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Connect with the soul
Pakistani singer Arif Lohar and Meesha got all and sundry to check out their number jugni on Youtube. Sufi singer Abida Parveen’s shehar sunsaan hai kidhar got people to not only download, but also burn CDs for a long drive. The words are heavy; most of them are not even available on Wikipedia, but the effect is soothing and mesmerising. Sufi music surely carries the message of true love from jam-in sessions, online songs, and private albums to Bollywood!
Original form or rehashed versions, Sufi music strikes a chord with the youngsters. What they understand of it is something they know better, but it sure does create a connect with the masses! Some mug up couplets from songs to create an impression, others are intrigued by the spiritually of it. Sneha Sharma, student of interior design, heard something remotely Sufi when she heard Khwaja Mere Khwaja from Bollywood movie Jodhaa Akbar. “The song is beautiful. I was, however, intrigued by certain Urdu words used in the number. Jitna bhi rashk karey beyshak….I realised that the number created magic on me each time I heard it,” says Sneha, who now boasts of a collection of Sufi music. Sufi is growing on people and the Bollywood music industry ensures that it captures the spiritual dimension through numbers like Ya Ali, Maula Mere (Chak De) and Arziyaan (Delhi 6). Sufi music now runs parallel to the mainstream filmy music. Says Sufi singer Hans Raj Hans, who has seen the music become popular from a selected few to the masses, “Sufi music is something that you wouldn’t take an instant liking to; at the same time, Bollywood has done quite a bit in making this form popular by ‘commercial versions’ of Sufi either in selected couplets or rehashed versions in various songs,” adds Hans Raj Hans.
Bollywood is known for its over-kill and audiences feel that now it is Sufi music that is bearing the brunt. Sanjot Singh Gill, student of law from PU, attaches a sense of purity to Sufi music. “What Abida Parveen sings cannot be enjoyed like other music. It creates a magic, whips up feelings; creates a connect with god that cannot be put in words.” Sanjot is nevertheless in favour of bringing the genre in reach either by using it in films or through private albums by various singers.” Lounge Sufi music is the upbeat way to get up, close and personal with youngsters. The qawwali form is pretty popular, and now its re-formatted version that is turning the tables. DJ Manish from Ludhiana plays lounge Sufi music, but he shares that youngsters connect to it on a different level. “I bet most of them don’t understand what ‘Sufi’ means; they look at it as a popular form that is being made even more popular by Hindi movies.” Punjabis singer Jeet Jagjit is quick to add, “Unlike other forms, you cannot change the essence of Sufi music because it is impregnated with kalaams that don’t have a replacement. A singer can experiment with orchestration though.” While actor Ranbir Kapoor croons Kun Fya Kun at a dargah, youngsters quickly download the number on their ipod…with, of course, few trying to find the meaning in the verses too! jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Happily...ever after
Bollywood actors Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza tied the knot in Marathi style in the presence of leading figures from Bollywood and the world of politics. Riteish, wearing a white sherwani and red feta (turban), entered the hotel on a ghodi. The baaraat started from the grounds near Grand Hyatt and reached the hotel. The actor's politician father Vilasrao Deshmukh was dressed in a brown sherwani. Among those present were Sharad Pawar, Prithviraj Chavan, Praful Patel, Abhishek Bachchan, Kajol and Ajay Devgn.
Riteish (32) and Genelia (24) had been seeing each other since their Bollywood debut Tujhe Meri Kasam in 2003. In a run-up to the main ceremony, a pre-wedding bash was organised by actor Fardeen Khan and producer Sajid Nadiadwala on January 25 followed by a sangeet ceremony at Taj Lands End hotel in suburban Bandra on January 31. — PTI
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Reality on stage
Art and reality go hand-in-hand. The current issue of female foeticide that plagues society and its widespread ramifications is the theme of the annual production by the Department of Indian Theatre, Panjab University.
Opening on the coming Tuesday, Neon Jarh has been written by Ajmer Singh Aulakh; designed and directed by Navdeep Kaur. Play in Punjabi? “Well, the theme resounds in the region, so I thought of doing it in Malwai dialect in Punjabi,” says Navdeep, assistant professor in the department. The regional language, diction and accent, became a major challenge for the 25 students who are part of the play from all across India. “It’s been around four months that we have been working on this one and much of the initial time was spent on getting the diction right,” she exclaims. Neon Jarh refers to a new root that’s associated with male offspring in many regions, including Malwa, while female child is referred to as pathar (stone). “As a director I wanted to share this burning issue with the audience,” says Navdeep. The enthusiastic team of the department students, both first year and second, have been carrying on the rehearsals till three in the mornings despite the cold, chilly nights. “Students have done each and every thing from the sets to music to acting,” says Navdeep. Dealing with such a sensitive topic has not been easy. There are intense scenes in this one-hour-forty-minute play. “It blends the experimental and realistic theatre,” says Navdeep. The team, all eager, dressed in Department’s black hoodies, is tight-lipped about the USP of the play. For they want you to witness it when the drama unfolds on Tuesday at 6:30 pm. Please collect free passes from the department from February 6 onwards. (On from February 7-13 from 6:30 pm onwards)
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Mind your business
Simmi Waraich I am an NRI and live in the US. Due to relationship problems and job stress I had visited a psychiatrist there who suggested Mindfullness based cognitive training. What is this? Is it like Mindfulness meditation? Ramandeep Singh, Panchkula Mindfulness is a new concept in dealing with distressing thoughts which cause anxiety or depression. However, the technique itself is old and based on Buddhism. It is a way of observing thoughts, images and feelings in an accepting way without getting involved in them and without trying to distract oneself from the thoughts. So, it becomes important to learn to deal with negative thoughts and ideas on a daily basis by simply accepting them. By simply letting the thoughts be. Like clouds come and go in the sky, one is taught to accept thoughts as transitory phenomenon which come and go. Mindfulness is being used to treat many physical and psychological problems, including stress, anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder, chronic pain, addiction and eating disorders etc. How does it work? When someone has constant negative thoughts, they tend to analyse their thoughts. They want to find a solution to problems in their thinking in the same way as they would want a practical solution to the problems faced in every day life, i.e. career, health, financial, external conditions in the world around them. However, the negative thoughts we get are often linked to early childhood experiences and become fixed. One is taught to distance oneself from these thoughts and accept them – just as we accept happy thoughts so we learn to accept negative thoughts by recognising them as just thoughts. When one does that, then one tends to stop reacting to them. If we think one negative thought, we tend to link them to other similar incidents in our life. For instance, if one thinks they are going to fail an exam or be rejected by someone they want to ask out on a date, then one’s mind goes back to all the other times things went wrong till it seems that it is an impossible task! Stop for a moment and reflect on the following questions: Have you been paying attention to what you are doing right now? When eating, just eat, when sitting in the sun, feel the sun seeping into your bones. In Mindfulness, during the day just practice drawing your attention to what is going on around you- the quiet sound of your breathing, the feel of the air in the room, the ache in your back. Also on the drive to work- notice the trees around, the people on the street, the new flowers. Remind yourself to “Just be in the moment.”
A Dhillon, Jalandhar Try and find the reasons for this. Sometimes children may get bullied or be sensitive to someone commenting on them. Talk to her. Remind your child that he or she isn't alone — a lot of people get bullied at some point. Emphasise that it's they who are behaving badly — not her. Sometimes an older sibling or friend can help deal with the situation. It may help your daughter to hear how the older sister she idolises was teased about her braces and how she dealt with it. Sometimes it's useful to approach the bully's parents. In other cases, teachers or counselors are the best ones to contact first. If you've tried those methods and still want to speak to the bullying child's parents, it's best to do so in a context where a school teacher or a counselor, can mediate. (Dr Waraich is a Chandigarh-based consultant psychiatrist)
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Take a break
Swapana Singla Resting or relaxing can make your process of weight loss better. A weekly off from work helps you perform better at work and a yearly holiday is required to charge yourself for the whole year. One fourth of your daily full exercise schedules should be just lying down on a mat with palm facing the ceiling or just lying down on your left side of your body or sitting with your legs folded and hands and palm resting on the sides. Why should we do this? When we exercise, our basic aim is to put our body in such a situation, where there is fast breathing like gasping, pain in the muscles and increase heart rate. All this helps in breakdown in your body tissues and increased metabolism. When you rest after an episode of cardio or say put your muscle to relax after lifting weights, your body has to work from within to come back to its basic state of normal breathing and normal heart rate. And during this internal work the body loses few calories. But the fun starts after rest, when you get back on your treadmill or lift those weights to exercise. This makes you to start from square one to achieve the same gasping and increased heart rate, which doubles your calorie losses than the previous round of exercise. How do we do this? After a good warm-up, check your pulse rate by keeping hand on your left radial artery, note it, then take up the treadmill or skipping rope and run/skip very fast such that your pulse is doubled. Then take rest and get your pulse to where you started. Don’t overdo, 3- 5 minutes on the treadmill is more than enough. This 5 minutes should be gradually increased with stamina. How does this work? * It increases your BMR many folds. * Increases your stamina and power. * You can work out for long. * The mantra: bring changes After exercising regularly, your body system also gets immune and bored and if you have to break this, bring changes in your workout pattern weekly. Introduce dance, kick-boxing, aerobics to make exercise fun. No matter how desperately you want to lose weight, one has to take weekly break from your gym or work out. This really fastens weight loss. You may have planned a torturing menu the whole week, but at weekend eat and laugh with your family and friends, so that with you, your body is also ready for the forthcoming hectic week. Avoid getting stressed out about your weight loss, because stress causes depression which slows down your BMR and increases weight. Single pattern exercising is not what we want. Plan strategies and make weight loss interesting. (Dr Singla is a Zirakpur-based cosmetologist and obesity consultant)
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The specially crafted menu will comprise of specialties like Frittata di Zucchine e Origano, Selezione di Bruschette: Caprino , noci e miele tartufato, Capponatina, Petto di Pollo in crosta di erbe su letto di porri e carote, pizza, Rotolino di Frutti di Mare al Forno, Gnocchi alla Parigina, Timpano alla siciliana, Filetto di Trota in crosta di speck, patate alla savoiarda, and Torta Portoghese con Zucchero alla canella. Patrons can relish these delectable Italian treats along with soda pops, affagatos, fresh herb cocktails and among other drinks. The festival will be on till February 10
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First-day-first show
Part-time Hanuman at the local Ramleela, but full-time cashier at a bank Bharat, resides in Bhopal with Nisha, a school teacher who is concerned more about her husband’s promotion from cashier to manager rather than his tricks onstage. Bharat’s father, Shiv Narayan, an old-timer who values freedom and hopes to see his country corruption-free someday, completes the small and happy family. An uninvited houseguest Amita, a young, beautiful girl who works at a call centre and often likes to hitch a ride with Bharat on his scooter, when he is not busy dropping his wife to her school.
Bharat’s happy little heaven is disturbed one day when the local havaldaar Kushwaah comes knocking at his door, claiming to have caught a thief, Chunnu Farishta, who purportedly stole a fan from his house, a theft that Bharat has no idea about, though the local panwala, Bachhu Gulukand is a sworn witness. Out of nowhere, Bharat finds himself stuck in a hilariously vicious circle of corruption, having to bribe his way from cops to criminals, witnesses to lawyers, and even the judge, all in an effort to get out of the rut. Comically sad A well scripted story with poor comic timings. The subject of movement against corruption is very interesting but fails to grab attention. Arjun Malhotra, tutor at a
private institute Smart story The movie has a quick connect with the common men but it is hardly a comedy movie. It is quite a smart move by the director to bring forward a topical movie. Bela Khanna, housewife Good act Mugdha Godse looks amazing but should learn to act and Akshay Khanna’s performance is his usual one. Overall the movie is average with balanced performances. Ramneek Kaur, student,
MCM DAV College (As told to Sabia Talwar)
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Finding a way in the Gali
nonika singh
Gali Gali Chor Hai Clearly this is not the first Hindi film to be made on corruption. Rather as Hindi cinema goes, corruption even political corruption has been a ‘done to death’ theme. Yet post Anna Hazare movement perhaps it acquires more significance for more reasons than one. Without a doubt the movie and the title track Gali gali itself sung robustly by Kailash Kher does indulge in some bashing of political leaders. However, no way is the movie an attempt to cash upon the Anna factor. Once in a while it makes a reference to candlelight processions too. But first and foremost as the plot zeroes down on Bharat, the lead protagonist played by Akshaye Khanna, it is intrinsically a tale of common man suffocated and embroiled by the system. Clearly a story that is likely to strike a chord with millions of ordinary mortals. Dare aam aadmi take a stand against powers that be? So, the film that is set during election times in Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh revolves around a common man stuck in the quagmire of machinations and maneuverings. As Bharat turns down the request of a local political leader he finds himself at the wrong end of the system. How he has to bribe his way through to not only get the fan that doesn’t even belong to him but also prove his innocence later on is indeed a justified expose of the rot that runs in our sociopolitical fabric. The film begins with great promise, sardonic humour, wit and crisp dialogues in place. The writer turned director Rumi Jafry does a fairly credible job and weaves in the Ramlila plot to offer an analogy that is obvious, though not exactly soul-stirring. The film also stirs clear of jingoism. On the flip side, however, the tale of stolen fan gets rather laboured. Soon the plot even begins to follow a predictable path and the satire’s sting get blunted. Nevertheless, effective performances by Akshaye who slips into his character with consummate ease and Satish Kaushik who etches out a fine cameo as Akshay’s father hold the movie together. So does the rest of the supporting cast. South Indian actress Shriya Saran is fresh and convincing. Other character actors be it Anu Kapoor or Mughda Godse give no cause to complain. In fact, what stops most Hindi films from becoming truly meaningful is the desire to sail in many boats. So, an item song Mehngi hui hai angraee jab se Channo picturised on none else but the Pakistani siren Veena Malik is added for good measure. But by and large the film follows the realistic treatment. Right from portrayal of characters to locales, it creates believable world peopled with real flesh and blood beings. And it captures the helplessness and frustration of the average Indian suitably. The climax where Akshaye Khanna questions—- why is it that in our country only the destiny of common man is afflicted—is moving too. Though fairly watchable, what could have been a scathing indictment of the system falls trifle short.
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Fair enough!
This exhibition at Parade Ground-17 comes with a catchy title, Today’s Women Expo. Says Dr Harish Arora, CEO, Paramount Exhibitors, “We have organised around 89 such shows across India, but this is the first time that we have organised something especially for women.”
Starting from artificial jewellery from Jaipur and Hyderabad, there are jhumkas and neck pieces with meenakari and lark works at a reasonable price of Rs 150. Kundan work from Jaipur is a major draw. Imported artificial flowers like poinsettia, Thai roses, tulips and lillies are available for Rs 30 to Rs 300. As you have a look around there are woollen kurtis, sweaters, leggings, scarves, embroidered suits, cosmetics, curtains, furniture and crockery. One stall that catches everyone’s attention is by the name Swati Women Co-operative Society where the educated unemployed girls have displayed a variety of pickles. It is a Moga-based society where the president, Vasundhra Devi has taken a worthwhile step to educate the girls so that they can earn a decent earning while working. Carpets and rugs from Bhadoi have intricate designs and starts from Rs 3,500. Besides the fashion and lifestyle products what’s more to look forward? “We have also invited doctors and their respective families from all over India so that they can hold conferences and talk shows in the exhibition ground to educate the women and answer totheir queries,” adds Harish. In the medical section there are advanced equipments like multi-functional beds, stretchers, motorised wheel chairs, dialysis chairs and lot more. The industrial section boasts of various light machineries. So go gather some knowledge and awareness. (On till February 5) sabiatalwar@tribunemail.com
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Of commitment & compromise
Being committed to your marriage is not just about being faithful to each other but also doing what it takes to make the relationship successful – the most important thing being ‘compromise’, researchers say. The study by UCLA psychologists analysed 172 married couples over the first 11 years of marriage.
“When people say, ‘I’m committed to my relationship,’ they can mean two things,” said study co-author Benjamin Karney, a professor of psychology and co-director of the Relationship Institute at UCLA.“One thing they can mean is, ‘I really like this relationship and want it to continue.’ However, commitment is more than just that.” A deeper level of commitment, the psychologists report, is a much better predictor of lower divorce rates and fewer problems in marriage. “It’s easy to be committed to your relationship when it’s going well,” said senior study author Thomas Bradbury, a psychology professor who co-directs the Relationship Institute. The couples in which both people were willing to make sacrifices for the sake of the marriage were significantly more likely to have lasting and happy marriages, according to Bradbury, Karney and lead study author Dominik Schoebi, a former UCLA postdoctoral scholar who is currently at Switzerland’s University of Fribourg. —ANI
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Fun on Wheels
Also known as motor home in the West, the idea was floated by Harsimran Sandhu and later given a tangible shape together with his brother Jaspreet Sandhu. And it wouldn’t have been possible to survive without it in a remote village near Bikaner in Rajasthan. There were no hotels, no place to eat; not even the basic facility of tap water. “The caravan made us so independent. We could stay anywhere on the trip, rest and travel at any time. On a usual road trip, otherwise, you have to make safe stopovers, where food and water are not a problem,” says Jaspreet. Besides undertaking the tour of Rajasthan, they also went campaigning for friends to various villages during the, which means that it works well on rough terrains as well. The caravan goes up to the speed of 90 kilometers per hour. “One very important aspect that was taken care of during its making was to ensure that the ride was smooth. It has such powerful shockers that you hardly feel anything if the road is in a bad condition,” says Harsimran. The safety system of the vehicle is also in place. Since there are two split ACs, there is always a risk of carbon-monoxide leaking inside. “We have an alarm installed for that. Also there is a fire alarm; and the small water tank on the roof is always full.” The electricity supply is through the silent generators, which also make the ACs work. As for the lighting and television, an inverter is used. People did question the utility of the vehicle initially, “But after we enjoyed wonderful outings with our families, all doubts were put to rest.” By this time, the three leads of the film, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, had embarked on a road trip. Aren’t they fun always? ashima@tribunemail.com
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Indian show at Smash
She topped off the embroidered garment with heavy gold jewellery and a pair of flip flops, while Uma wore pointed silver pumps. The musical series is due to hit TV screens in America this week, before it airs in the UK later this year.
It is the behind-the-scenes look at a team preparing to put on a Broadway musical about the life of Marilyn Monroe. Debra has a starring role in the upcoming drama, while Uma is so far listed as appearing in just one episode. — PTI
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One for theatre-lovers
The fourth edition of the Katha-Manchan Theatre Festival, organised by city-based group Mask Theatre, will showcase four plays on diverse themes from February 6 to 8 at the Punjab Kala Bhawan.
February 6 Play: Khali Plot by Roopak Kala Welfare Society February 7 Play: Aad Kunwari by Adakar Manch Mohali Based on a story by Rashpinder Rashim, acclaimed Punjabi playwright-director Sahib Singh’s play depicts the unethical acts of a person who molests his minor relation. Weaved in mythological ideology, the play moves on to show the person dying in an accident and the tormented girl believing it to be an act of the goddess whom she worships. February 8 Jahan Se Challe Thhe & Shraddha Jahan Se Challe Thhe by Manmoahan Gupta Moni, set in an old age home, is a powerful satire on the growing problems of old parents ignored by their children. The second and concluding play Shraddha, based on a story by Madan Gupta Spatu, revolves around the same theme but in an entertaining and educative mode. Directed by Sudesh Sharma the story talks about the interpersonal relationship of a family in which the children settled abroad come to India to perform the shraddha of their father. In this busy world, they are even in a hurry to complete the rituals fast and rush back. (February 6-8 from 6.30 pm onwards)
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Drew’s puppy love
Drew Barrymore has adopted an eight-week-old rescue puppy from Bark n’ Bitches, a humane pet shop in Hollywood. Barrymore has adopted the cuddly canine with her fiance Will Kopelman and has named the pet as Oliver.
“They really were very thoughtful and not impulsive about making the decision. Drew, being such a huge dog fanatic, was great to Will. She really wanted him to feel it out and make the decision,” store owner Shannon von Roemer said. Barrymore is not the first star to provide a home for a needy pooch, as Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez recently adopted a 10-week-old husky puppy named Baylor together. Twilight actor Robert Pattinson adopted a four-legged friend to keep him company while he’s on location. —IANS
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Blast in Bollywood
Best known by his ring name The Rock, wrestler-turned-Hollywood star Dwayne Douglas Johnson says he would love to act in a Bollywood movie.
The 39-year-old, who has worked in films like The Scorpion King, The Game Plan and Race to Witch Mountain, says he enjoys watching the dancing and singing part in Hindi
cinema.
The actor will be soon seen in upcoming digital 3D film Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, the sequel to 2008 hit Journey to the Center of the Earth. The Warner Bros film is releasing in India tomorrow, a week prior to its US release. Johnson says he is lucky to have been able to shed his tough guy image in Hollywood. “It was hard to break ice because a wrestler is perceived differently by people. I am very grateful that some of the filmmakers saw potential in me and trusted me with films especially comedy. I am glad I didn’t disappoint them,” Johnson said. “This is a great and exciting time in my career, where I can have the opportunity to work in different genres, and also I recognise that there are not a lot of actors who have that opportunity and I’m grateful for it,” he added. —PTI
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Watch out for Maanayata
From trying to become an actress in Bollywood to becoming an item girl and finally the woman who tamed Sanjay Dutt’s wild ways and married him, Maanayata Dutt, mother-of-two, has come a long way. She launched a Swiss watch brand in India.
The very elegant Manyata Dutt along with Robert Dreyfuss, Chairman- Rotary Watches graced the launch of this affordably stylish and innovative watch brand at Bezel, Atria Mall in Mumbai and unveiled the two new collections by Rotary Watches—Rotary Evolution and Rotary Aquaspeed. Commenting on the launch of Rotary watches in India, Manyata Dutt said, “The precision, design and detailing of these innovative watches will surely beckon the watch connoisseur in India. The watches are extremely comfortable whilst exuding the perfect style statement. Each timepiece is the right blend of sophistication coupled with the finest Swiss watch making technology. Practical yet superbly stylish! They are priced Rs 12,000 onwards!”
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Fur from it!
Hollywood actress Penelope Cruz has become the latest celebrity to join PETA’s anti-fur ad campaign.
The 37-year-old star has posed in an ad on a 70-foot billboard. The photo shows her turning her head to look over her bare back next to the words, ‘Give Fur the Cold Shoulder’.
“Penelope Cruz has appeared on every ‘best-dressed’ list in the world, and the one thing you’ll never see her wearing is fur. One couldn’t ask for a more fitting emblem of the modern, glamorous woman who knows that there’s nothing more beautiful than a woman who has a look that kills without anyone having to die for it,” said PETA’s Chief Functionary Poorva Joshipura. Cruz is the latest fashion icon to speak out against fur. First ladies Michelle Obama and Carla Bruni-Sarkozy have declared that they would never wear real fur, as have stars Twiggy, Kelly Osbourne, Pink, Pamela Anderson and Eva Mendes. —PTI
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Second time lucky?
Pretty girl Kratika Sengar proved her talent with Jhansi Ki Rani and now she is back on telly with Zee TV’s Punar Vivah. She plays yet another tough role—this time emotionally, that of a woman who marries again for the sake of her kid.
As an actor you have to take challenges and when the role is a hit only then you write a success story as an actor. It is very important to me to do a variety of roles. Jhansi Ki Rani was a challenge, which very few TV actors get to do. Fighting with swords, riding horses etc were superb. Tell us about your role… I play a married woman whose husband has left her but she goes on with the support of her in-laws. For her son’s sake and his future, she marries Yash, who is a widower with two daughters. How the couple works out their problems, issues, handles kids and their marriage is the plot of the show. What do you think of second marriages? I think Punar Vivah is a good thing if you are ready for it. Every person has different reasons for getting married and if the reasons are right, it works. What did you do after Jhansi Ki Rani? I enjoyed a long break. During the shooting of Jhansi Ki Rani I used to live in Karjat where we were shooting. I had a room, kitchen everything but I hardly met my parents, family or friends. So, I made up to all of them and whatever occasions I missed in the interim. What do you think of your
co-star Gurmeet? He is a positive and nice man and his wife Debina is very pretty. We are friends now that we are working together. It is good to work with people you know. Gurmeet’s chemistry with his costars is always talked about… Yes, I know he has a huge female fan following and I have seen the cool chemistry in Geet. I guess we will create our own chemistry. — HRM
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Dreams come true
Mean machine: Jay Bhanushali
Verses from Mumbai
In a soup
King-size problems |
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The year ahead
If your birthday is February 4...
You will be negotiating an important deal or contract that you will endorse before April. The year will be full of hectic activities like socialising, entertaining and making plans for your future. You will be in the best of spirits and achieve better results due to your enthusiasm and optimism. Don’t be over confident. You may get a charming smile from someone you like, or do well in a job interview, but that doesn’t mean you’ll get what you want. You have unseen rivals. Employment is scarce, and you can’t leave a secure position for an unsecured offer. Console yourself with the knowledge that your friends are firmly behind you. They will help take the sting out of any disappointments. Try to live it up a little — your routines don’t have to define you. Make sure you get everything done, of course, but you need to also make sure that you’re not just spinning your wheels mindlessly. June will be a lucky month and this will put you in a better mood. Others will be aware of your skills and talents. The stars advise youngsters to show tenacity and daring. It will be a great shame to waste opportunities which turn up now. Your financial position would be slightly strained in August. But your professionalism and promptness in past days is going to pay off. You’ll be trusted. Friends will prove to be more helpful. Your health might experience ups and downs and hence you have to adopt restrictions on your diet. Despite this, you may spread your wings out to take on matters, which you thought to be beyond your reach in the recent past during May. The Venus amplifies your emotional nature. You dig deep into your heart’s memory. This allows you to connect better with others. Family figures in your travel plans, whether you’re taking the journey with them or to see them. Mood: Cheerful if ‘left alone.’ Compatible signs: Taurus, Virgo, Gemini. Lucky colours: Dark blue, Black. Lucky days: Tuesday. Lucky numbers: 4, 16, 18, 28, 32. Lucky gem: Ametrine. Lucky flower: Marigold.
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Astro Turf
ARIES: Taking a break from work will be vital. That recent burst of enthusiasm has run out of steam temporarily. Make this an easy
day. Tarot message: Empty promises are certain,
therefore try to put your terms and conditions in writing. Lucky colour: Fuchsia.
Magic number: 31 TAURUS: Parents can experience a degree of stress and tension. Making money and having fun might not be a good mix now. A decision to cut them out of the budget seems inevitable. Tarot message: You find within yourself a fountainhead of a will power.
Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels. Magic number: 21 GEMINI: Sweeter moments are in store. You will find people generally hard to pin down. Do not bury disturbing emotions but work through them. Early sleep
will be good for you. Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 61 CANCER: Get home early to avoid mayhem, which could worsen your day. You will connect with some person who lives at a distance. Stick to your regular job as that’s the best way of boosting your reserves. Tarot message: You are advised to focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 55 LEO: Do not get involved in any mutual venture without investigating the economic situation of the other party. Give your creative talent an airing. Think about the future. Stay true to yourself. Tarot message: You must share responsibility with others. Lucky colour: Metallic grey. Magic number: 26 VIRGO: Anticipate a bit of craziness creeping into your day and surprise you. Avoid gossiping; because it can spoil your chance of success. Do not try to rush others. You may attend a formal event or a conference. Tarot message: Think positive and be optimistic. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 28
LIBRA: Plans for a romantic rendezvous could be disrupted by a call from work or a need to do overtime. Go along with the wishes of your family members. Do not be too demanding in love life. Tarot message: You gain by being practical; don’t be emotional. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 64 SCORPIO: If single; you will find an attractive candidate for dating which may lead to passionate
love. Keep your sense of humour alive. Tarot message: Focus new light on your emotional and spiritual sphere. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 30 SAGITTARIUS: Your card Three of Cups suggests that emotions may have to be controlled. Partners may not agree with your plans. Look forward to new projects with enthusiasm. Be ready for a hearty dinner. Tarot message: At work don’t hold back anything from your employer. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 28 CAPRICORN: Rise early to greet the day with morning exercise to get your energy flowing. A domestic hassle is settled amicably. Education and research projects bring you fresh laurels. Tarot message: By applying yourself you can build great success. Lucky colour: Golden brown. Magic number: 59 AQUARIUS: Today attention revolves around your home, property, family and long-term decisions. Keep moving ahead with the progress you have been making. You will have to modify your plans. Tarot message: Focus on the better to mitigate the bitter. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 33 PISCES: You should be very satisfied with what is being accomplished. Soon you will be ready to show the world what you have been working on. For now, stay with the task in hand. Tarot message: You have to push to succeed and your efforts will pay off. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 27
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My daughter does not like her new school. It is a good school and I don’t understand why she wants to change but she is adamant. One girl in her class says some girls bullied her one day. What should I do?
JW Marriott Chandigarh is all set to tantalise the tastebuds with scrumptious spread of pizzas and pastas at Oregano Restaurant and Bar.
The carnival offers a wide range of mouth-watering wood fire oven pizzas by chef Antonello. Prepared in mango wood with enhanced aroma the Italian delicacies will be served in trattoria style. 
The ground is divided into three parts, where one has items for women, the other has medical equipments and the third one has items related to industries.
Abhay Deol is desperately trying to convince Hrithik Roshan to come on a road trip to Spain. As we sit on the couch to interview our subjects, the movie, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, is playing on mute mode on the LCD installed in one corner of the drawing room. The only thing we hear is the trucks crossing us; rest of the sound pollution is taken care of by the equipped interiors of the venue of the interview — the caravan!
This caravan can best be described as a mobile one BHK! The thirty-feet-long bus is divided into three parts — the first is for the driver, the second serves as the drawing room with a small operational kitchen and a bar, while the third has a double-bed well-placed to leave space on its sides. And some space is also reserved for the lavatory. “The concept was to make it self-sufficient. We could have easily avoided the kitchen and lavatory part, but then it wouldn’t have served the complete purpose.” Made at the cost of 30 lakhs, the space inside has been utilised very well. 
Hollywood star Uma Thurman and Debra Messing opted for Indian outfits while shooting for their new TV show Smash.
Thurman, 41, was spotted wearing an embellished, pink salwar kameez with a bindi and matching bangles while Debra, 43, was wearing an elaborate green and gold sari.
Written by a London-based social worker and playwright Veena Verma, this play is set in London and has been directed by Sangeeta Gupta. It highlights the plight of women who move abroad after marriage. The roles will be played by Sangeeta Gupta, Malvika Bhaskar, Charu Gupta, Sumandeep Kaur and Sudhiksha, while the poetry is by Manjeet Tiwana, Pal Kaur. Kaana Singh embellishes its thematic content.
“I have watched a couple of Bollywood films. I totally love the dancing part...It’s so much fun to watch and I am sure I will have a blast doing it too,” Johnson said.
The advertisement is set to be displayed outside New York’s Madison Square Garden and will be up throughout New York Fashion Week from February 9-16.
Why did you choose this role?
The Dance India Dance anchor Jay Bhanushali recently bought a swanky new Audi A6. He wanted the smashing car since he could dream of it and
now he owns one and he can’t stop raving about it. He showed off his car on the sets of his reality show which had everyone ogling over it. 
In sickness and health
Actor Rajiv Paul became a writer with his book Mumbai, Mohabbat aur Tanhayi, which is a collection of Hindi poems. He has been writing poems for over 10 years. But claims it was due to friend and actress Juhi Chawla that he mustered the courage to publish them. Juhi not only urged him to go ahead but also launched his book.
