for u guys! Let me think of something fab to show my appreciation," she further posted.

Spears has joined the league following Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber, Barack Obama and, most recently, Kim Kardashian.

— IANS

Binge in the open!
Vasudha Gupta

Plate up: Grilled delights at Hometel

Chef Ashish Bali with platters

Spice of Thai platter
Vasudha Gupta

The rich and the healthy food of Thailand comes to Chandigarh—courtesy the Taj-17, where the Thai Food Festival at Black Lotus brings the finest in Thai cuisine for you.

The gourmet meal includes dishes like vegetable tempura, made with soya chilli sauce and of course the very authentic Gaeng Khiew-wan. Bringing the best from Thailand is chef Noil D' Souza. Trained at the famed Thai Pavilion, under the watchful eye of a Thai-food expert, he is busy making amendments according to the Punjabi taste.

"Typical Thai food is very spicy, so we just have to be mellow on the spice factor," he smiles, making his perfect Pla rad pink. A unique combination of spicy, salty, sweet and sour taste, the food here has connoisseurs coming in from Jalandhar as well.

Not only are the starters, the main course and desserts boasts of authentic tastes. The ingredients have been brought from Bangkok. From Makwa to Bud Chilli, Kha Ginger and Macroot leaves have been especially imported to retain the true flavour of the food.

"Moreover, if guests want anything to taste, there is scope for that with us," the chef adds. Another factor, which should drive you to try out Thai food, is the use of herbs for flavouring, sans ajinomoto.

"This tends to give the food rich taste," the chef says. The restaurant has gone ahead in giving the food a decorative twist. A giant dragon boat has specially been made to mark the festival. Made with sticky rice and sugar flour, it's how they define food art. So, if you miss the Thai food you loved in your last trip to Thailand, this festival should fill in the missing gaps!

(On till October 22)

Sparkling jewels

For all those shopaholics Maya Jewels-7 is the new address in Chandigarh. The first Maya store in the city is a spacious one with three floors stocking up on gold and diamond jewellery as well as apparel. "What makes us different than the others present in India is our competitive prices, extensive range as well as hallmarked jewellery," says Ajay Nihalani, president, Maya Jewels.

The ground floor is reserved for diamond jewellery, first floor for all gold, while the second one is for ethnic wear. — TNS

So, what's playing?
The past few months have seen many chartbusters from Himesh Reshammiya's comeback with Bodyguard to AR Rahman's finest work in a long time. Read on!

Instant hit

Katiya and Saadda Haq from Rockstar: Rockstar was the finest album of the year and became a hit even before it released. It doesn't get better than Shammi Kapoor, Imtiaz Ali, Ranbir Kapoor, AR Rahman, and Irshad Kamil collaborating on one film! It is already the movie of the year! Katiya is a lovely, Punjabi folk song that is very playful and the video features the adventures of of Ranbir and Nargis in Delhi. It is sung by Harshdeep Kaur and we absolutely love it for its lingering addiction. Saadda Haq has been sung by Mohit Chauhan and the lyrics are random yet apt. It has become the nation's biggest youth anthem and features an angry Ranbir Kapoor. Need we say more?

Once more

Dhunki from Mere Brother Ki Dulhan: The song worked because of Katrina Kaif. Composer Suhail Sen has come a long way and this is a good composition sung by Neha Bhasin. The energy of the song is great.

Music to the ears

Jugni from Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster: Jugni is the keyword these days for hit songs! Even Jugni from Tanu Weds Manu was a hit. This Jugni is a very catchy composition and talks mainly about Mahie Gill's character in the movie. Watch the movie and you'll know what we are talking about.

Hit, by chance

Teri meri prem kahani from Bodyguard: We have no idea why this Himesh Reshammiya composition is a hit but it is! Kareena looks sexy but the video is outdated. It does play on full volume at restaurants, clubs, and the radio even though Himesh has sung this in his trademark vocals.

Sugar coated

Rabba and Sajh dhaj ke from Mausam: Rabba is a sweet and soothing romantic song sung by newcomer Shahid Mallya. Shahid looks super cute. Sajh dhaj ke is an energetic Punjabi shaadi song (think Nagada nagada from Jab We Met). Shahid shows off his dancing prowess and we love the authentic Punjabi flavour and mood of the song.

(A)konic touch

Chhammak Challo from Ra.One: This is perhaps, the song for New Year's Eve. Everybody is already addicted to it! The Akon version was leaked a while ago and became an instant hit. The video features Kareena and SRK in Indian clothes and has become an instant hit.

Three to tango

Senorita from Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara: This Spanish-inspired song features the vocals of Spanish singer Maria with Abhay Deol, Farhan Akhtar, and Hrithik Roshan. We love the happy vibes of the song, the meaningful lyrics. The video is shot in Alajar in Heluva and has a festive touch to it. The three of them have danced very well. — HRM

Genetic inheritance
Ranbir Kapoor knew from an early age that he was born to become an actor and a star. Here he talks about his first love: movies.

Fond memories

Film buff: Ranbir Kapoor

Films and everything started with my grandfather, Raj Kapoor, who too loved cinema and actually lived on cinema. I was the elder grandson of the family and I was very close to him. He loved me a lot and we used to watch all his films together, among which I loved Shree 420 the most. He used to tell me all the stories related to shoots and films. But that time shooting was different and today with the help of technology it's much easier. There was more labour at that time. All of us would go to Chembur and spend time with him.

Favourite films

Shree 420, I watched this film with my grandfather first and loved the innocence he has in it and ever since I don't know how many times I have watched it.

DDLJ: Like any other Indian, I was a big fan of SRK and it was his films which made me fall in love with him. I thing DDLJ was the biggest love story. It's a wonderful film and I love everything about the film the songs, stars, dialogues and everything else.

The Lord of the Rings trilogy: It retained and added to the wonder and magic of the books... absolutely spellbinding films. Waiting for India to be able to make movies like this! And I would love to play a part in the film. This is something which is like a dream to me.

Home Alone: I think it's every kid's favourite film and so is mine. Even today when I watch the film I feel like a ten-year-old. I will make sure even my kids watch this film.

The Prestige: I am a Chistopher Nolan fan. His films have always attracted me. You cannot move when you watch his films.

Catch Me If You Can: It was a superb film and I loved Leonardo Di Caprio's performance. It was a totally different film for him and he did it so well.

Director's cut

I love Yash Chopra for his romance. I think Raju Hirani and Imtiaz Ali are simply brilliant. I wish I could have worked with my grandfather and mentor, Raj Kapoor. I want to work with every great director in Bollywood. I also love Hrishikesh Mukherji's cinema.

— HRM

Chatter box

Peek-a-boo

Sana Sheikh aka Ganga in Star Plus' Pratigya loves her room a lot and has decorated it according to her needs. "I have a wardrobe but also a rack like the ones seen in boutiques as I like to see my outfits hung on the rack," she smiles. Sana not only has a pin board where she sticks all her photos but a huge collection of earrings and hair bands. "I love hair bands as they look cute. So, I buy them in all shapes, sizes and colours."

DECKED-UP: Sana Sheikh

No time for love

BUSY BEE: Kavita Kaushik

Kavita Kaushik, famous for her character Chandramukhi Chautala from Sab TV's serial F.I.R is a busy lady. So busy that the actress says she has no time for love. Kavita says, "I don't believe in love or romance. I don't have time for any of those things. I think people who have a lot of time or like to waste their time think about love. It's for useless people. I am very career oriented and I would like to focus only on my career. I can't understand how people take out time for such things. Especially actors like us, who are busy shooting most of the time." When quizzed if she is being negative about love, she adds, "I am not being negative or pessimistic about love. I am only committed to my work. For other things, I can't be very committed. After all, if you don't have a successful career who is going to love you, anyway. So that's just my way of looking at things. In fact, it is the most positive way you can ever take your career."

Make- up time

It is not everyday that you see Shah Rukh apologise to Amitabh Bachchan on national TV. But this event occurred while the shooting of Amitabh's Kaun Banega Crorepati shoot which featured Shah Rukh Khan who on the show to promote his Diwali release Ra.One. When asked about appearing on KBC and the experiences, Shah Rukh said, "I love the concept of the show. I have been a guest earlier too and in fact I love it so much that I even did a whole season. Please forgive me for it Amitji." His candid confession got a hearty laugh from Bachchan.

Congratulations!

It is celebration time for Indraneil Sengupta and Barkha Bisht as they welcomed a new member in their family. Barkha delivered a healthy baby girl on Monday evening and proud daddy Indraneil was all smiles cooing over his little angel. 

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Your card Page pf Pentacles promises a progressive day. Personal plans are likely to progress without too much opposition. Investment in real estate looks promising. Tarot message: Emphasise on spiritual needs. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 50.

TAURUS: Business is likely between you and your associates. Long-term benefits can be gained. You feel you need time to understand the changes that are taking place in your psyche. Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 62.

GEMINI: Entrepreneurs will go through an anxious period. The married or those in love will find the day exciting. Students: success in competitive sports is assured. A lot of energy will be expended on communication today. Tarot message: Do not invest in uncertain matters. Lucky colour: Aqua. Magic number: 45.

CANCER: Joint resources could be under pressure. The temptation to help out a friend with a financial loan should be discussed with your partner first. A sexual relationship might have reached its climax. Tarot message: Be articulate. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 32.

LEO: Right time to purchase something that adds to the value of your house. Working towards your goals may seem a little harder than usual. Take a few deep breaths, and then start doing your work. Tarot message: Don't be dismissive of advice from youthful origin. Lucky colour: Sea Green. Magic number: 52.

VIRGO: Do not try to hurry jobs that require meticulous handling. Arguments may arise with your partner. Finalise plans early as your mood is likely to turn to romance and fantasy. Day-dreaming could inspire creative ideas. Tarot message: Trust your instinct. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 64.

LIBRA: You draw The Emperor so the day is promised by all comforts. Spare time for family. It should be much easier for you to meet challenges. People will be more drawn to you than usual. Tarot message: Set the unpleasant set of events into motion. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 53.

SCORPIO: Tension builds and tempers can fray. An irritating coworker can push you to your limits. A desire to retreat to the comfort of your own home could be overwhelming. Tarot message: Must learn to accept responsibility for self and others. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 40.

SAGITTARIUS: Stick to what you know and understand. Money problem will still prevail. Children: enjoy with your friends. Legal suits turn in your favour. Trouble with a female family member can cause tension. Tarot message: Your determination to succeed will pay dividends. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 61.

CAPRICORN: Financial rewards may get delayed. A small celebration at home is likely. Professionals: you need a break. Spend time reviewing the events of the past. Tarot message: Work could pose certain minor difficulties but don't worry. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 26.

AQUARIUS: You must push yourself harder. Be careful with money. This is not the right day for writing official letters. Women shoppers may spend heavily. An attraction to someone you know can override your common sense. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid delays. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 47.

PISCES: Your card The Nine of Cups reveals inner strength and enthusiasm. Arguments may arise with your partner over money. Love life is exciting. Make the most of out of relationships. Tarot message: Don't forsake a new learning opportunity because of pride. Lucky colour: Rainbow Pastels. Magic number: 65.

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is October 14...

With birthday on 14th and falling on Friday in 2011 under Libra sign, you are inclined to work well with people. You are talented and versatile, very good at presenting ideas and you are also very good at organising. You tend to be very progressive, imaginative and adaptable. Your mind is quick, clever and analytical.

It's difficult for you to be objective about family, but do give it a try. Although your unconditional love for your nearest and dearest is admirable, it can get you into trouble. If you can't trust a family member with a serious responsibility like babysitting, choose somebody else. You'll probably hurt their feelings, but the alternative will be far worse.

After November, you will focus on career and bring in good amount of gains. Dynamic attitude and hard work would mark new opportunities at work. You will see instant gains during this month itself. Work environment would see a spirit of bonhomie and collective projects would thrive, despite competition. Love life would be amazingly exciting till March 2011 and dip thereafter. You could set the social scene on fire till the December 2011. New sudden romances could find success and commitment before October 13, 2012. Existing relationships will improve but basic difference would continue for a couple of months. Ups and downs with your budget may make you nervous if you're not careful. Don't give in to fear. Luck is on your side. A health concern may prompt you to take action today. This is a good time for looking into changes that will benefit your general well-being. Don't force issues where you perform your duties. Don't push interpersonal issues aside at the start of November. Show your willingness to find the middle ground.

No matter how much money you have, it is better if you stay away from buying anything costly during Diwali. Those who are feeling weak due to ill health should eat more fruits and green vegetables. Generally, Libran and number 5 is attacked with diseases during season changes because of negligence towards health. An old lover can come back into your life. Mood: Prone to drawing conclusions. Compatible signs: Scorpio, Pisces. Lucky colours: Forest Green. Lucky days: Monday and Friday. Lucky numbers: 9, 17, 18, 29, 75. Lucky flower: Windflower. Lucky gem: Tourmaline

Parmeet Sethi (October 14, 1961 ,Amritsar) married to Archana Puran Singh, a film and television actress, shot to fame with Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. He also starred in Punjabi movie Des Hoyeaa Pardes.He was chosen for the main lead in the Dubai based TV Serial called Dastaan. His role was highly appreciated among the masses in this TV serial. He directed Yashraj's Badmaash Company starring Shahid Kapoor , Anushka Sharma and Mayank Chang . Parmeet will do better as a director in 2013.