Laughter all the way
Comedy has not been alien to Punjabi movies if one delves into the past. It is time to re-create the magic once more
Jasmine Singh

Gippy Grewal With Punjabi cinema galloping, crossing hurdles, garnering audiences, including the non-Punjabi, we expect it to soon create a worldwide impact. You never know when Jaspal Bhatti walks the red carpet of the Oscars for one of his comedy movies!

That's right, now that Punjabi cinema is trying to experiment with themes, leaving behind the era of bombastic dialogues, we discover it has taken a liking to what we call an integral part of Punjabi cinema — comedy. You win a million dollars if you can list one Punjabi movie that does not have heavy or light comedy injections! Mahual Theek Hai and Jiney Mere Dil Luteya…more and more directors are taking up comedy as a theme for their upcoming projects.

Comedy king Jaspal Bhatti is the man who tickled the funny bone of the audiences in Punjabi cinema. The actor-director gave us Mahaul Theek Hai, an out-and-out comedy flick. In fact, he will be coming up with another heavy-duty comedy movie very soon. “Mahaul Theek Hai was the first cinemascope comedy movie. I feel that the audiences in Punjab are ready for comedy movies. Right now, Punjabi cinema is revolving around soft love stories, but comedy is a genre that we are ready to explore more,” says Jaspal Bhatti.

Jaspal BhattiAnother comedian who has been a vital part of Punjabi cinema, making us laugh endlessly on screen, Gurpreet Ghuggi, will be coming up with a comedy movie in the beginning of the next year. “Let me be honest to you, we don't have hi-rate action thrillers. The industry has limited number of actors working on a given set of themes. At the same time, I think we can pull off a comedy movie better than anything. As compared to an action movie, a comedy one will require lesser budget and we anyway have a natural flair for comedy,” he says.

Natural flair for comedy, well that comes easy to Punjabi cinema! Some years back, audiences would wait for Mehar Mittal to amuse them with his double-meaning jokes. He was as popular as any other actor. For those of you who don't know, comedy was the most sought after theme post Partition. One of the hit comedies was Mulkh Raj Bhakhri's Bhangra (1958), starring Sundar and Nishi. It was remade by director Mohan Bhakhri as Jatti in 1980 with Mehar Mittal and Aparna Chowdhry, and it was again a commercial success. Johnny Walker (1957) was a hit and was later remade under the same title, featuring Mehar Mittal in the lead role and Amitabh Bachchan as a guest star.

You can imagine how important the comedy theme was. Even today Punjabi actors would want to have at least one comedy in their kitty. Actor Gippy Grewal is reading a couple of comedy scripts. “I am doing an action and historical movie. Immediately after it I will be doing a complete comedy movie. This is a genre that is already a hit in Punjab.”

Mind your language
Is it a social sin if you don't know how to pronounce Louis Vuitton? Not just designer tags but even designer names aren't easy to get. For those who care, bringing you a crash course in pronunciation
Manpriya Khurana

It's not about the accent, nor about the phonetics, not even about rolling R's in the right way; it's more about keeping silent at the right times. Was George Bernard Shaw alluding to Herve Leger when he penned, “To correct an Englishman's pronunciation is to imply that he is not quite a gentleman.”

By the way, that's Er Vay Lay Jair! To cut the long story…oops…spelling short, there's no point carrying a Monique Lhullier if you are not keeping quiet about the last 'Lier' hanging in there.

It's okay

As if English wasn't enough already! How big a social sin is it to get the pronunciation wrong? Opines Chanda Malhotra, general manager and grooming expert, Flying Cats, “If you are taking any name or speaking any language, pronunciation matters a lot. If we look at the Indian scenario, people have a lot of degrees but they aren't very well versed with foreign languages. So it's ok if you get a Japanese or a French name wrong.”

However, there's a precondition. She adds, “In case, you are carrying or sporting any of the labels, then any mistake in unpardonable. You are supposed to know about the products you patronise. There I'd consider it a social suicide.” There's an echo. Laughs Deepika Walia, B.Com student, “Just wearing a Chanel bag wouldn't turn you into a Sonam Kapoor; if you are actually going to “Channelise” all your energy into flaunting it and speaking it as such.” She adds, “If you are wearing them, you better get your labels right. Otherwise, it's excusable.”

Shares Vandana Behal, French teacher, Alliance Francaise, “Frenchmen love it if you are trying to speak their language. They don't care if your French is broken or you get the names or streets wrong. They readily accept people trying to incorporate and assimilate their culture.” When in Paris, it's ok to mispronounce!

If French is Greek to you…

It doesn't matter which country's label you carry, but since most of the 'worth flaunting' happen to be those from the various houses of France, we try to grab the lingo by the horns! Shares Vandana Behal, “Though the entire language cannot be zeroed down to rules, there are always bare basics to remember. For example, ez is always A, eau is O, the latter that we call D is The and ou is always OOH!” If that helps anyone! We bet even the average Louis walking down the streets near River Seine would be faltering!

manpriya@tribunemail.com

The ABC …

Before dropping a couple of tag names, it pays to be a little sure of how to take them right. It's restricted to fashion labels, while we're stashing watch logos for another day and somebody please don't even get us started about wines. The list is by no means exhaustive, but enough to get you get started.

  • Givenchy: Ji Vaun Shee
  • YSL: Eeev Saun Lauro
  • Lanvin: Lan Van
  • Christian Louboutin: Loo Boo Tahn
  • Jean Paul Gaultier: Jaun Paul Got Tier
  • Piaget: Pee Ah Zhay
  • Bvlgari: Bull Gur Ee
  • Baume & Mercier: Bowm and Murse ee ay
  • Chopard: Show Pard

Age no bar
Young man, older woman—relationship rules changing

The urban relationship manual is gradually changing a few rules in India. Age is no longer a barrier in relationships in an era of instant chemistry, gender empowerment and lifestyle insecurities.

For a growing number of young men and older women in India, age ceases to play an important part in relationships. India too is seeing its share of what in the West are called cougar women with the tribe of smart women entrepreneurs on the rise — and in relationship mode.

Jayeeta Ghosh, a senior journalist at a leading newspaper in Kolkata, married her former student, eight years her junior after a torrid courtship during a stint in Mumbai.

"It was nostalgia...I was out of home and one day I came across my (present) husband, a sailor, at a party. We reconnected as friends...I told him not to call me ma'am. The fact that I taught, both in college and outside at a private coaching institute, fell aside as we caught up. It was almost like coming home," the 41-year-old journalist recalled.

They married two years later in Mumbai. For Arpita Sen, tying the knot with a younger man was a karmic love story. A former student of Kolkata's Loreto House, Sen met her first "boyfriend", five years her junior, while in high school.

"He was a child...my younger brother's pal. We played together. We met years later when I was in the final years of my college. He had matured. And, somehow there was chemistry. We ended in a physical relationship," Sen said walking down memory lane.

The 38-year-old Sen later married a colleague in California. "But it fell apart...I came back to Kolkata and connected to my brother's friend again. He was older, divorced and ready to settle down again," Sen recalled.

A former director of the Fertiliser Corporation of India, now a technical consultant, recalls how as a trainee he ran away with his girlfriend 10 years his senior.

"We eloped and married in a temple. Rejection of the relationship by the family kept us together...and when she passed away a few years ago, after five decades of companionship, I felt like a wasteland," the former government official, who lives alone surrounded by memories of his 'girlfriend' in Bihar, said. In clinical psychologist Atul Verma's view, "younger people usually are drawn to older people because they are more mature - and more successful". A psycho-analytical theory says younger men are attracted to older women who bear a resemblance to their mother, Verma of the Capital-based Unique Psychological Solutions said. — IANS

A modern palette

Art of living: Kavneet Aggarval Photo: Pradeep Tewari Last time when she decided to play an art curator, the basis of selecting the art works was Buddha, as the subject promised prosperity, health, fame and peace of mind. This time, what changes is only the cause — Buddha paintings are replaced by abstract works.

Geometrical figures in bright colours occupy space on the canvas making for abstract art, the genre that is in tandem with the modern architecture. An art curator, Kavneet Aggarval explains the theory, "According to Feng Shui, the five elements — fire, water, air, metal and wood gets affected by our surroundings, which then influence our life. The paintings with a right mix of colours, if put up on a wall according to Feng Shui, can create a lot of positivity around us." About the shift from al-time favourite subject, Buddha, to abstract work, she says, "The contemporary genre is in more demand than the age-old concept of Buddha paintings; hence efforts are made to bring in the same effect in the abstract art form as well."

Photo: Pradeep TewariKavneet says that the concept also helps improve troubled relationships and bad luck. "Science has proved that energy can neither be created nor destroyed, in that case, it can only be transformed. The paintings help transform the negatives into positives. There are now case studies that prove the effect of Feng Shui."

— Ashima Sehajpal

(On display at Bistro, Sector 7, Chandigarh)

CELEB POINT
The diva magic
Divya Dutta

Show time: Asha Bhosle and Divya Dutta As I told you last week, Hema Malini sat next to me in the early morning flight to Bhopal! She, Asha Bhosle and I were going to be a part of the foundation day of Madhya Pradesh and celebrating the girl child. I was going to host the show where these stalwarts were performing. I was very excited because I'd never seen them performing live and I really wanted to.

I was meeting Hemaji after Baghbaan and there was so much we chatted about; she was very happy with the interesting work I was doing and about the film she directed recently. Grace personified—Hema Malini! Reached Bhopal and did my rehearsal since the programme was about celebrating the girl child, I decided to open the show with the recital of my mother's poem on female foeticide.

The event began in time with a 50,000 plus gathering along with the entire ministry and media—the biggest show gathering I've seen thus far!

And I recited my mother's poem on the dreams of an unborn child who wants to see the outside world, but is killed within. After the recital, the ministers paused for a minute and then stood up to applaud! The mood for the evening was set and I just thanked my mother for those lovely lines.

Then I saw the magic unfold, when Hema Malini performed her ballet on goddess Durga. To perform continuously for two hours is no mean task. Now, everyone was waiting for Asha Bhosle—the 79-year-old evergreen queen of music to perform. She appeared in white and silver and although it was late in the night, her enthusiasm was unparalleled. She began with the song Aaiye meherbaan. I wanted time to stop—what a magical evening.

The next morning I met the two divas at the airport and we got chatting in the lounge. I spoke to Ashaji as if I had known her for ages. She is so vibrant, so full of life! As we got up to board the flight, I just looked at these two women, divas, but with a child-like quality about them. As we walked up to the flight, a lady came up and said — 'Can I click a picture of the three of you and freeze the moment of having my three favourite celebs in front of my eyes together'!

And I did the same…froze the moment in my heart!

(Dutta is a Bollywood actor)

Confidently yours

Nitika Dhingra Photo: Himanshu Mahajan There are only a few fashionistas who can set trends. And these trends become the fashion 'musts' in that point of time. Today's youngsters are quite in sync with what is the latest in the fashion world. Lively and chirpy Nitika Dhingra, a commerce student, believes in being comfortable and stylish at the same time. Here is her take:

Your sense of style

Being stylish for me means being in sync with one's persona and a co-ordinated sense of dressing for a smart visual appeal.

Latest addition to your treasure of clothing or accessories…

A nice pair of heels in black and yellow.

Brand crazy or street pick-ups?

I only look for the fit and cut and of course, it is mostly brands that fit the requirement.

Your style icon would be…

It has to be Deepika Padukone, especially for her make-up and stylishly casual look.

Who do you think is the worst dressed celebrity?

Can't say at all for I feel every body looks good at some point or the other.

Which look would your prefer - sporty, chic or glamorous?

Can I take glamorous and chic both?

One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension…

High heels on wobbly legs!

Your take on accessories

Accessories are very important but they must be coordinated with whatever one wears.

What gives you a high on the confidence level?

I think I am confident all the time!

(As told to Poonam Bindra)

Doubly blessed

Men who become fathers for the first time in their late 20s or early 30s seem much less inclined to commit crimes, use tobacco or alcohol. Researchers assessed more than 200 at-risk boys annually from the age of 12 to 31 years, and examined how men's crime, tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use changed over time.

While previous studies showed that marriage can change a man's negative behaviour, they had not isolated the additional effects of fatherhood, the Journal of Marriage and Family reports.

"These decreases were in addition to the general tendency of boys to engage less in these types of behaviours as they approach and enter adulthood," said David Kerr, assistant professor of psychology at Oregon State University, who led the study.

Researchers also found that men who were well into their 20s and early 30s when they became fathers showed greater decreases in crime and alcohol use. — IANS

Rocking the world
Team Rockstar visits Dubai and London

Going places: Ranbir Kapoor Shree Ashtavinayak CineVision Ltd and Eros International are leaving no stone unturned to give fans the Rockstar touch, and not just in India! Team Rockstar aka Ranbir Kapoor, Nargis Fakhri, director Imtiaz Ali and producer Hiren Gandhi recently flew to Dubai to meet cinegoers and visited some interesting hotspots as part of promotions.

The makers, knowing that Ranbir has a tremendous fan following in the Middle-East, had Team Rockstar visit Wollongong University (one of Dubai's most respected universities) where Ranbir was treated like a real rockstar, go on an exotic dhow cruise and host a party for their fans at one of Dubai's famous night clubs! What's more, we hear that Ranbir enthralled the partygoers at the Dubai club by strumming a few notes of Nadaan Parinde and Saadda Haq as well!

The team is now en route to London, where Team Rockstar will give out special film tickets to cine-goers at one of London's cinema houses, and meet a few chosen winners from the local contests!

The team will be travelling in and around the city, taking in the sights and meeting their fans.

The millionaires check in

Dev Patel and Freida Pinto have moved in together in a posh 1.5 million dollars rental home in Santa Monica. Quite contrary to how they were portrayed in Slumdog Millionaire, the stars in reality are a million miles, or dollars perhaps, away from those characters.

The couple were spotted carrying boxes into the house, which appears to be a in a leafy suburban area of the city, a publication reported. This latest endeavour shows that Pinto and Patel, who met and fell in love on the set of Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire film in 2008, have certainly taken their relationship a step further.

Recently Pinto had admitted that she won't put her relationship before her career.

"We recently realised we need a rule like that, because every time we think we're going to be together, something work-related comes up," she said. "But we can't put our careers on hold for this. We're not at the stage where we have the privilege to turn things down. So we'll say, 'You have two days off? Let's find a way to meet up.' I think you can always make it work if you want to," she added. — ANI

Chaat-pati news

Celebrities love junk food. It's a different matter that they indulge on rare occasions as they have to stay fit and trim. Read on to know more.

Kareena Kapoor

I love vada pav and usal-misal, especially from Ramakant, on the way to Pune. I love spicy food. Once in a way, I indulge myself.

Shazahn Padamsee

I love all kinds of chaat, especially beach-side pav bhaji and falooda.

Sonam Kapoor

I have a weakness for samosa and jalebi. After my weekends, I have to work-out a little longer.

Deepika Padukone

I love eating and making dosas and idlis and other South-Indian food, especially for breakfast. I am pretty good at it.

Priyanka Chopra

I love pizza and burgers. I have a huge appetite and can eat till I feel tired!

Karisma Kapur

I am blessed with a fast metabolism so I can eat what I want and stay slim. I love the street food in Delhi-all the chhole bhature and parathas!

Imtiaz Ali

I love eating on the streets. I love masala chai and I love the parathas in the bylanes of Delhi.

So celebs just like us love all the junk and the street food. Only if we could maintain like them too. — HRM

Depp's diary

Hollywood superstar Johnny Depp thrilled students at Oxford University by stopping by for a question and answer session. The 48-year-old actor hosted a screening of his new movie The Rum Diary at the Oxford Union recently and followed it up by answering students' queries about his late friend Hunter S Thompson, the author of the book on which the film is based.

Depp then interacted with students interested in journalism at a special reception. The event became so popular, organisers held a ballot to determine who received an invitation.

Other famous speakers at the union include Michael Jackson, Winston Churchill and Mother Teresa. — PTI

Beauty and the brawl

Canadian pop singer Avril Lavigne was left bloody and bruised after a bar scuffle where she and boyfriend Brody Jenner were attacked by five others. The 27-year-old Complicated hitmaker and her boyfriend, reality TV star Jenner were enjoying a night out at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel when Lavigne allegedly became involved in an argument with another woman, which resulted in a black eye and a bloody nose, reported a website online.

Jenner reportedly attempted to intervene and was allegedly struck on the head with a bottle during the commotion. He later sought hospital treatment for his injuries.

"I don't fight. I don't believe in it. To clear things up I got attacked by five people last night out of nowhere. Not cool. My face is terrible. As in black eye, bloody nose, hair ripped out, scratches, bruises and cuts. So not OK to be abusive to others. Violence is never the answer," Lavigne wrote on her Twitter account.

She responded almost immediately. "Interesting Saturday night... Just got (out) of the hospital with a new scar on my face... Charges/chargers," Jenner added. — PTI

I was an outcast at school: Taylor
Taylor says he often missed classes

Boyish charm: Taylor Lautner Twilight star Taylor Lautner said his acting career made him a bit of an outcast when he was at school. While to most of us that might be a surprise but that’s how it is. The 19-year-old actor says his budding acting career meant he often missed classes and time with his friends, making his teen years more challenging for him than for other students.

"I had a lot of fun in high school, but was I viewed as maybe a bit of an outcast? Sure.

"I was busy and would sometimes have to leave school and shoot a movie and then come back, or I'd miss a week because I'd be doing a television show. That definitely made it more challenging," she said.

Lautner also said that he had many different friends and he didn't limit his social activities.

"I wasn't the super-popular, hangs-out-with-the-same-crowd kind of guy. I had friends on the football team, friends on the band team, friends on the drama club, and I liked that," he added.

The actor will be seen reprising his role as werewolf Jacob Black in The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 hits cinemas on November 18. — PTI

Time to tell
Justin Timberlake excited about ageing

Singer-turned-actor Justin Timberlake says he is excited about getting older as he no longer worries about things he used to in the past. Timberlake, 30, says he is embracing the ageing process. "In my younger days I looked ridiculous, I've tried to forget the way I looked! Seriously, I like myself more now than I ever have.

I think it's because you just get to a point where age becomes attractive to you in a way.

"When you accept the inevitability that you are ageing, that you are getting older, I think it becomes a thing you settle into. I have no desire to be young again. I'm still young. I still feel very young and I'll always feel very young.”

Meet the angry young woman

TOUGH SIS: Nupur Bhushan Rati Pandey, who shot to fame with her bubbly and cute character Nupur Bhushan from Star One’s Miley Jab Hum Tum, is ready with her new show. Her fans will see a different side of Rati as she plays a strong, dynamic character in Zee TV’s latest primetime offering Hitler Didi. Rati talks about her new innings, character and more.

Why did you choose this show?

The uniqueness of the character and the storyline were primary reasons. I wanted to do something different after Miley Jab Hum Tum. I waited for nine months for this one. I am confident that Hitler Didi will be loved by audiences.

Tell us something about your character…

I play the character of Indira Sharma, who is rather stoic, serious and has forgotten the joy of living, smiling, dreaming and loving. She is the sole bread-earner of her family and loves her family but hates her father who deserted them to marry another woman. She is inexpressive, has no tension in life but is a big problem for her family which is why they call her Hitler Didi.

How is Rati in real life?

(Laughs). I am completely different from Indira. I can relate very well with Nupur who was bubbly and full of life but Indira Sharma is completely different.

How difficult was it to play Indira Sharma?

It was difficult initially but as our shooting proceeded I learnt more about the character. Being an actor, I want to give a convincing performance to my audiences. This character can be blank at times but I have practiced hard to get into the skin of the character and keep a poker face.  

Tell us about your shooting experience in Delhi, especially in Chandni Chowk.

Bahut hi alag flavour hain Delhi main, and where we were shooting was a crowded wholesale market. No one could shoot in that place yet it was my first outdoor shoot for a daily soap which I enjoyed.

Your look in promos is simple. Will you get a makeover in the future?

The makeover can happen in the future because now at this point of time there are no colours in Indira’s life. Perhaps post the entry of Rishi, the male lead, there might be some change in her. So, her look might change as well.

It’s said that your character is inspired by producer Ila Bedi’s character. Is it true?

Ila Bedi is very happy with me and I don’t know if Hitler Didi is based on her life. If it is then it will be easy for me to patao her (laughs).

Different strokes

Years back, she charmed audience with her character as Daksha Ben in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu thi. Since then, there has been no looking-back for the actress as she was flooded with such characters.

She’s once again back on television but with a more serious and a lead character in Ram Milaye Jodi. How does she feel to bagged a lead character after long? ‘It’s been really long since I have done such a character. I am really enjoying the experience. The character is very spicy. It has so many shades to it,’ she tells.

Can she do justice to the character? She explains, ‘I am a theatre person so I have been used to doing different characters. When I was in theatre people used to wonder if I can do comic characters as they say comic characters are the toughest.

CHATTER BOX

Mumbai is home to tinsel town celebrities. Everyday stars go out to party or come home late from a shoot. But do they feel safe after the recent death of two courageous youth, Keenan Santos and Ruben Fernandes, who were stabbed for fighting against eveteasers. We ask the stars if they feel safe in the city during late nights …

Do you feel safe in Mumbai?

Help line: Karan V Grover Karan V Grover

No city is safe for girls. It isn’t about the city. But it is about the authorities. I’m shocked. I don’t know what we are supposed to do to protect ourselves and our loved ones. If the police doesn’t protect us and we protect ourselves such incident happen. They should tell such people that the law is for everyone and promise to take faster action. Although I am extremely worried about my friends and family. Always keep emergency numbers on your speed-dial so you can call and ask for help immediately.

Don’t panic: Abhinav Shukla Abhinav Shukla

I feel frustrated that such an incident happened in Mumbai and it’s maligning city’s reputation. Yet, I feel Mumbai is safe. You can’t judge a city by one or two incidents. I have been staying in Mumbai for quite a while now. I haven’t come across any such incidents with any of my friends, myself or people on the road.

Stand up: Dipali Pansare Pratyusha Banerjee

Once Mumbai was safe but now such unfortunate incidents are happening. I heard about the incident. It was horrifying. The culprits should be hanged to death. I am usually with my friends, so they always take care of me. Safety measures: Sana Sheikh I’d advice everyone to go out in groups, especially if you are a girl. Also, help your friends or others who are drunk. Drop people home.

Sana Sheikh

I have experienced eve-teasing in Mumbai many times. Everybody says that Mumbai is safe but it isn’t. You can’t walk alone on the road in the middle of the night. Boys follow you even in the broad daylight. They touch you or pull your dupatta and run away.  Learning self-defense doesn’t really work when you under such situations. So I’d just advice girls to always travel in public transport or with someone late night.

Be Stern: Pratyusha Banerjee Dipali Pansare

Girls in Mumbai aren’t safe. It’s really shameful. As an actress, we have to travel a lot. We also have to do night shifts. I can’t say I really feel safe in Mumbai after midnight. Play safe: Harshad Chopra I would like to requests Mumbaikars that please don’t keep mum. Speak against eve-teasing and help other girls and people who fight against it.

Harshad Chopra

I grew up in Mumbai and looking back as a teenager we used to feel pretty safe in Mumbai. We could travel anytime in the night. Now, it isn’t the same Mumbai. It has become like any other city filled with crime. Don’t get into any situtaion as you may never know you don’t know what you are in for.

ASTRO TURF
P Khurrana

ARIES: A power-packed day full of activities, fun and friends seem likely. Your mind might be racing, going over and over something that happened in the past or something you want to happen in future. Women, work with caution. Tarot message: Frankness is your strong point. Lucky colour: Brown Magic number: 43

TAURUS: Love, harmony and fun are on the cards. Tension will build for women who take too much interest in their daily work. Atmosphere of imbalance prevails at home. Tarot message: Consolidate your gains instead of throwing security to the winds. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 54

GEMINI: You have the skills to get a project off the ground so do not let self-doubt hold you back. Take someone into confidence and get the ball rolling. Tarot message: Translate your efforts into decisive action and professional achievements. Lucky colour: Forest green Magic number: 27

CANCER: Take your time to finish tasks. Honour yourself as much as the other. Your mind, body and soul are working in unison more than usual at the moment. There can be a small get-together at home. Tarot message: Do not expect too much from others. Lucky colour: Metallic grey Magic number: 25

LEO: Four of Wands, the card of illusion, shows a certain amount of chaos and misunderstanding to interfere with your plans. Early hours could see you encountering difficulties. Do not take your bad temper to work. Tarot message: Try to be active encashing financial opportunities. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 45 

VIRGO: This could be quite a good day for work. Make sure you choose the setting that best fits the mood of your work to ensure success. A close friend brings pleasure in the evening. Working women should avoid gossip sessions. Tarot message: Have faith in yourself. Lucky colour: Red Magic number: 26

LIBRA: Beware of unwise expenditures on your part, especially if you are tempted to speculate. Encroachers can expect a notice from the government. Students should check on their canteen dues. Tarot message: Set the pleasant events into motion. Lucky colour: Royal blue. Magic number: 62

SCORPIO: There is a strong emphasis on emotional ties with family today. You might get a chance to have a meaningful talk with someone you have been concerned about. Be careful before signing any document. Tarot message: Take limited risks while speculating. Lucky colour: Saffron Magic number: 41

SAGITTARIUS: Surprise visitors could change your mind about the whole day. Do not be in the grip of false hopes. Your critical problem is going to be solved. Financial arrangements will be favourable. Tarot message: Lack of confidence or lack of caution can leave you in losses. Lucky colour: Black Magic number: 59

CAPRICORN: This is a great time to go outside and start walking or jogging. Pick your favourite exercising spot. If possible, get a few like-minded friends along to share the fresh air. Check-out all the positives in your life. Tarot message: Listen carefully to words of wisdom. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 49

AQUARIUS: Good vibes abound at home and at work. Teamwork is highlighted and your ability to delegate work could get you a gold star with your boss. Women need to exercise dietary control. Celebrate good luck that comes your way. Tarot message: Don’t waste any opportunity.Lucky colour: Violet Magic number: 61

PISCES: A profitable business deal could solve a few financial problems at home and put your relationship back on a secure ground. People opposing you will harass you in the afternoon. Tarot message: Don’t be bullied into accepting situations you dislike. Lucky colour: Navy blue Magic number: 50

THE YEAR AHEAD
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is November 9...

Doing things halfway or having meaningless relationships is not your cup of tea. This ability to understand human motivation and nature can be too close for comfort for some and enormously comforting for others. Number nine is a tolerant, somewhat impractical and sympathetic. Ruled by Mars you are Jack of all trades, humanitarian, sympathetic, helpful, emotional, tolerant, active and determined. If expressed negatively, you are financially careless, moody, bullying, overly emotional, sullen and restless. As lovers you will be involved and helpful. You’ve had some fantastic ideas of late and now the time for action has arrived.

Time may be short at the beginning of 2012, but your work life is long, so think about the benefits of lending a helping hand and building relationships. Then you’ll want to take a step sideways in order to see the best path. Stars recommend acting with patience and focusing on precise objectives. Beware of a jealous Virgo colleague. Self-employed people will have new ideas. Do not be too quick to accept apologies. Some ties are meant to be cut, regardless of how tight they may have once been. Solving personal issues with or for members is very likely but don’t ‘push or press’ for results; patience is your best ally, especially after the problem has revealed itself. Personal illness or fatigue may require you to ‘call in favours’ and cooperation from members. Career opportunity will collide with your personal agenda.

Investments are likely to bring gradual profits. Creative interests, recreational activities and children’s affairs will also engage your attention. Call upon a Gemini, Virgo, Aries or the best of your pals for a fast fix. Mood: Clever and far-sighted. Compatible signs: Scorpio, Libra. Lucky colours: Khaki, Hot pink. Lucky days: Thursday and Friday. Lucky numbers: 9, 10, 14, 22, 40. Lucky flower: Satin-flower. Lucky gem: Coral

Payal RohatgiPayal Rohatgi (November 9, 1980 Hyderabad) was a finalist at the Femina Miss India contest in 2000. This success encouraged Payal to enter the entertainment industry and so she moved to Mumbai. She started her career with modelling and first appeared in Bollywood performing in Harry Baweja’s 2002 Yeh Kya Ho Raha Hai?, then in 36 China Town. She was in a cameo opposite Ranvir Shorey in film Ugly Aur Pagli and with Irfan Khan in a TV18 film Dil Kabaddi.





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