Date yourself
Single on Valentine’s Day? Don’t worry, just go out alone and pamper yourself…
Jasmine Singh

It is okay if this is how it happened — the day Cupid came with his bow and arrow, you were busy elsewhere, maybe waiting at the railway counter, finding a parking space or just sleeping and you escaped untouched! Ah well, you can’t do much about it. Better luck next time; this should not refrain you from celebrating ‘love’. This Valentine’s Day some of the single bravehearts tell us how they plan to enjoy the day. You could probably take a tip or two from them!

Nikhil Danuja, a first-year student from SD College, Sector-32, has no qualms in talking about his single status. He is definitely for the ‘right’ girl who will change his life for the better. “I don’t have a partner, but this doesn’t stop me from celebrating Valentine’s Day. I am going to treat myself to something interesting, maybe a lunch at a nice restaurant. I will also buy a new watch for myself,” he says. Nikhil has a bigger plan for the evening. “I am invited to a private party at my friend’s place. While most of my friends will be there with their respective partners, I am free to flirt,” he quips.

Inspired yet? The idea is fair and simple — don’t try too hard. At the same time, just don’t sit there — go out and get your share of fun! Harpreet Bhullar, a second-year textile designing student from Mohali is absolutely fine with the ‘no-Valentine-this-year’. “I wouldn’t be going out on a candle-light dinner or holding hands with my date, but I know I will be having a lot of fun. I am going in for a make-over on Valentine’s Day. Love yourself first, only then you can love someone else,” he says without batting an eyelid. To Harpreet this will be the day to mend ties. “I broke up with my old friend last year. I will be calling her up this Valentine’s Day,” he adds.

Being single can be real fun; it all depends on how you look at it. Treat yourself to Chinese food or something more interesting. Watch your favourite movies; go for a drive listening to nice music. Or do something that Ankush Kapoor, a first-year commerce student, is planning to do. “Hit a Valentine’s party, not all girls have partners. I would have a chance to look out; I can probably bump into more singles than couples.”

Better still, go Nanny Sachdeva, a final year dance student’s way - she plans to throw a party for all her single friends and have a blast. “Why can’t people who don’t have a date have fun? I am going to order food, play music and have a dress code. This is going to be fun. We will play all the romantic numbers and dance to it. I have kept a small game, ‘dream date’ where all my friends will talk about a probable date they would want to go out with.”

Whatever you do, don’t make it sound like a desperate attempt to win over anyone. Just chill, enjoy and hope that next time when Cupid strikes, you are at the right place at the right time!

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Love ke liye kuch bhi karega…
Valentine’s Day has often been celebrated on the 70-mm screen. We recount some movies that did a good job and a few that got carried away by the emotion of love 
Ashima Batish

Thank love for being more than just a mere emotion. Had that not been the case, it wouldn’t have sold at the box-office, pulled crowds to the cinema halls; and Yash Raj Films certainly wouldn’t have been what it is! While love has done so much for the entertainment of viewers, for the business turnover of a few it has worked wonders as well. And as a mark of respect, Bollywood and Hollywood incorporate Valentine’s Day scenes in various movies from time to time.

The one that tops the list is Madhuri Dixit’s speech on the significance of this day in Dil To Pagal Hai. The scriptwriter of the movie came up with some connection between Valentine’s Day and Full Moon Day, which until then wasn’t discovered. It was followed by a solo performance by Madhuri in her room’s balcony and couple dance by SRK along with Karisma Kapoor (who were not a couple). And only Bollywood can throw up such logic — Madhuri got a hint through SRK famous whistling style that they were made for each other. Mush gone overboard!

Valentine’s Day was celebrated last year in a Punjabi film, Jinhe Mera Dil Luteya, for the first time. As the protagonist Gippy Grewal said to the second lead, Daljit Dosanjh, “On V-lan-tyane Day, we will confess our love to Noor (Neeru Bajwa) and then let her take the decision.” But the day goes bad for the three of them due to communication gap. Later it is revealed that the characters of Neeru Bajwa and Gippy Grewal were the actual couple. It was the only serious scene in the movie that was otherwise an out-and-out comedy. Love wasn’t just a ‘sob-story’, but part of a happy setting, which was quite refreshing.

Like every time, Amitabh Bachchan gave young actors a run for their money in the movie Baghban. He wished Valentine’s Day to his reel wife, Hema Malini; then they sang a song, recounted the good times spent together, cried and missed each other. Love knows no age barriers. Paresh Rawal in the movie Golmaal wished his wife the big day by tucking flowers in her hair, which was quite sweet. However, it is not every time that a Valentine’s Day can come to the rescue of the film or add something substantial to the story-line. How Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor celebrated the day in the movie Main Prem Ki Deewani Hun should at best be forgotten. Anyways, the hero got the heroine’s screen name inked on his arm. Overdose of love caused nausea in this one, which could not succeed despite the Raj Shri Banner!

The day will continue to be a part of romcoms forever, but we only wish that it’s done more coherently. For inspiration, they can refer to Hollywood hit Valentine’s Day. Despite a dozen actors in the film, with time-line of just one day, the movie did justice to the most important emotion — love. Someone broke up, someone patched up, that’s all part of the game; what’s left as residue after the movie got over was love. It was in the air! ashima@tribunemail.com 

Deeply touched
Here’s is what our city folks think of the 54th Grammy Award winners 
Manpriya Singh

Last year everyone went “Gaga”, this time Adele is on a “roll”, literally. Every Grammy throws the limelight on someone. At the 54th Grammy Awards, it was Adele all the way. The soul singer triumphed over Rihanna, Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga to win the Album of the Year Award for her chart topping 21. And don’t forget the five other trophies.

The ceremony might have been over last night, but the reactions are still pouring in. Surprisingly, everyone’s given thumbs up. “Adele totally deserved it. She won in all the categories she got nominated for and that’s the way it should have been,” Sahil Sarin from The Carrot Fish raises a toast. He adds, “I absolutely love Adele’s style and more importantly she came up with a phenomenal album this year. Moreover, Rolling in the Deep was one of the most covered tracks of 2011.” She’s only 23 and it couldn’t get better for the young artist. Never mind the vocal surgery last November!

“She definitely deserved it. Her song writing is what I basically respect her for and her basic, raw knowledge of music ensures that there is a spark about her. The others who won the Grammy Award this year also deserved it but there is a huge margin between them and Adele,” shares Hitkarsh Chanana, lead guitarist and vocalist for the Harmonic Friction. Not that there isn’t a correction at all. “Some of the nominations weren’t as well-deserved though. For instance, the rock album by Red Hot Chilli Peppers wasn’t really worthy a Grammy nomination. For the past three years the scene has been pretty sad because the nominations and the awards are commercially inclined.”

As for the rest of the categories, there is an opinion on them too. Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy came as no surprise to the rap artists and his followers. “He totally deserved the award for the rap album, though I am still not so sure about Adele’s 21 being picked up over Kanye West’s All of the lights,” opines Parmeet Dogra from Chandigarh-based rap crew Audio Friction. Moving on, Taylor Swift won the award for best country song and best country solo performance for Mean. Adds Sahil Sarin, “Taylor Swift’s Mean was a Grammy not wasted at all.” Seems like the jury got it right, only if it weren’t for the lasting shadow cast by Whitney Houston’s death.

Almost all the big names in the music industry bowed their heads in honour of the great artiste. Needless to say, her “I will always love you” continued to resonate throughout the ceremony.

Back to the spotlight, Adele picked up her six golds, shed the understandable tears, shouted, “Mom, gold is good,” while taking away the album of the year trophy. The applause is still doing the rounds!

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Priyanka walked Grammy red carpet in Gauri-Nainika gown  

Actress Priyanka Chopra walked down the red carpet at the Grammy Awards in a gown created by designer duo Gauri-Nainika.

The 29-year-old flew to Los Angeles from Berlin Sunday night to attend the function where biggest names from the music industry came.

“Ok guys!! Grammy time! Just landed into LA.. options of gowns.. Indian designer or western..? Hmmm.. I’m biased towards wearing Indian talent.. (sic),” Priyanka posted on twitter Monday morning. “A special behind the scenes pic only for you. On my way to the Grammy. In a Gauri and Nainika original! What say guys?,” she tweeted.

Royal treat 

Ever wondered how the royal families like to eat? Here is an opportunity for you to find out. JW Marriott-Chandigarh brings exclusive dishes, favourites of the royals from all over the country in the Maharaja Food Festival at Safforn.

Here you can relish mouth-watering dishes ranging from banno kebab, chutney wali bater, murgh ke soole, paneer ke soole with palak ki shammi, makai aur gucchi ki seekh besides royal desserts like zauk-e-shahi, anjeer ke shahi tukre and badam ka halwa. Special Kashmiri kava will be served after the meals to add a royal touch to your dining experience.

There is an option of an à-la-carte or a three course set menu (five starters, five dishes on the main-course and one dessert) to choose from. The menu offers something for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian.

The guests can choose from a selection of exclusive spirits which include Royal Salute whisky, 12 Yo and also enjoy whisky-based cocktails such as Maharaja Shahi Jaam and Maharani Shahi Nazakat.

The cooking technique is based on the use of the tandoor and the simple charcoal grill to bring out the true, traditional flavours.

To complete the mood, the ambience of Saffron also spells opulence and royal grace. The dining area has an elegant décor with polished wooden floors washed with soft lighting and the vibrant use of copper mirrors which lend themselves to an interesting play of lights.

A Maharaja package has been crafted for the guests, which include a pick and drop (from and to tricity only) in a 7 series BMW, with sparkling wine placed in the car and a set menu for two including a peg of Royal Salute whisky for Rs 10,000.

The guests can also participate in the Maharaja Food Festival lucky draw. The first three winners will win either a weekend stay for two at Jaipur Marriott, including breakfast and tickets to watch a polo match or a bottle of Royal Salute or a weekend stay at Marriott Chandigarh.—TNS

  Jesse Grewal
Power–the backswing

Once the pre-swing fundamentals of grip and set-up are in place we need to make a good backswing to get into a good position at the top so as to be able to make a powerful downswing to hit the ball far. The takeaway or the first move of the backswing is critical as if we start incorrectly there is little chance of being able to make a correction mid-way through the swing. To create a powerful coiling action of the body we need resistance as coiling action with resistance will have an automatic uncoiling action. The left side of the body coils around a resisting right side (for right handed players).

The left shoulder starts the backswing by turning down and under the chin. The right shoulder is pushed backwards simultaneously. The hips do not turn initially and begin turning when the shoulders have turned approximately 45 degrees or half the total amount of turn. As the shoulders wind to a 90 degree turn the hips will turn 45 degrees too. The right knee must retain its angle and not straighten. This provides resistance to the turning action and is an important power move (picture1). While the right knee maintains its angle allow the left knee to turn a little inwards. For senior golfers it is recommended that they allow their left foot to either roll inwards or let the left heel rise a bit off the ground without raising the spine. On the top of the backswing the weight is felt on the outside of the right foot and more towards the heel. If the hips turn too much the right knee straightens (picture 2) and if the hips do not turn enough the shoulders will not be able to make a 90 degree turn.

The backswing therefore begins from the top--the shoulders move first pulling the hips with them which in turn move the legs (left leg). The downswing is exactly the opposite, starting from the lower body which pulls the rest.

(Grewal has coached several national champions and professionals apart from being coach of the Indian golf team for the Eisenhower Cup (World Cup) in 2008. He is currently Director, National Golf Academy of India and CGA Hero Honda Golf Academy. If you have any queries get in touch with him at parexcellence@tribunemail.com)

Master Chef
Kandla Nijhowne
Love at first bite 

Romance rules this month with everyone discussing Valentine’s Day! We conjure up chocolates, cakes, roses and balloons, almost always in heart shapes, don't we? Invariably we forget that this day also has a secondary significance of affection between friends and family. So whether you bake for the love of your life or another loved one, these heart-shaped sugar cookies are a sure-shot success. Their crumbly texture is way more delicate than our own hearts! I guarantee you'll be in love at first bite! 

Method

Sift flour and baking powder into a bowl; set aside. Beat the butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. Mix in vanilla, 2 tablespoons of icing sugar, cinnamon and egg and mix briefly. Reduce speed to low and add the sieved maida. Mix only until combined. Wrap the dough in cling film and refrigerate until firm (at least 2 hours). Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Roll out half the dough on a lightly floured surface to 1/8 inch thick. Refrigerate for 20 minutes. Then shape into heart shapes with cookie cutters. You may do various sizes and even stack a big and a small together. Later you can fill the hollow 'hearts' with jam. Bake the hearts until pale golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to racks to cool. Heat jam in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced and thickened. Let it cool, then fill in the centres or fill into an icing bag to decorate the cookie surfaces with streaks and spangles. Sprinkle cookies with the remaining tablespoon of icing sugar.

(Nijhowne is a Chandigarh-based culinary expert)

Linzer cookies 

n 2½ cups maida, plus more for dusting

n ½ teaspoon baking powder

n 3 tablespoons icing sugar

n A pinch of salt

n 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

n ½ cup butter, cut into small pieces

n ¼ cup grain-sugar

n 1 teaspoon vanilla

n 1 large egg

n ½ your choice of jam, strained

V-day wisdom

Did you shelve love after marriage? Experts suggest that this Valentine’s Day, with some planning, time management and surprises, couples can rekindle romance and brush away boredom from married life.

TV actor Pawan Shankar, married to Yukti for more than eight years, feels that priorities change after having kids, but it’s the responsibility of the couples to keep the romance alive.

Shankar says, “It often happens that after having kids a gap comes in between husband and wife because priorities change. To revive that love, efforts have to be made from both the sides.”

He believes that women make more efforts, adding, “Ninety per cent of the women try to revive love in the marriage, while only ten per cent men make that effort. This is because men are not expressive. If there is a synergy at the mental level, then marriage is a bliss.”

His views seem to be similar to his new show Kyaa Hua Tera Wada, a story of a married couple with three children and how they try to revive romance in their married life.

Financial issue and parental interference sometimes mar the romance and divorce lawyer Shiksha Kushwaha feels it could be avoided if the spouses spend some quality time together and be honest while accepting the truth.

“Feeling of incompatibility, financial issues, parental interference and extra-marital affairs are some of the prominent issues but all of these can be avoided if the couple take care of a few things.

“Show genuine love and affection towards the other person. Pamper him or her and spend more time together. Also, avoid ego, during fights avoid calling names, and be genuine towards each other,” Kushwaha said.

There is no guarantee that in a love marriage adjustment issues won’t mess up the romance factor.

A young professional, Veta Ratra, who married businessman Sahil after 10 years of courtship, says that post-marriage couples get more time together but waste it in finding faults with each other. —IANS

Star Track
Living and loving

Actress Liv Tyler says she is constantly attempting to understand love and looks back at her childhood for the answers.

Tyler, 34, who has been dating photographer Theo Wenner for the past six months, said she is constantly attempting to find out what the meaning of “life and love” are.

“Am I happy in love? I’m still trying to figure love out. I’m honestly still trying to figure it all out. Life and love and my ideas of love. And what love really is. And how it works and what it all means,” she said.

The brunette beauty, who has a seven-year-old son, Milo, with ex-husband Royston Langdon, said she has been using her own experiences of love as a child in an attempt to understand who she is as a person. “I’m actually really trying to apply myself to understanding who I am, how I work, what I’ve done in the past, and my childhood, and how I am at raising a child.

“What I saw as a child in love, the examples I saw and how that affects who I am today in love.” — PTI 

Children’s happiness comes first: Victoria
Former Spice Girl would prefer to stay at Los Angeles as it would make her children happy 

The 37-year-old former Spice Girl, who has four kids with husband David Beckham, said that staying in LA — when David was offered a move to Paris - was for the children. “David and I both love what we do, and from a career point of view Paris really appealed to both of us.

But in the end the children’s happiness comes first. The kids are so happy in LA Brook-lyn especially has been moved around a lot, from Manchester to Spain to LA, and that’s hard for a kid,” Victoria said.

She also said it is not easy juggling her career as a fashion designer with motherhood but stopping work was never an option for her. “Stopping work wasn’t an option for long but I took as much time off as I could. I spent the whole summer breastfeeding. I loved it. It was heaven. She’s (Harper) such a good baby. I love all my children exactly the same, of course, but the boys were hard work,” Victoria added. — PTI 

Valentine’s Day tips from Paltrow 

Shakespeare in Love star Gwyneth Paltrow has given tips for couples to make Valentine’s Day special with oils, feather and a lovemaking guide.

The 39 -year -old actress, who is married to Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, said that couples should provide a string of romantic surprises throughout the day.

Paltrow said that the day should begin with breakfast and swapping love notes before making a string of hearts out of coloured paper, or couples could make up romantic playlists for each other’s iPods or heat things up with a sex book.

“At 3 pm, you should arrange delivery of a bouquet of flowers, followed by a simple dinner of chicken paillard with avocados. Later at 10 pm – for over-18s only! Get the Kama Sutra original weekender kit at 16 pounds,” she said.

“This little kit includes love oil, a pleasure balm and even some honey dust with a titillating little feather applicator for some fun wherever you end up,” she added. — PTI

Beauty ambassador
Pop star Fergie is excited to be part of global cosmetic brand Wet n Wild

Pop star Fergie is expanding her beauty resume as the new global ambassador of a US-based make-up brand Wet n Wild cosmetics. The 36-year-old singer, who has previously fronted the Mac Viva Glam campaign, will appear in new advertisements for the cosmetic brand.

“I’m truly excited to be the global beauty ambassador for Wet n Wild. The brand delivers amazing palettes, unquestionable quality and is incredibly affordable. I’m proud to be involved with it,” Fergie said. — PTI 

Katherine’s traditional side

Katherine Heigl, whose name has become synonymous with the archetype of a highly-strung woman first finding her leading man highly objectionable only to fall in love eventually, has revealed what she feels about love and babies. In her own life, the 33-year-old actress is married to country musician Josh Kelley, 32. They live in Los Angeles and are raising their adopted daughter, Nancy Leigh “Naleigh”, born in November 2008 in South Korea, which is the birthplace of Heigl’s adopted sister.

“I’m hoping to adopt another baby. I can’t image my daughter being an only child,” she said. “I’ve started the application but it’s a lengthy process. We’d really like a boy. I want a mama’s boy. Naleigh is such a daddy’s girl. “I want to be the favourite,” she said. The 27 Dresses star also spoke about the possibility of natural childbirth.

“We’ve talked about having a biological child. I’m kind of a baby when it comes to pain but it’s something we hope to do before I’m too old to do it. “And, when and if I’m pregnant, I don’t want to have to work. I want to be calm and not worry about how much weight I’m gaining,” she said. Heigl, who is surprisingly honest and, by Hollywood’s standards, politically incorrect, doesn’t pretend to be the perfect mum or wife, but simply tells it like it is. “Josh and I have been married four years, which seems like a record in Hollywood. I feel safe and comforted in his presence, but sometimes I want to kill him. “And then, thankfully, he goes on tour,” she said.

She concluded by saying that she tries to embrace the romance in their relationship and is happy to play the traditional gender roles. “I like to do domestic things for him. I like to cook and do his laundry. I know it sounds really 1950s housewife, but let me be clear, I’m not doing it all the time. — ANI

John to learn Marathi
Filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar will be tutoring John 

Actor John Abraham, who plays a Maharashtrian gangster in the forthcoming film Shootout at Wadala, is going to brush up his Marathi. To prepare for his role, inspired by gangster Manya Surve, John is not only working on his physique, but is also on his colloquial Marathi. And it is the filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar who will be playing his coach.

Manohar Arjun Surve alias Manya Surve was a member of Mumbai underworld who died in 1982 in an encounter with the police. It is known as the city’s first recorded encounter killing.

Shootout at Wadala, directed by Sanjay Gupta, is the sequel to the hit film Shootout at Lokhandwala.

“John has never used rough language in his films so far I want him to have the basic knowledge of colloquial Marathi as it will help him grasp the minute details of his character,” Gupta said.

“Mahesh is going to help us out. He will meet John a few times to discuss the nitty-gritties of Marathi. The interactions will be at the end of February since the film goes on floors in March,” Gupta said. — PTI

Anarkali under pressure

After Munni Badnam Hui, Malaika Arora Khan is ready to scorch the screen with another item number, Anarkarli Disco Chali choreographed by Farah Khan. The pair of choreographer has delivered hit item songs such as Chhaiya Chhaiya (Dil Se), Kaal Dhamaal (Kaal) and Munni Badnaam (Dabangg). 

Farah is now looking forward to Anarkali Disco Chali, an item song in her brother Sajid Khan’s upcoming film Housefull 2. “Anarkarli put pressure on Malaika and me, given our track record of hit songs. By the look of it, we should hopefully keep to it,” Farah said. “We have done three songs together and all have been highly successful. So there is a lot of pressure this time around.” —PTI 

 

 

Gemma Arteton gets choosy

British actress Gemma Arteton thinks she can now be picky about her work in Hollywood. As a fresher the 22-year-old used to eagerly accept any role, but now as she has established herself, she can afford to plan. — IANS

No poster boy this one!

Johnny Depp, who went from relative obscurity in A Nightmare on Elm Street to being the object of extreme hysteria among teenage girls, has said that he was “uncomfortable being a product, being somebody else’s product” in 21 Jump Street. The 48-year-old actor admitted to being uncomfortable on the hit show about baby-faced undercover cops sniffing out criminal activity in high schools and colleges. The billboard in question portrayed Depp holding a gun above the line ‘Other kids pack lunch’, which he felt was inappropriate or maybe just plain corny.

“I didn’t want to be a poster boy and get turned into something saccharine, something obnoxiously cute and processed,” he said. “I hated the idea of becoming a celebrity commodity, where nothing has any value and it’s all about appearances and image — artificial just for the sake of making money. I swore to myself I wouldn’t follow that path,” he said.

Instead, Depp carved out his own trajectory, playing a succession of idiosyncratic, often downright weird, characters in projects that genuinely excited him including, significantly, eight Tim Burton films.

Along the way, he’s become one of Hollywood’s most remunerated stars, thanks in large part to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.

Depp revisited his past by agreeing to a cameo performance in the movie adaptation of 21 Jump Street. “I thought it would be a fun thing to do, to go back and play the same character I played 20 years ago,” he said.

The character may be the same, but Depp certainly isn’t. Three of his recent films – two Pirates movies, Dead Man’s Chest and On Stranger Tides, and Alice in Wonderland have grossed more than $1 billion each worldwide. Whereas once upon a time, Depp “just had to behave and be that guy for them”, these days no one pushes him around. — ANI

chatter box
Love is in the air
Everyone these days has a viewpoint on the manner in which valentine’s day is celebrated. Here are some television stars talking about love

Spa-cial love

For people in love, everyday is a Valentine’s Day. But in our busy lives we often miss out on moments to tell our loved ones what they mean to us. So I guess Valentine’s Day is a good day to not just take a moment but a full day to express your love to that special someone in our life. This year I plan to take my wife Bhavna for a one night getaway and pamper her. So it will include a spa, adventure sports and a long drive.

Jai Kalra aka Vikram Shergil of Bade Acche Laggte Hain

Extra effort

I’m going to have a fabulous meal with my girlfriends! So far I've not been in a relationship. But whenever I’ll be in one, I expect my partner to show extra love for me on that day, flowers, and meal.

Tarana Raja Kapoor aka Neha Shergil of Bade Acche Laggte Hain

Celebrate everyday

It’s a warm feeling. I feel butterflies in my stomach when I think about it, but I think it should come every week why a year only because if you get to appreciate the one you love on that day so why not every day?

Chahhat Khanna aka Ayesha Sharma of Bade Acche Laggte Hain

Family time

Valentine Day for me is just another day like a birthday or an anniversary. My love for my family and friends is something I celebrate throughout the year, not just on one day in a year. This year too it will be a family dinner and later fun and frolic with friends.

Sumona Chakrabarty aka Natasha of Bade Acche Laggte Hain — HRM

Celebration time

Valentine’s Day to me is a day of celebrating love. It’s a day to express your love, affection for the special one in your life. So if I manage to find someone special before Valentines, I will make sure it’s the most special day for her. So on the Valentine’s Day, I will surprise her with some beautiful flowers and chocolates in the morning. I would want to present her with a custom-made calendar, with our pictures together. And then later in the night I will take her out to a romantic dinner somewhere by the beach. And I guess by then she would want to stay with me until breakfast next morning!

Mohit Malhotra aka Kartik Sharma of Bade Acche Laggte Hain

New shows on the tube

Shubh Vivaah

Sony's new offering Shubh Vivaah is a story about a father (Rakesh Bedi) and his five daughters, their relationship with their father, their struggle for survival and search for Mr Right. This show is the remake of an award-winning Tamil serial Metti Oli. The X factor of the show is the return of Eijaz Khan who was last seen on TV in Bhaskar Bharti. Eijaz will be paired with the sweet Neha Janpandit. It will air on February 27.   

Sur-Kshetra

The new reality show Sur-Kshetra from the Sahara One stable will provide true blue singing talents from India and Pakistan with an opportunity to display their vocal talent and outperform their rivals. Noted singer-music director turned actor, Himesh Reshammiya, will captain the Indian team of singers while his counterpart singer-turned-actor from Pakistan, Atif Aslam will lead the team from across the border.

Punar Vivaah

Zee's new show Punar Vivaah will talk about the dynamics of a re-marriage. It is about adjustment with kids on both sides.  Set in Bhopal, the show stars Gurmeet Choudhary of Geet and Kratika Sengar of Jhansi Ki Rani. It starts February 20 at 10.30pm.— HRM

Sajda Tere Pyar Mein

Sajda Tere Pyar Mein will debut on February 14. It is a love story with a twist as the 21-year-old Aaliya has to choose between love and her duty to the nation. Newbie Deblina Chatterjee plays the role of a happy-go-lucky girl who faces a tough situation in life. The show marks a return of Shaleen Bhanot as a cop. Every few months, channels take stock of their shows, TRP ratings and shuffle serials around to make way for new ones ranging from reality to fiction. Here’s what the new shows have to offer

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is February 14...

You are lucky to celebrate your birthday always on a romantic day of Valentine. So present a bunch of dark red roses to your loved one on “Happy Birthday or Valentine”.

You'll be indecisive and confused despite many opportunities. Something will stop you from being objective. Venus will make you more intuitive and very sensitive towards your beloved. In this particular moment, try not to waste energy in fighting. Work issues dominate your thoughts, turning family communications into a murky dominion ruled over by people with clearer minds.

Turn to correspondence instead of conversation to restore the proper balance. Put your serious side on hold and have some fun. Take your sweetie out for a retro bowling date or challenge each other to the ultimate pillow fight. Couples who play together stay together. You're a total basket case, so it's best to seek the advice of loved ones when things get confusing. Since this happens often, you can be sure your friends are tired of advising your hopeless self.

You've presence of mind. This is an ideal state for pushing through day-to-day tasks and for tackling high-level thinking. There's still a lot to do but you'll finish all your tasks eventually. You are about to start getting the recognition that you deserve after September. Family wise, relationships will be a source of happiness. Family affairs that were weighing heavily on your mind are likely to be resolved amicably. Speculation in the stock market might not prove to be beneficial and you should not be tempted even if you have been given an inside tip. You would be able to achieve more through your normal work or business. Friends are most helpful to your career needs in legal, medical and financial advice. Your health would be fine and you will feel energetic and able to undertake tasks that you had postponed in the recent past. The stars are aligned for relationships of substance, those you can really go the distance with. Eccentric people with stable lives are attractive to you now. Mood: Cheerful and 'peaceful.' Compatible signs: Capricorn, Taurus, Leo. Lucky colours: Crimson, dark grey. Lucky days: Saturday. Lucky numbers: 2, 4, 6, 18, 100. Lucky gem: Tourmaline – Panna-Zambian Emerald. Lucky flower: Red rose.

Mohnish Behl (February 14, 1963, Mumbai) is the son of the late renowned actress Nutan and her husband naval Lieutenant-Commander Rajnish Behl. He is also the grandson of the late actress Shobhna Samarth, nephew of actress Tanuja and cousin of actresses Kajol Devgan and Tanisha Mukherjee. Due to combination of three and eight, Mohnish’s career could not pickup like other members of family. However, his stars forecast income from multiple sources besides acting in serials.

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Reckless spending will be a cause for regret. So no matter now tempting or urgent the purchase may be think twice before pulling out your credit card or handing over the cash. Vitality may be little low. Tarot message: Consolidate your gains instead of throwing security to the winds. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 52

TAURUS: Arrangements you made to meet with friends can change at the last moment. Expect a degree of chaos and mayhem in traffic and at airports. Pay your bills so that you can work out exactly where you stand financially. Tarot message: Minor official pinpricks are better ignored. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 26

GEMINI: You will enjoy tidying up and sorting your coherent order which may involve paying bills. Romance will be happy; good for looking up an old flame who now lives some distance from you. Tarot message: Be positive; you can make things happen out of the most unlikely circumstances. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 32

CANCER: There can be a lull before the storm. Plan some relaxation and leave stress behind. Health issues should be treated right away. You will want to avoid future problems. Tarot message: Look at the overall cost of things and try to balance your budget. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 42

LEO: A financial matter that has been delayed should have come forward by now. There should be no problems to deal with at home. You may receive a romantic proposition. Be careful about how you respond. Tarot message: Don’t be dismissive of advice from youth. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 28

VIRGO: Stimulating and thought-provoking ideas will be in abundance. Your partner could talk you into taking dance classes for fun. Business will tick over smoothly enough. Tarot message: Take one step at a time and avoid being hurried and over anxious. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 64

LIBRA: Your goals may seem exaggerated but if you believe in something with heart and hope, it just might happen. It is a day to forget worries. Let your hair down and enjoy yourself. Tarot message: You will not get away with wrongful doings, so don't even try. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 30

SCORPIO: You are in an ideal job so show the world just how capable you are. Health problems show obvious signs of improvement. You might find that your work load has increased. Tarot message: There are times in a relationship when it is wiser to be silent. Lucky colour: Silver grey. Magic number: 27

SAGITTARIUS: Your card “The Page of Swords” reveals that you are noted for your resiliency. Romance takes a turn for the better. Keep extra cash in hand to cope with expenses. Let them know how much you love and appreciate them. Tarot message: Spend time meeting experienced people. Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels. Magic number: 63

CAPRICORN: You need more clarity in financial matters. It is important that you get expert advice to help you sort out problems. Creative work is favoured over mundane routine jobs. Tarot message: Don’t waste an opportunity by not exploiting a contact even if it is from your past. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 51

AQUARIUS: Your card “Eight of Wands” suggests that you will have some extra money. Personal dreams, hopes and wishes are up for review especially concerning how it is all going to get done and who you will be doing it with. Tarot message: Take time before reacting. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 40

PISCES: Stay with a focus on business because that’s what will pay dividends. Romance could lead to turmoil. You can expect visitors in the evening. Take good care of yourself and watch your diet. Tarot message: New offers must be put on hold as their outcome is uncertain. Lucky colour: Creamy white. Magic number: 29





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