Labour of love
Manil Gupta and his brother Rohit Gupta's creation, a painted Scorpio called The Holographic Love Machine, creates ripples in the city
Ashima Batish

Different people, different reactions! Some were left gaping, a few amused, some clapped to cheer…and then there were those who got inquisitive, "Why did you paint your car, is there a particular theme that you followed, how much time it took you to finish it all?" Between all these, compliments flowed in from time to time on the way from Delhi to Chandigarh. "The best came from the boy sitting at the toll plaza. He said in chaste Haryanvi that he hasn't seen anything more dramatic than this," shares Manil Gupta, who was in Chandigarh with his latest piece of art, his painted Scorpio car, titled, The Holographic Love Machine.

Manil, along with his brother, started working on this concept and finished it off in mere 15 days. "We were so pepped-up about working on an unusual canvas and not restricting our work to an art gallery." You mention a colour, it's there on the car. From abstract, figurative to realistic, a bit of every art form has been used. Every colour, figure, form, object painted, he says is a result of 'stream of consciousness'. "There was no planning. This is freedom of expression in tangible, practical form. Also, we wanted to make it for the masses."

The idea came from the fact that art galleries are only meant for art lovers or people who have an understanding of art. "We aspired to make a public artwork. People do feel a bit intimidated while entering an art gallery. We wanted to reach out to them, make them part of the whole concept. Boundaries of an art gallery wouldn't have sufficed the purpose."

A student of Delhi College of Art, Manil's earlier work has only been in two colours, black and white. "I am a cynic and I saw the world in shades of black and white." So, has he now put a full stop to his cynicism? "Using colours is just a better way of expressing my cynicism. There is a colour for every emotion one wants to express." And what couldn't be said through a colour was expressed through graffiti, which finds ample space around figures.

Some space on the car is also dedicated to very day-to-day subjects like Angry Birds, a winding road, a train track with people and cattle mounted on it and of course lots of cars. "While we were translating our thoughts into figures and colours, we realised that if wanted to make people relate to it, we better have certain objects painted that people can easily relate to." The Holographic Love Machine will stand true to its name only if people will appreciate it. About the title of their work, Holographic…he says again is a result of a spontaneous thought his brother had. "There is no story behind titling it. It just sounded interesting, but we later made efforts to do justice to the title."

But after picking up a few real objects as subjects, the duo realised an easy way out. They stuck to the theme—'life', and everything else followed. Splash of colours makes it even better.

Inspiring tale

A bit of inspiration that they drew from the works of Jeff Koons who makes art cars for BMW. Jeff Koons mixes up various art forms and is known for his famous BMW car that was seen on the race track in France.

Roots redefined
The Punjabi International Film Festival showcased films on Punjabi identity
Gurvinder Singh

The stars returning from the first Punjabi International Film Festival are overjoyed. This maiden Punjabi film festival was an occasion to provide a platform and an identity for Punjabi films. Organised in the later half of May in Humber College, Toronto, the festival was attended by Punjabis and local people there.

The festival featured over 30 feature films, short films and documentaries on the theme of Punjabi identity.

Stars from Punjabi entertainment industry, including Jasbir Jassi, Gippy Grewal, Neeru Bajwa, Ravinder Ranguwal Jenny Ghottra, Mandy Takhar, JS Cheema, Labh Janjua attended the festival.

Ravinder Ranguwal, a director from Ludhiana, says it was a great opportunity that gave a fillip to the Punjabi film industry. "The festival got a great response from not only the Punjabi community abroad, but also from westerners," he says.

Interspersed with discussions after the movies were screened, these not only led to an enhanced interest among youngsters about Punjabi movies, but also awareness and understanding of Punjabi identity," he says.

Singer Labh Janjua, who visited the festival, says that such festivals should be organised in India as well for the promotion of Punjabi movies and films. "The good part was that films and documentaries that are little known, and get little exposure otherwise, came to the fore. It was good to see the fest drawing attention of youngsters there," he says.

success mantra
On a perfect pitch
Manpriya Singh

No reservation: Geeta Joshi Photo: Nitin Mittal
No reservation: Geeta Joshi Photo: Nitin Mittal

How many principals would have no reservations about walking up to their peons and taking guidance? Dr Geeta Joshi, principal, Army Institute of Law, Mohali, makes no big deal of it, "If I didn't know how to go about something and had to do that, I'd have no reservations."

Sans reservations is probably the first rule of success that we learn from her. Born in Delhi, a product of Carmel Convent, Chandigarh, an arts graduate from the Government College Art, a LLM from Panjab University, she made it with the right qualifications at the right time.

However, "I sat for my NET exam, after a gap of five to seven years. I wanted to give my hundred per cent to my only daughter. I led a very homely life during this time and when she had grown up enough, I wanted to resume my career." And there she was, a faculty at the Department of Laws, Panjab University. Sits pretty in the resume is the Army Commander's commendation. With each step and progression, perhaps, there follows a success mantra.

Obsessive compulsion

"Perfectionism is a big deal. I get obsessive about anything I get into. To achieve the ideal is difficult but it's also about getting that fever of getting it right." The first few lessons are worth writing home about. The moral of the story is, give your hundred per cent to whatever it is.

Belief and beyond

"I'm a firm believer of God. You should learn to respect the higher power up there and the plans it has for you. Give your best under the circumstances available. Have faith in God and everything else falls in place." She doesn't start her day without offering prayers to the almighty.

Challenges, here I come!

"I love to take challenges. I didn't know much about administration and moving from an academic job of a faculty to administrative one wasn't easy. Moreover, I didn't know anything about the Army either. But I was like nothing doing. I am taking up the challenge and am doing it." And that's our lesson number three.

Tried and tested formula

Hardwork, sacrifice, perseverance, passion-in the long run, they all pay. "There are times, when I'm going about the routine at a break-neck speed, when suddenly there's a pause and reflect moment and I go like 'what am I doing to myself? Pushing everything way too much? So push yourself a little, go the extra mile and work hard at all times. There's no way, you won't be a successful person in life." She adds, "There have been times when I've given up sleep, comfort and a lot of other things." there's a lot more. "I love being among people, public speaking, mingling with crowds, zest for things."

It's all about initiative

"I don't have qualms in asking a clerk how to go about it. I have always been like, if others can do it, so can I. I can learn it."

Say this to yourself and we bet the distance on way to the top will keep getting shorter.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

EXERCISE IS FUN
The new fitness centre offers complete rejuvenation of mind, body and soul through different forms of yoga

Fitness & Yoga Studio, FnY, launches its Chandigarh Studio. This is the second studio in tricity, after its launch in 2009 in Panchkula. “Over the years, our disciple count has increased manifold and a demand from Chandigarh and Mohali disciples for a studio nearer home has been there”, said Anil Juneja at the launch on Sunday.

In today's stressful times, all one needs is some effective solution to keep the body and soul fit. If the solution to manage the two is a lot friendlier and enjoyable then the delight has to set in. “At FnY, what we offer is much more than traditional yoga and modern gyming. It is a combination of erasing the weakness of both and soaking the best of both - giving it the nomenclature of Power Yoga”, avers Anil. He has been a trendsetter in the region for introducing Power Yoga, which consists of different formats.

Therapeutic Yoga has a healing touch and cure for various diseases, Lifestyle Yoga is a moderate intensity workout for the corporate guys who are facing lifestyle challenges due to long sitting hours. An ideal combination with it is the yogic diets for weight loss, and many other forms that are customised as per the disciple's requirement. “We have introduced Bhangra Aerobics for the youngsters as they keep themselves fit on the beats they love apart from the diet consultations” he added.

The studio in the northern sector has been decently and tastefully furnished and complete hygienic standards have been adhered to.

'Be a Yoga Trainer' another novel concept has been quite successful and has produced many trainers, trained by him and are today working at various resorts both in India and abroad. Internationally. FnY Studio promises complete rejuvenation of mind, body and soul through its latest avtar that is Power Yoga.

The man behind the venture, Anil Juneja is a leading yoga and fitness expert whose zest is to redefine and adapt the ancient techniques and postures of yoga for present day applicability. He started learning yoga at an age of 13 years and slowly, the once childhood hobby turned into a passion for him and now a full-fledged profession. — TNS

Par Excellence
Learn from your divots
Jesse Grewal

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

The shape and position of the divot in relation to the ball tells us a lot about the swing. The problem of practicing from a mat is that we cannot get this important feedback visually. The player has to rely on the sound of the contact and the feel through the hands. Some players need visual feedback and practice from the grass helps them create good impact.

Ideally the ball is hit on the downswing and therefore the divot starts from just under the ball and extends beyond it. If the divot starts before the ball the swing is described as shallow and if the divot starts well after the ball the swing is steep. Steep swings also have deep divots and shallow swings normally have very thin or no divots.

If the club comes from an out to in path, the divots would point left (for right handed players) and if the divot points to the right the swing path would be in to out. An out to in swing path leads to ‘pulled’ shots which could further lead to a slice. An in to out path leads to ‘pushed’ shots which could lead to a hook.

Identify your mistake by putting another ball a few inches away from your ball in line with it. This ball provides a reference for your ball position. As you hit your ball you can check the divot with relation to the other ball. Did it start before or after the ball? Is it pointing in the correct direction?

There are three major factors which influence the bottom of the arc –

1. The path of the club: From in to out or out to in or the correct path which is in to square to in.

2 The position of the body at impact: If it has fallen or tilted back or lunged forward.

3 The timing of the release: Casting (flipping) or lagging.

The next article would go further in the problems of being shallow or steep.

trendsetter
Miss Prim & Propah

Glam doll: Vasundhra Duggal Photo: Pradeep Tewari
Glam doll: Vasundhra Duggal Photo: Pradeep Tewari

In the world of sky-high heels and the tiny waist lines, there are only a few who put comfort before style together. For Vasundhra Duggal, a B Com graduate, all set to move to IMT Dubai for her post- graduation, talks about her definition of style. This fashionista does not like to step out without her blow-dried tress and loves shopping at the major branded stores.

Your sense of style...

Whatever clothes I end up feeling comfortable in is stylish. For me, right now, dresses in floral prints in chiffon and cottons are stylish.

Latest addition to the wardrobe...

A pair of cute ballet flats from Shelly’s Wardrobe.

Choose a look—sporty, glamorous or chic

Glamorous. When you feel glamorous, it shows in your attitude.

Your style icon would be...

Sonam Kapoor. She is one fashion diva who is dictating the trends in Bollywood

So who is the worst dressed celebrity around?

Mallika Sherawat. She has the most obnoxious sense of dressing I have ever seen.

One fashion trend you don’t understand...

I just hate to watch women who team up dresses with sports shoes. It’s strange and makes no sense.

Your take on accessories...

They are the most important part of any outfit. An accessory can make or break your looks.

One thing that boosts your confidence...

Shoes and watches. They are the very important for my confidence level.

— As told to Vasudha Gupta

(If you think you fit in the profile, get in touch with us at lifestyletribune@gmail.com)

Avoid extreme exercises

Avoid extreme exercises - they can kill. Micah True, a legendary marathon runner, died suddenly while on a routine 12-mile training run in March. The pathological changes in the heart of the 58 year-old athlete may have been the outcome of "Phidippides cardiomyopathy," a condition caused by chronic excessive endurance exercise.

Studies show that competing in extreme endurance exercise such as marathons, iron man distance triathlons, and very long distance bicycle races may cause structural changes to the heart and arteries, damaging them.

"Physical exercise, though not a drug, possesses many traits of a powerful pharmacologic agent. A routine of daily physical activity can be highly effective for prevention and treatment of many diseases, including coronary heart disease, hypertension, heart failure and obesity," says James H. O'Keefe of Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City.

Life-long vigorous exercisers generally have low mortality and disability rates and excellent functional capacity, O'Keefe notes. — IANS

INDULGE
French connection

For all the fashionistas out there, the French brand Elle Fashionwear launches its first premium store in Chandigarh’s central sector 17E. The boutique exuberates a French charm.

Celebrated as the quintessential chic, sexy and feminine French fashion brand, it vows to add on to the much needed high-end fashion repertoire for women in India.  It also offers a wide variety of stylish apparels, shoes and bags which are definitely desirable. The brand has crafted its collection in a way that is very French and yet will compliment Indian women’s silhouettes. — TNS

High Spirits
Tropic thunder
Vineet Mishra

It is a tropical cocktail that instills a vacation-like feeling.

Ingredients

  • 1 oz Absolut Vodka
  • 1 oz pineapple juice
  • 0.25 oz grenadine
  • 2 oz lemonade

Instructions

Pour all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Strain into an old fashioned glass. Top up with lemonade.

Cocktail joke:

A man enters into a bar, and the waiter comes and asks him "What do you want to drink sir? "The customer points out to a guy laying on the floor and replies "Whatever that guy was drinking."

(Mishra is director, CocktailJockey.com)

A classic journey
No need for big heroines to do item numbers, says Hema Malini

Top Bollywood actresses like Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone may have no qualms about doing item numbers but actress Hema Malini feels there is no need for them to take up such songs.

"I feel all big heroines who have earned a good name, there is no need for them to do item numbers. We have different people for doing item numbers," she said.

Incidentally, over the last few years several leading actresses have fallen for the popularity received from a hit item number.

Kareena danced on Chammak Challo (Ra.One), Katrina did Sheila Ki Jawani (Tees Maar Khan) and Chikni Chameli (Agneepath), Aishwarya danced on the popular Kajra Re (Bunty Aur Babli) number and Bipasha performed the Beedi (Omkara) item song.

In the 60s, actresses like Helen, Bindu or Aruna Irani did most of the dance numbers, now called as 'item songs'.

"Today we have item numbers...dance repertoire is item number one, two, three. People like it. It is not my taste, but the taste of people is changing, they love to see that," Malini said.

The actress, who is a trained Bharatanatyam dancer, lamented that the elegance of classical dance was missing in today's films and that it was dance that helped in building her acting career.

"I really miss classical dance in films. Audience today likes Munni Badnam Hui and Jalebi Bai kind of dances. I remember in the past we have had Vyjayanthimala and Padmini, both trained Bharathanatyam dancers. They both got opportunity to show good dance forms in Hindi movies.

"That time acting school was not there...we did not know what to do, how to act so dance helped in a way. I was petrified when I got an offer to act in a film. In my case, dance helped me a lot. Today there are institutes and it helps in a way," she said. — PTI

Another Anthony Gonsalvez moment for Big B

Bol Bachchan: Amitabh Bachchan Amitabh Bachchan will be showcasing his dancing and singing skills when he makes a special appearance in the title song of Bol Bachchan. After lending his deep mesmerising baritone to the blockbuster Kahaani, earlier this year, the Shehenshah of Bollywood, Amitabh Bachchan is back to his singing ways.

Big B does not only showcase his dance moves, choreographed by Chinni Prakash, in the title track of his upcoming venture, Bol Bachchan, but has also lent his voice to it.

The song will also have son Abhishek Bachchan performing with his father.

According to the reports, Ajay Devgn would also join the father-son duo in the song. Buzz has it that Big B is going to reprise his famous Anthony Gonsalvez moment in this song, which sees the actor dancing with a big Easter egg. — ANI

Pooja plays another role

Besides directing Jism 2, actress-turned-filmmaker Pooja Bhatt is all set to lend her voice to lead star Sunny Leone's character in the film. Jism 2 marks the Bollywood debut of the Indo-Canadian pornographic actress and Pooja says she is dubbing for Sunny's role on the insistence of her father Mahesh Bhatt, who has scripted the film.

"My father and unit insists on not using a 'dubbing artist' with a generic voice but something distinct," said the 40-year-old.

Pooja says the fact that Sunny's onscreen persona Izna was her creation made it easier for her to lend her voice and emotions to it.

"It was not too difficult since the character she plays - Izna - has been created by me. Izna is more me than Sunny," said Pooja.

"People should be delighted! Sunny Leone's body and Pooja Bhatt's voice and emotional quotient. Could one ask for more!," she added. When asked how comfortable would she be dubbing bold dialogues in the movie, Pooja said, "It depends! I am a woman after all, and permitted ever so often to change my mind!"

Pooja won acclaim with her performances in films like Dil Hai Ki Maanta Nahin, Tamanna and Zakhm, before turning director with the film Paap in 2004. — PTI

Stylish 40s, Monica Bellucci shows the way

Monica Bellucci, the ever-gorgeous Italian model, has shed light on certain factors that need to be kept in mind to ensure that one looks stylish even in their forties. The tips given by 47-year-old include being brave, sensual and walking tall.

“When you are in your forties it’s more important to be sensual than sexy. Sexy is a word that is right for very young girls; as you get older you should focus on being elegant,” she said.

“The first thing to get right is your attitude. Of course, every woman has her own style, but the best way to carry that style is with confidence,” she said.

The next pointer is creating a bold look.

“When you’re young you can do so many crazy things with your make-up. As you get older you’re constantly told to wear less make-up, which I think is stupid.

“I know a woman who is over 50 and has crazy bright make-up with crazy blonde hair, but is so pretty and funny with it. You should be brave with your make-up.

“I love red lipstick, especially when I’m under the spotlight. Alternatively, I like dark eyes with natural lipstick. I like to be pretty for myself,” she said.

Keeping it simple comes next in line.

“Even if you’re popping out to buy some bread and just wearing jeans and a T-shirt, buy the right ones for your shape. Pure and simple lines are very flattering in clothing, especially for me as my body’s curvy.

“As long as you have the basic shape right, then you can change colours and patterns. You need to wear clothes you feel strong in - you want to wear the dress, not have the dress wear you,” she said.

Other tips including being aware of the right hue for oneself, not being a slave of trends and being natural – “being yourself”.

“You don’t have to fit one mould to be stylish in your forties. I like simple, elegant things, but it all depends on your attitude and character.

“For me, the problem with fashion sometimes is that they want to create a law where everybody is the same. I do not like perfection. It is so boring. Just walk tall and be confident in who you are - style will then come naturally,” she added. — ANI

Happening daughter-mum duo

Gorgeous girls: Victoria Beckham with daughter Harper
Gorgeous girls: Victoria Beckham with daughter Harper

Eva Longoria thinks that David and Victoria Beckham’s daughter Harper is a “chunky monkey.”

The former Desperate Housewives actress is godmother to the fashion designer’s daughter, who is 10 months old, and she admits she is the “most fashionable” girl around and she is jealous of the closet full of clothes she will one day inherit.

“Harper is my goddaughter. She is awesome, beautiful. She’s a chunky monkey!” said the actress.

“She’s so fashionable, the most fashionable little girl around. All I keep thinking is the closet which she is going to inherit.

“She is adorable, I love her. She has got pretty good genes. David and Victoria are so much fun to hang out with,” she added. — ANI

Healthy mum: Jessica Simpson
Healthy mum: Jessica Simpson

No junk please

Singer Jessica Simpson, who recently gave birth to her first child, has vowed not to eat junk food. “She’s breast-feeding Max and wants her to get the best nutrition,” said a source.

“She has to cut down on fast food. Besides, it’s a great way to jump-start the massive diet ahead."

The 31-year-old recently revealed that she is keen to lose her baby weight.

“I think anybody who’s gone through a pregnancy, after they have the baby, it’s like, ‘I need to do something about this,’” she said. — IANS

Lasting love

Work hard: Kylie Minogue
Work hard: Kylie Minogue

Romance doesn’t come easy says Kylie Minogue Singer Kylie Minogue, who is currently dating Spanish model Andres Velencoso, says relationships need a lot of hard work.

"You have to work at love. I have never believed that marriage would be the ultimate. There are people who think a love story should last an entire lifetime. I tell myself it will last as long as it lasts, that way there are fewer disappointments," said Minogue, 44.

"I'm wising up. More tolerant, less demanding. I am very happy today because Andres totally respects who I am. Whether I'm stepping off stage looking fabulous or waking up looking a sight, it's all the same to him," she added. — IANS

 

Blige is going up

Singer Mary J Blige is planning to venture into the world of fashion and plans to first launch a shoes and boots range. The I'm Goin' Down hitmaker said she is in the early phases of creating her own clothing brand while attending a Giorgio Armani fashion show.

She will begin her range by designing shoes and boots, and later aims to release "great-fitting jeans”. — IANS

Rashmi turns a producer

Role change: Rashmi Desai Rashmi Desai, best known as Tapasya Thakur in Uttaran has been missing for a while. Now, there is this news that she has turned a producer with a show Tu Na Jaane Aas Paas Hai Khuda on Sahara One Television. Rashmi and her husband Nandish Sandhu are producing this show in association with Entertainment Hub which has reportedly titled the show on the melodious song of film Anjaana Anjaani.

Her production house is called Rashmi Desai Productions. The popular actor, who is all set to don the producer's hat, says producing a serial is a tough job.

Why did you choose to become a producer?

In fact, it was the concept of Tu Na Jaane Aas Paas Hai Khuda that attracted me and my husband Nandish Sandhu. Through this show we are entering into Tellywood with a bang. Our aim is to give viewers top class entertainment.

What type of content the television viewers want to watch?

I think the viewers' expectation is high. Whoever is able to give variety and fresh concepts will do well. Now, television is growing and willing to pay more to nurture talent. That is why my production house is coming out with a fresh subject and different content.

How did Tu Na Jaane Aas Paas Hai Khuda happened?

I went with the pilot shoot for this show to the Sahara One television creative team. After watching it, the channel agreed and gave us a go-ahead.

For a debutant producer is not it difficult to be both-an actor and a producer?

It is difficult as you are required to switch to two different fields. However, only by taking such challenges, you can grow in the television world. — Dharam Pal

CHATTER BOX

Skin-tillating tips

Looks matter: Shubhangi Atre Television actress Shubhangi Atre, who was last seen in Colors' Hawan, looks beautiful as she has maintained her beauty over the years. Mother of one, she shares some important beauty and hair tips.

What are the items you incorporate in your diet as part of your skin care routine?

I drink coconut water daily. I eat sprouts and fruit salad daily. The fruits vary from apple, papaya, banana and pineapple. I drink lots of water. I drink lemon juice daily that provides me ample vitamin C. I eat papaya for vitamin E. In the afternoon, I drink green tea instead of regular tea. I eat one amla every alternate day. Instead of red chillies, I prefer black pepper as that has vitamin E.

Do you believe in chemical treatments or prefer natural remedies?

I prefer natural remedies as we are part of nature. I not only drink orange juice and lauki juice, I even use them on my face. I use apricot and tomato on my face as a scrub. Besan mixed with turmeric powder is also a good face scrub. Tomato juice and honey mixed with lemon juice and white pepper powder works well for anti-ageing while mixture of olive oil, fresh cream and honey does wonder for skin.

What is your normal skin care routine? How often do you cleanse your skin, moisturize?

I wash my face with water every time I return home. I remove my make-up thoroughly. I use a serum for moisturizing. Before going to bed, I put herbal aroma skin serum.

Do you do regular facials, cleanups or spa treatments to pamper your skin?

I go to spa for massage once in 12 days. I do clean up at my own house only with my homemade remedies. Even in case of a massage, I don't go for creams, I go for fresh fruit massage always.

What is your hair care regime?

Once a week, I use warm olive oil with some camphor and massage my hair. Eggs and beer are good conditioners. I go for hair spa once a month. I make personal hair pack of tur dal powder which is soaked overnight.

Any skin care tips you can recommend to our readers?

I eat methi dana powder in warm water daily that solves swelling problem and under-eye puffiness. Second for under eyes, put kesar overnight in kaccha milk and use it as a pack in the morning for 15-20 minutes. Take care of your vitamins and calcium intakes, especially if you are a woman.

Reel problem, real take

Bitter truth: Nia Sharma (L) & Krystal D’souzaIf you thought acting was easy, it's time to re-think. The impact and effect a role needs to generate is very crucial. If the actor can connect with the audience and make them relate to her/his character then it's an absolute success for the star.

Recently in one of Star Plus' most watched serial, Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hain, Manvi whose character is played by Niaa Sharma has been diagnosed with cancer. When asked about the role Nia exclaimed, "It's not easy portraying a person affected by the disease. It's a struggle to get the emotions right because only through emotions can someone express how they feel when cancer spreads. In order to get the act right, she has been meeting cancer patients to learn from them. "I have been meeting real life heroes who have been fighting this battle. It's so humbling to know their stories and the zest they have in valuing life. It's an experience I'll never forget."

So, let's wait and watch how Manvi fights cancer. Will her family be supportive of the same? To learn more about Manvi's struggle tune into Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai from Monday to Friday at 8:30 pm.

Young again!

Finally, there is some good news for Hiten Tejwani fans. The actor, who is at present playing father to four grown-up kids in Balaji Telefilms' Pavitra Rishta, will soon make an entry on Sony TV's Kyaa Hua Tera Vaada as a young rich business tycoon.

Our source informs, "Hiten will play a rich and young guy who's also a very successful businessman. He will be paired opposite Taani (Priya Chauhan)."

Confirming the news Hiten says, "Acting has nothing to do with age. As an actor, one should always try out different roles. People always believe in the TV industry that once you play an older character you will not get young roles. I hope I will change that mind set." However, Hiten's role is said to be a cameo on the show. But if it gets good response, his character may even become permanent in the future.

Who will be India's Prime Icon?

The inimitable Amitabh Bachchan and the perfectionist Aamir Khan- one is a living legend, an institution of sorts; the other is known to have become a force to reckon with. Bachchan stepped on to the small screen revolutionising television viewing and India a decade ago. Aamir makes his debut on television, a decade or so later, and brings in a sweeping change in the mindset of the common men. Both have left lasting impressions with their work and commitment. Together, they have given a new meaning to entertainment, a new chapter in television programming in India. Now, Big CBS Prime has put the two giants as contenders, among other giants, from various walks of life, for its upcoming show, India's Prime Icon. Both are brilliant actors, extremely successful in all their endeavours. But India must vote and decide which one of them will make it to the top for India's Prime Icon?

Dad's the way!

Kushal Tandon is always known as a papa's boy. In fact, whereas boys are said to be a mammas' boy, Kushal is an exception and bonds really well with his father. Every birthday Kushal gets most valuable gifts but since he got busy with shooting, he has been missing his birthday celebrations and of course his gifts. This year his father flew down and brought the gift on the set. Kushal was so touched with the gesture that he broke down on the set.

ASTRO TURF
P Khurrana

ARIES: You are in for a romantic time. Now is the time to try your luck in speculative deals. The employed will be burdened with additional responsibility without incentive. Tarot message: You need to cultivate understanding and humility. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 36

TAURUS: Social events will be a positive stimulus for you. A trip out of town is on the cards. Expectant mothers are assured safe delivery. Hobbies and extra curricular activities will gain momentum. Tarot message: Resolve conflicts through discussion. Lucky colour: Cream Magic number: 29

GEMINI: This is a perfect time to start practicing independence and letting go. Planning for investment? Push extra cash into safe schemes. Students: check your account in campus. Circumstances take a turn in your favour. Tarot message: Keep a close watch on any niggling health problems. Lucky colour: Copper. Magic number: 34

CANCER: Think twice before you start spending your cash on a whim. You may meet an interesting person today. Teenagers: love stars twinkle. Do not disturb jointly held fund without the consent of your partner. Tarot message: Boost your confidence with positive thinking Lucky colour: Maroon Magic number: 33

LEO: You need to honour yourself first and foremost. Your plans for the day will be changed by others. The spotlight is on the sale or purchase of property. Family outing brings surprise. Tarot message: Wait and watch Impatience will lead to failure. Lucky colour: Blue Magic number: 30

VIRGO: A most tiring day if you have to work. Think of the positive, not the negatives, and you will finish the day with a smile on your face. Women: emotionally you may be feeling rather insecure. Tarot message: A competitive spirit will push you to do your best. Lucky colour: Red Magic number: 44

LIBRA: Inspiration is coming to you in abundance today. An issue that is niggling at the back of your mind should be addressed. If you have been thinking of buying a pet, this is a favourable day for getting one. Tarot message: Cut away the frills and concentrate on what is truly important. Lucky colour: purple. Magic number: 32

SCORPIO: Friendly vibes and thoughts of romance will lead singles in the dating game. Internet dating might be the way to go. Just remember that people may not be everything they say they are. Tarot message: A positive and caring attitude heals old wounds. Lucky colour: Grey Magic number: 46

SAGITTARIUS: Love is in air? No matter how much you love your partner, do not compromise those things that are important to you. Relationships are based on give-and-take, so make sure you go both ways. Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky colour: Coffee brown Magic number: 50

CAPRICORN: A business proposition might appeal to you. Recognise it from an unbiased perspective and you could stand to make quite a decent profit in the long term. Do not get involved in any land deal. Tarot message: Take limited risks with your capital. Lucky colour: Burgundy Magic number: 63

AQUARIUS: Gossip in the workplace can cause unexpected problems and upsets. If you work in an area where there are language barriers, be extra careful of misunderstandings. Tarot message: You find within yourself a fountainhead of a will power. Lucky colour: Saffron Magic number: 59

PISCES: Think before you start spending extra cash, as there may be a surprise around the next corner when you will need it. Take a positive approach and plan for a hectic day. Tarot message: Do not let anyone take advantage of you. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 48

THE YEAR AHEAD
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is June 5...

Involve yourself in some donation and charity work for your mental peace. You will be presented with new financial schemes. Weigh the pros and cons carefully before making any commitment. Activities with friends will be enjoyable, but do not volunteer to spend. Otherwise, you will reach home with empty pockets. It would be one of those great years when your creativity would be at its peak. Favourable planets will bring you plenty of reasons to feel pleased. Stress may result in minor illness. All commitments and financial transactions need to be handled carefully. People close to you will create problems at personal level. Romantic affair may take a beating; you will have a hidden adversary who will love to prove you wrong. Chances of your recovering from physical illness are high which will enable you to participate in sports. Unexpected rise in your expenses would disturb your peace of mind. Now you should concentrate on the needs of others but being extra generous with children will only lead you to trouble. You will meet your dream girl. Those connected with art and theatre will find several new opportunities to showcase their creative best. Strive to be unique now— in your ideas and their execution.

This year is not good for students. Students may lose interest in studies. Some of them are likely to give up their education for a career. They are required to decide their priorities after deliberating all pros and cons.

Rambha or Vijaya LakshmiGastric, digestive problems and other similar diseases are in the store. Routine check-ups are necessary for heart patients. Do not ignore it at all.

You generally like to run the show, even if you sometimes do it in ways that aren’t very obvious. Mood: Slightly intimidated at times Compatible signs: Virgo, Scorpio Lucky colours: Orange, purple

Lucky days: Tuesday and Saturday. Lucky numbers:, 4, 5, 11, 15 Lucky gem: Emerald. Lucky flower: Lotus.

Suggestion on birthday: Donate red fruits to poor.

Rambha or Vijaya Lakshmi (June 5, 1976, Vijayawada) who celebrates her birthday with you, has acted in over 100 South Indian films and also in a number of Bollywood films. She was popular in Bollywood movies for her uncanny resemblance with Divya Bharati, an actress who died during her popular stint in Bollywood. She is also squint-eyed and considers it a lucky charm. Presently she is doing item songs only and Bhojpuri films. She may hit back in 2012 as her significant numbers 5 and 7 indicate.





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