The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - The Tribune Lifestyle

The baby arrives
Lara Dutta, Mahesh Bhupathi welcome daughter

Bollywood actress Lara Dutta and tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi have became the proud parents of a baby girl, their first child.

Bhupathi took to twitter to announce the happy news. “It’s a girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Lara Dutta, I Love u....,” the 37-year-old wrote.

Last week, Lara, 33, was busy in setting up her house for the new arrival.

“Its fun having my parents here and getting the house baby (sic) ready! Anticipation and excitement in the air! feels good to start 2012 like that,” Lara had posted.

Friends of the couple have also poured in their best wishes to the new born.

“Congratulations to my dear Mahesh Bhupathi and darling Lara on the arrival of the princess !! God Bless U All,” Neil Nitin Mukesh tweeted.

Filmmaker Ken Ghosh tweeted, “Congrats Mahesh and Lara! Its a girl!.” —PTI

In the Print
Nowadays getting a book published depends on many factors, including the idea, the readability factor, whether it can be marketed and how the work is rated by the casual readers
Manpriya Khurana

Behind every love story that makes it, there are countless that don't. Behind every novel that gets published, there are several manuscripts that don't. Long back, someone must have judged the potential of Erich Segal's Love Story. The most novel of ideas might never get inked or make it to the shelves. What goes on in the minds of a publisher is never a predictable question; nevertheless, we try.

Not surprisingly, the target audience and marketing form a constant criterion. Shares Harish Jain, owner, Unistar Books Pvt Ltd, "Be it romance, be it any other genre in fiction, there are certain factors that are always look into when we are thinking over whether a manuscript should be published or not. These are the idea; the readability factor and whether it can be marketed as desired." At times, it's the sheer volume, at times, it's the sheer variety, but which book finally makes it depends on how well it is rated by the casual readers. Not that they don't go back to the basics - back in school, basic things that marked out a good essay from a bad one! "First and foremost we check the storyline. How unique and untold it is. Then comes the writing style, which has to be really good and match our standards. Then the author's profile is also looked into. Whether it is his second book or the first," shares Azeem Ahmad Khan, publisher, General Press. He adds, "This criterion is especially true of contemporary fiction."

Ultimately, it remains a battle to increase the print runs. "Only lately there has been a remarkable shift from the content to the marketing strategy. Now increasingly, things like the author's profile matter much more," opines Rohit Ohri, region-based literary agent. Literary quality might not be the sole criterion to judge, but it stays sure and secure. "There are three things that matter. Originality of idea, continuity of thought and the target market," says Kapish G. Mehra, managing director, Rupa Publications. He adds, "We receive around ten manuscripts every day and only 150 to 180 get published in a year. There is an in-house process; there are commissioning agents who do the selection or rejection."

What works with one might not work with the other. Shares Azeem Ahmad Khan, "There is a team comprising published authors that decides whether a given plot makes the cut; if there is an interesting chapter then the entire manuscript is called for. The entire process takes about three to four weeks." More often than not, the entire exercise is a hit and trial. "Every
reader has an interest area; when a proposal comes for rating it is given to the reader who falls in that interest area, he or she gives the initial feedback and from then on the next stage takes over," adds Harish Jain. What works with the market is an even bigger question. Even JK Rowling was once upon a time an unpublished author!

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Mix-ing style
Thanks to the technology and exposure, it is not difficult to release an album today, shares DJ Teenu
Jasmine Singh

At first Punjabi music caught the fancy of Bollywood and now it looks like electronic music is luring music-makers in the industry. And when it is electronic music, we cannot forget the source 'Deejays'. Finally, from the small cubicles to tinselville, deejays are doing a fairly good job!

We met up with one such from the tribe, DJ Teenu, who will be performing at Lush, Hotel Icon, Sector-8, Chandigarh. "Electronic music is a global phenomenon; it is taking over from pop music. Many international artistes like Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony are also influenced by dance music. Why should Bollywood be far behind?" questions DJ Teenu, who is doing remix music for films.

And you thought deejays are only meant to play at select lounges or parties? Laughs Teenu, "In fact, many deejays are becoming music producers. Thanks to the technology and exposure, it is not difficult to release an album today. One doesn't need to look for music companies. There are certain portals where you can sell your music and there you are." The excitement in his voice is evident. DJ Teenu will be releasing his solo album Dreams next month and besides this, he is touring, playing music and making it popular.

But hang on for a second, aren't all deejays doing the same? "You got me," he breaks into a long laugh. "I should have known this was coming. There are some good music producers, and others like to follow them. Nevertheless, with music and especially global music becoming a global phenomenon, I don't think there should be any issue of 'getting monotonous.' The international trends in music change and that affects the entire industry."

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Lock-ed in time
Forty per cent of British women do not change their hairstyle because lack of confidence

The average Brit woman has had the same hairstyle for six years and 153 days while nearly half haven't changed it since they were a teenager because they lack the confidence to change their image, a new research has revealed. Most have never changed the way they dress or do their make-up either, because they worry how their partner or women friends might react.

Forty per cent of style-stuck women think their hair needs a refresh, but are also deterred by salon prices, according to the poll carried out by Remington.

"There's nothing wrong with having a consistent image that you're comfortable with, but many women would like to be a bit braver and refresh their image now and again," Nikki McReynolds, marketing director for Remington, said.

"It seems the biggest barrier is worrying about how other people will react or whether the new look will suit them. If bored or unhappy with their current style, women can build their self-confidence gradually by experimenting with small changes, rather than drastically altering their image," McReynolds stated.

— ANI

the foodies
More than beer!
Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra

Hops ‘n’ Grains in Sector 9, Panchkula, is the tricity’s first microbrewery; three-floors and two bar-restaurants, this is surely the place for beer lovers—the Light Lager, Premium Lager, Weiss and Dunkel!

And with a qualified brew master on their premises, they definitely score higher than the canned brands. That’s not all—you also get a variety of alcoholic drinks to go with sumptuous food. Though the exteriors of the restaurant are quite plain, the inside is a mix of wood, iron, glass and unfinished concrete; the best part is you can view the tanks and the brewery from all the three floors.

The restaurant primarily serves Indian, but also includes dishes from varied cuisines and has a separate pizza menu that includes a few other Italian dishes. However, we should not forget this is a brewery and most people are here to enjoy a mug of beer, so appetizers are their forte. The menu is replete with entrées and one can try their beer batter prawns, chicken tikka platter, peri-peri fish, brewmeisters chicken (these are chicken drumsticks marinated with dunkel beer, herbs and spices). In vegetarian you can try kabula kebabs (kebabs made of chickpeas) or the tried and tested panner tikka. But that’s not all; one can choose from a variety of other dishes as well.

For the main course, in Indian their dal makhani is a must try but we tried Italian and it was awesome. Their Bruschettas are good and have been altered in size for a quick snack. In pastas you can go for Fettuccine pesto and Parmesan sauce pasta. Since pizzas have a separate menu so they deserve special attention; try their chicken tikka pizza in the non-vegetarian variety and exotic pizza is the vegetarian variety.

the foodies
Spice of nature
Poonam Bindra

Bringing in the five elements of nature into the ambience, Spice Cube, a new venture, is all set to whet the appetite of the gourmand tribe of Ludhiana. Situated in Kartar Bhavan (fifth floor) Spice Cube overlooks the green PAU grounds on one side and the sparkling lights of Ferozepur Road on the other.

It has become the destination for not just Shakaharis but all. As Angad Singh, a businessman quips, “I am a hardcore non- vegetarian but Spice Cube is teaching me how to relish vegetarian food as well.” He enjoys the starters lotus stem crispy and the soft paneer malai tikka. Interspersed with cascading waterfalls over glass panels falling into gravelled spaces, the wooden interiors give a total earthy look. The farther end of the restaurant boasts of an open terrace, which has small waterfalls and a benign Buddha statue.

We catch up with Suryansh Oswal and his friends sipping mocktails, while enjoying the cool breeze “This Blue Lagoon is the ideal blend and my friend Ritikesh swears by the Orange Melody cocktail.”

Another couple who wanted to remain anonymous says, “We have been coming here every alternate day for their mushroom duplex snacks and golden garlic soup”. According to Inderpal Singh, owner Spice Cube, “Seventy per cent of the food is cooked without onion and garlic. It has completely different flavours.” On the left of the entrance is a convertible party room, which can play host to 75 to 100 guests. It has become a favourite spot for couple kitty parties who are always on the look-out for new places to dine. Sheena and Arun Mujral who were hosts for a dining kitty feel relaxed. “It is hard to find authentic exotic vegetarian food. We have special tandoori fruit chat and kamal kakari ki chat.”

The Chinese food chef Chewang Du Lepacha dishes out the best pan fried noodles with the right mix of the crunch and softness followed by yummy date pancake and ice-cream. The sauces were made in-house and the flavours incorporated accordingly. The cafe menu for the coffee seekers between 4 to 7 pm includes pastas, pizzas and doughnuts.

Price point – A meal for two would cost Rs 700 to 800 plus taxes while the morning kitty goers can look for a price of Rs 260 plus taxes per head.

Hot favourites
In this biting cold, try the warmth of Kashmiri cuisines
Vasudha Gupta

The flavour of Kashimiri food is strong enough to intoxicate the foodie in you. Kashmiri Wazwaan at Taj Chandigarh does just that. Bringing together not only the cuisine but also the warmth of Kashmir in the loom that accompanies weavers from Kashmir to bring its true essence to Chandigarh.

A weaver’s delight

In one corner of the hotel are three weavers sitting besides an intricately done peacock shawl and busy copying a design from the graph. “This is 100 per cent cashmere,” Divya, from Ezma informs. Working diligently separating the thread from the wool, sits another man, wearing the typical Kashmiri cap. Surrounded by multi-hued looms, the set up paints a pretty picture.

Sharing details about the process of bringing a kaani to life, she says, “The specialists with us have replicated the original process of kaani weaving in a big way. The base of the shawl is put in the loom and different coloured threads are wrapped on the wooden sticks to weave them into the given design.”

The entire impact of the kaani takes body through the number of threads being used and the intricacy of the pattern. “More the colours, higher will be the price range,” she says. Apart from the hand woven delights, there is also the baby cashmere available at the store along with the imperial range of shawls—the ones which sweep through a ring.

Kashmiri delicacies

The first major contribution of the Kashmiri Pandits was on the food scene. The Kashmiri cuisine was then influenced by the cultures which arrived with the invasion by Timur.

A sneak peak of the fine food has been organised exclusively for the festival—Sewa Singh, chef from Taj Vivanta, Srinagar brings the spices and tang from Kashmir on the table. After 10 years of experience, there is no doubt that his approximations with the ingredients go beyond a normal understanding. Serving the authentic five dishes in the main menu will be part of the regular lunch and dinner buffet. The rista, made of mutton and fresh fat in red sauce, is exceptional along with the goushtaba in white sauce. If you are a vegetarian, try out the nadri yakhani, made out of lotus stem. The paneer kaliya laced with pronounced flavour and Kashmiri tomato paneer are two other options worth trying.

So, if the serenity of Kashmir still keeps you in a state of frenzy, it’s time to get the slice of the beauty, flavour and the tehzeeb of the land.

(On till January 29)

vasudha@tribunemail.com

Trust gain
Mona

In a world where everything sells, Trust Research Advisory (TRA) claims to have actually made a scientific tool to measure ‘trust’. Brand Trust Report, India Study 2012, puts LG on the top, Cadbury’s in the second spot followed by Ponds at third in Chandigarh.

The head of research at TRA, Sachin Bhosle, in Chandigarh on Thursday, says, “Trust is the most essential bond in all relationships, including social as well as commercial. We at TRA have developed the trust matrix based on the inputs from sociologists, psychologists and behavioural scientists.”

Brand Trust Report, India Study, 2012 not only compiled data for trusted brands but also personalities led by Anna Hazare.

The report might be of interest to companies (it’s available for sale at Rs 10,000), but it’s the parameters of measuring trust that interested us. Amongst its 61 parameters, it’s ‘empathy’, ‘non-threatening ambience’ and ‘perceived competence’ take the topmost place.

Well, if Sachin is to be believed, it should work in relationships as well!

mona@tribunemail.com

Bebo shuttling between the Khans

Kareena Kapoor's life is all about the Khans in her life. She has beau Saif, new co-star Imran Khan, and her favourite co-star is Aamir Khan.

When she is busy with the post production of Talaash and is with Aamir he keeps asking her about Imran and teasing her that she only wants to work with Imran.

When she is promoting Karan Johar's Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, Imran constantly keeps teasing her about Maamu and how she gives him all the attention.

Since the maama-bhanja are so busy with their respective films and hardly get the time to meet each other these days, Kareena is the messenger for them. She keeps Imran updated about Aamir and Aamir updated about Imran, depending on what she is doing and who she is with. She loves playing messenger and mediator between them because she loves them both and loves all the attention they shower on her.

Kareena says, "It is an absolute pleasure working with Aamir Khan and the young Imran Khan. Both are really very adorable as co-stars and people."

Imran Khan says, "Oh that's an easy banter. I love to tease Kareena that she has no time for me and is giving all attention to Aamir and his film. I keep telling her that we waited for her to make Ek Main Aur Ekk Tuu. We were convinced only she could have done the role. She was our first and only choice."

Ek Main Aur Ekk Tuu releases on February 10 and Talaash releases in June.

Abhay moves on…

wise choice: Abhay Deol

Abhay Deol was last seen in commercial films Aisha and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. He is presently acting in Shanghai.

"I want to do films which make money and I have reached a point where I can strike a balance as people know what my capabilities are as an actor. But I can't do films which are not relatable. There has to be a story line, a strong role.

"When I entered Bollywood I wanted people to see who I am as an actor and over the period I have been selective about my work. I had always wanted to strike a balance as far as acting is concerned.. do the singing and dancing and do meaningful roles too," Abhay said.

The actor is reuniting with his Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye director Dibakar Banerjee in Shanghai where he plays an IAS officer.

"Shanghai has shaped up really well... I am really proud of this movie...It is about what we in our country go through... corruption, poverty, lack of education. Doing the film was an eye opener for me. I got to know so many facts about our system. Only Dibakar can make a film so serious in nature and yet so entertaining," Abhay said.

Shanghai also stars Emraan Hashmi and Kalki Koechlin in pivotal roles and Abhay is all praise for his co-star Emraan.

"He is a really cool guy.. I have only two scenes with him in the film but he is a fabulous actor. It is sad that he got stuck with the serial kisser image because of which his acting got neglected," Abhay said.

The actor is set to team up with his Aisha co-star Sonam Kapoor again in Rajkumar Santoshi's next and it seems that he has put their public spat behind him.

"I don't want to get into the past.. what has been done has been done.. I am still discussing it (role) with him (Santoshi). Haven't signed the film yet," the actor said. — PTI

Natural vs made up

Kelly Brook, who is gifted with a naturally fabulous body, appears to have made a few enemies after she recently slammed celebrities for revealing they have been under the knife. In an open letter to Brook, Ulrika Jonsson, who has in the past admitted to surgery, has criticised the TV presenter.

"You possess the perfect female form - of course you're happy with your body!" wrote Jonsson.

"Little wonder then that you've made a living out of showing your body off - and perhaps less from your brains," she wrote.

The 44-year-old also accused Brook, who is dating former Scottish International Rugby player Thom Evans, of being insensitive to other women.

"To hear you lambasting women less happy with their body, who have opted for surgery, is like a Porsche bitching about a Reliant Robin," she wrote.

The mother of four had a 6,000-pound breast reduction and lift after having children.

"Kelly, some of us weren't born with the fabulous genes you've inherited," she said.

Jonsson also goes on to warn Brook of what Mother Nature has in store for her if she has children. The presenter explained how she had to have a breast reduction after her cup size expanded to 36I.

She states celebrities talking openly about surgery is honest and a positive influence on women, who are often duped into believing stars achieve their look simply through diet and exercise. Jonsson's outrage comes after 32-year-old last week slammed celebrities for 'devaluing women'. — ANI

Difficult career choices

Actor George Clooney says he has made some "dumb" career choices and is not proud of all his work.

The 50-year-old feels "lucky" that most of the work he did, that he is not proud of, was made early in his professional life because there were just few people who remember that.

"I've certainly made some turkeys along the way and made some dumb choices in my career, mostly early on. I'm one of the lucky ones who got to make a lot of mistakes very early on when no one was paying attention," he says.

"I did a lot of terrible TV shows and was really terrible in them, but nobody really noticed," he added.

— IANS

Shahid on Imran

Usually actors replace actors and actresses replace actresses but for Punit Malhotra's second film, Shahid Kapoor's entry meant Sonam Kapoor's exit. Shahid replaced Imran Khan in the movie as well.

Shahid Kapoor was to work with Dharma Productions in Kall but he opted out of the film at the last minute because Karan Johar and his then gal pal Kareena Kapoor were not on talking terms. It was a wise move since the film flopped. Now, he is getting a second chance to work with Karan Johar in a film directed by Punit Malhotra. Imran Khan opted out of the film because he wanted to focus on Vishal Bhardwaj's Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola.

A source tells us, I Hate Luv Storys could have been the only hit of Sonam's career. It is believed that she opted out of them when Imran opted out. Karan is not keen on casting Sonam in Punit's film with Shahid on board because their pairing didn't work in Mausam. So Karan and UTV don't want to make the same mistake.

Sonam is absolutely fine not doing the film directed by her rumoured boyfriend. The makers are looking for another leading lady. Anushka Sharma could get the role since their pairing worked in Badmaash Company and they have a good rapport . Both of them are versatile and urban and connect with audiences of different ages. — HRM

Relaxed look
They may be at their fashionable best at events and award functions but what do stars wear when they are chilling and relaxing?

Brand buff

Sonam Kapoor: She is addicted to clothes! She might wear a tee with cropped pants but they will be from Chanel.

Simply stylish

Shahid Kapoor: He loves wearing white tees with blue jeans when he is on his own and loose cargo pants.

short cut: Priyanka Chopra

Comfy chick

Priyanka Chopra: She loves wearing spaghetti tops with hot shorts and comfortable cotton dresses with flip flops. Her glares go everywhere with her.

Improved looks

Vidya Balan: She is seen in kurtis or tunics thrown over jeggings and leggings. She pins her hair a little and wears no make-up.

Star track

Moore to opt for online dating?

Actress Demi Moore has reportedly been asked to try online dating site Match.com by friend Jennifer Aniston.

According to a publication, Aniston is trying to get the 49-year-old Moore, who recently split from husband Ashton Kutcher, to try online dating. "Jen's done it and told Demi it really helped raise her confidence," said a source. — IANS

Playing a gangster

Irrfan Khan will play the gangster in the sequel to Saheb, Biwi aur Gangster. He replaced Neil Nitin Mukesh because the makers wanted someone older. Mahie and Jimmy reprise their roles and Randeep makes a comeback in the sequel.

Replacement theory: Irrfan Khan

Not this time

Anurag Kashyap was responsible for the success of the Hanuman movies. He is not directing Hanuman 3. Ruchi Narain will do so.

Dancing star

Geeta Basra will do an item song in Zilla Ghaziabad. She has not been seen for a while and she loves dancing, has been trained in it, and idolises Madhuri Dixit. The movie stars Sanjay Dutt, Arshad Warsi, Vivek Oberoi, and Minissha Lamba.

Item girl: Geeta Basra

Chatter box

Cast away

Shilpa Saklani, fighting the Survival battle on Star Plus' reality show, Survivor India was sent as a slave to the Tayak tribe as her own team lost the challenge. Shilpa, who was totally devastated after hearing the news, was surprised at receiving a warm welcome by the Tayak tribe members especially Michel and Rajrani who made special sweet potato dish for her. Shilpa who had not eaten a morsel of food for days couldn’t thank them enough for the sweet gesture and had tears in her eyes after eating the vegetable. She stated that she was tasting salt after 13 days and felt like she was brought back to life. Soon she was seen mingling with the two young members of the tribe Shivam and Sith Pragya as well, who made sure that she felt at home throughout. tribal experience: Shilpa Saklani

Abhishek Tewari Negative charm

Abhishek Tewari who was earlier seen as Siddharth Sood, a business tycoon in Chand Chupa Badal Mein on Star Plus, now is seen in Shashi-Sumeet Mittal’s Main Laxmi Tere Aangan Ki on Life OK. He is enjoying his cameo as he wants to play negative roles and not the essentially goodie goodie ones. His character Ajay will create problems between the lead couple and bring in drama.
bad boy: Abhishek Tewari

Angry young woman

Ragini Nandwani aka Lovely from Mrs Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein, is angry with reports of her linkup with the on screen co-star Mukul Harish aka Kartik. Reports were that the onscreen – jodi got cozy with each other during shooting when someone played a prank and locked them in a vanity van. She refutes these reports and claims it is irresponsible.

Locked & Linked: Mukul Harish and Ragini Nandwani

Omelette party

Shweta Tiwari had promised the director of her show Parvarish of a delicious home-cooked meal but as she was getting late to report for the shoot, she didn’t keep it. To make up to him, she cooked a variety of omelettes for him and the cast, crew and unit members on set and turned lunch into an omelette party.

Master chef: Shweta Tiwari

Singing sensibilities

Dakssh Ajit Singh, aka Gaurav from Star Plus’ Maryada loves to sing. The actor, who played the first gay character on TV, plans to launch albums in English, Hindi and Punjabi. He will write the lyrics and work on the project and plans to release the albums next year. He has uploaded four songs on youtube to gauge response.

Tantrum queen

Buzz is that Mouni Roy who is seen playing Sati in Life OK’s Devon Ke Dev, has been throwing tantrums on the sets. She arrives late and delays the shoot, keeps nitpicking on her costumes as well. Meanwhile, Mouni has rubbished such news as rumours. She claims to be having a ball shooting the mythological show and claims her production house has no problems with her.

Throwing weight: Mouni Roy

Negative streak: Rucha Gujrati

Playing opposites

Playing Kiya in Sony’s Saas Bina Sasural, a role totally opposite to her real self, sweet-natured, petite beauty Rucha Gujarati claims she is having fun essaying the manipulative character on television. She speaks about her role and much more.

How has the response been to your entry in Saas Bina Sasural?

It has been very warm and I am glad to have such a well etched role of Kiya. She is a London-returned modern girl who just wants to live life on her terms. When she learns that she will have to marry Ved to inherit her dad’s money, she becomes manipulative.

Why did you choose this role?

Kiya is an amazing character and the role will give me various shades to play, which is what attracted me to it. Kiya is a modern girl who believes in herself but has to do wrong things to get her way.

Do you enjoy playing negative roles more than positive ones?

Not at all. I am open to playing all kind of roles. In the past I have done many positive roles like Bhabhi where I played the positive lead for over 800 episodes and then came Waaris where I had a positive role. As an actor, you look for challenging and worthwhile parts. I have been selective, which is why I chose Kiya as I liked the character.

What is Kiya’s plan?

I can’t tell you anything about her plan but yes she is going to move forward and try to get married to Ved, knowing he is in love with Nitika. She is aware that Chedilal is on her side while others are not. Kiya is hell bent on marrying Ved because if she is married to him for a year, the property will be hers. Watch the show to know what happens next?

It is heard that all guys in the cast are super nice to you…

Yes, though I am the new one in the gang, everyone has been wonderful to me. They are all friendly people and brilliant actors. They are all very sweet and amazing. I am enjoying being on the sets.

What does your family say about this role?

They are enjoying that I am playing Kiya on screen. Of course, I am not like Kiya at all in real life. I am opposite of what she is in the show.

— HRM

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Put effort into completing work. Your health could be worrying you a little, so it will be wise to see a doctor. This is a good time for business partnerships. Tarot message: Don’t do anything at the cost of health. Time will heal all pains and wounds. Lucky colour: Cherry red. Magic number: 43

TAURUS: A sudden improvement in your fortune is indicated. Emotionally you could be easily disturbed. Today you are likely to come into contact with people who have a different take on your situation. Tarot message: Lack of persistence can be disastrous in business matters. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 47

GEMINI: New attractions are likely to be serious. Do not hold back anything from your boss. Sportsmen: Focus on exercise and diet. Talk to your counselor before confronting your partner over joint resources. Tarot message: Don’t waste an opportunity by being rash or impulsive. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 44

CANCER: A new project can get the go-ahead and engage your attention single-mindedly. A romantic attraction might lure you into dangerous waters. Keep your mind and your heart in balance and you won’t overstep the mark. Tarot message: Keep your eyes on the future as you do so. Lucky colour: Fiery red. Magic number: 28

LEO: Take some time out for meditation to disengage from the thoughts. You will find that many of your negative emotions are coming from external sources. The more you limit them, the better. Tarot message: Don’t do anything at the cost of health. Time will heal all pains and wounds. Lucky colour: Lotus pink. Magic number: 33

VIRGO: Get all of your affairs in better order. Problems can be resolved without any major stress. While you sit and worry about your situation somebody will offer you a solution. Tarot message: Be positive; you can make things happen out of the most unlikely circumstances. Lucky colour: Peacock blue. Magic number: 36

LIBRA: You will not get much relaxation this evening. Women, beware of deception. You may feel restricted by your family circumstances. As the day progresses, things will be sorted out if you are honest. Tarot message: Do not be in the rush to spend extravagantly. Lucky colour: Silver grey. Magic number: 54

SCORPIO: Your card The Magician ensures you will have great health. A wealth of opportunity and ideas could keep you busy all day, so make sure you do not overdo it. Someone might be busy packing for a journey. Tarot message: Spend time meeting experienced people. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 37

SAGITTARIUS: The Queen of Swords reveals that a new love is likely to be serious. Businessmen, spend your spare time in the company of your loved ones. If you are shopping, stick to your budget. Tarot message: Be positive; you can make things happen out of the most unlikely circumstances. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 56

CAPRICORN: Your patient stand will begin paying dividends. Lovers, avoid meeting today. Today’s New Moon is in solar ninth house. Any projects connected with study cultural pursuits will be very satisfying. You will work hard. Tarot message: Don’t try to end all the deadlocks at one go. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 25

AQUARIUS: Your expectations could lead you down the garden path. Try not to rely on anybody else to help you achieve your goals right now. Legal matters could take an expected turn and surprise you with a positive twist. Tarot message: Do not trivial problems haunt you. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 28

PISCES: An early morning surprises can turn into achievements. A balance between work and pleasure is paramount. Those trying to juggle work and family should try to take some time out for yourself. Tarot message: Capitalise on your strength and do not trust others. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 32

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is January 22...

Your warmth and genuine sense of humour make a strong impression on the people you interact with. Now is a wonderful time for you to allow your generous side to show, especially to close friends. You really want to encourage a friend to make serious changes in their lives, because you're so successful with personal changes you've recently implemented. A little push from you could do the trick. Your domestic and partnership affairs are of special interest in 2012, and paperwork connected with these is likely to bring good luck now.

You are at a point where you need to do something, which will absorb you. A hobby, a good book, or an old movie may be just what you may need to refocus your energy. Your desire to be with your family and loved ones could now bring about some unusual activities at home. Discussions on important matters could put young people at ease. An accidental meeting with an old friend will revive happy memories. Traders and commission agents will strike some lucrative deals in February. Homemakers will be overburdened. They may even have to cancel an earlier programme of having a get-together or going on a short holiday in the company of family and friends. Opportunity should be taken to take up matters regarding payment for insurance, loans, license fees etc. as delay may cause some problem. You'll get support from influential people. If you have some problem, it will soon be solved. Those who have just recovered from a spell of illness should be careful regarding their health. Mars puts you in an experimental mood.

Mood: Fulfilling need for others. Compatible signs: Aquarius, Leo, Aries. Lucky colours: Burgundy, maroon. Lucky days: Thursday. Lucky numbers: 2, 4, 6, 19, 29. Lucky gem: Gomedh – Gemstone of Rahu. Lucky Flower: Amazon lily.

Namrata Shirodkar (January 22, 1972, Mumbai, India) sister of actress Shilpa Shirodkar, worked as a model, and was crowned Miss India in 1993. She made her debut with a small role in super hit film Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai (1998), with Salman Khan and Twinkle Khanna. She then went on to star in the hit film Vaastav.