Grace, eloquence...voice
With seasoned actors Shabana Azmi and Farooq Sheikh performing, it is hardly a surprise that the play Tumhari Amrita is being staged twenty years on… 
Nonika Singh

She is all of what you expect her to be… graceful intelligent, incredibly eloquent and, of course, a trifle abrasive. But whichever way you look at Shabana Azmi, she remains a woman of substance who makes a lot of sense. Be it when she talks of her favourite character Amrita in the long-running play Tumhari Amrita, which is what brought her to City Beautiful, or when she dwells on the change that Indian cinema has witnessed in the last few years.

Easily, one of the most talented actors that Hindi cinema has seen, she is only too happy with the way some of the films have shaped up in the past. Once the undisputed superstar of parallel cinema, she says, "It's not as if art cinema has vanished. Makers like Anurag Kashyap, Dibakar Banerjee and Farhan Akhtar are making films that neither cater to the box-office nor to the lowest common denominator."

In fact, as Indian cinema celebrates 100 years of its existence, as we become global players, she quips that we have much to celebrate. What gladdens her most is how the portrayal of women on silver screen has changed from long suffering weepy persona to Rambonlinas to ones that are looking at the complexity of their being. Issues relating to women, especially female foeticide, this feminist and social activist feels very strongly about. Back in time she recalls how growing up in a commune the first colour that she understood was red, one of dare and rebellion.

Upbringing steepedin father Kaifi Azmi's egalitarian thinking and progressive poems like Aurat, which he penned some 65 years ago, made her oblivious to the problem of gender inequality. She reminisces, "There was no difference in the way my brother and I were raised. It was only at age 19 that I realised that there is no equality of sexes out there." Indeed, much of what she is, she owes it to her father's firebrand ideology. It was from him that she got the mantra of life. "When you work for change and it doesn't happen at the speed you anticipate remember that change may not happen in your lifetime, but don't let that dismay or stop you."

While her relationship with father dearest has been much written about, she insists that her bond with her mother Shaukat Azmi was no less intense. Actually she imbibed the initial nuances of acting from her alone. Today, of course, this trained actor of FTII, Pune, understands every technique of acting. Before each performance of hers she goes back to Stanislavski's method of public solitude, the ability to appear private in public, of shutting herself off from the rest of the world. In theatre of today she misses writers like Vijay Tendulkar and rues the fact that it is becoming commerce driven.

That theatre, nay all arts, can be an instrument of change is a lesson she understood during early years of her life. Indeed, cinema too can make a difference especially in sending out right signals about the positive image of women. But she interjects, "Only up to a point. For cinema is a reflection of society. So at best it can create a climate of sensitivity." Associated with cinema for over four decades, eighties is a phase that she considers most satisfying.

On her two decade long affair with Amrita she has a bagful of memories, of how at New Jersey where the performance was at a cinema hall, which had no green rooms, she had to change behind a curtain. Immensely fond of Amrita, "there is one in each one of us", it might be one of her most favourite characters but certainly not her best. Rather she has no hesitation in stating, "My best is yet to come." Recipient of a host of National Awards, now you know what makes her a cut above the rest! 

When Sholay meets Ankur

With her spouse, noted lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi might share the same world view. But she says, "Let us not forget that we both come from different scales of cinema — he from Sholay and I from Ankur." No wonder when they were making their house they couldn't see eye to eye for where is the meeting ground between sensibilities of Sholay and Ankur. And guess what — Shabana gave in! 

Years down the line…
Jasmine Singh

Incidents, happenings and life at large when scanned through the measure of time, bring out some consequential and some inconsequential observations. That crisp Lucknawi kurta, the salt and pepper hair showing a bit more of the receding hairline, and those spectacles sitting loose, dropping at their own will; years haven't left a residue on actor Farooq Sheikh's face!

Returning to Chandigarh with the play Tumhari Amrita, the journey of this twenty-year-old play through Farooq's eyes is something that initiates the conversation. "This is my third visit with the play to Chandigarh and I am happy at the turn of incidents that have brought Shabana and me here. It is a nice place to return to; a lot of order and greenery prevails here," says Farooq.

It is natural to look for traces of Chashme Buddoor, one cannot avoid the subtlety of Umrao Jaan, but this is an actor, a theatre-person who has moved, just like his performances. Just like Tumhari Amrita. "The only thing that has changed with Tumhari Amrita is the years added on me. The responses of the audiences have got better with time, which is the only thing that has been incorporated in the play," says Farooq, who hadn't imagined the magnanimity the play has achieved. Recalling the best moments brings a smile to his face!

But as his co-actor in this play Shabana Azmi throws in her observation of him being unperturbed in general, we almost give up the hope to see that innocent-childlike-comic smile. "The most interesting incidents are in fact the most horrible ones. For instance, while travelling to reach our destination for the play at New Jersey, the driver almost lost his way. We didn't have any cellphones at that time and we reached three hours late for the show. The audiences could have torn us into pieces, but after the show they gave us a standing ovation."

A play like Tumhari Amrita sure deserves that; how else will you explain its successful running for over twenty years now? If you are not giving much heed to the years and think of it as a play done by two actors who are the 'been-there-still-doing-it' faces of parallel cinema, then Farooq has something to add here, "All cinema is commercial, it wouldn't be wrong to say that cinema is a beautiful and the most expensive amalgamation of art and commerce. There is a ticket on it; what we are getting in lieu of the ticket matters."

Does this say why theatre is getting expensive by the day or explains why ticketed plays face a housefull situation like movies? Farooq would love to answer this one. We knew he wouldn't hold back. An upfront take, which is something this actor is known for: "Why should plays not be ticketed? When we pay for the movies, why not for plays? It would be totally unfair for the people on the other side of the stage. Why shouldn't be theatre people paid well?" He leaves us with a thought, an idea to ponder with. And he leaves us with a calm smile… yes the Chashme Buddoor kinds!

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Trendsetter
Constructive outlook 

Nitish Walia is not just another good looking face. He is 23 and running a construction firm and he sure knows how to work it out in style. We take a roundup of his style statement and find out what makes him a trendsetter.

Your sense of style is…

Totally dependent upon weather conditions and of course my mood. As I am working too, I try to stick with trendy office wear.

Latest addition in your wardrobe...

A shirt from FCUK

Brand freak or street junkie?

A judicious mix of both. Just whatever pleases the eye comes to my wardrobe.

Choose a look—sporty, glamorous or chic

Glamorous works best for me.

Your style icon would be…

Robert Downey Junior. Just the way he styles himself! Even if he wears a plain shirt, and tucks it in one place, it's a true style statement.

Who's the worst dressed celebrity around?

I don't understand Himesh Reshammiya. He's terrible.

One fashion trend you just don't understand…

I don't follow why and how men wear jewellery. Neckpieces, rings, it's for women and look good only on them.

Your take on accessories…

Just a basic, simple watch.

One thing that boosts your confidence…

Just a plain, classy, white shirt with my denims.

Who would you like to be dressed up by?

Yves Saint Laurent.

—As told to Vasudha Gupta

vanity box
Get glowing
Vidya Tikari

Beautiful, healthy skin is a dream canvas for any makeup artiste. Here are some dermal diktats to follow for that glowing skin…

Water wisdom

Yes, it's hot and sweaty and you can't get enough showering. But, taking too many showers in a day can leave your skin dry. If you still must, take quick ones, and always remember to moisturise after. Water intake, of course, is great. Drink eight glasses or more daily for a healthy complexion.

Night curfew

Sleep is the time when your skin repairs and rejuvenates. Skimping on it will give you a sallow complexion, and worsen conditions like acne and eczema. Also, removing all your makeup before you hit the bed because sleeping often with makeup on, not just suffocates your skin and makes it age faster, but also causes rashes.

Scrub rules

Excessive exfoliation can be harmful to your skin and can increase oil production and worsen breakouts. How often you should exfoliate depends on your skin type. Oily skin can take up to four times a week; dry or sensitive skin should stick to once or twice weekly. Use a gentle scrub with tiny grains.

Get the juices flowing

No, I'm not a big fan of packaged ones. I'm talking of fresh vegetable juices. Ask your nutritionist to suggest combinations that would suit you or do research and whip up your own beauty drinks. Natural juices are packed with vitamins, antioxidants and glow-inducing nutrients.

Dryness-defying lips

Don't go for tingly menthol, phenol or camphor-based balms as they'll make your lips more dry. Look for SPF lip balms with nourishing ingredients like beeswax or cocoa butter.

Product overload

Using too many products can irritate or damage your skin. Check with a dermatologist whether the ingredients are compatible or not.

Don't skip the sunscreen

You've probably heard/read this a zillion times before. But, since awareness doesn't necessarily translate into action, I'm still going to drill in the importance of wearing sunscreen. Remember it is exposure to the sun that accelerates aging and makes us prone to a host of skin-related issues like pigmentation, elastosis, etc. Go for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.

No smoking

Now, having that written on cigarette boxes should be more effective in making people quit. If you keep lighting up, health issues apart, you'll develop wrinkles faster and get a rough, speckled skin tone.

(Tikari is a beauty expert)

Three cheers!

Aspiration Ladies Club, founded by Neepa Arora and Monika Singhal, celebrated its third anniversary by showcasing various cultural activities.

The members of the club organised a unique fashion extravaganza to celebrate the occasion.

While most fashion shows normally showcase size zero models, short dresses or very heavy dresses, Aspiration Ladies Club's fashion show was different as it showcased all sizes, all types of attires and had a good sprinkling of attitude. The ladies shed all inhibitions of age and gave their best on the ramp. —TNS

Beauty & brains
The charming and winsome Jasmine Kaur, the reigning Miss ETC Punjabi, is still an academician at heart. We catch up with this beautiful girl
Poonam Bindra

Who inspired you for the beauty pageant?

Actually I had just come back after completing my B.Tech in bio-technology from Dr DY Patil University in Mumbai when my father, a PCS officer, spotted this advertisement in the paper for Miss ETC Punjabi competition. He encouraged me to go for the auditions.

Tell us something more about the contest?

The contest had participants from the whole of North India, including Himachal Pradesh. As many as 4,000 candidates appeared for the auditions and ten of them were finally shortlisted. Interestingly, my sister Bhavdeep Kaur was also among the last ten.

What do you think was your USP?

Firstly, I think I was grounded in my culture, blending it with the modern-day sophistication. Besides dance and modelling skills, being a good orator was a great help. My mother is a lecturer in Punjabi, so she left no stone unturned to groom me. I feel that the question and answer session is actually the deciding factor.

Can you share some excerpts from it?

Kirron Kher asked me what two things I would like to pass on to the next generation and my reply was - Values of honesty and truthfulness, and secondly the essence of Sikhism. The other two judges were Manmohan Warsi and Sonu Sood.

What are your plans for the future?

I am tempted to act in movies, but at the same time want to study further as I have got admission in Canada for Masters in Food Technology. I am still passionate about studies. My research on the dengue virus was published recently. I also specialise in hand-painted garments and we run an online store - 'Young Berry Clothes' — from home.

What is your advice to future aspirants?

It is better to be your normal self and not behave too much in the traditional manner to impress judges; just be yourself. 

Star track
Did you know…
Hooked and booked

Shah Rukh Khan reads all the time. He has one of those fancy tablets and about 3,000 books on his device. He is writing his biography. He encourages his children to read and watches films such as Bambi with them. He also takes them shopping and plays sports and games with them.

Eat, play, live

Karisma Kapur absolutely loves eating the delicacies in Delhi. She has made a few friends in Delhi and shuttles between Mumbai and Delhi. She loses weight easily and doesn't gain weight no matter what she eats. She loves white shirts and has tons of them. She also likes high heels and shares shoes with Kareena.

Free hand: Karisma Kapur

That’s the way it is

Shahid Kapoor is shy and reserved. He takes time to open up to people. He had to break the ice with Sonam during the shoot of Mausam because she is shy and maintains distance from people. He learnt how to fly an aircraft for Mausam and interacted with real-life Air Force pilots. He is a fitness fanatic.

Shy guy: Shahid Kapoor 

French connection

Saif Ali Khan is fluent in French because he studied in England. Karan Johar converses in French with Khan so Kareena also wants to learn the language. Kareena got Saif hooked on to yoga. Saif likes Kareena in glamourous Western wear.

Fashion fever

Kangna Ranaut thinks Amitabh Bachchan is the most fashionable star. She thinks Sonam Kapoor and Priyanka Chopra dress very well. She has always been interested in fashion and looking and feeling good. She can spend tirelessly on clothes, shoes, bags, etc.

The Batman act 

The Dark Knight Rises star Christian Bale says his daughter loves it when he does the Batman voice for her and friends. The 38-year-old, who has seven year-old Emmaline with wife Sandra Blazic, said his daughter gets a thrill out of his on-screen character, even though she is not old enough to see the movies, reported a website.

"It's a kick for her and her friends when I do the Batman voice for them and chase them around pretending to be a Batman. Although she loves me doing the Batman voice she still makes fun of my British accent. I think past a certain age you can't get rid of it no matter what you do.”

"My daughter loves it because she thinks it sounds so silly. She's not really old enough to watch any of the movies so she hasn't seen them yet. But she's seen some pictures, she'd come and visit the set," he said.

The actor says that his child and wife have introduced him to activities he wouldn't necessarily choose to take part in.

"My daughter is crazy about art so we draw, paint and sculpt together. She's just nuts about it. And she has me dancing and singing to songs I never imagined I would be dancing and singing to," he added. —PTI

Soha: No date fixed for Saif-Kareena wedding

While the town is buzzing about Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan's impending wedding, Saif's sister Soha Ali Khan says the couple hasn't fixed any date yet.

Reportedly, mother Sharmila Tagore had revealed in an interview that the wedding date has been set for October 16. “I am quite confused myself. I know it is happening with the people in question, but they haven't set the date or talked about it,” says Soha.

About her sisterly duties, she said, "I'm not getting very involved at this stage. When I'm told to conduct my sisterly duties, I will do as I am told," says Soha, who was in Bangalore recently.

Musical chairs

Shekhar Kapur's ambitious project Paani has remained stalled for quite some time now. The buzz is that the director, who was recently spotted with Ranbir Kapoor, has replaced the lead actor of the film Hrithik Roshan with him. But Shekhar justified his meeting, and said, “Press asking why I have been seen with Ranbir Kapoor. I really enjoy listening to him. The future of Indian cinema is safe with this breed of new stars.”

All’s well that ends well

Aamir Khan has clarified that he has no problems with Reema Kagti. The film is releasing as planned on November 30. He has seen the movie and is happy with it. He says the entire team is happy with the final product.

Katrina’s sizzling act

The actress has learnt a new form of belly dancing for her upcoming spy thriller, Ek Tha Tiger. After setting the screen ablaze with her item numbers Sheila Ki Jawaani and Chikni Chameli, Katrina Kaif is one again all set to shake her belly, this time for her own film opposite Salman Khan. We heard that the actress has learnt a new form of belly dancing for her song Masha Allah in Kabir Khan’s forthcoming film, Ek Tha Tiger.

A source from the unit says, “The song is the most integral part of the film where Salman is praising Katrina. He feels that she is extremely beautiful and that’s why the song is called Masha Allah. When the song was discussed, Katrina was shooting on the borders of Turkey and Iraq and that’s when she decided to learn the dance form belly.”

The source adds, “There are as many as five costume changes in the song and she was very involved in deciding on each of those looks.”

Congratulations and celebrations

Deepika Padukone was congratulated personally by Anushka Sharma on her role and performance in Cocktail. Deepika pipped Anushka to the leading role in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani but there is no bad blood between them& they like each other.

In for trouble?

Insiders who have seen Kya Super Kool Hai Hum are talking about how dirty and crude the film is! The film is filled with double-meaning poor jokes across generations and they have mocked every second person in the industry. Anupam Kher has a character that does not do justice to his talent. The film will have a tough time at the Censor Board.

In your shoes

Randeep Hooda replaced Arunoday Singh in Heroine but they have shot together and are playing parallel leads in Jism 2. They got along well on the sets and bonded.

The better half

30 Rock star Alec Baldwin says he is the happiest when he is with his newly wed wife Hilaria. The 54-year-old actor said he "got lucky" finding love with the yoga teacher, 28, reported a publication.

"I'm happier when I'm with her. I'm not as happy when I'm not with her. Let's face the facts: I got lucky," he said. The actor also said he wants his future children to look like his Spanish-born wife.

Baldwin already has a 16-year-old daughter, Ireland, with ex-wife Kim Basinger and he feels very blessed that she gets on with Hilaria. "My daughter is as in love with her as everyone else," he said. —PTI

Heroine gets 'A' certificate

The promo of Heroine has finally been cut. Even the first trailer has got an 'adult' rating from the Censor Board so it is unlikely to be shown on television very often and will only be attached to suitable movies in cinemas. Let us see how this goes.

 

 

chatter box
The show must go on

Dedication for work is when one under goes all extreme condition and is able to achieve perfection and the target. This same dedication is found in Deepika Singh. The lead pair from Star Plus’ show Diya aur Baati Hum, Sooraj (Anas Rashid) and Sandhya (Deepika Singh) recently visited Singapore for a cooking challenge on the show. While the actors were all very happy to be shooting at a different location and that too abroad they all also had to face the extreme climatic conditions. The climate conditions were so pathetic that the lead actress Sandhya aka Deepika got a heat stroke. Looking at the demands of the shoot schedule the actress up her fatigue aside and stood up straight in front of the camera to resumed shooting.

Taking a break

Mahek Chahal, who was rather busy whether it being in Bigg Boss or the numerous event and film offers that she received after she came out of the house, finally decided to take a few weeks off from her hectic schedules and has gone for a vacation to meet her family and fiance back in Norway. The leggy lass who came to Mumbai after a gap of two years which were quite tragic for her, couldn’t bear to be away from her family anymore, especially after her mother gave her surprise visit a month back. She mentioned, "The feeling to be back home cannot be expressed and then getting to sleep in your own familiar surroundings is the most amazing thing. Staying alone one has to do everything on their own but in Norway I have been getting thoroughly pampered. I know I have to return to Mumbai very soon, so I am trying to take in as much love as possible to last me till the time I again get an off to come back home.” While Mahek Chahal who has also been grateful to her fans right from her eviction to the time she reached the finale of Bigg Boss season 5, had also been really touched about the fact that her fans who weren't in India and could not vote for her requested their families back in India to keep voting for her to keep her safe.

To mom, with love

You know her as the shy, dutiful and ideal daughter-in-law Gopi bahu from Star Plus’ Saath Nibhana Saathiya but the real Giaa Maanek has reinvented herself as a participant in the dance show Jhalak Dikhla Jaa 5. Giaa is one of the top contenders among the 13 celebrity contestants participating in the dance reality show, currently aired on Colors.

You won loads of accolades for your role in Saathiya.

Yes I did. It has been a part of my life that I can never forget. I won 12 awards in a one year and perhaps being a Gujarati made it easy for me to be Gopi bahu. I loved being Gopi, and I hope to receive the same acceptance that she has received so far. I hope Jhalak will be lucky for me as well. I strongly believe in God. I am working hard; the rest is up to Him.

Your mom has been a pillar of strength for you.

Being an only child, I’m extremely close to my mum. She’s been my biggest source of encouragement and my cheerleader on the sets. I learnt acting on the job. The two-and-half years I spent with Saathiya have been an enriching experience for me. I love acting as much as I love dancing, and I’m glad I have got the opportunity to display both skills to viewers.

You have never received any formal dance training so how is it going in Jhalak?

Dancing has been my passion. I’m thoroughly enjoying it. In fact, I have surprised myself with some of my performances. It’s also exciting as this is my first reality show. 

How different is it doing a reality show and a serial?

Whether it is a serial or a reality show, the one factor that never changes is the hard work you put in. I used to put in 12-hour shifts, 25 days a month for Saathiya, but I am now working harder than ever. I’m a lazy person and had never stepped into a gym. But now I have to dance for 5-6 hours every day. My body, particularly my arms and legs ache by the end of the day. Besides, I’ve never done these dance styles before. So I find them extremely challenging.

Which dance forms are you most excited about?

Bollywood style dancing is the most comfortable of them all. But doing hip-hop and samba for the first time was exciting. Even the Kathak-based mujra and my comedy act were refreshing changes.

What do you do to unwind?

I am a regular young girl who likes to chill out with friends. If I win, I will take a well-deserved break, relax and sleep—I’ve been working non-stop for almost three years now. — HRM

Step up: Giaa Manek

Ramayan returns!

Ramayan is all set to return on TV with the Sagars working on a new version for Zee TV. Gagan Malik and Neha Sargam are being considered for the roles of Lord Ram and Sita. The mythological show has always found audiences be it the earlier Arun Govil- Deepika one or the second one starring Gurmeet Choudhary and Debina Bonnerjee.

Holy role: Gagan Malik 

Twists and turns

Post the leap, audiences are wondering about Ram’s son in the show Bade Achhe Lagte Hain on Sony. Though Sakshi Tanwar is shown in Dubai with her five-year-old daughter they are eager to know about Ram Kapoor’s son. The kid is Ayesha (Chahat Khanna) and Siddhant’s baby (Mahesh Shetty) and as the latter had abandoned Ayesha, Ram married her. But they will be shown living in separate rooms and later on Ayesha will fall in love with Ram while Rajat will fall for Priya.

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is July 18...

Do not allow the feeling of frustration to bother you. You will be in the mood to travel and spend money. People you live with will not be very happy with you, regardless of what you do to please them. If you are considering a new business partnership it will be essential to get all the facts in hand before you make any commitments. If you are contemplating a power move around midweek, take a moment to consider how you will achieve the right results. You may encounter some difficulties

on the path of career. Try to control your expenses. Relationship requires a careful approach, therefore be guarded on communication. You'll be very tense and could say things you'll later regret so try to be clear and positive at all times. Those born before 1970 know that the stars will push them to abandon the usual things to widen their horizons. Opportunities will be attractive. Be considerate towards how others think! If you take blessings for granted, you could lose a friend. Conflict within the family may come from extended family members and relatives. Money issues are sure to be a cause. You will go out of your way to please them. But try to enjoy the whole concept. Some money will be spent towards a future trip. You will be shaking from inside when making a big investment. Career changes will take few more weeks before they are materialised. Friends are very helpful in career networking and supporting singles. You’ll have more energy now and you’ll be able to do the physical work you haven’t felt up to by then. Your reactions, whether positive or negative, can be extreme. Take what you're feeling and cut it in half to have a more realistic sense of what it means. Mood: Pushy, demanding and quarrelsome. Compatible signs: Libra, Sagittarius. Lucky colours: Light salmon, Ivory. Lucky days: Saturday and Monday. Lucky numbers: 5, 7, 18, 58, 98

Priyanka Chopra (July 18, 1982) actress, singer-songwriter and model gained fame after winning the Miss World title in 2000. She has received four Filmfare Awards and one National Film Award for Best Actress. Chopra made her acting debut with Tamil film Thamizhan following Bollywood film debut with The Hero: Love Story of a Spy. In 2004, she became the second woman to win the Filmfare Best Villain Award, which she received for her performance in Aitraaz. She subsequently appeared in successful films like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Waqt: The Race against Time, Krrish and Don. Fashion was her best film. Priyanka’s stars indicate multifaceted personality and would shine like heroines of yesteryears in future.

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Do not try to hurry jobs that require meticulous handling. Consult the experts when cash questions come up. Finalise your plans early as your mood may change soon. Daydreaming could inspire you. Tarot message: Use your instinct to get into the top circle of power. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 64

TAURUS: You draw The Emperor, so the day is promised by all comforts. Love stars look bright. It should be much easier for you to meet your challenges. Stay tuned in to the work at hand.

Tarot message: Set the unpleasant set of events into motion.

Lucky colour: Turquoise.

Magic number: 53

GEMINI: Practice deep breathing and you can maintain your composure. A desire to retreat to the comfort of your own home could be overwhelming. Leave the expectations of the outside world for the peace. Tarot message: Must learn to accept responsibility for self and others. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 40

CANCER: The card The Moon indicates an emotional setback. Money problem will prevail. Children will enjoy with your friends. Remember, history has a tendency to repeat itself unless you learn from it. Tarot message: Your determination to succeed will pay dividends. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 61

LEO: A colleague steers you a new direction. Love stars are behind the clouds. A small celebration at home is likely. Spend time reviewing the events of the past so you can make decisions about your future goals. Tarot message: Yet work could pose certain minor difficulties but don’t worry. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 26

VIRGO: Get cracking early. You must push yourself harder. This is not the right day for writing official letters. Women shoppers may spend heavily. An attraction to someone may override your common sense. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid the in build delays that comes your way. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 47

LIBRA: Your card The Nine of Cups reveals inner strength and enthusiasm. Arguments may arise with your spouse. Make the most of the relationship, kindness and support that comes your way early. Tarot message: Don’t forsake a new learning opportunity because of pride. Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels. Magic number: 65

SCORPIO: Your card Ten of Pentacles promises a progressive day. Health problems will be taken care of. Personal plans are likely to progress without opposition. Be straight when dealing with employment affairs. Tarot message: Emphasis on spiritual needs. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 50

SAGITTARIUS: Attempts to improve your health will be successful. You feel you need time to understand the changes that are taking place in your psyche. Your mind can wander on the job and cause unnecessary mistakes. Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 62

CAPRICORN: Entrepreneurs will go through an anxious period. The married or those in love will find the day exciting. Get your phone calls out of the way early and you will be available for whoever needs an ear. Tarot message: Do not divest assets or transact in uncertain matters. Lucky colour: Aqua blue. Magic number: 45

AQUARIUS: The temptation to help out a friend with a financial loan should be discussed with your partner first. Talk about this honestly and you may be surprised at the outcome. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from making their own conclusions. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 32

PISCES: Do not allow yourself to be talked into erratic move. Working towards your goals may seem harder. Stop your mind from badgering you with should and what-ifs. Take a few deep breaths before working. Tarot message: Don’t be dismissive of advice from youthful origin. Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic number: 52





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