Hollywood’s wide angle
Hurt Locker fame Kathryn Bigelow's next production Zero Dark Thirty, the shooting of which entered the second day in Chandigarh, drew in a lot of crowd
Jasmine Singh

There is nothing unusual about the crowd that has gathered in the inner market of Manimajra — usual hustle-bustle of the shoppers, motorcycles and cycles criss-crossing through the labyrinthine lanes. There is nothing unusual about it except for the fact that we see a lot many firangis in the crowd moving about busily with their walkie-talkies!

Someone in the busy market calls out loud, 'clear the road', move the crowd out of the frame. The words sound pretty familiar and we know this is the site of action, the site of Kathryn Bigelow's next production Zero Dark Thirty, the story of the hunting down of Osama Bin Laden by the US Navy Seals. The actress Jessica Chastain is already in the city and already creating a buzz!

So, this is where it starts. Today the action is taking place in Lahore. The informer is crossing the busy market. Women wearing burqa, vendors selling eatables, people wearing pagris crossing the camera frame. Bigelow shoots the scene sitting a car (a matador to be precise). She is hardly seen outside the car, only when our lensman spotted her outside a shop taking a break! For Bollywood buffs that are used to seeing and hearing the director call 'cut' ten times in one shot, this shooting is rather different. The Hurt Locker fame director sits in the car with the camera. This is from where she calls the shots, checks all the frames. This is how Catherine Bigelow works. Other than the excited crowd that is trying to catch either a Salman Khan or Shah Rukh Khan, all they know is that some angrezi movie is being shot!


spot light: The cast and crew of Zero Dark Thirty

A closer look at the artists, hey, they look very Indian save for the two men dressed in a pathani suit. "These two over there," points out a shopkeeper, "are Hollywood actors and the rest are people from this place. All junior artists are from here. See even that informer, he is from Chandigarh." The shopkeeper sure is a storehouse of information! We quiz the artist, who plays the informer. "My name is Ashok from Sector-39. It took me an hour to get the make-up right, these people are thorough professionals,' he shares.

Professionals they sure are and looking at the robot-like cameras you can't help appreciating and talking about their technical sensibilities at length. We look around for finer details; the boards on the shops have something written in Urdu. "They are trying to create Lahore. They have also created a bus that is flooded with Talibanis," a face in the crowd tells us.

How do people come to conclusions we wonder! Just like the rumour that has been floating in the air and something most people have concluded being the truth of the day — Brad Pitt is expected to be in Chandigarh. Apparently he is heard to be flown down in a private chopper. So much so, the Twitter board is already in action. As someone tweets - so Brad Pitt is in Chandigarh and so lingering around geri route. The cast and crew, however, don't say much on it. Thorough professional, someone said!

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Spring in step
Shakti Mohan, winner of Dance India Dance 2, shares excerpts from her dream journey
Mona

dance ALong: Shakti Mohan

"Passion, hardwork and patience have made me a winner," says Shakti Mohan, winner of Dance India Dance 2. The petite dancer, in Chandigarh on Thursday, to announce DID L'il Masters shares with us her take on life.

Shakti learnt Bharatnatyam for eight years while in school and was all set to try her luck at Civil Services (she's a Masters in Political Science) when Terence Lewis' company's performance took her heart. "I told myself that I don't want to sit at a desk and regret that I did not try to be dancer," she says.

Happy at her decision, says Shakti, "I am content; I can do what I want." She recently left a show to pursue dancing. Coming May, she is going to New York to learn dancing. "I always wanted to study dance but never had enough money. Now that I have, I want to fulfill my dream."

Post DID, Shakti has done shows and is dancing in coming movies Ek Bura Aadmi and Rowdy Rathore. "They are typical Bollywood dances that I really enjoyed." Shakti owes all this to Zee, which gave her a platform. But aren't the shows too taxing? "Well they are, but are as much fun also." And what happens after the win? "It's up to the individual. Shows get you recognition as well as training. Then it's the journey you choose for yourself."

Isn't L'il Masters going to be tough on kids? "I thought so, but I have seen things being handled very well at the shows. However, I strongly suggest that kids must not leave their studies."

Shakti on her own is happy pursuing her passion. Is a dance school on anvil? "It's lot of hardwork. Not now, but maybe when I am older," she says. And till then, this dancer is living her dream!

(Auditions for 'DID L'il Masters' will be held on March 5 at Manav Mangal Smart School, Mohali, 8.30 am to 2 pm)

mona@tribunemail.com

Agent of change
Saif Ali Khan, in Chandigarh, says he has always been attracted to the genre of spy thriller and with Agent Vinod he fulfills his wish
Jasmine Singh

Playing spy: Saif Ali Khan

An amazingly made butter chicken that he would eat to the last morsel, some action-packed games on PS 3, a dinner party hosted for friends, a drink near the fireplace, Agent Vinod draws out time after cracking a few cases here and there. After a running action, he sits down with a plate of boiled eggs, neatly sliced, sprinkles salt and moves back in his chair. No he isn't smoking a cigar, no hot babes around either; our Agent Vinod Saif Ali Khan is definitely not an Indian version of Bond, but he is Bond in every right!

Saif can't wait to get started, after all he is invested his time, money and sincere efforts in this movie. We heard he has even kept his marriage with Bebo on hold because of it. There is something about the movie and Saif, who was in Chandigarh to perform at the World Hockey Series, wants us to take note of every word he shares with us on Agent Vinod. Over to you Saif! "I am not being indulgent talking about this movie. I have tried to bring forth something that I have enjoyed doing, something that is after my heart and something that is made with originality of thought, therefore I like talking about Agent Vinod," says Saif.

His hairdresser is in a hurry to set Saif's hair, but the actor is occupied with just one thought. No prizes for guessing! "My director Sriram Raghavan and I have always been attracted to the genre of spy thriller; with Agent Vinod I have rediscovered the market for it. The whole experience of making this movie has been great, from casting, directing, music…even the title was evocative," he smiles with everyone listening without interrupting.

He goes on uninterrupted. "I have been told by many people that they will be watching Agent Vinod for the director and me being in the movie is just a bonus. In fact, this is 
how it should be — a movie should be watched for its technicality, its screenplay, director rather than just the actor,' Saif goes on.

He takes a break for a minute; we know this is the time. So, shoot! Going overboard with publicity, marketing…what's with Bollywood movies these days? "I have made something that I have been convinced about. I am not telling people to watch the movie for me, but for what it stands for and there is no harm in taking it to audiences and talking to people about it. I would like to promote it in every medium if I can. It's just that I don't want to be part of herd mentality. I don't want to be seen on television for the publicity for I believe they are two separate mediums."

Saif plans to release books and games on it as well. "I plan to turn it into a franchise and if it works great," he shares, expecting a query. Mujra number in the movie, much talked about, so who is the brain behind it? 'Not mine, he smiles, everything was set up as a spy thriller and so we thought let's put in some entertainment. We do have a dance number in a bar in Pakistan (the situation in the movie), so we decided on the mujra. It has come up well." He signals the hair-dresser to get back to work. "Just don't burn my hair please," he requests him.

Exotic locale, Punjabi flavour
Punjabi cinema will always do something different to get talked about. In Savy Dadwal’s next, the film crew is set to shoot in the exotic locales of Goa
Vasudha Gupta

For Bollywood, it’s an easy gamble to shoot in the exotic locales of say Spain, America or Prague. But it is definitely big news when a Punjabi films moves out of the mustard fields and shifts base to the land of sun, sand and skin—Goa. Making his debut as an actor and director in his home production, Savy Dadwal is taking his film, Yamley Jatt Yamley, to Goa.

The musical romantic comedy goes on the floors on Friday and will incorporate a shooting schedule of 30 days in Punjab and 15 in Goa. Apart from Savy Dadwal and Jonita Doda in lead roles, the film will also have actors like Gurpreet Ghuggi, Rana Ranbir, Gugu Gill, Sorab Rajpurohit and comedy queen Bharti Singh.

Talking about her affinity towards regional cinema, Jonita Doda, female lead actor of the movie says, “It is a thing of the past that regional cinema was meaningless.” Considering how even Bollywood is aping South-Indian cinema, we totally second her opinion! Hoping to satisfy the actor in her, Jonita is keeping her fingers crossed with the movie she is doing. “My next is with South-Indian star Mohan Lal. Considering how big he is, I am sure the movie will do well,” she smiles standing tall in her figure-hugging pink dress. Her juggling act with South-Indian cinema does not end there. “I am currently working on Adhi Karam, Aarupadavela and Zebra Crossing, apart from my Malayalam film, D Comanay,” she shares. Hoping to soon move to Bollywood, her focus currently is on regional cinema.

The film focuses on not only the story of three boys, but also three girls. “It is a group of boys and girls. You will see me doing several action sequences in the movie,” she smiles. The film will show the babe playing the bad girl. “No one will be able to take a ‘panga’ with me in the movie,” she laughs. Considering most of the Punjabi films still hover around the same concept of Punjab, she quickly jumps to the defence. “We will still take time to change the films. Our audiences still have a certain flavour they want out of Punjabi cinema,” she says. Having worked with Punjabi film legends like Gurdas Maan and Harbhajan Mann, Jonita is certain the film will do well.

The film also has a sound team of technicians, music directors and playback singers. Lehmer Hassainpuri, who has earlier given music in Tanu weds Manu, is also excited about lending his voice to the movie. “The best part about the film is its team,” he says. Ready with his albums coming out and having just finished giving music to Aadat Se Majboor and Love Shove Tey Chicken Khurana, the singer is certain that it is the Punjabi dhol that has clicked with Bollywood. “All our music is special and there is a worldwide talk about it. That in itself is a very big thing,” he adds. Apart from Lehmer Hassainpuri, legendary Sukhwinder Singh, Sunidhi Chauhan, Javed Ali, Master Salim, Surhit Khan and Feroze Khan are a part of the musical brigade of the film.

Here’s hoping it makes a better mark in terms of regional cinema!

vasudha@tribunemail.com

Perfect vision
6/6, an exhibition at Zazen Art Centre, showcases the creative skills of 145 old and new artists
Vasudha Gupta

It’s not only in a doctor’s terminology that 6/6 makes sense. Meet Sanjeev Kumar Srivastava, director of the Zazen Art Gallery, who has painstakingly made everything about his exhibition 6/6 clear.

Having moved to Chandigarh around three months back, Sanjeev says he was floored by the potential in North Indian artists. “There are very few organisations, which really bring so many artists under one roof. My list does not end with three-four names. This exhibition has 145 entries till now,” he says. Funded by the Zazen NGO, an environment related voluntary organisation, their next agenda is making an attempt to create awareness in art.

“I am keen on promoting various art programmes,” he says. After completing his BFA from Rabindra Bharati University and MFA from Baroda, Sanjeev has worked as an art curator at several galleries.

Putting together the exhibition has been a fun experience for Sanjeev. “I gathered all the details from various academies and colleges and got in touch with the artists,” he says. This was how the idea of 6/6 struck him. “I just wanted to create a platform where they all could come forward and display their works,” he adds. Six by six sheets were mailed across to the artists and they were asked to express themselves freely. From a creative Ganesha in black ink, a stark red tilak and a woman staring into space, the walls at the exhibit have a sense of uniformity in them. “Our art centre is also keen on taking good works to international auctions, where they have a better demand,” he says.

vasudha@tribunemail.com

Women power

Apart from art exhibitions, the Zazen Art Centre is also going to promote women artists. “We will be organising a women’s artist workshop on March 3 as our tribute to womanhood,” Sanjeev says. Several contemporary painters will be a part of the exhibition. “We will be providing them a 2X2 canvas for the same,” he adds.

STAR TRACK
Single and happy!
Shraddha Das slams rumours about her comforting her ex and says she has moved on

Over and out: Shraddha Das

Shraddha Das has moved on. In fact, she is single and committed to her work. The Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji actress denied the reports of comforting her ex-beau actor Varun Sandesh.

“I heard some news again by a website about me giving solace to my ex and his father getting worried recently. I am in no way connected anymore to him or his family, so I would request the media to stop writing about it,’” she said.

She adds that she is presently focusing only on her career: “When I was in a relationship, I never hid it from the media.

Hence when I am really with someone I will be open about it. Right now I’m focused on work and in love with it, no time to offer solace to someone, except my family and close friends.”

In the meantime, the starlet is reported to have signed Prakash Jha’s next film where she plays a sex worker.








Gangster’s moll

Once again: Kangana Ranaut

After playing moll to reel life gangsters like Shiney Ahuja and Ajay Devgn, actress Kangana Ranaut is once again set to reprise the role in Shootout At Wadala, as gangster Manya Surve’s girlfriend. The 24-year-old actress portrays the role of Vidya Joshi, the love interest of Surve, essayed by John Abraham.

“From my first film till this one, I am playing a lover to Don or gangster. It is quite a coincidence. I have not deliberately chosen these kinds of films. This film and its script is very special, I liked it very much. So I wanted to be a part of it,” Kangana told reporters after the first look of the upcoming film, was launched.

In her debut film Gangster, Kangana played gangster Shiney Ahuja’s love interest. The film directed by Anurag Basu was rumoured to be based on the life of Abu Salem and former actress Monica Bedi. Thereafter in Milan Luthria’s Once Upon A Time In Mumbai, based on the life history of an underworld don of the 1960s, Haji Mastan, played by Ajay Devgn, Kangana essayed the role of starlet Sona, with whom Mastan was in love. “I don’t think it really matters in how many films I have played gangster’s girlfriend. But this film is different from what I have done earlier,” she said. Directed by Sanjay Gupta, Shootout at Wadala, revolves around the life of gangster Manya Surve and how he was shot dead, the first registered encounter by Mumbai police, in 1982 in Wadala. The film would release on December 7.

—PTI 

Surprise element

Under wraps: Esha Gupta

Kingfisher model Esha Gupta is doing a couple of films with the Bhatts and the production company wants to keep her under wraps till Jannat 2 releases.

This type of marketing strategy has been used by Imtiaz Ali for Giselli Monteiro in Love Aaj Kal and by Yash Raj Films for Anushka Sharma in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, among others. Esha has a steamy role in Jannat 2 and has also replaced Jacqueline Fernandez in Raaz 3 because the latter opted out due to costume issues. Esha has steamy scenes in this movie as well. She is a model and is very comfortable in her skin so has no qualms about showing skin and getting intimate. She is a newcomer so won’t even put forth any list of demands.

A source says, “Esha is doing magazine shoots because that is her livelihood but she has been asked to cut down her public appearances till promotions begin for Jannat 2 in a few weeks. The movie will release around IPL time. The Bhatts want Esha to be a surprise package in the film. It is the first time they are trying something like this. Esha replaced Prachi in Jannat 2 because the latter had a conservative outlook and Esha is sexier than Prachi. No movie photos or posters have been released yet.” We hope Esha Gupta pleasantly surprises audiences.

 

Hearty affair: Abhay Deol

Art of the matter

Abhay Deol graced an art show of paintings created by school children in suburban Mumbai. He poses by the creations. We like the way he supports causes. The theme was Mumbai and its people and places.

 

shooting star: Shahid Kapoor

Gift of galaxy

Shahid Kapur’s fans gifted him a star on his birthday. Yes, they purchased a star in the galaxy and named it after him and gave him the certificate too. How sweet! 

 

B-town’s friend list


Friendly gesture: Rana Daggubatti

For a long time, Bipasha Basu was Rana Daggubatti’s only friend in Bollywood after they worked together in Dum Maaro Dum. Now, Rana Daggubatti has found a new friend in Sanjay Dutt.

Through most of last year, Bips and Rana were spotted together but at the end of 2011, Rana was spotted cozying up with girlfriend Trisha (a reconciliation of sorts!) and Bipasha started maintaining distance from him.

A source says, “Rana and Sanjay are doing Ram Gopal Varma’s Department. Rana plays a tough cop in the movie and has been working out sincerely for it. Sanjay was impressed by his dedication and they started talking about fitness and workouts. Sanjay is known for his magnanimity and has invited Rana to work out at the gym in his home. Of course, Maanayata approves of the friendship as Rana is a good influence. Rana works out at Sanjay’s place when he can. Sanjay was known for his physique, so he gives Rana tips on bulking up.”

The source continues, “Whenever Rana is in Mumbai, he hangs out at Sanjay Dutt’s place. He is happy that such a senior and respected actor and star has taken him under his wings. Sanjay is like his mentor. It won’t be long before Sanjay will recommend Rana for a couple of movies and might even cast him in his own productions as Rana has quite a fan following around the country. Girls like him too.” Cheers to the new dostana in Bollywood!

Lady’s day out

After a fashionable trip to Italy, Sonam Kapoor returns home this week. She went to see The Last Supper and had a great time everywhere!

Bookish charm

Riya Sen recently launched Neeta Shah’s book Bollywood striptease. She posed with the author. Both had worn similar dresses and looked good!

Hair and there

For everyone who was wondering the secret to Imtiaz Ali’s great hair, the truth is out! There is none! He says that he sees people doing so much for their hair: shampoo, combing, conditioning, styling, etc. He does nothing and he doesn’t even comb it! Trust Imtiaz to do something like this!

beauty secret: 
Imtiaz Ali

Teach them young

Reese Witherspoon says she discusses domestic violence with her kids as she knows that in the US and worldwide, one in three women will experience it in their lifetime.

“We talk about domestic violence and what that means,” Witherspoon, 35, said at the 2nd World Conference of Women’s Shelters in Washington, DC, about educating her own family.

“Although the concept is somewhat foreign to them, they’re-starting to understand that this happens to families in our country and throughout the world,” she added. Witherspoon’s two children, daughter Ava, 12, and son Deacon, 8, have also talked to their mother about a recent public case: the assault by Chris Brown on then-girlfriend Rihanna in February 2009, reported a magazine. “My daughter knows what happened. My son knows as well. We talk about what is abuse. I think it’s important to talk to our daughters – and our sons – in order to educate them at an early age about what’s appropriate and what is absolutely not acceptable,” said Witherspoon. —PTI

A suitable boy


Well groomed: Salman Khan

While rumours about the bad boy of Bollywood and his impending marriage have been doing the rounds, the man himself has been avoiding giving any of us a straight answer. While all the other Khans are well settled, nobody has a clue if there is ever going to be a Band Bajaa Baraat, for the Dabangg star!

At a recent event Salman opened up to reporters saying, “I was pretty good with dating girls, but not anymore.” Well looks like there is not much romance left in Salman’s life. Has he lost his wicked charm that wooed many a Bollywood starlets? Will the bad boy reach out to his mommy to find him a suitable bride?

Ex effect for J-Lo

Pop diva and actress Jennifer Lopez reportedly had an awkward reunion with ex-boyfriend Diddy at a post-Oscars party, where she apologised to him for unreturned calls.

The singer-actress, 42, was at Vanity Fair’s star-packed after party with her current beau Casper Smart, when she encountered the rapper. According to an observer, Lopez made a bee-line for her ex, whom she dated from 1999 to 2001, shortly after arriving, reported a magazine. known as Puff Daddy, 42, has been friendly with another ex Marc Anthony. — PTI

chatter box
And the winner is…

WILL HE, WON’T HE?:JD Majethia

Star Plus' adventure reality show Survivor India's finale is round the corner and the name of the finalists are out. Sources claim JD Majethia, Rajrani and Sthitpragya Mohan are three names for the finale.

According to the new format, each eliminated contestant will be part of the jury to decide the winner.




Yet another leap!

Film Farm Productions' Uttaran on Colors will soon take a 6 year leap and bring interesting twists for the audience. Rumours are that Tina Dutta aka Icha will not be part of the show as she doesn't want to play an older role. Talks are on with other actors and soon the leap will be officially announced.

Search operation


Keep Guessing: A still from Preeto

In Imagine's Preeto, Preeto (Ankita Sharma) gets engaged to Sunny (Shresth Kumar) but she is still pining for Rajbeer (Aditya Redij).

Now that Rajbeer is missing after the air crash, she will go in search of him and it will bring her close to a revelation.


For those who live to eat

Learn the secrets behind the scrumptious dishes like the gelatos of Italy or the sizzling tabasco sauce on Modern Marvels, a new show on History TV 18. This new series examines the extraordinary culinary innovations, technology and cooking styles. Modern Marvels will look at amazing creations of food like spices, ice cream, chocolate, fast foods, whiskey, and much more. 

On a high

Rajan Shahi

Producer Rajan Shahi who has brought a turn around in the TV industry with two successful shows, Sapna Babul Ka Bidaai and Yeh Ristha Kya Kehlata Hai on Star Plus launched two new shows Amrit Manthan on Life Ok and Jamuna Paar on Imagine TV. All his shows have their unique content and are talked about for the novelty factor. Here's the producer on more.

How does it feel to have two shows being launched back to back?

I am proud and happy with the company launching two shows, which are diametrically different from each other. The credit goes to the entire creative team of directors. I hope the audiences enjoy them as much as they loved my show Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata hai.

Tell us about the show Amrit Manthan?

It is a show with very strong edgy characters where every emotion is shown in extreme, be it romance, bitterness or suspense. Jamuna Paar is a very sweet simple love story, which explores the cross-section of people in Delhi. With Jamuna Paar, I am introducing two fresh faces, Vidhi Parekh and Ankur Verma like I had launched Hina Khan, Karan Mehra, Sara Khan, Angad Hasija and Neha Sargam in the past.

What is the story behind the title Jamuna Paar?

I always wanted to make a show with the backdrop of Delhi and finally I got an opportunity. I hail from Delhi, had spent the best years of my life (school and college) there, so I always wanted to make a show where I can capture the essence of the capital. So when Vivek Bhel from Imagine came up with this concept, I was extremely happy. We have shot at Chandni Chowk, Hauz Khaas, India Gate and at Jamuna Paar area for about more than a week. The show has the authentic flavour of Delhi. Delhi has a charm of its own. The show traces the love story of Vidhi - a talented, yet shy, behind-the-scenes fashion designer, and Bijju - a free spirited, carefree yet very talented boy who is part of his family business of weaving.

While Amrit Manthan is…

Amrit Manthan is a story set in Punjab with the backdrop of royalty and talks about values, principles which are tested in today's time. There are money and power rules. The show is about values vs money. The USP is costumes, set, royal family, luxury and the life of a royal family in today's time.

New releases

Paan Singh Tomar

Producer: UTV Spotboy

Director: Tigmanshu Dhulia

UTV film Paan Singh Tomar, directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia is set to release today all over. Featuring Irrfan Khan as an athlete-turned dacoit, the film's climax was shot at Dholpur in Chambal. Director Tigmanshu Dhulia researched for two years before visiting Paan Singh Tomar's village in Bhind while Irrfan trained rigorously with steeplechase coaches. The film also features Mahie Gill as the lead opposite Irrfan. Besides Dholpur, the film has been shot in Rourkee and Saharanpur.

The film is tribute to a guy who ran for the honour of the country and after sometime the country chose to eliminate him. It was premiered at the British Film Institute London Festival in 2010.

Will You Marry Me?

Producer: Vipin Jain, Krishan Chaudhary

Director: Aditya V. Datt

Debutant director's Aditya V. Datt's film Will You Marry Me? stars Shreyas Talpade, Rajeev Khandelwal, Mugdha Godse, Muzamil Ibrahim and Paresh Rawal which revolves around a beach wedding in Dubai. The film was shot over 30 days in Dubai. It's a story of three friends who meet at a beach wedding after a long gap. The film releases today.

Diary of a Butterfly

Producer: Anil Dalmia, Rakesh Sabharwal

Director: Vinod Mukhi

Debutante director Vinod Mukhi's Diary Of A Butterfly is a slice of life set in Mumbai. The film is the journey of a girl, Udita Goswami who maintains a diary.

Love struck: A still from London Paris New York

London Paris New York

Producer: Goldy Behl, Shrishti Arya

Director: Anu Menon

Pakistani actor Ali Zafar starrer London Paris New York is to release today. Directed by debutant Anu Menon, the romantic comedy stars Aditi Rao Hydari as the leading lady. It is about two contrasting characters. Ali Zafar plays the role of a Punjabi boy. Aditi Rao is in the role of a middle class Brahmin girl. Ali is on his way to London to study filmmaking and Aditi is going to New York to pursue study. They miss their flight and bump into each other.

Dharam Pal

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Attend to people who may be feeling depressed. Chronic patients should seek advice from doctor. Neighbour would be the cause of worry. A disagreement with your partner won't be resolved for a few days. Tarot message: Try to avoid serious discussions with loved ones. Lucky colour: Aqua blue. Magic number: 39

TAURUS: Early hours could see you encountering some difficulties. Budget goes topsy-turvy. Keep your mind at work. Resources must be protected. Home and family life can be frustrating at the moment. Tarot message: Seek advice but you don't have to stick to it. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 48

GEMINI: Home and family affairs will be most enjoyable. You will not be able to get teamwork going. Personal plans will be opposed by friends and will be much harder to carry out. Tarot message: A shopping spree can topple your budget. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 36

CANCER: You are on the crest of a lucky wave. The married will be able to see more of each other. No arguments please. Sit back and enjoy the day as it unfolds. Tarot message: Make the best of a bad situation by being polite and understanding.

Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 59

LEO: Use your own judgment while taking up important issues. Your family members may not like your association. Dress for success and enjoy adding your usual flair. You have an uncanny knack of understanding exactly what people want. Tarot message: Spend time on fitness routines. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 29

VIRGO: Make your choices wisely today. Family politics can intensify. Trust your intuition and you can't go wrong. Worries over your elderly parent's welfare should be acted upon. Tarot message: Take your partner out to dinner and renew your relationship. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 47

LIBRA: You card shows that you might be influenced by someone. You will feel irritated at work. A new deal may bring monetary gains. Women should control their diet, and focus on exercise. Tarot message: Adopt a diplomatic approach. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 61

SCORPIO: Stock brokers should think before investing. Youngsters may feel a bit lethargic. You can safely delegate responsibility of work to others. It is great chance for you to enjoy an adventure together. Tarot message: Beware of making rash moves or personal decisions. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 30

SAGITTARIUS: Business can be carried out successfully. You are unlikely to have any difficulty on concentrating. There could be upset in store for you as the day progress. Tarot message: Keep your eyes and ears open for new and exciting opportunities. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 42

CAPRICORN: Students should not neglect their work. Drive carefully. Humanity pays. Keep business activities open. Parent's health needs attention. A foolish obligation can be dropped. Enjoy a peaceful day at home. Tarot message: Try to be charming in all situations. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 25

AQUARIUS: Get into work early because as the day unfolds, everything can become disjointed. An influential person may encourage you to take your career further. Tarot message: Stop thinking about yourself and see what you can do for others. Lucky colour: Silver grey. Magic number: 40

PISCES: No matter what problems might arise, you will achieve success. The job seekers could get lucky. A business deal is likely to go through and give you a more secure income. Start organising your finances regardless. Tarot message: Take life the way it comes. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 52

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is March 2...

Be prepared to face challenges on the work front. However, you will be able to see bright prospects in your career in the near future. The year will bless you with financial gains. There is a possibility of disagreements with relatives. Children will show moderate progress. Nervous problems may affect your health. Take care. Expect mixed results at work front. Handle money matters carefully as April is not very favourable for your finances. Personal relationships can face some downs. Good planning will help you secure better health results.

Businessmen of all types will reap good profits and workers of all classes will receive good income. Artists will be rewarded with both fame and fortune. Housewives will buy many utility articles. Some may receive presents from their parents. You'll manage yourself well and will set aside a small amount of money for a rainy day. Those born after 1990 should tread gently when dealing with someone touchy and over-sensitive. Avoid any form of severity in your tone and act diplomatically. Working women may be more inclined to pay attention towards their domestic pursuits and problems rather than their professional obligations. You cannot ignore the importance of rest and relaxation. You should reserve ample time for the company of close friends. You will sacrifice the quality of your craft if you don't stop driving yourself so hard.

Mood: Still pumped and confident, but in need of discretion. Compatible signs: Capricorn, Scorpio, Libra. Lucky colours: Orange, Burgundy. Lucky days: Tuesday. Lucky numbers: 4, 12, 15, 30, 45. Lucky gem: Moti. Lucky flower: White rose. Suggestion on birthday: Donate sooji, sugar, milk and ghee at a religious place.

Corey Simon was born on Wednesday, March 2, 1977, in Boynton Beach, FL, and he is a famous American football player. He has a gaming experience of eight years. Corey attended the Florida State University.









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