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Just DUET!
Sitting at a roadside dhaba in Punjab, going through the ritual of eating saag and dal makhini, you just can’t ignore Mohd Sadiq and Ranjit Kaur’s duet Main gajar wargi. If you take another halt, at another dhaba, London vich beh gayi by Sardool Sikander and Amar Noorie will be playing.
These are the duets that were once the staple diet of the Punjabi music industry…Surinder Kaur and Asa Singh Mastana…music lovers would strain their ears for their favourite jodiyan till not so long ago. Cut to a recording studio in Canada, Punjabi singers collaborate now. They sing together in collaboration and not duets. Does it have more or less the same effect? Or has the Punjabi music industry said goodbye to the good old duet ka zamana? Punjabi singer Jasbir Jassi likes to begin by defining a duet. “A male and a female singing together make a duet. Many good singers in the history of Punjabi music industry have sung good duets. Mohd Sadiq is one singer who gave maximum duets, as also Kuldeep Manak, Yamla Jatt and Surinder Shinda. This was possible only because the songs had an element of good ‘shayari’, which is missing in the present-day lyrics,” says Jassi. The new word is collaboration and Jassi nods in approval. “Times have changed, what used to be called as duets are now called collaborations. All the same, we have some good collaboration as well; the only missing factor is fine lyrics. It is more of tukbandi than a duet.” Do we remember the last song that was close enough to a duet? Probably Miss Pooja can answer this one! Sufi Singer Hans Raj Hans lists only a selected few as duet singers. “Parvez Mehndi and Reshma, Mohd Rafi and LataMangeshkar…these are the singers who sang good Punjabi duets. The other thousands of songs that come under the category are not duets at all.” Hans Raj Hans strongly supports the idea of meaningful songs. “There have been many duets, but the lyrics are beyond understanding,” he says. With a dearth of women Punjabi singers, will we ever hear any duet again? Singer Nachhatar Gill would again want to clarify what duet singers are: “Two singers, male and female, who not only sing together, but also record their song together and also perform on stage together.” By this definition we really don’t have many names to drop! “Earlier, duet singers would always work hard together, which is not the case now. Deep Dhillon and Jasmeen Jassi is one jodi who can qualify as duet singers, otherwise there is no craze to see singers perform live these days.” There is no dearth of good singers in Punjab and there is no dearth of collaborations, but what Punjabi music industry hasn’t seen for a long time are good jodis in duet singing. Do we depend on roadside dhabas for a rewind
or wait until something hits the music stores? jasmine@tribunemail.com
Bollywood corner
There was a time when every film in Bollywood would have a duet number. According to music director Uttam Singh, “Nowadays people want to listen to item songs; in this scenario nobody is looking at duets. But the trend will change soon and we might hear some nice duets.” Here are some of the hit Bollywood duets. Aadmi musafir hai — Lata and Mohamad Rafi Aaj madhosh hua jaye rey — Lata and Kishore Kumar Aa ja sanam madhur chandani — Lata and Manna Dey Biti na bitaye raina — Lata and Bhupinder Dil mera dhadkan teri — Anuradha Paudwal and Nitin Mukesh Humko tumsey pyar hai — Alka Yagnik and Kumar Sanu Kora kagaz tha — Lata and Kishore Kumar Aasman Ke Neeche — Lata and Kishore Kumar
Two’s company
A duet is a musical composition for two performers. In classical music, the term is most often used for a composition for two singers or pianists; with other instruments, the word duo is also often used. "Duet" is also used as a verb for the act of performing a musical duet, or colloquially as a noun to refer to the performers of a duet. The word is also occasionally used in reference to non-musical activities performed together by two people. In Bollywood and Punjabi music industry, a male and a female singer singing together is called a duet.
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Three cheers for Sallu bhai…
There are no prizes for guessing that actors take the lead when it comes to being a role model. Bollywood stars certainly have a massive fan-following, but some fans go the extra mile. We check out some of them. Salman Khan has been an inspiration for many, but for Varun Bhardwaj and Gagan Salithia he’s the man who inspires them to dress like him. “Everyone has a hero in their life; Salman Khan is our man. He inspires us do better in our life and teaches us that many people have money, but it’s the art of giving that makes you human,” they echo.
Inspired by the characters he plays, they not only love to dress like him but hero-worship him for his sense of style. “We don’t have the physique or fitness levels like that of Salman bhai (as they address him) and being in the corporate sector we cannot dress like him on a daily basis, but we definitely follow his style. From his Maine Pyar Kiya-look of a college boy to the Dabangg and now Ek Tha Tiger, we incorporate some style element of his. We kept a moustache after Dabangg and now we support the Ek Tha Tiger bracelet,” they add Ask them what they like most about the actor and they chorus, “Each person has his or her unique balance of four basic energies: fire (warmth, inspiration, enthusiasm), earth (practicality, realism, material interests), air (social and intellectual qualities) and water (emotional needs and feelings); Salman Khan manifests them all. Whatever we’ve read about him, Salman Khan thrives on camaraderie, teamwork and sharing; we also believe in the same.”
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When history meets mystery
She adds, “I was thinking of writing a mystery story with some historical element in it. I happened to visit the Taj Mahal and noticed that even the guides knew nothing, except for the legendary love story. When asked more, they start telling you the urban legends but that’s about it.” The rest is literally history in this case! A fast-paced thriller set against the backdrop of Taj Mahal; a fiction that had its statistics right! “The protagonist is a research scholar and half-Persian and half-Punjabi, which is a human metaphor for the structure.” The Mughal scholar Mehrunisa Khosla stumbles upon a conspiracy to destroy the Taj Mahal when she discovers the murder of the Taj supervisor and the Quranic calligraphy on the tomb of Queen Mumtaz, altered to suggest a Hindu origin of the Taj Mahal. In a series of twists and turns, the action traverses from the serene splendour of Taj Mahal to the virulent warrens of Taj Ganj; from intrigue-leaden corridors of Delhi to snowy Himalayan hide-outs. “I’m a history buff so there had to be some historical angle to it. Moreover, before penning anything it has to be the image that gets me started; an image which refuses to go away.” The previous work, Long Walk Home, too had an element of history. Coming up next is the sequel to The Taj Conspiracy. “I’m already working on the next one. In that one, the same protagonist goes through a personal journey, which again will have a historical element.” As of now, it’s this she wants you to go and read! “The best part is that it’s a book that’s written keeping the Taj Mahal as the backdrop, but the readers at the end of the experience wouldn’t feel that they have sat through a history lesson.” Cheers to that!
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Go light on dinner
Swapana Singla
Calorie count
If you weigh 60 kgs, your total calorie consumption is 2,400 kcal in a day. By dividing it into three equal meals, your dinner should be 800 kcal. And if you are planning for weight loss, you need to reduce at least 500kcal/day. So deduct 100 kcal from breakfast, 200 kcal from lunch and 200 kcal from dinner, which means you can consume 600 kcal for dinner. Here we plan out a dinner that is less than 600kcal for you. n
A bowl fresh fruits/vegetable salad with lemon/one rasgulla for those with a sweet tooth. Reduce banana, chikoo or mango servings in the fruit bowl; avoid salad dressing, no peanuts or chick peas: rasgulla is better than gulab jamun or
rasmalai. n One piece roasted chicken leg/5-6 pieces of grilled fish tikka, 4-5 pieces of paneer tikka/1 bowl of mushroom
tikka. n Two phulkas with watery one katori dal, ½ katori sabzi, one cup curd. Talking food
n Cabbage, capsicum, red/yellow peppers, cucumber, and tomatoes should constitute the major part of your raw salad. n
Prefer chicken, eggs and fish over red meat. n
Lot of garlic seasoning can play as a powerful detoxifying and blood-thinning agent (fat-busters). n
In vegetables; broccoli, lauki (bottle gourd), pumpkins and mushroom are very low in calories. n
The choices of fruits are melons, papaya, guava, oranges and apple. n
Green tea before and after meal can accelerate digestion. It utilises fat and reduces hunger. n
Lemon water with honey also has the same properties as green tea. Note worthy
Have proper lunch and a small snack at 7 pm. While dieting, we try to eat less throughout the day and then by the end, we tend to hog, which compensates for all the calorie restrictions done during the day! When we eat a proper meal the stomach releases a lot of gastric acids for its digestion; so the glucose or sweetness of the sweets or fruits are utilised. This helps in proper digestion. If sweets or fruits are consumed after the meal, digestion is slowed down and the glucose gets converted into fats. (Dr Singla is a Zirakpur-based cosmetologist and obesity consultant)
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Pen point
Starting at humble prices, there is no ceiling to the cost of these pens. “The gilded, gold and jewel-studded pens are the favourite gift items in the corporate sector during the festive season," says Pallavi, who works for a private company. “Most of times it is the ball point pen, as these are easy to use," she says. Interestingly, the cost of these pens doesn't remain the same. For the luxury brands, the value appreciates on an annual basis. The value of gold and precious metal pens increases with the rise in the value of these metals. “The luxury brands in pens like Cross, Sheaffer, Mont Balnc, Waterman, Lamy, Fisher Space, Pelikan, Sailor and Parker are the ones that are commonly gifted,” says Amit Syal from Lekh Raj Syal and Sons. "You would find exclusive editions of Mercedes, Porsche, Cartier and Louis Vuitton pens by these companies,” he says. While for some brands, special pens are brought out in collaboration - for example a Harley Davidson collection by a noted pen company. Limited edition pens on commemorative or special themes like on Pinochio, Princess of Monaco are also brought out. Pens on Beatles and Johny Cash are brought out for collectors and become their prized possession. Many of the high-end ballpoint pens have the twist mechanism rather than click or cap pens. Different brands also have their own style and shape. Some companies prefer to create slimmer pens while some have the wide barrels. For example, Mont Blanc luxury pens are rather broader, Cross offers slimmer pens, US brand Michael's Fat Boy specialises in wide barrel, aluminium pens and have a unique design et al. Some pens come with other advantages. Space pen by Fisher Space, for instance, is unique for it hardly needs refilling and can work in freezing cold or very hot conditions. It can also work upside down, in water and even in outer space. These pens come in all kinds of materials. Many of the luxury brands choose resin for the body, which is a fine composite material that is scratch-less. “The pens in this material generally start from Rs 10,000 onwards. Some pens are gold-plated and sell for higher prices,” says Syal. Pens also come in other materials, including mother of pearl, wood and even volcanic ash. Visconti, an Italian brand, uses lava from Mount Etna, in Sicily, to craft their pens! Some pieces are inspired from art. Visconti, for example, has a special collection on paintings by artists like Van Gogh. “There is no replacement of a ball point pen. No matter how long you type, the experience of putting pen to paper is unmatched. This is the only way to truly pen your thoughts down. A ballpoint pen is one of the greatest human inventions. Creating art with ballpoint pens give the freedom that is not possible with other media,” says Harpreet Kaur, an artist.
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Lady in pink
Vineet Mishra
Instructions Shake all liquid ingredients with ice, pour into Martini glass. Impale cherry with a tiny sword and serve. Cocktail jokes A tiger walks into a bar and says, “I’d like a whisky and a packet of peanuts. The barman says, “why the big pause?” Mishra is Director CocktailJockey.com Ingredients n 3/4 oz Absolut Vodka n 3/4 oz ruby red grapefruit juice n 2 dashes grenadine syrup n 1 1/2 oz 7-up n Garnish: Cherry
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PIE chart
chef mohan
Watermelon is an excellent source of Vitamin C and Vitamin A, which are beneficial for our eyes because of the beta carotene content. It also has an abundance of B vitamins that are necessary for energy production. In addition, it is a good source of vitamin B6, vitamin B1, magnesium and potassium. Method: n Make dough with butter, sugar, flour and a pinch of salt, and keep it aside covered with a wet cloth. This is for the base of the pie. n Make a puree of fresh melon and refrigerate. n Whisk cream with sugar, adding the egg yolks one by one till the mix is light and fluffy. Add pureed melon. Refrigerate. n Add water to gelatine and cook over a double boiler till it dissolves. Add it to the melon cream mix, while stirring constantly. Refrigerate. n Roll the dough for the pie evenly and line it at the base of pie moulds or any baking mould with a wall on the sides. Bake at 200 degrees centigrade for about 15 - 20 minutes. n When baked, fill the melon mix in the pie crust, garnish with melon slice and serve cold. ( As told to Poonam Bindra) Ingredients quantity n Butter 100 gms n Icing sugar 50 gms n Refined flour 100 gms n Salt 5 gms For filling n Melon puree 300 gms n Fresh cream 200 gms n Breakfast sugar 60 gms n Egg yolk 4 nos n Gelatine 15 gms For garnishing n Slice of melon n Fresh cherry
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Best foot forward
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)
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One for the soul
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
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The better half
Stone was initially dubious about accepting the role of Gwen. She says she has read the Marvel comics series of spider-man and finds it an amazing read yet it seemed to be a challenge initially considering the massive success of the previous films. However, the doubts receded as soon as she gave her auditions. And with the doubts, her fears and pressures of working in the film receded. She says, "I know that the audience might not be satisfied but if I was the choice of the director then he must have put in some thought before he chose me to play the character of Gwen!" The sparks of real love will surely be visible onscreen as well. Talking of the emotional synchronisation with the character of Peter Parker, Emma says, "Some things are supposed to be felt, I cannot spell how the emotional harmony is between Gwen and Peter! Gwen loves Peter Parker not because he is 'The Spider-man'. Gwen comes from a family background where she fears that her father might die any minute. She gets a much deserved emotional support and warmth from Peter." So will we see Emma kicking goons in the film? She says, "There wasn't a major amount of stunt work for me. I've always thought that if Gwen needed to kick some ass, it wouldn't make a ton of sense to me because she's pretty focused on her studies. She's an editor and she's focused on academia, we don't ever really see her getting in shape. That would have been an interesting character element, but there's even a part where I had to hit someone with something and I made sure she looked like she did not know what she was doing, that she'd never hit anyone before. My version of Gwen, like me, wouldn't know how to go about really kicking someone. She's a policeman's daughter who's been told to be responsible and to avoid that side of the world." The memorable moment of playing Gwen for Stone had been the one where she is swinging in the air and there is music going on in the background. "I feared that I might fall off but the music was such a delight to ears that I survived the scene!" she says. Emma says, "The entire film is like a mission and we, actors, are a small part of it, however, we also play the role of taking this mission forward. And I hope when the audience comes to see the film they like it and leave the theatre smiling!" The Amazing Spiderman releases in 3D all over India on 29th June, a week ahead of USA.
Twin purpose
Sonu Sood to play Dawood Ibrahim
Actor Sonu Sood, who will be essaying the role of Dawood Ibrahim in upcoming film Shootout at Wadala, has expressed desire to enter the den of the underworld don, just to get into the character. Directed by Sanjay Gupta, Shootout at Wadala is a prequel to his 2007 film Shootout at Lokhandwala. The second installment looks at dramatising the first registered encounter by Mumbai police, where gangster Manya Surve was shot dead in 1982 at Wadala. Bollywood has always remained sort of 'obsessed' with Dawood and is evident from the characters based on him essayed by actors like Ajay Devgan in Company, Randeep Hooda in D, Vijay Maurya in Black Friday and others. Sonu says he would not leave any stone unturned to give justice to the don's character." I have read books...read articles, I am doing my homework. The director is also providing inputs. I want to go and visit the place where he (Dawood) was brought up and meet people over there. I might go there. Right now I am busy with Maximum once we are done with this film, I would love to go and see couple of people who were associated with him over there," Sood said in an interview. Dawood, son of a policeman from Dongri, has been declared as a global terrorist. —PTI
Working it out
n
Belly dancing is a fun way to stay fit and have fun while doing it. n
A good pair of track pants, a tee that won't get in the way, a pair of comfy sneakers, a headband, and an iPod are workout essentials. n
Being healthy is a better idea than being a size zero because our curves help us exude sensuality and no one wants to cuddle up to a bag of bones. n
On a rainy day, you can skip make-up and wear frosty lip balm with waterproof mascara instead. Go out and enjoy the rains. n
When you are bored, just put on your favourite song and start dancing. You can also pen down your feelings and feel lighter. If you are conscious of what you eat, maintain a food diary.
Labour of lust Manoj Bajpai says his character in Gangs of Wasseypur was difficult to play because he plays a mean and lecherous guy and he had to learn how to do it convincingly. He does not spare anyone. He says it is fun to go all out promoting the movie.
Take it easy
Facts and figure Shazahn Padamsee is known for her slim and toned frame. She says she eats normally and sensibly. She avoids carbohydrates at night and eats soup and grilled fish/chicken. She eats dal, rice, roti and vegetables for lunch. Pizza is her weakness.
One for the animal
Puja Gupta from FALTU is a pure vegetarian and she is going to wear a dress made of leaves to show her support. She says we need to be kind to animals by not eating them and instead we should feed them.
Well trained
Top form: Jacqueline Fernandez
In a soup
John Travolta, who is fighting an accusation of sexually assaulting male masseurs, is in fresh trouble with his former pilot planning to write a tell-all about his alleged relationship with the Hollywood actor. Travolta's former pilot Doug Gotterba claimed last week that they had a six-year affair in the 80s. Now, the 60-year-old has lined up two writers for his book, a publication reported. Gotterba had told Travolta's former secretary Joan Edwards about the secret affair. She confirmed that Gotterba began working for the Pulp Fiction star in 1981. "He told me that John
No problem
Karan Johar loves working with newcomers because there are no date problems and all their dates can be shuffled and adjusted according to his convenience. He says he is a very busy man and he is the one with date problems.
Censor trouble for Gangs of Wasseypur ?
As per some published reports, the Central Board of Film Certification has tagged Anurag Kashyap's much anticipated Gangs of Wasseypur for 'Adult' viewing. However, it is yet to be cleared by the censor board. But Kashyap denied the reports and said that the movie has been cleared. "For the record, there is no censor trouble on Gangs of Wasseypur... it's been cleared," the director said. Directed-produced and co-written by Anurag Kashyap, Gangs of Wasseypur is a crime film. It explores a revenge saga against the backdrop of socio-political dynamism in a place called Wasseypur in Jharkhand about the coal and scrap trade mafia. The film is releasing on June 22.
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Next best thing
Drama unfolds
Comical act
Sharman Joshi has been known for pulling off the comical act to perfection! But if the recent episode of Lux The Chosen One is anything to go by, then the actor didn't have to pull of the act because the actor actually experienced something really comical. Now it so happened that the girls on the show were given the scene enactment task and one girl, named Karishma had to don the role of a naagin with Sharman playing the tantrik! Sharman had no idea what he was in for…the girl did a special naagin dance for him and scared him to death! So much so that he had to beg the contestant to end the act. In the end, of course all had a hearty laugh…but secretly perhaps Sharman was thinking…" this ain't no laughing matter!!
Closely guarded secret
Going veggie Wrestler Sangram Singh has shot for PETA in the nude just covering himself with a leaf. He wants to show the world that with his vegetarian diet one can get a fit and perfectly toned body like his.
Stepping up Darsheel Safary, of Taare Zameen Par fame, is excited about the fifth season of the dance show Jhalak Dikhla Jaa. He is looking forward to showing his moves to the judges and hopes he stays till the end. Darsheel has learnt dancing since the age of five from Shiamak Davar's academy.
New Releases
Director: Rajesh Mapuskar A family drama, Ferrari Ki Sawaari is directed by first timer Rajesh Mapuskar. Written and produced by Vidhu Vinod Chopra, it stars Sharman Joshi in the lead role along with Boman Irani and Ritvik Sahore. The movie has Sharman Joshi playing the protagonist. The surprise element in the film is Sachin Tendulkar, who makes a special appearance. Looking gorgeous, Vidya Balan has performed her first Laavni dance number, Mala Jau De… in the film. Ferrari ki Sawaari is a heartwarming tale of a father fulfilling his son's dream of playing at the historic Lord's cricket ground. Chakradhaar
Producer: Bharat Anand Director: Shakur Sir, Dharam Prakash Chakradhaar' is a fight of an honest man against corruption. The film introduces debutant Abhishek Anand in the lead role opposite Urvashi Sharma. Vidya Malvade, Darshan Zariwala, Yashpal Sharma, Zakir Hussain and Govind Namdeo also play important characters. The movie is set in Banaras in today's time of politics and corruption. Shot in Banaras and Mumbai, it is written by Arsh and has music by Anand Raj Anand and Jatin Pandit. Piranha 3DD
Producer: Mark Canton, Joel Goisson Director: John Gulager Renowned actor David Hasselhoff who plays lifeguard Mitch Buchannon in Television series Baywatch reprises the role of a lifeguard in Piranha 3DD, a sequel to comic-horror film Piranha 3D. The film is about bloodthirsty piranhas sinking their razor sharp teeth into the visitors at The Big Wet waterpark. This horror-comedy stars David Hasselhoff, Christopher Lloyd, Katrina Bowden, Ving Rhames, Paul Scheer and Danill
Pauabaker. — Dharam Pal
Its Rocking
Lovely creation
"Initially I thought since the song talks about Daru Desi, it was a mis-match. Over a period of time, it has grown on me and I totally love it," — Monica Bansal, student, Government College for Girls, Sector 11 Fresh feel "Its a minty fresh song. The beat is low and the lyrics are fun,"
— Aishna, housewife Cute stuff "It's a smooth, soft song. I just love the part in the end where Saif is dancing around on the bed. It's cute," — Bharat Kumar, student, DAV College, Sector 10. (As told to Vasudha Gupta)
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Astro turf
ARIES: "The King of Swords" suggests that you need to make some real efforts in your job as inadequate performances won't be tolerated. The artistic side of your nature could find an outlet. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid the delays that come your way. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 26.
TAURUS: "Ace of Cups" will set your mood for getting nagging chores out of the way. You will be surprised to see how good you feel once you accomplish the day's work. Not a good day for starting joint ventures. Tarot message: Take a decision and then live with its outcome. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 63. GEMINI: Domestic bliss will be of high order. Love affairs will blossom, but do not go on face value. Dress in alluring fashion for maximum appeal but steer away from rough venues. Tarot message: You are advised to focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 27. CANCER: The support, tips and kicks of an expert will help you master whatever subject you are committed to learning. Loved ones will be congenial. See your lawyers today to ensure good outcomes. Tarot message: Cut away the frills and concentrate on what is truly important. Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic number: 28. LEO: Personal plans will have to be put aside again. Try your luck and reap the rewards. This evening is ideal for serious discussion or a heart to heart talk with your partner. Tarot message: Do not refuse offers without seeking the advice from someone else. Lucky
colour: Metallic grey. Magic number: 30. VIRGO: Travel arrangements can be difficult to arrange so wait for a better travel opportunity instead. Time spent alone on reading and studying will not be wasted. Today is a perfect day for a family get-together. Tarot message: Try not to get carried away by your initial success. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 43.
LIBRA: This is an opportune day for those of you who are soon to be taking examination to do some reviewing. Today will bring a socially hectic evening. Watch out for potential arguments. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from drawing their own conclusions. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 55. SCORPIO: After a busy period of seasonal celebration you will be glad to kick back and take it easy. Do not be too demanding. Chronic sufferers are advised complete rest. Tarot message: Do not let opposition faze you when you decide to walk the path you wanted to. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 57 SAGITTARIUS: Students will have job satisfaction from creative work. Superiors will be co-operative, offering you moral as well as financial backing. A romantic impulse can grab you. Tarot message: Take one step at a time and avoid being hurried and over anxious. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 37 CAPRICORN: The card "Nine of Wards" can make this a day of enjoyment and opportunity. Personal plans will sit take a backseat. Today will be a good day for romance. Your child will make you happy. Tarot message: Don't be bullied into accepting situations you dislike. Lucky colour: Royal blue. Magic number: 41. AQUARIUS: Sensual pleasures are worthy of indulgence. You will have no problem getting along with members of the family. Do not resist the changes and shifting sands as it all works out for the best. Tarot message: Take limited risks and don't jeopardise your long term capital. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 62 PISCES: Business matters may not be as straight forward. Discuss important moves that you wish to make with influential people. There can be obstacles on your way and you may miss social engagements. Tarot message: Balance and perspective will lead you out of a problematic situation. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 57
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The year ahead
If your birthday is June 15...
To win, you must use neither aggression nor arrogance. Indeed, you can obtain great things by being calm. Your attitude is your strength and nobody can oppose you. A little rest and nutritious food will go a long way in lifting your energy. Be careful and don't get duped by dubious financial deals. You will have trouble controlling your emotions - but do not nag people around you or you will be left all alone. Defer new projects and expenses. If you run away from a situation - it will follow you in the worst possible way. Friends gather for a variety of reasons and you may be on the centrestage! Promotions, engagements and 'milestone markers' may be the reasons for such gatherings. The one and five equaling six, provide the sort of energy, which makes you an excellent parent or teacher. You might find that you have good luck in 2012-13. Your warmth and genuine sense of humour make a stronger impression than you think. Now is a wonderful time for you to allow your generous side to show, especially around close friends. Lack of consideration for others could make for a difficult domestic life right now. Be careful around machinery, heat, sharp objects and electricity between October to December. January to March 2013 is a good time to initiate repairs or renovation or acquisition of property. A hobby, good book or an old movie may be just what you need to refocus your energy if you are senior citizen. With so many demands on your time now, both in and out of the home, it may be difficult to have a moment for yourself. If you can handle a few frustrations, this promises to be a highly productive period in July. September is not a favourable time for entertaining at home. Small problems are solved quickly but may require some last minute scramble from time to time. Mood: Slightly aggressive and easily annoyed. Compatible signs: Aries, Libra. Lucky colours: Blue, Beige. Lucky days: Sunday and Monday. Lucky numbers: 19, 60, 62, 66. Lucky gem: Single Solitaire or colourless diamond. Lucky flower: Pink rose.
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On one of the most famed and one of the most framed marble structures, the Taj Mahal, urban legends, folklores and tales galore…we all know the love story behind the tombstone and there’s a full stop beyond that! The two-three-liners resembling a social study essay and that’s about it. “We all know about the Taj Mahal, but we actually know very little about it and this includes the tour guides as well,” one of the regular visitor-tourist visit to the monument and Manreet Sodhi Someshwar knew what she would be working on next — The Taj Conspiracy.
Weaving history into mystery and letting it all fall into place in a fiction wasn’t easy to begin with. “It took me five years to complete the work. The book is based on a lot of research. Every mention of the art, architecture and calligraphy is accurate,” adds the PEC pass-out. “Like the calligraphy on the tomb of Mumtaz. There was no way of knowing that; most of the academics and scholars on Taj Mahal, incidentally, are not from India.” 
Weight loss is all about eating right and calorie expenditure. Dinner in recent times has become lengthy, due to long working hours and late sleeping habits. To add to it, invitations for cocktails and dinners have become very common.
Almost eight decades after the invention of the ball point pen, it remains in use, thwarting the latest inventions — mobile phones, styluses and other gadgets. No matter how much advances there are in technology, the pen will never go out of fashion.
It’s a perfect drink for summer that is very popular and a certain crowd-pleaser. It is a perfect party drink, refreshing and cool. It has an interesting concoction and a great taste as well. Lady In Pink can be made in different ways but this is the simplest one.
Summer is here and this is also the perfect time to share some health tips. Watermelon, thought to have originated in southern Africa, has nutritional benefits as well as refreshing qualities.
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
The trademark of this girl is her deep sultry voice. Known as red-head in the film fraternity, she started her career with film Superbad. Andrew Garfield's real life heart stopper Emma Stone will be starring opposite him in the The Amazing Spiderman.
Priyanka Chopra is so busy that she does not get time to holiday with her family. She was in Singapore for IIFA and took her parents along and made it a mini family vacation.
Raima Sen is an acclaimed actress and she promotes a healthy body image. She has a normal body with glowing skin and hair. She shares some fitness and gymming tips.
Katrina Kaif likes being busy and feels restless when she is not working. She enjoyed spending time with her family in London when she was shooting there for YRF's film with SRK. She likes attending mass, going to church, and eating street food abroad as she cannot do it here.
Jacqueline Fernandez has taken her fitness trainer along to Turkey to be in excellent shape for the action scenes and outfits of Race 2. Deepika Padukone and John Abraham also join in her exercise sessions sometimes.
Versatile actress Supriya Pilgaonkar who was last seen in Sasural Genda Phool will now be seen in Tony and Deeya Singh's next show on Star Plus. The Punjabi family love drama will also star Kanwaljit Singh, Chavi Mittal and Diwakar Pundir. Sources claim Supriya has been signed as Kanwaljit's wife in the show and they will play a Punjabi couple in Delhi with Supriya's role of a strong woman.
Lots of drama coming up on Uttaran on Colors! Though Mukta (Sreejita De) and Aman (Gaurav S Bajaj) have admitted to their love for each other, nani (Pratima Kazmi) will want a rich groom for her and favour Mukta's marriage to Yuvi but she isn't aware that he's Veer's (Vikas Bhalla) son.
Hina Khan, aka Akshara of Star Plus' Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, isn't very vocal about her personal life but the reports that she is in a steady relationship with the original director of her show, Neeraj Baliyan has irked her. Hina claims the reports are false and has refuted them.
Helen Hunt
Producer: Vidhu Vinod Chopra
Away from half-clad women dancing to meaningless numbers is the story of three friends having all the fun in the song Daru Desi from the movie Cocktail. Directed by Homi Adajania, the music of Daru Desi has been composed by Pritam. The lyrics have been written by Irshad Kamil. The song surely celebrates friendship.