Hail winter!
If the lack of sun is getting you down, worry not! There are ways and means to enjoy the cold
Jasmine Singh

Our curses and concerns on the changing weather conditions seem to be paying off. The cold and chilly winter has taken our talks of it disappearing far too seriously. It is out to prove itself, all set to make us acknowledge its presence and bow down to it. Hail winter! We don’t mind it even a bit. In fact, we thought it would never come. We don’t mind covering ourselves with layers of warm clothes; we don’t mind celebrating the winter with a bonfire. We don’t mind, as long as we have ways to deal with it.

Better late than never, as you people stare out of the window, looking for the sun, we quickly spin a few ideas that would make winter cold a fun thing, a thing to remember. With the sword of global warming ready to strike any minute, you never know winter soon would be a thing of the past. So, make the most of it and here you go.

Pick & move

There is no way we would start by suggesting you to stay home, tucked under your ‘save for the winters’ blanket. Pick your woollies, cover yourself the way you want, jackets, coats, mufflers and just head ….to what? Anything, a restaurant for a cup of coffee and pizza, for a drive with Shania Twain adding the much needed mush feel, a walk along the Sukhna Lake, go out for a movie. Tom Cruise looks deadly in Mission Impossible 4. Do anything, but don’t be home. As television actor Yami Gautam puts across, “I love to enjoy the winter to the hilt. When in Chandigarh, my friends and I would make it a point to go to Sector-17 for a cold twin flavoured ice-cream. What better way to bite the cold.”

Okay, home for once…

Alright, we bet not all of you liked the idea of getting cold in the cold, so this one is for the home bound. Order a set of DVDs for yourself, assuming you are not going out for it. Ready with two minutes popcorns, coffee, tea or a cold drink, you are set. Make sure you snuggle, watching a movie together should be an experience. Punjabi actor and singer Gippy Grewal likes the idea. “On a cold winter day this is the best thing to do. My wife and I would like to watch a couple of movies together, talk and enjoy the experience of being together.”

Whip up a hot mocktail

Not a bad idea, since we have more votes from people who want to stay indoors in this weather. Here is another activity you can indulge in. Irish cream, chocolate liqueur, the options are endless. Whip the cream, add caramel or chocolate sauce, add cinnamon sticks, fresh mint, you just created something great! Aren’t you going to invite your friends? Actor Sonu Sood is in love with this idea. “Back home in Moga, during the winter I would insist of making mocktails, cakes or whatever that was easy. I would then invite my friends and have a blast.”

Nature walk, howzatt!

C’mon, don’t be a spoilsport. Try this activity and you wouldn’t regret a bit. Life is beautiful and so are all seasons. Take a walk at Sukhna Lake, Fragrance Garden or Rose Garden. You can never tell who you are going to encopunter— a multi-coloured bird. This activity, however, is best suited for people who love nature. Pritpal Khera, a school teacher is fascinated by the winter. “There is some kind of quietness in the nature. Different flora and fauna is interesting to watch.”

Lighting joy & fun

Something that is a must for the winter, a bonfire, good friends, rounds of barbeque paneer tikka and chicken. The winter can be unbeatable fun. The best way to deal with the cold is to face it, so you might do that be lighting a bonfire on your terrace or garden. Neha Singh, a student of engineering and a reality show participant from Chandigarh, waits eagerly for this season. “It is the time when I get to organise barbeque and bonfire parties at my place. The colder it is, the more enjoyable is the barbeque. Crazy, but fun,” she smiles.

Who says you can’t be crazy in winter!

jasmine@tribunemail.com 

Foreign shores
From the famous Sydney Opera House in Australia to beautiful exotic locales in Switzerland and Macau, small screen fiction as well as reality shows are being increasingly shot in foreign locations, much to the delight of viewers.

The newly married onscreen couple Ram and Priya go to Sydney for their honeymoon in Bade Achhe Lagte Hain, the protagonist in Hitler Didi travels to Macau in search of her sister and the new reality show Survivor India has been shot on an island in the Philippines.

Niret Alva, co-founder of production house Miditech, said that foreign locales gives shows “a larger than life feel”.

“They certainly add to exotic appeal and an unusual viewing palette. They also have an aspirational value, given the large numbers of Indians who are increasingly looking to travel abroad,” he added.

Sony’s popular TV show Bade Achhe Lagte Hain saw Sakshi Tanwar and Ram Kapoor extensively shoot for their honeymoon sequence in Australia. They were seen visiting the famous Sydney Cricket Ground, Opera House, the rock formation popularly known as Three Sisters among others.

“Also, it gives the viewer a chance to sample a brand new location through the eyes of their characters. For example, a honeymoon trip or a visit to an international cricket stadium (in Sydney). In reality shows, sometimes a foreign location is just the best place to execute a tough project,” said Alva.

One can also lure new viewership by shooting abroad, feels Virendra Shahane, fiction of head of Sony TV.

“Shooting in foreign locations provides the audience an entirely different experience. At times newer locations and settings attract more audiences, moreover since it was a honeymoon sequence the show had to be shot differently. Such collaborations help in both ways,” said Shahane.

Sukesh Motwane, head - fiction programming Zee TV, admits that shooting in foreign locations is appreciated if it fits the story.

“The tie-ups with foreign locations will only work when it suits the content or the story of the show. It is important to have a credible story as it automatically arouses curiosity in people. There’s no use of putting in so much effort if the sequence doesn’t fit in the story,” Motwane said.

He refused to cost of production while travelling abroad, but said they get help from tourism officials abroad.

“Of course, the cost of production increases as we had to fly down the actors to Macau and other logistical issues are involved. The tourism officials indeed offered us support in accommodation and other things.”

Star Plus’ popular show Saath Nibhana Sathiya had a weeklong shooting schedule in the beautiful locales of Switzerland like Lake Geneva Region, Ticino and Lucerne.

Some of the shows that have previously been shot abroad are Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijio (Nepal), Des Mein Nikla Hoga Chand (London), Kayamath (Turkey) and Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (Australia).

Reality shows like Khatron Ke Khiladi, Roadies and most recently “Survivor India” have tapped foreign locations like South Africa, Malaysia and the Philippines respectively.

Alva, who is involved in the production of Survivor India, said the shooting cost goes up to 15 to 25 percent while travelling abroad.

“There are air travel costs. Stay can be expensive in comparison for a long schedule and there are the vagaries of foreign exchange. It’s difficult to pin point a precise figure, but typically there is a 15 to 25 percent cost escalation,” he added.

“The Philippines is very welcoming. The governor of the province where ‘Survivor India’ has been shot was personally involved in smoothing out issues. There was support for the project from all levels of the Philippines government, who also sensed a good opportunity to promote their country to a large Indian audience.

“The Philippines is an incredible tourism destination that unfortunately isn’t as well known to Indian tourists as other countries in the region like Thailand and Malaysia,” he added. — IANS

Cheat code 
Kolaveri Di has inspired more versions than we can count. However, it is not the only source of inspiration. City rock bands and rap crews have come up with their versions of many more hit tracks
Ashima Batish

It’s an old story now. That it got over 30 million views within 40 days of its release on YouTube, that it made it to the top 30 music videos as well, that it has numerous versions in every major regional language. Everything has been talked, discussed and wondered about the phenomenal success of Kolaveri Di.

The Punjabi version, Pinky Moge Wali reaffirmed the popularity of the song and Mohan Singh, director of the music video feels that there isn’t a better way of celebrating its success. For, imitation is not always plagiarism. “In fact, it’s like flattering the original brilliant concept,” says Mohan. This isn’t the only song his team has recreated. “Before this, we came out with a version of Saigal Blues from the movie Delhi Belly. Next in line will be Ja Chudail from the same flick.”

Now, in case of a version, though the music is the same, lyrics are written according to a situation. The Punjabi version of Saigal Blues focuses on the rising prices of petrol, hence the title Petrol Chor. “The revised Ja Chudail will address the issue of inflation, unlike the original which was about a girl who ditched her boyfriend,” informs Mohan. A lot of improvisation goes into the making of a fresh edition to ensure it doesn’t look like a convenient lift of the original hit.

Presenting a hit track in a different form has always been a trend in the West, though most of it has contributed to the underground music. Last year, Gurdeep Singh, Mojo and Pradhaan of the rap crew, Desi Beam came up with their version of the 2007 Soulja Boy’s hit rap number, Let Me Get Him as Let My Swag On. “It gave a huge impetus to our career. Post that, we have also collaborated with rappers from Pakistan,” says Gurdeep.

Just as the original, the desi form was the life story of rappers of Desi Beam. The lyrics of the adaptation were in Hindi, Punjabi and English, “Your own version makes sense when you can localise it in terms of language and society.”

While definition of success for them was receiving 1,000 hits on YouTube in a span of three months, for another city band, The Local Train, it was11 different versions of their original song posted on YouTube. “It feels great when you imitate a track, modify it and it becomes a rage with music lovers but when your original track gets the same treatment, you feel like a winner,” comes from Ramit Mehra, member of the band. Being ardent Rahman fans, they have aesthetically tweaked songs of Dil Se and Rangeela. “There can’t be a bigger tribute to a musician than getting inspired from his music.”

Also, a regular during the live performances of the band is Kaisa Hai Ye Shahr from Anurag Kashyap’s never released flick, Paanch. “We are trying to take the song to the masses. Our version is inspired from the original, not a copy of it.”

Members of Swastik band have uploaded their versions of retro hits like Khoya Khoya Chand and Intehaan Ho Gayi. “We even play the revised form of childhood rhyme, Poshan Pa. Whenever we modify a track, the aim is to make it entertaining, the rest is taken care of,” says Deepak Rathore, a band member. The reason why Pinki Moge Wali is a huge hit, it is as amusing as the original Kolaveri Di.

Salute to the city

Chandigarh has always had a fair share of leading personalities. It is only befitting we have more and more of literature celebrating the success of its residents. Which is why, a coffee table book Chandigarh and its Leading Personalities Vol 2 was launched by Padam Shree Nek Chand in the city recently.

The book has been authored by Aneesh Bhanot and profiles over 70 leading personalities of the tri-city. The first Volume, released earlier in July 2011, also profiled over 70 leading personalities.

The second volume of the book has been dedicated to Harish Bhanot, one of the known media personalities of India. Chandigarh and its Leading Personalities profiles achievers from a cross-section of society including political leaders, social activists, artists, architects, doctors, administrators, entrepreneurs, sports persons, industrialists etc.

"Volume 1 was a major success," stated Aneesh Bhanot, "and the book has become a reference point of sorts for Chandigarh and its leading personalities.” The paperback edition is priced at Rs 900 while the hard-bound edition is for Rs 3000. — TNS 

Art centric

Art brings an element of colour and style into your home or office. Thought must be given to their proper placement and display. If you want to make art the centre of attraction, play down the other elements of the room like window coverings, carpeting, wall coverings, and even furniture. A room crowded with other colours, textures and objects will take the spotlight away from the art.

l The style of the painting must first and foremost match the style of your decor and also the purpose of a room. You cannot hang a painting of fruits and vegetables in the drawing room, nor an abstract painting in a traditional Indian setting.

l Co-ordinate the shape and size of the art with the shape and size of the wall. Large items go well on large walls and small on small, horizontal on horizontal spaces and vertical art on thin long walls.

l Less is more. If you want to make your art stand out, do not clutter up the wall.

l Aim for a consistent wall height between the wall decors throughout the room. Stand in the centre of the room and turn slowly. Do your eyes move up and down to follow the focal points along the wall, or do they move smoothly? If they move smoothly, you've got it right.

l Hang art at eye level or roughly have the centre of the canvas at 60".

l Select a frame that compliments not only the art but also the decor of the room. Normally smaller paintings need to be displayed with a mount. A dark frame is normally advised for smaller works which help to bring the artwork into focus.

l Direct lighting can harm your artwork so always go for recessed lights or spotlights in false ceilings.

l To avoid damage to your art, place them on dividing walls instead of perimeter walls as they are more subject to temperature fluctuations.

(Sukhmani is Chandigarh-based interior and landscape designer)

Spa-cial offer

JW Marriott, Chandigarh, has launched its signature spa - Quan. Quan offers a spa experience based on holistic therapies to help you move towards relaxation, balance and vitality.

Quan, a Chinese word that means 'a source of pure water' represents the restorative properties of water to offer an oasis of healing and rejuvenation. It refers to all things good and pure - an auspicious word to represent a spa that seeks to provide a path to wholeness and well-being, while embracing the time-honoured healing practices of its local culture.

The Quan spa has six therapy rooms, besides a fitness centre (gymnasium), a rooftop swimming pool and a separate kid's pool as part of the recreational facilities.

On offer are unique treatments like the Mer and Sens ritual which helps you unwind with aroma therapy oil blends; Indoceane Journey which is a three-step relaxation treatment and Kumkumadi Experience that uses ancient herbs and timeless treatments.

Marriott offers a spa package which includes an overnight stay in the hotel for a couple, inclusive of all meals, a welcome amenity and a three-hour royal spa treatment at Rs 24,999.— TNS

Oh boy!
Why do men like buying the same stuff again and again? 
Mona

A woman wouldn’t be caught dead having an identical pair of shoes in her ever-expanding shoe cabinet. However, with men the same might be a proud possession... it’s not for nothing they say men are from Mars and women from Venus.

Though women and their shopping sprees make for endless stories, we tried to explore the arena for men (for one of our New Year resolutions is to have a gender equal world). When it comes to shopping, we realised men liked to ‘stack’ and that too identical objects. A quick survey revealed their take…

Mohit Bhardwaj, model, actor, entrepreneur is a self-confessed ‘shopaholic’ (the term is not reserved for women only). His favourite? Black and white formal shirts. A sticker for formal dressing, Mohit (he changes three to four times a day) spends considerable time on his ‘looks’. What makes him hooked on to black and white? “I am not sure. But if I see any black or white shirt from any of my favourite brands (Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein and Van Heusen), I can’t resist buying that,” he shares.

Not only apparel, one also finds identical sunglasses from Police in his collection. He explains, “When I see something of my liking, the first impulse is to buy a few at one go. I wonder what if the brand stops making that particular one or runs out of stock. At the same time, I am very open to new, whenever any of my favourite brands launches a new collection, I want to be the first one to try out.”

Well, seems like fondness for shirts runs in men in general. Chancellor, Chitkara University, Ashok Chitkara would often make trips abroad to get his favourite brand of Marks and Spencer shirts till some years back. With M&S now delivering goods in India, things are easy for Chitkara now whose favourite ‘shirts’ are now a tough choice between M&S, Hugo Boss and Armani. Armani and Hermes are by the way his favourite brands in perfumes as well. But when it comes to stacking, his weakness is Montblanc pens. “Being a teacher, pens are close to my heart. Not only I often gift myself pens but also my family whenever goes gift shopping gets pens only,” shares Chitkara.

Stacking is apparently in every male’s wardrobe but not many go for it consciously. Civil servant Amar Bir Singh’s dressing sense is rather understated than loud or bizarre (I would rather mingle with the crowd, he states) but then in his collection one would find running shoes by Nike, polo shirts by Lacoste and tweed jackets. “It’s not intentional to stack but everyone has favourites and so do I,” he shares with us.

Brown jackets top the favourite chart of Sakul Khanna, an architect to be. But show stealers in his cupboard are close to a dozen ripped jeans by Jack & Jones. So many? “Well, that’s what guys wear,” says Sakul who would rather share about his dad’s choices for whom he and his family never gets to buy gifts. “Dad’s take is set, shirts by Raymonds by his fixed tailor, t-shirts by Benetton the same style year after year in black, blue and red.”

Well, now we know why men’s shopping takes so little time as compared to women. Going to a particular shop, buying a particular thing wouldn’t take that long, right? Happy shopping… mona@tribunemail.com

star track
Love triangles of 2012
Love triangles are a trend again. Many of the major releases in 2012 are high-profile love triangles. Take a look. Which one are you looking forward to?

Cocktail: This film is written by the unmatchable Imtiaz Ali and directed by Homi Adajania. Saif is paired with Deepika and newcomer Diana Penty is the girl who makes for the third love angle. Sounds interesting and Saif has a knack for romantic comedies!

Student of the Year: This is like Kuch Kuch Hota Hai meets Glee. Karan Johar’s film without Shah Rukh Khan stars newcomers Alia Bhatt, Siddharth Malhotra, and Varun Dhawan in a love triangle. So, we know one is the buddy, one is the crush, then there is heartbreak and realisation. Let us see what happens.

Talaash: This Aamir Khan film is among the most- awaited films of the year. From what we know, Aamir plays a cop, Kareena plays a commercial sex worker, and Rani plays the mother of his child. There is definitely a love triangle which has been closely guarded.

Yash Chopra’s film: Katrina Kaif stars opposite Shah Rukh Khan for the first time. Anushka Sharma also has a role in the film. We are unsure about specific roles but Yash Chopra is good at making love triangles and this could be another signature one.

Barfee: The stories are doing the rounds that in this one Ranbir is married to Ileana D’cruz and Priyanka is the other woman in his life.

Heroine: This is definitely a triangle and much more! Kareena plays a star and she romances Arjun Rampal who plays a star and she also gets romantically involved with Randeep Hooda who plays a cricketer. Sounds interesting!

Tabu selects David

Talent show: Tabu

National Award winning actor Tabu is very choosy about her films. She has decided to act in Shaitan, director Bejoy Nambiar’s next film.

The other person starring in this film is talented actor and dancer Isha Sharvani. The male protagonist will be played by South star Vikram, who was previously seen in Mani Ratnam’s Raavan.

Bejoy’s debut film was hard-hitting and engaging and caught the attention of critics, filmmakers, actors, and the audience. Maybe that is why he has been successful in getting a choosy actor such as Tabu to be part of his next film titled David. This is an achievement for the new director as Tabu has previously turned down many prominent projects.

Nambiar says, “Tabu has a very important role to play and her character in quirky. She is pivotal to the story of David so I cannot reveal her character as that would give away the story. I am still casting for the film. I have thought of two other male leads which I will finalise soon.”

Even Shaitan had an ensemble cast and each actor did a superb job. Sources inform us that David is a dark and gritty gangster film and completely right up Bejoy’s alley. It is likely that Tabu will play the gangster’s moll. Tabu has no qualms being in multi-starrers as long as she likes her role and the script. Take Maqbool, for instance.

The film will go on the floors at the end of this month and release later this year.

Meet the parents

Happy couple: Leonardo DiCaprio and Erin Heatherton

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio has introduced his latest girlfriend, Victoria's Secret model Erin Heatherton, to his mother.

The 37-year-old, who started dating Heatherton in December last year, has reportedly become so serious about the relationship that he introduced her to his mother, Irmelin, during the festive Christmas period.

A source, who saw the threesome enjoying a brunch at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles on New Year's Eve, said: "The meeting went well and mom and Erin were seen laughing. Leo and Erin seemed really happy."

DiCaprio was previously linked to a number of beauties following his split from actress Blake Lively - with whom was in a relationship for five months. — IANS

Going strong

Mariah Carey has revealed that her husband Nick Cannon is ‘in a lot of pain’ after mild kidney failure but is still in ‘good spirits’.

“As always, he’s in good spirits considering the situation,” Carey said. Cannon, 31, was hospitalised after a mild kidney failure during a holiday getaway in Aspen, Colorado, but he was moved to an LA hospital late Wednesday afternoon.

Carey, 41, who gave birth to the couple’s twins in April this year, was constantly by her husband’s side. “Last year it was me attached to the machines (after having dembabies) and Nick was there with me through it, and now here we are,” she tweeted. Carey is staying positive too. — ANI

Manisha moves on

Going solo: Manisha Koirala

Manisha Koirala is finally seeking divorce from her husband of less than two years, Samrat Dahal.

She is relocating to Mumbai. Problems had been brewing between them for quite a while and the divorce comes as no surprise. 

Just married

Actor Puru Raj Kumar tied the knot with his Croatian girlfriend Koraljika Grdak recently in Zagreb. They got married in December and brought in the New Year together in Zagreb.

More than singing

On record: Rekha Bhardwaj

Talented singer Rekha Bhardwaj starts recording her new untitled album, will not just lend her voice but also compose tunes for all the songs in it. The album will be out later this year.

No time

Hrithik Roshan is going to stay away from various award events this season. That is because he wants to devote time to promoting Agnepath which releases on Republic Day.

Sonam clears the air

Sonam Kapoor says that she loves every film that she has been part of, including Mausam. She also said that she gets along just fine with Shahid Kapoor.

New face of Dior

Prestigious assignment: Mila Kunis

Actress Mila Kunis has become the latest celebrity to join the Christian Dior family, the French fashion house. Her first ads for the Miss Dior handbag — shot in New York by photographer Mikael Jansson — will debut internationally in January.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be working with Dior,” said the Black Swan star in a statement.

“The brand is iconic in so many ways. It defines fashion, elegance and sophistication,” she stated Kunis joins Lady Dior handbags’ current face, Marion Cotillard (who will remain in her role), plus Black Swan costar Natalie Portman, the spokesmodel for Miss Dior Cherie perfume. — ANI 

Stay healthy, stay strong

Nutrition wise: Raveena Tandon

Pretty, slim, and friendly mother-of-two, Raveena Tandon has been signed on as the brand ambassador for Merck’s Seven Seas cod liver oil capsules. She talks about her lifelong association with the nutritional supplement.

“I have enjoyed a lifetime of good health. I had a healthy childhood and heroines during my time such as Kajol, Manisha, and myself, looked healthy because we had strong immunities. We used to diet a lot and work erratic hours but we never fainted. Today, you here of all these thin actresses working 24-36 hours and fainting as a result! So I believe in building strong immunities,” she says.

Barrymore is engaged again!


New pair: Will Kopelman and Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore has confirmed reports of her getting engaged to boyfriend Will Kopelman, by releasing a photo of herself wearing her new engagement ring. Reports suggested that Kopelman had proposed to her during a winter break in Sun Valley, Idaho.

The actress, who started dating Kopelman in 2011 following the breakdown of her relationship with actor Justin Long, has now confirmed the news via her representative.

She has also released an official picture of herself sitting with the art consultant and smiling widely as she shows off her new engagement ring, which was designed by the Graff Diamonds jewellery company.

Barrymore has been married twice before - to bar owner Jeremy Thomas in 1994 and comedian Tom Green in 2001. Both marriages lasted less than five months. — ANI

chatter box
Calling quits

Final innings: Kavita Kaushik

Pretty lady Kavita Kaushik made Chandramukhi Chautala from SAB TVs FIR a household name.

Her cool Haryanvi accent and versatile style made Chandramukhi Chautala quite popular.

But after six years of playing a cop in a sitcom, Kavita wants to wrap up.

Holidaying in Dubai currently, Kavita apparently told the makers a while ago and has given them notice period till March.

Comic Return

Laugh it Off: Shruti Seth

As a new season of Sony TV's Comedy Circus, titled Kahaani Comedy Circus Ki gears up for a launch this weekend, buzz is that Shruti Seth, who earlier hosted few seasons of the show, will host it again. But as talks are on and nothing is set in black and white, Shruti is unwilling to comment on the same.

Kiran Karmarkar wants publicity for his new show

Kiran Karmarkar, more famously known as Om Agarwal of Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki, is back on television with Optimystix' show Zindagi Kahe Smile Please on Life Ok. But if you haven't heard or seen much of the show, he blames the makers and the channel for the same. Kiran feels his new show hasn't been getting as much publicity as the other new shows on this new channel. He feels the show is being sidelined and has complained to the makers who assured him that content will win not mere promotion.

Happy or not?


All in the family: The cast of Parvarrish - Kuchh Khattee Kuchh Meethi 

Buzz in telly town is that Shweta Tiwari who returned to fiction with Sony TV's Parvarrish - Kuchh Khattee Kuchh Meethi isn't very thrilled with the way her role is projected in the show.

Apparently she expected more screen time and hasn't had her fill so she is disappointed with the show. Rumours are that an unhappy Shweta is pondering on her options.

But for now she is giving the production team few months to better the situation.

Curtains down soon

Star Plus' Maryaada Lekin Kab Tak will soon end. The show was under scanner as it didn't get decent TRPs and now the channel has decided to end it with January 25 being the last date. While there were reports that the lead Riddhi Dogra Vashisth and Raqesh Vashisth were unhappy with their tracks, now it seems they have accepted the decision.

Time change

Once again the Colors' show Na Aana Is Desh Laado will be shifted.

The show that was once aired at 10.30 pm made way for Bigg Boss and due to lagging TRPs was deported to the afternoon slot of 1.30pm.

Soon Colors' reworked their afternoon slot and now are launching a new show Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha at 10 pm.

 

 

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: You will enjoy the company of your loved ones. You will be romantically towards someone. The employed will be burdened with additional responsibility without incentive. Tarot message: You need to cultivate understanding and humility. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 36

TAURUS: Social events will be a positive stimulus for you. At trip out of town might be on the cards. Hobbies and extra curricular activities will gain extra momentum. Look for the answers to your dilemmas within you. Tarot message: Resolve conflicts through discussion.Lucky colour: Cream Magic number: 29

GEMINI: This is a perfect time to start practicing independence and letting go. Planning for investment? Push extra cash into safe scheme. Students check your account in campus. Girls should plan to join a hobby class. Tarot message: Keep a close watch on any niggling health problems. Lucky colour: Copper. Magic number: 34

CANCER: You could be a sucker for glamorous advertising. Think twice before you start spending your cash on a whim. Do not disturb jointly held fund without the consent of your partner.Tarot message: Boost your confidence with positive thinking Lucky colour: Maroon Magic number: 33

LEO: You need to honour yourself first and foremost. Your plans for the day can be changed by others. An opportunity to work unsupervised will enhance your performance and lead to promotion. Stay clear from sycophants. Tarot message: Wait and watch. Lucky colour: Blue Magic number: 30

VIRGO: The most tiring day if you have to work. Be willing to change behaviour. Women can feel emotionally insecure. Evening is extremely pleasant. No over-eating at night. Tarot message: Rivalry and competition would push you to do your best. Lucky colour: Red Magic number: 44

LIBRA: An issue that is niggling at the back of your mind should be addressed. If you have been thinking of buying a pet this is a favourable day for getting one. Expect excellent news concerning finance in the evening. Tarot message: Cut away the frills. Lucky colour: purple Magic number: 32

SCORPIO: Friendly vibes and thoughts of romance will enhance the fun of a dating game. You will be in a mood to find fault with people who are dear to you, curb this habit. Tarot message: A positive and caring attitude heals old wounds. Lucky colour: Grey Magic number: 46

SAGITTARIUS: Love is in the air. No matter how much you love your partner, do not compromise those things that are important to you. Relationships are based on give-and-take, so make sure you go both the ways. Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky colour: Coffee brown. Magic number: 50

CAPRICORN: A business proposition might appeal to you. Recognise it from an unbiased perspective. In the evening there is an exchange of ideas with someone who means much to you. Tarot message: Take limited risks with you capital. Lucky colour: Burgundy Magic number: 63

AQUARIUS: Gossip in the workplace can cause unexpected problems and upsets. If you work in an area where there are language barriers, be extra careful of misunderstandings. Tarot message: You find within yourself a fountainhead of a will power. Lucky colour: Saffron Magic number: 59

PISCES: Think wisely before you start spending your extra cash, as there may be a surprise around the next corner that would make a better use of it. Keep travel plans off. Children will be a source of happiness. Tarot message: Do not let anyone get the advantage over you.Lucky colour: Yellow Magic number: 48 

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is January 8...

There isn't much of a chance that you'll get through without ruffling at least a few feathers and it's likely that your own feathers will be equally ruffled by others. The thing to keep in mind is that, while all this is definitely frustrating, it does have an upside! This is your chance to get certain issues out in the open. Once everyone is aware of any problems at hand, you can all work together to fix them. And once that's happened, you will be able to move forward so much more smoothly.

Initially, this may feel like a challenging way to start the year. But it's actually a terrific way to kick it off! You don't back down early this year, no matter how much pressure comes your way. It's likely that you have got a difference of opinion with a leader or client, but if you keep pushing, you should all find common ground that was previously unexplored.

Young people of this sign must be alert; a temporary job is not all what it seems. It is better to ask for advice from someone who knows more than you. If contesting any election, victory is yours .In education you learn how to deal with failure. You will end up losing everything if you continue to act too proud. If you are humble, you will be appreciated. Dealing with elders and family authority figures is likely to be challenging at times. Elder members need patience and calm 'vocal tones.' Getting into a peeing contest over who's got the clout is very unwise right now. You may have a good cash flow. However you may need to loosen your purse strings to make your workplace a comfortable place to work in. You may save your costs by aligning with your existing resources. In terms of health, those who are down with ailment may have speedy recovery. New exercises and emotional strain can cause headache and tensions. You may end up overindulging in eating or drinking which may be the cause of many problems.

Mood: Cautious and in need of 'good balance'.

Compatible Signs: Libra, Pisces.

Lucky Colors: Dark Magenta, Cadet Blue.

Lucky Days: Thursday and Friday.

Lucky Numbers: 8, 12, 23, 41, 43

Lucky Gem: Jasper.

Lucky Flower: Dog Rose.

Sagarika Ghatge (January 8,1982,Kolhapur) is the daughter of veteran actor Vijayendra Ghatge. She portrayed the role of Preeti Sabharwal, a member of the Indian women's national hockey team, in the 2007 hit film, Chak De India. Her impressive portrayal of the role in Chak De India, landed her to be the face of Reebok, India. She has done Photo shoots for various fashion magazines.





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