The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - The Tribune Lifestyle

Love & its after effects
Jasmine Singh

Love, love triangle, patriotism, murder mystery, horror, cheap thrills, life in brothels, family sagas, child problems, police problems, not to forget the behind-the-camera life of journalists. Hindi cinema has already explored very many issues and can't-help-exploring even more. Amidst these stories, mythological subjects are something that directors need to pan their camera on.

Amrit Sagar, director of the national award winning movie 1971 is ready with his next, Rabba Main Kya Karoon and when it comes to creating a mythological blockbuster, the director sees a lot of potential but at the same time finds it an expensive proposition. "My family and all members of Moti Sagar Productions are popular for mythological TV serials, but I wanted to make cinema which had all the elements of entertainment," says Amrit.

So the Arshad Warsi, Paresh Rawal and Raj Babbar starrer, Rabba Main Kya Karoon defines all the elements of entertainment. "This movie celebrates the lighter side of life with aplomb. Unlike other regular love stories, this one explores what happens after people fall in love. The audience is going to love it," he shares.

From a sensitive topic like 1971 to Rabba… Amrit Sagar doesn't want to limit his reach to selected topics. "I don't see humour as the only form of entertainment. 1971 dealt with life of prisoners of the Indo Pak war, it got critical acclaim before it went on to win the National Award for best Hindi film. Now, this was also a different kind of entertainment," he adds.

Coming back to what the family is known for, that is mythological films and TVC serials. Provides Amrit, "As I said, I would love to make a full fledged movie on this topic. Mahabharata and Ramayana can be made it into a film because it has so many things that people across all ages can relate to. Budget is the only issue here. Like other films, a mythological film also requires a 'lavish' and a 'professional' treatment because it is quite a responsibility to make movies on this subject."

Amrit Sagar, a Kasmiri Punjabi, wants to make a movie based on different aspects of this heaven like place. "My grandfather had written a lot of short stories on Kashmir. I hope I can make a film on this place."

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Back with a bang
Yograj Singh feels that the Punjabi film industry is growing by leaps and bounds
Gurvinder Singh

Punjabi by nature: Yograj Singh Photo: Himanshu Mahajan

Yograj Singh is making a comeback to Punjabi cinema after a gap of nine years with the movie Yaraan Naal Bahaaran II. Recently, the star cast of the movie was in Ludhiana for its promotion.

The industry has seen a makeover and nobody knows this better than the veterans. "People have now changed and people in the Punjabi movie industry have become a lot more cultured." He adds, "Earlier producers and directors were the only authority and little respect was paid to the actors. This is one of the reasons why I finally left the industry."

As for his role, he says "It is based on the famous police officer KPS Gill and his life during the time of terrorism and what he was going through at personal level." There is more to the character. "The role depicts the constant strife in his mind and what he was doing while responding to the call of duty."

The industry is growing bigger and better and it is tough not to revel in the fact. "Although I have not been following Punjabi movies, but it is good that the industry is seeing a revival after a long time." Goes without saying, "he will do roles only if he gets good scripts."

It was about time, he was questioned on his son, the famous cricketer Yuvraj Singh. "Though I'm a proud father, but I'm kind of blasé about being asked about him time and again." He adds, "I have made him what he is and it is time people know me for what I am and not just as Yuvraj's father."

the ‘in’ side
Go citrus this summer…
Sukhmani

The citrus colour palette is one of the best colour palettes to work with, especially during summers. A dash of citrus adds a lot of energy and cheer to a living space. This season, create a lively atmosphere with a punch of citrus inspired colour scheme. Here is how–

n Citrus colour scheme works great with contemporary decor. The best part of this colour palette is that it can be used in any room, be it a bathroom, a kitchen or a living room.

n For warmer climates, like ours, try to ground the colours by using a lot of white. Zingy greens, limes and citrus colours look stunning against a white backdrop.

n Combining such colours with white, creates a chic, contemporary look. This look is easy to put together. Decorate mainly with white and highlight the decor by using bright citrus colours in accessories. For example, paint the room in white, add white sofas and curtains. Add a few accessories like cushions, table lamp, a rug or a throw, a chair or a piece of artwork done in bright colours. The white makes the room soothing while the citrus adds excitement.

n You can also reverse the effect by painting the walls in citrus colours and balancing the look by adding neutral, light furniture.

n Orange is the first colour that comes to mind when we think citrus. It is a bold colour. Try using a pale tone of orange or the best way to counterbalance orange is to pair it with a cooler colour.

n Another way to decorate with such colours is to rev up their impact by using a lot of warm shades. This is recommended for a much cooler climate than ours.

n With citrus shades, it is all a question of degree. Just remember to use a light touch because just a dash of citrus goes a long way!

n Kitchen is one place where you can use bright and vibrant colours. Go for a crisp white on the walls and cabinets to balance the look. Modern Italian kitchen colour schemes often use citrus accents against a white marble backdrop.

Citrus colours are a sure shot way to liven up any interior. So what are you waiting for? Go citrus this summer!

(Sukhmani is an interior & landscape designer)

Doc Talk
Dialing for disaster
Dr Anish Gupta

Mobile phones are used by almost everybody today. But are we aware about the dangers these mobile phones cause to our health? Scientists have proved that mobile phones affect the organs of the body. Part of the radio waves emitted by a mobile telephone handset are absorbed by the human head. The radio waves emitted by a GSM handset can have a peak power of 2 watts

According to the report, mobile phones and radio terminals radiate RF energy that heat up the tissues. During use, mobile phones are usually kept close to the ear, which is very near to the brain. It is reported that continuous use of mobile phone for longer duration may cause high tone sensori neural hearing loss. As the tissues of children are with thinner skull bones, they are likely to be more affected. Children below 16 years should be discouraged from using mobile phones. Also, the young brain is still in developing stage, the RF radiation can cause DNA damage, some DNA dies; some survive deformed and can be transmitted to generations ahead. It turns out that the RF radiation open up the “blood-brain barrier” in kids as well as adults, allowing toxins in the bloodstream to cross this blood vessel gateway into the skull and attack brain cells. The cell phone exposure can also disrupt the natural electrical activity of a child’s brain for up to an hour afterwards. Doctors fear that disturbed brain activity in children could lead to psychiatric and behavioral problems or impair learning ability.

Mobile phone radiations have been linked to depression and sleeping disorders. It can cause male infertility by reducing the sperm count production by one third.

Flip side of phone

n Heating of the head and brain tissue

n Disrupt brain activity

n Destroy brain cells

n Cause gas pockets in eyes

n Reverse cell membrane polarity

n Alter brain waves

n Alter brain chemistry

n Damage DNA

n Cause tumors

n Speed tumor growth

n Increase blood flow damage skin cells

Cell phone users had an increased risk of malignant gliomas. Tumors are more likely to occur on the side of the head that the cell handset is used. One hour of cell phone use per day significantly increases tumor risk after ten years or more.

Symptoms

n Headaches

n Cataracts, eye damage

n Hair loss

n Memory loss

n Anxiety

n Mood swings (rage, depression)

n Fatigue

n Loss of concentration

n Lack of coordination

n Pain and tingling in hands or arms

n Nausea

n Sleep disorders

Precautions

n Limit the use of cell phones

n Children should not be allowed to use a cell phone

n Wear an air tube headset.

n Do not put the cell phone in a pocket or a belt while in use or while it is on.

n If you have made a call, wait for the call to connect before placing the phone next to the ear.

n Do not use the cell phone in enclosed metal spaces such as vehicles or elevators, where devices may use more power to establish connection.

n Do not make a call when the signal strength is weak.

n Purchase a phone with a low SAR.

n Use text instead of talk.

n Use landlines.

n Limit the use of cell phones in rural areas because the signal is mostly weak there, prompting strong radiation.

(Gupta is a consultant, ENT, head and neck surgery at a city-based hospital)

it’s rocking
Bright and young

The upcoming youthful movie Cocktail starring Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty has a music album with many highs and hardly any lows to keep the young engaged. Another track which is soaring increasingly is Second Hand Jawaani. This time, Pritam pitches in a blend of Arabian, African and Punjabi folksy flavours to bring out the richness and the outcome is good enough. It has screechy tones of Neha Kakkar along with Miss Pooja and Nakash Aziz in a peculiar manner. The wonderful lyrics are written by Amitabh Bhattcharya.

Dancing dose

I just love the track because the lyrics are so much fun and have a unique flavour. Also the track has western influences along with traditional sounds which make it a good dance number.

Yatin Mehta, student, GGDSD College

Surprise package

What comes as a surprise to me is that Miss Pooja has sung the song so it has her Punjabi touch along with hip-hop fusion. Also, Neha Kakkar’s and Miss Pooja’s voices sound so similar but the track becomes more entertaining with their quirky and pitchy voices.

Ankita Sharma, student, MCM College

Lyrical magic

This song is my yet another favourite from the movie. I’m so waiting to watch it. This song has a different treatment where the lyrics Teri Band Jawaani, Second Hand Jawaani, just gives you a high. I love to see Saif, Deepika and Diana dancing to entertain completely.

Rajat, Sahni, bank employee

(As told to Sabia Talwar)

trendsetter
Class apart

Aditya Marwaha Fashion and being in tune with the latest trend is part of life and style follows naturally when the desire to look good is strong. We don’t have to look far for trendy youngsters for they are all around us, each sporting his or her signature style. Young entrepreneur with ‘fashion’ as a profession, Aditya Marwah prefers the classy look.

Your sense of style

For me style means being classy and elegant in formals and smart and trendy in casuals. Actually the trick is to carry off whatever you wear with confidence.

Latest addition to your treasure of clothing or accessories…

My “high risk” red colour Tommy Hilfiger shirt.

Brand crazy or street pick-ups?

Usually it is brands. However it is not a mental blockage but for their quality and comfortable fit.

Your style icon would be…

Hrithik Roshan for his impeccable way of dressing for the occasion.

Who do you think is the worst dressed celebrity?

Rakhi Sawant for her loud dressing sense.

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

Sporty for casual and glam for formal occasions.

One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension…

I can’t stand males piercing their body parts for the sake of fashion.

Your take on accessories…

Accessories add the ‘zing’ to the persona – maybe a ring besides the watch and belt, at times.

Given the choice, which designer would you liked to be dressed?

My mom is a designer and I like to go by her advice.

What gives you a high on the confidence level?

Positive thoughts and knowing that I am looking good ! That’s it.

(As told to Poonam Bindra)

stress buster
On a high, yet so low
Renee singh

We all know that stress is impacting all of our lives in certain ways. Sometimes we are aware of it and sometimes we are not. And in our very own “unknown to us ways’’ we are even dealing with it. Many times we are leading certain kinds of lifestyles that are inherently very stressful but our own lack of awareness of this state of ours can lead to a serious level of stress build up.

Are you an adrenalin junkie? This is a question I have asked many people who come to me, as I found I had been one over the years myself. Many people are happy with an easy paced existence and yet there are others looking for a constant level of “high”.

We mostly attribute certain typical behaviours to adrenalin junkies like sky diving, bungee jumping or other risky behaviours. There are several subtle patterns that those who are hooked to the rush of adrenalin tend to incorporate into their lives consciously or subconsciously, these conspire to keep stress levels high.

There are many effective stress management techniques and each one of them has its own benefits and drawbacks. Some have more benefit than others but each one has its own level of appeal. Adapting a technique is a matter of personal preference.

How to figure out that you are an adrenalin junkie and how to deal with it?

You are constantly telling yourself that when things will calm down in your life you’ll have time for everything, but something comes up all the time as you find new ways of filling up your to do list.

For an adrenalin junkie it would be a challenge to meditate. On the one hand it offers a level of relaxation and on the other hand it is difficult to deal with as you need a temperament for it.

On the job or in school, specially when handling a project with a deadline are you putting off things to the last minute and then working like crazy to meet the deadline, or are you making a plan to pace your time so that you can get it done without stress, well then you are an adrenalin junkie.

Do you sleep enough at all? Sometimes we skimp on sleep and then add shots of coffee to our day to keep ourselves going, there’s work to do.

Most of the time it is very calming to come home and relax, but for an adrenalin junkie it is stressful to be so quiet. They rather come home and watch TV, put on music or any other noise pollution thereby adding on stress.

These are a great reflection of your stress levels. Social support is the healthiest for your health and happiness. Conflicting relationships are very detrimental to your health. Only supportive relationships give you strength and energy.

Deal with it

Making your schedule less busy would definitely cut down on your stress levels. Sometimes you have this intense desire to do a million unreasonably difficult things.

If you can’t enjoy a moment of peace then you are on the way to stress, the more you feel the need to fill your time with something urgent the more stress you gather.

With adrenalin junkies relationships include explosive arguments. Disagreements don’t have to turn into dramatic conflicts if we handle it properly.

There’s nothing wrong with maintaining an exciting lifestyle. The problem is only when your level of excitement creates a constantly triggered stress response in your body. Allow your excitement to come from other sources rather then negatives like conflict.

Try quick stress relievers and lesson your body’s stress response so that you don’t suffer from the negative effects of chronic stress.

Happy living!

(Singh is a Chandigarh based psychotherapist)

star track
Know what they eat
We tell you some interesting food and diet facts about your favourite stars...


Bebo’s Italian cravings: Kareena loves Italian cuisine like pasta and pizza. She likes making spaghetti for Saif too. She eats pizza with a bowl of salad so that it is healthier. Pizza is her weakness. She has two glasses of milk everyday and changes her diet with her films.	Saif’s dedicated act: Saif Ali Khan gave up spaghetti and rice and his glass of whiskey while preparing for Agent Vinod. It took him two months to get fit and tone up for the role. He has a very glamourous role in Race 2 and needs to look fit in that too. He loves Chinese cuisine.	PC’s love for the junk: Priyanka Chopra hates cooking. She likes being fed by her mother. She loves Punjabi home-made food and junk food like pizzas and burgers. She has a fast metabolism so eats her heart out. She hates gymming too.	Shahid’s hidden culinary skills: Shahid Kapoor is spiritually inclined and does not drink. He is naturally high and happy. He loves making Indian, Chinese, and Italian food when he gets in the mood. He would love to cook for his girlfriend. He is a vegetarian.	Kat’s simple choices: Katrina Kaif loves Indian comfort food like curd and rice. She loves the kebabs, biryanis, and curries at Salman Khan’s place. She loves eating ice-cream at night and she goes to popular suburban parlours with her friends for the same. — HRM

Vicious circle of love and war

When Prime Minister Manmohan Singh declared, “The Maoists have become the gravest threat to India’s internal security”, he was undoubtedly reflecting an extremely urgent concern that the entire country feels.

And yet, this ‘enemy’ is not an outsider; these are our countrymen, our own children that are fighting our state. India is at war with itself!

Chakravyuh is the story of two best friends, Adil and Kabir. Adil Khan, a highly decorated police officer is posted to Nandighat, after a horrifying massacre of 84 policemen. Within days, he discovers that the Maoists, lead by the ruthless and charismatic Rajan, effectively control the area. They are able to swiftly thwart Adil’s most determined efforts. Despite holding a position of enormous power as the SP of Nandighat, Adil has never felt so helpless in his career.

But then, into his life, re-enters Kabir who is rootless, aimless, the quintessential rolling stone. His only anchor in life has always been his friendship with and his loyalty for Adil. The maverick proposes an outrageous plan that he will infiltrate Rajan’s group, and be Adil’s informer. And, together they will smash the Maoist organisation in Nandighat. In spite of his apprehensions, Adil agrees.

Sure enough, Kabir gets in and craftily wins their confidence, as only he can. He secretly begins informing Adil, who starts attacking the Maoists with great success. An enormous cache of arms raided, two top national leaders and 63 activists killed at an arms-training camp. And, Rajan himself captured! Within weeks, Adil and Kabir turn the game, pushing the Maoists on to the back foot.

But, Kabir also begins discovering a different reality. The abject helplessness of the rural poor who are brutally displaced in the name of development, the fruits of which never reach them. Their land, their forest, their water snatched by their own government to allow big business to exploit the area and its people further. As the poverty and desperation rise, so does a cry of anger, giving birth to the naxalite who believes the only way to counter this is with a gun!

Kabir also can’t help getting close to the activists; begins identifying with them. Rajan, Babu, Venu and Juhi, a dedicated revolutionary with a tender heart, who has seen pain like none other. She begins to fall in love with Kabir. The confusion in Kabir’s heart intensifies dangerously until he is on the horns of a ghastly dilemma. Who does he support now? Who does he fight? He finds himself in a chakravyuh from which there is no retreat now.

And yet, before Kabir can make one last desperate attempt to resolve this with Adil, events hurtle him into making choices that would put him at war with him. A war that would change the future of the region. A war that can only end when one of them destroys the other.

Chakravyuh is directed by Prakash Jha and stars Abhay Deol, Arjun Rampal, Manoj Bajpai, Esha Gupta, Anjali Patil, and Om Puri. It is releasing in October 2012.

Take two on romance

Actress Nazia Hussain, who is all set with her second outing Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai, says uncle Sanjay Dutt has no problems with her joining the industry but hasn’t watched her films because he is a busy man. “People feel that Sanjay uncle is a strict person but he is completely the opposite. He is a very busy man. He has no issues with me joining Bollywood and is happy about my decision,” said Nazia.

Earlier, it was reported that Sanjay did not allow his daughter Trishala to join the film industry. Nazia, 21, late actress Nargis’s grand niece, began her career with Say Yes to Love which released this year, but her performance in the romantic drama went unnoticed. With her second film “Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai” coming up, Nazia hopes to strike a chord with the audience.

“I have worked hard for this film, I am playing a woman from Rajasthan. I have watched many films including ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam to prepare for my character. I have also attended four months rigorous workshop also,” she said. Asked if there is any particular reason behind starring again in a romantic film, she said, “Indian audience still love to go to the theatre if the film is mushy. Love stories touch people’s heart. But I don’t want to associate myself with romantic films only. If I get a good script then I will do a realistic film also.” Yeh Jo Mohabbat Hai, which will hit theatres on July 20, also stars new comer Aditya Samantha. “Aditya is quite opposite to me in real life. He is an introvert and always comes prepared on the sets. He is a brilliant performer,” Nazia added. Before joining films, Nazia worked as a travel agent. She has grown up watching Sanjay’s films. “It was one fine day when I decided that I want to be an actress and after my acting school, I started giving various auditions. I had forgotten about my first audition for this film when I got a call for the second screen test after 5-6 months. And here I am doing it,” she said. — PTI

Deepika Padukone miffed with Saif Ali Khan?

According to the latest buzz, the actress is furious over her song that went missing from her upcoming film Cocktail’s music album. Deepika Padukone is disappointed with the makers of Cocktail for releasing the music album online without a song which features her. Interestingly, the actress was pleased with the response she is getting after its trailer release. However, she was expecting much more from this number.

According to a unit head, Deepika expressed her concern to costar and co-producer Saif Ali Khan as both are shooting in Turkey for Abaas Mastaan’s Race -2. The party song in question is Main Sharabi sung by Imran Aziz Mian and Yo Yo Honey Singh. Still, looking at the popularity of the song on the internet the makers have decided to re-release the music album with this song. Hope that gives some relief to Deepika!

High on success

Anurag Kashyap says the collection of Gangs of Wasseypur collected 10 crore on its opening weekend is more than enough for him. He is happy with the success of the movie.

Committed by all means

Teen Pop star Justin Bieber and girlfriend Selena Gomez put on a united front amid reports of break-up.

Earlier reports suggested the young couple called off their romance after a series of fights, but the stars shrugged off the speculation with a cozy Thai meal together in Hollywood, reported a website. Bieber and Gomez were photographed grinning and holding hands as they arrived at Pink Pepper restaurant to enjoy their date night. When asked about the status of their relationship, Bieber said, “What does it look like?.” —PTI

Starving to perfection

Deepika Padukone feels that the Indian body type is not suited for bikinis. Indians have to work extra hard to get into bikinis. She stopped eating normal dinners and desserts while preparing for the bikini shoot. She would skip cast and crew dinners as well. The day she finished the shoot, she gorged on food and desserts.

Couple on vacation

Anushka Sharma is going steady with Ranveer Singh even though they deny it. She is currently with him in Spain as he and his friends go on a road trip across Europe.

chatter box
For the love of films

Karan Singh Grover, who is known as television’s Salman Khan for his physique, loves to watch film. He loves to rent DVDs and watch movies endlessly. Here is a list of his top favourite films.

The Shawshank Redemption

I think it’s one of the most intelligently made movies of all time and what a performance by Tim Robbins! The direction is awesome, the performance of every character however small is amazing and above all, the script is brilliant!

The Dark Knight

Christopher Nolan’s Batman saga is a complete edge of the seat thriller. The script is a total roller coaster ride and the special effects, the background score, the cinematography, everything comes together to create a masterpiece. Christian Bale, Heath Ledger and Aaron Eckhart are all brilliant in their roles. “Why so serious?” said in true blue Joker style haunts you long after the movie is over. That is the power of the film.

Dev D

Anurag Kashyap’s modern day adaptation of Devdas is an all time favorite of mine. The strongest point of the film is the way the story has been adapted to the present times. And not to mention the performances! Abhay Deol is superb and the background score, cinematography and the soundtrack of this movie also are all extremely well made. And the movie can boast of excellent dialogues like “Tumhe tumhari aukat dikha rahi hoon.” and many more.

Sleepless in Seattle

This is a timeless romantic classic starring Tom Hanks and the ever charming Meg Ryan. It’s a beautiful story told even more beautifully and to top it all, the performances by Hanks and Ryan are so touching! And the movie has some great romantic scenes with a lovely background score to add to the whole feel.

Don (starring Amitabh Bachchan)

“Don ke pichhe gyara mulkon ki police padi hai par Don ko pakad na mushkil hi nahin, namumkin hai.” sums it all! This movie is a complete potboiler and a total masala entertainer and is an important part of my collection. And what a performance by Amitji and what songs! This movie personifies what an out an out Bollywood flick is. — HRM

Another addition in the family

Raj Babbar’s daughter Juhi is pregnant and the family had a quiet godh-bharai ceremony a recently at their Juhu home, in Mumbai. Close relatives and friends were invited. Hubby Anoop Soni looked happiest while staying by Juhi's side for most part of the evening.

The would-be naani Nadira was in charge and ensured that every aspect of the function was taken care. Juhi is due in September and she is very excited to welcome a new member to their family.

Too old to act

While Balaji has finalised Samir Kochar in the role of a businessman in Sony Entertainment Television’s Bade Achhe Lagte Hain. But buzz is that Eijaz Khan was approached for the role but later he was dropped. Rumours were that the makers felt Eijaz looked younger than Sakshi. Let’s hope the rest is good.

Clearing the air

Drashti Dhami is angry over reports that she is soon going to be married. Rumours claim she is in love with NRI businessman, Neeraj Khemka since two years and has been spotted with him numerous times.

She has laughed off the rumours and claims she is only focused on her new Colors’ show Madhubala-Ek Ishq Ek Junoon for now.

Vipul Gupta’s short story!

The latest guy joining the group of actors in the new series of short films called Teri Meri Love Stories on Star Plus is Vipul Gupta. He has done Chhoti Si Zindagi and India Calling and will do a short film opposite Gautam Rode. The series is scheduled to air in August.

Friendly Role

Kunal Karan Kapoor marvels at the fact that earlier he felt he couldn’t handle kids and now he feels like a pro. He is fond of his little co star Palak Ashnoor aka Nanhi in Colors’ Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha. Both are so friendly that they tease each other and play on the sets

Sangeeta Bijlani (July 9,1960) actress, former Miss India and model, shares the cake with you. Hathyar was the first film she signed, but got big success with Tridev in 1989. After Jurm, Ijjat, Yugandhar, Yodha, Vishnu Deva , she continued acting in films till the mid 90s. She got married to Mohammad Azharuddin. She also anchored for Doordarshan's popular Sunday morning show Rangoli and acted in serial Chandni. She is often seen in party circles but has not acted in any films since 1995.Her birth chart shows two legal marriages. It may be possible after 2013.

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Family life is charged with tension. Financially, you will find yourself wasting too much money. Writers will find their work in print. Keep your cool and maintain a low profile. A health crisis might strike. Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 49.

TAURUS: Your love life is passing through a rough phase. Businessmen have a tricky day. You will buy a piece of jewellery for your partner. A feel good humour and cosmic wisdom will weave into your affairs. Tarot message: Be positive and think carefully before taking action. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 42.

GEMINI: Your card “The Universe” favours good progress in your profession and business. Be wary of a situation where you may make a mistake. Distant affairs will become more favourable as the day progresses. Tarot message: Do not let anyone get the advantage over you. Lucky colour: Bottle green. Magic number: 25.

CANCER: You card “The Moon” reveals a romantic interest. If you have a lover, this is the day to treat them to a generous gift accompanied by an intimate dinner. Money will be very important to you today. Tarot message: Don’t be too certain about obtaining a clearance. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 38.

LEO: Buy the right outfit for your sports or exercise program. Dress for success to make a great impression on employers. Style is everything now, so it is important to stay abreast of the latest fashions. Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 29.

VIRGO: Fresh strategies are likely to be in order but initially they may be somewhat hit-and-miss as you iron the bugs. No problems should arise in romance. You will feel great with your renewed energy. Tarot message: Capitalise on your strength and do not trust others. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 60.

LIBRA: Boring routine jobs can be made more bearable through teamwork. A level of stress may be building, especially if you face unpaid bills or financial issues are weighing on your mind. You may be feeling vulnerable. Tarot message: Focus on better to mitigate the bitter. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 59.

SCORPIO: Many of you will scurry to be on time, frantically trying to complete all the tasks on full to-do lists before the day is out. Make extra efforts to conclude pending projects. Focus on recovery of dues. Tarot message: Wait and watch Impatience will lead to failure. Lucky colour: Cream. Magic number: 54.

SAGITTARIUS: Caring conversations flow easily. Health problem can be successfully handled. This is a good day for property deals. Cool down with water sports such as swimming, boating and fishing. Tarot message: Unfinished business will unleash new problems. Lucky colour: Grey. Magic number: 39.

CAPRICORN: A burst of domestic enthusiasm can sweep into cleaning and decorating your home. Senior bureaucrats should focus on secret files and documents. If possible get a dose of fresh air. Tarot message: You need to cultivate understanding and humility. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 63.

AQUARIUS: Differences of opinion within the family could reach a boiling point. It is important to have a good equation at home. Love life runs into trouble. Have no worries. Tarot message: If you are tempted to travel overseas don’t waste money by financing the trip yourself. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 27.

PISCES: If you are not okay about a relationship finance or career issues, take a positive action rather than stewing about it. Keep a low profile and bide your time. Just enjoy yourself. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish those tasks which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Camelish. Magic number: 40.

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is July 9...

It will be a moderate year for you. You need to do proper self-assessment with respect to finances. It will be a smooth day as far as your health is concerned. This year will be positive, live it with self-awareness and you will battle all difficulties. Don't hold your feelings and do things that you like in order to relax. Concentrating on the needs of family members should be your priority. Chances to form a new love connection will be strong but don't reveal information, which is personal and confidential. Unexpected travel may prove to be hectic and stressful. Do not overspend on luxuries. Close family members will make you feel jealous and irritated. Secret affairs can ruin your reputation. Stick to your job and don't count on others to help you. Watch out for individuals who might try to mislead you.

Your birth on the ninth of July reflects idealism and humanitarianism in your nature. The number nine denotes mastery over all challenges faced by the numbers preceding it. The number nine people have an aura made up of all colours. The month of September brings good news always and their lucky day is Monday. Additionally 1, 5, 6, 9, 18 and 27 are lucky dates for these people. Don't overlook an unorthodox financial rearrangement.

Career: Take care of your salaries and do not land into an argument with your boss. Education: Try to get over your shyness. Family: Emotions may once again go on the rise. Finance: At your work place you will have to be calm and patient. Do not enter into any discussion, which can lead to hot arguments. Your financial position will be good. Friendship: Friends are most helpful but do not lend them. Health: Be careful, an intimacy with someone may infect you. Love: Sweet talk is your best way to romance in September. Search in matrimony ends by May 2013.

Mood: Excited and slightly 'over the top'.Compatible Signs: Scorpio, Cancer. Lucky Colors: Maroon, Olive. Lucky Days: Sunday and Monday.