Thriving on creative challenges
On the surface, gifted vocalist Sanjeev Abhyankar and talented sitarist Purbayan Chaterjee may seem like chalk and cheese. However, both not only draw analogies from cricket, but also believe that jugalbandi is a musical partnership not one-upmanship
Nonika Singh

Well-known vocalist Sanjeev Abhyankar may have come a long way from the time he was hailed as child prodigy, but even today his face possesses a child-like innocence. In Chandigarh for Pracheen Kala Kendra's Nritya and Sangeet Sammelan, the National Award winning vocalist shares how every performance for him is a new experience. Over to the gifted disciple of Pandit Jasraj, who has been mesmerising listeners ever since he took to the stage some three decades ago.

Jugalbandi is not just musical sparring or showmanship.

It's about harmony and complementing each other. I have always been open to jugalbandis. Indeed, audiences may find it a delightful sojourn but I view it as a soulful interface in which there is no compromise with classical tradition or my kind of music.

I am equally devoted to classical and devotional music.

Yet when I am singing a pure raga, the sky is the limit. In devotional music, the music is composed and greater stress is on the import of words, and in conveying the philosophy of saint poets.

Certainly I got a head-start in the musical world.

As I started out young, but on the flip side it also brought in its wake huge expectations, living up to which is not easy. I am happy that I was able to measure up but if you don't…. you have had it.

Singing for films is not my priority.

I am not looking at film music. Nor was I earlier. They sought me out and I got a National Award for Godmother. Tomorrow I might sing again, if the song suits my voice and style.

My biggest awards are my audiences.

They come whether I am giving a classical concert, a devotional one or a pure abhang performance (bhajans in Marathi.) Of course, each audience is different.

I wouldn't say fusion is not my cup of tea.

Yes I have not experimented with Western music, but within the Indian classical format I would say my jugalbandis qualify as fusion. Tomorrow who knows I might come together with Western musicians too.

Right now I am focusing on my vocal duets.

With eminent singer Ashwini Bhide I am doing Jasrangi concerts — that is singing two different ragas at one time. It takes from the concept of moorchna. In common man's parlance I would say what is fourth step of the seven-step staircase for me becomes first for her or vice-versa and thus one raga becomes another. It's indeed a difficult concept to sing, but very pleasing to listeners.

The world of classical music has changed in many ways.

First and foremost the intimate baithak-like performances where a singer stuck an instant rapport with his listeners have given way to large concerts. Secondly, since chaindaar pace of life has gone into a frenzied mode, classical music too has changed in sync with it and concerts have become shorter.

My future doesn't have any set goal posts.

I firmly believe in the doctrine of karma. My dharma is to sing to the best of my ability, to approach each concert of mine as a new milestone; rest awards, honours and recognition will fall in place on its own.

So don't be beguiled by his years. At 43, he has acquired the musical maturity of veterans and is ever ready as well as eager to take on creative challenges.

nonika@tribunemail.com

Maverick at work
Nonika Singh

Maverick, irreverent or quite simply Gen Y artist…call him by whatever name, versatile and talented sitarist Purbayan Chatterjee is not going to change the way he is. He says unabashedly, "I am going to behave, act and talk my age and not some fifty-year-old just because I am a classical musician." Is it any wonder then that the analogy he uses to explain the chemistry of jugalbandis is drawn from cricket, "the rapport between two musicians doing jugalbandi is comparable to a cricket partnership." And the process of making music he likens to the act of making love, "instinctive, with good musical partners."

But as he goes about following varied musical interests, how does this disciple of legendary Ustad Ali Akbar Khan handle the weight of tradition? He shoots back, ''No problem at all, that's the way India is modern, where IT industry is booming yet has rich heritage dating back to centuries." So he senses no contradiction in his various musical aspirations. One moment he could be creating fusion music, at yet another composing for films like Antim Swash Sundor — Last Breath Beautiful. Of course, film music despite one more film, a Boman Irani starrer in pipeline, is not quite the thing he wants to pursue. "For it requires too much studio work and over-dependence on others, including the stars."

Actually, he prefers creating music for his experimental albums like Sitarscapes and Hemsiphere. With names like Shankar Mahadevan and Shaan singing for his albums, he is grateful to what Bollywood has done for music industry. Only the other day as he was playing sitar at Paris to a 1000-hall full to capacity, he was amazed at how people knew his music because of his collaborations with Shaan and Mahadevan. Without batting an eyelid he confesses, "It's important to be visible." However, over the years he has also realised that the most important thing in music is spontaneity, to be able to seize the moment. He adds, "And unlike other arts in live performances, the trick lies in playing the music in your mind and editing it before you have played the note." That's why he places music above all other art forms and that's why he chose it over his other passion, cricket.

But as he traverses in varied directions, creates lounge music, has a six-member band Stringstruck and even plays electric sitar at club events how does the classical fraternity respond? He smiles, "Of course there are raised eyebrows, which will be there no matter what you do. If you do one thing they think you are not versatile enough. Else they will say why he can't focus on one realm."

So he does what he enjoys most and is all agog about a musical with choreographer Daniel Galaska. Brimming with excitement, he says, "In this musical about artists and their muses, I will not only be giving music, performing but also emoting." Also on the anvil is participation in Alchemy Festival. While growing up in Kolkata he may have thought like all teenagers do that "I am at the centre of the universe" today music is his universe. That he is its rising star requires no reiteration. 

Design your workouts

A majority of people are on a fitness programme that is both inefficient and ineffective and the sad thing is these people have no clue about it. In order to make sure your fitness-training programme is most productive, and efficient, here is a checklist of important points to consider when designing your plan.

Be clear about your goals: Your goals lead to the design of your fitness programme. Make goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely. Come up with a detailed list of goals before starting an exercise programme.

Consider your medical history: You must consider your medical history prior to implementing any training programme. If you have an injured lower back, then you might have to eliminate certain exercises in your exercise regimen. Designing a safe and effective programme for you means understanding the precautions you must take for your health. It is also advisable to get doctors clearance before beginning any new fitness programme.

Think cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility: Make sure to incorporate these components in your programme. A complete fitness programme must include aerobic exercise, muscular strength and endurance conditioning, and flexibility exercise

Order of exercises: How you incorporate the fitness training components into your plan should be carefully considered. If your fitness programme has a main goal of strength instead of endurance, you will want to strength train prior to any endurance work. The best exercise programme 
is one that is planned with focused strategy.

Know your fitness level: A safe and effective workout programme starts at your level and challenges you as your fitness progresses. Also a very important aspect of your exercise programme is the intensity. Exercise intensity refers to how hard your body is working during physical activity. Your heart rate, breathing, temperature and perspiration all measure your level of exercise intensity. Your health and fitness goals, as well as your current level of fitness, will determine your ideal exercise intensity.  It is recommended that you exercise between 40 and 85 per cent of your maximum heart rate. If you are short of breath, in pain or cannot work out as long as you had planned, your exercise intensity is probably higher than your fitness level allows. Back off a bit and build intensity gradually.

Determining exercise frequency: How often you exercise will depend upon your level of conditioning and your goals, as well as the intensity of your training. The higher your intensity, the more you should rest, so your frequency should decrease accordingly. For general training, it is recommended that you exercise in your target range at least 3-5 times per week, with no more than 48 hours between sessions.

Track your results: It is important to track your results to determine the effectiveness of your programme. If you do not have an effective exercise programme checks and balances system in place, then you will have no idea how well your fitness program is working. Analyse your results, and change your exercise regimen if needed. This will help you to always stay on top of your fitness routine.

(Kalra is a Chandigarh-based fitness expert)

Bound by a cause
The cast and crew of Punjabi movie Punjab Bolda want to highlight social problems being faced by the state
Gurvinder Singh

The picturesque locales, with ripe wheat crops and denuded poplar trees, on the banks of river Sutlej at Mao Sahib epitomize the beauty of Punjab. It is precisely what is being captured during the shooting of Punjabi movie Punjab Bolda, which is taking place in these scenic locations. The movie, however, focuses on modern-day issues that plague Punjab, including corruption and drug addition.

The movie has been shot at various places in the city and its vicinity, including Cheema Kalan, Khalsa Girls College, Noor Mahal Sarai, Saidowal et al. The movie is the story of three generations with the grandfather being a freedom fighter; father a farmer and Gurbaz (Sarabjit Cheema), the lead actor who turns into an activist to solve the multitude of problems being faced by people in the state.

The star cast of the movie comprises Sarabjit Cheema, debutante Alish Pooja, Rana Jang Bahadur, BM Sharma, Shivinder Mahal, Daljit Kaur and others. It is being directed by Ravinder Peepat and co-produced by Pix-ray entertainment. The songs have been sung by Cheema, Manpreet Akhtar and Arshpreet Kaur. Another actor from the area, Paramvir Singh, has played the negative role.

For Poonam Tripathi and Willie Jezler, the co-producers, it is their first venture in Punjabi cinema. They have already produced several Bollywood movies as part of the Yashraj banner, but turned to Punjabi cinema after meeting Sarabjit Cheema at a concert in Switzerland.

Says Ravinder Peepat, "Punjabi cinema has to come into its own and find a dedicated audience, as it still faces competition from Hindi movies," he says. "Comparatively, if you look at the regional cinema of the South, they rule in their own bastion," he adds. Poonam Tripathi echoes his views, saying that they had come to shoot for the Punjabi movie all the way from Switzerland, but Punjabi cinema is yet the reach that level of popularity. "Punjabi movies are quite popular overseas though," says Cheema.

Foreign STEPS
Maryam Zakaria, born in Iran and brought up in Sweden, has done a mujra with Kareena Kapoor in Agent Vinod
Mona

MOVING ON: Maryam Zakaria

With Bollywood having penetrated in markets across the globe, our industry is increasingly seeing the influx of artistes from different countries.

Maryam Zakaria, born in Iran and brought up in Sweden, is one of them. Currently basking in the attention she received doing a mujra with Kareena Kapoor in the movie Agent Vinod, she is inching closer to her dream!

Dancing to the tunes of choreographer for Dil Mera Muft Ka, Maryam has been a happy actor. Her dance background gave her a base to try out a mujra. Says Maryam, who runs a Bollywood dance school in Sweden, "I have always been fascinated by the beautiful dances, sets and actors of the Bollywood movies. My parents tell me that I have been fond of films ever since I was two."

"Though there is a full-fledged industry out there in Sweden, it was in Hindi films that I found my calling," she says. Now two films old, this actor is working hard on her Hindi, "I can understand the language well, but need to work a lot on my accent."

She is settling in Mumbai well, and despite her regard and respect for India, Maryam finds it odd to live a life without system. "I love India. But having been brought up in a system where everything works and equality rules, whatever be the economic or social status of a person, sometimes I am surprised. "

Meanwhile, she is taking the challenges head on and aspires to be the leading star of the industry.

mona@tribunemail.com

STAR TRACK
Twitter abuzz about ‘Aaradhya’ Bachchan


name game: Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

…The newest entrant in the Bachchan family, nicknamed as Beti B, has send the media and fans into a tizzy following reports that she has been finally christened as ‘Aaradhya’.

Twitter was abuzz with rumours about Bollywood star couple, Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s daughter finally getting a name yesterday, after four months of her birth. But megastar Amitabh Bachchan and his family has neither officially confirmed nor denied it, keeping the guessing game on.

A user posted on Twitter, “Trending in India, other than the rail budget is #Aaradhya Bachchan. Yeah the kid got a name, finally.” “The Bachchans did well naming their daughter Aaradhya.

With a ‘aa’ name she’ll be on top of most alphabetical lists,” said another user.

A joke went as, “2033 Breaking News: Karan Johar to launch Azad Rao Khan and Aaradhya Bachchan as lead pair in ‘Oi Tweetiye!’. Music by debutant Alim Rahman.” “What will Aaradhya learn first — KBC or ABC?,” another said.

Ever since the reports of Aishwarya’s pregnancy came out, gossip mongers were engaged in all sorts of guess works on whether it would be a boy or a girl for the Bachchan family.

Then after Aishwarya delivered a baby girl, there were talks of photos of little one getting leaked online.

Also, grapevine said that American talk show host Oprah Winfrey would reveal the picture and name on the daughter on her talk show.

Later, various names like Aaliya and Abhilasha started doing the rounds following which father Abhishek Bachchan recently confirmed that they have zeroed in on a name for their daughter.

Abhishek had clarified that the baby girl was not named Aaliya and that the picture of his daughter would not be ‘revealed’. And that one can catch a glimpse of her when she naturally begins to go out.

According to him, releasing a picture of his daughter and making it an event is rather a pompous thing to do.

Earlier, when superstar Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek had held a press conference after the baby girl was born, they had said, “There would be no naming ceremony for the baby, as the families don’t believe in it.” The Bachchans have been fiercely protective of the latest member of the family ever since Aishwarya gave birth to a girl on November 16 last year. —PTI

Vidya is on a roll

High time: Vidya Balan 

Vidya Balan is on a roll. She won the National Award for The Dirty Picture and Kahaani has won phenomenal critical acclaim and commercial success. Here she talks about her journey, choice of roles, and more.

Journey called career

I entered the industry with an author-backed role in Parineeta (2005). Women weren’t perceived well in the industry. But now I am happy that our industry is at that stage where the change has already happened and it is manifesting itself in a bold way. Women centric roles happened to me. But films like The Dirty Picture, No One Killed Jessica and now Kahaani inspired me to take up the challenge. I consider myself privileged to have played these remarkable characters. It is too late for me now but I hope we even have remarkable characters for girls!

Sense and sensuality

I have never had a plan to boost my career with ‘meaty’ roles. I was in the right place at the right time when the right roles came by and thankfully, I made the right decision to do them and thank God for that. I’ve done roles that have strong sensuality. But then, every woman has an innate sense of sensuality. It’s just that today’s women are not shy. I believe in celebrating my sensuality too. I enjoy it in different ways.

On photo shoots

I enjoy doing photo shoots because you can experiment with your look unlike in films. Anything can look good in a photo shoot while you have to play safe in films. I recently did a photo shoot with different Indian looks and it was great.

Action packed

I don’t understand action and don’t want to attempt that either. I just do what comes naturally to me. I want to broaden my horizons and I would love to do a Marathi film. Actually, I am discussing such a film with Mahesh Manjrekar and he will send me a script.

Next big project

I am doing a comedy for the first time and my pairing with Emraan is different in this one. Shooting this will be fun. I like Rajkumar Gupta’s quirky sense of humour and it is a turn around from the movies he has made.

HRM 

Randeep’s new found passion

High school musical: Randeep Hooda

Randeep Hooda has a passion for horses, women, cooking, and musical instruments. After strumming a guitar in Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster, he is learning to play the cello.

The cello is a musical instrument that Katrina Kaif learnt to play in Austria for Yuvvraaj. Randeep is also learning it for a film. “I am always open to learning additional skills, especially musical instruments. I am glad that I now have an opportunity to learn the cello.” Randeep is playing an assassin in the movie but he will also have a musical side to him. His character has a fascination for the cello and Hooda is also working on his body language. That of a killer and that of a musician. That is an interesting personality trait. Randeep cannot attend regular classes because of his schedule and celebrity status so he has hired a private tutor and is enjoying the experience.

Randeep also knows how to play the flute, the horn, and the saxophone. Multi-talented that he is! After the smashing success of Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster and Kareena’s refusal to work with Arunoday Singh, Randeep Hooda has become a part of Heroine in which he plays a cricketer. He is tight-lipped about it. Randeep will also be seen in a Vishesh Films project which is a dream come true for him and the sequel to Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster.

 

Item numbers

clashing interests: Kareena Kapoor



There is buzz about Kareena Kapoor doing an item song in Dabangg 2 but Salman Khan also wants his bhabhi and sister-in-law Malaika Arora Khan to do another item song in the movie. He always gets his way!

 

RGV’s next

Ram Gopal Varma’s next film is a remake of Businessman (Telugu film) with Puri Jagannath and Abhishek Bachchan is starring in it.

Remakes unlimited

YRF’s hit Band Baaja Baaraat will be remade in Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu with new faces. Then Bunty Aur Babli will also be officially remade.

Theron adopts a baby


New mum: Charlize Theron

Actress Charlize Theron, who won an Oscar for her role in serial killer movie Monster, has adopted a baby boy, her spokeswoman said.

“Charlize Theron has adopted a child. She is the proud mom of a healthy baby boy named Jackson,” the spokeswoman said in a statement. No further details were released.

The boy is Theron’s first child. She split with her long-time boyfriend Stuart Townsend in 2010.

Theron, 36, was raised in South Africa and first gained fame in Hollywood in the late 1990s in movies such as Mighty Joe Young and The Cider House Rules.

But it was 2003 independent film Monster, in which she portrayed a real-life serial killer who preyed on men, that put her on the list of Hollywood’s A-list actresses.

Since then, she has starred in movies such as North Country, In the Valley of Elah and most recently the adult comedy Young Adult.

Reuters

Way to go! 

Hollywood bound: Irrfan Khan

Irrfan Khan has won rave reviews for his stellar work in Paan Singh Tomar and the movie is running to packed houses. He has impressed directors in Hollywood again.

Irrfan is already playing a secondary villain in The Amazing Spiderman and the movie is touted to be a big release this summer. We assure you that he has a longer role than Anil Kapoor’s in Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol! He is also working with Tabu in Ang Lee’s cinematic adaptation of The Life of Pi. Irrfan has also received immense praise for a US TV show In Treatment.

Hollywood director Marc Webb who has made films such as (500) Days of Summer has worked on many music videos and is directing The Amazing Spiderman. He is all praise for his Indian actor. He says, “Irrfan’s importance in Hollywood is an interesting thing. A lot of directors are really starting to take notice of him and are looking for roles for Irrfan because he’s got such a wonderful reputation. There’s a show he did here (in the US) called In Treatment and you really got to see his wonderful abilities. Whether its Danny Boyle or Ang Lee, really very strong directors are starting to take notice of this star, who comes from a land that some view as exotic and far away from us. But you realise with actors like Irrfan, how close they really are!”

In fact, Irrfan is among the few actors in Bollywood who has quietly worked in significant Hollywood films such as Salaam Bombay, The Darjeeling Limited, Slumdog Millinaire and now his projects are getting bigger and meatier and he is building a great reputation for himself. That is incredible for somebody so low-key with no connections! We wish him a glorious run in Hollywood.

My kids don’t watch my movies: Julia Roberts

Hollywood star Julia Roberts says kids don’t watch her movies yet.

The 44-year-old actress, who has seven-year-old twins Hazel Patricia and Phinnaeus Walter and four-year-old Henry Daniel, said she even has to wait to see her latest films.

“I think they are (too young) considering the part that I play. We have a pretty rigid viewing feeling in our house.We’ll find our right time that will be happy and joyous for us to share that all together, but it probably isn’t in two weeks.

“Those nice, cozy, very short hours before bed, we just really spend together as a family talking and sharing the day and reading books, and really, before you know it, it’s time for bed,” she said.

PTI 

Rumours put to rest

Anurag Kashyap’s much delayed project, Bombay Velvet, is back on the track. In 2010, the film created quite a buzz after media speculated that Kashyap may bring together two of the biggest stars in the country, Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan.

However, Kashyap finally made an official announcement of signing Ranbir Kapoor for the film. He also denied the old reports that suggested him approaching Aamir for the role. “Today’s announcement of Ranbir Kapoor is our first official announcement on Bombay Velvet, rest were just enthusiastic media announcements,” he said. In the meantime, his project Gangs of Wasseypur part 1 is finally set to release on June 22. 

Smart wifey!


(L-R) Maanyata, Sanjay Dutt, Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra

Raj Kundra joined hands with Sanjay Dutt to launch the Super Fight League, India’s first professionally organised Mixed Martial Arts fighting league. Ever since then, the media has been asking Raj who would he like to see fighting in Bollywood, and who is he betting his money on!

On one such occasion when the media questioned Raj and even before he opened his mouth to respond, media reporters observed that his wife Shilpa interrupted and told Raj to “Shut Up”. She warned that the media can twist facts, and print anything and advised him on being very careful about what he says! Looks like the celeb wife is giving her hubby some media management lessons! —HRM 

chatter box
Shweta’s vivaah

Bride-to-be: Shweta Munshi





Shweta Munshi got engaged in December and now has decided to get married in July. Shweta, who appears in Punar Vivaah, is looking forward to the wedding. She will have her wedding in both Maharashtrain and Oriya tradition as her fiancé is Oriya.

 

 

Payal in trouble

(Left)Abhinav Shukla (Right)Munisha Khatwani

Payal Rohatgi rubbed Star Plus’ reality show Survivor India contestants Munisha Khatwani, Timmy Narang and Abhinav Shukla the wrong way by posting derogatory comments about them on twitter.

They were shocked, outraged and angry. Munisha apparently filed a case of defamation against Payal which has angered the latter.



Tweet and sour: Payal Rohatgi

Karan’s tantrums

BAD BOY: Karan Khanna

Karan Khanna of Just Dance fame had once claimed that he was interested in acting. He got a chance to do a show with Sagar Arts and Nilanjana Purkayasha’s 72 Degree North. But when it was time to shoot the promo, he was nowhere to be found. This angered the makers who replaced him.

BAD BOY: Karan Khanna

Sargun couldn’t be happier

Sargun Mehta isn’t sad. Her show Phulwa is ending but happy that she has been lucky to get a variety of roles so soon in her career. She began with 12/24 Karol Bagh, Apno Ke Liye Geeta Ka Dharmyudh and now Phulwa. The roles have been different and lead ones which she is proud of.

 

All’s well with Abhaas

blessing in disguise: Abhaas Mehta





Abhaas Mehta aka Shyam of Star Plus’ Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon was shocked to hear rumours that he had fallen ill. When fans went crazy on the Net, he decided to state he was fine and these were rumours. But he claims it felt good to be loved.

Hussain is back

IDOL TALK: Hussain Kejriwal

Hussain Kejriwal, who was missing from TV for a long time, will now return as host of Indian Idol 6. He is excited to be back and talks about his experience.

You will be back on TV after a long time, how do you feel?

Yes I will be hosting the show. I am glad to be back on TV. The show is special for me and it came to me at the right time.

What was the reason behind accepting the offer?

I had time for it. Idol has been close to my heart as I have done three seasons so far. It has been a great journey to be associated with the show.

What can the audiences expect in Indian Idol this season?

Indian Idol will be as spectacular as it has been before. There will be music, masti and entertainment.

How was the experience of broadway show Zangoora?

Zangoora experience has been marvellous. I am glad to be part of the first broadway show in India. I have done over 500 shows and the reactions have been fantastic.

How do you and your wife Tina manage time?

She flies over to Delhi as and when while I come down to Mumbai every week; we both work and manage to find time together as well.

When do you plan to start a family?

Well when it is time, we will plan it. Currently we are both working and enjoying our lives.

NEW RELEASES

Akkad Baddad Bam Be Bo

Photo: 15mrls1jpg

Producer: Dweep Raj Kochhar

Director: Dweep Raj Kochhar

Writer, producer and director, Dweep Raj Kochhar’s maiden venture Akkad Bakkad Bam Be Bo is releasing today. The film is produced under the banner of JSR Production Pvt. Ltd. The star cast includes Mukesh Khanna, Dr Ved Thapar, Rakesh Bedi, Shiva, Nimai Bali, Vijoo Khote, Avtar Gill, Soneka Gill and Raju Kher. The film is also introducing Sween Sharma as the main protagonist along with eleven children.

The film is based on terrorism. The cinematography is done by Roopang Acharya, action by Hanif Shaikh, edited by Gopal Raghani, sound by Navneet, music by Harish Mangoli and lyrics by Dweep Raj Kochhar ‘Sagar’. Playback singers for the film are Udit Narayan, AlkaYagnik, Sunidhi Chauhan, Abhijeet, Richa Sharma, Yogendra Gangani and Dweep Raj Kochhar himself.

This Means War
A still from This Means War
A still from This Means War

Producer: Simon Kinberg, Will Smith, James Lassiter, Robert Simonds

Director: McG

Chris Pine and Tom Hardy, who have both appeared in Star Trek films, play lead characters in this romantic comedy This Means War. Chelsea Handler, Abigail Spencer and Reese Witherspoon also star in this film which opens today at theatres near you.

Reese Witherspoon plays a spy who is at the centre of a love triangle. She has not had a success since Walk The Line and has high hopes from this film.

Simon Kinberg and Timonthy Dowling have penned the screenplay of this film.

— Dharam Pal

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: If you have been feeling house-bound, arrange an outing with your partner. Refuse any new assignments. Loved ones are unlikely to make special demands from you. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from drawing their own conclusions. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 65

TAURUS: Show your love to those close to you through practical action rather than empty promises. Be careful while signing agreements. Family members may require your assistance. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish those tasks that normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 27

GEMINI: If something is already on your calendar, postpone it for a later date. You will feel competent to deal with work that requires creativity. Employment activities are lucrative. No speculation please. Tarot message: Don’t do anything at the cost of your health. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 39

CANCER: Decisions may involve a journey overseas, committing to a formal course of education or joining a religious community. Do not lend cash to anyone. Take care of your documents. Tarot message: Make compromises outside and come to terms within yourself. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 25

LEO: Think about the cost to the family budget next time you spend on entertainment or luxury items. You can plan a profitable business trip. Those interested in modelling will get a suitable break. Tarot message: Lack of confidence or lack of caution can leave you in losses. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 44

VIRGO: Household and other expenses seem to be pretty well covered now, but pleasurable indulgences might be eating into domestic expenses. If you are 50 plus: do not ignore any ailment. Tarot message: You shall prevent a lot of trouble by taking timely action. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 55

LIBRA: Investments such as property might be possible. A detailed accounting process lets you know what you can afford in the present situation. You may neglect your health due to busy schedule. Tarot message: Be positive and think carefully before taking action. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 64

SCORPIO: Make the day really enjoyable and forget about work. Some of you might have lost interest in career ambitions and are feeling faded about future prospects. You will feel free from any stress. Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 46

SAGITTARIUS: Do not lose hope whatever the situation is at present. Keep in mind that situations change and lucky breaks can be just around the corner. Tarot message: Lack of confidence or lack of caution can leave you in losses; so be confident. Lucky colour: Coffee. Magic number: 28

CAPRICORN: Take criticism constructively and accept praise graciously. Make the most of this low-key day because there is plenty of work in store tomorrow. Tarot message: Don’t take hasty decisions as it could lead to a waste of time and money. Lucky colour: Burgundy. Magic number: 61

AQUARIUS: Your chivalrous behaviour and sentiments strike the right note with those who appreciate you. Influential people can be contacted without too much trouble. Tarot message: Don’t waste an opportunity by being rash or impulsive. Lucky colour: Golden brown. Magic number: 33

PISCES: Browse the newspaper and online websites for that dream job because you may just find exactly what you have been hoping for.Be a little more tactful and considerate. Tarot message: Learn from your past experience and desist from making a similar mistake again. Lucky colour: Beige. Magic number: 28 

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is March 16...

Socialising, parties and pleasure jaunts will be quite regular and pleasurable. A lunch or dinner meeting goes particularly well. Tread lightly where your boss or important clients are involved. Governed by number 7 and the planet Neptune, you are independent, creative, confident, practical and a systematic person.

You’ll be particularly brilliant and full of interesting ideas. Don’t let any opportunity slip by. Those looking for a new job won’t find anything in line with their skills and expectations. It’s better to put this off till tomorrow. If you can get some rest, you will be amazed at how different everything appears. When you finally start again, you will feel very refreshed. If you refuse to change, you will only make things worse. Dissatisfaction will lead to sadness if you do not find a new game to play. Your year appears smooth and rather cooperative as long as you keep family informed on what is expected of them, delegate duty and communicate with great ‘emotional tact and consideration.’ Wedding bells will ring for those eligible and others will find romance to keep them going. Your over-involvement in work will bring in some dismay and resentment among family members. The months of June and September will be highly significant.

Time-management and planning will be of immense importance. You have a large chunk of easy money in your pocket. Planets and small events will take you away from stress and any depression of the past. This year, financial gains will be from various fronts but uncertainty regarding your partner is likely to be one black spot on your chart of success and achievements. Friends extend invitations and it may provide an affordable vacation, holiday celebration or networking opportunity. You are highly ambitious and want to be very rich as well as famous, but at times you need to check your tendency towards stubbornness and to ignore the opinion of others. For many of you a romantic affair is likely to develop.

Mood: Clear, insightful and easily excited. Compatible signs: Virgo, Gemini. Lucky colours: Gray, hot pink. Lucky days: Monday and Tuesday. Lucky numbers: 2, 10, 12, 15. Lucky gem: Pearl, red coral and yellow sapphire. Lucky flower: Nargis. Suggestion on birthday: Donate white clothes, garments, uniforms at a religious place.

You share your birthday with Ranvijay Singh (March 16, 1983, Jalandhar), winner of the first season of MTV Roadies (2003) and now working as a host.

He is also a VJ for MTV India. London Dreams, Action Replay and Dharti are some of his movies. His movie Ekaant with Mahesh Manjrekar has been a success. He is also among the judges for MTV Roadies 8.





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