GRAND MARSHAL
It is the biggest, most luxurious event to accelerate the fashion quotient of motor sports in India. As the F1 inches closer, we talk to the lucky few in Chandigarh who have earmarked their date with speed, as marshals.
Vasudha Gupta

When it comes to motorsports, it does not gather any more élan than Formula 1. As the multi-turbo-charged engines reverberate in India, for the very first time we catch up with the few from Chandigarh who will be in the middle of the sun, speed and sound!

Age is really not the criterion for getting in the middle of the craze. Therefore, the age-group spreads across a spectrum. "The adrenalin needed for an event of this magnitude can only be found in the young blood," says a much-excited Ambar Pal Singh Shante. All of 21, he is already in the rush mode and packing lots of sunscreen. A part of the recovery team, he has had some great moments learning the art of marshalling from the experts from Bahrain. From wearing club T-shirts to letting go of Diwali celebrations, these enthusiasts are staking it all.

Sandip Mahil, from the Gerrari Off Roaders Club, Chandigarh, is doing all that. Excited about speed, sound and the glitterati attached with the event, as a track marshal he is certain that his recent Raid De Himalaya experience will come in handy. "I am into marshalling from the past couple of years and F1 has been a cherished dream," he says.

In this very male-oriented event, emotions run high as he talks about watching F1. Navpreet Singh Aujla, fondly called 'Navi', owner of Visions Software firm, is leaving behind a lot to be a part of the event. "Diwali and my birthday are the two events that my staff organises for me. My manager did not believe that I wasn’t here for Diwali," he says.

As an FI Fan since childhood, it has a lot more meaning for this ex-SAJOBA president. "My association with Formula 1 has been so long that in 2007, as the president of SAJOBA, we had a Formula 1 car at the winter ball," he adds. Heading the fire and rescue team at the event, he recollects the sun-burnt memories from the recent training. "We had significant colour variations in the training," he laughs.

Hemant Kaushal, a young entrepreneur from Chandigarh, is the calmer one. "Our job is to react and that is all we will do," he says. Into motorsports since a long time, he is certain that keeping a tab on the excitement will help. A part of the intervention team, he is equipped to handle the 'incidents'. "It does not mean accidents essentially; oil spills can also amount to incidents," he laughs. Set to test the waters of a real motor sporting event, the rush spills over. "Rallying is easier, this is definitely tougher," he says.

And then there are few, already there and absorbing much more than what was expected, like Nikhil Jaspal. "Chandigarh should be proud, as all three chiefs in the recovery team are from here," he says. In awe of the infrastructure, he is amazed as to how it is at par with any international motorsports event. "This one event will raise the stakes for all such events and help the motorsports industry in a big way," he says.

If there are entrepreneurs and students who are a part of it, it's a little different story for a few. Hitchhiking since the past one year, Rahul Gulati, a part of the recovery team, is looking forward to everything that revolves around F1. "So far, it has been a fun experience," he says. Talking from the track, he doesn't mind talking about the heat. "F1 is all about the speed; so really the crashes are unavoidable," he adds. Grand Prix is the one thing that will go down in history today," That is what it is all about," he smiles.

Revving up the engine already?

vasudha@tribunemail.com

Fun Formula
Away from cricket and Bollywood, Chandigarh folks are all geared up for the Formula One event at Noida
Jasmine Singh

Jayant Pathak When a cricket and Bollywood crazy country shifts its focus to something else, it is a seemingly important thing. And well, it looks like it is - Formula One is the much-talked about thing in the sports and non-sports circuit as of now. Interestingly, it has taken precedence over Shah Rukh Khan's over-hyped, over-marketed Ra One and everything else!

So, it is F1 fever and people from Chandigarh are revved up to get up, close and personal. After all, it is 'classy' and 'in' to watch Formula One! We share notes with people who are ready to join the race at Buddh International Circuit.

Turn 3

National prestige and global exposure, F1 boasts of doing all and even more for motor-racing. Apurav Aggarwal from Chandigarh is an avid follower of F1. He had an opportunity to watch it in Italy last year. "My entire family will watch it and yes we are looking forward to a great show," he says. "The good part is that much is being written and talked about this event. So, people know the game quite a bit," he shares. "Karun Chandok had tweeted some time back that turn 3, 8 and 9 are good. So, I have tickets for turn 3, and my father for 8 and 9. I would be hopping between the three places," says Apurav.

On your mark

This isn't cricket or football where you can sport spikes, dreadlocks or crew cut. This is F1 where style lies in speed. When it comes to Chandigarh, it invariably has to do everything in style. Temporary tattoos will be a rage back home. Abhay Singh Bajwa and his wife Manreen Bajwa from Mohali have got a red Ferrari tattooed for the day. "It just adds an extra zing to the whole excitement factor," smiles Abhay, showing the small red Ferrari on his bicep. "Don't miss even Manreen is sporting one on her hand," he shows it off. Munish Bajaj, director, Tress Lounge offers a whole range of new tattoos for the event. "Flags, cars and even tracks, we will be doing all kinds of tattoos."

Show time

So what if the action is not happening in Chandigarh, we still have loads to offer in the complementary section. City hotels and restaurants are doing their bit to spice up the event. Peddlers-35 has come up with a concept of open talent where people can talk and share their views on anything related to F1. "You could even mimic the sound of the cars," says Vipul Dua, owner of Peddlers, the place that is geared up for Formula One with flags. The Lobby in Sector-26 will host promotional activities on the same and a big screen to watch the race is just one part of it.

Family Wise

Harakaran Brar and his family of four are all already in Gurgaon for the event. He booked the tickets well in advance and now is the time to reap dividends. "I haven't been following F1 but from the last few weeks I have only been reading on it. I am expecting an interesting show, fine tracks, awesome racing and all the paraphernalia for an event like this," he shares.

Three Cheers

Jayant Pathak, a banker, is looking forward to an exciting event. "When it is happening in India and for the first time, you can't possibly miss out. I haven't followed any rule for tickets, a corner, curve and a straight line; the funda has been pretty simple," he adds. Bambi Sood co-owner Monicas Pudding and Pies in Sector-8 is already in Delhi to catch the action. I always wanted to see it live; now it is happening in India so how could I miss out on it. I wanted to hear the sound and feel of it," he provides.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Classic treat
SD Sharma

The seventh three-day Brahaspati Sangeet Samaroh organised by Brahaspati Kala Kendra and Research Institute and Sadbhavana Arts commencing on October 28 is all set to regale the classical music and dance lovers of Tricity. Meet the maestros who will light up your evenings:

October 28: Classical Vocalist Gundecha Brothers, from Bhopal

The famous Gundecha Brothers, namely Pandit Umakant and Pandit Rama kant, are one of the leading exponents of dharupad gayaki. Honoured with Kumar Gandharwa award, Dagar gharana award and national Rajat Kamal film award-2006 for music direction, the globe-trotting maestros have performed in over 25 countries.

Young promising classical vocalist Kumari Nisha Mishra and disciple of Saubhgya Vadhan opens up the samaroh with her recital before Gundecha Brothers.

October 29: Vidushi Sulochana Brahasapati from Delhi

An accomplished classical vocalist Vidushi Sulochana Brahsapati is the foremost doyenne of the Rampur-Sadarang tradition. She got advanced training under the tutelage of her illustrious husband KCD Brahaspati and keeping his legacy forward along with disciple, son and acclaimed musicologist Subhagya Vardhan Brahsapati. Honoured with MP Sangeet Natak Akademi and National Sangeet Natak Akademi awards, she has performed extensively abroad.

October 30: Kathak Guru Rajender Gangani

The foremost exponent of Jaipur gharana of kathak, Guru Rajender Gangani learnt from his father and guru Pandit Kundan Lal Gangani, the renowned maestro of his times. He has the distinction of performing at the top venues in the world as a soloist and also choreographing classical ballets at International festivals.

Noted tabla exponent Harsih Kumar Jha will give a solo recital before the Kathak performance, the grand finale to the sangeet samaroh.

The accompanists include Vinod Mishra and Mohd. Yousuf on sarangi, Fateh Singh, Harish Jha, Vijay Parihar and Mehmood Khan on tabla.

(At Law Bhawan Auditorium-37 from 6 pm onwards)

Generation leap
Gen X leading happy, enriching lives

Long branded as a bunch of edgy, angst-ridden underachievers, members of Generation X are actually leading quite active, enriching and happy lives, so says a new study. "They are active in their communities, mainly satisfied with their jobs, and able to balance work, family, and leisure," said study author and political scientist Jon Miller from the University of Michigan (UM).

Miller directs the Longitudinal Study of American Youth at the UM Institute for Social Research which includes responses from approximately 4,000 Gen Xers — born between 1961 and 1981.

"The 84 million Americans in this generation between the age of 30 and 50 are the parents of today's school-aged children," Miller said.

"And over the next two or three decades, members of Generation X will lead the nation in the White House and Congress. So, it's important to understand their values," he added.

Two-thirds of Generation X adults are married and 71 per cent have children at home. Three-quarters of the parents of elementary school children say they help their children with homework, with 43 per cent providing five or more hours of homework help each week. Thirty per cent of Gen X adults are active members of professional organisations, and one in three is an active member of some other organisation.

Ninety-five per cent talk on the phone at least once a week with friends or family, and 29 per cent say they do so at least once a day. "In sociologist Robert Putnam's book Bowling Alone, he argued that Americans were isolated socially," Miller said. "But this data indicates that Generation X members are not bowling alone." — IANS

Face off
Most students worry that Facebook postings may come back to haunt them in later life, says a new study

A new survey has revealed that almost half of students are worried that personal details they have shared on social networking sites, such as Facebook, as well as elsewhere online, might affect their future career prospects. The survey, carried out by YouGov for the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), found that four out of 10 students (42 per cent) are concerned that Facebook postings could come back to haunt them in later life.

It also revealed that many students are not adequately protecting themselves against the risk of identity theft.

The researchers found that a third of students who have lived at several addresses while at university still have not arranged the redirection of their most important post to their current university address.

Two thirds of students have never checked their credit rating, allowing suspicious credit applications to go unnoticed.

"In tough times, young people are clearly less relaxed about privacy, particularly in relation to information that they post online - but many may not know what they can do about it," the Telegraph quoted Christopher Graham, the information commissioner, as saying.

The ICO study has been released to coincide with the launch of its new 'Student Brand Ambassador' campaign - a nationwide project aimed at raising young people's awareness of information rights. — ANI

the ‘in’ side
So much vanity
Dressing tables can make or mar a bedroom’s beauty
Sukhmani

A dressing table is an important part of a bedroom. There was a time when home owners would love to have a large dressing table. Although the focus has now shifted to many other furniture items, still, dressing tables do have a significant place in a bedroom.

  • If your room is small, go in for a built in vanity as it will save floor space. Larger rooms can have a free standing dressing table.
  • The colour of a dressing table should match your master bed.
  • Look for nooks in your bedroom where you can fit a small vanity. Place the vanity table next to an electrical outlet for maximum function.
  • If your room décor is contemporary, look for smaller console tables in a contemporary design, painted in a graphic white or black.
  • For a chic room, paint the vanity with a distressed cream finish. If your room is art deco, look for a vintage vanity with inlaid wood and subtle curved lines.
  • Vanity seating is traditionally a small stool that tucks underneath the dressing table. Use a painted dining room chair for added back support.
  • For a teenager's room you can go for a funky look by painting it a hot pink or black and using an animal print on the chair.
  • Accessorise the dressing table in a way that is functional as well as beautiful.
  • A new look can be added to your vanity table by skirting it with a beautiful floral print.
  • If you have space, opt for a vanity that has shelves and drawers. This adds to the storage space in your room.
  • If you have small children, it's advisable not to have anything too low. Go for something that's high up and is wall mounted.

(Sukhmani is Chandigarh-based interior and landscape designer)

MASTER CHEF
Mutton Bafad
Arun Lama

Ingredients

1 kg Mutton

5 Madras chilli

5 Kashmiri chilli

1/2 cup Paper corn

1 Jeera seeds

1 tbs Coriander seeds

1 inch Cinnamon

5 Cloves

1 tbs Turmeric powder

4 Onions

4 Green chilli ( fine Chopped)

1 inch Ginger (fine chopped )

8 cloves Garlic (fine chopped)

1/2 cup Vinegar cup

1 tbs tamarind paste

Method

Grind the chilli and other masala ingredients to a fine powder. Apply salt and vinegar to the meat. Mix the chopped ingredients to the meat and the dry masala and marinate this for a few hours. Cook the entire mixture on high heat. When the mixture starts boiling, lower the fire and simmer on slow fire till the meat is tender and oil float on top. Add salt and vineger. Stir the mixture every now and then serve. (Lama is executive chef, A-Hotel Ludhiana)Arun Lama

HEART TALK
It's workable
Parvesh Rana

I am 28-year-old, newly married woman. I stay in a joint family. I want to resume work, but I don't know how to approach the topic. Do you think it would be wise to ask my in- laws about it? I am skeptical about how they would react?

I think you should hang on for a while, and then express your desire. Discuss the idea with your husband, and then share it with rest of the members of the family. I don't see any big deal if you want to start working again. Take note of your responsibilities and do whatever you want in life.

Spiritual dilemma

I am a 27-year-old bachelor. My parents want me to get married, but I want to join an ashram in Jaipur. How do I tell them that I don't want to get married, and dedicate my life to the service of my guru?

I think you should give it a profound thought before taking such a step. Discuss it with your friends and family and figure out the reason as to why you want to do it. In the end, it is your life but don't fall prey to any false sermons, and rethink about your decision because it will change your and your parents' life forever.

(Rana is a television anchor)

Cheating? Not done!

TV star Kendra Wilkinson says her marriage would be over if she ever found out husband Hank Baskett had cheated on her. Wilkinson, 26, could never accept an affair and is adamant if her NFL player husband had a relationship with another woman it would be the end of their marriage. "If the man is emotionally not there in the relationship then he is not going to be there. I would never stay with someone who cheated," she said.

Wilkinson, who has a 22-month-old son with her husband, also believes flirting with other women via text message or on social networking sites constitutes as cheating. "Cheating starts with the mind. It can depend on whether you have an open relationship and if your partner says it's ok and they know you are flirting with other people and they are ok with it that's different but if you are going into a relationship one-on-one and you go off flirting then that is cheating for me. — PTI

first-day-first show
Game for this?

Ra.one is a sci-fi movie based on gaming, bad guys and super-heroes. In the movie, Shahrukh Khan plays the role of a father who is trying hard to 'fit-in' into his son's world; a son trying hard to 'dude-up' his dad. And a mother lost in between her husband and son. While Shekhar tries every trick in the book to woo his son, his son gives up on him.

Just when the father-son duo hit a deadlock, Shekhar strikes gold when he designs one fantastic game.

Finally, it all starts falling in place as the family comes together, only to find themselves in the middle of a crash — not just a hard drive crash but a crash that would drive them to a disaster. All hell breaks loose when the game that is meant to be played with starts playing with them!

Starring: Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor

Impressive thriller

The special effects are very impressive. Overall the movie is a thrilling one. Teenagers would love it.

— Devang Garg, student

SRK, the real hero

Shah Rukh definitely proves to be a real super-hero. The movie rests completely on him. He is indeed a super hero.

— Jhanvi Goel, employee

Game on

The movie is worth seeing, at least once, although it gives one a feeling of a video game.

— Saurabh Mehtani, student

Star-struck

The storyline of the movie isn't that great since Bollywood movies break into a song any moment, but as I'm a great fan of Shah Rukh Khan I enjoyed the movie.

— Mallika Jolly, employee

Low on expectations

The movie is a confused pack of imitations from Hollywood movies. According to what I expected from the promotions, it was nothing great.

— Rahul Bahl, student

(As told to Sabia Talwar)

Dharmendra gets candid

Charm personified: Dharmendra Dharmendra, the original He-Man of Bollywood, still has a dashing charm about him. At 75, he can still hold the audience with his wit and charm. With his movie Tell Me Oh Khhuda releasing alongside Ra.One, people have raised eyebrows. However, Dharmendra has no issues. “I hope Ra.One does really well. Everyone works to earn in Bollywood so we wish each other the best,” says Dharmendra.

While speaking of the movie, he says, “Tell Me Oh Khhuda is a sweet story of a girl looking for her father. People who like a simple, feel-good story will come and watch it,” he says.

On Hema Malini

Working with Hema after so many years was refreshing. She had this idea and decided to direct the movie. She is very honest and a hard worker. She never missed a day of shooting, as she wanted everything to be perfect. She is a great producer as well.

Over to scripting

You’ve heard it right. I am writing a script about three people—a boy who flirts, a girl who he falls in love with and an old man who wants to try his luck in Bollywood and how destiny brings them together.

B-town today

Bollywood has changed a lot. It is more corporate like and the work culture has changed. At the end of the day, however, it is about entertainment. I can see a number of films releasing on the same day. So, we have ventured into genres. — HRM

Mutual admiration club

Pop star-turned-actor Justin Timberlake has heaped praise on his former Mickey Mouse Club co-star Ryan Gosling saying he’s one of the finest young actors in Hollywood. The Cry Me a River hit maker grew up with Gosling and the two cast mates even lived together as their TV careers took off and Timberlake is very proud of his pal’s success.

“He’s unbelievable, I think one of the best actors of our generation... He is working a lot too. It’s hard to keep up with him,” he said on a TV show.

Timberlake has very fond memories of hanging out with Gosling when the two pre-teens were on the verge of stardom. “His mother had to keep her job in Canada the second year that we were on the television show and my mom was his guardian for, like, six months, so we actually lived together. We were probably a little closer than the rest of the kids that were on the show just because we had to share a bathroom,” Timberlake said.

“We used to do terrible things. We thought we were so cool when we were on the Mickey Mouse Club. Looking back on them, they weren’t as bad as I thought they were at the time. We stole a golf cart. And we we’re like, ‘Yeah, man. We’re stealing a golf cart...’ but... it’s, like, on a back lot; there’s golf carts everywhere. “We stole the golf cart and we drove into Mgm Studios, which is totally illegal by the way... We went and got milkshakes,” he added. — PTI

‘Knot’ kidding!

Hollywood star Jennifer Aniston has slammed marriage and pregnancy rumours, insisting she’s piled on the pounds since she quit smoking. The former Friends star and actor-director Justin Theroux began dating earlier this year and Aniston recently sparked rumours she’s engaged and expecting her first child after sporting a ring on her wedding finger and a fuller figure.

But now she’s spoken out to address the gossip about their relationship, insisting it’s still early days for the couple.

“Rumour Number One. I am not planning to get married any time soon. This ring that I’m wearing is not an engagement ring. I’ve been married once and I don’t know if I’ll get married again, but I can tell you that as of this very moment, as of today, I have no plans to get married. Got that? “Okay.

And Rumour Number Two, no, we’re not pregnant. It’s just I quit smoking, so I’ve gained a couple of pounds. So - not pregnant and not getting married any time in the near future that I’m aware of. You see? All it takes to get the truth is to ask me!” Aniston said. — PTI

Natural instinct

BEAUTY SECRETS: Shubhangi Atre Television actress Shubhangi Atre aka Trishna from the newly launched Colors' show Hawan looks beautiful as she has maintained herself over the years. Mother of one, here she shares some important beauty and hair tips:

What are the items you incorporate in your diet to keep your skin healthy?

I drink coconut water daily. I eat sprouts and fruit salad. The fruits vary from apple, papaya, banana and pineapple. I drink lots of water. I drink lemon juice daily that provides me ample vitamin C. I eat papaya for vitamin E. In the afternoon, I drink green tea instead of regular tea. I eat one amla every alternate day. I prefer black pepper as that has vitamin E.

Do you believe in skin treatments or prefer natural remedies?

I prefer natural remedies as we are a part of nature. I not only drink orange juice and lauki juice, I even use them on my face. I use apricot and tomato on my face as a scrub. Besan mixed with turmeric powder is also a good face scrub. Tomato juice and honey mixed with lemon juice and white pepper powder works well for anti ageing while mixture of olive oil, fresh malai and honey works wonder for the skin.

What is your normal skin care routine? How often do you cleanse your skin and moisturise?

I wash my face with water when I reach back home. I remove my make up thoroughly. I use serum for moisturising. Before going to bed, I put herbal aroma skin serum before sleeping.

Do you do regular facials, cleanups or spa treatments to pamper your skin?

I go to spa for massage once in 12 days. I do clean up at my own house only with my home-made remedies.

What is your hair care regimen?

Once a week, I use warm olive oil with some camphour and massage my hair. I make personal hair pack of tur dal powder which is soaked overnight.

Any skin care tips you can recommend to our readers.

Two personal secrets for readers- I eat methi dana powder in warm water daily that solves swelling problem and under eye puffiness. Second for under eyes, put kesar overnight in kaccha milk and use it as a facepack in the morning for 15-20 minutes.

Angry young woman

New leaf: Abhishek Bachchan and Bipasha Basu It seems Bipasha Basu gets angry when she is asked about her ex, John Abraham and about the new girl in his life.

A journalist faced her wrath recently at a shoot. Bipasha almost threatened to stop shooting but the crew managed to pacify her. We wish her emotions a speedy recovery!

Meanwhile, she’s bonded with old friends and made new ones while shooting for Players.

She has been friends with Abhishek for a while, she is very fond of Sonam Kapoor and has bonded really well with Neil and Omi Vaidya! See, so people can be friends in the industry.

CHATTER BOX

A Class apart

Though there are hundreds of films releasing every week, the lure of a classic is unmatchable. Like they say old is gold, there is a nostalgia and sentiments attached with classics. Not just us but celebs too love watching classics. We got TV celebs talking about their all-time favourite classic film.

OLD IS GOLD: Aishwarya SakhujaAishwarya Sakhuja

My all-time favourite classic film is Shree 420. I am a big fan of Nargis. I was just stuck with her beauty when I first saw the film. I love watching it again and again. And I think Raj Kapoor was mind-blowing in it.

Gaurav Chopra

Nothing can beat Godfather. I have seen it numerous times and won't mind watching it again and again. It's one of the best films ever made and I believe it's a true classic film.

DIE-HARD FAN: Karan KundraKaran Kundra

Godfather- it's not classic but a cult film. No movie has been made like this and no one can even make anything like this. I have seen it 10 times and I can watch it hundred times.

Ashita Dhawan

Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge is my favourite classic film. I have seen it 55 times. The love, romance, family bonding and chemistry cannot be remade. Another classic favourite film is Satte Pe Satta. The film was a mix of everything — bonding, romance, action and drama.

Romit Raj

Jurassic Park and Titanic are my Hollywood favourites. I can watch them any number of times. And in Hindi I think nothing compares to Mughal-e-Azam.

ALL IN ONE: Muskaan MehaniMuskaan Mehani

There are so many that it's hard to pick one. But two films I absolutely love are Khubsoorat starring Rekha and Masoom starring Shabana Azmi. These are my all-time favourite films. The characters are well developed. Songs, storyline, relationships and the father-son bonding is so well shown in the film that no matter how many times you have seen it, you will love watching it again and cry again.

Shweta Salve Shweta Salve

For me, Pretty Woman starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts is a classic film. They performed brilliantly. I must have watched it numerous times but I still enjoy watching it. I love the movie Giant too. In the story, Jordan and Leslie raise their family and grow old together which is wonderful to watch.

On the dance floor

R&B singer Chris Brown has signed up to star in a new film about the art of break dancing. The 22-year-old Kiss Kiss hit maker will team up with Lost actor Josh Holloway and Avatar’s Laz Alonso for Planet B Boy, reported a website online. The movie, which will be based on Benson Lee’s 2007 documentary about the dance form’s integration into mainstream culture, will follow an all-star break dancing crew. — PTI

Wedding woes

Reality TV star Kim Kardashian says her two-month marriage to Kris Humphries isn’t ideal because there is so much publicity surrounding their union. The 31-year-old socialite, who wed the basketball star in a lavish ceremony in August, said because of the publicity surrounding them they are finding it hard to get some time alone. — PTI

ASTRO TURF
P Khurrana

ARIES: This is a good time to compete for a position of power. A general feeling of dissatisfaction lingers throughout the day. You are in a generous mood and may embark on a shopping trip to buy gifts for friends and family. Tarot message: Use your instinct to get into the top circle of power. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 62. 

TAURUS: Your imagination can run wild. You will get promoted if you have acted professionally in times of crisis.Steer clear of money wasting activities. You won't impress anyone by being generous. Tarot message: Learn from past experiences and don't make similar mistakes again. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 42.

GEMINI: Make a list of incomplete tasks. Love ties grow stronger. Children may be annoyed if they feel restricted. You will have excellent ideas for changing or renovating your home. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from drawing their own conclusions. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 46.

CANCER: Your card strengthens your position. Engaging conversation with neighbours create a confusing atmosphere. You can have quite a romantic adventure. Take out time for your partner. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish tasks which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 26.

LEO: Try to spend time with your partner. Changes at your home are apparent, and you should be willing to bend if you don't want to find yourself alone. Do not enter into any speculation. Tarot message: Take thing one at a time instead of too many. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 47.

VIRGO: Your card encourages you to be active and clever. You are most effective while dealing with little things, even if you get annoyed with their triviality. Peacefully resolve recent hassles. Tarot message: Listen carefully to words of wisdom even if you do not relish them. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 61.

LIBRA: Friends can get on your nerves today. Mixing business with pleasure works well for you. Plan a special romantic evening with your partner. Romantic relationships are on a high. Tarot message: You will receive a useful tip at the stock exchange which can be put to profitable use. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 30.

SCORPIO: You gain balance, perspective and clarity in relationships. Studies will help fine-tune your capabilities to perfection. You have more phone calls than usual to cope with at the moment. Tarot message: Allow a sick situation blow over before you start a new project. Lucky colour: Burgundy. Magic number: 32.

SAGITTARIUS: Do not take undue pressure. Indulge yourself in pleasures like eating and sleeping. Think twice before taking independent decisions. You will be able to correct mistakes with important projects. Tarot message: Balance will lead you out of problematic situations. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 39.

CAPRICORN: Your cards bring success in whatever you do today. You could be in a restless and irritable mood and loved ones may bear the brunt of your temper. Romance could lead to happy moments. Tarot message: Remember never to fall for false promises. Lucky colour: Golden Yellow. Magic number: 35.

AQUARIUS: An exciting day ahead. Even the longest of journeys start with the first steps. Make initial moves to get the ball rolling in the right direction. There could be lot of activities at work, leading to additional job responsibilities. Tarot message: Handle things in a mature way. Lucky colour: Rust. Magic number: 54.

PISCES: Your health and well being are a priority. A new approach to an old problem can be the ultimate solution. You prefer working on your own terms rather than working in a team. Music and arts are uplifting. Tarot message: Try a new off-beat style of handling things. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 43.

THE YEAR AHEAD
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is October 28...

As you are a number one Scorpio, you won't feel lukewarm about anything in 2012. Use the indelible strength to progress towards your passions. The Sun gives you energy and stamina to achieve goals in any arena you choose, whether you want to run a marathon, start a non-profit organisation or find a life partner!

Despite your efforts, you'll feel bitter as income is a little low and you'll try to find out the reasons and deal with this. If you are single, devote today that is your birthday to a new acquaintance. On the other hand, if you are in a relationship, use today to improve it.

Distancing yourself from the crowd will make you very unhappy. It's time to blend in, even if you feel like you have nothing in common with the rest of the group. While you're a lot more sedentary than your friends, this can actually work in your favour. People enjoy being in your company, because it's a welcome respite from all the stress being generated around. You'll be very eloquent and this will allow you to win over people and to improve your social life. Those working in a team can experience some difficulties. Students preparing for their exams will need to put in extra effort to achieve the desired results. If you allow outsiders to sap your vitality, you will suffer greatly. A small setback is likely and if this one unfolds in career/job, you may need family co-operation. Don't depend on luck in any professional or business affair. You'll have to face minor problems in your profession. By the end of 2011 the problems will be solved.

Pankaj ParasharCelebrations are likely, marking accomplishments of some kind. You need to stick to a good food habit. Keep your blood pressure in control. Romance can flourish with a friend. Mood: A bit over worked but optimistic. Compatible signs: Sagittarius, Cancer. Lucky colours: Lavender, magenta. Lucky days: Thursday and Friday. Lucky numbers: 6, 15, 16, 21, 22. Lucky Flower: Yellow dog rose. Lucky gem: Turquoise — the healing gemstone.

Pankaj Parashar (October 28 ) is a film and television director known for Jalwa , Chaalbaaz and television detective series Karamchand (1985). He also makes television commercials, corporate films and documentaries. Parashar's Malfunction was awarded the 1980 Filmfare award for best documentary. His last venture Benaras was set in Benaras city, starring Urmila Matondkar and Naseeruddin Shah as leads.





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