Burning desire
Kavita Sharma, a student of INIFD, will be showcasing her collection, It's a Beautiful Life, in the next season of Lakme Fashion Week
Ashima Batish

Unique style: Kavita Sharma Photos: Pradeep Tewari
Unique style: Kavita Sharma Photo: Pradeep Tewari

Kavita Sharma heats the safety pin over a spirit lamp and moves it carefully on a piece of silk cloth; the result is a beautiful motif in the shape of a leaf. The same technique was followed everytime she had to create a pattern, everytime she had to move a bit forward, towards completing her design.

Besides all the basic material, what has shaped up her collection of ten garments is, "Lots of patience. I didn't use a readymade tool like paintbrush or thread to create a motif. I invented this technique, which wasn't very practical."

Although the last six months have been very taxing, today Kavita doesn't mind the slogging part. She has secured a slot for herself in the next season of the Lakme Fashion Week for the Gen Next category.

"Hardwork that doesn't go waste and is appreciated by people makes one forget about the hardships one has faced," smiles Kavita. A student of INIFD, Chandigarh, she competed with 253 aspiring fashion designers to make it to the seven finalists. She says that other than her unusual technique of creating motifs, it is her theme also that helped her make it to the big fashion event.

"My theme is 'It's a Beautiful Life' and I replicated the same on the fabric from a child's point of view."

Thus on her creations one will find elements that amuse a child-ice-cream parlours, schools, hot-dog joints, traffic lights…and nature too is a part of it. "A child gets fascinated by nature, which is symbolised by leaves, flowers, trees…."

To combine both-nature and child's interest — she has designed children's park on her creations." Earthy colours are used to represent nature and bright shades are used to denote how a child feels.

About picking up this particular technique to design garments, she says it's not that novel a concept. "It was mentioned in the Bhagwad Gita that after a thing is burnt, a new beginning is made. I just gave a tangible shape to the old saying."

She isn't denying that she has butterflies in her stomach now but when she sent the entry, she was pretty confident of making it.

"I knew the technique will win it for me. I didn't use the easy way round of picking up fabrics, thread and stitches. Even a simple motif took me around five hours."

The collection comprises semi-formal western wear, trousers and one-piece dresses.

Other than a lot of time and patience, she invested around Rs 20,000 on her own, but all is well that ends well.

Aki Narula will be playing her mentor at the fashion week. "It's a different feeling to share the platform with the big names of the industry such as Manish Malhotra, Neeta Lulla and Vikram Phadnis. I hope I will be able to use this opportunity optimally to create a niche for myself. I also hope that it will help me realise my dream of becoming a big name in the fashion industry." Her technique has raised a lot of hopes for sure!

ashima@tribunemail.com

Scouting talent

The Gen Next category at the Lakme Fashion Week provides a sound platform to those who want to showcase their talent. Each season, it welcomes creations from aspiring designers and shortlists a few best from the hundreds of entries. This year the Lakme Fashion Week advisory board comprised Anamika Khanna, Krishna Mehta and Sujata Assomull. In the past, many designers have forayed into the fashion industry through this category. It's an innovative way of encouraging fresh ideas. Don't forget designer Sabah Khan made it big in her first outing at the Lakme Fashion Week's Gen Next category. She was then endorsed by Sonam Kapoor, who wore a saree from her Tuk-Tuk collection at a product launch.

No girlie stuff this!
Who said pink is only a colour for women? More and more men love to don the hue…
Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra

NP Singh Photo: Parvesh Chauhan
NP Singh Photo: Parvesh Chauhan

Colour count: Pink is the new blue for men

There is something alluring about pink; maybe that's because psychologically it is known to have a calming effect or maybe because pink compliments most skin tones! For the metrosexual male, pink is no more a feminine colour, but one that is easy to co-ordinate with almost every other hue.

"I am a big fan of pink and it's one of the favourite colours in my wardrobe," says NP Singh. Disagreeing with the thought that the colour pink is for only girls and blue for boys, he adds, "Every colour is beautiful; how can we tag colours as male and female? Pink is one of the softest colours and is wonderful for the summer."

And for the ones who are comfortable, pink is 'the' colour. "Any colour is suitable for men or women, it's just about the attitude and how one can carry the colour," says designer Amit Kashyap. He adds, "This fashion year is about masculinity and when it comes to the colour pink, it is a definite hit with the men. In the end it's all about wearing the right tone. Pink is easy to coordinate with almost every colour in the wardrobe; it goes amazingly well with greys, tans, black, navys and other blues tones."

"I have not understood what is it about men and pink clothes? As soon as a man reveals a liking for them we hear all kind of talks, right from his feminine side to a soft man. Right from Brad Pitt to John Abraham has worn pink, and recently even Aamir Khan was supporting pink in his talk show. So, I guess it is a colour that turns heads," says Girish Kapoor, civil engineer.

As for the girls, they think guys in pink look cute and handsome! "Maybe not head to toe, but a pink shirt is fine. I think a man who wears pink is secure about his masculinity and that's attractive," says Malvika Lakhanpal, homemaker from Sector 20, Panchkula.

If you're still not convinced how good the colour pink is - women love pink and are more likely to give you a second glance! So, give pink a try.

Creative line
Young designers from NIIFT set to showcase their creations at their passing-out show Anukama 2012
Sabia Talwar

Creativity is the outcome of unusual thoughts and this will be showcased by the final year students of the Northern India Institute of Fashion Technology (NIIFT) from different centres at their passing-out show, Anukama 2012, at the Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh, on June 20.

And there are themes galore. “My theme is ‘mechanomorphic’, which means that some kind of technicality has been used in my garments. I have used fabrics like raw silk, organza and nets,” says Yogesh Chalana, a final-year student of fashion designing, NIIFT, Mohali. One of Yogesh’s creations has blinking light on it, which he explains is for a client abroad who wants to attend a Lady Gaga show and that is made evident through his design that has jazzy sleeves, which can be converted into a collar. “I have used laser-cutting technique to give this effect,” chips in Yogesh.

Divya Kashiv, final-year student of fashion designing at NIIFT, Mohali, has worked on the theme of masquerades. “This theme has inspired me because masks help you hide the reality; so my creations have work done from straws, tooth picks, safety pins, match sticks and rivets.” Divya’s clients want to flaunt gowns at a masquerade ball, so she has crafted ruffles and frills to give an ‘old-era’ touch.

Mahendra Kumar from NIIFT, Mohali, is inspired by ‘galletas in fashion’ where galletas mean cookies. We wonder if he is a bakery items’ buff! Says Mahendra, “Not really, but I wanted to come up with something unique so my dresses have cookies made out of wool on them. The chocolate effect has been achieved through cassette tapes and velvet.” He has crafted Indo-Western outfits in fabrics like dupian, paper and khadi silk.

One of the creations definitely proves that art and fashion complement each other. “My creation is inspired by Picasso paintings as there is a lot of geometry used in them; I’m amused by different kinds of shapes since childhood,” says Neharika Grover, final-year student of NIIFT, Mohali.

In a crowd of commercial outfits, there is one which gives out a social message of women empowerment. “I have gathered my inspiration through the roots of the trees where I have tried to stitch my garment in cotton fabric, which is hand-painted. Jute has been used for the root effect,” says Madhukar Kumar from NIIFT, Ludhiana. Out-of-the-box surely works in the fashion world!

sabiatalwar@tribunemail.com

Celeb point
Smile…sets things right
Divya Dutta

Before you misinterpret, I just want to clarify my stance. I love my country, and I would not trade living anywhere else in the world. I could never imagine marrying an NRI for the simple reason that he would take me away from my desi land, which I love, in spite of everything.

And that ‘everything’ is what I am going to talk about. You get so conditioned that when you come from abroad , the comparisons stand stark in contrast. How we Indians have come about living a certain way because we are a part of it.

I was in Singapore for IIFA and what was impressive apart from the event was the way of life and people there. The ready to help attitude, the warmth, the smiles, the courtesy, the rule abiding people and everything else. My brother left his wallet at a shop. We thought we would never get it back. He was surprised to see the shop owner looking for him to return it. Then we stood in a queue for a show, and everyone followed the line. As the doors opened, I suddenly felt a push and it was our very own desi gentleman trying to push his family in the front row!

I wondered what is it about us that we are always pushing ourselves, for better seats, overtaking in the traffic, jumping in the middle of the road to cross it, making the others stop, grabbing the first empty seat available, not being courteous to someone who's been waiting, cutting corners to take an easier way out, bribes of course too! And yes of course, you will never see us smile a good morning to a stranger, why?

Its not our fault, it is the struggle to survive everywhere. Right from the poor strata to the middle class, all are concerned about getting their job done, not caring about the others. There is no concept of group thinking because living has become so tough. Even if you want to be different and follow rules, somewhere down the line, things happen and you become a part of the system. We only think about our own selves, because in our daily bhaaag daud, we have left our smiles back home. How many times do you stop and let an elderly person cross the road, or decide to smile at a stranger. And if you do, most likely, it will be misunderstood because we have come to believe that nothing is innocent anymore, everything is self-centric!

As I come back to Mumbai, with the rains starting, and the open potholes, clogged roads, traffic, people blowing horns to move ahead, I wonder when the basics are not sufficient, you will always be struggling. This can't happen single handedly. An Aamir made a difference, however big or small with his show, I see sparks of it in all of us because we basically are very emotional people who cry and laugh easily but what can we do under the pressure to survive all the time? The answer lies in sharing and thinking about others as a small step to begin with. Offer your seat to someone, don't break the queue, don’t throw litter on the road, don’t lose your temper on the road, stand up to the unfair norms in your own small way. Smile and it will happen.

As I stand for the national anthem in the theatre before the movie begins, I see everyone standing straight, not moving at all, a few even singing along. I see them following our anthem with great respect, no rules broken and together and smiling. Can we put that to daily use please and be truly proud of mera Bharat mahaan ?

(Dutta is a Bollywood actor)

TRENDSETTER
Style file

Madhurima Arora Photo Himanshu Mahajan
Madhurima Arora Photo Himanshu Mahajan

Being in haute couture is not the privilege of the selected few  who have time and facilities and rather the “look good factor”  now encompasses  young professionals too. They do want to be trendy and groom them selves accordingly. Though professing to be simple Madhurima Arora final year medical student does warrant a second glance.

Your sense of style

For me anybody who can carry off their persona well and stick to his or her own individualistic style is the really stylish. It may be just applying kajal and wearing a wrist watch!

Latest  addition to your treasure of clothing or accessories…

My pink cotton party suit which is a Meena Bazaar buy

Brand Crazy or street pick ups?

Suitability is the key word, brands or street pick ups don’t matter

My style Icon would be…….

Priyanka Chopra would be the perfect answer to that.

Who do you think is the worst dressed celebrity?

This would be difficult to say. Everyone has a style

Which look would your prefer – sporty, chic or glamorous

I would prefer elegant.

One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension…..

Tatoos and piercing of brow in the name of fashion are not my cup of tea.

Your take on accessories?

Accessories are very important as long as they are balanced and don’t overshadow the dress.

If given a choice which designer would you be liked to be dressed by

 Ritu Kumar. I love her ethnic suits

What gives you a high on the confidence level…

When I am in sync with who I am within, whatever I wear gives me confidence

(As told to Poonam Bindra)

TROUBLE SHOOTER
Identify your peace zone
Simmi Waraich

I am married in a joint family. My in-laws family is very different from my parents . They are brusque and often rude while my parents are very sensitive and calm people. I am a housewife and though I walk regularly I do not go out much otherwise. I have 16 and 17 year old kids. I have been feeling very alone and sad for many days with no desire to get up. My father suffered from depression once. Could I be having it too?

Seema, Chandigarh

Yes, it is a possibility. Depression is common in women in their 40 s and 10-15 out of 100 women suffer from a depressive episode in their life. Get an assessment for it. Medication helps by raising the levels of neurochemicals such as Serotonin. Also, lifestyle modification, identifying and changing maintaining factors such as learning to be more assertive, learning driving, learning a new hobby, changing one’s beliefs so that one is less sensitive to criticism all help.

My husband died some years back. I have two children. I got involved with a married man. He is very possessive and suspicious about me. He checks my phone and even gets hyper about innocuous calls from people. He calls me a woman "who flirts " at times and even puts down my family members at times. They know about him and they have said they will support me if I break off. I am tired of his nature though I care for him and fear his reactions all the time. I am not sleeping well too and get panicky at times.

Harita Sharma, Panchkula

Some people have a personality where they are extremely possessive of their partners. Usually this persists lifelong unless the person has some self realisation. Such a person may try to isolate the person from others- from friends, family while they may claim to love and care for you more than anyone else. Alcohol can sometimes worsen this or cause it ( Alcoholic Jealousy) but even teetotallers can have this. Ask yourself what you fear? Should your relationship be this? Do you fear being alone? If so why? Talk to him clearly- discuss your fears and what you expect. Suggest counselling for both of you. If you plan to marry him discuss a timeframe. Be clear. If he does show attempts to tone down his temper, consider leaving the relationship. Get help from a psychiatrist as it can be tough with such mental abuse. Also get help from your family and friends. A relationship is one where one is comfortable and where there is respect. The focus is on the positives- sharing common interests and respecting differences. Find your own faith in yourself first.

(Dr Waraich is a Chandigarh-based consultant psychiatrist. Shoot your problems to lifestyletribune@gmail.com or write to Troubleshooter, Life+Style, The Tribune, Sector 29, Chandigarh)

Master Chef
Say Cheese
Manju Dewan

The rumblings and grumblings due to the uninteresting summer veggies are quite a handful to handle for a homemaker already hassled with the weather playing truant as  hot spells  refuse to abate . The ubiquitous capsicum now  has a smart name in ‘ bell peppers and we have teamed  them with broccoli and cheese to give a wholesome dish which besides looking attractive is loaded wit nutrition and won’t make you stand long in the kitchen

Method:

  • Take some butter in a non stick pan.
  • Add rest of the ingredients to it.
  • Let it cook. Keep stirring till it partially thickens.
  • Keep the cheese sauce aside.
  • Now, sauté the vegetables with butter in another pan.
  • And serve hot with cheese sauce.

As told to Poonam Bindra

(Manju Dewan Is a Ludhiana based culinary expert)

Cheese Fondue

Photo Himanshu Mahajan Ingredients

Butter 2tbsp

Cucumber (chopped) 1

Red capsicum(chopped) 1

Yellow capsicum (chopped) 1

Green capsicum(chopped) 1

Broccoli (cut into florets, parboiled ) 100gm 

For the cheese sauce:

Butter 2 tbsp

Mustard powder 1/2tsp 

Maida 2tbsp 

Milk 21/2cup  

Cheese(grated) 1cup

Salt and pepper to taste.

Kim’s moved on

Reality star Kim Kardashian says she has no regrets about her short-lived marriage to Kris Humphries as she learnt a lot from it. The 32-year-old socialite, who ended her 72-day union with the basketball star last October, said she is glad that she experienced the relationship because it made her realise what she does and does not want in life, reported a publication.

“For anyone I hurt, I’m truly sorry, I don’t wish pain on anyone, but the person I am because of that crazy experience, I wouldn’t change it for the world.

“I loved him, obviously it hurt him, and it hurt me too. It was embarrassing, I don’t want to call it a mistake, it was a lesson,” she said.

Kardashian, who is now dating Kanye West, also said on Oprah Winfrey’s show that she knew Humphries was not right for her as soon as they moved in together but still decided to go ahead with their extravagant wedding.

“I think when people first meet, everything is great in the beginning, but I didn’t spend more than a whole week with my ex before we married. “When we moved in together, I saw how our relationship was... I don’t want to get into the small things, but once we moved in, I knew he was not the one.” — PTI

Work hard, party harder!

A day after being falling unconscious due to exhaustion, actress Lindsay Lohan was seen partying till wee hours at a club in Hollywood. The 25-year-old, who blamed her hectic work schedule for her recent health scare, reached the club straight from the sets of her TV show Liz & Dick, reported a publication.

Spotted hanging at LA hotspot Chateau Marmont, Lohan had her brunette do and cat-eye makeup still intact as she came straight from filming the Elizabeth Taylor biopic. Chatting with a group of five men, Lohan spent the night surrounded by celebs including Pretty Little Liars Ashley Benson, Busy Philipps and Haylie Duff. “For someone so exhausted, it was shocking to see her out past 1 am,” an eyewitness said. — PTI

Minimum on looks

Actress Neha Dhupia, who appears in a de-glam avatar in upocoming Maximum, thinks that nobody signs a film thinking about the clothes they would wear and the look they would sport in that movie.

In Kabeer Kaushik’s crime-thriller Maximum, Neha plays the role of Sonu Sood’s wife, a home-maker and will be seen wearing cotton saris.

“I have a different look in this film and I am happy that I got to play this role. I think nobody signs film thinking about the look. “I have got lots of opportunities, where I had different looks. It’s very nice to get such an opportunity. But you should never base your decision on the clothes you would wear,” Neha told reporters here at a music launch of Maximum.

“I think the only reason to sign a film is because of the script. I am happy that Kabeer thought I was capable enough to play this role,” she said.

Maximum features Sonu Sood and Naseeruddin Shah as cops and Vinay Pathak as a politician. “The cast of the film boasts is all male and I am the only woman in the film. I think it gets easier to get noticed in such a film,” Neha said.

Meanwhile, Sonu Sood, said he was eager to do an action film. “I feel this is the best time to do action films in Bollywood. But, of course, in the future I would like to do romantic films as well,” he said.

“I have been waiting to do a film like Maximum. For me, this is one of my most special performances and it is very close to my heart. I don’t know if this will be my best performance as an actor or not...that the audience will decide,” he said. About his role, Sood says, “I thoroughly enjoyed playing the role of a cop. I think it is a different feeling altogether. — PTI

The award goes to a social messenger

He has made a different slot of social relevance for himself when it comes to movie making in Hindi Cinema. And no one has so far been able to come on the same playing level field as film-maker Madhur Bhandarkar, who continues to contribute some of the most entertaining and yet relevant movies of our times.

He has been awarded the most prestigious National Awards for the work he has done so far on many occasions. The Ministry of Human Resource Development, India wants to acknowledge Madhur’s contributions to Hindi language cinema under the Hindi Service Awards Scheme. On June 20, Madhur will be awarded with the Presidential Award, Gangasharan Singh Award, by President Pratibha Patil at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.

The award comprises of a certificate and a cheque of rupees one lakh. 28 people from different walks of life will be awarded this presidential award, for their contribution under the Hindi Service Awards Scheme, amongst whom are film-makers Girish Karnad, Shyam Benegal, Madhur and media person Pankaj Pachauri. This is going to be Madhur’s fourth Presidential award.

In 2002 and 2005 Dr APJ Kalam gave him the presidential award for Chandni Bar and Page 3 respectively, and in 2006 Smt. Patil gave him the presidential award for making Traffic Signal. When contacted, Madhur sounded elated and humbled, “Over the years not just the audience or the industry but also the government of our country has supported and acknowledged my work. I am honoured and thankful to the HRD ministry for finding me befitting for this award,” said Madhur.

Vidya has Farhan all excited!

Farhan Akhtar is excited to work with Vidya Balan in his first romantic comedy which is the sequel to Pyaar Ke Side Effects. The original starred Rahul Bose and Mallika Sherawat. Farhan has directed the romantic comedy Dil Chahta Hai but not acted in one because his films have been dramas and thrillers.

The sequel is directed by Saket Chaudhrary who has also written the film. He also wrote and directed the original. Farhan is excited about doing the movie. He says, “I am excited about doing a romantic comedy for the first time. Saket has written a script that is funny and moving. I am looking forward to working with Vidya as well.”

The film is based on the life of a married couple and is likely to be titled Shaadi Ke Side Effects. Farhan says the audience will have the final word on the chemistry of the pair when they see the film. The film rolls later this year.

Mukesh returns to TV

Moving on: Mukesh Khanna
Moving on: Mukesh Khanna

Mukesh Khanna, popularly known as Bheeshma Pitaahma and Shaktimaan, is returning to TV with a new show on Star Plus’ Pyaar Ka Dard Hai. ..Here he talks about his career and roles.

What is your role in this show?

I play the role of a grandpa. He is Aditya’s the lead character’s Nanaji called Purshottam Deewan. Very rich but wants happiness for everyone in his house. The show is about a family and this boy who doesn’t understand what marriage is. There will be no kitchen politics in the show. Aditya doesn’t want to marry as he hasn’t seen a good marriage in his family. I am like a cool Nana, who is a happy guy and one who keeps the family together  

What do you think of the TV scenario today?

Every role and every show seems the same and while the women have good roles, the men simply stand in a corner. I don’t want to do roles like that. I am glad this is a substantial role which is why when Rajshri offered me the role, I took it.

What kind of roles are you looking for?

I have done powerful roles in the past and I would like to continue doing so. I don’t want to be in a project for the heck of it.

What have you been doing of late?

I have been busy doing Soutela on DD.

We heard that your hit show Shaktimaan will be back?

Yes, after ten years we are bringing Shaktimaan back on Pogo. It will be better than before. The animated version is already on Nickelodeon. I want to ensure that the show and characters are never forgotten. We are also working on a 3D film on Shaktimaan.  

What about merchandise of the show?

Many illegal Shaktimaan merchandise have been floating in the market but once we come out without projects I will ensure that we work towards bringing out merchandise. — HRM

CHATTER BOX

Feeling Good Aamir Ali Happy go Lucky

Aamir Ali is happy doing FIR on SAB TV and amused by rumours of him signing up an upcoming serial on Sony TV. The show has been in the news for long and the other actors considered for the role are Raqesh Vashisth, Deepshikha Nagpal and Aamna Sharif.

Feeling Good Aamir Ali

A role to die for: Yuvraj Malhorta Moving to greener pastures

Though Yuvraj Malhotra returned to TV after a hiatus in a small role in Sony TV’s Shubh Vivah, he was out of the show before you could blink. He played Bansi, a secret admirer of the protagonist, Saroj.  Now the actor has got a meaty role in Life OK’s new show. He is cast opposite Vandana Joshi of Dance India Dance fame.
A role to die for: Yuvraj Malhorta

Successful run

On-screen couple Jethalal and Dayaben have worked well in their sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah on SAB TV and recently completed 900 episodes. Actors Dilip Joshi and Disha Vakani claim the innocence of their characters is the reason they have been able to sustain for four years.

All set for films

Sushant Singh Rajput is not scared of trying new things. He shifted to films after a good TV stint. He has got a new hairstyle for his character, which is from a modest background.

Acting pricey? Karan Wahi Money issues

Popular actor Karan Wahi is seen in Sony’s Kuch Toh Log Kahenge, but not many know he was approached for the lead of Sony’s just launched show Byah Hamari Bahu Ka. Rumours are that Karan had money and date issues so he was dropped and Gaurav Khanna signed on. Producer JD Majethia agrees that he had approached Karan but refutes rumours that he had any issues.

Acting pricey? Karan Wahi

On the job: Ashok SarafComeback time

Ashok Saraf of Hum Paanch will return to TV after two decades. The veteran comedian was doing more films and theatre as he didn’t find good scripts on TV. Now he will be seen in a SAB TV show based on the literature of famous Gujarati humorist Ratilal Borisagar.

On the job: Ashok Saraf

Out of the bag

Real take: Neha DhupiaThey have given hits like Diya Aur Baati Hum and Punar Vivah, now producers Shashi-Sumeet Mittal are working on a new show for Sony. Adapted from the story of Beauty and the Beast, this unique love story will be about a popular Radio Jockey who falls in love with a beautiful girl. Hina Parmar has been signed on to play the role.

Fresh link: Nargis FakhriArt imitates Life

Neha Dhupia is playing a beauty queen turned struggling actress in one of her upcoming films. This film is almost the same as her real life experience.
Real take: Neha Dhupia

New friendship

Nargis has had enough of link ups. She has become friends with Kalki Koechlin. They met at the Shanghai premiere and even hung out for breakfast. Sweet!
Fresh link: Nargis Fakhri

ASTRO TURF
P Khurrana

ARIES: You will start enjoying love and will spend the evening with your partner. The employed will be burdened with additional responsibility without incentive. Try and maintain harmony at home. Tarot message: You need to cultivate understanding and humility. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 36

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

GEMINI: Jealousy, possessiveness and control all suggest issues of code pungency. So this is a perfect time to start practicing independence and letting go. Girls should plan to join a hobby class. Tarot message: Keep a close watch on health problems. Lucky colour: Copper. Magic number: 34

CANCER: Think twice before you start spending your cash on a whim. You may meet an interesting person today. Do not disturb jointly-held funds without the consent of your partner. Efforts bear fruit. An Aquarian friend is supportive. Tarot message: Boost your confidence with positive thinking. Lucky colour: Maroon. Magic number: 33

LEO: Your plans for the day can be changed by others. An opportunity to work unsupervised will enhance your performance. The spotlight is on the sale or purchase of property. Family outing brings surprise. Smooth sailing at home. Tarot message: Wait and watch patience will lead to failure. Lucky colour: Blue. Magic number: 30

VIRGO: A tiring day for work. Think of the positive not the negatives, and you will finish the day with a smile. Women will be insecure. Romantic luck will boost your spirits. No over-eating at night. Tarot message: Rivalry and competition would push you to do your best. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 44

LIBRA: Today is a good day to get inspired. An issue that is weighing on your mind should be addressed. Love life sparkles. If you have been thinking of buying a pet this is the right day. Tarot message: Cut away the frills and concentrate on what is truly important. Lucky colour: purple. Magic number: 32

SCORPIO: Friendly vibes and thoughts of romance bode well for singles. Just remember that people may not be everything they say they are. You will be in a mood to find faults with people who are dear to you. Tarot message: A positive and caring attitude heals old wounds. Lucky colour: Grey. Magic number: 46

SAGITTARIUS: No matter how much you love your partner, do not compromise. Teamwork is the key note of the day. Home life will be pleasant. Older people may drum up certain problems for you. Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky colour: Coffee brown. Magic number: 50

CAPRICORN: A business proposition might appeal to you. Recognise it from an unbiased perspective and you could stand to make a decent profit in the long term. In the evening there is an exchange of ideas with someone. Tarot message: Take limited risks with your capital. Lucky colour: Burgundy. Magic number: 63

AQUARIUS: If you work in an area where there are language barriers, be extra careful of misunderstandings. Take what is useful and discard the rest. Those in love will have slight signs of trouble. Tarot message: You find within yourself a fountainhead of will power. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 59

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

THE YEAR AHEAD
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is June 20...

Health-related problems might cause discomfort. Watch your tendency to live and spend too much on entertainment. Do not let your relatives and friends manage your finances or you could soon be surpassing your budget. Personal relationships may break due to difference of opinions. You will find yourself with less energy than you generally do. Don’t overload yourself with additional work. Take some rest and reschedule your appointments for another day. Don’t make investments in haste. Losses are certain if you don’t look at investments from all possible angles. Be careful as somebody may flirt with you. If you run from a situation- it will follow you in the worst possible way.

Your birth on the 20th day of June adds a degree of emotion, sensitivity, and intuition to your readings. The number two is very social, allowing you to make friends easily and quickly. Ruled by the Moon, it indicates the desire for harmony.

If you’re pushing the boundaries, make sure they’re your own. Assess risks in a realistic manner and remember that components that you’re not personally in control of can easily go awry. But work’s very much favoured. Don’t reveal your concerns to others and don’t give gratuitous advice to those in your midst. In this way, you’ll avoid problems. If you invest in stocks, the stars recommend a great deal of prudence. Deals, which look too good to be true, aren’t necessarily worth it and could lead to losses. You will need to have a better sense of humour if you want more respect. If you are willing to try something new, you will not set yourself up for failure. Demands on your time may scatter your focus; cull some time out for yourself. Aggressive and impulsive energies are very likely and you do not appear to ‘handle them well,’ especially if spouse or children are involved. An enjoyable time is likely once the effects of the solstice have passed.

Money will be spent on some kind of repair jobs. Expenses will be difficult to control. You will be spending money on number of parties. You will be in touch with an expert to seek opinion and know the direction life is taking. Friend-of-a-friend deals do very well. Be careful to avoid serious problems.

Neetu ChandraMood: In the mood to ‘wash your hands’ off many things/people. Compatible signs: Gemini, Virgo. Lucky colours: Red, fast pink. Lucky days: Tuesday and Saturday. Lucky numbers: 1, 4, 9, 16, 75. Lucky gem: Sodalite - The balancing gemstone. Lucky flower: Christmas Bells.

Neetu Chandra (June 20, 1984, Patna) has done dozens of ads and videos for reputed firms She is 5’7”. Before entering the Hindi film Industry, Neetu was an avid sportsperson. She is a black belt holder in Taekwondo. She has represented India in two different games, which is very rare. She is a national games Silver Medal winner in Taekwondo. She entered films in 2005 with the movie Garam Masala in which she portrayed Sweety, an airhostess. Besides, she has done films like Traffic Signal and Rann. Neetu was on the cover of Maxim India on the January 2009 issue of the magazine. Astrologically her Bollywood career will now grow.





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