Tale of love
Love is no longer about holding hands and going out for long walks, today it is more about instant gratification
Mona

Love is not love

Which alters when it alteration finds,

Or bends with the remover to remove:

O no! It is an ever-fixed mark

That looks on tempests and is never shaken;

It is the star to every wandering bark…

Well, this has been how love was perceived ages ago; gone is the Shakespearean era, today the spirit is carried better in singer-songwriter, record producer, model, dancer, Bruno Mars's Marry You.

It's a beautiful night

We're looking for something dumb to do

Hey baby

I think I wanna marry you…

With Valentine's Day around the corner, we check out how love is perceived in the times when more people are out of love than 'in' love.

With so many variants of love in the air, if there is one word that is the buzz these days — it is 'non-committal'. Be it in teenage affairs, relationships in youth or even marriages, love today is totally transitory. If mentioning one's 'ex' was totally a taboo sometime back, today people drop names of ex-partners as if they were the greatest chums!

If commitment is missing from most relationships today (there are exceptions though), the other word that carries the flavour of love is 'flaunt'. Today there more people are in relationships because they want to keeping up with the Joneses, than being in 'really' in love.

Marketing moves the world…how else would one explain the run up to the all-impressive Valentine's Day? Rose Day, Propose Day, Chocolate Day, Teddy Day, Promise Day, Kiss Day, Hug Day and exactly in that order…well, one sees around that when one has already proposed, promised, kissed and hugged, moving on comes as the very obvious next step!

Says Jashan, a second-year B Com student, "Having a girlfriend is as important as having a bike or car to go to college. Doesn't matter what make or colour," he casually brushes aside the query. We bet he is not telling that to the girl he proposed yesterday for he is careful to ask, you are not printing my college's name, right? Ishita, a second-year art student carries the same sentiment, "Even if one wants to it's not possible to carry on a relationship for life. So better give one's best till you are together."

Not daring to question the young and the restless, we go back to Bruno's Marry Me...If we wake up and you wanna break up that's cool.

No, I won't blame you;

It was fun girl.

Can't blame when today the ultimate expression of love — sharing your mail passwords and mentioning the 'in relationship with' tag on Facebook — can be changed almost instantly, fleetingness is a given but not necessarily the best thing!

mona@tribuemail.com

A new meaning

  • Apart from an over-used word?
  • Nature's way of tricking people into reproducing
  • A feeling that will not be returned to me
  • A word used by many, but understood by few
  • That awkward feeling in what feels like your stomach (affects how you feel The reason people kill themselves
  • The reason people live
  • A chemical that infects the brain rendering a person part retarded
  • Either a horrible disease or a blessing

From Urban Dictionary.com

SHINING bright
Gurvinder Singh

One bracelet in the collection had a big flower, another jewellery piece had Buddha engraved on it — socialite and jewellery designer Queenie Singh Dhody is in Ludhiana with her Valentine's jewellery collection. Although she has been designing jewellery only for the past seven years, her interest dates back to college days.

Her jewellery is contemporary yet traditional at the same time. She says there are no boundaries of creativity and draws inspiration from different places she travels to. "My designs are bold and make a style statement," she adds, reflecting her own personality and sense of style. Queenie pays attention to each stage of designing, while emphasising on colours, design and quality. "It is a creative passion," she says. Focus has been important for her, as she has been pursuing different things and tried to excel in each one of them. And this is the precise reason why she has made a mark with her jewellery throughout India and also presented her collections in the Gulf countries. "I will be presenting a collection at Hong-Kong by the end of this month, she says.

A lasting bond
Khan Sisters, the reality show brewing with controversies, wrapped up recently. We catch up with the sisters to find out what changed during the show
Vasudha Gupta
SISTER ACT: Gauhar and (right) Nigar Khan
SISTER ACT: Gauhar and (right) Nigar Khan

There is nothing that can be more entertaining than watching sisters spill their very personal lives on screen. And if the audience has enjoyed it, there is no reason why they should have held back anything! UTV Bindass' show Khan Sisters drew to a close recently; here is what the sisters had to say about the show and all that they learnt from it.

Having never worked together before, the sisters are thankful for getting the opportunity to do so. "It has been a very different side of Gauhar that I got to see during the show," says Nigaar Khan. Getting a great response from the viewers, the duo is happy about the overwhelming feedback the show has got. "Nigaar and I have gone through a lot during the show. During the several unexpected things, we stuck through and have emerged stronger," Gauhar adds. As far as the most life-changing episode, for Nigaar: "It was only in the final episode that my fear of losing Gauhar came through." Living besides each other through thick and think, just like sisters do, experiencing the concerns, makes a lot of difference. "It was at that point where I know I will face the fact that she is so important for me," Nigaar says.

When it comes to such real-than-life shows, steering clear of controversies can never be easy. From stalling the shoot due to Gauhar's lip-augmentation gone wrong to repeated comparisons to keeping up with the Kardashians and running into ex-boyfriend during the show, these two sisters haven't really been able to keep debates far away from themselves. 'I have been glad that the viewers got to see the very venerable side of me. If everything, including the lip-augmentation gone wrong, was not for the viewers to see and know of, I don't see a point in the show," Gauhar smiles.

As far as constant comparisons go, Nigaar adds, "It is not possible to have such a show in India. Anyone who has seen it is aware that there are stark differences." Now that we have that cleared, what about the reactions from the fans? "Overwhelming is an understatement," smiles Nigaar.

Having mothers name their daughters after the duo to girls coming up and praying to sisters like them, they probably saw a little too much in the show. "We never really thought that we will get such a response," Nigaar adds. The best part has been the connection with the audience. "It was great watching young girls feeling a link with us," Gauhar says. Since all good things come to an end, so has the show.

Talking about what's next on their platter, Nigaar says, "Will soon be entering the show Sapno ke Bhanwar Main and am busy preparing for a play by Gaurav Shukla." Playing a real character and now a show has been an exciting journey. Now that the lady is ready as a character actor we dig in more. "It comes with several challenges and should be fun," Nigaar adds. The other one is already brimming with joy over a Yash Raj film. "Apart from that of course, Zangoora: The Gypsy Prince, will continue," Gauhar shares with us.

Here is hoping that the season two of the much-coveted show returns with a bang!

vasudha@tribunemail.com

Words of melody
Pakistani lyricist SM Sadiq, in Chandigarh to promote his title track Tere Jiney Mainu Pyar for Punjabi singer Jeet Jagjit's new album, says the ability to write songs is a gift of god
Jasmine Singh

How many of you stop on a song; strain your senses to the words that are the building blocks of the track? Not many we bet! When it comes to the music industry, it is either the playback singer or the music director who takes a large chunk of the limelight. As for the song writers, they are the unsung people. One such name that emerges out of the unread pages of music is Pakistani lyricist SM Sadiq.

In Chandigarh to promote his title track Tere Jiney Mainu Pyar for Punjabi singer Jeet Jagjit's new album Yaar Naginey, the introvert song writer gets talking when asked about his work that exceeds more than 35,000 songs!

"I recorded my first song when I was 15, thereafter I have written songs that have been sung by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Attaullah Khan, Sonu Nigam, Asha Bhonsle and many more," he says, taking a short pause after every sentence. SM Sadiq wants us to register every word and talking softly with saaf alfaaz comes naturally to him. "Unlike other trades, the ability to write songs is a god-gift. One cannot go to a school or college to learn how to write songs. For me, it happens naturally," he shares making a mention of the fact that he could not go to school after grade four, but song is something where his life and livelihood lies.

"In Pakistan, shayari is something that comes easy. I can write almost 100 tracks in a single day. I don't have to be inspired by the morning sun or silence, I just know how to write," adds the song writer counting recounting the popular songs he has written. Acha sila diya tuney mere pyaar ka, Ankhian nu chain naa aavey, Kar na sakey hum pyaar ka sauda, Dil cheez hai kya jaana…. "I don't have a genre, but I like writing sad songs. I believe every song comes alive when fed with soulful words. Words are the lifeline of a song, but these days we have 'two-minute' ready songs. We definitely need clear and long lasting numbers that remain with us for the times to come," opines SM Sadiq.

Pakistani singers are already a big hit with us? "We don't get much appreciation in Pakistan and we don't have budgets to market our songs. Back there we shoot the whole song in a budget of Rs one lakh, whereas in India a single track is shot with 5-6 lakhs." Is this a revelation for us? Not really. Bollywood movies have started spending a 'handsome' budget on shooting song sequences, without of course investing a lot of thought on the lyrics. "As I said before, lyrics define the life of a song. Why do we remember the Ankhian nu chain naa aavey song sung by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan? One because of his voice and two for the lyrics," SM Sadiq says, talking about his future plans of writing for Jeet Jagjit the shooting for which starts abroad anytime soon.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

All about her
Lucky Girl: Parineeti Chopra
Lucky Girl: Parineeti Chopra

Parineeti Chopra made a splash with a supporting role in Ladies vs. Ricky Bahl and swept the debut award at all the award functions. She has already finished shooting her second movie, Ishaqzaade which will release this summer. She talks about Priyanka Chopra and the way her life has changed.

On the other side

I used to be a publicist at YRF handling interviews for Rani, Priyanka, Shahid, Anushka, and Ranveer. Maneesh Sharma asked me to audition just for fun for the role of Dimple Chadha in LVRB and the tape was shown to Aditya Chopra who asked me to sign a three-film contract with them. I had no plans of becoming an actor and now my life has changed overnight and it feels awesome. I enjoy acting.

PC, her sister

Let me clarify that I didn't get the job at YRF because of her. She is very supportive and wonderful. Even the PR head at YRF told me that he would not hire me because I was related to her. She gives me advice and also scolds me. I listen to her because she has been here for a decade and knows how to handle situations. Now there are two actresses in the family. I lived with her and her family before getting a place of my own and they have all been very nice to me. Priyanka hugged me for five minutes after watching LVRB.

Pretty balanced

I don't have the body of a supermodel. I used to be fat and now I weigh 60 kg. I workout a lot and I eat a lot. I have almost given up on eating pizzas. I like wearing normal clothes.

Ishaqzaade

Ishaqzaade is a brilliant script and Arjun Kapoor is a superb actor. We both are friends and there is no relationship between us. I am lucky to have already finished my second film and received awards for my debut film. I finished shooting my second film by the time LVRB released. — HRM

Leading Lady
Natural progression: Aditi Rao Hydari
Natural progression: Aditi Rao Hydari

She started off with supporting roles and now with London, Paris, New York, Aditi Rao Hydari is set for her first lead role. The actress says she is humbled to see how accepting and friendly Bollywood is.

"When you look from outside, it looks like a dream. But at the same time, there is fear as you hear mysterious stories like people are mean, the industry is very competitive. However, I don't think that Bollywood is such a jungle as it is made out to be," Aditi said.

"People are very friendly and accepting. It is true that they judge you, but a lot depends upon how you take it onto yourself. I have no connection with the film world, but the fact that I got here and my work is being appreciated makes me feel humbled," she added.

The actress made her Bollywood debut with Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Delhi 6 and later featured in supporting roles in films like Sudhir Mishra's Yeh Saali Zindagi and Imtiaz Ali's Rockstar. The roles may have been short, but she took them head on.

"I am not from the film industry and when I was getting these parts, I didn't think of them as supporting roles. I just saw the director, my role and the film," said Aditi.

"In the west also, actresses like Natalie Portman and Julia Roberts started off with supporting parts, and then came as main lead. I think it's just a natural progression. The industry is expanding and opening up... so I can only work hard," she added.

But isn't it easy to get stereotyped in the industry? Aditi agrees.

"I did face a problem initially because an image of simple, innocent girl was created in the minds of people. But I am glad to see that people saw me differently and felt I can do different roles also," she said.

Asked how she takes to criticism, Aditi said: "Criticism is important for every artist. When criticism comes from the place of love, you should listen to it and try and rectify it. When it comes from the place of hatred, you shouldn't care about it because it can ruin you and make you a negative person and that's not worth it."

The actress is now looking forward to the release of her new film London, Paris, New York opposite Pakistani actor-singer Ali Zafar. — IANS

Bottom trouble
Right hit: Keira Knightley
Right hit: Keira Knightley

Keira Knightley has revealed that she hates her bum and refuses to get it out in films. During an interview on ITV1's Jonathan Ross Show, the 26-year-old actress described how much she enjoyed selecting a bottom double for herself in Hollywood.

"I did a film called Domino and, I have this policy in films where I say, 'You can have the top half but you can't have the bottom half,' and it kind of works quite well," a publication her as saying.

"There was this scene in Domino where I was meant to do a bit of a strip tease and a dance with a thong on. I was just like, 'It's not going to happen', so I said 'Could you get me a bottom please?' "And they said, 'Absolutely'. So I went into a room with Tony Scott, the director, and these three women came in and just dropped their trousers and he was like, 'Well, which one do you want?' "How do you say to the bottom double, 'Well I don't want that one, that one's crap?' Well obviously you don't because the woman's standing there. You can't be rude.

"I was just looking for one that's around the same shape as mine, just a bit better. So there was one that was really amazing and I was like, 'No one's going to believe that'. — ANI

Sonakshi hates V-Day

Actress Sonakshi Sinha has rubbished reports that she is dating her Lootera co-star Ranveer Singh, saying that she is not dating anyone.

The 24-year-old, who made her Bollywood debut with actor Salman Khan starrer Dabangg , also said that she absolutely loathes Valentine's Day.

"I know it makes a good sensational copy to link co-stars and makes for great gossip, but I just want to confirm that I am not dating or in a romantic relationship with anyone.

"Oh ya - AND sorry to burst your bubble but I absolutely loathe valentines day, so for me to fuss around it, would be most unlikely! (sic)," Sinha wrote on her Twitter page. — PTI

The stage is set
Chandigarh-based theatre artist Zubin Mehta, who has started a theatre academy for children, talks about his dreams
Vasudha Gupta
Act two: Zubin Mehta
Act two: Zubin Mehta

“Theatre is life and the vice-versa also stands true,” says Zubin Mehta, director of the Wings Theatre Academy, which opened its doors for children’s theatre in Chandigarh. The Academy at St Kabir Public School plans to organise at least one theatre performance every four months.

The man behind the initiative speaks about theatre, how it affects his life and everything about children’s theatre. Zubin’s love for theatre was not born out of watching performances. Just like every other youngster, this lad also hoped to become a huge star in Bollywood. Sounds familiar, right? What’s unfamiliar is that he did not waste his life in the wild goose chase; he found his calling and moved to understanding theatre.

Today, thanks to his continuous efforts and support from the management, his academy is now all set to make education more effective. “The purpose of my academy is not to churn out theatre professionals or artistes. The basic aim is to help academics and make the art more interesting for the younger generation,” he says. All of 27, Zubin got into acting in Punjabi and Hindi plays when he was just 8 years old.

“It was only eight years back that I got into direction and sensed a keen interest among parents for having a permanent theatre academy,” he says.

Also, aiming to start a children’s theatre festival, Zubin has been increasingly influenced with how popular the concept is in Mumbai and Delhi. “Even Bihar and Madhya Pradesh have active children’s theatre schools,” he adds.

Zubin, who has no formal training in the art, feels that it plays an integral role in grooming talent. “Whatever I have learnt has been on my own, through books and interactions with people. What took me eight years to learn, I could have achieved with three years in a drama school,” he smiles.

But that does not mean no one can achieve it. “Absolutely not. Training matters, but not as if lack of it will put a full stop to one’s aspiration, especially if one has talent,” he adds.

Having witnessed a dyslexic child overcome her lack of confidence while on stage, the director is certain that it will make a significant difference in academics as well. “Theatre is all about mind and body activities and can help overcome learning disabilities,” he says.

Dividing students into four groups, the elder lot will also be trained in light design, stage craft and sound effects, while the younger ones will be kept on stage. “These days, backstage training has become quite important,” he says.

Here’s hoping for a colourful bright tomorrow.

vasudha@tribunemail.com

It’s Rocking
Melody that touches the heart
Aditi Rao Hydari and Ali Zafar in London, Paris, New York
Aditi Rao Hydari and Ali Zafar in London, Paris, New York

Pakistani singer, and now a Bollywood singer and actor, Ali Zafar has been multi-tasking. Not just he has acted in the upcoming film London, Paris, New York, but also has written, composed, and sung for this film. The title track ‘London, Paris, New York’ captures the essence of the film.

Sung by Ali Zafar and Sunidhi Chauhan, the track is replete with simple music, melody and heartfelt lyrics. Starting with a plain piano tune, shifting slowly to guitar strums, eventually Ali adding depth to the catch phrase and followed by scintillating Sunidhi filling in, the audience has loved the track.

Groove on

It is delectably groovy and a feel-good song that gets your feet tapping and head popping every time you listen to it.

Ridhima Saini, student, GGDSD College

Pop touch

The music video has been showcased like a pop music video with the mix of Hindi and English lyrics. The song has definitely experimented with both high and low pitches and the result is amazing.

Chirag Mehtani, student, Punjab Engineering College

Outstanding track

The track has a different feel and stands out from the typical Bollywood songs. I’m a fan of Ali Zafar, so I like the song even more because of him.

Smiley Mishra, housewife

(As told to Sabia Talwar)

Star track

John is losing it!

John Abraham is getting rid of his bulky frame to play a gangster in Shootout at Wadala. He is on a liquid diet to lose twenty kilos!

He is going to play real-life gangster Manya Surve to the T so he is losing weight for that. John’s bulky and toned frame has made women and men swoon over him but he is going to shed it to be almost lanky like he was before he entered showbiz. He has gone on a diet of protein shakes, raw fish, sushi, juices, soups, and loads of water. There are almost no carbohydrates in his diet.

A source informs us, “In the first twenty minutes of the film, he has to look very lean and young. Then the character goes to jail and builds his physique by working out. So John will have to do that too.”

John worked very hard over a few months to build his physique for Force and he was also diagnosed with muscle malfunction in 2010 so he will have to 
be careful.

John admits, “It is very difficult to lose weight and that too in a particular fashion. Sometimes I feel like crying. It has to be done correctly because one’s health is at stake. Thankfully, my trainer Vinod Channa is very experienced and he is helping me through everything. I am in good hands.’

John will be paired with Kangna Ranaut for the first time in this movie.

—HRM

kind gesture: Salman Khan Kindness unveiled

Salman Khan is known for his generosity. He gifted international SIM cards to crew members of Ek Tha Tiger so they can call back home and talk to family and friends. Sweet!


kind gesture: Salman Khan

Cover girl: Kalki Koechline Bikini babe

Kalki Koechline poses in a bikini for the cover of Film Street Journal. We think it is a picture taken for another magazine. She looks cute, though!





Cover girl: Kalki Koechline

Kashmiri attraction

Aamir Khan is in Kashmir shooting for a commercial and he is loving it there. He is touched by the hospitality of the people who are delighted to have him in their midst.



Heavenly time: Aamir Khan

No problem: Prateik Babbar and Amy Jackson Kissing needs no language

Prateik had problems in delivering some lines in Hindi in Ek Deewana Tha but he had no problems kissing Amy Jackson in a few scenes.





No problem: Prateik Babbar and Amy Jackson

Time for the ocean

Abhishek Bachchan is the brand ambassador for Omega and he launched the Omega Seamaster Ocean watch at a suburban five-star hotel in Mumbai.

Chatter box

Riding high on success
Success story: Karan Kundra
Success story: Karan Kundra

Karan Kundra is enjoying the success of his Punjabi film and talks about his future.

How is the response to your Punjabi film Pure Punjabi?

The film has done very well even in places like Mumbai, Canada and UK. It is doing well in urban areas in Punjab, including Patiala. It is doing well in multiplexes rather than in single screen theatre. Now it will enter its fourth week.

What was your criterion to choose this film?

Earlier, too many Punjabi films were offered to me. It wasn't a regular film, so I was a little apprehensive about doing this 'different' film. Music like reggae and hip-hop were new to the market. The story of four youngsters who wanted to make it big in the music industry appealed to me. The concept and execution is something very new to Punjabi films.

What kind of welcome did you get on your return to Mumbai?

Everyone in Mumbai has been talking about my film, which feels good. It is also not so cold here as much as it was in Punjab. I am well-connected in the film and the TV industry and it has been superb talking to them but most surprising of all was the fact that I haven't got a single negative review for the film. We have 25,000 people on the Facebook fan page of the film and over 2.5 lakh fans on my fan page talking about our film.

We heard you are planning another film like Desi Boyz. What details can you share about it?

We are working on the idea which will be a romantic comedy set in an urban lifestyle. So there will be two heroes and two heroines, and we guys will be seen showing off our six pack abs and what not. It should be fun. I am always fully involved in my projects from pre-production to story and everything else.

What else is happening on the TV front?

I am shooting for a docu-drama for Ekta Kapoor where we will talk about teen crime, drugs, alcohol, drunk driving, etc. It will be a serious show shot in a reality format. I will be the narrator. It won't air on any GEC.

What happened to Ekta's serial in which you were to do a cameo?

I don't know about that. But if it works out, I will be there if she wants me. I know that it will be a cameo and not a full-on role. I am busy with Punjabi films and this reality show so I won't have time to take on a daily basis.

How are you finding Kritika's show Kuch Toh Log Kahenge?

Whenever I get time I do watch the show. It is doing very well and it is popular and critically acclaimed. It is nice because it is not a typical show but is a sensitive story. I am glad it is working for her.

— HRM

All praise: Aman Verma Hoping for a juicy role

Aman Varma feels the return of veteran and senior actors on TV spells boom time for the tube. He appreciated Ram Kapoor and Sakshi in Bade Achche Lagte Hai and feels that most shows don't work on scripts which require actors to work on their physique. Aman, whose character recently ended in Zee's Choti Bahu, wants a juicy role.





All praise: Aman Verma

Preaching spree

Role model: Rannvijay SinghRoadies might be his claim to fame but VJ-host-actor Rannvijay Singh is not just looking forward to his next Nagesh Kukunoor film but also has loads of advice for the youth.

He asked them not to give into drugs or smoking under peer pressure at an event recently.

Rannvijay is also enjoying finding a balance between films and TV. Now, that’s a role model for the youth!
                                                          Role model: Rannvijay Singh

Happily engaged

After her Swayamvar on TV the only question Ratan Rajput is asked is, when is she marrying Abhinav Sharma. It has been a year since she got engaged to him. But the actress who isn't working currently claims there are no marriage plans right now. She wants to take her time and adds both of them are enjoying understanding each other.

More the merrier

Saumya Tandon is thrilled that in the Zee TV's Dance India Dance Season 3, she isn't wearing just saris like the earlier seasons but has a variety of styles to choose from. She has been seen in lehenga cholis, gowns, skirts, et al. Saumya is also happy to wear creations of well-known designer Anita Dongre. She is enjoying her stint as an anchor in the show.


Style statement: Saumya Tandon

Acting bug: Rukhsar  Lovable vamp

The beautiful Rukhsar has made an impact in her show Sony's Kuch Toh Log Kahenege as Dr Mallika is enjoying playing the subtle vamp. She was preparing to continue with her studies when acting happened. She loves the role in the show of a woman in love with Dr Ashutosh who doesn't love her.

Acting bug: Rukhsar 

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Relax with your mate in the evening; it's just the antidote for the trials and tensions of the day. Someone you are attracted to at work feels the same way. Eat wisely. You could be in danger of suffering digestive problems. Tarot message: Take limited risks while speculating. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 55

TAURUS: Conquer your fear and take a chance to live reality. You may be worried about certain family issues and need to sort things out. There could be delays with certain projects. Tarot message: Outline your goals ahead of time then make a plan for achieving them. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 28

GEMINI: The Queen of Pentacles blesses you with the finest of qualities today. You are sharp to catch opportunities. Children will be a source of joy. Work out in the privacy of your own home or indulge in a session of yoga. Tarot message: Don't build into accepting situations you dislike. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 34

CANCER: If you need to make any personal decisions, go with your gut feel. Romance will lead to happy moments and singles can meet someone special. Tarot message: A bird in hand is worth more than two in the bush. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 36

LEO: The wisdom of The Hermit inspires you to move in a creative direction. Spending time with family will bring about a sense of peace. It is best to watch and wait for things to change. Tarot message: Beware of depleting your energy or resources on others. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 46

VIRGO: The Magician conjures up some travel and business opportunities. Stop waiting for the right time to attend to your responsibilities. You will be hearing from someone unexpectedly. Tarot message: Trust your heart and intuition rather than confusing yourself. Lucky colour: Sky blue. Magic number: 54

LIBRA: You are articulate and others are ready to tune in to what you are offering. Work will progress satisfactorily. By evening you can be in an irritable mood and will be prone to losing your temper with friends and family. Tarot message: Avoid frictions with business partners. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 62

SCORPIO: It looks like a very busy day ahead but any partying of previous evenings could be catching up with you. Your chances of success are better today than ever before. Overcome your anxiety disorder and live happily too. Tarot message: Be firm and stand your ground. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 59

SAGITTARIUS: The Prince of Wands rides in his flaming chariot of gold to instigate dynamic changes at work. You should take some advice from the people whom you see as your ideal in all the matters of life. Tarot message: Remember never to fall for rash promises. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 52

CAPRICORN: Today mixing with friends could be a tricky business. Choose a companion who is least likely to irritate you. Don't get involved in petty arguments. This can be the beginning of a new chapter in your life. Tarot message: Consolidate your gains instead of throwing security to the winds. Lucky colour: Grey. Magic number: 58

AQUARIUS: Passionate emotions are likely to accompany your actions and you might be more impulsive than usual. New ideas provide scope for expansion. A Libra friend might let you down but it is unintentional. Tarot message: Lack of confidence or lack of caution can leave you in losses. Lucky colour: Rust. Magic number: 45

PISCES: The Hanged Man helps you to move into new situation. Spirituality beckons, and you are inclined to find out more about it. You struggle to keep your temper in check. This is an appropriate time to buy a vehicle. Tarot message: Focus on your dream project. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 56

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is February 12...

Have fun on birthday with your special someone. Go for a goofy round or head to see the latest comedy flick. Make your sweetheart laugh. Efforts for self-development will be the motto for the year. Some twists and turns may come up in relationship matters. Be prepared to travel more for your work. It's important that you keep your hopes alive; you never know what's around the corner. People should always remember your dreams.

When it comes to expressing your emotions, don't be so obvious. Avoid disproportionate overreactions; otherwise, you'll only fan the flames. People are feeling unusually ugly at the moment -- show a weakness and they'll pounce with fury.

You should discuss the details of your new venture with a key person in a large organisation who may be able to help you with all necessary infrastructures. With improvement in your business you may now like to go in for the purchase of a costly gift, which you had in mind for some time. You'll be able to show off your strengths and just how indispensable you are at work. Avoid making promises which you may not be able to keep. Those born after 1980s, should tread gently when dealing with someone touchy and over-sensitive. Avoid any form of severity in your tone and act diplomatically. You will know what you have to do when the time is right, despite the fact that emotional demands distract you from practical endeavours and consequential confusion tears at you heart. You must express your personal needs to others, who are unaware of your higher calling.

You will have to be prepared for some dramatic changes at home, which are not of your making. But if you try to adjust to them you will surely find them convenient and comfortable. Your mate or beloved will be pretty pleased if you purchase a lovely gift for her.

Financial position may not be good till July. It may worsen by not getting your money in time. However, you'll recover from this problem soon. Friends are all around you as one might expect and don't focus on what you can't do for them 'at this time,' if that is the case, but rather all the things that you do accomplish for them. Remember a devoted and tireless friend like you, is a gift.

Mood: Content for the most part. Compatible signs: Pisces, Gemini, Taurus. Lucky colours: Green, Violet. Lucky days: Saturday. Lucky numbers: 3, 12, 25, 27, 38. Lucky gem: Yellow Sapphire, Pitambari, Sunehla. Lucky flower: Carnation (Red). Suggestion on birthday: Donate Gur and Kanak in a religious place.

Pran Nath Sikand (February 12, 1920, Delhi) popular villain, has appeared in over 350 films. Pran joined A Das and Co in Delhi as an apprentice which took him first to Shimla, where he played Sita to Madan Puri's Ram in the local staging of Ramlila. With Manoj Kumar's Upkaar he became a well-known character actor and acted in films like Zanjeer, Don, Amar Akbar Anthony and Majboor.





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