Inside the ring
Sanjay Dutt and Raj Kundra, in Chandigarh to promote the Super Fight League, say it’s time we encouraged other sports
Ashima Batish

Sanjay Dutt Photo: Parvesh Chauhan Precious twenty minutes of crash-course on two subjects - first on MMA (mixed martial arts) and second on Raj Kundra. The latter initially seems more interesting because till now we only know him as Shilpa Shetty’s husband, owner of an IPL team and a businessman from London. Know more of him, from him, “I am a Punjabi by heart,” and that is where it stops.

Rest of the information comes in bits and pieces en route to SFL-Super Fight League, which will be about MMA, a concept initiated by Raj and promoted by buddy Sanjay Dutt. Both were in Chandigarh to talk about SFL, which they did for precious twenty minutes!

Raj begins in chaste Punjabi, which sounds nice, switches on to English to explain the reason behind the venture, “I want people in India to take interest in sports other than cricket. Just one sport to entertain over one billion people doesn’t sound exciting. We just had a very successful season of hockey league; hope SFL will repeat the same.” So what if he owns an IPL team! He is quick to add he is hedging this time, not in terms of finances but to generate people’s interest in MMA. And the first person he was able to convince was Sanjay Dutt, who speaks his mind on SFL, “I have been affiliated to the Boxing League of India. A bigger incentive is that we won Olympic medals courtesy contact sports. It’s time we invested interest and money in some other game.” It’s time, Bollywood actors are roped in for some other game as well. Right on the posters of SFL, beside the fighters, there are pictures of Malaika Arora, Minnisha Lamba, Mahek Chahal and of course, Sanjay Dutt. “Sex and Bollywood sells in India. We are using Bollywood to rope in people for a new sport,” says Raj. And he promises the fights will not be rigged. Nothing will be scripted or staged. Sanjay bets for the same as well.

In SFL, four Indian fighters will take on four international fighters, followed by a main event wherein two super-heavy weight fighters will compete with each other. There will also be a slug-fest between two female fighters. The Indian fighters, as Raj informs, are being trained at a camp near Nasik, Maharashtra. “We are scouting talent from across India. We already have four female fighters from India who we will bring on stage by September.” The representation is pretty decent from Punjab as well.

Coming back to the two celebrities, while Sanjay has done MMA in the form of kung-fu, Raj plays with wits than fists, “I have only done it back home with Shilpa.” And we believe it like we do when they say they are up for a cause, for a new sport in India that is around twenty years old in the US. More importantly that is worth 2 billion dollars in the US, “That will find 500 million viewers in India through television,” informs Raj. That is a money spinning machine. That’s MMA. That’s SFL by Raj Kundra and Sanjay Dutt!

ashima@tribunemail.com

Show time

SFL, India’s first MMA fighting body, will be coming to Chandigarh on April 7 at T-Box Mobile Arena, Circus Grounds. Malaika Arora Khan and RDB will perform at the event. The show will be hosted by Minnisha Lamba.

When tradition meets innovation
Breathing life and feelings into buildings, rasa of architecture comes alive most resoundingly in eminent architect Raj Rewal’s works
Nonika Singh

MASTER MIND: Raj Rewal Photo: Parvesh Chauhan Light, space and structure might be the core values of architecture. But one of India’s leading architect Raj Rewal feels a building must go beyond the functional requirements. In short, the celebrated architect whose signature breathes in buildings like the Indian Embassy, Beijing, Permanent Exhibition Complex, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi and many more feels, “A building is an expression of art and must express emotional feelings.”

Inspired by the Indian concept of rasas, he understands that the rasa as experienced in visual arts or navrasas as delineated by performing arts can’t be replicated in architecture. Yet a building can be serene as his Nehru Pavilion Centre is and can be dynamic as Indian National Science Academy is. And when he created Parliament Library building, which he considers his most challenging project till date, he recalls, “I wanted to challenge the imperialistic structures standing close by creating a guru to the king.” Impelled by values enshrined in the Constitution, he used water that treats all equally, a tree as a symbol of justice and an amphitheatre as freedom of speech.

Since symbolism often filters in his works, he says “It’s hard to define symbolic values but these do creep into your work.” Of course, not as added appendages but as elements that gel seamlessly in his works. Ditto for tradition, which too he doesn’t use for making a style statement. He elaborates, “One doesn’t take to tradition for the heck of it but because it makes a lot of sense and is an approach to wisdom.” For instance, he employs courtyards for these are practical and stone for it’s a good material that wears well. That is not to say he has anything against modern materials like glass, steel or lucabond, all of which, incidentally, he has put to effective use in Metro Bhawan.

In fact, Rewal’s architecture is known to have evolved a new synthesis between tradition and modernity through innovation. Architects like artists, he nods, are ahead of their times and have a signature of sorts as well. Yet he firmly believes that each building must have its own character. So when he designed Lisbon Ismaili Centre, he drew from Islamic architecture as well as Portuguese concepts. Sadly, he rues that today in many places in India; in the name of global architecture we are cloning the bad designs of the West. Our apathetic response to our buildings, the manner in which we treat them also pains him greatly. He is not too happy with the way Corbusier’s buildings have been maintained either. Corbusier’s designs, especially his play of light, impresses him greatly.

Of course, real lessons this pragmatic visionary, a product of School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, learns from life. That those lessons transform into the art of architecture, when he applies them to buildings is what makes him a cut above the rest and a revolutionary steeped in tradition.

Artistic fusion

Architecture is a fusion of art and science. And as proof stands this exhibition “The Art of Architecture” comprising photographs and models of celebrated architect Raj Rewal’s significant works. Inaugurated by KK Sharma, adviser to the administrator, Chandigarh administration, the exhibition at the Government Museum Gallery, curated by art scholar Seema Bhalla, brings alive the solid beauty of designs, patterns, structure and spaces. The rhythm and symmetry of Rewal’s designs exude a visual harmony that is at once compelling and aesthetic. His oeuvre ranging from Asian Games Olympic Village to low-cost housing projects is in sync with his philosophy of changing vocabulary for different kind of buildings.

What a bubbly affair!

The KC Royal Park, Panchkula, formally opened its bar, Bubbles, on Monday. This ultra-modern bar has been tastefully designed with spectacular visual forms and layout, with a strong emphasis on rich wooden finish and warm interiors. Some of the delicacies on offer here include:

Patrón Tequilla

The salt, shot, lemon routine just went up a notch! Instead of just feeling the burn (and the subsequent fuzz), it’s time to start tasting the drink. The legendary Patrón Tequila has arrived in India and if you’re not a fan of the spirit’s heavy reputation, this light tequila might change your mind.

Pinot wine

This is a white wine grape variety of the species Vitis vinifera. Thought to be a mutant clone of the Pinot noir grape, it normally has a grayish-blue fruit. The name pinot, which comes from the word ‘pine cone’ in French, has been given to it because the grapes grow in small pine cone-shaped clusters.

Rhône wine

The Rhône wine region in southern France is situated in the Rhone river valley, where numerous wines are produced. The Rhône is generally divided into two sub-regions with distinct vinicultural traditions. The northern sub-region produces red wines from the Syrah grape while the southern sub-region produces an array of red, white and rosé wines. — TNS

A glittering affair
Glitterati, an exhibition of jewellery and antique furniture, brings out exquisite craftsmanship

Kidars is back with its all-new jewellery collection titled Glitterati along with antique furniture and replicas. The collection focuses on the glamour and style quotient. There are exquisite designs for the fashion conscious.

Also on display is an exquisite range of antique furniture and replicas, including coffee tables, coat stands, Victorian chairs, swing mirrors, Goanese tables, corners and writing tables.

Each piece of the collection is sculpted for maximum appeal that is hard to match and even harder to resist.

On till April 7 at Kiders 7 Cee Gallery, Sector 7.

Positively yummy

Baked potato triggers positive memories! The smell of a baked potato can actually make us feel happier, scientists say. Researchers have discovered that the aromas given off during the cooking process can trigger positive memories in the brain. As part of the study, subjects were presented with a Maris Piper, baked in the oven for an hour 140 degrees, and asked if it inspired any feelings.

Findings revealed the majority of participants were uplifted by comforting childhood memories - including favourite grandparents and meals with the family. Avinash Kant, who lead the research, said the positive emotions were triggered by what is called the “Maillard Effect”. He said: “Food aromas and their recognition is a complex brain function which we’ve only recently started to understand.” — IANS

TUNE IN
ROCK SOLID
Manpriya Singh

Music, they say, is forever. Which is why, till today, The Rolling Stones from five decades back find a prominent place in the playlists? Music is the sound of emotions. Which is why, we have soft ballads and we have death metal. Music, they say, makes the world go round. Well, isn’t it still spinning at the tracks from contemporary rock bands to legendary artists?

Music is a serious business. Which is why, we bring you a column exclusively dedicated to genres formed out of seven notes; each genre at a time, step by step.

Rock is all encompassing. What better way to begin with than the genre that redefined music itself? Bring on The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Coldplay…because it’s rock; the genre of the most popular music that originated in the 1950s, a term used for a range of styles that evolved out of rock ‘n’ roll.

All-time favourites

To define the ten best rock bands ever is like picking up one title among all the Oscar winners so far! To make matters worse, there are the further sub-genres. Alternative rock, grunge, heavy metal, death metal, punk, psychedelic….of course to begin with there’s The Beatles. Then Queen’s We Will Rock You could be a beginner’s introduction to the rock music. Or may be Pink Floyd’s We Don’t Need No Education. No wonder, the rock band formed in the mid-1960s has been influential enough to be every generation’s anthem. Led Zeppelin had the music lovers of their time hooked on to their incredible music.

One cannot wind up talking about rock music without bringing in the grunge band Pearl Jam. They had people fall in love with their first album – Ten. In between how can we forget the powerful trio — The Jimi Hendrix Experience! You haven’t heard music, if you haven’t heard their Killing Floor. Then comes the American band Aerosmith, both critical and commercial hit. Perhaps, their greatest hit is Walk This Way. Never mind the plethora of sub-standard music, picking out the best is never an easy one.

The rock legends can never be an exhaustive list. Wherever there’s a list, it’s a tough one!

Youngsters’ take

What makes rock rock is not a tough one! Rock music encompassed and served as the platform for cultural and social movements. “Once you are addicted to rock, you can’t really listen to anything else,” Nikhil Pupneja, base guitarist with Ludhiana-based band, Tune In, shares with us and goes on to list some of his favourite classic bands. “I love all the old-timers Soundgarden, The Rolling Stones, Chemical Brothers and Jim Morrison.” He adds, “I’d say the strength of this music lies in its liberation. The way it connects and powerful lyrics.”

For some it’s plain noise, for others it’s pure nirvana. No two ways about it!

manpriya@tribunemail.com

CELEB POINT
Dress circle
Divya Dutta

Your dress makes such a huge difference in how you are perceived. Especially as an actor and that too on the set. The first thing the onlookers observe is how you look. Eh heroine dekh! Kya lag rahi hai! Or, ye kya pehna hai isne! Too tight, too short, too fat! Too many comments!

But then that’s the price you pay for being a celebrity! I remember going out for dinner with a friend of mine. As we entered, murmurs started! Hey look, it’s her! I am used to being talked about but it is still annoying when someone does it blatantly on the face! I saw this lady directly looking at me, whispering something in her hubby’s ears, he turning back and checking me out, and both discussing me right in front of me! I told my friend I am going to give them a piece of my mind. But he just took me to another eatery.

On the sets, it is even more amusing! On one of my realistic film shoots, I was in my deglamourised avatar. And the crowd was there watching the shoot. “Ye heroine hai? Badi simple hai! We dress up more glamorously than her,” said the group of women. I was thoroughly amused but honestly wished these ladies saw me in a glam dress and said wow! My little self- esteem or ego you may say.

Yesterday I was shooting for a film and I was in a uniform. Since I’ve lost a lot of weight, the uniform was complimenting me. And plus an attitude comes when you wear a uniform! So, as I got out of my vanity van, I could see heads turning, I could see people gathering for snaps. I could hear murmurs. “Hey look at her. Hot she is looking! Madam, can we have a snap with you please!

Highly amused and my self esteem back, I was missing those three women very much. I realised sab kapdon ka khel hai bhaaaai!

(Dutta is a Bollywood actor)

GET PHYSICAL
Head start
Anil Juneja

Shirshasana

Shirshasana is considered as the king of asanas due to its effect on the entire body. The Sanskrit word shirsha means head. Hence this posture is better known as the headstand posture. Its physical and mental benefits derive both from the emphasis on balance and the body’s inverted position. The headstand increases blood flow to the brain, which causes improved brain function and increased vitality and confidence. The other body parts that are benefited through this asana are the endocrine glands, the pituitary, thyroid, parathyroid and pineal glands. It also helps in any sort of non-alignment of the spine. Shirshasana restores the position of vital organs by reversing gravity. As the blood circulation to the scalp is increased, it promotes hair growth and improves the quality of sleep. Regular practice of this posture enhances awareness and improves the memory.

To start with, fold both the legs at the knees and be seated on the heels of the feet. The body, neck, spine and head should be kept erect. Palms can be placed on the knees. Breathe normally. Interlock the fingers of hands and place them on the soft padding by leaning forward. Keeping elbow-shoulder widths apart, gently place the back of the head on the inner side of the interlocked fingers. Now slowly lift knees from the floor and take one or two steps towards the head. Inhale and simultaneously lift the legs gently so that they are in a vertical position. Keeping the back straight, relax and breathe deeply from the abdomen.

Hold the sirshasana for 15-30 seconds. The time duration can be increased gradually up to three minutes with practice. While returning to the initial normal position, first bend the knees and place one leg on the floor first and then bring the other down. There are several variations to the sirshasana that you can try when you are comfortable with the normal position of it. First try spreading your legs wide apart, carefully separating them very slowly, while maintaining your balance, until they are as far apart as is comfortable. Bring your legs together before returning from the posture. Next you can try placing the soles of your feet together in a Butterfly position while steadily holding the pose.

Without the correct way of lifting the legs up, it is practically impossible to stand in this pose in the right way. The neck is sensitive when you are aligned incorrectly in the shirshasana, you can easily get injured. You should not attempt this posture if you are suffering from high or low blood pressure or any neck problem.

(Juneja is a Chandigarh-based yoga expert)

Figuratively speaking...

Fashion diva: Sonam Kapoor Sonam Kapoor once weighed 90 kilos and she is now healthy and fit at 55 kilos, perfect for her height and age. The slim and graceful actress who moonlights as a model and fashionista, shares some weight loss tips for people to follow.

Small packages

Don't eat three big meals a day as if they were your last. Space it out in six small meals. Have dessert as a small meal, not with your meal.

Fun routine

Dancing is fun. Put on your favourite song and dance away, do whatever you like. Go out and cycle, do Yoga, breathe fresh air, go jogging, running, play badminton, roller-blade and swim. Exercise in any form is important.

Fried, no please!

There is no short-cut to weight loss and getting slim. You have make changes and you have to be dedicated and determined. Don't eat that samosa and cut down on your sweet and fat intake. Refined foods are a no-no too.

Sensible stuff

Cut down on coffee, tea and aerated drinks. Switch to green tea. Have plenty of water. Eat fruit instead of drinking juice. Have salad and lean meats. Eat what you like in moderation. Sometimes, treat yourself to something sinful.

Feel good factor

Be strict with your exercise regime and change it to keep boredom at bay. Working out makes you feel good. Encourage yourself and appreciate however little weight you have lost. Aim to be fit and healthy, not skinny like a model. You have to be active. You should want to lose weight from within and for yourself, not for anybody else.

From fat to fit!

Health graph: Emraan Hashmi Emraan Hashmi gained weight over three months for Dibakar Banerjee's film Shanghai and then lost it all in a matter of two months for his other films. Emraan is fit. He may not show off his body in every second film but he works out and stays in shape.

Food for thought

I had a great time gaining weight for the role. I had to sport a moustache and a paunch and look out-of-shape. So I binged on pastas, pizzas, ice creams, biryanis, and whatever I liked for three months. I did not exercise. It was a great time for me.

The tough time

And then reality struck! I had to lose all the flab in two months. I worked very hard. My trainer put me on a low fat, low sugar, and high protein diet and everything changed. I ate egg whites for breakfast and the other meals were egg whites, salads, fish, grilled chicken, and the like. I had to work out for an hour or two hours daily. The cravings went away after the first week.

Side effects

It is not advisable for a normal person to do such a drastic program because it affects the body. I fell sick four times. I am going to think the next time I take up such roles and plan my schedule more properly. I am not even into six-packs. I just prefer overall fitness.

All praise for Kat

King-size fan: Shah Rukh Khan Actor Shahrukh Khan, who will be sharing screen with Katrina Kaif in their maiden romantic film by Yash Chopra says that his co-star is a stupendous actor and that he tried to adapt himself to her work approach.

After a gap of eight years, Yash Chopra has returned to direction with with this untitled film, which also stars Anushka Sharma. The shoot started in February in London.

"I got to shoot with Katrina Kaif for the first time, which was wonderful. I do a couple of films a year and I haven't worked with her. I think she is a stupendous actor.

Everyone says about her being hardworking and very talented.

Its more important how we work together..how we work as a team," Shahrukh said.

The model-turned-actress has been in Bollywood since nine years and all those who have worked with her have always praised her.

"When I work with a lot of young actors, I learn a lot as they have a different way of doing scenes. I have worked now for 21 years, they have been working for 10 years. When Katrina is doing a scene, she has a different way of approaching it. And when she approaches it differently, as a co-actor I also try to think if she is doing it differently, there must be a reason so let me also try it and adapt myself to do it differently. So that give and take has been absolutely fantastic," Shahrukh said.

Apparently, it was on Katrina's birthday few years back that both Shahrukh and Salman had a fall out. And now Katrina is working with both Khans, Salman and SRK under the Yash Raj Films banner. — PTI

Eva Longoria back with Eduardo Cruz?

Comfy date: Eva Longoria Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria was pictured dining with ex-boyfriend Eduardo Cruz recently, sparking rumours that the pair has reconciled. The 37-year-old actress, who split from Cruz in March after being together for a year, were spotted enjoying a cosy meal together at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood recently reported a website.

“Over the course of the evening, Eva and Eduardo were holding hands and whispering to each other, and things definitely appear to be back on between them,” a source said.

Longoria, who divorced ex-husband Tony Parker in 2010 after three years of marriage amid allegations he had cheated on her, had broken up with Cruz due to work commitments. — PTI

Salman's friendly gesture

Bollywood actress Priety Zinta, who is busy shooting for her debut production Ishkq In Paris, says good friend Salman Khan has agreed to do a cameo in her film. The 37-year-old, who was last seen on the big screen in 2008 release Heroes, has also co-written the script of the movie, which is directed by Prem Raj. The film also stars French actress Isabelle Adjani.

"Salman will be a part of Ishkq In Paris & I am super excited !!! Wait n watch people 4 all fun cuz for now my lips are sealed! I've co written it wid Prem Raj but its directed only by Prem Raj(sic)," Zinta posted on her Twitter page.

Salman and Zinta's friendship goes long back when they first met on the sets of 2000 release film Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega. They later went on to do films like Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, Dil Ne Jise Apna Kahaa and Jaan-E-Mann.— PTI

Work goes on

HURT TIME: Abhishek Bachchan It's been a season of injuries for Abhishek Bachchan. The actor is once again injured on the sets of Bol Bachchan in Rajasthan.

But he assured he is alright on the social-networking Twitter.

Abhishek will resume the shoot for the film by the end of this month.

"Thank you all for the get well soon wishes. Yes, have a muscle tear in my lower back. Got injured training in the gym. Will be back on my feet soon.

And no, the schedule of Bol Bachchan has not been affected at all as wrongly reported, we shoot next end April," he wrote on Twitter.

CHATTER BOX

Sunidhi gets vocal

Fashion redefined: Sunidhi Chauhan Singer Sunidhi Chauhan can make the most plain track beautiful with her voice. And when it comes to her wardrobe, she can weave the same magic. The Indian Idol judge shares her style and beauty tricks with us…

How would you define your style?

I am very moody when it comes to dressing up. Some days, I feel very casual and on some days I feel trendy. So, I keep changing my style according to my mood.

Are you an impulsive shopper?

I am not brand conscious. I can go to any mall and shop! I have thousands of clothes and accessories that I’ve bought and then forgotten about. They’re still lying in my cupboard with the price-tags on.

What are your favourite shopping destinations?

I love shopping in Malaysia, Singapore and New York.

What is your beauty secret?

I honestly don’t follow any beauty regime. I don’t have the time for it. I just stay fit, eat and sleep well.

Top 5 must haves!

  • Plenty of t-shirts.
  • At least five pairs of denims in colours such as grey, black, blue and white.
  • Kurtis because they are trendy and you can wear them for formal occasions as well.
  • Hoop earrings because they go with anything.
  • A nice branded watch.

Top 5 essential beauty items

  • Sunscreen! Never leave home without it.
  • Mascara to brighten up tired eyes.
  • A lipstick to add a dash of glamour to any outfit.
  • Body lotion because Mumbai’s weather can dry out your skin.
  • Perfume. Every girl should have a signature scent.

Fashion Don’ts

  • I believe that you should never follow trends blindly. If you follow fashion, it means you’re trying to be somebody you are not. Follow what your heart and instincts say. That’s what I do.
  • Don’t buy or wear what others ask you to. You must like it and feel good in it.
  • Don’t go out without your hair done. Make an effort to brush it. A good hairstyle can do wonders for your look.
  • Don’t wear high-heels if you can’t walk or stand straight in them. Good posture is very important.
  • Footwear is important. Pick the right colour that goes well with your outfit. An absurd shoe colour can ruin your entire look.

Love notes: Anas Rashid A secret affair

If sources are to be believed, Anas Rashid aka Sooraj of Diya Aur Baati Hum has fallen for Rati Pandey aka Hitler Didi. The two are very much in love and they have been seeing each other for quite some time now and even stay in the same building. They are hiding their relationship but people who are close to them are pretty much aware of it. When asked about it Rati neither denied nor confessed.

Love notes: Anas Rashid

Dancing diva: Shakti Mohan Head over heels!

When Shakti Mohan was invited to dance at Aarti and Yash’s wedding of Punar Vivah on Zee TV, but was disappointed when asked to do away with her six inch stilettos as she had to look proportionate while dancing next to actor Karan Tacker. So, Shakti took off her heels and settled for flat shoes. But their dance number was a vision to behold.

Dancing diva: Shakti Mohan

Sushant Singh Rajput Sushant comes back

Sushant Singh Rajput who had quit the show last year, is all set to re-enter Balaji’s Pavitra Rishta on Zee TV. Sushant’s exit made his fans cry and they craved to see him back in the show. Sushant is coming back on the show but this time around he will be seen as Aarav. Viewers will witness a love triangle plot between Manav, Aarav and Archana.

Naseeruddin Shah When Nasser meets Uncle Joe

Mian Yousuf Salahuddin, popularly known as Uncle Joe, is reviving the classic love story of Heer Ranjha in a musical drama serial for Pakistani television. Our very own talented actor Naseeruddin Shah will be doing the voice-over for the drama. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Sanam Marvi have sung for the show.

Pop up: Arjun RampalLost in music

Lost is the name of Arjun Rampal's 30 crore INR music festival property which he will launch with Percept. This festival will bring international pop sensations for gigs in India.

Pop up: Arjun Rampal

Some animal love

On one hand, Sonam Kapoor says that she is an animal lover but on the other hand, she eats non- vegetarian food and wears leather clothes (she wore a Burberry leather jacket while promoting Players). That is not how animal loving works!

Paying the price

Saif Ali Khan used old Hindi songs in Agent Vinod without permission. So now he has to pay monetary compensation to the companies or people who own the rights of the songs. Poor guy!

Poster of Blood money Flop reviews

Blood Money opened to bad reviews and has had a better start at single screens than multiplexes. A source close to the Bhatts says that the production house has recovered its money in the film because it was made on a low budget and the music has been a hit. And they are generating revenue from the single screens. Next week, shows will be reduced because of Housefull 2.

Poster of Blood money

Poster of Housefull 2 All of us!

The cast of Housefull 2 walked the ramp at Aki Narula's fashion show in suburban Mumbai. They are having a gala time promoting the movie!

Poster of Housefull 2

White beauty: Priyanka Chopra Mutual admiration

Victoria Beckham keeps a track of celebrities who wear her clothes. She saw Priyanka wearing one of her creations and tweeted "lovely in white" on her page and Priyanka replied with "Thank you. Love ur stuff!" This white dress is from the VB SS 2012 line.

White beauty: Priyanka Chopra

 

 

ASTRO TURF
P Khurrana

ARIES: The day will be quite busy, since you will be taking care of issues such as bills, appointments and miscellaneous errands. Yet, once you are through, you will be able to relax and take things easy. Tarot message: Don’t make financial decisions impulsively. Lucky colour: Navy blue. Lucky number: 32

TAURUS: Interactions, travel, intellectual pursuits—will all be the best part of today. Many of you would travel for pleasure and explore interesting places. At home, a close relative may help you to make an important choice. Tarot message: Be true to yourself. Lucky colour: Orange. Lucky number: 44

GEMINI: Many of you have been experiencing a profound, philosophical inclination for the past few days and today, this feeling will become stronger, motivating you to introspect, contemplate and reflect. Tarot message: Advice will put you on the right track. Lucky colour: Pink. Lucky number: 23

CANCER: Things are likely to move at a relatively slower pace, so you can relax and catch up with friends. If planning to put your money in real estate, agriculture, and jewellery, this is the time to do that. Tarot message: Do not cover up your own mistakes. Lucky colour: Black. Lucky number: 50

LEO: The day is going to be active and positive day for professionals, especially, women who will have the stamina and enthusiasm to accomplish just about anything. The admiration and praise will motivate you. Tarot message: Be diplomatic with colleagues if you don’t agree with their views. Lucky colour: Red. Lucky number: 62

VIRGO: Business people would need to work out the finer aspects of a partnershipor contract while professionals would need to display intelligence, tact and efficiency at work, in order to create an impact. Tarot message: Don’t get into ventures where returns are not immediate. Lucky colour: Purple. Lucky number: 55

LIBRA: This would be a day in which you would need to adopt an unconventionalyet productive approach to accomplish the maximum. Professionally, youshould be careful of who you trust and who you depend on. Tarot message: Start a saving plan and also, curb expenses. Lucky colour: White. Lucky number: 27

SCORPIO: You need to be strong and make the decision to save. In relationships, do not get entangled in meaningless affairs. Socially, you may feel a little detached and lonely, but this feeling would pass. Tarot message: Pay attention your inner feelings and trust them when making a decision. Lucky colour: Silver grey. Lucky number: 35

SAGITTARIUS: You are feeling quite generous, optimistic, expressive, tactful, compassionate and creative. Help from a spiritual guide would be valuable.Tarot message: Keeping a close eye on savings and investments will prove fruitful in the long run. Lucky colour: Golden brown. Lucky number: 65

CAPRICORN: Taking care of an elder would give you great happiness. The day would be filled with romance, excitement, travel and forming new friendships. At home, things would be clearer. Tarot message: Finance and health would need some looking after Lucky colour: Green. Lucky number: 40

AQUARIUS: In relationships, don’t become too controlling, since everyone needs breathing space. Intelligent and perceptive, you will be able to identify and understand the real intentions behind others’ actions. Tarot message: Keep other people’s secret well guarded. Lucky colour: Peach. Lucky number: 51

PISCES: When faced with someone who is absolutely rigid and stubborn, don’t waste your time in arguing since it would not yield any results. If holding a social get-together, take a close look at the guest list. Tarot message: Do not spend beyond your capacity. Lucky colour: Crimson. Lucky number: 29

THE YEAR AHEAD
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is April 4...

Health related problems might cause discomfort. All commitments and financial transactions need to be handled carefully. You will face some problems but be realistic and do not expect miracles from people who extend help. You should learn from your past mistakes. Keep away from joint ventures and partnerships. If traveling, then make sure you carry all important documents.

You are governed by the number 4 and the planet Uranus. Your life is marked by unexpected happenings. The coming year will bring positive changes. A change in job is likely, and this will bring you success and recognition. However, you’ll have to assess your relations with people that seemed to be true and reliable in the past. You may have a crisis in love and family affairs. Disputes about shared property and accommodation are quite possible. Grown up children can suddenly become estranged, and small ones can be extremely naughty. Emotional intelligence is the key. If you are planning to sign a partnership deal, you will have to weigh all the pros and cons, before getting into any legal matters.  Can you control your own reactions, understand what triggers the actions of others and meet people halfway? Your passion about work and your point of view is excellent, but not if you let it rule you.

Those born between 1970-1990 must learn to be less argumentative and impulsive at work and not interfere in other people’s business. Your approach to life will help you to overcome obstacles. But try to keep away from speculation and gambling.

By taking a calculated risk at work, you could potentially gain an upper hand over all competitors highlighting your smart business sense to those who matter.

You may decide to invest in labour saving devices or gadgets to streamline your efficiency, both at home and office. At the same time, there is a desire to retrace your roots and origins. Friends can be a ‘good ear’ and a great pair of hands but try to make your own decisions and avoid allowing the buddies to ‘sway’ you.

Pallavi JoshiMood: Insightful and eager for new contact

Compatible signs: Gemini, Cancer

Lucky colours: Navy blue, grey

Lucky days: Monday and Tuesday.

Lucky numbers: 2, 5, 11, 18, 100

Lucky gem: Gomed.

Lucky flower: Nargis.

Suggestion on birthday: Plant a medicinal sapling in a park/religious area/ own premises.

Pallavi Joshi (April 4, Mumbai) is a National Film Award winning actress. In the 1980s and early 90s, she acted in art films and also played supporting character roles in films like Saudagar, Panaah and Mujrim. She was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Filmfare Awards for her role in Andha Yudh. She will continue to entertain the viewers for a long time.





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