Spiced up
Italian chef Bill Marchetti says pasta has travelled the world over unlike the Indian chicken curry
Ashima Batish

over a slice of a thin crust pizza and one of Tomoto Bruschetta, the subject of conversation can’t be more appropriate than what makes Italian cuisine world famous, more so when the other party is a celebrated Italian chef Bill Marchetti. So what makes the pasta score over the Indian curry chicken? “Pasta travelled from Italy, made a stop-over at the speciality cuisine restaurants of five-stars; then made space for itself in the a la carte menus, went on to be served by the street vendors and finally came a full circle in the form of packaged food. I have heard it has even found a mention in the Punjabi film Jihne Mera Dil Luteya,” says Bill, who is also the executive chef of the Spaghetti Kitchen, an Italian restaurant that opened recently in Chandigarh. Taking the comparative analysis further, he says that curry chicken has failed to cross the borders convincingly. “Indians don’t consider cooking a very respectable profession abroad and you can’t expect natives of other countries to handle spices as effectively.” It doesn’t stop here. Indian cuisine, unlike Italian, doesn’t have, as Bill says, the ‘hero’ dishes like pasta, pizza, spaghetti. Strangely, diversity here has negatively affected the popularity of Indian cuisine. There isn’t one dish that can represent India as such, “What people have in North India is different from what they eat in the South. The variety of what India offers in terms of food might be rich, but then no single dish represents India.” And chicken tikka masala also fails in the bid; corrects Bills, “It was invented by the British.”

Bill knows both sides of Indian and Italian cuisine story because he has culinary experiences in both parts of the world — East and West. After initial learning in Italy, he shifted to Australia in 1984 and opened the first Italian restaurant there. Then he made a shift to India, worked with ITC for eleven long years; at Maurya for five and is now in Chandigarh.

He pledges to make people fall in love with authentic Italian food at Spaghetti Kitchen. Besides working inside the kitchens and handling oregano, he loves to travel and check sites in the country from where he gets his ingredients. “You might see me with Gary and George of Masterchef Australia, who were on an eight-city tour of India. If not anything, TV shows on food promote experimentation in people. ” Bills clientele also includes name of the Australian Prime Minister. As for his personal choice, it is dal chawal. “In the end, nothing beats healthy food.” There, Indian food surely beats Italian!

ashima@tribunemail.com

Kitchen corner

This is Spaghetti Kitchen’s 13th outlet in the country. Spread over 2,600 square feet, the restaurant besides offering the usual Italian dishes, has on the menu Mushroom Cappuccino soup and Penne Vodka.

Cutting edge
Feminity joins hands with eccentricity as asymmetrical cuts dominate the winter wardrobe
Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra

Conformity is practical, but creators of clothes have to think out-of-the-box each time. Although the trends for fall season are out, we already see Gothic, chic baroque, romantic, floral, comfortable knits and oriental fashion influences for winter! However, what we cannot afford to miss is the silhouettes, which are going to spell style this season.

Asymmetry is in, so is the variation in length (that goes from short to very long), but the most significant influence on fashion this season is the boxy silhouette; wider shoulders, thicker sleeves and waist parallel to shoulders instead of being tucked-in. Having been featured in important labels like Stella McCartney, Givenchy, Ralph Lauren, Antonio Marras and Prada, ‘boxy’, though not one of the most flattering shapes, is a good way to illustrate that there’s more than one way to look good. “Silhouttes are quite flattering this season. Whereas on the one hand we have strong shoulders, nipped waists and flattering slims define an outfit, this season is also about geometrical shapes and styles,” says Mumbai-based fashion designer Sabah Khan. She adds, “Peplum is another shape that’s spelling some style. It is one of the most unabashedly sexy and a feminine style to look out for.”

With the number of fall/winter fashion trends, which leaves every fashion-conscious individual with a choice of plenty, we even have designers play with kimono folds and carton-wide silhouette. “Length is variable this season. From very long ones to those that are nipped just above the waist, there are lean silhouettes with dramatic highlights to experiment with,” says Geet Sethi, training consultant head, Espirit. She adds, “Oversized, cocoon shape is another silhouette to eye, so are the nipped-waist, full-skirt crepe coats.”

And how can we miss one of the most coveted trends for the season—leather? It’s big! Although we don’t see many people wearing it in this region of the country, if you are game for leather then biker jacket in peplum is a hot item on the racks. Crombie coats by Helene Berman have created quite a stir already so have the sharp Gerard Darel military coats. “Girls are quite experimental and love to wear clothes with an edge,” says Shilpa from Elle store in Sector 17. She adds, “Slim fits are working best for the fall season.”

While shapes play an important role in deciding how the outfit looks, Naresh from French Connection in Sector 17 says, “From regular to slim and highly slim, one cannot ignore the asymmetrical lines in the fall/winter collections. But it is more of fitted silhouettes and slim waist lines this season.”

Fast love
Marriages are made in heaven. On the earth, they are solemnised forever and what better way than husband and wife fasting together on Karva Chauth …
Mona
Manju and Sandeep Suraj Arora
Manju and Sandeep Suraj Arora
Khushboo and Ravinder Singh
Khushboo and Ravinder Singh
Renu and Sandeep Khanna
Renu and Sandeep Khanna

Here comes the time of the year when women, decked up to their best, endlessly wait for the moon to appear so that they can break their fast. Only, some husbands wait as eagerly as their wives!

We talk to some couples who have been keeping the Karva Chauth fast for years together, making it a day of undying declaration of love.

When architect Sangeet Sharma thought of fasting with his wife Purnima, in the first year of their wedding 24 years back, it was not received well. "The family and friends mocked at first, but it was my way of showing my love and respect for my wife," says Sangeet. The couple spends the day working, but get home in the evening to break the fast; it's feasting that follows. They are happy that they have become a trendsetter for many couples in their family and friend circle who have followed suit.

The Nangias have enjoyed their Karva Chauth together, with hubby Satender taking all the responsibility — from preparing all from the sargi thali in the morning to tea in the evening. For the last eight years now, they fast together. Right from mehandi to shopping, Betty, a beauty and diet consultant, is pampered throughout the day. "Generally, I take her out for a movie during the first half; then we go for a drive till the moon appears," says Sandeep, who has another reason to fast apart from wishing the well-being of his wife — his weakness for feniyan! Betty giggles, "This is my day, I feel on the top of the world."

While Satender started fasting on his own, for businessman Sandeep Suraj Arora, it was some goading on the part of his wife Manju. "When my wife asked me to give her company, I could not say no," admits Sandeep. Now the couple celebrates this traditional festival together. "It feels great; not only does it make my wife happy, but fasting also refreshes me," he adds.

Renu Khanna has been one lucky wife, whose husband has kept Karva Chauth fast from the very first year of their marriage. More friends than husband and wife, this duo starts the day with sargi together in the morning. Work keeps them occupied during the day, but in the evening they share their moments of togetherness. "My husband fasting for me makes me feel valued and loved," says Renu who is looking forward to the day.

Then there are the first-timers in this gang too. Ravinder Singh, a total foodie, is gearing up for the first-ever fast of his life. Married this year, it is the first Karva Chauth for them. While his wife Khushboo is skeptical if he will be able to complete the feat, this author is positive, "I am looking forward to the day to celebrate it in a traditional way."

mona@tribunemail.com

Star power

Traditionally, it's women who fast on Karva Chauth for the long life of their husbands. We checked out with astrologers if it holds any significance if men fast on this day too.

Astrologically, the seventh house belongs to married life. And, its lord is Shukra, who wields influence on love, bonding, romance and understanding. Shukra is related to taste and eventually fasting. Karva Chauth holds equal significance if a wife keeps fast. In case she is not able to, a husband keeping fast holds equal worth. Even better if the couple does. — P Khurrana

Most certainly; this fast is for the long life and prosperity of the spouse. A wife and a husband fasting together also strengthens the bond apart from bringing in good health and prosperity to the couple. — Madan Gupta Spatu

Lasting ties
The face of relationships has changed with time, what has not is the bonding that couples share. We check out this Karva Chauth…
Jasmine Singh

Break up, hook up, patch up…. to be described, relationships do not need fancy words. They can be summed up in just about two or three words. Either you are in a relationship or out of it!

On the other side, in a bustling city, women queue up at a hi-end saloon, waiting eagerly to be dressed. A new hairstyle, manicured hands and feet…on Karva Chauth they can't but take chances with their looks! After all, the day has to do everything with the prosperity and long life of their husbands.

So do you want to know whether the frivolity of relationships has had any effect on this festival?

It comes down to a personal level here. As Monica from Monica's puts it, "It is something like the existence of god; we haven't seen him, but we still believe in his presence. Likewise, customs are a matter of faith but believing in them is a personal thing." Divorce rates are increasing, so have marriages become ‘easier’? "In a way this is right and wrong. Women these days are independent and don't take any nonsense. Then again, the tolerance factor has also increased. Karva Chauth has everything to do with tradition. Some women give themselves a day to get dressedwhile others follow it religiously to the core."

People fall in love but after two months are seen separately, this kind of stuff keeps happening in relationships! Actor Gavie Chahal shares, "I think we should give more importance to relationships. It is okay to follow customs, but what is the fun in keeping Karva Chauth fast and fighting for the rest of the day. Understand a custom and then follow it."

Even when Bollywood has portrayed the day as our answer to Valentine's Day, Gavie would rather follow a custom like this because he understands the sentiments related to it and not because the rest of his friends are doing the same.

Not everyone has a question though; Senu Duggal, additional director, public relations department, Punjab, keeps Karva Chauth fast religiously. "We have to follow certain traditions, this is one of them. In fact, the day cements the bond between the husband and wife."

jasmine@tribunemail.com

green thumb
Plan(t) ahead
satish narula

Today let us discuss various gardening operations to be carried out in the ensuing fortnight. This is the most important time and the following operations should be carried out if you want to enjoy the best of your garden. The time to transplant winter annual seedlings is approaching fast. Some of the gardeners have already done that. The seedlings are very tender and life of the plant is also very short. It is therefore important to keep the bed clear of weeds as they eat into the resources and weaken the seedlings, thus lowering the quality of blooms. At the time of preparing the soil, make sure the manure you add is well rotten as otherwise your bed will be full of weeds and also white ants.

Correct watering in winter annuals is very important. It depends upon the weather conditions, soil type and above all, the nature and type of plant in question. In case of some species like burf, the watering requirement is minimum. It is better to do frequent irrigations rather than too deep irrigation with prolonged gaps. In case fertilizers like urea etc are added later, its application should immediately be followed by copious watering. When the winter is at its zenith, the watering requirement reduces but in case of danger of frost, the application of irrigation helps ward off its damage.

When it comes to selection of winter annuals for different locations in the home garden, one should be cautious and particular. The winter flowering annuals are called short day plants and need sun for maximum number of hours in a day. However, there are some dark corners in the home gardens where sun reaches only for a few hours or not at all. In such areas, you can grow salvia, cineraria, nasturtium, nemesia and to some extent petunia. In case you have a terrace and are growing plants in pots, you can keep these on rooftop to get maximum sun.

The vegetable seeds are advised to be put in soil in stages as staggered planting so that you get the vegetables in small quantity over a longer period of time. Those who are about to plant now radish, turnip, carrot etc in their home garden, must keep the distance between rows at 45 centimeter and that between plants 7.5 centimeter and those who have recently planted and the seeds have sprouted, must thin out the excessive plants to maintain proper distance in rows. This will ensure quality produce.

The winter is approaching fast and one can feel the nip in the air. This is the time when the deciduous fruit plants like peach, plum, pear, grapes, mulberry etc start shedding leaves to go dormant. This is a natural process, which facilitate plants to escape the adverse effects of adverse weather conditions. The gardeners should stop watering these plants so that the transition to dormant stage is smooth.

(Narula is a senior PAU horticulturist)

An arty affair
Manpriya Singh

What binds the big and small names is each artist’s affair with the canvas. When a group of painters, sculptors, printmakers and applied artists get together to showcase the best of their works, it’s a mixed show in ways more than one. Some stand out, others stand apart while the rest just fit in. The group exhibition organised by The Creators showcases 72 artworks, including 18 sculptures by 10 artists.

To begin with, there’s Shiv Singh with his riot of colours. All intermingling with each other to assume various forms and open to interpretation of the viewer. There’s one in water colour titled Fire in Forest, with colours of flames and smoke juxtaposed against each other.

Further, there are abstracts by Delhi-based Vandy Jais, a series of acrylics on paper depicting rock art. Shares the artist, “I tried showing the effect of weather on a rock. If you look at a rock carefully, you see a lot of things. It’s just like clouds that depend on our viewpoint.” HS Purewal’s oil on canvas, titled Blossom, stands apart for its colour and beauty and as do Ram Binod’s works in water colour.

Then there’s Raj Gopal Sharma’s colourful display of a farmer, with his struggles and impatience, all in one canvas. He shares, “A farmer goes through so many things. He’s happy, sad, dependent on nature.”

Quite a break from the abstracts, there are Chandigarh landscapes, and beauty of a tree drawn against different colours. Shares Dalvinder Singh, “Chandigarh symbolises trees. It’s a dream city and that’s what I am trying to show in my works. At times, the trees are interspersed by straight lines, symbolising straight roads and sectors.” The sculptures by Narinderjeet Singh Maloya are as moving as a sculpture can get. There’s a horde of small ants in steel titled the Busiest Machine and yet another sculpture in stone trying to find beauty in a curled up caterpillar’s shape. There’s also a collection of bronze sculptures called Mystery, based on tribal motifs, generously dotting the area, breaking the monotony of walls full of artworks.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

On till November 3 at Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi—16, Chandigarh.

Frame of mind
Manpriya Singh

Two weeks to London, Vancouver, Victoria BC, Whistler and their hit and trial with the tricks and intricacies of photography began. In View From the Third Eye, a group photography exhibition, eleven students of Vivek High School share their journey in 65 frames. From a lit-up skyline to love birds in paradise to anything that catches the eye, it’s a collage by a bunch of school going whose journey with the technical and the artistic has just begun.

There’s a Sparkling Skyline, The Blue Sky Line, All Lit Up celebrating the beauty of light and the place as seen through the eyes of a budding photographer. From graffitis to waterfall, Janvi Sidhu, Class IX student, didn’t think twice before clicking anything, since, “Though I love taking beach pictures the most but on my journey, I clicked whatever I liked.” With inspiration on the go, there wasn’t much the students from Class VIII to Class XI, needed other than an introduction by Francois Cleroux, Vancouver-based photographer.

“We learnt a lot of technical things like high definition range photography, how to take panoramic pictures, exposure and aperture settings,” shares Ranjeet Grewal, Class IX student. With only a few frames being artistic, and the majority picturesque, only a few are open to interpretation.

Pranjal Marwaha’s In Motion highlights the movement in still photography. Asmeet Kaur’s Silhouttes with people against the sunset stands apart and so does Abhay Iqbal Singh’s portrait of a girl and Aditya Surjewala’s Solitude, underscoring the barren feel of a path way amidst greenery. There’s a pretty petunia in one frame, then London Eye in the second. In between, there’s a generous display of flowers and fireworks, landscapes and nature, all taken with the intent to capture and freeze the beauty of the place. There may not be a reason behind each picture but there definitely is a story behind each picture and a journey behind the camera as well.

On till November 3 at the Government Museum and Art Gallery—10, Chandigarh.

High Spirits
Romantic legacy
Vineet Mishra

This cocktail dedicated to the King of Romance Yash Chopra.

Instructions

Add Chivas Regal, Jasmine and Spice syrup, lime juice and ice in a cocktail shaker and shake. Put the mixture into a tall glass, add crushed ice and top with soda. Garnish with lime twist.

Cocktail facts: Cocktail dedicated to the King of Romance Yash Chopra, who taught us the meaning of romance.

Ingredients

45 ml Chivas Regal

Lime wedges

15 ml Jasmine syrup

10 ml Spice syrup

Top with soda

(Mishra is a cocktail jockey)

Inside their minds
Celebrities smile or they have poker faces when posing for the shutterbugs! We try to decode what they might be thinking in the following pictures. It is all in good humour…

Kareena Kapoor: I may be married but guys are still fida over my halkat jawani!

Parineeti Chopra: I am such a cute chick. These giant feathers can lift me up!

Parineeti Chopra: I am such a cute chick. These giant feathers can lift me up!

Harman Baweja: Remember me? Can’t you see that I have slimmed down?

Yuvraj Singh: These girls are trying to make me dance! Please get me out!

Priyanka Chopra: Pity I couldn’t be typical Yash Chopra heroine but I get to live it here.

Spontaneous take
Anurag Kashyap doesn’t give a script to Ugly actors.

For the next film that Anurag Kashyap is all set to direct, he has selected a new work-method. No actor has been given a script. Instead they’ve all been given a brief outline for their characters. Ronit Roy plays a Bengali teetotaller while Tejaswini Kolhapure plays his alcoholic wife. In fact, the two lead actors were unaware that they’re working with each other. They were just asked to report for the first day of shooting on October 21.

When we asked Ronit about the novel shooting method he said, “I don’t think any member of the cast has been given a script. Beyond that Anurag refused to say anything. I think he wants a certain kind of spontaneity in the characters and the script. I’ve been told I’m playing a Bengali teetotaller. Beyond that I will get to know what I’ve to do only when I reach the sets.”

While Ronit refrained from any further comment we got to know that there are no positive characters in Ugly. Every character is “dark and unfinished”. Sources say, “This would be Anurag’s darkest film to date.

New releases
A still from 1920: Evil Returns
A still from 1920: Evil Returns

Film: 1920 Evil Returns

Producer: Vikram Bhatt

Director: Bhushan Patel

Vikram Bhatt 1920’s’ sequel 1920: Evil Returns has Aftab Shivdasani, Tia Bajpai and Vidya Malwade.

The original 1920 had been shot at a Yorkshire castle in England and its sequel has been shot at Gunnarstorp an ancient 17th Century historical Castle in South Sweden.

The romantic horror 1920: Evil Returns revolves around a rich man residing in a huge haunted mansion.

Written by Vikram Bhatt and directed by cinematographer turned director Bhushan Patel, this film promises something different. The director has beautifully captured the scenic Malmo City, the Land University and the Verdant countryside of South Sweden.

The romantic horror releases today all over.

Film: Love Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana

Producers: Anurag Kashyap, UTV Spotboy

Director: Sameer Sharma

Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana is directed by debutant Sameer Sharma. The film features a Punjabi family displaying their emotions and humour. The crux of the plot is to find a secret Chicken recipe called ‘Chicken Khurana’. UTV Spotboy and Anurag Kashyap’s Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana has Kunal Kapoor, Humra Qureshi and debutant Rahul Bagga in the lead roles. Watch this movie on food background all over from today.

Film: Skyfall

Director: Sam Mendes

The new much-awaited James Bond film Skyfall is also showing in the cinemas. It stars Daniel Craig, Dame Judi Dench, Naomie Harris, Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw. Skyfall is touted as a different Bond movie with little humour along with the usual action.

Skyfall has wonder star cast, powerful story and also has some powerful action scenes coordinated by Gary Powell. Watch it at theatres near you. — Dharam Pal

STAR TRACK

Fashion re-cycle

Priyanka Chopra and her stylist Ami Patel want to tell young people that it is cool to repeat clothes. She herself will repeat her clothes across events because accessories and clothes cannot be wasted after using them once. Learn your lesson from this style icon, folks!

There is more…

Katrina Kaif's sister Isabella Kaif and Sonam Kapoor's brother Harshvardhan Kapoor will debut opposite each other in a short film which is a crossover and set in New York.

Tattoo girl
Attention Seeker: Aiysha Saagar
Attention Seeker: Aiysha Saagar

Australian popstar Aiysha Saagar courts attention and publicity. She loves taking her clothes off to garner attention.

She has two tattoos on her body and she is not shy of showing them off. A barbed wire around her left wrist and a black panther in a crouching attack position on the right side of her lower back. When asked about the tattoos she replied, “My tattoos symbolise something to me, after all they will remain with me forever. My barbed wire tattoo represents all the hurdles and challenges that I have had to face on my journey as an artist.  It is to remind me of who I am and where I came from as I do not want to lose sight of this while I grow as an artist, so that I remain grounded.”

She continues, “My panther represents my love for wild life, in particular for panthers.  They are beautiful, sensual and very sexy.  I also relate to these animals as they appear to be mysterious and reserved, which is what my personality is like when I am off-stage, as on stage I become a roaring tigress (my alter-ego).  I love the way these tattoos make me feel. It is truly liberating.”

Back together?

Hollywood star Johnny Depp and Amber Heard are reportedly dating again after the heartthrob convinced the actress to give him another chance.

“Amber felt that as they are both out of long-term relationships, they needed to be single for a while. Johnny didn't give up though — he missed her so much over the summer. They both love literature and the way he tried to win her back totally worked,” says a source. — PTI

Chatter box

A role with a difference!
New role: Sanjeeda Sheikh
New role: Sanjeeda Sheikh

Known for playing sweet roles, Sanjeeda Sheikh enjoyed playing a mythological character for the first time. She played Surpanakha, sister of Raavan in Life OK’s Ramleela.

Talking about her role, Sanjeeda says, “I consider my role very interesting and challenging because I have never played such a character before. Also, a unique concept such as Ramleela on Life OK has never been seen before on Indian television. It’s a different experience altogether. My dance performance was the highlight of the show. It was different than playing the typical negative characters seen on Indian television. As Surpanakha is extremely attracted to Ram, she tries to lure him away from Sita. There is nothing vulgar about the act. It has been beautifully choreographed by Remo Dsouza keeping in mind that we have a family audience.”

Fan mail
Deepika
Touched: Deepika

Deepika aka Sandhya in Star Plus’ Diya aur Baati hum recently got a surprise. The talented actress who was busy with the shoot of Diwali event met a special fan who had come all the way from Karnataka to meet her. This is not all; in fact she had taken a loan to meet Sandhya. “After meeting her I feel I have actually won the most prestigious award. This was the most touching incident of my life. My fans make me feel proud of what I am doing and I am very happy that they love and support me. I would hope and pray all my fans remain happy and enjoy my work”, said Sandhya.

Home sweet home

house warming: Mohit Malik

Mohit Malik, who is presently seen on Channel V’s Suvreen Guggal, recently bought a new flat in Mumbai’s upmarket Oshiwara area where a lot TV actors stay. The actor was living in Goregaon earlier with his girlfriend Aditi Shirwaikar but decided to shift to Oshiwara as it was closer to her parent’ place who now need her as they are getting old. 

Interestingly, the flat Mohit bought is the same apartment where he was earlier staying as a paying guest in a one room kitchen flat with three guys when he came to Mumbai six years ago. “It is not that I could not afford a flat then but my father and I felt that it was important that I see the other side of life as well,’ he says. He further adds, “If you earn well, buying a flat is no big deal as a lot many finance options are available. But you need to plan ahead as our industry is very inconsistent and projects shut down at the drop of a hat.”
Costume drama: Shaleen
Costume drama: Shaleen

Heavy weight

Multi- talented actor, Shaleen Bhanot will be seen in a very different avatar as he will play the role of Ravan during a Diwali celebration shoot for Star plus. Shaleen had to wear a very elaborate costume that involved a head gear, which was almost weighed 16 kg. Being a devotee of Lord Ram, he prayed to him before doing the role.
Kratika Sengar
Kratika Sengar

Pet problem

Actor Kratika Sengar’s eight-month old pet, Beagle lovingly called ‘Donut’ chewed up and swallowed not one but two Cola tins that he found lying outside the Punar Vivaah lead’s house. None of Kratika’s staff was around to see young Donut accomplish this incredible feat; no one really knew why the usually perky pup looked a bit off-colour that night. Any attempts to feed him were met with stiff resistance. With Kratika shooting in Delhi for a nomination special episode of Zee Rishtey Awards, her servants panicked on seeing Donut throw up blood. They called her up to inform her of Donut’s condition. Given the pup’s history of acidity, Kratika asked them to give Donut antacid syrup, some cold milk and bananas. But on her return to Mumbai the next day, Donut wasn’t feeling any better. Taking a day off from her Punarvivaah shoot, Kratika rushed Donut to a vet.

An X-ray revealed that the dog had swallowed the cola tins, one of which was in his stomach and the other in his intestines. The solution proposed by the vet was to give Donut some lubricating foods that will help him pass out the cans through his stools. While one tin slipped out by day end, the other’s still stuck inside.

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: You draw Two of Cups. Relationships will be in the limelight. There may be some conflicts due to stubbornness. Work hard to retain the integrity, sacredness and respect in your relationship.Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended.Lucky colour: Ebony. Lucky number: 25

TAURUS: Focusing on your budget and planning a long-term saving strategy is the highlight of the day. Don’t let the monotony of work get to you, there will be some interesting developments later in the evening. Tarot message: Play your cards close to your chest. Lucky colour: Red. Lucky number: 42

GEMINI: Love and romance will be highlighted today. Situation at homewill be peaceful and calm. In certain relationships, you will need to be extrapatient and not form hasty opinions. Tarot message: Take no chances despite the assurance of people. Lucky colour: Yellow. Lucky number: 52

CANCER: The Queen of Cups says that communication will continue to be vital today. There may be some postponements. Take care of current projects, however, avoid taking on more than you can handle. Tarot message: Don’t reveal your plan of action to anyone. Lucky colour: Royal blue. Lucky number: 29

LEO: Work and professional endeavours will be the highlight today. Have faith in your abilities and everything will be possible. Relationships will become stronger and so will your financial position. Tarot message: You need to be creative. Lucky colour: Crimson. Lucky number: 33

VIRGO: Many of you will form new relationships and associations that will benefit you, personally and professionally. Finances too, will look good, since there will be some windfall towards the end of the day. Tarot message: A positive and caring attitude heals old wounds. Lucky colour: Pale yellow. Lucky number: 65

LIBRA: Lovers, friends and partners will be quite aggressive and demanding,wanting to know your whereabouts and the reasons for your behaviour. However, things will not be unpleasant and you will be able to deal with this new development easily. Tarot message: Plan your life. Lucky colour: Green Lucky number: 60.

SCORPIO: Your mental, physical and emotional states will be in equilibrium. Your confidence will be on a high and at work you will be open to taking on more challenges and responsibilities. Tarot message: Strive for perfection at work. Lucky colour: Golden brown. Lucky number: 36

SAGITTARIUS: The increase in the flow on money would continue. You will be particularly sensitive and you may get hurt or angry too quickly. Professionally, you would be able to come up with some creative ideas. Tarot message: Involve yourself in new project. Lucky colour: Crimson. Lucky number: 50

CAPRICORN: The time is just right to put everything in perspective and remove the element of chaos and confusion that has been prevalent for some time. Splurging should also be avoided. Be on the guard. Tarot message: Do not leave things up to chance.Lucky colour: Turquoise. Lucky number: 57

AQUARIUS:There will be a flow of ideas, communication and emotions today. Therefore, you will be able to come closer to your spouse or partner as well as other family members. Tarot message: Don’t be too certain about obtaining a clearance. Lucky colour: White. Lucky number: 63

PISCES: Business people may face some conflict of interest with partners. At home, you may have to help out a younger member with some work. Spending quiet time will restore your sense of balance and harmony. Tarot message: You need to think more about long-term interests. Lucky colour: Silver grey. Lucky number: 4

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is November 2...

Your preoccupation with your personal problems or those of someone close to you take up a lot of your time. It will be a smooth year at work. You will, however, have some worries about the progress of your children. Set priorities carefully now.

Dig deep beneath the surface to find out more about the investment scheme that seems to be attracting you. Consult your experts before making any commitment. Remember love begets love. Love and romance will keep you in a happy mood. This is the right moment to modify some of your habits. Stagnant situations can only get worse.

You may find yourself involved in a difficult situation but luckily you will be able to get out of it very easily. This could become an obsession. So be patient, a small break will do you good. The number 2 of 11th month under Scorpio sign rarely lose; they just keep on going, since they are stubborn and determined to succeed.

You'll get the impression that someone is controlling your work; continue to work as normal, show trust in others and everything will be okay. Youngsters should not trust new acquaintances and should ask more experienced people for advice.

If you proceed carefully, your influence will grow. Spending does escalate, so keep an eye on 'the practical needs' like food, medical, travel and clothing. You'll be under a heavy workload in December. Lots of pending works will be hanging over your head. Making mistakes are likely. Have a watchful eye on that. Don't enter into partnership on long-term basis for that will neither last nor prove beneficial.

Young ones will be in good health. Slight headache, fever or such minor problems are in store for you.

Mood: A bit loaded but optimistic.

Compatible signs: Scorpio, Virgo.

Lucky colours: Violet, teal.

Lucky days: Wednesday and Friday.

Lucky numbers: 2, 12, 19, 44, 55.

You are equal to King Shah Rukh Khan if born on November 2, 1965. SRK began his career in television serials in the late 1980s. After the death of his parents, Khan moved to Mumbai in 1991. He made his film debut Deewana (1992) and has won thirteen Filmfare Awards. Despite controversies tagged to him, SRK will remain heart-throb of cinegoers owing to combination of Numbers 2 and 7 which are his basic and life path numbers bestowed with shining Moon.





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