Little, black…wow!
The Little Black Dress (LBD) continues to be an iconic creation after so many years; fashion designers tell us what makes it so special…
Ashima Batish

This black's evergreen! Even those who swear by the avant-garde fashion unanimously agree to the Little Black Dress - which by the way is 'just' less than a century-old in fashion —being here and forever. It soon got de-abbreviated after Coco Chanel came up with the original version during the early 1920s. The faith in the style quotient of an LBD was reposed once again by Kangana Ranaut very recently; she tip-toed at the L'Oreal Femina Awards in an LBD with an Audrey Hepburn look, which got the fashion police talking. And on the same lines, all this while, many celebs have endorsed the iconic outfit and as many number of designers have come up with their adaptation of it, each promising to make the wearer look ultra-chic.

Fashion designer Nachiket Barve, known for creating magic with the six-yard cloth, didn't mind picking up two meters of organza fabric to create an LBD for Kalki Koechlin. He used form-fitted sheet to create the shimmer look. "It's a timeless trend. The dress actually came into limelight after Audrey Hepburn sported it but since then, every Hollywood and Bollywood female actor must have worn it." He feels that when it comes to Western outfits, nothing flatters a woman's body more than an LBD. The classic outfit was also endorsed by Preity Zinta and Sonakshi Sinha.

If Nachiket's silhouette of the LBD was straight and simple, the fashion designer duo of Nikhil Shantanu used their signature style of drapes to add volume to the otherwise straight, structured dress. There is a lot of scope for experimentation with an LBD. So many looks can be created and each promises an easy style. "It has always been an intrinsic part of a woman's wardrobe. The most readymade pick for any party, yet LBD will never be considered a done-to-death fashion trend." The timeless, classic design will also be a part of Aneeth Arora's next fall winter collection. Known for using and reviving traditional textiles of India, LBD, as a part of her collection, will be no different. "All in a bid to make it eternally beautiful; LBD in a way will help me bring to the forefront a long-forgotten textile."

Rest is history

It was on October 1, 1926, that the Little Black Dress officially came into being. An illustration of what is also known as Chanel's Ford Dress got printed in the American Vogue Magazine. There is also a story behind the dress - the designer started wearing black to mourn her boyfriend's death. What's now known as LBD was a gradual outcome of that.

An LBD comes to the rescue, especially when one is confused about what to pick and someone who wants to hide the flab! Abdul Haldar, famous fashion designer, doesn't have the account of LBDs he has created in his career spanning over fifteen years. "Any celebrity known for immaculate style from Posh to Priyanka Chopra, Paris Hilton to Sonakshi Sinha, have at some or other point of time worn an LBD," he says.

Another celeb well-known for her sense of style is socialite and jewellery designer Queenie Singh. She recently wore a tube LBD for a leading magazine's shoot. "It's formal, yet sexy. You don't have to try hard to make a statement with it. Wear a little black dress and rest is taken care of. Black suits all shapes and sizes and when you keep it short, a few inches above the knees, the black becomes evergreen." Coco Chanel surely deserves a huge round of applause for one of the biggest fashion inventions ever-the LBD, making us re-abbreviate it as Love the Black Dress!

More than just glitz
Maureen Wadia wields her magic wand to promote innocence and character among children
Vasudha Gupta

Maureen Wadia
Maureen Wadia

She can't do without her coffee. She does not like cold feet. She ensures her people get food in time. She humbly apologises for being late. That is Maureen Wadia without the glitz, glamour, lights and flashbulbs! In Chandigarh for the final auditions of the Gladrags Miss and Master India North Zone Contest, she talks about exactly everything beyond beauty pageants. As she settles after dodging children and obliging the flashlights, Maureen unveils her real, authentic side.

Charity course

If you thought everything about Maureen revolves around the modelling industry, think again. The lady spends most of her time in the Jerbai Wadia Pediatrics Hospital, Parel, and spends equal time at the woman's hospital. Open only for those below the poverty line, she knows that her family is into charity and does not go around screaming about it! "India is one country that can do a lot with charity. If all of us contribute half of how much we have into charity, the world will be a better place," says Maureen.

Child's play

"I am surprised as to how the parents in Punjab and sadly also in Maharashtra are busy spoiling their kids today," she says. But the mere mention of her grandchildren makes all worries vanish. "My grandchildren are free to go out and play. I hate to monitor them all the time and give them too much technology," she says. With a crashed phone, Maureen today feels more liberated than on a regular day. "Technology is good, but it is making us illiterate," she adds. From playing in the mud to playing around with a khurpi is what her grand-kids do around her house. "Parents today have stars in their eyes, they don't understand that showbiz is a dicey affair," she shares.

Model talk

From picking out gorgeous faces and guiding them into stronger personalities, Maureen does more than just that. "It's important to have the right direction in life," she says. For her, not all aspiring models can break into Bollywood. This tends to direct her to guide them better. "I have seen several models who are quietly working in a regular nine to five job and are happy with their lives. I am not a godmother and will not make everyone into a Priyanka Chopra. As long as you are in the right place at the right time and have a little stroke of luck, nothing works," she says.

Time to contest

The special auditions of the Gladrags Miss and Master India North Zone contest is being organised after the initial screen process, which took place recently. Ms Maureen Wadia, President Gladrags Beauty Pageants, Dr Gary Sandhu and Ms Candy Brar form the judges' panel and will be short-listing twenty more children for the grand finale, which will be held in Mumbai.

vasudha@tribunemail.com

The bling factor
Go in for the chic traditional potli bags which are hot and happening this season
Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra

It’s been long that you carried that shiny little rectangular clutch to every party. Why don’t you switch to something traditional, yet classy? Switch to Surukku pai (it’s not the name of a South Indian dish), an ethnic alternate to the glossy clutch! Not too may people are aware of it, but Surukku pai is definitely hot as a chic accessory.

Cute looking little potlas, as we may call them, have been storming the market and it’s definitely the trend to follow!

“Both a tradition and fashion, the original ones were made of checked and stripe lungi fabric, but now we have raw silk, cotton and brocade laced pais or potli bags in vogue,” says

an employee of Fabindia. Made of raw silk and cotton in fluorescent colours such as pink, parrot green, lemon yellow, blue and bright red, they move fast off the shelves. And to catch

the attention of youngsters, some even have laces, gottas, beads and chamkis stitched to those.

“Potli bags have been quite a rage and the ones with brocade borders are favoured by the ladies,” says an employee from Drish in sector 17. He adds, “Change is always welcome and potli bags bring the tradition alive and these days people want the thread with a salangai or bell, so that it jingles.” That’s not all, these bags are also being used as return gifts for marriages

instead of suhag baskets. For more stylish ones if you visit Rishikesh or Haridwar you are bound to find extra large potli bags with lot of bling and traditional embroidery, but here they are designed like backpacks. Pull the string and make a knot and it becomes a backpack. Foreign tourists use these for carrying cameras and tripods.

“Appeal and quality both have been kept in mind, while crafting these designer potli bags,” says Anup from Bittu Fashioners in Sector 27. “While it’s the velvet and kundan embroidered potli bags that are in vogue. Patterns like floral and leaf motifs are certain to accentuate your glamour in a jiffy. As for the embroidered fabrics mix and match patches like zari an brocade silk, which has self-pattern on them are largely being used.” A fashionista's pick for sure, potli bags are a definite click for the season!

Bag full of information

n Potli Bags have been in usage since Vedic civilization for carrying money as well as personal belongings.
n According to great epic Ramayana, Lakshman followed his brother Rama during exile carrying a potli bag.
n Mahabharata also mentions Arjun hiding his weapon potli bag over a tree during his stay in Virata kingdom.
n Today, handcrafted potli bags reflect the culmination of several Indian artwork comprising of sequin, beads, stones, embroidery, mirror and so on.
n Potli bags of large size are being used in Australia and New Zealand with the name of money swag bags.
n Foot travellers or swagmen also use these bags for carrying personal belongings, including bedroll.
n Santa Claus is also depicted carrying a potli bag filled with toys and sweets over his shoulder in some nations.

(Courtesy Internet)

Punjabi Tadka
Singing all the way…
Jasmine Singh

He carries the Wadali baton forward with his passion in singing. Lakhwinder Wadali is known to be scared of performing in front of his father and uncle. Having made his debut in 2004 with his album Bulla, he also went on to participate in a singing reality show Music ka Mahamuqabla in 2010. Otherwise an introvert, Lakhwinder has a different side to him as well, which starts and ends with music.

Sufi music to me

A soul connection with God, something on which I thrive. This is one of the ways to worship the Almighty.

Songs I could have sung better

I think I could have done a good job with my second album. Had I worked a little more on the songs, it would have turned out just fine.

Collaborations, why not

I would love to work with AR Rahman and Sukhwinder Singh. These two are the maestros in music, and it would be a great opportunity to sing with them.

Lakhwinder, the singer or actor

The singer, of course. I don’t think I am good at acting. Being an actor is a full time job that requires an understanding of lot many skills. I don’t think I am any good with it.

A secret not many people know…

I get nervous if I have to perform with my father. I get the jitters; I feel his eyes are scanning me all the time.

No more reality shows

Singing reality shows are good but I think one gets bored of them at some stage. I have got many offers to participate in singing reality shows but I don’t feel like being part of those. Most participants do it to get noticed, and I guess I have it already.

Bollywood or Punjabi film industry

As a singer I would like to sing both in Bollywood and for Punjabi music industry. I am working on some Hindi film projects, and I guess I have done pretty well.

One for the soul

Lakhbir Lakha(L) with Kanhaiya Mittal
Lakhbir Lakha(L) with Kanhaiya Mittal

Bhajan singer Kanhaiya Mittal has come up with a devotional album titled Shyam Teri Balle Balle, which was released by bhajan exponent Lakhbir Singh Lakha on Tuesday. Sharing his views about the album, Lakha says, “This is a commendable effort by Kahniya Mittal, as he has pepped up the bhajans in an unconventional manner, which not only energises the devotees but also inspires the youth of today to stay away from drugs and lead a healthy, peaceful life.”

“Some songs like Shyam tere bhakton ko tera hi sahara, which is based on rampant dowry cases, and Aisi masti aur kahaan milegi, which reflects the burgeoning blind faith in people, are very relevant as they highlight serious issues that are plaguing the society today,” says 22-year-old Mittal. Based on the theme of reaching out to disoriented youth in a spiritual manner, the album has eight songs that have been composed by music director AJ Gill. — TNS

New-age love
Nikhil Mukhija’s book claims to rewrite the script of your love life forever…
Mona

Nikhil Mukhija
Nikhil Mukhija

A love story
Boy: I love you.
Girl: Sorry…
Boy: I will die for you.
Girl: I am Sorry…
Boy: I will give you a car.
Girl: Really?
Boy: Sorry!!!

This is a small excerpt from Nikhil Mukhija’s non-fiction work You & Me Our relationship, which is an attempt to decode ‘love’ into a ‘formula’ by the confident 20-year-old. And his take on love — ‘just an overrated concept’. This budding writer got down to writing the book for a very personal reason, “One of my friends was on the brink of committing suicide because of a break-up. I wanted to write about suicide, but knew that no one will buy or read such a book, so I wrote this book. It does have a chapter on suicide though.”

The book, addressed to boys (the ‘angels’ can use it as well, according to the writer), comes with different chapters that tackle various issues — pseudo love, definitions, female mind anatomy, suicide et al. Full of gyan, it dissects the different factors that contribute to love - external appearance, behaviour etc. And also one-liners like - ‘Irony of Indian culture. Sirf pyar se pet nahi bharta, you gotta have the dollars too’.

Most of the times the love we see around is ‘superficial’, believes Nikhil. He elaborates, “Ninety per cent of the movies, advertisements and songs are about love. It’s as if one is under pressure to fall in love.” Nikhil, who is interested in psychology, gathered notes over the years and took some two months compiling the book, followed by long, rigorous e-mail exchanges that helped him find publishers.

An engineering student, Nikhil is waiting for his results. “If they are good, I will write more, if bad I will have to cover up in studies,” says the guy who apart from continuing his studies, aims for a prestigious B-school in near future. Published by Mahaveer Publishers, the book is priced at Rs 125.

mona@tribunemail.com

HEART talk
Team spirit
Parvesh Rana

I am 20 and working in a call centre. I work with a team of 12 people. I have a problem adjusting in the group. I want to quit my job. Kindly suggest what should I do?

Priya, Mohali

Quitting the job is not the solution. Try talking to them and see where the problem lies. At the same time, don’t try to be part of the group so much. Be easygoing, talk to them and do your work to the best of your ability.

I am a 32-year-old-married man. I head an all- women’s team, and I find it difficult to deal with them sometimes. What should I do?

Harinder Singh, Panchkula

You are a lucky man! You shouldn’t feel out of place, deal with them as professionals. If you have some problem with the group, you should talk to them and sort it out. As a team leader you are expected to take care of the team. You should listen to their problems and try to sort it in a professional manner. Women are also pretty professional so you will not face any problem if you can deal with them properly.

(Rana is a television anchor)

trendsetter
Best foot forward

Mankirat Kaur Grewal
Mankirat Kaur Grewal

In the bygone days beauty given by the almighty attracted coveted looks but in to day’s era it is those who can effectively combine style with a confident attitude who are the head turners. Winsome and tall, commerce student Mankirat Kaur Grewal gives lot of importance to proper footwear to denote style

Your sense of style

To be stylish one needs to dress according to the occasion and according to one’s figure. To me suitable and smart foot wear is the true indication of style.

Latest addition to your treasure of clothing or accessories…

I can’t get my eyes off my new black hand bag for it is so trendy.

Brand crazy or street pick ups?

Comfortable in both. it is all again a question of suitability.

Your style icon would be…

Undoubtedly Katrina Kaif who looks good in everything she wears.

Who do you think is the worst-dressed celebrity?

Vidya Balan, even though she is a good actress.

Which look would your prefer – sporty, chic or glamorous?

Chic mostly!

One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension…

Obese people wearing short kurtis and tights in the name of fashion really bug me.

Your take on accessories?

Accessories are very important to complete one’s look but not too much , they should highlight but not overshadow!

What gives you a high on the confidence level…

Confidence comes naturally when one is comfortably dressed with the right foot wear to complete ‘the look’.

 (As told to Poonam Bindra)

star track
Sonakshi scores a century

After Priyanka Chopra, Kareena Kapoor, Katrina Kaif and Asin, it's Sonakshi Sinha. The actress who debuted with Dabangg is enjoying the success of her second film Rowdy Rathore.

The film has reportedly garnered Rs 101.5 crore. After Agneepath and Housefull 2, its third film of 2012 to join the Rs 100 crore club, making Sinha one of the most bankable stars in the industry. But that's not it. Sonakshi who is presently shooting for Dabangg 2 seems to have another century on her hands.

Sonakshi took her excitement on Twitter and thanked her fans. "It's a century and counting!!! THANK YOU to everyone who's spent their hard earned money on that ticket that's gone into making Rowdy Rathore the massive hit it's become! I'm sure our hero Prabhudeva and Superhero @akshaykumar feel the same :) Ilaka teraaa... Dhamaka humara :D" she wrote.

Moreover, the buzz is that the makers of the film are now planning a prequel to the film. And if it's true we wonder if Sonakshi would score another century.

Bankable star: Sonakshi Sinha

Chakradhaar's music launch...

Abhishek Anand at the launch
Style check: Abhishek Anand at the launch

National Award winning director Madhur Bhandarkar unveiled the music of upcoming film Chakradhaar along with the lead actor, debutant Abhishek Anand, Akhilendra Mishra, music director Anand Raj Anand and producer Bharat Anand recently in Noida. Presented by Sir JVM Movies Pvt Ltd, directed by Shakur Sir, Dharamprakash and Produced by Bharat Anand, Chakradhaar is a movie based on the struggle and fight against corruption. There are four songs in the movie, Har Mod Pe (Shaan), Bin Tere (Anand Raaj Anand), Billori (Mamta Sharma and (Anand Raaj Anand) and Chakradhaar (Sukhwinder Singh).

"The music is very pleasing to the ear, a good job done. And I wish Abhishek the very best for the beginning of his career," said Bhandarkar.

The movie also stars Urvashi Sharma, Vidya Malvade, Akhilendra Mishra, Govind Namdev, Darshan Jariwala, Yashpal Sharma, Ganesh Yadav, Rajesh Shringarpure, Mrinalini Sharma and Zakir Hussain. The movie is set to release across the country on June 15.

Shravan is a simple but righteous son of a peon who joins Banaras University for his post graduation on his father's insistence. He is romantically inclined toward the principal's daughter. A university topper and a man of principles, Shravan notices that a lot of corruption is happening in the university. He actively involves himself in the fight against corruption. This fight doesn't go unnoticed by the local MLA Dharmraj Chaudhary, who finds ways to push Shravan to the edge and destroys everything in his life. After Shravan's life is saved by an honest cop, he makes a pledge to fight back. — HRM

Farhan Akhtar Rock on...

Farhan Akhtar is sporting a bandana these days because he has grown his hair long for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. Looks like he is going back to his Rock On days. Long hair suits him!

Farhan Akhtar

Writing tips from Bolly writer Anvita

Still from Bachna Ae Haseeno
Filmy fable: Still from Bachna Ae Haseeno

Anvita Dutt Guptan is the woman behind the genuinely funny dialogues and fun songs of Bachna Ae Haseeno and Dostana. She has also written songs for Shanghai, and contributed to mass entertainers like Housefull and Kambakkht Ishq. She has worked with Yash Raj Films as well. She tells us what it takes to be a good writer.

1You have to grow up watching Gulzaar Saab's movies and listening to his songs. Movies like Chupke Chupke and Angoor have inspired me to write.

2Do your songs with Vishal and Shekhar and other good composers because they will always turn out good.

3Work with exacting directors like Tarun Mansukhani and Siddharth Anand because they know exactly what they want and can get the best from you. Work with people who are clear about what they want.

4Love people, love to talk, love to listen, love to observe and notice changes in people. Then you will be able to write for different situations. Be a happy and relaxed person and express yourself.

5It is very important to read. Whenever I have writer's block, I read graphic novels, watch Chupke Chupke or Angoor, clean the physical clutter by cleaning your cupboard or go for coffee with your friend and gossip. Before you know it, your mental writing block will disappear.

Shraddha Kapoor Shraddha moves ahead

Shraddha Kapoor's career is finally going somewhere. She has a film opposite Arjun Kapoor with YRF and two sequels with the Bhatts with Aditya Raj Kapoor and Shaad Randhawa. Good going, girl!

Lucky girl: Shraddha Kapoor's

Well-mannered VidyaVidya Balan

Vidya Balan received her best actress award at IIFA from Kamal Haasan and touched his feet. She also touched her idol Rekha's feet after receiving her award.

idol wordhip:
Vidya Balan

Stay healthy with Diaz

Actress Cameron Diaz is writing her first book about the importance of nutrition and how to stay healthy for young girls.

The 39-year-old has taken inspiration from her friend Gwyneth Paltrow's weekly lifestyle journal to pen down her own book. "Cameron has become very close to Gwyneth and it's been very interesting for her to see what Gwyneth is doing with Goop," said a source.Cameron Diaz

"She's been inspired by Gwyneth and the way she uses her fame to influence and help people. Now Cameron wants to do the same," the source added. — IANS

Nutrition wise: Cameron Diaz

Rihanna, at a breaking point?

Rihanna
Wild life: Rihanna

Rihanna, who has reportedly reached a "breaking point" after months of wild partying, has doctors fearing for her health. The troubled star, 24, has told pals she is both physically and mentally exhausted and is "feeling lost".

The 24-year-old crooner's friends claimed that RiRi was struggling to cope as her hectic non-stop party lifestyle finally took its toll. But experts insist that a string of bizarre messages and pictures she has put on Twitter revealed that she could have a mental disorder. They claimed that she was showing signs of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD).

"She's reached breaking point. Ri says she's physically and mentally exhausted and feeling lost," said a source.

"I think she desperately needs help and some time off, not just from work but from all the other stresses of her life, too.

The songstress has been often pictured jetting around the world attending a string of showbiz parties.

She first sparked fears for her health after Tweeting pictures of herself hooked up to a drip in hospital.

"Rihanna's erratic behaviour could indicate that she suffers from NPD. Symptoms are an exaggerated sense of self-importance and a need for constant admiration, which Rihanna shows by posting semi nude pics," Relationship psychologist Jo Hemmings said.

"If she does have NPD, with counselling she could recognise the damage she's causing," Hemmings added. — ANI

Learning curveDhanush

South Indian star Dhanush plays a Bengali in his film with Aanand L Rai. Sonam Kapoor is his co-star. He plays a Hindi-speaking Bengali boy and has been visiting Kolkata incognito to pick up nuances and mannerisms for his character.

Bengali connection:
Dhanush

chatter box
Confessions of a shopaholic

Jia Manek
Compulsive spender: Jia Manek

Saath Nibhana Sathiya's Gopi aka Jia Manek might not be doing the show anymore but is working hard for her dance reality show. This 20-something girl loves shopping and here she talks about her favourite pastime.

How do you pamper yourself?

I go for spa treatments regularly and if I don't get time for that, a lady masseuse comes home and gives me a full body massage with olive oil for 2-3 hours. It simply relaxes me and I find myself in another orbit.

What do you do for leisure?

I shop for leisure. I also feel shopping gives me a great kick. I enjoy hanging out with my friends, sleeping, watching movies, eating out, especially delicious non-veg food. I love chicken and fish.

Where do you shop often?

I like to shop at Bandra and Lokhandwala in Mumbai often. I am not brand conscious and believe whatever you wear, you should be able to carry it off well. If you wear brands but it doesn't suit you, what is the point?

What do you like to shop for mostly?

Short skirts, tube tops and one piece dresses. My wardrobe is full of such clothes but I never feel I have enough.

What is the craziest thing you bought?

During my trip to Switzerland, I bought 29 different varieties of lip gloss. It was crazy as I already have some 20 odd ones at home. And all of them come with an expiry date so I don't think I would be able to use them to the fullest.

What did you shop for in Switzerland?

I bought the famous bell of DDLJ fame for myself and some friends. I also bought T-shirts for my friends and dad, loads of chocolates, perfume, a cool mobile cover for my handset and some funky key chains.

Wrap-up time

Once again buzz is that star plus's show Navya will end soon in June. The show was to go off air a few months ago but was later shifted to 6pm slot from its original 10pm slot. The unit hasn't got any official confirmation.

This one's a nightmare!

While Udayveer (Ashish Kapoor) and Manyata (Priyal Gor) got engaged, a new twist awaits Manyata in Dekha Ek Khawaab. She will bump into Akash, who is called Aryan now. She will be shocked to see him alive and with a girlfriend. He won't recognise or talk to her.

Will she, won't she?Mandira Bedi

Mandira Bedi is being considered for Zee TV's Horror show produced by Contiloe. The show called Fear Files - Dar Ki Sacchi Tasveerein will be based on real life stories in a docu-drama form. Mandira will be the narrator. The channel was considering other actors including Vikram Bhatt but Mandira might win the bet.

Fear factor:
Mandira Bedi

Matter of interest

Ravi Gossain Ravi Gossain will be back in a TV show, Madhubala, in the role of a corrupt inspector who will harass the lead Madhubala (Drasti Dhami). This interesting character will also have a flavour of comedy, which will make it appealing.


comic Streak:
Ravi Gossain

Apoorva Agnihotri Not a great comeback!

TV show Aasmaan Se Aage on Life OK will soon go off air and that has surprised and shocked TV actor Apoorva Agnihotri, who returned to television with the show. The poor rating of the show was the prime reason for it being axed. It failed to catch the viewers imagination.

Poor show: Apoorva Agnihotri

Lady luck shines

Karan Singh Grover might be seen in a show based on crime on Zee TV. After his popularity as Dr. Armaan on Star One's TV show Dill Mill Gayye, he tried his luck in films but it didn't work out. His second wife, Jennifer Winget seems to be lucky for him.

Image makeover

With Pratyusha Banerjee aka Anandi all set to romance Shiv in the show Balika Vadhu soon, Gauri (Anjum Farroki) too is going for a makeover. Working in a posh hospital, her standard of living will improve and she will be leaving salwar-kameez behind and seen in denims and short kurtis.

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Sacrifices made today can put you in a far better place in future. Promotion? Talk to your boss. Now is the time to sit at home and relax. Real estate transactions should not be started. Tarot message: Now is the need to question the value of what you own. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 60

TAURUS: Your card reveals that you could stretch your relationship a bit too far. Speak your mind to clear misunderstandings with your beloved. Youngsters may have differences with parents. Tarot message: Don't be too certain about obtaining a clearance or permission right now. Lucky colour: Ebony.Magic number: 42

GEMINI: It is a day to forget all your worries. Talk to superiors and see what they can offer. Romance is likely to be on your mind. Sportsmen may feel restless. Confide in a friend. Tarot message: You need to take things slowly and listen to your inner voice. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 62

CANCER: Today you will be in an enthusiastic frame of mind. Matters connected with the state or government agency will go through smoothly. Unexpected callers can intrude on your solitude. Tarot message: Change the status quo both at work and relationships. Lucky colour: Silver grey.Magic number: 29

LEO: Trying to get some time for yourself could be the hardest thing today. Relax and be a little more tolerant. You will find faults with people who are dear to you. Extravagance could get the better of you. Tarot message: Follow your instincts and don't hesitate to act accordingly.Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 30

VIRGO: Teamwork is the key note of the day. Home life will be pleasant. Older people may share their problems with you. Check your car before you set out on a long journey. Control your drinking habit. Tarot message: Time to change your thoughts into actions now. Lucky colour: Rust. Magic number: 64

LIBRA: Life is not always a bed of roses. Relatives will be sensitive and difficult to get along with. Do not get involved in any land deal. Emotions have to be controlled. No pain no gain. Tarot message: The confrontation needs to be managed with care Lucky colour: Royal Blue Magic number: 59

SCORPIO: Let a project take its own time. You will be happy in the company of friends. A time to strengthen ties with partners. Handle property matters carefully. Tarot message: You must realise that it's important to enjoy your dreams but be sure you don't play tricks on yourself. Lucky colour: Crimson.Magic number: 41

SAGITTARIUS: Relax, there is no work pressure at all. Friends will be easy going. You will enjoy a great evening with your partner. A romantic alliance is likely to blossom. Nothing is to be taken seriously. Tarot message: Do not let anyone take advantage. Lucky colour: Burgundy. Magic number: 46

CAPRICORN: Best day to get things done by people in power. You will get an opportunity to become a member of an important club. Guard against mischievous interference. Tarot message: Be determined and increase your self-confidence, which will be on trial. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 25

AQUARIUS: Love relations are bubbling with excitement. Students will get down to their tasks and creative hobbies as well. Businessmen: Expect help from clients and loan from bank.Tarot message: Win the war with honesty, not by distorting facts. Lucky colour: Cream Magic number: 27

PISCES: Tendencies for manipulation or revenge should be controlled and contained. Believe in your own worthiness. Political bosses: Danger looms large over the head. Industrial owners should take care of labour problems. Tarot message: Trust your heart and intuition. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 43

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is June 14...

An unexpected encounter will improve your financial situation. You have a hard time making a decision regarding a problem that appears meaningless. You will find a solution that you think will fit such circumstances. Avoid roadside food. Not a good year to make investments and speculation. Some changes that you make to your looks might annoy family members. You may find it hard to express your feelings. Take care of your action and words, as your boss will be less understanding if you do something deceitful. Career will yield moderate returns. You may not find 2012-13 perfect for finances. Certain analysis will be required in relationships. There are chances of throat pain. The year may make you worry about certain things, which will have a negative influence on your progress. With your birthday on the 14th of this month, you are influenced by Mercury. You are talented and versatile, very good at presenting ideas, and you are also very good at organising work.

Try your best to overcome shyness. A confident smile and greeting and asking people for their quick opinion on an interesting issue lets them know you're a force to reckon with. And indeed you are, when your dependability coupled with an extra-agile mindset makes for major progress. You'll feel stressed by your never ending tasks and will want to do as much of your work as you can. Thanks to this you'll achieve something you've been dreaming about for a while. Your first idea may not work. So make sure that you have a backup plan. This is no time to hold back. You must give it everything that you have got. Hope for the best and expect the worst. The road ahead is going to be a rocky one. A small problem may escalate if you don't solve it right away.

Mood: Slightly distracted, most likely by new love interests
Compatible signs: Cancer, Leo
Lucky colours: Deep red, maroon
Lucky days: Friday and Sunday.
Lucky numbers: 6, 11, 15, 21, 29
Lucky gem: Emerald
Lucky flower: Sunflower.
Suggestion on Birthday: Donate stationery items to poor.

Kirron Kher (June14, 1955), educated and brought up in Chandigarh celebrates birthday with you. She made her debut in the Punjabi feature film Aasra Pyar Da, later worked for her second husband Anupam Kher as a costume designer She appeared in Singh is Kinng, Saas Bahu aur Sensex and Dostana besides several hit films. Since she changed her spellings from "Kiron" to "Kirron", she has been quite successful. Kirron has joined active politics.





HOME PAGE | Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir | Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs | Nation | Opinions |
| Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi |
| Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail |