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Fast-moving item!
Sizzling Maliaka Arora Khan and super cute Shah Rukh Khan dancing on the top of a train, or Vidya Balan rolling in lemons with none other but acclaimed Naseerudin Shah; few images represent Bollywood like none before! Item numbers have been here forever and at times they get bigger than the movies they are part of.
“In this day and age, the film seems to be forgotten and it’s the songs and item numbers that are remembered. Even till today Company (it came in 2002, a decade hence) is remembered by the item number Khaalas,” rued established director Ram Gopal Verma during an interview recently. Over 30 movies as a director and as many as producer to his credit, he is not the only filmmaker who is going with the tide and adding an item number in his films whether the script demands it or not! Munni Badnam Hui made Malaika Arora Khan famous and the undisputed queen of the genre. Mainstream heroines haven’t shied away from taking their chances either. If Katrina Kaif was lauded for Sheila ki Jawani, she received flak for Chikni Chameli. Reportedly Ra.One’s Chammak Challo cost a bomb (SRK roped in Akon for this one) but still the movie bombed. So, do they really make a difference to the fate of the film? “Whether a movie works or not depends on a lot of factors. Item numbers are just a trend that every filmmaker wants to encash upon,” says singer-composer Sukhwinder Singh who credits himself for taking item songs to new heights with Chaiyya Chaiyya. In fact, this song became a part of Top 10 list in an international poll commissioned by BBC World Service. Having given many item songs in between, 14 years hence, Sukhwinder who has turned an actor with his latest release Item numbers may be a genre by itself today but how much they add to the fate of the movie remains debatable. Says Ray, a postgraduate student and a huge cinema fan, “Item songs add an oomph factor to the film and that’s just about it.” With Vidya Balan doing a number in Ferrari Ki Sawaari, after two big hits, probably substantiates ‘item numbers’ place in Bollywood films. “They may propel a heroine’s career forward in some ways,” opines Ray. Neeraj Bhatia, a marketing executive and a film aficionado, finds them useful for the reason that even if the movie turns out to be a drag, at least a sparkling song sequence saves the money and the time spent. “Ra.One was a huge waste of time but Akon and Kareena made Chammak Challo a treat,” says Neeraj. Director Rumy Jafrey, who had Veena Malik for the song Channo in his last release Gali gali Chor Hai, justifies, “Music and dance are an indispensable part of our culture. And, item numbers have been there since the beginning of the industry.” What was Jhumka Gira Re, bareli ke bazaar mein (Mera Saaya) if not an item number, he questions. Do they help? “Well, romantic and sad songs become hit once the audience watch them in the movie and relate to them. Item songs are part of the promotions. If they have the right lyrics, rhythm and moves, they become hit and pull the audience to cinema.” mona@tribunemail.com
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With love, by Vikas Khanna
You have seen him creating the culinary magic on screen during the second edition of Masterchef India. And the fact that he is an emotional person came to the fore several times during the show. Emotions are important when it comes to cooking also. “Cooking is an art and minus emotions, art doesn’t stand true to its claim,” says India’s most celebrated chef in the West, Vikas Khanna. These are inextricably connected, he says.
Americans ask him how he became the first story of Indian cooking in their country and he tells them, “It is all because I put in a lot of heart.” Hailing from Amritsar, he shares his few childhood memories, which made him what he is today. “During 1984 riots, we would have little to eat. Everyday, my grandmother would give me potatoes boiled in salty water, as nothing would be available in those days. After I became fed up having it every day, I would say that I can’t have Aloo Curry everyday.” He adds that his grandmother would manipulate a bit to make him have food, “Her reply used to be, it is not Aloo Curry, it is Curry Aloo. And they would actually taste different. It was perhaps my first lesson that cooking is all driven by heart and emotion, as what you serve on the platter is love.” Cooking, he says is pure art. Not many know he is an artist is actual terms also, he is a sculptor, “I like to create art from stone,” he says. He believes “Only artists survive in the kitchen businessmen don’t.” As for the success he has tasted, he owes everything to her mother. He says, as “Every time I felt upset over my failure, she inspired me to get up and move again,” he says. He said that God has given him reason and the inspiration and blessings from his mother. When people ask him what makes him so successful, he credits his mother. “I don’t serve beef or pork in my one restaurant, which is actually one of the best in New York,” he says. He is travelling across the country and around, for he is working on a 4000 page book, “India - A Culinary Epoch.” He was surprised when he was offered to host Masterchef. Although he has hosted a number of cookery shows on The US TV channels, but hosting a show on Indian TV was different, since he barely knows how to converse in Hindi. “I had to undergo Hindi and Urdu training for the show.” But the Punjabi accent refuses to go and he doesn’t mind that, “I am a Punjabi at heart, why should I give up on the language.”
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Charting a new world
Revert back to a decade and a half and DJing, as a profession, invited scowls, while scuffle with the parents followed, meanwhile raised eyebrows and a reprimand or two from well wishers was just as much a part of the package. “I’m the first female DJ of the country,” DJ Kary Arora, in city for a gig at 10 Downing Street of Hotel Altius, puts her feet down, her face up and announces proudly.
With fifteen years of experience, questions on comparisons, then and now scenario inevitably follow. “It took a little time for people to accept. But then that’s the case with any new concept. Deejaying itself was unheard of and add to the fact, a female DJ.” Cut forward to now and there are ample reasons to revel in. “I’ve had girls walk up to me and say, it is so inspiring and re-assuring to look up to a female DJ from the dance floor.” On the same note, she adds, “I don’t care, if the club is big or small, it has to be a place from where you get a good vibe, where people appreciate what you are playing.” With a genre like Bollywood club commercial, it’s hard not to find a receptive crowd. ‘That’s what I play basically and to be honest, that is what people enjoy the most. As a deejay, my aim is to get everybody on the dance floor. Groovy is my kind of music.” Already behind is a track of Dangerous Ishq and on the cards is the title remix for movie Tukka Fit. “I’ve also signed a Bollywood movie, as a film director.” Meanwhile, she traveling and freelancing. “I love travelling, doing shows and freelancing.” manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Frozen delights
A hint of citrus, a dash of lime and an utterly creamy base. Near it is a fierce yellow mango sorbet that tastes of summer. Closer by you can whiff of a lovely aroma of fresh ice-cream cake and dollops of ice-cream scoops in an utterly crunchy cone, that’s the dream vision on a hot summer day. Though there are no two thoughts that frozen delights are the best way to beat the heat, we check what is our city offering!
Say freeze If you want natural, fat-free ice-cream than Monica’s Gelato’s in Sector 8 is one place you must visit. The best thing about this joint is it scoops the fresh flavours of the season in the ice-cream. “Lately we have introduced banana toffee, chiku and will soon be adding jamun to the flavours of ice-cream we serve,” says Monica. With almost 30 flavours to choose from here you can try the sorbets too. Available are strawberry, lemon, orange and fresh pineapple. Well, for people who avoid sugar they have sugar-free ice-creams and sorbets to be enjoyed in this melting heat. Price: Rs 90 Ice-ice baby Better known for his bakery products Nik Baker’s in Sector 35 and 9 too has a wide variety of gelatos, sorbets and ice-cream cakes to relish. Here you can choose from 20 flavours in geleto, two in sorbets and four in ice-cream cakes. “In gelato we have flavours right from whisky crème to mango tango, dutch chocolate, cookies n cream, bubble gum flavour especially for children, to hazel nut. In sorbets we make green apple and strawberry and for people who like ice-cream cakes we have Orio vanilla, twin flavour, blue berry and chocolate,” says Nikhil. Price: Rs 80 a scoop, Ice-cream cakes are priced at Rs 650 per kg to Rs 800. Pick your flavour Delhi’s popular name in ice-cream Gianni is now available in the tricity. At Panchkula, Sector 9, here you can relish desi as- well-as videshi flavours, there kulfi fluda, fruit ice-creams and yoghurt ice-creams are something that must be tried. Apart from this gelato and sorbets including the sugar free variety too is available with them. Price: Rs 25 a scoop.
Flavours around the world l
Ais kacang is a dessert in Malayisa and Singapore made from shaved ice, syrup, and boiled red bean. It is topped with evaporated milk and sometimes, other small ingredients like raspberries and durians are added in, too. l
Frozen custard is similar to gelato but is rare. Available in Italy it is known as Semifreddo. It has at least 10 per cent milk fat and at least 1.4 per cent egg yolk and much less air beaten into it. l
Halo-halo is a popular Filipino dessert that is a mixture of shaved ice and milk to which are added various boiled sweet beans and fruits, and served cold in a tall glass or bowl. l
Popsicle is a frozen fruit puree, fruit juice, or flavoured sugar water on a stick or in a flexible plastic sleeve. l
Snow cones, made from balls of crushed ice topped with sweet syrup served in a paper cone, is another popular ice-candy. (courtsey Internet)
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Breathe easy
Anil juneja Nadi shodhana pranayama
To start with, sit in any comfortable posture: padmasana, siddhasana or sukhasana. Make your breathing normal. Close your right nostril with your thumb and fill in the breath through the left nostril. When the breath has been filled inside, close the left nostril with your third finger and stay in this state of antrik kumbhaka for a few seconds. Then lift the thumb from the right nostril and exhale slowly, keeping the left nostril closed. Repeat the process by inhaling through the left nostril and exhaling through the right nostril. This will complete one full round of nadi shodhana pranayama. What needs to be emphasised in this process is the necessity of maintaining a ratio of rhythm in inhaling and exhaling. When you exhale after doing antrik kumbhaka (holding the breath in) your breath should not come out all at once in an uncontrolled way. Instead, it should be so regulated that it comes out very slowly and remains under your full control during this process. Hold your breath as long as you can conveniently do so; and when you release it, do it very slowly. When you have enough practice of this process, set your breathing in a regular way. Suppose, you take four seconds in inhaling, then retain it inside for 8 seconds and release it also in 8 seconds. That is, the ratio of the three processes should be 1: 2: 2. Increase the duration gradually after attaining the concentration of mind. Alternate nostril breathing should not be practiced if your nasal passages are blocked in any way. Forced breathing through the nose may lead to complications. At the slightest sign of discomfort, reduce the duration of inhalation/exhalation. (Juneja is a Chandigarh-based yoga expert)
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Chilling out with Poetry in the Café
The City Beautiful has a tradition of being home to some fine poets of English, Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi to name just a few: Kumar Vikal, Satyapal Anand, Shiv Kumar Batalvi, Prem Warburtoni, Amitoj, Manjit Tiwana and others. To keep the spirit of reciting and sharing verses alive, CULT (Cafia Utsav Literature-and-Art Trust) organised Poetry in the Cafe at the Flamm Bois Bistro in Sector 7, kind courtesy Karandeep Suri, who has been encouraging artistic and literary activity in his cafe. The recitations began with KG Verma reciting his translation into English of Tagore songs. Vijai Vardhan recited poems of friends and a one-liner he penned along with the celebrated lyricist Gulza: Khuda ab tum chale jao, woh aa gayi hai (God you may leave now, she has come). He along with Nirupama Dutt recited some poems by Vikal and the latter shared some anecdotes from Vikal's life. Ishwar Gaur recited Punjabi poems written on longing in the Sufi sense and giving a new word to such yearning as 'Shaukrha'. His poetry dealt with longing that chooses to stay away from attainment. Renee Singh recited eloquent verses on the theme of love, both finite and infinite, giving an added flavour to the cups of cappuccino and and latte. The grand finale came with Robin Gupta reciting a unique translation in English of Bahadur Shah Zafar's famous ghazal: Lagta nahi hai jee mera ujade dayar meing, which written out on the walls of his prison cell in Rangoon. CULT has plans to make this poetic exchange a monthly meet be it over coffee, lassi or something stronger. — TNS
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Frame to frame
A photography exhibition by Karan Gupta, a second year student of electronic engineering at VIT University. He developed a passion for photography a couple of years ago. His passion, to capture the perfect moment, makes him think that it is not compulsory to have an expensive camera to be a good photographer.
The exhibition My 36000 Words was inspired by the adage that a picture is worth a thousand of words. Each of the thirty six photographs have a story behind them. On at The Café Theatre, Alliance Francaise, Sector 36 till 22nd June.
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Learn to let go…
Renee singh ‘Why did she say this to me, how dare she insult me like this?’ My younger sister who is visiting from the US was busy complaining about a cousin who came to visit her. She was replaying a stressful conversation she had hours ago. Even the next day over dinner this conversation seemed to be the only topic of discussion. Some people find it very hard to let go of certain things. Many times frustrating things do happen in life and it bugs them for days. They become obsessive in their thought pattern thereby generating a whole lot of stress for themselves. Why do people obsess over things? Different people obsess over things in different ways and for different reasons. Some people are more prone to stress than others and it shows in different ways in their behaviour. Many times people want to get rid of a situation but due to a habitual thought pattern they are unable to do so and keep on replaying it. Some people look around for re assurance that they were right in their thinking, especially when somewhere deep inside they are not sure of themselves. Sometimes people try to get rid of obsessive thoughts by thinking aloud. Some enjoy playing the victim and keep repeating their stories. Some feel justified in getting rid of the responsibility of the action by obsessing over it. Some want to prevent certain things from happening in the future but can’t figure how to do it. Keep a time limit If you are seeking support from friends in getting rid of your obsessive habit then set yourself a time limit. Decide on how much time you are willing to give this problem, on talking about it. Keep your focus on a solution. Brainstorm solutions with a friend. Be open minded Even if you cannot empathise with someone who has hurt you with their harsh words you can try and understand their perspective. Be magnanimous. Come forth with an expanded consciousness, see to it that you can forgive them. You don’t necessarily have to agree with them but at least you can empathise. Learn to forgive Studies reveal that forgiveness is associated with lower heart rate and blood pressure as well as stress relief. It brings in long term health benefits for you, your heart and overall health. Learn to let go It is very important to let go of obsessive thoughts as they can cloud and influence every part of our life. Make it a habit to write down your obsessive thoughts and then tear up that page and throw it to the wind. Expressive writing This helps in breaking the habit pf stressing. Research has also shown that expressive writing was effective in reducing the symptoms of depression amongst those with a tendency towards brooding. Keep a gratitude journal Saying thank you for all the good in our lives helps us to forget all the negatives we see around us and we also find it easy to forgive and forget those who have intentionally tried to hurt us. Change your thoughts The basis of cognitive therapy is that the way you think about an event can shape the emotional response you have in a given situation. For example if you perceive a situation as a threat you respond differently. If you view it as a challenge you obviously view it differently. Once you begin to view and start understanding your thoughts and how they colour your experiences, you can use the information to reduce stress with a process known as cognitive re structuring. Change your behaviour You can also change your feelings by changing your behaviour. Take the ‘Fake it till you make it’ approach. Do this by making a few conscious choices to add some new stress management activities to your lives. Getting regular exercise, practicing meditation and a few days in the week and indulging yourself in your favourite hobby, these are some of the techniques you can use to relieve stress. Another effective way is to change your behaviour when you find yourself dwelling too much on the negative. Actively get involved in something that will take your mind off from whatever is stressing you. Patterns of negative and positive self talk often start in the childhood. These affect us in many ways, influencing the experience of stress in our lives. But anytime is a good time to change our thoughts. Give your self positive self talk, use your mind to boost your productivity and self esteem and watch yourself getting rid of stress. (Singh is a Chandigarh based psychotherapist)
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Feminine is fashionable
Ashima Batish
What's in: Fashion changes with the blink of eye. Even as the fall collections left the runway, we were already looking forward to the following summer season. The clearest and palest of pastels, ideal for silky fabrics are definitely in. We will also see pretty pumps in feminine colours.
What's out: Sheer maxi dresses are definitely not the flavour of the season. Party couture: In wine shade, partially embroidered silk chiffon gown with thigh-high side slit will make a great party dress. Colour count: Any shade reminiscent of sunshine and citrus summer fruits. This year yellow makes for one of the year’s strong colour trends.
Leading in design: Elie Saab, Armani. Fashion followers: Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Sonam Kapoor can never go wrong with fashion. Future collection: I drew with the best of my creative sensibilities with a fusion of royalty, elegance, glamour, luxury and modernism. This season you will see beautiful gowns, corsets and drapes with ivory whites, powder pinks in very feminine look. Sequins, silks, chiffons have been prominently used. The Indian fashion industry: With every passing year, we are getting bigger and better. The intricate technical craftsmanship, the genius of inspired design and a creatively charged atmosphere gives them a new platform to perform.
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star track
Chitrangada Singh is smouldering hot, gorgeous, enigmatic and stunning. There is a mysterious air about her. She had two hit films last year: Yeh Saali Zindagi and Desi Boyz. Here, she talks about Sudhir Mishra, her family and more.
On Sudhir Mishra I think he is an extremely intelligent filmmaker and he is one of his kinds. He gave me my first film. He has
found the actor in me and he believes in the actor in me even when I have my doubts. He has shown immense faith in me. So I am glad and extremely grateful to be associated with him. Ambition and all that It is difficult and there is no easy way out. I have to shuttle between Mumbai and Delhi all the time but this is what I want to do and I want this very badly so I try very hard and make it work. I want to do good work. As an actress, I will be more than happy if I get good parts in good movies with good directors. You cannot really plan and say that you want to be known in a particular way. I think that is very ambitious for me at this point of time. Style and subtlety My sense of style is simple and understated; something that suits me. The clothes I wear have to suit my body type because I am not a six-feet-tall model that you can throw anything on and it will look fantastic. I have to be comfortable in my skin and clothes. I am not brand conscious and do not follow trends blindly. I love wearing black because it suits my skin tone. I keep my make-up subtle. Smoking hot: Chitrangada Singh>>
Hair's how Celina does it …
Afghanistan beauty Celina Jaitley is now a mother of two boys. She owes her good looks, curvy figure and shiny black tresses to her mother. The Afghani-Punjabi actress shares some hair care tips with us. 1
My hair is like my mother's so I am genetically blessed with good hair. Honestly speaking, my hair doesn't require maintenance. However, the daily blow drying or curling does take a toll on my hair. So to counter those effects, I oil my hair regularly. Pure castor, almond, coconut and olive oils are very good for hair. 2
I have never coloured my hair and I don't use any modern methods or treatments for my hair. I rely on dadi maa ke nuske for my hair. I put a mixture of curd, henna and lemon in my hair. 3
My mother used to wash my hair with beer and I continue to do so to this day. It makes my hair shiny and bouncy. 4
I trim my hair every month, about 2-3 inches. It is important to trim your hair regularly to get rid of damaged hair. Quality is more important than quantity. 5
Lastly, don't fret too much over hair fall. When you stop worrying about it, hair fall will automatically stop. Don't fall for the latest hairstyle trends like colouring or bobs. If you have straight and thick hair, maintain a uniform length because that makes your hair shine better than layered hair. If you have long, thick and straight hair, value it and don't cut it. Nothing looks more gorgeous than long hair that shines with health.
The summer wedding...
Newly engaged Miley Cyrus reportedly wants to marry her fiancé Liam Hemsworth in summer 2013.
The 19-year-old actress-singer got engaged to Hemsworth on May 31 and is planning her nuptials next year, reported a publication.
"Nothing has been definite yet, she's just pretty much brainstorming everything about her wedding, I know she wants to have a summer wedding, something on the water maybe," a source said. — PTI
What's in an accent?
Twilight star Robert Pattinson is taking elocution lessons to reclaim his English accent because he has spent too much time in LA
The 26-year-old actor is one of Britain's most successful acting exports in Hollywood and will be next seen playing an Englishman in Bel Ami, reported a publication online. Christina Ricci, 27, his co-star in the film said that the actor hired an accent coach to maintain his mother tongue accent. "Rob hired an accent coach as he spent a lot of time in LA. He made fun of me as I was trying to be British and sounded like a Hollywood valley girl," Ricci said. Pattinson, who was educated at the 6,000 pounds-a-year at Harrodian school in South-West London, recently said that he felt "naked" when using his real accent in the film. — PTI English man: Robert Pattinson
Lucky mascot
Shanghai has opened to glowing reviews across the board. Everybody has been praised. We hope that since it is a genuinely good movie, it does well!
We think Emraan Hashmi's pull will work for this movie too.
Round the clock
The crew of Bipasha Basu's fitness DVD celebrated by cutting a cake and having a party for her before she left for IIFA. She has been working round the clock to complete the new DVD.
Ripple effect
Kareena's item song has not even released yet but is already making
Plastic touch
Actress Jada Pinkett Smith is facing plastic surgery rumours after she was spotted with plump cheeks recently. The 40-year-old's cheeks looked plump while promoting her new film Madagascar 3, sparking speculation she may have had cosmetic surgery done. "The Hawthorne star appears to have returned to the hospital for a little plastic surgery, causing her cheeks to look plumped up. It's also possible that this dramatic change in her appearance is due to surgical augmentation with solid silicone cheek implants," said celebrity plastic surgeon Dr Anthony Youn, who has not treated the actress. Jada recently said that her svelte figure is the result of not overeating. "I don't eat for pleasure. I eat for my schedule so I have to eat high-protein, lots of greens and healthy carbs so that I don't fall flat on my face," she had said. — PTI Rumour spree: Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith
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Simple and sensible
Saurab Raj Jain, who is currently seen as Yuvraj in Colors show Uttaran and as Vishnu in Mahadev on Life OK, is an immensely talented actor. He says he is very simple and down to earth. He loves to read a lot. Also he loves to travel, and ventureout to new places and is a very friendly person.
Fitness matters
Actor Arhaan Behl shares his fitness mantra and eating habits with us.
Working out Unfortunately, I cannot got to the gym regularly because of my hectic work schedule. However, I do make it a point to work out at least four days a week. I am not into bodybuilding, so I do weight training three times a week and I do cardio once a week. I normally work out for one and a half hour each day. Heavy breakfast Breakfast is the first meal of the day and I really have a heavy breakfast that includes paranthas, eggs, sandwiches, a glass of milk and coffee. To balance my heavy breakfast, I keep my lunch very lean. It includes a lot of green vegetables. My dinner is even lighter. I just have some homemade food and I try to have it by 8 pm. Exercising regularly I have realised that exercising is as important as eating healthy. Exercising tones your body and helps you feel better. So, make it a point to work out on a regular basis. It is important for a healthy lifestyle and the benefits of regular physical activity are well-established. Not only does it make you look good, it improves your health as well.
Karan understands dance
Filmmaker Karan Johar will be one of the judges in the fifth season of
the dance reality show, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. Although he is not a dancer, his
experience behind the screen has made him understand what dance is all about.
Karan will be joined by dancing diva Madhuri Dixit and choreographer Remo
D'Souza on the judges’ panel. Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5 goes on air on June 16 on
Colors.
To love or not to love?
Maanvi (Niaa Sharma), the bubbly character from the show Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hain (EHMMBH) on Star Plus, has shown great maturity in handling the emotional stress and strain associated with her cancer illness.
And now, Maanvi will realise that she has fallen in love with Virat (Kushal Tandon), the boy who has always cared and supported her.
She will almost reach a situation where she is about to confess her love for him, but will stop when she realises that she is suffering from cancer.
New entry
Star Plus’ show Pratigya saw the entry of Mohit Malik as the parallel
lead Abhimanyu Singh Yadav, who is a lawyer by profession. Pratigya (Pooja
Gor) will approach Abhimanyu to defend Krishna (Arhaan Behll). But the twist
in the tale will happen when Abhimanyu will accept the case from Shyamji’s
side (Pratigya’s father) and will in fact fight the case to convict
Krishna.
It’s the time disco!
Ferrari Ki Sawaari actors, Boman Irani and Sharman Joshi, had a lot of fun
and masti with the kids of Zee TV’s DID L’il Masters.
They danced on
Anarkali Disco Chali along with little Shreya Acharya.
They also made sure that
Mithun Chakraborthy and judge Geeta Kapoor joined them in their dance.
Game for it
Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine loves British game shows like Deal or No Deal and Countdown. He admits that programmes fronted by Noel Edmonds and Nick Hewer are amongst his favourites. "Shows like Deal or No Deal and Countdown are brilliant.
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Astro turf
ARIES: The Knight of Swords gives you a new vision but overindulgence will lead to trouble. Be attentive toward the ones you love, and let bygones be bygones with those who have upset you in the past. Tarot message: Your determination to succeed will pay dividends. Lucky colour: Saffron.
Magic number: 50 TAURUS: The Princes of Cups infuses you a youthful disposition so you will be flirtatious, but be careful not to ignore or hurt the one who counts most in your life. Love can take a turn if you aren't thoughtful. Tarot message: Must learn to accept responsibility for self and others. Lucky colour: Silver grey. Magic number: 44 GEMINI: You won't be able to count on anyone. Be responsible and you will start the day on the right foot. Perhaps one particularly attractive person will show that you can mix business with pleasure. CANCER: It's time to clear the air and rid yourself of all the burdens you've been carrying on your shoulders. A social event or gathering might put you in touch with some interesting people. Tarot message: Use your instinct to get into the top circle of power. LEO: Recent professional setbacks can easily be turned into triumph. Don't yield VIRGO: You are on a winning streak. Play the odds, but don't bet what you can't afford to lose. You are more than ready to make a LIBRA: Today your mind should be on money, reveals the Magician. Attend any event that will place you with people you find stimulating. A Cancerian surprises you with a generous gift. Tarot message: Do not divest assets or transact in uncertain matters. SCORPIO: Don't let anyone make you feel guilty. Someone wants to ruin your plans. Stay calm and refuse to let anyone get SAGITTARIUS: Nine Cups, full of light lotus blossoms, greet you today as loving relationship flower with commitments. The day headed your way with great new possibilities. Avoid romantic entanglements. Tarot message: Lay emphasis on spiritual needs. Lucky colour: Metallic
grey.Magic number: 28 CAPRICORN: You will dazzle everyone if you put yourself in the mainstream today. This is a perfect time to entertain or to let others entertain you. A chance to do things a little differently will lead to changes. Tarot message: Don’t forsake a new learning opportunity because of pride. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 56 AQUARIUS: Be careful not to do anything that might get you into trouble. Going away for the weekend or visiting good friends will be a great way to bring in the PISCES: You can have all the fun you want, but make sure you have someone you can count. There is a danger that you may take on more than you can cope with.
The year ahead
If your birthday is June 11...
Your energy levels hit the sky and you are mostly in a good frame of mind. You appreciate all that life has to offer and feel grateful for it. The year will be filled with many great moments, especially the months of November and March in 2013. Projects at work will move ahead at a fast pace and you will accomplish a lot during this time. This is the right year for you to start something of your own. You seek freedom and want to work independently. There's nothing that can stop you from realising your dreams and making them a reality. Friends will be there for you and will make you feel happier than ever. The Number 11 gives a streak of humanitarianism. As lovers, you are a romantic. You aren’t selfish but extremely considerate. The year 2012 will see you at your productive best. Life is complicated and not always clear. Don't stop and try to figure it out. Avoid anything that requires a serious investment of time or freedom; keep your options wide-open right now. If you can avoid signing up for anything long-term, that's a win. If you are an employee, your superior's attitude will annoy you, even if you are aware this was caused by your own error. Be patient for just a little while longer. Soon everything will start falling into place. You will be surprised at what you learn. Many questions will be answered. Do not give up on the puzzle that has been so frustrating. Now is not the time to walk away. Small problems get solved. Extra work of some kind may irritate you. Your aggression is on a rise. Don’t argue with elders. You will finally come out of emotional setback. Someone younger will offer financial support. Visit to a holy place will boost energy. Investing on property will be a smart idea. Career wise, a very favorable period has started. Friends gather for a variety of reasons and you may be centerstage for some of them. Promotions might happen. You will be involved in activities that require much physical effort. You need to be careful while travelling. Mood: Slightly aggressive and easily annoye. Compatible signs: Aries, Libra. Lucky colours: Blue, Beige Lucky days: Sunday and Monday. Lucky numbers: 19, 60, 62, 66. Lucky flower: Orange rose. Suggestion on birthday: Donate ice cream, butter milk, sweetened water at a religious place.
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It’s not just the sparkling dresses and sensuous bodies that make for an ‘item’, its weird lyrics too. How would one validate Bedi jalaile leh jigar se piya or Anarkali disco chali. The latter even invited wrath for messing up history but when Bipasha or Malaika set the screen on fire, very few turned off the TV. One can blame the lyricists along with the director for it but then there are writers like Irshad Kamil who give item numbers with their own signature touch. You wouldn’t mind humming on Le Teri Ho Gayi Yaar Sajna Ve Sajna (Chameli) to date, right? 
Item songs have invited criticism for commodifying female body. But in the materialistic world we live in, boys don’t want to remain behind women, in any field even if it’s revealing bods. Ishaqzaade’s Hua Chokra Jawan Re looks hot more on account of Arjun Kapoor and his body baring act than just Guahar Khan’s conventional luring moves. Each to one’s own, when ‘perfectionist’ Aamir Khan does it in I hate you, like I love you for Delhi Belly or dishy dude John Abraham Rum and Whisky, few can complain!
If Imported Kamaria (Shanghai) is the latest buzz, there are few more in the pipeline:
Pranayama is controlled breathing technique which
teaches us how to consciously maintain a slow deep breath at all times to
prevent and minimize excess states of anxiety. Nadi shodhana pranayama or
Alternate nostril breathing is the best technique to calm the mind and the
nervous system. It clears the pranic blockages and balances ida and pingala
nadis, causing sushumna nadi to flow, which leads to deep states of meditation
and spiritual awakening. It encourages the mind to higher levels of
discrimination, concentration and thoughts. It is beneficial in the ailments of
the nervous system, lungs and hypertension.
Mandira Wirk needs no introduction. The influence of the London School of Fashion has always been evident in her creations, which don’t flaunt over-the-top embroideries. They rather have simple, structured silhouettes, yet something that makes one look every bit fashionable. Mandira makes a fashion forecast.
Pick floral patterns in sprawling digital prints, dating back to the Roman times. Keep the rest of your look minimally accessorised. Choose a demure look with cut out work in clean shapes. Laces are a favourite again. 
Go for lime blossom, mint green, cream, soft blues, lupin, hemp hue and whites. Candy colours are perfect for this summer.
Former Central Minister and former CM of Bihar, Lalu Prasad Yadav (June 11, 1947, Phulwaria, Bihar) also celebrates his birthday with you. At the age of 29, he was one of youngest members of Parliament. He is famous for his charismatic leadership, humour and scams. In his horoscope, there are various Raj Yogas. Murcury in ascendant makes him extremely shrewd and jovial. He is the only CM whose wife also became a CM because of Jupiter’s presence in Spouse house. His lost glory will be restored after 2014 when he would be out of seven and half period of Saturn.