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A friend’s diary
The intensity of his poetry blazes through corridors of time. Few, nay none in Punjab’s literary circles, are unaware of the literary merit of radical poet Avtar Singh Sandhu better known as Paash. So
when a friend decides to write a book on the poet, hailed as a milestone in Punjabi sahit jagat, he wants the world to know Paash — the person and the human being.
Well-known lyricist and writer Shamsher Singh Sandhu, who has penned a book Ek Paash Eh Vi, qualifies, “I wanted the spotlight to rest on Paash, the man who cried and laughed, who was naughty and sweet; who loved and hated too.” Interestingly, Sandhu, who had a close association with Paash for over a decade, recalls how the legendary poet was an anarchist who would create to destroy and often there would be acrimonious fights with friends. In one letter written to Sandhu, he has even mentioned how they would not remain friends for too long! Of course, the breaking point came by way of a tragic event. But Sandhu had met Paash a few days prior to the day he was felled by terrorists in 1988. So what took Sandhu over two decades to write this book? Discloses Sandhu, “I had no intention of writing the book, but as I would often share anecdotes with friends they would often goad me - why don’t you write a book?” And when he published a few chapters in Punjabi Tribune, the response was so overwhelming that he immediately knew there was a vast readership wanting to know more about Paash. But when a friend becomes a raconteur… isn’t objectivity affected? Surprisingly, critics like Dr Nahar Singh have lauded Sandhu for maintaining the dispassionate distance, even though the book contains many intimate moments and personal letters. Reasons Sandhu, “Paash’s letters were no ordinary mails; just take away the four lines about whom these were addressed to and you will find a literary piece within those letters.” In fact, Sandhu reminisces how quickly Paash would move from the personal to universal, from simple one-liners to deeper philosophy of life. As for the deeper analysis of his poetry, though Sandhu has refrained from offering literary criticism of Paash’s poetry he admits that the poet and the person can’t be separated. So there is a chapter by Dr Nahar Singh on Paash’s poetry offering a critical overview. Similarly, while the book doesn’t carry comments of what others have to say, the writer has also included a moving poem, Larzda Neer, which eminent Punjabi poet Surjit Patar had written when Paash passed away. As for Paash’s poetry, well once again Sandhu has not dwelt much over it but he has given the backgrounder to about 10-odd poems such as Sab Taun Khatarnak, Kande Da Zakhm, Yudh te Shaanti and Pind De Mundiyaan de Naa, among others, detailing how and when those poems were written. No wonder even die-hard aficionados of Paash after reading excerpts of the book feel that they will have to read him again. But then to throw new light on the man and the poet, whose poetry was part of MA University syllabus when he was barely in pre-university, is Sandhu’s raison d’etre anyway.
nonika@tribunemail.com
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The big, fatter Indian wedding
We have a typical reel life scene being replicated in real, well that’s the magic of the big fat Indian wedding, which has got much fatter! Having organised many marriages, Jagdish Kumar Nagar from Jai Hind Wedding Planners in Sector 30, Chandigarh, says, “Nowadays a wedding is not just about solemnising a marriage, it is associated with glamour, fun and excitement. More and more parents want glamourous weddings for their children. This was not the case earlier.” Talking about trends he says, “Lavish is an understatement for the marriages these days, as even the arrival of the bride and groom in helicopters is considered passe. People want things that have not happened before. Grooms like to come in a Rolls Royce if that can be hired and brides like to start their journey of a new life in a vinatge car. For special effects don’t even talk of laser lights, as 3D surprises and 5G technologies are the latest craze.” Well, that’s the magic an Indian wedding can spin around it. For Aditya Sahu, an employee of a telecom company, marriage is an ocassion of life and must be celebrated in style; so he wanted his wedding to be different. “Since marriage is a one-time thing in life, I want it to be different so we started with invites that are not the usual hardboard cards, but photo-frames with flight tickets for the ones who wanted to attend the wedding. Other than that, we have a lavish spread of menu that included cuisines from the world-over. We have got our dresses designed from Study by Janak, which is a well-known designer boutique since 1986.” “Customisation is the wedding trend of the day,” says Gurjot Singh from Big Showz events. He adds, “Nothing is left to imagination when it comes to marriages these days; all that people want is a grand affair that has not been witnessed so far. Punjabi singers at the sangeet and reception are also passe; people now prefer Bollywood item girls at the wedding. Arrival of the groom in a six-horse chariot or on an elephant is the latest craze. Vidai in a traditional palki is another. Elevated and revolving stages that have an automatic petal shower is also a craze these days, but everything gets stale after a few days. One has to innovate each day.” Manorama and Amit Sood from Shimla wanted their daughter’s weddings to be different, so they chose the theme of a star-lit night. “We always wanted our daughter’s wedding to be a special occasion; filled with lots of stars since she brought so much light into our life. So, we asked the wedding planner, who was from Delhi, to order fabric, artificial stars and with the help of clever lighting we were able to achieve a perfect star-lit night affect,” says
Amit.
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Return of Remo
After a hiatus of almost two years, the magical trio – Geeta Kapoor, Remo D’Souza and Terence Lewis—who made Dance India Dance the biggest and the most prestigious dance reality show—are back with the Season 3. This time, they are searching for a dancer who eats, lives and breathes dance. Remo D’Souza is very excited to be the part of this show and claims this show is his second family.
What can the audiences expect in Dance India Dance Season 3? The motto this season is very clear. There is no place for mediocrity and being the best in one dance form is not enough. The previous two seasons saw some scintillating performances but DID 3 is all set to raise the bar. How do you feel about your comeback after two years? I am extremely happy as for me it’s like a homecoming. In these past two years, Terrence and I had gone on our different paths, yet we are still the same. It feels great that our old team is back. I really missed everyone right from Mithun dada to Geet Kapur. What will be new this season? There are going to be lot of surprises in terms of contestants as the auditions will be tough. We will be introducing new dance forms too. Also, for the first time, we will have online auditions, which, I think, is very unique itself. As a dancer and choreographer, who inspires you most? My inspiration is none other than Michael Jackson and Mithun Dada. Which is your favourite Mithun song? I like his Julie Julie, Johny ka dil tumpe aaya Julie… He looks mind-blowing in the song. Which is your favourite dance reality show apart from Dance India Dance? I think it has to be Jhalak Dikhala Jaa, the Indian version of Dancing with the Stars. What about sequel to F.A.L.T.U movie? The story is in progress and this time we are planning to have big superstars. Right now, I am busy with Dance India Dance Season 3.
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Sky is the limit!
Dolly Bindra is known for her bindaas and care-a-damn attitude. It is natural that she speaks up for Akashdeep Sehgal, who has been controversial from the word go in the Bigg Boss house.
Praising Sky, Dolly says, “This time I have not been watching Bigg Boss regularly, but so far what I have seen, I like Akashdeep in the house. He is honest, good hearted and most importantly he is a total entertainer! His colourful image is helping everyone remove the boredom in the house. If he has been criticized for his behaviour in the house that is not fair. He has his own game plan and no one can stop him from that.” Sky, you have a new fan who is cheering for you! Akashdeep Saigal is clearly emerging as the person who has suddenly become the object of affection of Big Boss inmates. All those people who were against him in the past voted for him and saved him from nomination. He is a clearly misunderstood person and what is shown on television is only the sensational part. He calls spade a spade. This week in the confession room of Bigg Boss house both Amar and Akash expressed their concern for each other and saved each other from the nominations.
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Comeback trail!
The gorgeous and talented actress is already shooting Dangerous Ishk with Vikram Bhatt and she has a powerful role in it. She is shooting Ishq in Paris, directed by Prem Soni.
The film is her maiden production and she has a very fashionable role in it. Madhuri Dixit
She is launching a television channel and has her hands full with endorsements.
She will make her comeback in films when she chooses. She is pregnant now but we hope two of her films, The Man and Desire are released.
That will be a comeback of sorts! Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
She has taken a year-long sabbatical to look after her baby.
She will start shooting a film with best friend Sanjay Leela Bhansali in late 2012.
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Rishi continues to inspire
Rishi Kapoor, who continues to have a golden run at the movies, is known to Gen-Now as Ranbir Kapoor's father. But as far as songs go, the young generation - including some of Ranbir Kapoor's arch rivals are benefiting from Chintu's famous ditties.
First Ranbir did a film called Bachna Ae Haseenon, the title of a Rishi Kapoor song. Now Imran Khan is doing a film called Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, which was pictured on Neetu Singh and Rishi. The other gen-next hero Pratiek is doing a film titled Ek Deewana Tha, again a title inspired by Chintu's song from Subhash Ghai's Karz. While Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu is about one night marriage and how two people impulsively get married, Ek Deewana Tha is a languid love story of Prateik and Amy Jackson. So while he may be Ranbir's father, Rishi's legacy is useful for the entire generation of young stars. Imran says, "Rishi uncle's songs are very lively and there is certain spunk in them. I think that's the reason why there is an instant youth connect. There is a certain zing in the phrase Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, which connects it instantly to the youth. And not only his songs but also his personality is youthful and full of verve even today."
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Katrina vs Kareena
Kareena Kapoor has always been the dream co-star of many a successful heroes, especially the Khans and their films - Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Shahrukh Khan…among others. All the three Khans have had big box office hits with the reigning queen Kareena.
But there's also another favourite girl, Katrina Kaif, who is Salman Khan's close friend and confidant. She is edging slowly and carefully as the favourite of the masses. Both girls are magical and absolutely brilliant on screen and off screen too. Kareena Kapoor has given powerful performances be it Jab We Met, 3 Idiots, Ra One…and Katrina with Rajneeti, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Tees Maar Khan, My Brother Ki Dulhan…Both have danced their way to people's hearts with ease. Both are hot favourites and contenders for Best Actress in Romantic Role. The Khan Power over both is electrifying. So stay tuned to the BIG Star Entertainment Awards to be telecast on 31st December.
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Christmas carols in the air
Although Christmas is about a week away, the City Beautiful is already in the mode of celebration. Décor, dining and merry spirit is in the air. We check out more. Classic decor
City Malls wear a decorative look. It's blue and white theme at DLF City Centre, IT Park, Mani Majra. While the mall is imbued in silvery spirit, a glittering Christmas tree with thousands of colourful lights and ornaments, along with Santa and his surprises on weekends, is sure to lift up the spirits in cold winter, which has finally arrived. Shimmery red
Sector 17 square is slowly waking up to the approaching festivities. "We have stocked up lots of dresses for the occasion. Shimmery reds, velvets are pleasing to the eye and the tweed dresses give comfort without compromising on the looks," says Manish Jain from Meena Bazaar. Riding on fun
The carnival at Sector 34 grounds has an impressive 'Tislami' gate. While children can enjoy the rides, adults can pick up some gifts and shop. Christmas and cakes
JW Marriott Chandigarh offers extended celebrations, including Christmas goodies — Gingerbread house, plum puddings, Christmas chocolate tree, Ginger bread with prune, mince pie with limited orders of Whole Roast Turkey. These baked treats are available at Chandigarh Baking Company. Kids can let their creativity loose with our Pastry Chef Santosh Rawat and decorate their Gingerbreads. Be a star
The Chandigarh administration has planned an array of activities to celebrate the festive spirit. Starting Christmas, Sector 17 will be illuminated and Santa will be doling out sweets in the square. A week-long New Year Extravaganza at Sector 17 Plaza begins with Voice of Chandigarh and Rock band competition on Monday and Tuesday, respectively.
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I am for I paint
As a child she resisted the pulls and pressures of tradition. Today as much of Sarindar Dhalilwal, a Canada-based Punjabi visual artist's work, is inspired by her traditional roots, the average viewer might be flummoxed by the seeming dichotomy. Is she caught up by tradition still? Well, the artist has no hesitation in saying "I am free of tradition."
No, it's not art that has unchained her but the way she was and still is. A woman who has refused to conform, she has always been a rebel who
while growing up in Southall, London, would question her mother on several counts. While
her mother didn't quite satisfy her curiosity 'for traditions rarely have a rationale', she and her countless tales figure in many of Sarindar’s paintings as well as installations. Indeed, a large part of her work, glimpses of which could be seen in a slide lecture organised by The Canadian Consulate and Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi at the Consulate General of Canada, Sector 17, is personal. Stories that mother told her tug her back to her past and to the lanes of childhood years and reflect strongly in her art. In one installation, the Punjabi relationship matrix, so vastly different from Western values, is etched in slates accompanied by coconut shells filled with colours. Then yet another childhood anecdote connected with her sickness manifests by way of eggs juxtaposed with text.
Turbans, cowdung paathis, ambassador cars and many more images find a new meaning in her lexicon that is at once refreshing and unusual. When some critics accused her of
being too decorative, the rebel in her responded by — let me show you — and went overboard with ornamental elements. Interestingly, the works that followed were hailed as deconstructing decoration. Text and colours, anyway, remain integral to her works. And so do personal reference points. Back in seventies while studying at University College (Falmouth, Cornwall, UK), she was even censured for being too personal. She recalls those were the days — yes in the West too where artistic freedom is considered a given — when artists were expected to look at art from the perspective of art history. Her preoccupation with the personal landed her in sculpture classes. Today she paints, makes installations, does photography and has even made a film Olive, Almond and Mustard that once again
reappraises conventional concepts and focuses on the dissonance that cultural contrasts create. "Film-making" she admits "is a natural progression but I may not make more films." On installation art, which she often dovetails according to the demands of gallery spaces, she says, "It was quite popular in the West in the eighties and nineties. But today younger artists prefer painting for it's far easier to sell them." While her works are housed in many museums she reveals that critical acclaim has not translated into money.
But then her reasons for pursuing art are not monetary. She is not hankering after success either. "I do art because
I want to prove I exist." This in a nutshell sums up Sarindar's artistic journey. Nevertheless, her quest that begins with
fulfilling her artistic needs soon transforms and reaches out to viewers in a language that is dynamic yet rooted and has as much cultural resonance as
universal appeal. nonika@tribunemail.com
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The ‘in’ side
(Sukhmani is Chandigarh-based interior and landscape designer)
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Hang in there
Simmi Waraich I am 19 years old and in college. I was a fairly popular boy in school and had a good network of friends. But in college, I found that most classmates were too studious and I did not get along with most of them. Initially, I said a few things to them because of which they started avoiding me. Now I feel all alone in class. I feel this decision to finish college is also incorrect and want to drop out and start a business. I don’t like going to college and am also having fights at home with my parents. I feel no one understands me. Harpreet Singh, Mohali
Support your daughter
My wife died five months back. Due to her sudden death, my daughter has gone into depression. She was involved with a boy who my wife did not approve of. The boy got married, but continued to call my daughter. She told him not to call but when he continued, she told his wife. The boy then started threatening her over the phone and my daughter has stopped going to work. She remains sad and cries. I am very worried about her. Surinder Singh, Panchkula Avoid leaving your daughter alone. Talk to her and report the boy to the police if necessary, if he does not stop threatening her. Ask her to switch off her phone or change her number. Let her vent her feelings. Do see a doctor to rule out depression as being absent from work, crying etc are signs of depression. Losing her mother and then a boyfriend are both major stress factors, and maybe she is not coping well. Earlier, joint families ensured that someone was around to talk to but now most families are nuclear and people are working long hours, so there is no-one to talk to at home. A change of place may help if you have relatives whom she is close to. (Dr Waraich is a Chandigarh-based consultant psychiatrist. Shoot your problems to lifestyletribune@gmail.com or write to Troubleshooter, Life+Style, The Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh)
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Sea and believe
Maya Hotel starts a unique food festival that promises to be a delight for seafood lovers. This festival offers a wide range of exotic dishes—fish, prawns, lobsters and crabs, dressed in costal cooking style.
Chef Goha, executive chef, Maya Hotel, says, “The pungent flavours of Thai and Chinese go well with the fresh taste of sea food. To give an experience of the exotic variety, we have specially crafted an exhaustive menu for this festival.” Here one can savour the four big Thai tastes `spicy, salty, sweet and sour` prepared by chef Goha and his team using the best of coastal ingredients. Healthy soups like tom shrimps bisque, tom yum goong will prepare your taste buds for the entire course. A variety of delicious appetizers like assorted dim sum basket, stir-fried chilly squid, tandoori rawa rainbow trout, crispy fried butter fly prawns are on offer with a glass of wine on the house with every platter of starter. The mouth watering dishes include mackrel, pomfret, snaper, rainbow trout, salmon, basa, crabs, squid, prawns. Selected flavoured sauces off the wok like basil hot garlic, plump, black pepper corn, tarter and sweet chili is served with the seafood. Meal for two cost Rs 2000, including taxes.
—TNS On till December 30
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Lunch & munch
The Sunday lunch buffet of JW Marriot is sure to delight your palate Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra Welcome to the Sunday lunch buffet of JW Marriot, where the variety and lay out increases your appetite manifold. Here ‘Happy to Serve’ tagline takes another meaning and we won’t deny that we were wrong in guessing what city foodies dig their teeth into! Surprisingly, Indian food is the preferred cuisine and Punjabi fare tops the variety. So, keeping the customer preference in mind, the brunch has some fixed cuisines but the dishes keep changing from week-to-week. And throwing some light on the exhaustive menu for a brunch we’ll be glad to tell you that some 80 dishes are ready for your platter – right from Indian to Thai, Lebanese, Continental and Chinese. Says Pallav, executive chef of JW Marriot, “The concept is of a brunch where we have included breakfast items, including juices and fresh fruits, for people to enjoy a late breakfast. Then we have starters, soups, salads, main course items and desserts. The Sunday brunch hours start at around 11.30 am and we are open till 4 pm. We want the guests to come early and leave after having spent a complete day with us, which is the basic concept behind laying so many dishes.” Well, that’s their point of view but spending a whole day for a meal is not the Punjabi style of eating - we love to eat fast and then maybe laze around! Whatsoever, one thing is certain, the food here is definitely rocking and the best thing is that you can customise it according to your taste (but definitely not play with the original taste). Here you can savour chicken tikka salad, crisp pork sausages, steamed seafood, apple and fennel salad, roasted bell pepper and crumbled feta salad. For the soups, try their noodle soup station for here you can have a bowl full of steaming hot soup in varied broths like fish, chicken, vegetable, with other accompaniments that you desire. Their grilled variety of food is great too and here you can have a grilled chicken leg, pork ribs, cottage steaks, stuffed peppers and many more dishes that leave you wanting for more. But that’s not the end of the servings, there are wok stations, live dimsums, Indian curries, tandoori items, snacks station, waffle and pancake station (for the breakfast items) and to make the meal complete, there are desserts. Sundae station is the stop for ice-cream lovers and for the one’s who like better things there is summer berry pudding, Florida cake, hazel nut praline, mango cheese cake and a few more things, but what you must try is the crème bruelle. If that is not enough they also offer hard drinks. Starts at Rs 999 plus taxes and Rs 1599 plus taxes with drinks.
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Come, let’s party
Party songs are important to build up the mood. The most recent song that has been doing the rounds in the party circuit is Aaj Bhi Party from the movie Jo Hum Chahein. The song is about youngsters who want to party all night long. With peppy lyrics by Kumaar and the magical voice of Suraj Jagan, this song definitely cheers up the listeners. Pump up!
The song has a good pumping tune and awesome lyrics. I have been requesting every night club to play this song. My friends and I go crazy dancing to the beats of this song. Rohan Juneja, B Com student,
GGDSD College Party fun
Suraj Jagan’s voice provides immense energy to this party number. It has groovy rhythm and it is an out-and-out fun song. The tune is very catchy
and entertaining and I have liked this after Chaar Baj Gaye from F.A.L.T.U which was on
the same lines. Charu Dhiman, housewife High volume
I like the tune of Na Na Na and I listen to it every time in my car with full volume. The lyrics are so full of energy that you can’t stop dancing. Even the video showcases such a nice party scene that prompts everyone to party. Sanjeev Sidhu, Law student, PU (As told to Sabia Talwar)
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Happy feet
A shoe permeated with a common sugar substitute in the soles could now give your sweaty feet a ‘minty’ cool feel even during a heavy workout, a new study has revealed. The Louis Garneau Carbon Pro Team shoes, designed for cycling, use the sweetener xylitol, more commonly found in gum and toothpaste.
Xylitol is an alcohol-based sugar, so when it comes into contact with moisture, it evaporates. Normally, this aspect of xylitol gives gum and toothpaste a minty cooling sensation. But when used in shoes, it cools the feet. Putting xylitol in the soles would ordinarily make it more difficult for the xylitol to work because of the lack of air movement. But the company designed the shoes with a lot of extra ventilation. —ANI
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Simon scraps festive season
Music mogul Simon Cowell is cancelling his Christmas celebration and will spend the festive season away from his fiancée Mezhgan Hussainy.
The 52-year-old has decided to "scrap" the festive season and will fly out for his annual vacation to Barbados alone. "His relationship with fiancée Mezhgan is at a crisis point and Simon has been working flat-out on the American X Factor. All in all it's been a pretty stressful year. "So he decided to scrap Christmas and just concentrate on himself. He'll wake up at about midday and catch a flight at around 2pm, meaning he'll land in Barbados seven hours later - 1 am local time," he added.
— IANS
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Crossing over to direction
After spending five years developing the project, actress Scarlett Johansson is now fully focused on her directorial debut.
The actress is stepping behind the camera for a movie adaptation of Truman Capote's Summer Crossing, which was thought to be lost for more than 50 years but was eventually published in 2005. "It's a project I've been developing for five or six years. I'm writing it right now with Tristine Skyler, so we'll see. You have a script and then you take it out and finance it. It's a big preproduction process, but that's where my focus is," she said. Johansson has teamed up with screenwriter Tristine Skyler for the project, but has no plans to star in the film.
— IANS
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Star track
Akhtar gets busy
Farhan Akhtar thinks 2011 has been a great year for his production company, with the success of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and the upcoming Don 2. He is attending every award function. Who minds a little running around when one becomes successful? Dil maange more!
Manoj Bajpai wants a greater fee than is being offered to him for Shootout At Wadala directed by Sanjay Gupta. Negotiations have reached a stalemate. Talent does come with a price and Manoj certainly has it!
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Chatter box
Every television actor dreams of being part of a feature film and the pretty and petite Sara Khan is no different. Now, Sara is thrilled to have bagged producer Sarayu Vsion’s film called Dark Rainbow. The film will be directed by Abhik Bhanu, who earlier directed Sab Kuch Hain Kuch Bhi Nahin. Good luck Sara! Kahani mein twist
In Zee TV’s Yahaan Mein Ghar Ghar Kheli, Albeli who has replaced her look-alike Abha, is behaving differently with the family. Pretending to be Abha, Albeli refused to sign some papers and lectured them all on using her money for their selfish needs. In the upcoming episodes, Albeli will go to meet her brother in a village where she will be surprised to see Abha. Albeli’s brother had got Abha mistaking her for Albeli. Abha who has lost her mind will get stuck in an aluminum pot and eventually Albeli will help her, thereby coming face to face. Will Abha realise Albeli is her lookalike? On the dance floor
In Star Plus’ Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon there is celebration galore in Raizada house with the engagement of Payal and Akash. Khushi and Lavanya will dance to Salaam E Ishq with the whole gang. We hear the cast had a ball shaking their leg. Action and reaction
Zee TV’s Bhagonwali star Himanshoo Malhotra injured himself while shooting an action scene recently. He had to be rushed to a hospital. While shooting an action fight scene, he accidentally cut his wrists on an iron rod. As he was bleeding profusely, he had to get stitches.
Pooja’s fan club
Lead of Star Plus’ show Mann Ke Awaaz Pratigya, Pooja Gor who plays the honest Pratigya claims that her hit show is watched not only by women but men as well. When she is accosted in malls or shopping complexes, she has had men inform her that they too love her show. Pooja feels the Allahabadi flavour and strong characters like Sajjan Singh, Krishna etc are a draw. She is also glad that the show creates awareness on many social issues. Goel gets choosy
Manish Goel has been around for years, but he feels with new channels and umpteen shows, one has to be choosy to stay in the limelight. The influx of newbies in the television world has decreased the number of shows offered to him. He is happier to wait for a good offer than rush into things. He was last seen doing a cameo in Sony’s Adalat. Priyal loves reality shows
Ecstatic to be playing the lead in Sony’s Dekha Ek Khwaab, teenager Priyal Gor has a different love. More than serials, she loves reality shows! She enjoyed watching Splitsvilla and Roadies earlier and even Bigg Boss. But ask her if she would be part of any of them and she replies that Bigg Boss is a no-no while Splitsvilla, maybe. Though she wouldn’t mind a dance-reality show! Is anyone listening?
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Astro turf
ARIES: You should not hesitate to shop around for a better deal. A word of caution for those suffering from abdominal pain. The employed will be given special assignment. TAURUS: If you don’t expect the day to run smoothly prepare yourself. Double-check appointments. If you are travelling, give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. GEMINI: Make sure you have your purse or wallet before leaving home. A friend may need your support and you may need to put off your engagement to help them through a bad period. Romance may rather be disturbing. CANCER: Do not be concerned about your business deals. They probably won’t be finalised right away. Should a friend ask you for a loan, be cautious. Speculation is not favoured. LEO: Those around you could lose their focus on important issues. Bureaucrats are in the limelight. Today there are good opportunities to increase your
earnings. VIRGO: The card The Night Princess infuses a fairly active morning for the children. Students should park their vehicles carefully and obey traffic rules. Not all advice is reliable. LIBRA: Health will give no worry to you. Property matters are highlighted. Good day for relationships. Sportspersons could suffer from minor health problem. SCORPIO: This is a fortunate day for married lovers. Working women should take proper care of their child’s health. A re-union or welcome home party will be fun. SAGITTARIUS: Be true to your ideals and don’t sell yourself for money or glamour. Concentrate on money issues. A secret arrangement comes to light. CAPRICORN: The simple things in life will bring you joy today. Do not take on too much but enjoy working through your chores one by one. Do not be rash or impulsive. Try to keep your temper under control. AQUARIUS: A tough day ahead, so be alert, aware and dynamic. Postpone work that requires concentration and physical effort. Relationships can be a minefield with all sorts of emotions surfacing. PISCES: Satisfactory day for working mothers. You will have difficulty getting along with associates. A strong need to please might also make you vulnerable to the expectations of those close to you. |
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The year ahead
If your birthday is December 18...
You start the New Year in a kind of daze, but get quite a bit done anyway. It’s a good time to take care of old business. Step back and evaluate the future you foresee for 2012. If something needs adjustment attend to it now. Enjoy a light-hearted good time together, and reap the rewards of your recent relationships. Circumstances change. Try to help others as well as you can. Ask your partner to assist in some tricky new balancing acts between home and work. Your organisational skills can be put to good use in your partner’s life. Gently lead them to your system, instead of forcing it down their throat. Try not to show off too much as people are definitely watching out for signs of pomposity and self-centered behaviour. You ought to be able to take care of life without making a big show out of it. You could turn a commitment outside of the home into a family affair in 2012. A project will go well but you’ll manage to get most of the credit. An unexpected hitch will slow things down for those of the first decade. Nervous insecurity may ‘chew’ away your self-confidence. An errand may turn into a problem if it is not attended to swiftly and ‘followed through to completion. News of an important project, perhaps from overseas, will be encouraging in January. Investments made in new ventures are likely to bring good returns. Do not invest in land rather purchase an old or built-up house in North India. Mood: Emotional and solid. Compatible signs: Pisces, Gemini. Lucky colours: Silver and white. Lucky days: Tuesday and Saturday. Lucky numbers: 2, 5, 11, 17, 22. Lucky gem: Citrine (quartz). Lucky flower: Morning glory.
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The poet and the man
Marriages might be made in heaven, but the heavenly affair has to be celebrated right here on earth and in style! And it’s about time that we talk about the roaring wedding ceremonies that have moved beyond pandals and can rival Ranjit Singhs’s palace canopies — a menu more exotic and varied than what a five-star can offer, bouquets that tower like Mt. Everest, 3D effects and the bride and groom arriving in a crane!
Karishma Kapoor
Preity Zinta
Shilpa Shetty
Part of Khoj's residency project in 2002 in New Delhi where she worked along with artists such as Bharti Kher, Sarindar Dhaliwal is all praise for the Indian contemporary art. "As good as the West" is how she puts it and asserts that Indian art sure is being noticed around the world. 
Whether you are living with someone who has a disability, or have elderly parents living with you, building accessibility into your home is a must. Listed below are a few issues you must keep in mind –
Sometimes a change of place and change of friends can trigger actions that we later regret. You said that you feel all alone now in college. Even if you fell out with your classmates, have you tried to continue talking? Don’t give up. Talk to at least two to three persons daily. Even if you feel they are avoiding you, continue to meet and talk. If you have started fighting with your parents too, you are isolating yourself further. In such a frame of mind, you may not be able to take the correct decision regarding leaving college. Discuss it with your parents and wait for a few months. You are only 19 years old. Enjoy this time. Do plan your business; discuss it with your parents. Try and focus on a few positive things daily like talking to an old friend, spending time with your parents, going for a run or listening to music. Anytime you feel too lonely, remind yourself that you have your family and stay in touch with old friends. If you feel it is getting out of hand, then get help in the form of an evaluation.
There were rumours of Sanjay Dutt getting close to another woman on the sets of Son Of Sardar and that irritated him. Turns out, he was just with his friend's wife! Ha ha!
Shruti Seth [December 18,1977, Gujarat] started her career with modelling but eventually moved to television. She has acted in many serials such as Kyun Hota Hai Pyarrr, Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand and Shararat with actress Farida Jalal. She has starred in a few movies. She is probably best known for her role as Fatima “Fatty” in Fanaa (2006) with Aamir Khan and Kajol. She stars in Tara Rum Pum produced by Yash Raj Films.