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LOVE-ly ARRANGE-ment
Arranged marriage or love marriage — as to which one works, we will come to that later. More than the subject of the daily soap, how it's being promoted seems to be a more fascinating idea. Television is getting better; budgets are getting bigger and subjects? Well, as for this one, as the title suggests, Love Marriage Ya Arranged Marriage, it's about two girls and their preferences. In Chandigarh on Tuesday, the cast talks about the storyline, discusses their individual career graphs and debates on the quality of the content.
Small screen magic
— Himanshu Malhotra
Eight daily soaps and three-and-a-half-years in the industry, Himanshu is like a veteran among the four actors, who are more or less freshers. He has gained experience and believes has grown as an actor as well. "More than being a good actor, what's important is being a part of a good show, which will garner high TRPs and be liked by the audiences." Now had that been the case, he wouldn't have switched seven shows. "Two weeks of low TRPs and the serial is wrapped up; then begins the hunt for a new one." This show, he hopes, will work for a longer period. "It has a concept one can relate to. Every youngster goes through this dilemma." He will be seen as Anoop in the soap, who is all for arranged marriage. As for graduating to films, he is not thinking about it right now and wants to focus on his career in television. He adds that television is as strong a medium, "Why else right from Amitabh Bachchan to Shah Rukh Khan to Salman Khan everyone wants to be seen on the small screen. " Small screen isn't that small now," he says.
Bigger the better
— Rishika Mihani She is next in line in terms of seniority. Last seen in Bheend Banugaa, Ghodi Chadhunga, she will play the role of Shivani in this one, who strictly advocates love marriage. That's a constant in real life also. Television, she maintains, is getting bigger and riskier — bigger because it pays well, riskier because soaps are abruptly ended. "But that is at least better than dragging the story. It helps actors look out for better avenues." If the content of television hasn't really improved, she blames the audience for that. "Intelligent people don't watch daily soaps because they can read between the lines. There is a certain segment of people who watch shows and content depends on what they want. What they don't like is taken off air immediately." Yet, there is no denying the fact that this is the only industry that is not male-dominated. Women-oriented stories and female protagonists, television scores over Bollywood on at least one count.
More challenging now
— Samaira Rao She could relate to her character in the show, Maansi, because even she believes that arranged marriage is a safer bet. This will be her second show and working on television was never going to be easy. "We work for a minimum of twelve hours, which can stretch up to sixteen; otherwise it's not possible to come up with an episode for four days a week." The soap is set in the backdrop of Udaipur and that is why Samaira studied the mannerisms of small-town girls, as she is from Mumbai. She regrets that there are no more TV stars like Bollywood has. "It's difficult to attain a TV star status when soaps come and go every week, when replacements are easy to make." So, will there never be more of Smriti Iranis and Sakshi Tanwars. "Sustaining a storyline isn't possible for more than a year."
A good break
— Ashish Kapoor He got the perfect launch-pad with Dekha Ek Khawab. Then, Sony channel offered him this show. "I couldn't have got a better break. Actors struggle a lot to get cameos, I am lucky to have got full-fledged roles." And there is no denying the fact that he has some female fan-following. Girls were calling out his on-screen name from Dekha Ek Khawab. "I have worked really hard. It's not easy to shoot for fifteen hours at a stretch, but television is one medium that promises recognition sooner or later." ashima@tribunemail.com
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Art of many layers
Like the mystical dance choreographies that he creates, eminent dancer and choreographer Navtej Johar carries an air of inscrutability. So there is nothing that is obvious or upfront. Just as with his art that fuses as well as defies boundaries, so with him there are many layers. Much he says, yet much more remains hidden for you to decipher on your own.
Yes, there are no crisp witty one-liners, no wisecracks to win brownie points. What you get are profound assertions about his art and his journey that began here in Chandigarh and where he comes back full circle with what he calls his landmark production — Charumathi Claire Singh. It was in Chandigarh that he began doing theatre more than three decades ago with well-known theatre-person GS Chani. And it's in City Beautiful that he thought it befitting to premiere his most distilled expression, the most clear voice and his comment on dance. "Dance", he asserts, "is just a medium not to show what I know but to explore." As an artist he adds that his primary concern is to look inwards and to read between the lines. That's precisely why the unsaid engages him more, a reason why he often uses more than one narrative to impress upon his viewpoint. So if his much acclaimed dance piece Fanna juxtaposed fables from north and south in , a dance theatre-piece he chose to bring together Jean Genet's The Maids and the tradition of Devdasi. He is drawn to two narratives for, "Single narratives do not allow you the liberty of forgetting yourself and have the rarefied import of preciousness. Since the true notion of art is to transform, it can only happen if one snaps out of the notion of preciousness and of being me." Of course, in Charumathi Claire Singh he has tried to do more than one thing. In times when sensuality is often mistaken for raunchiness he has delved into the beauty and spirituality of what it means to be sensual. Then he has gone back to the tradition of Padam, which only Devdasis sang and addressed a host of themes like existentialism. Incidentally, he has researched both Genet and the Devdasi tradition extensively. The genesis of the dance piece was laid some 15 years ago. Today as his dance theatre, an equal measure of shingaar and spirituality, addresses anxieties of sex, intimacy and the impossibility of getting together, he asserts that both narratives about marginalised beings become one. Those on the periphery undeniably hold his attention. Even otherwise he feels that only those on the margins have the prerogative to question and the ability to transform. But how is he a celebrated name in the galaxy of dance an outsider? He answers back, "In South being a Punjabi I do not belong and in Punjab few identify with my art." And then are those who wonder aloud, "Is this grey-haired man going to dance?" So, is the salt and pepper beard a statement of sorts? He smiles and states, "Only in the sense that these things don't come in the way." Of his pursuit that began when he was mesmerised by Bharatnatyam performance. The essence of what attracted him to the classical dance form way back remains intact. Rather he has gone beyond Bharatnatyam to focus on its core - the spiritual and the sensual. Not surprising then, his next project a German collaboration too dwells on eroticism and repression. While journey by itself is an enriching experience, he agrees that milestones and goals are important too. Who is he? Bharatnatyam dancer, modern dancer, yoga teacher, a creative choreographer — the world can see his myriad roles. How does he see himself? "All of it and as someone who is reaching out to the mystery of the hidden," he says. |
Laugh out loud!
Question: "What kind of hair do oceans have?"
Answer: "Wavy" How silly a joke this is, but it would have at least made you smile if not laugh. It's not that jokes have to be extra-ordinarily funny to make one giggle because a latest study has revealed that no matter how badly a joke is told, it will sometimes elicit a few polite laughs because social norms make us averse to providing negative feedback. And what better than a comedian himself, who has reached new heights with his character Shampy in the latest Punjabi hit movie Jatt and Juliet, talking about the same. Says Rana Ranbir, "Being humans we are very much trained to laugh even on the worst of jokes. Also, being a comedian I'm trained to rehearse and give a lot of thought on what kind of jokes I'm going to present to my audience, but trust me sometimes things happen on the spot and makes people fall off their seats." Like there are some old songs on which one is bound to dance, there are many jokes that become common through phones, television and Internet where one is automatically forced to laugh. And your friends will always laugh to keep you in high spirits. Lest they are true ones! Joyce Ehrlinger, a Florida State University assistant professor of psychology, maintains that because society trains one not to hurt others' feelings, we rarely hear the truth about ourselves, even when it's well-deserved. What if it is a compulsion to burst into a fit of laughter? "Sometimes the situation is so stressful that laughing is the only option to make the mood go light, even if nothing is funny," says Rahul Mittal, an MBA student from Chandigarh. In complete respect for the emotion of humour we mark the words from Charlie Chaplin saying that, "A day without laughter is a day wasted." Says Bhagwant Mann, a well-known comedian, "Sense of humour entirely depends on the type of situation one is exposed to. It also depends on the kind of audience. It so happens that you start laughing seeing the other person laugh." And yes there is no dearth of over-confident people who giggle at their own jokes, which is so artificial. "I agree with the findings of the study because being a performer I know that the audience sometimes just laughs out of respect," adds Bhagwant. Laughter sure is the best medicine! sabiatalwar@tribunemail.com
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Too much too soon
Having modelled for many successful brands and campaigns, spunk-chick Bidita Bag, who is all set to make her Bollywood debut this week with the comedy From Sydney With Love, is in a quandary. The reason: This Bong beauty is continuously being compared to more established heroines, namely Kangna Ranaut and Deepika Padukone. In fact, she has been getting a lot of film offers that have gone to Kangna earlier. "It's amusing how some film-makers have been thinking of me as some kind of replacement to Kangna Ranaut," she happily giggles. "I've been offered at least half-a-dozen movies by makers who say I fit the bill for a 'Kangana-type-of-role' - whatever that means!" As if this isn't enough, some makers tell Bidita that she looks and even sounds like Deepika Padukone; so much so that if she dubbed for Deepika, no one might come to know - another comparison that the debutante has to live with. And while the girl takes these comparisons with a pinch of salt, Bidita does assert that she wishes to "carve a completely original identity" for herself. Judging from the promos of From Sydney With Love, we do believe that the actress is versatile. For the record, her movie's release will clash with none other than Jism 2. But Bidita smiles and shrugs it off. "I don't fear Sunny Leone. Apart from my looks and acting capabilities, I have inner beauty," she remarks with confidence. When compared to the mass appeal Sunny's cleavage carries, Bidita reacts, "A little bit of concealing is any day more erotic than showing everything, isn't it?" |
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The whistle-blower
Sunidhi Chauhan was recording a song but found that the lyrics had a political connotation. She asked the lyricist and the producer to change it to avoid controversy. They did not comply and got another regional singer for the song instead.
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Back to the basics
Mallika Sherawat says her secret for good health and great hair is exercising, yoga and eating right. She does not care about plastic surgery. She is a vegetarian.
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Playing safe
Sunny Leone played it safe by asking to see the medical certificates of Randeep Hooda and Arunoday Singh before shooting intimate scenes with them. Pooja Bhatt told her it was not the norm in Bollywood and she would not need to actually do anything like she did in her adult films. Sunny sent her own certificates to Pooja as well.
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Worthy of praise
Harud has been released, finally! Naseeruddin Shah says, "In India, our so called 'meaningful' films often seem shallow because they are about borrowed pains. Seldom does something as deeply felt and skillfully made as Harud comes our way. We should be grateful for some mercies."
Pawan Malhotra also came out in support of the film and said, "Harud is an honest, heartfelt, poignant tale of fragmented lives through the eyes of a sensitive filmmaker, Amir Bashir."
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Dream come true
Anurag Kashyap got a twelve-year-old trained singer named Durga to sing the song Chi Cha Leader in Gangs of Wasseypur 2. Sneha Khanwalkar found her and she was perfect for the song. Her life has changed now because of this song. She is from the slums and this is her ticket to fame and prosperity.
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New kid on the block
Debutant Siddharth Malhotra is the new hottie in town - the model-turned-actor in Karan Johar’s Student Of The Year.
Before moving to acting, Siddharth was lucky to establish himself as a model. He then decided to learn acting, somehow managed to meet Karan Johar and got a job. His first film assignment was My Name is Khan in which he served as an assistant director. Siddharth's father was in the Merchant Navy, and he grew up in Defence Colony, Delhi.
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The star signs
In black & white
Karisma Kapur is naturally slim. She prefers gymming to yoga. She loves eating. She loves white and black shirts. She loves YSL Tribute sandals. She loves the food in Delhi. She has made a few friends in Delhi over the past 3-4 years. She swears by almonds. She shuttles between Mumbai and Delhi. The complete man
Neetu Kapoor, mother of heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor, thinks he is the perfect and complete man. She calls him Raymond. She still cuts his nails. Ranbir looks down on the floor while talking to his father, Rishi Kapoor. His father manages his finances. Ranbir is very close to his mother. Beyond the small screen
Imran Khan does not like watching television. He did not own a television until recently. His wife Avantika watches TV so he has a TV set now. He watches movies on his computer and he has a large screen. He enjoys watching all kinds of movies. His favourite movie is A Fish Called Wanda. Shy and mighty
Jacqueline Fernandez is too shy to discuss her personal life. She believes people fall in and out of love. She is now busy with Race 2 and some more movies. She is a convent school girl at heart and wears revealing clothes only because she is a model and actress. She planned to quit Bollywood before Murder 2 happened. The gadget girl
Deepika Padukone is very tech-savvy. She loves her camera because she loves taking pictures. She loves going for bike rides. Neil Nitin Mukesh is very fond of her and thinks she is special, elegant and beautiful. She thinks her Prabhadevi apartment is her dream home.
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Missing the target
Vipul Shah was quite hopeful that his new comedy show Bhai Bhaiya Brother on SAB TV will do well but in a month of its launch rumours are that it will go off air by month end. The TRPs have been really low and that is the main reason apparently for the abrupt decision. |
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Making a stage debut
Gulki Joshi aka Sugni of Phir Subah Hogi danced her heart out during her first ever stage performance at the 5th
Gold Awards recently. Gulki was excited about sharing the stage with Aamir Ali and Karan Wahi which was a college act. She danced on the songs O o jaane jaana and Khud ko kya samajhti
hai.
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It’s KBC time
Host Amitabh Bachchan and Kaun Banega Crorepati will soon return on Sony TV and buzz is that it will air on a prime time slot instead of a weekend one. It could air at 8.30 or 9 p.m. time band and will air by August end. This time the campaign of the show is Sirf Gyaan Hi Aapko Aapka Haq Dila Sakta
Hai.
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Reel and real troubles
On Sony’s show Saas Bina Sasural, Aishwarya Sakhuja’s character, Toasty has been keeping unwell and is bride hunting for her husband Tej (Ravi Dubey) at the same time. In real life too Aishwarya is not feeling very well. The buzz is that the show will end by August end. Aishwarya Sakhuja and Ravi Dubey
Anuj’s loss is Nandish’s gain
Last seen as Veer in Uttaran, Nandish Sandhu quit the show as he didn’t want to play an older character. Now Nandish is back in a new show. This time he has replaced Anuj Sachdeva in Zee’s Phir Subah Hogi. We ask him why. Why did you choose to replace a character in a show? The role was offered to me and I found it was appealing. I had never done this kind of character, so I didn’t see any reason to turn it down. As for replacing someone, well it is always a challenge and I won’t be copying anyone though. What do you think of Vikas Bhalla as Veer in Uttaran? I am happy for him. I opted out of that role as I didn’t want to play a dad to a grown up guy. It wouldn’t have worked well for me career wise. I have heard he is doing a good job and I am glad for producer Rupali Guha. What did you do in your break? After quitting Uttaran, I caught up on my sleep and spent time with my family, especially with my wife Rashami Desai. We went to Malaysia for a lovely holiday. It was great fun. Any developments on the news that you are turning TV producer? That news itself was untrue. We aren’t producing a show yet but it is on our minds. Any other future plans? I want to try films and I am in talks with some producers. Let’s see what comes up. Rashmi is in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 5. What do you have to say about that? She loves to dance and is a great dancer. She has excelled in the wild card round and will prove her talent further on the show.
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High scorer
Being trendy and adhering to the latest fashion has become a part of dressing for all. Even those who do not want to ape the latest blindly, set their own style which makes heads turn and they always warrant a second glance. A thorough professional Dr Surina Sharma has all that goes to make a ‘trendsetter’. Your sense of style... Simplicity is the bottom line for me and how a person accessorises denotes style for me. Latest addition to your treasure of clothing or accessories... My Tissot watch Brand crazy or street pick ups... I am not brand crazy at all; it is just a priority for suitability. My style icon would be... It has to be Priyanka Chopra for she has the best physical assets to carry off anything she wears. Who do you think is the worst dressed celebrity... Vidya Balan , though I admire her acting a lot. Which look would your prefer – sporty, chic or glamorous... Chic, of course. One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension... I don’t like people wearing different shoes and harem pants. Your take on accessories... Accessories are very important and add to the look. An eye catching accessory can make a dress look new If given a choice which designer would you be liked to be dressed by... Ritu Kumar if I am that lucky. What gives you high on the confidence level… Compliments always give me a high and especially if I know that they are coming from a genuine person. |
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Healthy spread
One of the great things about starting a new day is breakfast. It’s your first and most important meal of the day, so why eat boring cereal out of the box or leftovers from last night? Starting August 2, treat yourself to a breakfast fit for a king with a sumptuous, lavish spread of quality and most economical breakfast buffet sin Sector 9 at Buffet Hut.
Coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandan, the outlet is offering absolutely free ‘Breakfast Buffet’ to all the tricity residents who wish to celebrate the festival at the outlet on August 2. The breakfast spread would be laid from 8 am onwards and would continue till 10.30 am . The sumptuous treat will include six different types of cereals with hot milk, seasonal sliced fruits, assortment muffins, traditional Punjabi aloo puri and stuffed paranthas, curd, toasts with jam/ butter/ honey, eggs: boiled, omelette, Punjabi lassi, assorted juices , hot tea and coffee . (Rs 149 per person (inclusive of all taxes) for a Breakfast Buffet at Buffet Hut.) —TNS
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Sumptuous mornings
Rain always brings with it a whole new period of joy and enjoyment. At Café Amor, P3 Panchkula the same fun is replicated through an all together new menu. From the all new starters- Delhi 6 chaat platter, to the Special Amor nachos to the fun and sumptuous combo, the new menu has it all.
Don’t forget the all time favourite , nostalgia: Café Amor maggie. Choose from the assortment of Amour masala, cheese and garlic, sweet and spicy, Chinese tadka or desi tadka. If this is not enough to whet your appetite, try an array of sandwiches and burgers, the Amor veggie burger or the Amor club sandwich. Finish the meal with delectable desert-. hot chocolate fudge and Browine Sundae and the Baileys flavoured chocolate mousse. — TNS
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Full house
As the young Olympic squad of India looks for the best ever medal haul Himani’s Vertigo Lounge- 35, Chandigarh celebrates the spirit of Olympics with mega schemes.
We have the ‘Beer Olympics’ going on says Ankita Gupta , director Himanis Vertigo. The lounge is decked up in Olympic spirit and we are challenging our guests for a game challenge such as pool table and dart board. Anyone who completes the challenge gets free gifts with a medal and free beer.” There is a special menu on cards for the Olympics. So there is the Sprint Pizza, Shot Put Kebabs, Hammer Chicken Roast, Knock out Pasta, Smash Croquets . Added is a special beverage menu named after favorite Olympians such as Phelps Stroke- a mocktail dedicated to Olympian Michael Phelps and Ali Punch dedicated to the great Mohammad Ali. Besides a huge range of gifts such as food coupons, apparels etc are being offered on every medal that India wins. — TNS
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Child’s play
Sukhmani When deciding on curtains for children's bedrooms, take into account both the purpose they will serve and the décor of the room. Give your kids' windows a personality of their own with fun kids curtains. If you are in the process of redecorating your child's room, these pointers will help guide you in making the right choice. Keep in mind the choice and interest of your child. Curtains with patterns of butterflies, cars, cartoon characters work well and add a bit of excitement. If the room is decorated on a theme, then its best to stick to the theme. In theme decoration however, remember if there are too many patterns involved by means of the wallpaper, rug or the bed coverings, then it is best to go for neutral or solid colour curtains. You should also consider thick or heavy curtains for a kids' room, as this will block out more light for young children. Make sure the curtains you choose do not have cords that hang down. These cords can be rather dangerous for young kids; you should similarly avoid curtains accessories with any small pieces that could be pulled off and swallowed. Choose a fabric that is easy to wash. Cotton, linen, polyester and certain fabric blends can be chosen for the kids room. They wash well and are easy to maintain. Add interesting and innovative curtain poles for the room to add a bit of drama. Fancy and funky curtain poles enhance the look of your kids' room decor. Curtain hooks and rings for kids' room come in different styles. To make kids' room appealing, you can choose from a wide range of stylish hooks and rings. Curtain tiebacks are used to tie curtains with windows so that the light can come in. You can make tiebacks of same fabric for curtains. For a dramatic look, make tiebacks of contrasting or opposite materials. For a girl's room you may even use bright coloured ribbons. Tassels offer style to your kids' curtains. They are easy to attach and are available in different colors. Attractive colors of tassels make your kids' curtains eye-catching. Valances for the kids room are a great choice as well. They make the window treatments stand out. (Sukhmani is a Chandigarh-based Interior & Landscape designer) |
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The year ahead
If your birthday is August 1...
Ruled by the Sun, number one is the leader and indicates the ability to stand alone. You will be independent, creative, original, ambitious, determined and self-assured. If expressed negatively: arrogant, stubborn, impatient and self-centered. In 2012, your birthday falls on the day of Shri Satya Narayana Vrata making it more auspicious. Partnerships of all kind come under the spotlight during 2012-13. Friendships could be affected as well as your connections with people who cause you problems. Mood: Organised. Compatible signs: Scorpio, Pisces. Lucky colours: Turquoise. Lucky days: Sunday and Monday. Lucky numbers: 5, 6, 18, 22, 43 Dhani Harrison was born on August 1, 1978. He is an English musician. In March 2006, Harrison made a guest appearance on Liam Lynch's Podcast Video Variety Show. In April 2006, it was announced that his band had begun recording. His band's first album was named You Are Here and was released online on August 11, 2008.
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Astro turf
ARIES: Not much out of the ordinary is likely to transpire today. Pearls of wisdom from an older person are valuable. Take stock of your plans. Running around after other people all the time may not leave much time for you. Tarot message: Boost your confidence with positive thinking. Lucky colour: Aqua blue. Magic number: 38
TAURUS: Business conferences and meetings can go off smoothly, building your self-esteem and professional reputation. Romance with a friend can start up unexpectedly, becoming a very productive alliance. Tarot message: Avoid situations that may turn nasty. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 59 GEMINI:
You’ll prefer not to share your thoughts with people from your past. If you are thinking of rekindling a past love affair, make plan for a weekend retreat just for the two of you and reignite the fire. Tarot message: Results are guaranteed if you stick to arrangements. Lucky colour: Navy blue. Magic number: 47 CANCER: Work wise you will be doing fine. Love life is controversial. Love and friendship are likely to take up most of your time. Listening, loving, and laughing together will ensure that all your dreams come true. Tarot message: Do not let anyone take advantage of you. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 53 LEO: You must try to work hard. Avoid speculations. You may be surrounded by friends but still feel alone. Fantasy and romance can play a large part in actions, so try to exercise good judgment. Tarot message: Do not cover up your own mistakes and keep the emotions aside. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 30 VIRGO:
There will be new projects. Friends will give useful ideas. Social activities will activate your thought processes. Send your apologies in order to avoid future confrontations. Tarot message: Don’t get embroiled in ventures where returns are spread over a large period of time. Lucky colour: Sky blue. Magic number: 31
LIBRA: Nothing is going wrong today. You will get more time to do what you want. Evening favours a social get together. There may be a message from your unconscious that will become clear through this process. Pamper yourself a little today. Tarot message: Avoid gossip sessions. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 36 SCORPIO: Women will be bored with their daily routine. Your health can stand in the way of travel plans. Ensure that your health is up to scratch before applying. Think about what you are going to wear to an upcoming job interview. Tarot message: Try to get your work in order. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 61 SAGITTARIUS: Avoid tiffs and angry words in the heat of the moment. Focus on hobbies and personal matters. Someone close to you might be sapping your energy with their complaining. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from drawing their own conclusion. Lucky colour: Silver. Magic number: 32 CAPRICORN: Investments made in new ventures are sure to bring good dividends. Your mind could be off daydreaming, plotting fabulous ways to get the things you want. You know you probably won’t put them into action. Tarot message: You are advised to focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 29 AQUARIUS:
A strong independent streak will push you to get things done your way and in your time. This might not sit well with your partner or business colleagues, so remember to use some of the diplomacy and tact. Tarot message: Arrogance and pride will not be rewarded. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 43 PISCES: Contracts and agreements can stall, messages can get mixed up and whatever is meant to be happening probably won’t. Finish researching on new projects, but don’t try to initiate them yet. Tarot message: You need to be creative if you want to retain your grip over your business. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 65
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