Flab to fabulous
Losing those extra pounds is no cakewalk. Here are a few people who have actually managed to do so…
Vasudha Gupta

Harkaran Cheema Have you ever been one of those who ignored the weighing scale when it was just the beginning? Does the sight of petite clothing irk you? Have you stopped fitting in to those jeans you fondly wore in your college? Even if the response to one question stands true, the following stories will be able to inspire you to hit the gym and lose the extra kilos.

It mostly starts by not being a problem at all, till the time there is a reality check. "Several people used to tell me that my boyfriend and I looked odd together," says Sunaina, who works in the private sector. It was a casual conversation with a colleague, who had dropped 30 kilos, which motivated Sunaina. "I knew all I needed was a strict instructor," she says. And it was under Jolly, a fitness instructor that Sunaina lost 35 kilos and is still counting.

Sunaina Nargis

Sunaina Nargis
Sunaina Nargis before (top) and after she lost those extra kilos


Kanwar Pal Singh
Before & after (below): Kanwar Pal Singh

A low carb diet, coupled with a healthy workout in the gym, Sunaina also went on to win the Airtel Super Weight Loser Competition! "At the point of the contest I had lost 29 kilos. Everything I ate was documented and recorded," she adds. All set to get married next month, Sunaina is the happiest when she is guided to the XS size in stores instead of XXL!

For Harkaran Singh Cheema, it was the board exams of Class X that led to those extra kilos. What lasted till the first year of college is now a part of the history pages. Going on a diet plan and losing 30 kilos was not executed with the idea of impressing the next-door girl! "I always wanted to join the defence services, the only way to do that was to be in perfect shape," he says. Today, after spending five years in the Army and completing a resettlement course from IIM Indore, Harkaran looks back at the weighty days with a grin.

It's not only in the mature bracket that weight loss matters. Today, there is hardly a lower limit that one can adhere to for losing weight. Take Pranvika's example. At 16 years of age, she has gone on to lose 20 kilos and is sticking to her commitment. Like most other youngsters, Pranvika too did not care much about her weight till very recently. "Determination, sincerity and hardwork are very important for losing weight," she says. Not skipping exercises during the process of losing weight and maintaining a healthy diet is her fitness mantra now.

Sometimes, it's not about the tiny waist but more about fitting into the right kind of clothes. For Kanwar Pal Singh, who lost around 40 kilos, it was more about religiously following a self-made diet chart and regularly visiting a gym. "For complete 10 months, I ate no food from outside and stuck to the very basic yet healthy meals," says Kanwal Pal. The initial two months were the toughest for this young lad. From 115 kilos, he came down to 65 and is now at a healthy 73. "When you start losing weight, the body only starts responding after two months, so patience is the key," he gleams.

If Arjun Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor and Sonakshi Sinha can have the hottest bodies today, what's keeping you back?

vasudha@tribunemail.com

Nothing commercial
Lalit Sharma, founder and CEO of Mantrin, an advertising agency, says a lot of hardwork and research goes into producing a hit commercial
Jasmine Singh

Ad man: Lalit Sharma His school teacher in a rural village, Bhabour Sahib, Nangal in Punjab, once told him the value and magic of time. "Even if you try to hold it, once gone time never comes back," the teacher had said.

Little did this man, who did not know how to talk in any language other than Punjabi, who came to Chandigarh with just determination and loads of creativity, know that he was going to use the teaching some day! Today, making successful television, film and radio commercials, Lalit Sharma uses time to the hilt.

"I started shooting TV commercials for my retail clients in 2005, but back then it was not very technically sound. Nevertheless, it was a relatively new concept for the city that had a limited reach as far as advertising was concerned," says Lalit, founder and CEO of Mantrin, an advertising agency.

It was while making commercials for various brands that Lalit, who is inspired by the teachings of Chanakya, went on to explore more in the world of advertising. "I read more on commercials; I would try and understand what makes for a hit commercial. I would wonder how people still remember and even sing along with the Nirma advertisement," he says.

Creativity was a gift that Lalit always had! "I went on to do a course in mass communication, which did give me some understanding but largely I understood that shooting a TV commercial was as creative a job as shooting a film," adds Lalit, who rates the script and story board as the main ingredients of any advertisement. "One has to understand that a TV or film commercial means saying the maximum in fewer words and less time. So, the idea is to leave an impact within seconds. For this, I understand what a particular brand wants; then comes in the visualisation, script, storyboard and execution," adds Lalit, who goes to Mumbai for every shoot. Lalit feels Chandigarh still doesn't have the equipment and facility for high-end shoots.

TV sustains on commercials, which is why the technical aspect for the shoot has gone strong. "We shoot the advertisement on 35 mm, so that the finishing touches are neat," says Lalit, who also does brand consultancy.

"Punch-lines, tag-lines; the entire team sits down for brain-storming sessions and then we decide on the best faces that fit it the brand, including the locations. Just like movies, the entire unit works for days to come out with a hard-hitting advertisement." Despite the budget constraints, Lalit feels that a brand image is over anything else.

"I want to take local brands to the national level and this is only possible if the treatment is up-market. A film commercial on the other hand is another ball game; there we know people are more interested in watching the film, but still have to make an impact." Combining stills with the right voice-over is the real trick!

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Dance with them
Mona

The year 2012 has turned out to be an awesome one for Bosco and Ceasar, Bollywood choreographers. Been in the profession for more than a decade, recognition has come only lately. Be it Senorita (Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara) or Bandhu (Cocktail), finally, they have carved their niche for themselves.

Interestingly, they have had no formal training in dance. This self-taught, self-styled choreographer duo picked up dancing for this was one profession that gave them the opportunity to travel along with work. Now holding workshops around the world (their dance school is based in Mumbai), they are busy working with the top stars of the film industry.

But dance wasn't their first option. "We have been friends forever. We started with football to begin with, but since we weren't going anywhere we changed tracks," says Bosco.

Since then they have been on a rollercoaster ride. Entering Bollywood with Mission Kashmir (2000), they were part of films like Love Aaj Kal, 3 Idiots and Jab We Met. Year 2012 got them their first National Award for the song Senorita. "We couldn't have asked for more. It's like finally our hardwork has paid," he says.

The duo has been inseparable in the journey. Says Bosco, "Ours has been more of friendship than professional relationship; we can't think of breaking away for if we do our alimony would be too high," he chuckles.

Happy to have chosen dance as a profession, they are glad that their field is growing. "When we started, it took us so much effort to explain what we do. Today choreography is a respected profession."

mona@tribunemail.com

Fashion funda
Simply haute!
Ashima Batish

Style bhai: Abdul Haldar The hallmark of Abdul Haldar's career is that he started his innings designing for the King of Pop Michael Jackson. His couture collection is always the most sought after. The fashion designer has a guide on fashion ready-

What's in

In summer, the simpler you keep it, the better it is. Nothing works better than linen. Cotton stands next. Don't go for complicated designs. Simple, straight cuts look graceful. Frills, drapes, layers are not meant for this season. May be when the monsoon arrives, a bit of it can be added.

What's out

Straight talk: Drapes, frills, layers are not meant for this season. If you want to stand out, go for simple, straight and elegant cuts
Straight talk: Drapes, frills, layers are not meant for this season. If you want to stand out, go for simple, straight and elegant cuts.

Avoid dark and flashy colours. Even if you want to experiment with colours, do it only with floral prints. Synthetic fabrics or any other bling material will leave you with bad skin in summer. I know it's difficult to believe but black is out.

Colour count

Hues of blue, oranges, lemon, ivory and pinks are in. Among pinks, fuchsia will make for the best pick.

Party couture

Anything that fits you easily. Try light chocolate shade, it will easily replace the famous black. A short dress with a neat cut in champagne colour will beat anything else around. Go for shades of blue, oranges, lemon, ivory, pinks and fuchsia.

Leading in fashion

Emanuel Ungaro. A French fashion designer, whose every piece of creation can make for a case study for fashion followers.

A fashion designer you look up to: Emanuel Ungaro.

What is next

At the next Lakme Fashion Week, I will be showcasing my couture collection for the festive season. At Wills, I will be switching over to evening and red carpet collection.

On the Indian Fashion industry

We are a fairly new industry, just about 25 years old. Where as in the West, fashion industry became an organised sector almost a century ago. But we are growing fast and there is nothing in the world of fashion that one can't find in India, be it fabrics, trims, embroideries or craftsmanship. Another, ten years and I am sure we will be even bigger on the international scenario.

Style smart

Sonam Kapoor undoubtedly leads the fashion parade in India. Deepika Padukone scores the second best, followed by Chitrangda Singh.

Celeb Point
Dear Dara ji….
Divya Dutta

As I watched Ramayana, totally engrossed as a child, and saw the Sita haran, I was very upset till Lord Hanuman made his entry. He had a warmth and sincerity in his eyes and I felt, ‘now all is going to be fine, he's here!’

I started adoring Hanuman ji and the one who played this part as he had this everlasting impression of warmth and secure feeling around him —the Rustom-e-Hind Dara Singh ji.

When I saw this very handsome man in his older films with his super fit physique, what struck me again was his eyes. When he smiled, the warmth reached those eyes.

Dara Singh was someone who was liked and loved by one and all. In a highly competitive world, where everyone likes to outdo the other and prove himself bigger, Dara Singh was loved by one and all. His affable nature and that ever smiling face made him so endearing.

I remember having met him a couple of times at various events. The man who brought India glory with his sport, the Rustom-e-Hind was so humble always. I remember having gone to his house once. I and my mom chatted so much with him and his wife. We had met for the first time, but the Punjabi connect was so strong that we felt as if we belonged to the same family. “Gheo khaya kar te varjish karya kar!” Again what I took back home was his smile. He loved all.

We were to see him soon in the forthcoming Punjabi awards abroad. And then we heard he is no more!

There are some people you feel who would live forever, who will defy death. Dara Singh was one of those. His name exudes strength and pleasantness. When a guy looks fit he says, “Yes, am I not looking like Dara Singh?

How can a man whose eyes say I am there can just go away? Guess he smiles up there and yes his eyes must be shining with his trademark warmth and affection. RIP Dara ji! They will never make anyone like you again.

(Dutta is a Bollywood actor)

IT'S ROCKING
Kya kool music!

A scene from Kya Super Kool hai Hum
A scene from Kya Super Kool hai Hum

The adult comedy movie Kya Super Kool Hai Hum which stars Riteish Deshmukh, Neha Sharma, Tusshar Kapoor, Sarah Jane Dias and Chunky Pandey promises some good fun in terms of story and music as well. The track Shirt Da Button has an unusual title for a romantic song. The lyrics are a bit comical which are given by Kumaar and Sonu Nigam's voice carries the track as he delivers it with perfection. Also included in the album is an alternate version of the song, Shirt Da Button, Version 2 with vocals handled by Kailash Kher. This alternate version is slow in tempo and much more downbeat.

Well done

Sonu has sung the track so beautifully that the song touches you instantly and the lyrics are also so much fun. The use of handclaps to give it a qawwali feel in between also works well for the track.

Sheena Chaudhary, student, MCM College

Something different

The moment you see the title of the track you expect some comical lyrics but on the whole this track gives a romantic feel. Sonu Nigam's voice overshadows the repetitions but has an entertaining flavour to it. It's hard to say which version is better as it's like listening to two completely different tracks, and both are good.

Rajeev Mehta, bank employee

Not so typical

It is a nice mix--- beautiful, romantic melodic and a tiny bit goofy. Sonu Nigam's voice is ideal for this track and he manages to avoid sounding like just another boring Bollywood love ballad with offbeat lyrics and some interesting instrumentation.

Jaina Kaur, student, PU

(As told to Sabia Talwar)

indulge
Natural appeal

Chic avatar: Khadi lovers now have a new address
Chic avatar: Khadi lovers now have a new address.

Riding high on the waves of success of its luxury brand Ekmatra, Sarvoday Ashram announces the launch of its third concept store at Sector 9D in Chandigarh. The new Ekmatra store offers a complete range of handspun and handwoven natural apparels including fabrics, garments, home furnishings and accessories.

Interacting with the media, Sarvoday Ashram’s chairman Manoj Chaturvedi says, “Ekmatra is an organisation-led brand that supports harmonious coexistence of people and environment. Ekmatra is the only brand which bridges heritage with modernity.”

With its simple, elegant designs and pastel colours, Ekmatra’s summer collection includes a wide range of salwar kameez, long and short kurtis, jackets and shawls for women.  Men can pick from classic comfort-fit kurtas in varying lengths along with shirts and jackets.  The range also extends to stylish and elegant bags, cushion covers, bolster covers, bed covers, bedsheets and curtains.

What’s more, you can also try your hand at spinning a yarn of Mahatma Gandhi’s eternal companion, the charkha (spinning wheel). Those interested in taking one home can buy it. — TNS

green thumb
Spot the enemy
Satish Narula

When the enemy is visible it can be caught or killed but when the deadly activities are quiet and secretive, the victim suffers and the damage in such cases is irreparable. Similar is the case with plants. When you can not see the causal organisms, the insects, pathogens etc, the plants suffer imminent and permanent damage. For the sake of protection, the camouflage is there. There is need for the gardeners to detect it before it is too late.

The deadliest of all is the white ant, the quiet eater. Whether inside the house or outside on trees, the presence of white ants is normally revealed when it is too late. The outer wall of the wood remains intact and shows no symptoms of what is happening behind the scene. It is only when it collapses that we know it was white ant attack. The presence of this insect is at times revealed by the presence of mud tunnels on tree trunk but the extent of damage is not visible. Being social insects, they live in colonies that may extend in tunnels to hundreds of feet underground. It is for this reason that they remain hidden and out of sight in shelter tubes that may extend to the top of a tree. They can eat up a plant or a tree within, without even touching the outer bark. One only realises when the tree either dries up suddenly or collapses. One has to be very careful about the presence of white ant colonies in the near vicinity and these should be destroyed. In the garden, the lawn and the trees should be treated periodically, especially during August-September and March April when the insects are more active.

As I said, when the enemy is visible one can take care of it. But what to do when one fine morning the gardeners find the leaf is eaten and that too in a peculiar way. The green of the leaf goes missing and what is left is the leaf skeleton. The leaf could be completely eaten too. You may go to find the culprit but the insect is nocturnal, comes in the evening, does the damage and goes to rest elsewhere during day time. The insect responsible is chaffer beetle. The damage could be seen on grapes, guava, hibiscus and many more.

For the control of this insect one must spray the plants in the evening hours. Malathion and rogor could be used alternately at weekly interval. For this use malathion at two milliliter and rogor at one milliliter to a liter of water. Repeating the spray after five to six days helps especially if the spray is washed by rains.

In case of defoliating beetles, the insect lays eggs in soil and the emerging larva eats on the roots damaging the tree from below and as the adults emerge, they feed on above ground parts especially foliage at night and hide in the day time. There are the likes of cutworm that make very annoying damage especially in potato. The gardener finds the plant neatly cut near the base and at a later stage the rest of the plants suffer gullies in tubers by the same insect. The gardeners normally know this insect as chor kirha due to its nocturnal adventures. For its control the soil should be drenched with Chlorpyriphos 20 EC, dissolved at two and a half milliliter to a liter of water.

(Narula is a senior PAU horticulturist)

Master Chef
Pulp addiction
Arun Lama

Split the word mango and what do you have --man+go and it actually gets the man going with the taste of its luscious pulp. Our mangoes are the pride of the nation and envy of the world. As the hot summer unfolds we wait each variety of mango to appear. Even desserts made with this fruit need very less additives and just a little effort will bring a wonderful dessert to the table. Here we bring you a quick mango mousse.

Quick mango mousse

Ingredients

  • 3 large mangoes, peeled and sliced
  • 1 table spoon lemon juice
  • 1 table spoon sugar
  • 1 cup cream
  • 3 heaped teaspoon gelatin dissolve in small amount of water.
  • Passion fruit (optional)

Method

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until mixture is smooth. Fold in passion fruit pulp. Place in a large bowl and refrigerate until set. Serve topped with whipped cream and mango.

(Lama is a Ludhiana-based chef)

— As told to Poonam Bindra

Feeling sexy didn't come easy: Kate

She has repeatedly been named one of the sexiest women alive but Kate Beckinsale says it wasn't always easy to feel sexy. The 38-year-old actress said she hasn't always been so confident in her appearance and it was only after meeting her husband Len Wiseman that she learnt to love herself.

"Feeling attractive didn't come until I was 29 and with Len at the time it was partly perceived as if I'd gone all Hollywood, but it wasn't like that at all. It was just ok for me to walk around and feel feminine and attractive. I like feeling liberated like this," she said.

Beckinsale said being labelled one of the sexiest women in the world isn't always a good thing.

"I think the risk of being the sexiest woman alive is that you don't want to ever wear a bikini again," she added. Beckinsale said she is now happily ageing with grace.

"What is it about a woman being in her late 30s that brings out the 'Oh, my gosh, are you worried?' questions? Worried? What about? 38, 39, 40, 50! Great! Still alive! "I haven't experienced a full facial collapse, I haven't suddenly gained 20 pounds that won't go away, or a beard. That probably will happen, but it hasn't yet," she added. — PTI

Living healthy

Singer Demi Lovato has given up her cell phone as part of her healthy new lifestyle. The 19-year-old has battled numerous personal problems over the last few years and checked into rehab in 2010 to address issues, including bipolar disorder, self-harming and an eating disorder.

Lovato has since landed a new job as a judge on The X Factor and embraced a healthy new lifestyle regime, which includes meditation and giving up her cell phone. "I make time for myself and meditate. I've spent the past two years getting over an eating disorder and issues like self-harming and bipolar disorder. I have to work on this stuff every day. I haven't used my cell (phone) in three months! Subconsciously, it was a crutch,” said Lovato. — IANS

Follow the rhythm

Isha Sharwani started dancing when she was 7 years old. The stage performer who is now on Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa as well has dancing in her genes. She gives us tips on how to be a good dancer.

  • There are no shortcuts. You have to work really hard and enjoy yourself.
  • Do it if you love doing it. It requires hard work but it will not feel like hard work if you love doing it. Then it becomes fun and enjoyment.
  • A dancer needs to be strong, flexible and have good rhythm. You can choose your favourite type of dance and make it your specialty.
  • Practice regularly and you will improve. Yoga and martial arts improve your flexibility and strength so you could follow any of those.
  • You must believe that you are a good dancer, even if people criticice you.

It’s all in the genes

Abhay Deol, who has never tried his hands at masala action film in the past, will be seen doing some hardcore action in Prakash Jha’s Chakravhuh. Says the source,“The film is based on Naxalites and Abhay is playing one in the film, while Arjun (Arjun Rampal) plays a cop. So, the nature of the film is such that it requires a lot of action scenes in the forests.”

“The film has a lot of real-time action, so there will be more chase sequences and we’ve made Abhay run a lot. In fact, he’s done all the sequences himself and seemed absolutely at ease doing all the action, though he’s done it for the first time,” adds the source.

Abhay Deol is said to be quite excited about doing action stunts mainly because the action will be more realistic. Says a source, “Abhay has done a lot of running in the film. But what he’s more excited about is that even though it’s action, its action that he can relate to more realistically. It wasn’t like a hero taking down a few dozen baddies completely on his own. The action here is more to do with sudden attacks and police encounters.” And apparently everyone on the sets couldn’t help but point out how the action came naturally to Abhay, as after all he’s a true-blue Deol. “It’s all in his genes,” adds the source.

Someone’s loss, other’s gain...

Missed chance Katrina Kaif Ileana D’Cruz, who is making her Bollywood debut in the much talked about film BARFI!, is all gung-ho about her role in the film. The movie is a love triangle and Ileana will be Ranbir’s love interest as well as the narrator of the film.

However, what many don’t know is that Ileana’s role was earlier offered to Katrina Kaif. Interestingly, Kat also gave a nod to play the role. However, that didn't work due to date issues, says director Anurag Basu.

“I wanted the pair RK and Katrina to come back as they look nice together. So, I had approached Katrina for Ileana’s character and she said ‘yes’ for the role. But that didn’t happen because Rockstar was being delayed and Katrina was supposed to be a part of Rockstar that time. However, it's all destiny. And I guess, this role was in Ileana's destiny so she got it. Ileana was an instinct choice after Katrina for this role,” revealed Basu.

Suri in for change

Simple life: Suri Cruise Following divorce with actor Tom Cruise, actress Katie Holmes is trying to change their daughter Suri Cruise's taste for expensive clothes. The six-year-old's wardrobe is estimated to be $3 million and her 33-year-old mother wants Suri to start living in a more conservative and normal manner.

"Katie has been returning unsolicited gifts and loans from designers for Suri since she arrived in New York - which is to be her home base now, far away from Tom. She's issued instructions to remove Suri from all freebie lists. She's also put the word out in LA to stop any mini-me diva products being sent her way," Reveal magazine quoted a source as saying.

Holmes has been given the primary custody of Suri after the divorce, making New York as her primary base to live. — IANS

Ekta’s blue-eyed boy

Blunt talk: Eijaz Khan Handsome Eijaz Khan ruled TV a while ago before he moved on to films. And now he recently returned with Shubh Vivaah which didn’t deliver as expected. Here the actor talks about his equation with Ekta and his show which didn’t work wonders.

You were approached for Bade Ache Lagte hai. But you looked younger than Saakshi and Samir Kochar got the role…

Well, yes. I did audition for the role but I have no hard feelings of not getting it. I have known Ekta for years and if she thought I suited the role I would be doing it.

You were considered the blue-eyed boy of Ekta Kapoor!

I am still in touch with her and we have a good friendly relationship. I am thankful to her for giving me innumerable roles.

Shubh Vivah didn’t work at all. What went wrong?

As an actor, you do your best but the result isn’t in your hands. The show started off well and then I don’t know what happened.

You are very emotional and let your heart rule your mind.

Yes. I can get very emotional and do things my way.

How is it going with the shooting of Zila Gaaziabad?

It is great. The role is of a young village guy who with his friends takes a different route in life. I am with Vivek Oberoi in the film and most of the shooting is already complete. Now, we are waiting for a schedule with Sanjay Dutt, who plays a cop in the film.

What do you think of reality shows of today?

There are many formats that work today and dance and singing being the most prominent ones. I am a good dancer but instead of being part of a dance show I would rather do a show based on dance like Dil Dosti Dance.

— HRM

CHATTER BOX

Monsoon woes: Drasti Dhami Rain, rain go away

Drasti Dhami is not feeling well as she has been shooting in the rain for her show Madhubala. “I have been working hard on the show and recently did a few night shifts in the rain. They took a toll on me as I even sprained my ankle. But I am glad that our hard work is paying off,” Dhasti says.

Monsoon woes: Drasti Dhami

In the line of duty

A still from NCIS: Los Angeles The new show on AXN NCIS: Los Angeles is a drama about the Office of Special Projects (OSP), a division of NCIS that is charged with apprehending dangerous and elusive criminals that pose a threat to the nation's security. By assuming false identities and utilising the most advanced technology, this team of highly trained agents goes deep undercover, putting their lives on the line in the field to bring down their targets. A still from NCIS: Los Angeles

A still from Chhal Sheh aur Maat Old wine, new bottle

Colors’ show Chhal Sheh Aur Maat, which began as a thriller throwing twists every week, has not kept the momentum. The low ratings have now forced the makers to change the genre of the show. From a thriller and suspense drama now the show will shift to the kitchen and become a family drama—essentially of the saas bahu genre.

A still from Chhal Sheh aur Maat

A still from Hitler Didi Pranksters on the prowl

Actors Rati Pandey and Smita Singh get along like house on fire on the sets of Ila Bedi Datta's Hitler Didi. Recently, they played a prank on the unit members by pretending to be fighting. Their tiffs surprised everyone on the sets. After a whole day, while the women enjoyed the reactions of people around them, they revealed their plot and had the crew in splits.

A still from Hitler Didi

Happy feet: Karan WahiWild entry

Buzz is that popular actor Karan Wahi, aka Rohan of Sony TV's Kuch Toh Log Kahenge, is being considered for celebrity dance show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. He will be a wild card entry. While many other names too are on the list, Karan’s chances of making it are high as he has a great fan following.

Happy feet: Karan Wahi

Closed chapter: Shah Rukh Khan Losing proposition

Shah Rukh Khan's small screen production house Red Chillies Idiot Box has been shut down, reports claim. The company made 12 shows, including chat shows and fiction shows like Farah Khan’s Tere Mere Beech Mein and Preity Zinta’s Up Close and Personal with PZ, didn’t really deliver as expected.

Closed chapter: Shah Rukh Khan


Hot bod: Bipasha Basu Bips’ new fan

Ranbir Kapoor openly praises Bipasha Basu and finds her very hot. He can do this because though the two have worked together and are friends and hang out occasionally, they have not been linked. That comes as a relief.

Hot bod: Bipasha Basu

Not interested: Udita Goswami Picture abhi baki hai dost…

Udita Goswami will be seen in a film after a long time. She has a song in Suniel Shetty's movie Picture Abhi Baki Hai Dost and is not even promoting the movie. It is an old movie which was revived and she was not aware of its release as well.

Not interested: Udita Goswami

Action time: Abhay Deol AB gets a hit finally!

After ages, a film starring Abhishek Bachchan is doing well. Bol Bachchan’s many shows have been declared housefull and the film grossed over Rs 60 crore in a week.

Action time: Abhay Deol

ASTRO TURF
P Khurrana

ARIES: Today is open for excitement and the extraordinary. You may be worried and concerned about certain family issues and need to make time to sort things out. Tarot message: Outline your goals ahead of time then make a plan for achieving them. Lucky colour: Deep Red. Magic number: 28

TAURUS: The Queen of Pentacles blesses you with the finest of quiet and subtle qualities today. Things happen quickly and you need to take sharp decisions. You are sharp and aware to use opportunities. Tarot message: Don’t build into accepting situations you dislike. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 34

GEMINI: You will be in a relaxed and happy mood. If you need to make any personal decisions, go with your gut feel. Romance will lead to happy moments and singles can meet someone special while socialising. Tarot message: A bird in hand is worth more than two in the bush. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 36

CANCER: The wisdom of The Hermit inspires you to make new beginnings and move in a creative direction. Spending time with family will bring peace. Gains from past opportunities for new sources of income are likely. Tarot message: Beware of depleting your energy. Lucky colour: Forest Green. Magic number: 46

LEO: The Magician conjures up some travel and business opportunities. Partnership, business problems need your attention today. Couples could be getting cabin fever, so try to create a congenial living space. Tarot message: Trust your heart and intuition. Lucky colour: Sky blue. Magic number: 54

VIRGO: You are articulate and others are ready to tune in to what you are offering. By evening you can be in an irritable mood and will be prone to losing your temper with friends and family and may resent their advice or well meaning efforts. Tarot message: Avoid frictions. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 62

LIBRA: It looks like a very busy day ahead but any partying and indulgence of previous evenings could be catching up with you. An important task to maintain a sound relationship seems difficult. Take yogic help to relax. Tarot message: Be firm and stand your ground. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 59

SCORPIO: The Prince of Wands rides in his flaming chariot of gold to instigate dynamic changes at work. You should take some advice from the people whom you see as your ideal in all the matters of life. Tarot message: Remember never to fall for rash promises. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 52

SAGITTARIUS: Today mixing with friends could be a tricky business. If you don’t want to be alone, choose a companion who is least likely to irritate you. Plan for an overseas vacation. Tarot message: Consolidate your gains instead of throwing security to the winds. Lucky colour: Grey. Magic number: 58

CAPRICORN: Passionate emotions are likely to accompany your actions and you might be more impulsive than usual. You will have a better chance of getting through odd jobs connected with family affairs. Tarot message: Lack of confidence or lack of caution can leave you in losses. Lucky colour: Rust. Magic number: 45

AQUARIUS: The Hanged Man helps you to move into new and better situation. Spirituality beckons, and you are inclined to try and find out more about it. You struggle to keep your temper in check today. Tarot message: Focus on your dream project. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 56

PISCES: This is a fine day to plan for future business expansion. Relax with your mate in the evening; it’s just the antidote for the trials and tensions of the day. Someone you are attracted to at work feels the same way. Tarot message: Take limited risks while speculating. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 55

THE YEAR AHEAD
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is July 19...

Spending money on luxuries will jeopardise your financial security. It's the year to conserve your resources and not squander them. You will sleep a lot better without having to worry about collection agencies breaking down your door. Don't waste time and enjoy this positive phase; make some investments or major purchases. You will be able to clear up a recent quarrel with your partner. Try not to nag him or her with your stubbornness. Try to avoid rich and high cholesterol diet. Losses are likely if you invest without seeking proper astro-advice. You will have a hard time dealing with children. You need to be in your best behaviour because it won't take much to upset your lover. Take care of your action and words, as boss will be less understanding if you do something deceitful. Your biggest asset is your sense of humour try to use it to your advantage. Don't spend too much on entertainment or cosmetic improvement. Some people will tend to promise more than what they can deliver. Befriend after proper knowledge and understanding. Others might demand too much of your time. Before you make any commitment towards them make sure that your work is not affected and also they are not taking advantage of your kindness and generosity. If travelling make sure you carry all important documents. Mid 2013 is a golden time for you, especially with all your prep work done. Don't insist on doing things your way if the situation is too complex. Take on new interests. This is a good moment to ask for a pay raise or more responsibility. If you keep an open mind, you might soon have an experience that will change everything for the better.  It is important to achieve something new.  There are many more victories in your future if you choose to stay in the game.

Sindhu TolaniThe adventure will be more fun if you have the right teammates. Your ideas are well received and you may inspire cooperation and progress, especially with young members. Address the needs of elders or members who are ill by the weekend. Mood : In need of focusing. Compatible signs: Cancer, Pisces

Lucky colours: Light grey, Linen Lucky days: Sunday and Monday. Lucky Numbers: 5, 9, 11, 15, 55

Sindhu Tolani (July 19, 1983, Mumbai) has been a Fair & Lovely cream model girl as well as a successful actress. She started her career with the Telugu movie Aithe. She shot to fame at the age of 20 with her debut in the Tamil movie Sullan with Dhanush directed by Ramana. The film went on to be a major blockbuster. Another hit followed in Manmadhan with Silambarasan. Since then she has appeared in many Hindi and Telugu movies. Hindi cinema goers will enjoy her acting in 2014.





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