Man of many seasons, hues 
From wearing a saree like a man to speaking out on behalf of the displaced to conducting heritage walks to organising Monsoon festivals, art curator Himanshu Verma’s curatorial vision is as vast as it is multidisciplinary 
Nonika Singh

A self-confessed mad-hatter, his attire — a traditional Indian saree with a pearl necklace in place — might distract you away from the seriousness of his work. But rest assured Himanshu Verma, an art curator with a difference and Founder of Red Earth, an arts organisation, is not just another maverick who dons a saree to attract attention.

Of course, on saree the man who curated his first show ‘Metrospective: Visual Representations of Metrosexuality’ in Bombay in 2005 has a definite take —"The idea was to challenge the modern notions of masculinity as well as to emphasise how saree is no more than a piece of cloth. It is just a drape that needs to be taken out of the gender divide."

But question him how many more men has he inspired to wear a saree? And he answers, "none", even though a few of his friends threaten him with an "all men wearing saree" party all the time. Interestingly, he may not have found support in his sartorial choice but has several takers for his cause.

Yes even in Chandigarh where Shumita Didi, at whose invitation he had an informal interaction with art lovers on Monday, is a strong votary, especially of his Genda Phool project. He initiated this endeavour not only to underline the significance of marigold, which he calls the king of flowers, but several other things. First and foremost he explains how marigold that is now almost considered desi is not exactly indigenous, but came from Mexico where it is considered the flower of the dead.

That’s why he thinks it’s just the right symbol of exchange between civilisations and cultures. Anyway, its not jut marigold that he is obsessed with. Flowers speak to him. And he was so piqued by the removal of traditional flower markets in Delhi that he started Save the Flower Markets of Delhi project. He is emphatic, "I fail to understand this apathy towards intangible heritage. If we are so anxious to preserve our heritage frozen by way of monuments why can’t we feel as strongly about the one that touches the lives of so many people?" He is equally peeved by the way the informal sector is looked at as a nuisance and is categorical that we need a legal framework to safeguard it. But if you think views such as "we want a city of flowers not flyovers" entitle him to an opinion on foreign direct investment in India, he shoots back, "I am not doing economics."

By the way he hasn’t done arts either. Instead he has a degree in English literature. However, it is the world of art that beckons him. More so the Indian art, the beauty of which is that it can be revisited time and again. As he marries tradition with modernity, the new with archaic, one form of art with another, he admits that often his expression is wacky. On art with shock value, he says, "Nothing is wrong with shocking people for out of jolt comes change. But at the end of the day what matters is whether it is an honest expression."

He isn’t sure whether all of that is happening in the Indian contemporary scene today is genuine art. He adds, "What can you expect when artists try to create art through the eyes of an outsider, when they become slaves to the western market." No wonder most of such artistic expressions he finds difficult to connect with for he believes, "Only when we look at our own traditions can we make a mark." But he doesn’t go gaga over his own curatorial expression steeped in cultural roots that has won him special commendation at the International Young Visual Arts Entrepreneur award held in UK.

Rather modest about his achievements, he quips, "I don’t think I am quite there. Give me a few years time." Well, we are watching and waiting for sure. Art mart quite wouldn’t be half as exciting without dynamos like him who delights as much with his cultural extravaganzas as when he turns up as Santa Claus dressed up in hot pants. As for the saree, well the best compliment he has ever got so far is, "he wears it like a man."

nonika@tribunemail.com

A tablet for all
From youngsters penning notes in the library to corporate honchos reading business news to mothers copying exotic recipes, the tablet PC is sure becoming a hit with people
Jasmine Singh

The world doesn’t seem to be coming to an end…we haven’t even run out of IP addresses as Vint Cerf, also known as the father of Internet, had predicted! As for things that can happen, five times more digital information is expected to be created in 2012. And for those who like the world to be squeezed on a screen, the market for tablet PC is definitely getting bigger and better. But why the heck do we need another gadget?

Comfort is the answer here; coupled with benefit even if you don’t understand half of them…you can still flaunt them. So, it is for technology to capture your thoughts and pen them down before they are lost. And a tablet PC answers many questions. From youngsters penning notes in the library to corporate honchos reading business news across the world to mothers copying exotic recipes, the tablet PC is a handy answer.

Little knowledge

A Tablet PC is used mainly for Internet browsing. Most users say it is ultra-portable and works longer on battery. And for those who like things to happen with a touch, easy touch interference gives a good experience.

Take your pick

This gadget has an operating language of its own. Here you have an option to use a pen or screen instead of the keyboard. The market is flooded with more options than you can ask for. Aman Singh Sethi, a freelance tech writer, is floored by the tablet. "What else can one ask for? Something like a Sony Tablet S with its wedge-shaped design looks cool. A responsive touch screen makes it great to type on it." With people who have information on tablet, Android tablet is something that wouldn’t disappoint but for other options you need to know more than just the design. "Like for instance, which are the companies giving a fully-loaded package," chips in Gaurav Gaur, a software developer from Mohali.

Play with work

A tablet PC is going down well with those who want to make things easy in life. Take it from Dheeraj Khurana, who is into creating mobile applications and is hooked to his Galaxy Tab tablet eversince he bought it from Delhi. "I have a short memory; no matter how many notes I make, I tend to lose them. Now I can write on the screen, which can then be saved in a digital file." Watching movies on a tablet PC is another hit with the youngsters. It’s fun and easy. "Take it with you on a flight, trust me you wouldn’t get bored not even once," smiles Jashan Grewal, student of engineering.

In Lacs

Another new company, Lacs, is offering a Magnum range of tablet PCs. Pocket-sized and affordable; the Magnum tablet is an endeavour to take technology to Punjab and Haryana in a big manner.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Gyan Zone
Par Excellence 
Improve your swing plane 
Jesse Grewal

Golf’s crooked shots are caused by either an incorrect plane or an incorrect club face position at impact. While the club face position is controlled by the grip or the release, the plane is the path on which the club moves and is controlled by the swinging of the arms.

A correct path of the club head is from in to square to in. Square refers to the target line. For a short distance the club head is travelling on the target line just before and after the impact with the ball. The club head should never cross the target line. If the club is travelling on an out to in path we would pull the ball and if on an in to out path we would create a push. The swing plane is a vertical description of your club heads path.

Try this simple drill to improve your club heads path. Place a cardboard box a few inches outside the ball parallel to the target line. The box used to pack golf clubs is ideal but if you cannot find one use a shoe box. Place a ball on a tee just leaving enough space from the box for the club head. Hit some shots. If you can hit the ball without touching the box your swing is on plane. If you hit the box on the downswing your swing is out to in which would lead to pulled or sliced shots. If you hit the box on the follow through your swing is in to out which would lead to pushed or hooked shots. The box gives you an instant feedback and makes learning easier.

The correct path/plane would help you make better contact with the ball with shallow divots apart from improving the starting direction of your shots.  

(Grewal has coached several national champions and professionals apart from being coach of the Indian golf team for the Eisenhower Cup (World Cup) in 2008. He is currently Director, National Golf Academy of India and CGA Hero Honda Golf Academy.

If you have any queries get in touch with him at parexcellence@tribunemail.com)

Zip it up
After boyfriend jeans, it’s the boyfriend jackets that are a hot trend this winter, in addition to the military style jackets with hoods, belts and buttons...
Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra

It’s the freezing and spine-chilling cold that gets the jackets out of the closet. Although women love their coats better than jackets, this season the jackets come in a stylish avatar! And if you are looking for the latest trend, after boyfriend jeans it’s the boyfriend jacket that you must have in your wardrobe!

But if you are not comfortable with the idea of a boyfriend jacket, then a guy-like blazer jacket is a must-have for the trendy girl this season. Remember, this season is all about androgyny: where men become more like women and women pull out all the stops to look and act like men! “Since military fashion is a trend this season, so even girls cannot miss on military style jackets with hoods, belts and buttons,” says Neha Sidhu from Voila.

She adds, “Petite jackets too are a trend this season as they accentuate the silhouette and can pull off any dress very well. In fitted and coat-like style they come with buttons or are open, depending on choice.” 

Well, as double-breasted coats make a comeback in men fashion wear women too can have a fill of this classy style in jackets. “Double breast jackets with four or eight buttons is the latest trend these days,” says an employee of Brands Bargain in Panchkula. She adds, “Though the style is manly, but the jacket is stylised perfect for a woman. Other than this, jackets that are a bit slouchy and a little longer than the blazer are also in demand.” Well, that is the boyfriend jacket that we are talking about! 

While it’s the fabric of the jacket that decides what it should be worn with, puffer and quilted jackets too are a trend this season. “Quilted jackets are a carry-over trend from last year. Though fashion pundits declare it a passé and there is hardly any mention of these jackets, but we will definitely see women and men wearing it this winter,” says Rajnish Jain from Meena Bazaar. Spelling the trend, he says, “Though the choice is varied in jackets for women, they can choose from solid colours, stripes, preppie plaid, single and double-breasted styles.”

Star-lit

Adhuri Mohhabat Adhure Khwab is a collection of poems and songs by budding writer Ajay Chauhan. On Monday, Ajay who has dedicated his book to Bollywood actor Salman Khan formally launched it in Chandigarh.

What’s interesting is that he has used Salman Khan and his life as a metaphor. His song Umar Beet Gayi brings to fore Salman’s much publicised love life. His poems go beyond.

“Salman is a typical example of how the world labels you in a particular slot. Salman has been labelled the ‘bad’ boy but the amount of effort he puts in his charity, Being Human, is largely ignored,” says Ajay.

His poems touch many themes - love, hope, social issues. While his songs give away his ambition to be a lyricist in Bollywood! — Mona

Portuguese platter
Sabia Talwar

Nando’s, Sector-35, Chandigarh, the Afro-Portuguese chain of restaurant adds a Portuguese dish, Cataplana Algarve, to its menu. Well-known for its spicy dishes like the Peri-Peri chicken, which still remains a closely guarded recipe, there is yet another dish inspired from the Portuguese platter.

Says Richa Sharma, marketing manager, Nando’s, “This dish has flame grilled Peri-Peri chicken thigh pieces tossed with spicy rice, grilled peppers, chickpeas and a dash of parsley.”

sabiatalwar@tribunemail.com

Eggs for fitness
Roopa Pahwa

Eggs are a powerhouse food - packed full of natural proteins, vitamins, minerals and other essential elements required for a complete and balanced diet. Eggs are an ideal food for sportspeople, vegetarians (eggetarians), and people who care about their health. However, over the time eggs have got a really bad publicity. And as far as some nutritionists are concerned, eggs are devils in shells. Deemed bad for the heart by health experts, eggs have been the subject of criticism and scrutiny.

The major reason cited was that eggs are high in cholesterol so therefore bad for the heart.  It was previously thought that eggs raised blood cholesterol levels and one of the main causes of heart disease. Eggs are high in cholesterol, so it was only natural for nutritionists to assume that eggs clogged up people’s arteries. Today, scientists know that cholesterol content in food and the cholesterol in our blood are not as directly related as once thought. Actually, in healthy people only a small amount of the cholesterol in food passes directly into the blood. In fact, most of the cholesterol that circulates in the blood is created by the liver in response to saturated and trans fats in the diet. One egg contains around 5 gm of fat but only 1.5 gm of saturated fat so you are more likely to consume the better fat. Research has confirmed that it is saturated fat that raises cholesterol and not the dietary cholesterol that eggs have.

Having eggs in moderation might be good for your health. They are packed with proteins, iron, calcium, riboflavin, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, folate, zinc, potassium, magnesium and other essential minerals. The various health benefits of eggs are:

Good source of protein

An egg contains the highest quality food protein available. Because it is so near to perfect, egg protein is often the standard by which all other proteins are judged.

Eggs promote weight loss

Eggs play a useful role in weight management and dieting. They have only 80 Kcal and are very filling and provide greater satiety compared to other foods, due to the high protein content in them.

Good for your eyes

Eggs, particularly the yolks, provide several much needed nutrients for healthy vision. These healthy nutrients found in eggs are more easily assimilated into the body from eggs than from other foods. Eating one egg a day could help to prevent macular degeneration, which is the biggest cause of blindness in adults, and also help against cataracts.

Good for hair and nails

Eggs promote healthy hair and nails because of their high sulphur content and wide array of vitamins and minerals. If you suffer from hair loss, eat an egg every day to boost natural growth.

Good for teeth and bones

Their high vitamin D content means eggs are good for building strong teeth and bones. Eggs also contain phosphorus, which is also important to bones and teeth.

Protects against cancer and disease

Eating eggs may protect against some forms of cancer, as eggs are rich in antioxidants. In addition, eggs are a good source of zinc, which is essential for the immune system.

Pahwa is a Ludhiana-based fit ness expert (As told to Poonam Bindra)

Star Track
Gems of the year
No big budget, no big stars, just pure cinematic and moving entertainment. Have you seen these movies yet?

A still from Bol
Clean sweep: A still from Bol


A still from Sahib, Biwi Aur Gangster
Second fiddle: A still from Sahib, Biwi Aur Gangster

Fine tuned

I am Kalam: This is the finest independent film of the year. It is such a lovely tale of friendship and it will move you to tears. The acting by the entire cast was flawless.

Surprise package

Chillar Party: Bollywood has evolved in the field of making movies around children. This one is a fun and educative ride all the way. The children are adorable.

Children’s day out

Stanley Ka Dabba: This is a gem of a film by Amole Gupte. His son Partho’s acting was heart-touching and the film captured the purity of children.

Hook, line and sinker

Saheb, Biwi, Aur Gangster: Tigmanshu Dhulia’s erotic tale of passion and betrayal was very well told and the lines are memorable. The movie kept you interested from start-to-finish and the performances were stellar.

Something for everyone

Shaitan: Bejoy Nambiar’s directorial debut was fun, flashy, bold as well as powerful. It had a relatively new cast and everyone was excellent in it. The music is also very amazing!

Soul stirring

Bol: This film stirred our souls. Shoaib Mansoor’s film had a strong story and remarkable performances. The story of women’s liberation was inspiring.

Stellar performance

Yeh Saali Zindagi: Sudhir Mishra’s film had superlative performances and kept you hooked from start to finish! The crime caper was bold and raw and also interesting. —HRM

 

 

Sonakshi’s style secrets

Sonakshi Sinha used to be a fashion designer and she is fashion conscious even today. She dresses differently from time to time. Here is what she thinks every woman must have in her wardrobe.

Little black dress

I love the LBD because it is so versatile. I can dress it up with coloured heels, make-up, and accessories and I can dress it down be wearing flats and a jacket on top with less make-up and accessories. And of course, the colour has a slimming effect.

Billie jeans

We must all have jeans that we can live in. They must suit your body type and make you look and feel great. You will know it when you get it.

Shoe string

I think we need heels and we need ballet flats along with sneakers. I love having brightly coloured shoes with the usual black, beige, brown, and white. Coloured shoes, whether heels or flats, can really jazz up your look.  Gladiators are a must-have!

Inner secrets

It is so important to have the right lingerie that looks good and feels comfortable. Many people buy good clothes but neglect lingerie. Wearing good lingerie is a reflection of loving ourselves and our bodies.

Make it up

I think it is important to own at least a gloss and kajal. They both are so versatile and sometimes they are all you need. Perfumes are so much fun too. They change our moods and reflect our personalities. Remember to splash yourself with your favourite perfume once you are ready.

 

 

Thumbs up

Imtiaz Ali’s favourite film in 2011 is Zoya Akhtar’s Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.

Katrina KaifShooting spree

Yash Chopra’s film starring Katrina Kaif, Anushka Sharma and Shah Rukh Khan begins in February, 2012. Work on the sets has been going on for about three months at Filmcity in Mumbai.

Missing link

Shah Rukh Khan hosted a party for Don 2 recently. Priyanka Chopra, SRK’s friend and leading lady of the film, was conspicuous by her absence.

Sick leave

Akshay KumarAkshay Kumar shot an action sequence for Rowdy Rathore in the rain (artificial rain) for two days. As a result of this, he has fallen sick.

Rain man: Akshay Kumar

House warming

Randeep Hooda has stayed in a terrace flat in Lokhandwala for years. Now the owner wants it back and he had to give it up even though he was emotionally attached to it. So he is moving to a new place.

 

 

One more time 

Rohit Shetty and Ajay Devgn Rohit Shetty has four scripts ready for Golmaal 4 and Ajay Devgn is keen on doing the film yet again! Fans of the Golmaal series have reasons to rejoice!

Rohit is currently shooting Bol Bachchan with Ajay Devgn and Abhishek Bachchan. After that, he will make Chennai Express with Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor, his first with the actor. Then, shooting for Golmaal 4 will commence. Rohit says that he is toying with four ideas at the moment and will pick the best. He says that he has also worked out his schedule so that all the films can be ready on time.

Ajay is currently working on Son of Sardar and Bol Bachchan. Kareena Kapoor will play the only female lead in Golmaal 4. Tusshar Kapoor, Arshad Warsi, Kunal Khemu, and Shreyas Talpade will reprise their roles. Golmaal has been the most successful franchise in 
the history of Indian cinema and also among the first. Each subsequent movie has grossed more than its predecessor. Kareena has been part of two out of three films. All the films have had Diwali releases and very successful ones and pushed Rohit Shetty into the top league of directors.

Golmaal 4 is mostly likely to release in Diwali 2013. —HRM 

 

 

Hollywood has no hierarchy like B-town: Bipasha

Bipasha Basu Bollywood actress Bipasha Basu, all set to make her Hollywood debut with Singularity, feels there is no hierarchy in Hollywood unlike the Indian film industry. “The idea is to love films and to create films and that we are doing here and they are doing there.

I have got my recognition here. So my loyalty stays here,” Bipasha said. “The experience is wonderful and there is no system of hierarchy there which exists in Indian film industry,” the actress said when asked about the major differences that she noticed after working in Hollywood and Bollywood.

“But also may be because we are a very populated country, we have to provide jobs to so many more people. So I understand why it’s different,” she added. Bipasha would make her Hollywood debut with Singularity which is scheduled to release in 2012.

The film also stars Hollywood superstar Josh Hartnett. When asked about her chemistry with Hartnett, Bipasha said: “Josh is a wonderful actor, really good looking guy. I think everybody has a crush on him when we see his films.

Even I did but I had to let my crush moment go, once I started filming as it was a very intense film.” Singularity is an epic romance time travel adventure film set against the backdrop of the first Anglo-Maratha war across two time periods and continents.

It revolves around four characters - a British officer in colonial India, an Indian woman, a present-day American marine biologist and his wife. —IANS

 

 

Blunt and beautiful

Sonam Kapoor Actress Sonam Kapoor says whatever she has achieved in Bollywood till now is due to her father Anil Kapoor. Sonam made her acting debut in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Saawariya opposite newcomer Ranbir Kapoor, which bombed at the box office. Her subsequent films —Delhi 6, Aisha Thank You and Mausam failed to click with audience.“I am here because of my father. I am not one of those star-kids who say you don’t know how hard I have worked and that it has nothing to do with my father. My work has everything to do with my father. The actress has been in the industry for four years now.—PTI 

Chatter Box
Back on the Bigg track

Mahek Chahal With just two weeks to the finale of Colors’ Bigg Boss, Mahek Chahal returned to the house as a wild card entry.

She claimed that she didn’t return because of Salman Khan as was insinuated. Guess now the model-turned-actress will want to settle a score with contestants who wronged her, especially Sky.

Sky should have known he should not have messed with the Junglee Billi of the Bigg Boss hous. Guess with the finale round the corner, one can expect lots of drama.

 

 

Feigning ignorance

Atif Aslam, Veena Malik Pakistani singer Atif Aslam will make his debut on Indian television with Sahara One’s upcoming singing reality show Sur-Kshetra. But he is oblivious of the other Pakistani celeb creating waves in India.

Ask him about Veena Malik and he replies, he hasn’t met her nor does he have any idea about her success. Hmm.

 

 

Shock therapy

In Zee TV’s Ram Milaayi Jodi, Aditya (Angad Hasija) will learn about his real mother and will be shocked. Mona (Sara Khan) and Anukulp (Sujey Reu) will invite Aditya to their anniversary party. Aditya will have a heartfelt chat with Ketki masi (Ketki Dave) who will then reveal that Ambaji is his real mother. Aditya will be heart-broken.

A surprise gift

Jay Bhanushali and Mahi VijJay Bhanushali might have been busy shooting for Zee TV’s Dance India Dance 3 till recently but he was all gaga about his birthday. He flew to Goa to celebrate his 27th birthday that was on Dec 25th and later the duo will fly off to Hong Kong for the New Year’s.

While Mahi Vij’s show Laagi Tujhse Lagan shooting has ended, the lovely-dovey couple will enjoy their cool 10-day-break. It was Mahi’s gift for him an Audi that thrilled him the most.

Silent records

Sab TV’s silent show Gutur Gu is on the verge of getting nominated for a Guinness World Record as the longest running silent comedy. It is dual celebration for the production house as their show completed two years of success and on the heels of the same, comes this news.

Replacement jig

Shaleen Bhanot was to perform at the Big Star Awards Sanjeeda Shaikh, Mukti Mohan and others but as he got injured and hurt his toes badly, he had to be replaced by Aksshat Raj Saluja. As he is a good dancer things worked out though it was last minute.

 

 

Waiting for the baby

Hi, friends. Parents wait in anticipation for their new born but as per tradition in our country pregnant women go to their mother’s house for the delivery thereby depriving herself of her husband’s company and support during the last stage of her pregnancy. This also keeps the father away from spending time with the mom-to-be. I am glad things worked out for me as I will be staying with my in-laws and Naitik and will bank on their love and support.

I was shocked when Gayatri Ma and Bhabhima told that I would have to go to my mayaka as per tradition. I didn’t want to go but agreed as I didn’t want to hurt their feelings. Later when I found out that they were sending me for my comfort and convenience, Natik and I spoke to them and told them clearly that I will be happy where they are, where Natik is and that I didn’t want to go. Thankfully Naitik made a joke of it and eventually they agreed.

I was very happy that I would stay with my darling husband Naitik during the last stage of my pregnancy. I want to enjoy this time with him as once the baby arrives there would be too much going on and we won’t have enough time to spend with each other. Moreover, Naitik’s presence comforts and calms me. I soon began thinking of the time when there would be a small baby sleeping between us! Naitik and I argued on who would put the baby to sleep and eventually decided to divide work. And I also realised that parents of infants never get proper sleep!

 

 

Losing faith in Krishna?

 A still from Pratigy Pratigya has been busy with Samar and dealing with his problems to really focus on her husband Krishna. He has been having his share of problems with the stalker Meera who claims to love him. In a recent episode, Pratigya will find some evidence regarding Meera and will question Krishna. Will Meera created a wedge between this much-in love couple?

A source claims, “Samar has been Pratigya’s top priority and after his return to the Thakur Niwas safe and sound, she has been over protective. From questioning Samar’s teachers regarding his behaviour to being suspicious of Maneka, Pratigya is pre-occupied. But in a recent episode, Pratigya will accidentally see Krishna’s jacket with a lipstick mark. She will be surprised and ask him about it. He will tell her the truth of how Meera hugged and kissed his jacket.  Pratigya will be baffled.”

Shocked Pratigya aka Pooja Gor says, “I have been running around and worrying about Samar. He is not eating properly, showing signs of violent behaviour and ill treating plants for now. I don’t want things to escalate. As it is he is getting the wrong lessons in life in this house and I want to keep him safe. But I am unable to reach him as Maneka has taken over his responsibility. But I was shocked to see the lipstick mark on Krishna’s jacket. Out of the blue it hit me that I haven’t been in touch with what’s happening with Krishna. I thought Meera was a harmless girl hanging around Krishna’s restaurant but this lipstick mark is outrageous. I don’t know what to do.”

Krishna aka Arhaan Behl adds, “Pratigya has been wrapped up in Samar since she was given his responsibility and I don’t begrudge that. It is just that when I began having problems with Meera and realised she was following me around and becoming a regular at the restaurant, I wanted Pratigya’s support.

The Year Ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is December 28...

2012 is a very positive year for you. You would be at your creative peak. This is a period for achievements. A flood of new ideas will come after May. New ideas and things you learn would bring in much progress. Friendships would revive for you and income will also go up substantially. Possibility of a new and sudden relationship could come about. Health could be a cause of concern so be careful. In January, find a group that is more intent on having fun. It's easy to have fun when you're not berated for making mistakes. Be patient if things don't go according to plan. The stars advise you to avoid being invasive with your beloved so avoid calling him or her too much and you'll soon see you'll get him or her more back.

You'll be very prudent and wise with your beloved and will try to be more patient than usual. After June, you must try to eliminate all which is superficial, in favour of what is essential. You must not consider this as a loss as what you lose on one hand, you gain on another. To be lucky, you must concentrate only on what is really useful. Unpleasant working conditions are taking a toll on your health. An oppressive environment undermines your productivity. Stress this point when you're asked how this situation has affected your work performance.

This year Jupiter advises those of the last decade to plan any affair with a great deal of zeal. Your knowledge would increase further during 2012. If planning to go abroad for further studies the time is favourable. Issues appear to calm quickly but not without a heap of talking and patience. Your fuse remains short but tolerable.

Joint ventures will make a steady progress. Destiny would bless you in August with better professional opportunities and you would be able to make good earning. Your professional skills and competence in a better manner will bring you financial profits. You'll suffer from some stiffness which could lead to muscular strains, backache and problems with your joints. You may encounter a big talker who says all the right things. Just don't take what you hear too seriously since promises may not be kept. Mood: Impatient at times. Compatible signs: Aries, Taurus. Lucky colours: Golden, Sea green. Lucky days: Monday and Friday. Lucky numbers:2, 4, 5, 17, 44. Lucky gem: Ruby. Lucky flower: Tulip.

Sienna Rose Diana Miller (December 28, 1981) is a British-American actress, model, and fashion designer, best known for her roles in Layer Cake, Alfie, Factory Girl, The Edge of Love and G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. In 2007, the London Film Critics named her British Actress of the Year for Interview. In 2006, she designed a fashion capsule for Pepe Jeans.

Next innings

Harbhajan SinghCricketer Harbhajan Singh will soon appear on a new wrestling show on Colors’ called Ring Ka King. It will be a wrestling championship show which will have 30 international- level wrestlers . Bhajji will boost the morale of the participants.

New crease: Harbhajan Singh

Astro Turf
p Khurrana

ARIES: Business affairs are under control. Friends are pleasant but not particularly significant. Sportsmen may feel lazy. Your energy could be low. A busy schedule of social engagements might not seem too exciting right now. Tarot message: Beware of depleting your energy. Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic number: 55

TAURUS: Meeting new people will bring delightful opportunity for romance. Property deal comes to the fore. You may be challaned for the wrong entry. Remain flexible throughout the day. Family matters can be important and demand your time. Tarot message: Be honest with yourself. Lucky colour: Rust. Magic number: 38

GEMINI: The married will enjoy a pleasantly romantic phase at home. Take proper care of your health. Social life will bring recognition. Be honest with yourself. This process will help you define a balanced self-image. Tarot message: Arrogance and pride will not be rewarded. Lucky color: Peach. Magic number: 40

CANCER: Don't rush to make any hasty decisions regarding your family matters. Younger member in the family may offer you a valuable advice. Defer a short journey. A shopping trip could deplete your savings. Tarot message: Versatility will bail you out of a situation. Lucky colour: Golden. Magic number: 28

LEO: Dispute over small issue is possible at work place. Women should avoid using harsh words. Heavy expenses make you frustrated. Mixed trends will prevail through out the day. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid the in-built delays that come your way. Lucky colour: Coffee brown. Magic number: 41

VIRGO: Day starts on a positive note. Take proper care of your diet. Love life will be exciting. A friend may be helpful to you. Financial matters may come under strain. Tarot message: Bury an old quarrel and be prepared to make a compromise. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 33

LIBRA: A chance encounter with a foreigner or traveller may bring hint of something from the past, back into your life again. An impulsive streak might spark before damage is done. Tarot message: Be careful not to go in too many directions at the same time. Lucky colour: Lemon. Magic number: 39

SCORPIO: Make sure insurance related documents are in order. If single; meeting may spark new romance. Pleasure comes from spending time with loved ones. A partner may be obsessed with something you can't relate to. Tarot message: Listen to your voice of wisdom. Lucky color: Baby pink. Magic number: 27

SAGITTARIUS: Be cautious while dealing with money. Do not be rash. Postpone work that requires concentration. Avoid romantic entanglements. Your thoughts will defuse a family feud. Tarot message: Learn a lesson from past mistakes and get on with your life. Lucky colour: Coral. Magic number: 60

CAPRICORN: Today you will have difficulty in getting along with associates. Women should avoid gossiping. Expect tremendous joy in an evening party. Love and loyalty mark the day. Tarot message: Fitness routines and healthy diets are prescribed for your well being. Lucky colour: Lime green. Magic number: 54

AQUARIUS: Do not be in a hurry to get financial plans underway. You might be able to do yourself a bit of good with the help of influential people. Changes on the home front are expected. Tarot message: Think before you open your mouth to avoid misunderstandings. Lucky colour: Indigo. Magic number: 42.

PISCES: Agreement made today can be very valuable to you. Later in the day you should be able to get your ideas for home improvement. Use imagination and fantasy in whatever creative project you are undertaking now.

Tarot message: Perseverance is the key to success. Lucky colour: Sky blue. Magic number: 63





HOME PAGE | Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir | Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs | Nation | Opinions |
| Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi |
| Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail |