Short take, big gains
Chandigarh today boasts of young filmmakers who have used the camera to create history. We trace the journey of some of them
Vasudha Gupta

Sumeer Walia
social cause: Sumeer Walia


Kabir Chowdhary
dark corners: Kabir Chowdhary

In several heart-rending tales of today, the battles get long over but the residue remains. It is this residue that became the basis of Kabir Choudhary's 45-minute documentary Good Morning, which bagged an award at the New York Film Festival.

It was during the shoot of Deepa Mehta's film Midnight's Children that Kabir came across Sri Lanka's struggle against the LTTE. "In Sri Lanka, people smile; the beauty is scenic yet there is angst between the people," he says. It is this residue that has remained alive in their minds.

Based on the life of a young couple, the film also interweaves the same ideology of battles long gone. "In the documentary, the husband ends up finding his wife in a compromising position with a man, who leaves his suit behind and runs away," he says. It is this suit, which becomes a part of their life. "The husband forces the wife to keep the suit as a third person," he adds.

Based on mental and psychological torture, the story, coming from a 26-year-old, surely makes a mark. Made on a meagre budget of Rs 25,000, Kabir used the social media to the optimum to promote his documentary. With a rich experience as an art director in several Bollywood movies such as Wake Up Sid, Aisha and now Midnight's Children, Kabir was itching to vent out his creativity while in Sri Lanka.

"The layers among people appeared after spending enough time in Sri Lanka. After this, I just got together with my friends and made this documentary," says Kabir, all set to go to the San Francisco Film Festival. "Without major budgets, the best thing was uploading it on YouTube. And it received 1, 00,000 hits," he beams.

For some people, cameras came in as a reward for securing admission to the right institutions! Gaurav Chhabra's admission in MBBS got him his first camera and today eight-nine movies down the line, his next titled My Name is Aditya traces the history of PGI through the eyes of a cancer patient, Aditya. His last, Inklab, gained popularity but did not manage clearance from the censor board. "There were several discussions on Facebook revolution. Somehow, the idea fell in sync with Shaheed Bhagat Singh and the result turned out to be a controversial film. It was only for the Mumbai International Film Festival that the film was selected because they did not want censor certification," he laughs.

When it is films, any kind of guidance helps, especially when you are Jaspal Bhatti's son. Jasraj Bhatti's first film was titled Flop Bhoot. "Dad loved the concept and encouraged me all the more," he adds. His next, Laadla Driver, was bought by the Chandigarh, Punjab and Chandigarh Police. His next Nanhi Chidiya, scripted by Jaspal Bhatti, explored the world of female foeticide. Although it bagged the best story award at the Indian Documentary Producers Association, the film did not fare well internationally. "People outside are alien to the concept of female foeticide. So we thought of a film with a universal appeal," he says. For him, Bunty's Tree, based on the theme of tree conservation, the four-minute movie turned out to be a back-breaking job. The animated film has already been to the Sand Fly Competition in Australia and will soon go to the Toronto Film Festival's screening. Currently working on a Punjabi feature film, Jasraj has shifted base to Mumbai.

Closely observing the condition of children under drug abuse got Sumeer Walia thinking. As the executive director of Tie, he took out enough time, did all his research and his movie The Life I left Behind (Monu's story) has been a life-changing experience. "My regular visits to Ashiana gave me an insight into the condition of drug abuse among children and laid the foundation of the documentary," he says.

vasudha@tribunemail.com

Youth, Ride…Fun
The cast and crew of Mere Dad Ki Maruti, a YRF project shot entirely in Chandigarh, talk about the film, working with the banner and their experiences 
Ashima Batish

Ashima Chibber
behind camera: Ashima Chibber

Of whatever Rakhi Sawant has blabbered till date, once for sure she made sense. Absolute sense! "There couldn't be a better experience than working under the banner of Yash Raj Films," she said, when she shot for Dil Bole Hadippa. Not that she was the first one to acknowledge it, several actors before and several afterwards have repeated the same in praise of the YRF banner. The cast and crew of Mere Dad Ki Maruti, shooting in Chandigarh, are no different; right from the lead actor, second lead to the director — everybody repeated Rakhi Sawant's wise thought! The added more, but only later…

Power-puff girl

The fact that there aren't even half-a-dozen women directors in Bollywood is enough to inspire this new-found talent. Ashima Chibber, director of the film, is also a proof of the changing dynamics of the industry, "Outsiders are welcome. Talent is what counts now. Nepotism exists but doesn't oppress new talent."

As for being a woman director, she says the industry is unbiased. More then the issues inside the industry, women have to cope with challenges outside, "The balancing act between work and home is difficult. Men don't have to deal with it; women can't afford to ignore it." She has been shooting in Chandigarh for a month now and confesses the city has always been her most preferred location. "I spent my childhood in the city, knew about it all like the back of my hand and was sure no other city has a young feel as Chandigarh." Ashima began her career as an assistant director with Rockstar.

Up front

His first Bollywood outing was Mujhse Fraandship Karoge, which too was made under the YRF banner. On a three-film contract with the production house, Saqib Saleem, who is playing the lead, Sameer Khullar, in the film, is happy with the exposure he is getting. "The film has a sound storyline. I play the boy who sneaks out in his dad's Maruti at midnight to date his girlfriend. In the process, he loses his car and how he gets it back is what makes for the perfect story." Not to forget, it is set against the backdrop of a Punjabi wedding. Though this is just his second film, he feels he is here to stay: "Unlike earlier times, the industry has a lot of work and space for everyone who has got talent." And he really has some!

Second-time lucky

Prabal Punjabi, who's playing the second lead in the film, is confident that it will announce his entry into Bollywood. "It's strictly not a rom-com, but an out-an-out comedy, something on the lines of Andaz Apna Apna." In fact, he says, YRF has never come out with any such product in the past. "The sole aim of the film is to make people laugh. It's genuinely funny movie." His role in the film is of the hero's best friend and the chemistry between the boys will be the USP of the film. "Boys bonding is a hit subject in Bollywood. It began with Dostana; and then Ishqiya and Pyaar Ka Punchnama. The film will recreate the magic of bromance."

ashima@tribunemail.com

A host of things
Handling the stage for any show requires more than just confidence. We catch up with some hosts on Indian television 
Sabia

They introduce the show, they get things going, they make the audience as well as the contestants laugh and at the end they handle the pressure of eliminations in an encouraging way. They are the anchors or hosts who add the extra zing to reality shows, where talented people compete and experienced names judge! Indian television has been soaring on TRPs with reality shows like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Indian Idol, Dance India Dance, India's Got Talent, Comedy Circus and many more. Recently many of the shows have entered their new seasons. We talk to some of these talented people and find out what really goes into being a host.

Linguistic perfection

Shruti Seth, the young and bubbly anchor who is currently hosting Kahaani Comedy Circus Ki, is very truthful when she says anyone who wants to be a host on Indian television must know Hindi. Says Shruti, "I feel really ashamed when people say with aplomb that they don't know how to speak fluent Hindi. If one does not know Hindi, one has no right to be part of Indian television." What about the talent? "I just do my job well; prepare a little bit and also reflect my true personality for the real effect," says Shruti. Being just the perfect host needs a bit of wit, sense of homour and rest should come naturally! 

Narrative impulse

Ragini Khanna, who is currently hosting Jhalak Dikhlaja Season 5, feels being a host requires spontaneity along with wit. And do they really have a script? "We have a script, but we get that only half-an-hour before the show, but if somebody has had a bad performance you have to say something supporting on the spot," says Ragini. We wonder what more goes into being a good host. "You just have to be there, a lot of presence of mind is required and be prepared for the unexpected," adds Ragini. 

Knowledge bank

Says Mini Mathur, who has hosted quite a lot of shows on Indian television, including Iss Jangal Se Mujhe Bachao, Indian Idol Season 3, 4, 5 and currently the sixth one, "A good anchor needs to be very realistic and educated. I only do the shows where my opinion matters." We wonder if she is happy with her job! "I'm satisfied with being an anchor. I'm proud to be a host and those who feel that it is an easy job must try it once." Any word of advice? "Those who aspire to become anchors should be well-read, have a quest for knowledge and the confidence to go with it.

Well prepared

Manish Paul, who will be hosting India's Got Talent Season 5 along with Cyrus Sahukar, feels that anchoring is not just about talking. "You have to make sense of what you talk. I make it a point to rehearse my script and also put a lot of thought to come up with some original lines," says Manish. So, is your job just about cracking jokes? "I am always myself and love to do comedy stuff, but some situations require seriousness as well," adds Manish.

sabiatalwar@tribunemail.com

Celeb point
Pancake and more
Divya Dutta

It’s difficult to look de-glamorous sometime! We are so used to looking pretty, getting accessorized with make-up, glamorous outfits, branded footwear and bags and made to look uber cool! Be it for movies or off them, the film world is associated with glamour, fantasy and extravagance! It’s real fun when you enter your vanity van and a whole entourage of image makers—your makeup man, hairdresser, dress designers, stylists— change you into a diva!

It’s a high altogether, to get admiring looks from people and compliments. ‘Lovely make-up, hairdo, hey what a pretty outfit, you look gorgeous’, it has become a way of life. And then come a few films your way which needs you to do just the opposite. Totally deglamorise yourself and I must say it requires guts to undo. I have a few films in my kitty which are real stories and required me to look real, meaning sans makeup, designers etc. And you have designers who help you look the part too. Like on the sets of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, our designer the very adorable mom from Vicky Donor, Dolly Ahluwalia, gave me a look to match the role. And I found another high in looking the part!

Then for Zilla Ghaziabad, I play a rough tough rustic girl, with guns et al! So, I did my make-up with lots of kajal in the eyes. It looked great but the cameraman said, “Madam, remove the entire make-up.” I had never done that before. I was very tense. I won't look nice, But he said, “Trust me madam, just remove all make-up.” And I did after the initial hesitation. I came on the set with oil on my face, rough hair and attitude to match! Trust me, everyone on the set looked amazed. I looked the character. Raw, sensuous and rough and yes no make-up! After the shoot, the cameraman came to me and said, “Thank you madam. No actress removes all her make-up. You had the guts to do it and it’s looking great. Thank you for trusting me.”

I would say thanks to all of them for introducing me to roles in a more realistic way. Knowing my characters better and living them.

Isn't it fun? Kabhi normal lago, kabhi ekdum deglam aur kabhi pariyon se sunder? This happens only in my lovely world of films!

(Dutta is a Bollywood actor)

Pet passion
Three for joy
Manpriya Khurana

Ambika Anand with her pets It started as a very sneaky affair with one tip toeing the other while the parents were asleep in the next room. “My brother got him from his friend who was going abroad. He was one or two months old and they had already named him Snoopy,” Ambika Anand, student, MSc IT, tried every trick in the book to introduce a golden hue to already existing colour pallete of white and copper.

“Our parents would have objected to him because we already had a copper coloured Cocker Spaniel called Copper and a white guinea pig.” That’s how the story behind the new introduction, a golden labrador, goes. “We would take him for walks in the morning when our parents went to the temple. We always have to cross our grandmother’s room but she has slightly week eye sight, so it continued for about a week, till she finally became suspicious.” That’s when the milk from the sneaked-in packets finally spilled. “But he’s so cute to look at, that our parents gave in.”

Love me, love my dog

Here she is, dishing out trivia about her two-year-old bundle of joy. “Snoopy loves going out, whenever he sees anybody pick up the car keys, he literally starts howling to be taken along.” She adds, “We once took him to a doctor for about a week regularly and that’s when he developed this fever of being taken for car rides.” Apart from the joy rides, that happens every now and then, the pampered dog needs seasonal fruits to complete his meal. “During the winter, he needs to be fed oranges and during the summer, it is mango for him. He loves fruits and they need to be mixed in his meal, for him to eat them.”

Yours faithfully

As for Copper, mood swings galore. “We didn’t want a very fancy name for Copper. It had to be something, which every one can pronounce. He was so copperish in colour, that there could be any other name for him.” She adds, “He’s very moody and if they ever came together, he’ll bite guinea pig apart.” A white little thing lovingly called Shiltu. “We were thinking of random funny names till shiltu sounded right.” The three-year-old creature stays in his cage. “It is very difficult to understand them. But now he gets out of his cage easily. We feed him grass in the morning and the moment we open the fridge, he starts whistling.”

A tell-tale sign, a way of asking for food. “We also give him carrots and he loves cucumber. He’ll follow you no end, on seeing a cucumber.” Not many would know that this species of rodent are neither pigs and nor did they come from Guinea. “We got him from a little boy in the neighbourhood who had ten or twelve of them. We earlier had two of them, but recently one died and now only one is left.” She still counts a three for joy.

manpriya@tribunemail.com 

Coming soon
On the street

The Sangeet Natak Akademi has organized a four-day festival of street plays on social issues starting from July 14 at Kaimbwala, Khuda, Lahora, Ramdarbar, Manimajra, Dadumajra, Maloya and Burail. The following plays will be staged:

The shows will be held at 5 pm daily.

Show time

n Maut Ka Saya: Directed by Munish Kapoor and presented by Drishti Theatre, the play depicts the menace of drug abuse, especially among the younger generations.

n Jab Jago Tabhi Savera: Directed by Rajiv Mehta and presented by Theatre Arts, the play is a satire on evil practices adopted by fictitious babas and spiritual leaders.

n Mochi Da Putt: Directed by Gaurav Sharma and presented by Citi Entertainment Network, the play is based on the problems of caste system.

n Berojgar: Directed by Ikatar Singh and presented by Chandigarh School of Drama, the play is based on the unemployment problem.

n Gagan Da mama...: Directed by Chakresh Kumar and presented by Alankar Theatre, the play questions the essence of freedom.

n Zindagi: Directed by Vijay Machal and presented by mask Theatre, this play underlines the importance of blood donation.

n Toaa: Directed by Anita Shabdeesh and presented by Suchetak Sangmanch, this play highlights the corruption in the system.

n Samaj: Directed by Sahib Singh and presented by Adakar Manch, this play is based on various issues related to women.

indulge Gem packed

Priceless pieces of traditional art and craftsmanship inspired by the jewellery of the Rajasthan’s royal families are on display in Chandigarh. The Royal Rajwada Collection designed and handcrafted in Jaipur are available at the outlet of Dwarka Jewellers at Manimajra.

Noted items include exquisitely crafted kundan meena jewellery, fusion jewellery and a huge range of sterling silver jewellery. —TNS

star track
The new fashionista

Evelyn Sharma  We’ve seen an ‘event’ful week with promotional jigs for Bol Bachchan, Cocktail and Barfi along with several product launches. So while known and upcoming names vied for attention, Evelyn Sharma cruised through it all and was the centre of attraction. No wonder, recently, a fashion hot space chose this half-Indian half-German model-turned-actress as ‘the best dressed celebs’ who sashayed at parties last week.

Evelyn has also shared the stage with the ladies man Akshay Kumar at the music launch of her debut film From Sydney With Love (FSWL). Apart from a funky role in FSWL, directed by veteran filmmaker Pramod Chakravorty’s grandson Prateek Chakravorty, Evelyn Sharma plays a very spiritual girl opposite Prateik Babbar in Issaq, a glamorous dream girl in T-Series’ next tentatively titled Class of 2013, and a sexy dame in Ayan Mukerji’s Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani; the Ranbir Kapoor- Deepika Padukone starrer under Karan Johar’s banner Dharma Productions.

 

 

Settling for Shraddha, Aditya

 Aditya Roy Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor Mohit Suri launched a nationwide hunt for the cast of Aashiqui but did not like anyone. So he has cast Shraddha Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapoor. He knows their films have not worked but they suit his movie. Hope it turns their fortunes around.


Second fiddles:
 Aditya Roy Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor

 

 

The focal point

After getting a resounding response for the trailer of Barfi, director Anurag Basu says that he wouldn’t have made the film if Ranbir Kapoor wasn’t playing the character of Murphy. Anurag’s respect and love for Ranbir as an actor is obvious when he says,“Ranbir, as a person, is very spontaneous and naughty. I cannot stay angry with Ranbir for a long time. He apologises in such a manner that I have to be convinced,” said Basu.

“His aura is such that I remember on the last day of shoot, Ranbir was bidding good bye to all and hugging them; and I actually saw how everyone was feeling that moment. They were really feeling sad,” smiles the director. “Well, I don't know if it was RK or Barfi who created that feeling in all.”

Basu further reveals, “If Ranbir wouldn’t have done this movie, I wouldn't have made it. I always had Ranbir in my mind for this role. Even the day I was writing the 10th page of the script!” Also starring Priyanka Chopra in an unusual role and south star Illeana D’Cruz, Barfi is all set to release on 14th September, 2012.

 

 

How natural!

Dia Mirza Dia Mirza is eco-friendly. She loves the rains and finds them relaxing. She lives in an environment-friendly society and society members do recycling activities. She recently won an award for her efforts towards the environment.

 

Incredible India

Shooting of the upcoming Batman movie The Dark Knight Rises, actually began in India and the film's star Christian Bale says it was a nice adventure despite filming in tremendous heat.

A key sequence in the third film in the Batman series was shot in Mehrangarh, Jodhpur and Bale says the local people thought the film's unit had lost their mind. "The locals thought we were nuts. We were out in 120-degree heat. I thought it was a great induction by fire into the whole thing. It was nice to mix it up and go to different places. It makes it an adventure," Bale said. The film, which sees Bale reprise the role of Batman, touched down in a remote expanse near Jodhpur and the landscape added to the desolation needed for a prison scene. "We wanted a sequence that needed to be in the middle of nowhere, and the place where we shot is beautiful. We actually went there with a very small crew, and it was an exciting way to start the movie," said Emma Thomas, the film's producer. The last of the blockbuster Dark Knight Trilogy stars Bale and Tom too. —PTIk

 

 

Rumour has it…

Known for being a perfectionist, actor Aamir Khan is in news again, but this time for wrong reasons. The actor recently had an argument with Talaash director Reema Kagti over some scenes.

According to the grapevine, the actor wasn't too happy with the second half of Talaash that has been in the making for a long time now and suggested a re-shoot. But Reema refused to re-shoot any portion. Producer Ritesh Sidhwani denied the rumours and said that the film is all set to release on November 30. “There is no truth to the stories about any rift between Reema and Aamir. We are working on the theatrical trailer and the movie releases on 30th November,” he said.

 

 

Too close for comfort

Soha Ali Khan Soha Ali Khan was upset over her beau Kunal Khemu's intimate scene with Mia Uyeda in his latest release Blood Money. She had a tiff with him because no girlfriend likes to see her boyfriend do a scene like that. She has not done anything intimate or scandalous in anyway.

 

Smoke with fire

A crew member made Abhishek Bachchan angry when he lit up on the set. Bachchan asked him to smoke outside. Then Ajay Devgn started shooting. While Bachchan was upset, he could not shout at him.

 

 

Figure it out with Mahakshay

Bollywood actor Mahakshay Chakraborty reveals his fitness secrets and eating habits to us…

My workout regime

I do mixed martial arts (MMA) thrice a week for one and a half hour.  It’s a gruesome sport. Your endurance and flexibility gets tested. I also do weight training and cardio exercises.

My diet

I have only one proper meal a day.  I keep it vegetarian. I also have a lot of salads and fruits. Once a week, I give myself the freedom to eat almost everything I want. If you had a proper diet throughout the week, feel free to reward yourself by eating what you want to. I am very health conscious. I avoid supplements but take multi-vitamin pills.

My mantra

You are what you eat. Trust me, it’s true. It doesn’t matter how much you workout, if you don’t watch your calories. You can have anything you want as long as you keep a watch on your calories intake. That’s my fitness mantra.

 

 

Madhuri’s day out

Madhuri Dixit Nene visited the Taj Mahal with husband Ram Nene and her two sons. She disguised herself with big glares and a scarf and was casually dressed. She shared a photo of the same.

 

It’s raining food! 

R&B star Rihanna's huge order from a Portuguese restaurant made it shut their doors as they had no stock left. The 24-year-old singer, who performed at the Barclaycard Wireless Festival, had requested a delivery from a local Nando's eatery, reported a website. "Rihanna ordered every item from the restaurant and asked for it to be delivered to her private backstage area," said a backstage worker. —PTI

 

Sportsman’s spirit

Prateik loves playing football in the rains and used to play football with random children on the beach. If he weren't an actor, then he would have been a football player but it is not a lucrative career in India.

chatter box
Life threatening experience

TV actress Kashmera Shah was recently chased and verbally abused by a group of six men. According to a report, Kashmera was chased into the secluded garage area of her building Oberoi Springs (same building where the Vijay Palande case happened) by six men in two cars.

The men got out of their cars, surrounded Kashmera, tried to attack her and even threatened her. When she began screaming at them and calling out to security guards, the men ran away in their cars. But as they fled, Kashmera managed to click the number plate of one of their cars with her cell phone.

Kashmera along with boyfriend Krushna filed a police complaint at Oshiwara Police Station. Strictly reserved Famous for her portrayal of character Sandhya, Deepika Singh hasn’t been able to strike the right-chord with her co-stars off-screen.

The actress says that she mingles with everyone but prefers to sit in her make-up room during breaks and update herself with latest happenings and talk to my parents rather than participating in gossip sessions.

 

 

Shock therapy

Vishwas of Imagine’s Mi Aaji Aur Saheb, Sandit Tiwari was scared out of his wits like many others when the channel came to a sudden halt. The actor has still not got over the shock, but moving ahead he is looking for some good work. Recollecting the moment when he was informed of the channel’s shutting down, Sandit says, “It was shocking as I was informed at 11 am that I would have to give an interview related to the show, and at 1pm I learnt that the channel was shutting down. I did not know how to react.” He later adds, “I know I will get work, as getting work is not an issue.”

Sandit, who returned to Mumbai after enjoying a vacation at his home town Chhattisgarh, is presently busy teaching MBA students, something that he did even during his struggling days.”

 

 

New entrant

According to the latest buzz actress Mahhi Vij has approached to play a new girl in the show Saas Bina Susural.  The show will soon take a dramatic turn when Toasty (Aishwarya Sakuja) will be diagnosed with cancer and a new girl will enter Tej's (Ravi Dubey) life.

Mahi has been approached to play the new girl in Tej's life and she will soon enter the show. here she comes: Mahhi Vij Proud daddy

TV couple Manav Gohil and Shweta Kawaatra's joy knows no bounds these days. After all, this star couple recently became the proud parents of a baby girl.

Manav says that he’s a proud dad as he always wanted a daughter. “I had hoped to have a daughter and now that the dream has come true, it feels so empowering! 

Having a child brings out the inherent impulses and emotions of a person and I am absolutely loving this new responsibility,” says the actor.

 

 

Pooja Gor: I spend money like water

Pooja Gor Better known as Pratigya, TV actress Pooja Gor is a beautiful lady who loves to spend her money. She does not believe in saving much and wants to buy a house soon. We catch up with the actress to talk about her investments, money and more…

How important is money to you?

It is very important. You need it for survival and your basic needs.

Are you an impulsive buyer?

Yes, I am. I tell myself that I would just do window-shopping but I always end-up buying more and more.

What are the investments you have made?

Honestly speaking, my car (Ford Figo) is my only investment.

What is your most expensive purchase?

Just my car. I still have to buy a house and I hope to buy one very soon.

Do you feel financially secure?

No. I just know that I’ve to start saving. That’s all.

What was your first salary?

Rs 25,000.

How much money do you carry every day? 

I usually carry credit and debit cards and two thousand rupees in cash.

Do you have any advice for investors?

My only advice to people would be that invest your money carefully, because I spend money like water. 

 

 

Back in the box

Cezanne Khan, who became a household name with his role of Anurag Basu in Kasautii Zindagi Kay, disappeared from television. He was reported to make a comeback with a cameo in Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha, but he rubbished the rumours. However, the actor says that he says that he’s looking for a comeback and will do a serial once he receives a good project.

Kumar Gaurav, son of late silver jubilee actor Rajendra Kumar, was born as Manoj Tuli on July 11, 1960. He made his film debut with Love Story (1981) produced by his father. His next film was Teri Kasam with actress Poonam Dhillon. Janam, Naam and Kaante are few of his notable films. Astrologically, he will be more successful in production of music videos instead of acting. In coming time, Kumar Guarav shall have diversified business ventures.

Astro turf
p Khurrana

ARIES: The Lovers facilitates you to be inspired by new ideas. A surprise phone call will put you back in touch with a friend. An invitation to a party this evening could bring more happiness and an encounter on the romantic angle. Tarot message: Do not be in the rush to spend extravagantly. Lucky colour: Silver grey. Magic number: 54

TAURUS: The Priestess infuses promise and commitment in personal relationships. Bring up the sensitive issues in the family. Be understanding and keep the likes of your mate in mind. Tarot message: Spend time meeting experienced people. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 37

GEMINI: The Prince of Wands comes riding with a promise of power and energy. Activities with your mate or partner and your friends are likely to be good humored and cheerful. Tarot message: Be positive; you can make things happen out of the most unlikely circumstances. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 56

CANCER: The Fool infuses you with courage. Make sure you really want to hear rumours about someone. If a family member is not cooperation; refrain from arguing or trying to persuade. You find ways to express your creativity. Tarot message: Don’t try to end all the deadlocks at one go. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 25

LEO: Ten of Pentacles will bring positive energy in a relationship and romance. Your ability to communicate effectively will help you to enhance your reputation. Strange undercurrents in the home can give rise to all sorts of drama. Tarot message: Do not trivial problems haunt you. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 28

VIRGO: The karmic Wheel of fortune turns in your favour. Get a good night’s sleep and cancel the late night parties. Loved ones will be more demanding. You could be divided about options in two conflicting situations. Tarot message: Capitalise on your strength and do not trust others. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 32

LIBRA: The Prince of Pentacles infuses financial stability. Chalk it up to your sparking personality and the lively conversation. Relax; things will clear up and you will find that things are progressing. Tarot message: Don’t do anything at the cost of health. Time will heal all pains and wounds. Lucky colour: Cherry red. Magic number: 43

SCORPIO: Like the The Knight of Cups you are emotional in personal relationships. You are likely to find an ideal partner. Be bold to speak out what is in your mind. A guest is expected in the evening. Tarot message: Lack of persistence can be disastrous in business matters. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 47

SAGITTARIUS: Do not get trapped into working overtime. Plan some fun with friends and loved ones and leave stress city behind. Today you will find yourself taking on a more ambitious role. Tarot message: Don’t waste an opportunity by being rash or impulsive. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 44

CAPRICORN: The Ace of Swords pulls you in the opposite direction when making a decision. Be focused. Do not overlook a chance meeting that may lead to future romance. A celebration is on the cards. Tarot message: Keep your eyes on the future as you do so. Lucky colour: Fiery red. Magic number: 28

AQUARIUS: Loved ones may not fully understand your daily needs. Plan an intimate dinner with your partner. Tonight rest and pamper the body. Minor muscle aches may be bothersome. Tarot message: Don’t do anything at the cost of health. Time will heal all pains and wounds. Lucky colour: Lotus pink. Magic number: 33

PISCES: The Prince of Cups brings you to your truths, hopes and desires that you mask with a calm surface. You are good at getting people to express their opinions. Tarot message: Be positive; you can make things happen out of the most unlikely circumstances. Lucky colour: Peacock blue. Magic number: 36

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is July 11...

Do not shy away from taking charge; others will be either grateful or impressed with your effort. Your birth on the 11th day of July makes you a dreamer and an idealist. Although you have a good mind and you are analytical, you may not be comfortable in a business set up. You are definitely creative and this influence tends to make you more of a dreamer than a doer.

Number eleven is an innovator with an unmistakable streak of humanitarianism. Dig beneath the surface to find out more about the investment scheme that seems to be attracting you. Take some time from your busy schedule and enjoy with your family often. Love is the feeling to be felt and shared with your beloved. If you should be going on leave then do not worry. If there's a problem you'll fix it easily when you return. Your friends might let you down at a moment when you need them the most. Romance suffers as the mood of your darling might oscillate. There will be a radical change which will let you make the most of renewing the current state of affairs. Be careful to consider others needs, not just your own. In this way you'll reach your objective with serenity. Education: Time is on your side. But do not make the mistake of becoming so determined that you lose sight of the beauty around you. Family: Be practical about spending and promising away both time and money. Children need strong guidance with the focus on moral lessons and drinking.

Tact and nonchalance will be useful for establishing new relationships with people and the right environment. Diplomacy will open the door to excellent earnings. If you work in a team, relationships with collaborators will be slightly difficult. This is the best year for activities that require a great physical effort. We advise you though not to overdo it and to avoid any dangerous work in order to keep away from accidents.

Mood: Given to being 'dragged into' arguments and slightly aggressive. Compatible signs: Leo, Sagittarius. Lucky colours: Aquamarine, green. Lucky days: Wednesday and Friday. Lucky numbers: 4, 12, 16, 24, 46.





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