The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - The Tribune Lifestyle

Tips and toes
Light or bright, long or short; here is a guide on how to make a style statement with your nails this season
Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra

It’s an open secret that pastels are the colours for the season. And the big news is that nude is even in for the nail paints! After an excess of bright and oddball colours, it’s the wearable shades like crème and beige that are here to stay. But that does not mean that bright and bold moments are not to be enjoyed. Classic reds, chic corals, mellow yellow and metallic designs are still to be relished. But unlike last year, this year the theme for nails is elegance. And that means properly trimmed nails, neat and clean; but don’t worry if you have long nails they are here to stay.

Talking of last year, the nail fashion was all about gloss, glitter and hot colours. Starting from spring this year, we will begin witnessing feminine colours and nail arts. And they are here to stay for the rest of the year. “Softness and elegance will be the theme for nail paints this year,” says Anju from Styl studio in Sector 6, Panchkula.

“The colours, which will rule will be glamorous, nude, neutral and perky. The main colours you will see are traditional red, peachy pink, orange and even purple. But one must be cautious when picking brands in nail paints. Remember that not all brands can come up with the best texture for nude, neutral and perky colours,” she adds.

While perfection is the key to well-maintained hands, colours only add glamour to them. And it’s the minimalist colours that make the biggest statement of all. Creamy shades of grey, white, pale pink, and soft beige are an all-time favourite and look refreshing on almost all hands but what one must keep in mind the shape and style of nails. “Sharp triangular shapes, cone shape nails, and French manicured nails will remain on the top this season,” says an employee of Lakme saloon in Sector 35 Chandigarh.

Well, if you go by global fashion statement blue is another colour that will rule the nails this year so is orange. Different hues of blue like baby blue, turquoise, and navy will be big this spring and orange with red pigment will also be a hit. “Pastels are not only the colours that would be seen but the latest dreamy shades are actually quite chic and sophisticated,” says an employee of Tress Lounge. She adds, “Colours like pistachio green and butter yellow are also hot and the colour palette for spring is light-hearted but youthful.”

Road Rage
Value for money
Simranjeet Gill

Largely what we need and what we get is not the same. The same can also be said while we choose the automobile of our choice. Some would be jumpy, some single pointed, some analytical and some haunch. Point is, when we actually get down to the business of selection, the number of brands available and sales pitch of each of them sales team leads to confusion, and hence, digression from our real purpose of buying the vehicle.

The thought line of buying the latest and maybe a notch up with mind chirping – you don’t buy a car everyday – also contribute to such fallacy. Clearly, one should be pacing his/her way to automobile showroom if only the need is there. However, if the need is not there and money bounces in the bank – the equation has to work the other way around. Features available in cars these days are one too many; the point is, as an individual knowing yourself, how many of these features would you actually put to use! Spending money over something which you are too lazy to use is a waste. The general trend in car business is smaller cars bringing in features of big/luxury cars, with of course not as high refinement.

Then comes the point of what kind of vehicle do we need. If your vehicle is going to be used for daily traversing and that maintains treading over black top city roads, there is no point in going for an SUV. Yes, the sheer size of such fuel guzzlers gives your ego a high but then it speaks high of complete neglect of your responsibility as a global citizen. A vehicle has to be utilized for benchmarked applications, and that is the way to it. Looks - fine, an eye has to be given to it – but know this, once you are in the car, looks are there for other people. Now the choice is up to you, who are you spending for?

Budget – the damn thing is never enough, no matter what. Try to stick to your budget. We are lured, we are tempted, we are what not – but there always will be another day with you in a better position to upgrade. Nothing beats the peace of mind, when nothing as a word as EMI rings alarm bells in your head. At the end of the day it’s a machine used to travel. So don’t complicate the basics – keep it simple.

(Gill is a Chandigarh based HOG rider)

GET PHYSICAL
Bridge of Good Health
Anil juneja

Setu Bandhasana is classified as a backbend that opens the chest and increases the flexibility of spine. In Sanskrit, setu means dam and bandha means lock. When you are in the pose, your arms and legs create a locked bridge with your body. This pose is helpful in preparing for intense back bending postures. In setu bandhasana, heart is higher than the head so it is considered a mild inversion which makes it therapeutic for stress, fatigue, anxiety, headaches, insomnia, and mild depression. It is strongly recommended to people suffering from pain either in spine or in the hip joints. It soothes menstrual discomfort and helps relieve the symptoms of menopause. It also stimulates the abdominal organs and thyroid glands, which improves digestion and helps to regulate metabolism. If you spend the day sitting in the front of a computer or a laptop, this pose can be rejuvenating for you.

To start with, lie down on your back and bend both the knees, while placing your feet flat on, and parallel to the floor. Keep your legs and feet hip-width apart and parallel to each other. Your arms need to go to the side of your body. Keep your palms facing downward and touch the heels with your fingertips. The arms should be placed down in such a way that area between the shoulder blades lifts from the ground gently. As you inhale, put down pressure into your arms and
shoulders, thrusting with your feet, so as to lift your chest fully, raising the spine upwards. But make sure your weight is resting equally on your shoulders and feet. Now, take a couple of slow and deep breaths and hold the position for 5 to 7 breaths. As you hold the pose, focus on breathing and lengthening your spine as you arch your body like a bridge. Now while exhaling your breath, return to the original position and gradually, roll the spine back to the floor.

You should be careful performing setu bandhasana if you have neck, shoulder, back or knee problems. Avoid the pose completely if you have a serious knee injury, high blood pressure or heart disease.

(Juneja is a Chandigarh based Yoga expert)

Messenger of art
Guru Saroja Vaidyanathan, renowned classical Bharatanatyam dancer, is a positive mix of the traditional and contemporary
Mona

A known proponent of one of the oldest dance forms of India, Saroja Vaidyanathan aims to give lessons on Skype by the year end. In Chandigarh, on Sunday, for the grand finale of Pracheen Kala Kendra Nritya and Sangeet Sammelan, Guru Saroja came with her two very promising disciples Dakshina Vaidyanathan and Amrit Sinha. Ask her about the future of the classical art and she puts all the uncertainty to rest.

"From the last 10 years, there has been a surge in the field of classical art. The modern means of communication, government and festivals are stimulating the art like never before. Kathak from here has reached South and we have brought Bharatanatyam to the North," she says.

Though Saroja started learning classical dance and music right from the childhood, she did not realise her passion for the field till long. When circumstances did not give her opportunity to perform, she used it to read on the subject. Things have certainly changed in all these years. "Dance is a passion for me. The challenge lies in training as many as I can."

Her students are not only Bengalis, Punjabis and Biharis but also from different nationalities from all across the world. If there are 20 Japanese students, there is one from Kazakhstan as well.

"It's a small," she says. The only downside today for those pursuing classical art today is being financially viable. Yet, here she sees a silver lining, "Many of my students are learning as well as teaching dance."

Recipient of innumerable awards, including Padma Shri, her latest is Kalidas Samman that she will go to receive soon after her Chandigarh show..

Fabric fiesta

Cotton Fab on at Kisan Bhawan – 35 brings a variety of fabric sourced from different regions of the country. From printed fabrics like Saganeri, Bagru, Dabu, Gamthi, Gujari, Bagh, Kalamkari, Batik, Ajarks to weaved cotton and silk like Bhagalpur, Banarsi, Baluchari, Chanderi, Maheshwari, Chirala, Kota Doriya, Mangalgiri, Pochampally, there is a range available.

If life doesn’t offer the luxury of buying the fabric and getting it stitched, there is plenty to choose from. Kurtas in different styles as well as bottoms and duppattas are there in a range of colours. Kurta pajama, ghagra choli to dhoti kurta there are plenty of readymade options.

Also, on display are variety of rugs, table cloths, Printed and weaved bed covers and curtains.

On till March 26.

— TNS

stress buster
Food for fun
Renee singh

The saying “You are what you eat” contains a great deal of truth. Research shows that a regular intake of certain foods helps reduce symptoms of aggression and anxiety and also helps boost immunity. I am a foodie at heart and one of the greatest high that I get is from eating my favourite dish at my favorite restaurant. This is also one of my most reliable stress busting techniques. Of course there are many ways of coping with stress but food is by and large one of the best ways of fighting the onslaught.

A nutritious and well balanced diet increases vitality and is essential for your overall physical and mental well being. Just resolve to eat healthy so that your diet can be used as a platform to build on a relaxed and healthy way of life.

Stress management in itself is a powerful tool for wellness. Evidence shows that stress is not only a mood killer, too much pressure makes us vulnerable to everything from colds to high B.P. diabetes and even heart disease.

Stress busting foods and how they work

Foods fight stress in various ways There are many foods which reduce the level of cortisol and adrenalin which are the two stress hormones taking a toll on the body over a period of time.

A healthy well balanced diet counteracts the impact of stress by

l Boosting the Immune system

l Lowering the Blood Pressure

FEEL GOOD FOODS

Complex carbs

All carbs prompt the brain to make more serotonin. To get a regular supply of serotonin the feel good chemical, it’s best to eat complex carbs which get digested slowly. Good choices are wholegrain breakfast cereals, breads pastas and oatmeal. Complex arbs help feel more balanced as they stabilise blood sugar levels.

Simple carbs as quick fix

Most dieticians tell you to steer clear of simple carbs which are sweets and sodas. But these help you counter a stress induced irritability and also provide a quick fix for a mood swing. Simple sugars are digested easily and lead to a spike in serotonin.

The main foods for De-stressing

Choose wisely from your categories of food and don’t chase your taste buds too much. Food must be a source of celebration but having good health is our first priority.

Raw vegies: Crunchy raw veggies help fight stress in a purely mechanical way. Munching celery, carrot sticks or cucumber helps release a clenched jaw that wards off tension.

Nuts and seeds:Pistachios area a great source of omega-3fatty acids. Eating a handful of walnuts, almonds everyday helps lower cholesterol protects against stress.

Avocados: One of the best ways to reduce high B.P. is to get enough potassium. Guacamole made from this fruit is a great nutritious dip for snacks.

Almonds: Full of vitamins. Vitamin E to boost your immune system and make your body resilient to bouts of stress.

Fatty fish: Salmon and Tuna contain Omega-3 fatty acids and prevent surges in stress hormones

Black tea: This can help you recover from stressful events more easily. Research has shown tea drinkers to be calmer with lower levels of cortisol during a stressful situation.

Spinach: Popeye never let stress get the better of him. Did he?One cup of spinach replenishes the magnesium stores in the body.

(Singh is a Chandigarh based psychotherapist)

Fashion Funda
Say it with flowers
Ashima Batish

He is the latest entrant to the big names in the fashion industry of India, who now have a platform to showcase their collection at the DLF Emporio. At the very recently opened store, Gaurav Gupta has on display works that confirm to the prêt and couture line in the bright summery shades. Besides designing structured creation, he is also good at giving fashion tips. You surely won’t like to miss these. Know it from Gaurav Gupta.

What in: Let’s begin with the most obvious trend of the season, floral prints. Go in for big, over-the-top prints. Add the feminine factor to your wardrobe, which you certainly won’t be able to do with the decent small prints. As for designs and silhouettes, opt for long tunics. Try experimenting, step over the safe style statement of denims. Wear more of dresses this season. Draped tunics, flowy fabrics, you have a lot to choose from.

What’s out: We have had an overdose of kurtis, so stack them in the farthest corner of your wardrobe for some other time. Salwars is again not a great option this season, rather go in for churidaar or stockings, these will even take care of the weight issues.

Colour count: Various hues of orange should be there in your wardrobe. Try the watermelon shades- pinkish, reddish; brighter the better. Leafy greens and a few shades of purple will work best to help you get over the monotony of blues and browns of Winter.

Party couture: Nothing can work better than a saree when it comes to party couture. Experiment with the blouse, keep it deconstructed.

Leading in style: Vivienne Westwood.

Future collection: My fall winter comprises jacket dresses, which are very structured. Blue colour dominates the collection. Also, I did a lot of short dresses, which would make such perfect party wear. Floor length gowns will suit the red carpet events.

On Indian fashion fraternity: This is a very exciting time for the fashion industry. Indian fashion designers are selling all over the world. And at the same time, leading fashion designers from the West are also opening stores in India. Freshers showcasing collections at the fashion weeks in India indicate that there is work for everyone in the industry.

Star track
Kangna’s fashion confessions

Smart girl: Kangna Ranaut

Kangna Ranaut is known for her sense of fashion even though she is a small town girl. She recently dined with Nicole Kidman at a fashion event in Paris. She was the only Indian actress to be invited by Diego Della Valle, the founder of Tod’s (the Italian luxury brand), to a dinner to celebrate the launch of the brand’s signature collection in Paris recently.

Fashion

For me, fashion is a passion. I like looking good, changing my look, and experimenting with clothes. You cannot be fashionable and comfortable. A lot of preparation goes into each look. I have always had a thing for clothes…probably since the age of five when I would throw a tantrum till I got what I wanted, especially clothes. Toys were not my thing. My grandfather spoiled all of us children. I am used to living well. I remember most of my initial paychecks would go into buying expensive clothes.

Paris

I love everything about Paris as it so romantic and pretty. I love holidaying on my own in Europe. You can walk around forever.

Good life

I am lucky that people appreciate my work in films and my films do well and that I have done a variety of films. They also like my style so that is the icing on my cake.

Nicole Kidman

It was an honour meeting someone so fabulous and elegant. She is such a talented actress and very humble. She is a fashion icon too and it is awesome to share a platform with her. She is sweet, funny, warm, and charming. It is impossible to not like her!

Perfect concern

First look: Vidya’s item song

We all are very much aware of the fact that Vidya would be performing her first item number in the movie Ferrari Ki Sawari directed by Rajesh Mapuskar. The song “Mala Jao Dya Na Ghari” has already managed to make the audience go crazy and fanatical. It is a proper authentic Lavani song. And if sources are to be believed Vidya herself took a keen interest for an accurate execution of this song. The result however is fantastic.

Besides this Vidya is taking personal interest and working towards perfection. From the sari to the accessories to the dance steps, she refuses to compromise on anything. Also Vidya spent over three weeks rehearsing the dance steps with the troupe from Kolhapur. With such hard work put up from Vidya, Rajesh Mapuskar is extremely satisfied with the outcome.

Even though the result is equal to perfection Rajesh Mapuskar and Vidya Balan insists on having the first screening with authentic dancers to see their reaction. It was hence a co-operative decision taken by the team to show it to a group of Lavani dancers.

Rajesh and Vidya both are looking into the minutest of the details.

However it’s for the first time where the screening will be shown to a group of dancers. Also they are sure that they would receive honest feedback. Rajesh Mapuskar confirms, “We want the song to look purely authentic, although we are in talks with a bunch of Lavani dancers from Kolhapur for the first test screening”.

Host to funds

star power: Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro is set to join first Lady Michelle Obama at a star-studded cocktail reception to raise money for US President Barack Obama’s re-election campaign.

The Taxi Driver star will co-host the USD 25,000-per-person reception in New York on Monday alongside Whoopi Goldberg, Star Jones, Angela Bassett and Tina Knowles, among others.

For USD 5,000, guests will get one ticket to the reception plus a photo with the first lady. For USD 25,000, guests will be allowed to attend a private “greet” session with Obama, said a publication.

While keeping celebrities at arm’s length for much of President Obama’s first term, the administration is unabashedly embracing Hollywood’s involvement.— PTI

Real challenger

bang on: Scarlett Johansson

Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson says she loves to “get down and dirty” and be challenged in her movie work.

The We Bought A Zoo star said she is up for every kind of challenge and likes to get stuck in when she takes on a new role, reported a website.

“I think I’m up for every kind of challenge and I like to get down and dirty, yes. I really liked that aspect of Kelly, that she is a no-frills kind of girl, very grounded and practical, with that salt of the earth quality.

“That’s the body language I created for her too; she’s comfortable in her body and in her stance,” Johansson said.

The 27-year-old said she has developed a hard shell in order to cope with the constant battering she has suffered in the film industry.

“I learned at a really young age that you have to have something of a hard shell to take some of the battering that you get in this industry. We’re constantly rejected and scrutinised and it’s important to take a lot of it with a pinch of salt in order to be able to survive and press on,” she said.

— PTI

Debut time: Sunny Leone

Back to work

Sunny Leone has returned to India to shoot for Jism 2. Shooting begins later this month. Stay tuned for exciting pictures from the set!

Boss of compliments!

The music of Bittoo Boss was launched by Salman Khan amidst great fanfare. On hearing the music Salman complimented the music composer Raghav Sachar immensely on doing a commendable job. He loved the songs so much that he asked Raghav on stage that if he could compose such songs for him as these kind of songs truly suit him. Raghav graciously said he would love to do so anytime for Salman Khan!!!

Kalki’s rising high

Next role: Kalki Koechlin

Kalki Koechlin is going places for sure! She has been roped in to play a role in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, produced by Dharma and has left for the first schedule in Manali. The movie also stars Deepika and Ranbir and it is a full-on romantic comedy.

Finally revealed

Beauty bee: Kareena Kapoor

Kareena recently spoke about her role in Heroine. She said Mahee Khanna goes through mood swings due to schizophrenia and the film traces her life. The role is challenging for her but she prefers that to standing behind SRK and Salman in a movie and just being pretty!

Climbing up: Randeep Hooda

Bonding well

Saif Ali Khan worked with Randeep Hooda in Cocktail and Randeep has worked with Kareena in Heroine recently. The two male actors bonded over horses because they both love them. Randeep also gelled well with Kareena while shooting. This boy has come a long way!

All is good

Proud pound: Jennifer Lopez

Singer-actress Jennifer Lopez is proud of the way she has handled her “tough” split from Marc Anthony.

The Hollywood couple, who have twins Emme and Max, announced their separation last July after seven years of marriage. Lopez insists the two are “doing the best” they can for the sake of their children, reported a website.

“I feel very proud of the way we’re handling it. I really do. We are doing the best we can for the kids.

“It’s very dignified and trying to be above all the emotions and pain that come along with a divorce and a family breaking apart. This is grown-up stuff. It’s real, serious, grown-up stuff,” she said.

Lopez has since moved on from Anthony and is dating dancer Casper Smart. — PTI

Good daddy

Fun point: Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan has taken his children along to London where he is shooting for Yash Chopra’s film. He likes chilling with his kids and fans in the park, cycling, getting red noses, spotting birds, and sitting on benches and doing nothing.

relay race: Anil Kapoor

Not so convincing

Anil Kapoor’s British accent in Tezz is not convincing so his portions will be dubbed again. The multi-starrer movie looks like a mix of Keanu Reeves starrer Speed and The Taking of Pelham 123.

chatter box
On cloud nine

Tasting success: Adaa Khan

Adaa Khan is on cloud nine as she has bagged a lead in Amrit Manthan, a Rajan Shahi show. Thrilled about her new adventure and challenge, she talks about the show, her experience and role.

How did you get this role?

When I met Rajan sir for Havan, he told me he had a better role for me and offered me Amrit Manthan. I auditioned and was selected. The character was different then and later it was changed to the one you see now.

Tell us about your character Amrit

The role is challenging as I have to maintain the thin line between arrogance and being negative. Amrit is practical and understand responsibilities too. Yet though it borders on stubborn and seems manipulative but I hope to convince people with my performance. Whatever she is doing is for her palace. In the show you will see to what extent Amrit goes for her family’s honour.

What about the promos that portray Amrit and her sister Nimrit to being enemies?

Yes, the promos did show that the two sisters don’t get along. The two sisters are totally different from each other and this track will come later in the show.

What reactions have you got for the show?

Touchwood, I have got good show. Most people who have seen the show feel the role is unlike most leads in other shows. No one has seen anyone do such a role where I am horse riding, wearing western clothes, not being docile, giving attitude, arrogance. Amrit feels money is important in life.

Wasn’t the role in your earlier show Behenien similar to this one?

No, in Behenien, Aakashi was stubborn while Amrit is arrogant. Both girls love her beauty. — HRM

Running busy

No time for play: Raqesh and Riddhi Vashishth

The Maryaada couple Raqesh Bapat and Riddhi Vashishth who married recently are too busy to go on a honeymoon.

Their busy schedule especially the extended airtime of their show keeps them working and with Raqesh doing Hindi film Heroine and a Marathi film, he has no time to breathe.

Housing issues

Afsar Bitiya’s Mitali Nag is finding it hard to get a rented house as she is mostly busy shooting in the day. She is looking for a bigger apartment and while she is searching for the right place, she is staying with a friend. Lets hope the actor finds a cosy place as her abode.

Comic timing

Funny take: Shekhar Suman

Shekhar Suman who is back with his chat show Movers and Shakers on SAB TV feels though there are many sitcoms on TV today, satire is missing.

The comic actor and judge feels comedy usually in TV shows could be better.

New pastures

Love saga: Vivan D’Sena

Vivian D’sena of Pyaar Kii Ye Ek Kahaani fame has signed a new show which will be based on the love saga of the legendary actors Dilip Kumar and Madhubala.

This show will air on Colors and buzz is that Drashti Dhami of Geet fame might play the female lead.

Power-packed performance

Rakesh Bedi

Rakesh Bedi is glad to get the powerful role of the character of Brij Mohan Saxena in UTV’s Shubh Vivah.

He is glad that this is first serious role as he is famous for his TV roles like Yes Boss.

The veteran actor is enjoying playing father to five daughters in the show

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Today love and travel figure prominently. You can put yourself in line for a promotion or salary increase. The accent is on entertainment. Strong feelings can overwhelm you and distort your sense of perspective. Tarot message: Don’t reveal your plan of action to anyone. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 63.

TAURUS: Make efforts to attain and maintain harmony and peace at home. But you do need to be careful that you do not get caught up in red tape. An opportunity to work in an advertising agency might come your way. Tarot message: Don’t do anything at the cost of health. Lucky colour: Aqua Magic number: 59.

GEMINI: New people whom you meet will be exciting. Remember resolutions about diet. Health problems could slow you down. Travel is not favoured. Some of you might be lying in the arms of your lovers. Tarot message: Don’t push yourself too much. Take it easy. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 36.

CANCER: Love life is sparklingly beautiful. Enjoy the pleasurable vibes and plan a relaxing day. Get into your hobbies or a favourite sport for mental and physical stimulation. Avoid any impulse to gamble. Tarot message: Do not expect too much from others. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 50.

LEO: A piece of good news arriving by mail or phone will cheer you up. Household affairs continue smoothly. Bizfolk should not invest money in hasty deals. Tarot message: Lack of confidence or lack of caution can leave you in losses; so be confident. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 35.

VIRGO: Not a good day for shopping. There can be a small get-together at home. A promotion to a management position is possible. Anxiety could interfere with your well-being. Consider your diet also. Tarot message: Don’t make hasty decisions as it could lead to waste of money. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 33.

LIBRA: Take things step-by-step. Club and group activities occupy you. Health glows. Speculate only if you are ready to lose money. Anything you have done wrong or in a slipshod fashion can be exposed to the public. Tarot message: Don’t waste an opportunity by being rash. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 25.

SCORPIO: Working women should take complete rest today. Be logical in your thoughts. A change of plans can throw you into turmoil. Stop worrying about what other people think of you. Tarot message: Learn from past experience and desist from making a similar mistake again. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 25.

SAGITTARIUS: Push routine to one side. You might fall madly in love during travel. Partnership issues are likely to surface. Face the facts, talk to your partner with love and honesty and changes can occur. Tarot message: Be determined and increase your self-confidence. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 31.

CAPRICORN: Hasty actions can lead to situations best avoided. This will allow your mind to take wise decisions. Stay on track and be sensible. Financial concerns can cause youworry. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from making their own conclusions. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 42.

AQUARIUS: There will be good opportunities to show off your artistic flare. Loved ones will do what they can to help solve family financial problems. Once you get going, the pace will pick up. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish those tasks which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 52.

PISCES: Your card emphasis on fun, frolics and accelerated social activities. Love letters and other heartening communications are promised. Talk with you lover about your future plans and goals. Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 40.

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is March 19...

Instead of just discrete tasks, consider your career. Dominated by number one and the Sun, you are original, confident, honest and a systematic person. You'll receive a compliment from someone who knows you indirectly. You are admired by people around you. You have deep interest in spirituality and always search to find inner peace.

Do not waste your time trying to warn others, when so few people are willing to listen. Remember the lessons that you learned from your mistakes. Do not be afraid to apply the breaks. If the group looks like it is moving in a wrong direction, do not be afraid to pull away withdraw from the crowd. Opportunities to lift your living standard will come through new contacts that you develop this year.

This month, you will be able to quickly solve problems, efficient with money issues, insecure about a situation or discussion, chatty and helpful for family members, emotional but decisive and efficient with duty. You need to concentrate your maximum efforts on career improvement, as it will yield desired results. You will defeat some people who cause stress to you, with their own game. You will also receive few refunds. You will cautiously work on a major project that requires some heavy duty investment. You will do extremely well socially if you travel and get involved in clubs and social events. Friends are most helpful.

Minor health problems might trouble you. Chronic diabetic patients need caution and regulate your food habits. You will be more vulnerable to infections. You shouldn't become hypochondriac, but go to the doctor's if you don't feel well, and don't postpone it. Distant pilgrimage is on the cards for some of you. Spouse and children will be supportive but health of your parents will be a matter of concern

Venus draws your emotional sensitivity to the surface and gets you dreaming of the ideal love. It's timely to meet someone who shares your spiritual values. You chance meeting with a spicial someone may turn out to be a lifetime love affair.

Mood: Confident with a bit of insecurity. Compatible signs: Gemini, Aquarius. Lucky colours: Magenta, Lime green. Lucky days: Tuesday and Saturday. Lucky numbers: 2, 10, 100, 200 Lucky gem: Yellow sapphire and red coral. Lucky flower: Dark red rose. Suggestion on birthday: Kheer, Milk, White Barfi, Curd, Lassi, Ice Cream can be fed to needy .

Tanushree Dutta (March 19, 1984, Jamshedpur) will also cut the cake today. Her career started with Chocolate, Aashiq Banaya Aap Ne, 36 China Town.

In Bhagam Bhaag, she did a dance number only. Her career is dominated by Sun and Mars.