NOTES of change
Away from the typical folk style, Punjabi films are now using tracks that have a Bollywood or even an international feel. The trend is reaping rich dividends...
Jasmine Singh

The suave-looking singer-actor Amrinder Gill sings the 'first look' song from his upcoming movie Tu Mera 22, Main Tera 22, main naiyo jaana, at a Punjabi beauty pageant. Within two hours, 77 videos of the song found a place on Youtube. This happens with every other song these days, but what brought in the 'really' look are the comments posted by Youtube users — first time Punjabi music in country style, very Bollywoodish, simply filmi. From being very Punjabi to being very Bollywood, a change in Punjabi film music is fetching brownie points for the films. Music sure is cutting some barriers here!

Dil Tainu Karda Hai Pyaar
Dil Tainu Karda Hai Pyaar

Feel the change

Upbeat notes and romantic tracks, Punjabi film music is definitely exploring something new. Actor Manav Vij, who stars in upcoming Punjabi film Sarsa, sees a noticeable change in Punjabi film music. "We have many non-Punjabi singers in our films. Music directors back in Punjab are creating notes that have a wider appeal." The music of Sarsa has been done by the Agni Band, which will be their first stint in a Punjabi film.

Time to experiment

New singers, newer compositions; the tracks in Punjabi films can make a non-Punjabi sing and dance to them. Jaidev Kumar, music composer and director, is trying to get in something new into film music, "The canvas of Punjabi films is widening; so is the popularity of the stars. Likewise, the music is also experiencing a change." Jaidev, who has just finished his recent film Dil Tainu Karda Hai Pyar, is of the opinion that new compositions can make all the difference. "Folk forms an interesting part of our music but how long can we go on repeating the same? We should realise that we have an almost similar audience for Bollywood and Punjabi films, which means we have to give them music that they can relate to. We are bringing in newer instrumentation, something that we already have in Bollywood."

Rock on

Jatt and Juliet, Carry On Jatta, Burrah, Dil Tainu Karda Hai Pyar…the difference in music is audible! Jatinder Mauhar, director of Punjabi film Sarsa, opted for the Agni band for his 'to-be-released' film, "The words used in the track are chaste Punjabi, and the set up is rock and Western kinds. This way we bring in a 'universal appeal' element. He adds, "Giving new singers a chance is good; Punjabi singers can do justice to the film tracks because they can understand the words."

Mohan from Agni band loved making music for their first Punjabi film. "We had a clear view about the compositions and it was great fun doing them. We got non-Punjabi singers like Papoon and Arjit Singh to sing for a Punjabi movie." The only time Mohan faced a slight hitch was when the final vocals had to be recorded. "Arjit would write the composition in Bengali, but he got it right. Punjabi cinema has grown and they are ready to experiment with music now."

jasmine@tribunemail.com 

In step
Model-actor Claudia Ciesla is happy with her Bollywood journey so far 
Mona

Claudia Ciesla Claudia Ciesla is happy with her stint in the city of dreams — Mumbai. Her recent number Balma in the film Khiladi 786 has gone down well with the audience. "This is the best Divali gift I could have asked for," says Claudia, who has to her credit two reality shows Bigg Boss and Zor Ka Jhatka, as well as Punjabi movie Yaar Pardesi.

Three years in India, she is much in love with the culture and people. The real challenge, however, has been learning the language. Pretty comfortable with Hindi now, she says the biggest challenge has been met. As for the future, "I am not a good planner. As long as I am getting good offers here, I am happy to have Mumbai as my home."

mona@tribunemail.com 

Action-packed
Action director James Bomalick says action in movies is not merely fight sequences, but an art where a set of defined sequences are created
Jasmine Singh

Just about enough romance; some comedy, a little bit of tragedy...what next? How about filling the slot with some heavy-duty action? There we are, using action as and when required. Blowing up cars, jumping from tall building, racing bikes in narrow lanes...this is action for us. Action director James Bomalick is here to give the whole sequence a spin. In Chandigarh to announce the launch of Action Tek, an action school, in collaboration with Karate guru Sanjay Gokal, James talks about amalgamating technology, action and safety with a generous spill of comedy.

Ready to fight?

James has directed blockbuster Hollywood films, including Rush, The Mummy, Mr and Mrs Smith, Cloud Atlas, Mission Impossible 4, and also the Bollywood pure action film Blue. "With a school like Action Tek, we wish to improve the quality of action in Bollywood as well as Punjabi films. This will be a school where boys and girls can learn all about technology packed action," he says. Action Tek will provide training in action, stunt services and equipment on the line of Hollywood, but at an economical budget that will suit Indian film producers. For the man who has created hi-tech action sequences, Bollywood needs to get really serious about action! "Action is not merely fight sequences, it is an art where we create a set of defined sequences," says the action man who started as a technician in action films almost 25 years back and graduated to designing complete action for the films.

We drop the word safety and James is ready to dabble with it. "Indeed, it is the most essential part of any action sequence. I work with all the required licenses, besides whether I am doing the stunt or someone else, I keep in mind that safety is the key factor."

While Bollywood has just moved over the dishum dishum and graduated to Ra One kind of action, something called technology slowly seeps in. "Let's say it makes the action integrated and also gives better ways to do the task. For instance, The Mummy has some real fireworks and linear cable-work; with technology it looks complete," he adds.

The man here has created action sequences for Brad Pitt, Matt Damon! "Matt and Bruce Willis do most of their stunts; it is nice to put the act together using technology and safety tightly locked." James style is doing the sequences location, the real-type ones. "These days, however, action is done against green screens according to the script and requirement," he moves to Action Tek. "I will be personally training the students so that they know what action is in the real sense," adds James, who has been working on few commercials and is now all focussed on the Action Tek. 

Training time

Sanjay Gokal, who is a Karate black belt 6th Dan and first-ever Indian to receive 3 Hall of Fame from USA, created the first Sanjay Karate School in Jalandhar in 1985. "I have trained thousands of students in self-defense and martial arts. Now Action Tek will do the same work in a refined form. We will provide technical supremacy while fulfilling right budget standards," says Sanjay. 

Don't want to be an actress forever: Anushka 
Actress Anushka Sharma feels that success and fame in the film industry are not permanent and she tries not to get carried away...

Actress Anushka Sharma is pursuing a practical approach when it comes to Bollywood. She believes that acting is not the only thing she wants to do in her life and stardom is just a fleeting phase.

Anushka made her debut in 2008, opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Yash Raj Film's Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi. She later went on to do movies like Badmaash Company, Band Baaja Baraat, Ladies vs Ricky Bahl and Patiala House.

Her recent release is, late filmmaker Yash Chopra's directorial venture, Jab Tak Hai Jaan opposite Shah Rukh and Katrina Kaif. "I think 10-15 years down the line, I would not want to remain an actress. Probably, I will be married and driving my kids to school. Appreciation is obviously nice. Our profession is such that it puts us in a trance while working and then we don't realise what all we can do," the 24-year-old said. Having won awards for her performances in films like Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Band Baaja Baraat, she says that she does not get carried away by stardom. "Stardom is nice but because I am an outsider in the industry, I don't want to get sucked into it too much. I have this sense of practicality that this is temporary," she said. —PTI

I am desperate for work: Kristen Stewart 

After her Twilight series has come to an end, actress Kristen Stewart says she is looking for work "desperately". The 22-year-old, who shot to fame with the vampire fantasy franchise, is hoping someone out there feels like taking a chance on her, reported a publication.

"I'm kind of desperate to get a job right now. I'm itching to go back to work," she said. Over the last year, Stewart has managed to score a couple of high-profile roles besides the Twilight franchise.

She appeared as Marylou in the buzzed-about adaptation of Jack Kerouac's On the Road and as Snow White in Snow White and the Huntsman.

The new Twilight film Breaking Dawn Part 2 hit the theatres today. —PTI 

From Delhi to BAFTA

Three short films by Delhi school students have been short listed in the Faiths category at the British Academy of film and Television Arts (BAFTA) awards this year.

Ishita Gupta (14), Mudit Muraka (15) and Sujit Roy (17) along with 12 others stand a chance to be flown to London to have their film premiered at a red carpet event at 195 Piccadilly, the home of BAFTA, organiser Tony Blair Faith Foundation announced.

Judged by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor and Hollywood stars Hugh Jackman and Jet Li, the filmmakers were asked to produce a three-minute movie which answers the brief, "Let me show you how my faith inspires me." The films in the Faith Shorts help demonstrate that faith means different things to different people. The competition gives young people, the opportunity to challenge some of the stereotypes which surround religion.

Ishita Gupta's film Connecting Cultures, which highlights humanity as a unifying force in the world, has been short listed for the age 14-17 category.

Mudit Muraka has been short listed in the Face to Faith category for his film The Mirror, which explores social pressures that today's youth face. Sujit's film Unsighted Faith is about the nurturing relationship between teacher and student and has also been short listed in the same category.

Over 100 entries were received from countries across the globe including Philippines, Israel, Mexico and Nepal of which only 15 films were short listed.—PTI

Together we can

Minissha Lamba Arshad Warsi Apparently, Arshad Warsi and Minissha Lamba are bonding big time on the sets of Zilla Ghaziabad. They are spending time even off the sets and Arshad is keen on having Minissha in most of his scenes and also increasing her footage in the movie. What is cooking?

Meanwhile, the pair has shared a really steamy scene in Zilla Ghaziabad, which is even steamier than Arshad's scene with Vidya in Ishqiya. It was shot with a few people on the sets and Arshad made Minissha comfortable because she was nervous. There was no kissing scene though. 

 

Weight and watch 
Keira Knightley once thought she was anorexic

Keira Knightley says she almost convinced herself that she was anorexic
after a media storm over her weight.

The British actress, currently starring in Joe Wright's big-screen adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's Anna Karenina, spoke in-depth about how she does not feel comfortable in her body and that rumours concerning her thin figure hit her pretty hard, reported a magazine.

"Rumours hit me pretty hard because somewhere, you start believing them. I knew I wasn't anorexic, but maybe my body is somehow not right. When you're going through a period where you're really getting a lot of criticism, you go, maybe all this is right!" After becoming a tabloid fodder for years, Knightley has become private about her relationships and personal life.

The 27-year-old is currently engaged to the Klaxons keyboardist James Righton. The actress says she is a little stuck as to how she will keep her wedding a secret from the media. "Maybe, I'll be permanently engaged!" she joked. —PTI

Ali Zafar signs another rom-com

Ali Zafar Pakistani singer and actor Ali Zafar, who was last seen in Anu Menon's London Paris New York, has signed Neeraj Panday’s next film Aman Ki Asha, opposite Yami Gautam.

“My next feature, a rom-com is tentatively named Aman ki Asha and is opposite Yami Gautam. It has been written and produced by Neeraj Panday and directed by E Nivas,” Zafar said.

He is also composing the music for the film. “I have also been asked to write and compose the music for the same. First song for which is being recorded in the studio,” he added.

Full swing >>Ali Zafar 

High designs
Celebrity designer Manish Malhotra and stylist Pernia Qureshi collaborate for the first time

Manish Malhotra, ace Bollywood designer, is known for his beautifully designed Indian pieces, often donned by leading ladies of the Indian film Industry, both on and off the screen. With ensembles that are a celebration of all things festive and Indian, Manish Malhotra introduces his exclusive collection to Pernia's Pop Up Shop.

The collaboration will bring to the fashion platform all the top trends to wear at a lower price. With sarees, kurtas and kalidaar in fabrics, ranging from luxe silks and raw silk to the flowing chiffons and georgettes with beautifully embellished borders, the exclusive collection also features a mesmerizing palette of candy colours and dashes of neon.

Speaking about the collaboration, Pernia Qureshi says, "Having such a well-established designer like Manish Malhotra on board with us for Pernia's Pop Up Shop makes us feel like we're inching closer to our dream of making this site the number one global luxury retailer. I'm extremely excited and thrilled to have him as a part of the PPUS family and I'm confident that his collection will do exceptionally well."

Pernia's Pop Up Shop constantly seeks at keeping fashion truly innovative and stylish for its discerning customers. This exclusive collaboration is yet another attempt at bringing the best of Indian fashion to a global clientele. —TNS

(Price range of the collection: Rs 25,000- Rs 40,000)

AB grooves with Ajay, Sonakshi

It was time for some Punjabi power on the sets of Kaun Banega Crorepati as Ajay Devgn and Sonakshi Sinha dropped in to challenge their grey cells on the show.

Ajay and Sonakshi made an appearance on the show to promote their upcoming film Son of Sardaar. Ajay — Sonakshi were at their wittiest best as they joked and laughed with Amitabh Bachchan. During the game, AB questioned Ajay about their dancing skills to which Ajay agreed that he wasn't always comfortable dancing. Adding to this, AB requested Ajay and Sonakshi to show a few dance steps on their favourite song from their film. Sonakshi pulled in Big B and then the trio grooved to Rani tu main raja. AB copied the signature dance moves much to the delight of the studio audience. Watch this exciting episode on November 18 on Sony Entertainment Television.

All about Anarkali
Ashima Batish

Fashion designer Joy Mitra is on a high these days. He is just back from showcasing his collection at a fashion week in Fiji, for which he was nominated by the NIFT and the Ministry of Textiles.

Joy started his label in 2007 and in these five years, he has come a long way. His latest collection at the WLIFW was well received by fashion critics. Here he spells the fashion rules for this season.

What’s in: Can there be a better option than Anarkalis for the festive season? What gowns are to the West, Anarkalis are to North Indians. They are classy, elegant and look very fashionable. For the winter, printed woollen tops will look good, especially if teamed up with jackets. Don’t forget to carry accessories like a scarf or a muffler. Even if you plan to stick to the winter shades, black and grey, carry a colourful muffler to break the monotony.

What’s out: Don’t go for dull colours when there is a shade card of bright colours to choose from. Anything that’s not bright is not right for this season. Leggings make for an easy pick but they kill the look of a dress. Avoid making them your staple this season. There are other options available, explore them.

Colour count: Neon shades haven’t yet gone out of fashion. Electric blue is still the most favoured colour this season. Then there is bright fuchsia, orange, coral and golden.

Party couture: A short dress or a gown in electric blue is one fashion statement this season that won’t go wrong.

Dressed to the nines: Sonam Kapoor is everyone’s favourite in the fashion circle. Next in the line is Priyanka Chopra. She knows how to carry off any attire, be it ethnic or Western.

Leading from the front:

Whatever Alexander Mcqueen produced during his lifetime makes him one of the greatest fashion designers ever. Back in India, I look up to Rohit Bal and Sabyasachi Mukherjee for changing the fashion sensibilities of people of India.

On the Indian fashion Industry: Nothing explains our growth better than the fact that the West is looking towards us for inspiration. People want to know what is happening on the fashion front in India. Our designs, cuts and themes now have a global appeal, which will help us reach the next level.

Master Chef
Broccoli brunching!
Kandla Nijhowne

We all know broccoli is one of the top wonder foods for our health and well being. But its alien to our palate and to our cuisine, and honestly, it tastes like nothing on earth! To make it appealing, it needs a good kick of seasoning and flavour. Broccoli needs little or no cooking, behaving well with just a flash-blanching before being prepared. The thicker stalks can be peeled and chopped into logs whereas the tender ones can be tossed in just as they are. This warm salad is your complete nourishment platter and makes an ideal winter-brunch dish with rice and a paneer or a non-veg dish.

ingredients
Warm oriental broccoli salad

4 cups broccoli florets

1 cup red bell pepper, cut in thin strips

1/3 cup onion, cut in thin crescents

¾ cup roasted peanuts.

2 tsp. sesame oil (optional)

1-2 tbsp vinegar

2 tbsp lime juice

1 tbsp soy sauce

2 tsp honey

Pinch of salt

Black pepper and salt to taste

Red chilli flakes (optional)

Method

* Bring slightly salted water to a boil and blanch the broccoli for 2-3 minutes. Strain.

* Crush the peanuts into a coarse blend. Keep aside.

* To prepare the dressing, use a small bowl and combine the sesame oil (or any other) with the peanuts, honey, lime juice, soy sauce, salt, pepper, vinegar and chilli flakes.

* Stir well till smooth.

* Transfer the warm florets, onion and bell pepper into a deep bowl. You may micro these contents slightly if you like your salad more warm.

* Pour the dressing over the veggies and toss to coat evenly.

* This salad is great, even served cold.

* Other veggie options are baby corn, carrots, capsicum and tofu.

* You can substitute peanuts with almonds, melon seeds or “chironji”.

* For a non-veggie option, toss in some cooked chicken or wedges of hard boiled eggs.

* If you like sesame but don't have access to the oil, scatter some roasted sesame seeds on to the salad instead of using the oil.

(Nijhowne is a Chandigarh-based culinary expert)

Punjabi Tadka
Sentimental talk
Jasmine Singh

The Dai Lakh Di singer Jasii Jasraj is back again. This time to act in a film called Bikar Bai Sentimental

Jassi Jasraj, the singer who has seen sky rocketing success and then a lull phase in his career. But there is no stopping this Punjabi singer who made his debut in 2001 with his super hit album Dai Lakh Di. Currently busy with his debut movie Bikar Bai Sentimental, Jassi gets candid.

Creatively yours

If not a singer, I don’t know what I would have been. One thing is for sure nonetheless that I would have been in some creative field or the other because this is what I like doing.

Soul curry

People have hundred suggestions to give, but I only follow my heart. I don’t do anything which I wouldn’t be able to ever owe up to.

Jamming in

One day, I would like to collaborate with all good singers. It would be good if I work with people who have something to contribute to the society.

Planet luck

I saw failure after success. It was during the low phase that I started believing in the power of stones and planets. Later, I realised it is only hard work that can pull me through the tough phase of life. There is nothing equivalent to that. So, I no longer wear rings and all that.

Pillar of strength

My mom is one person who has constantly prayed for me in good and bad times. If my career is looking up today it is because of her blessings.

Guiding force

My inner voice, the voice that my parents and near and dear ones can also hear. It is this voice that tells me that I will see light after darkness, which I am today.

Singer vs actor

My first video was shot by the assistants of Sooraj Bharjatiya, and it was a big hit. Those who shot the video told me I looked absolutely at ease in front of the camera. I am both actor and singer in a way.

I wish I could

I am doing a movie, which I never dreamt of before. Hopefully, will be doing all the things that I had thought for myself. One thing that I really want to do is to mark a day called World Humanity Day when each one of us will turn human for a day, a day when no one sleeps hungry.

GET PHYSICAL
Absolutely gorgeous
Vishal Thukral

Most of us would love to have flat abs but no matter how hard we try, we just can’t seem to get there. Most of the frustration surrounding the abs is due to misinformation and unrealistic expectations. The common belief is that if you have fat over your abs, then exercising the ab muscles will make that fat go away. While exercising the particular muscle may increase strength on that area for sure. The only way to burn fat from your belly is to reduce overall body fat by creating a calorie deficit. The healthiest way to do that is with consistent exercise. However, your abdominal muscles are just like every other muscles. So, you should train them the same way you would train your other body parts. Few most effective ab exercises are listed below—

* Lie face up on your mat and place your hands behind your head, lightly supporting it with your fingers.

* Bring the knees in to the chest and lift the shoulder blades off the floor. Rotate to the left, bringing the right elbow towards the left knee. Switch sides, bringing the left elbow towards the right knee.

* Lie on your back with your hands crossed across your chest or with your fingers on the sides of your head. Place your feet on the floor with legs bent. To begin the exercise, lift your torso, lifting shoulder blades off the floor and crunching your rib cage towards your lower belly. Hold for two counts, then lower slowly to the starting position. Repeat.

* Lie on your back with knees bent, feet a few inches off the floor. Slowly contract the abdominals, focusing on rotating the pelvis up and bringing your knees towards your rib cage. Concentrate on letting your abs do the work. Hold at the top then slowly lower your knees to the starting position. Repeat.

* Lie on your back with knees bent, hands behind your head. Keeping lower back pressed into the floor, lift your shoulder blades off the floor and then curl your upper body diagonally across your body towards your right knee. Contract your abs and obliques as hard as you can at the top of the moment. Lower back down and repeat on the same side before switching sides. Repeat.

(Thukral is an aerobic fitness trainer)

Speed it up

Puma, the global sport lifestyle company in partnership with Kapsons, has opened their largest retail store in India, in the city of Chandigarh. Puma’s latest groundbreaking performance collection, EvoSpeed was also launched. The Puma Store is located at Sector 17.

The store launch was also the culmination of a Puma-Kapsons promotion that allowed for 90 lucky shoppers to win a chance to party with Yuvraj Singh.

Speaking at the launch, Rajiv Mehta, MD, PUMA India said “It is a proud moment for us at Puma to launch the largest store in India in partnership with Kapsons. We are glad to have stalwart partners like Kapsons with whom we go back many years. This store’s location, in Chandigarh, a place known for its sporting culture, is very exciting for us. And who better than Puma’s very own Yuvraj Singh to launch the store and reward our loyal customers”.

“It is the fulfillment of a major goal to be able to set up the largest Puma store in India. We at Kapsons are pleased to have been enablers in this venture. We expect this store to become a preferred shopping destination for the style-conscious youth of Chandigarh,” said Darpan Kapoor, director, Kapsons.

The EvoSpeed collection is the biggest product launch for Puma this year and is a cross

category product that is designed under the criteria of “light, flex and fit”. The product line features lightweight materials, increased flexibility and an optimized fit to enhance speed.

chatter box
Sridevi to make

television debut?
There was a time when television meant deglamourised work and a strict no-no for actors pertaining to Bollywood. Today, with the constant influx of reality shows and change of concept, these film stars have pervaded into television. However, there is a specific trait one may notice in the stars working for television. Either they are superstars of today or are super successful stars of the former times. The last feature comprises of celebrities like Madhuri Dixit, Raveena Tandon, Karishma Kapoor and many more.

The latest actress to join them is Sridevi who is currently riding the success wave with Gauri Shinde's English Vinglish, which released this year. This film release meant Sridevi's end of 15 years of sabbatical from films.

Sridevi will be venturing into television with Nach Baliye. The show has been quite popular and has had quite a successful run at the television. Joining her at the desk of judges will be Malaika Arora Khan who has also judged the first two seasons of the show. Nach Baliye comprises of celebrity couples specifically from the television industry who 'danced' their way to the trophy. For Sridevi, this will be a first time that the viewers will see her on their television screens. Sources close to the channel have said that both the celebrities have been approached currently and they are in talks with the channel.

Sridevi has never been on television before and this addition will definitely grab eyeballs and help the show top the television rating points. Sridevi's agreed saying "The channel has approached us and we are currently in discussions."

Talks are going on about prospective participants who could be part of the show. Among cricketers Srikkanth and his wife have been approached to join in. Other couples who could be seen on the show are Karan Mehra and Nisha Rawal who have recently got married and Rahul Mahajan and his wife Dimpy.

AB grooves with Ajay, Sonakshi

It was time for some Punjabi power on the sets of Kaun Banega Crorepati as Ajay Devgn and Sonakshi Sinha dropped in to challenge their grey cells on the show. Ajay and Sonakshi made an appearance on the show to promote their upcoming film Son of Sardaar. Ajay — Sonakshi were at their wittiest best as they joked and laughed with Amitabh Bachchan. During the game, AB questioned Ajay about their dancing skills to which Ajay agreed that he wasn't always comfortable dancing. AB requested Ajay and Sonakshi to show a few dance steps on their favourite song from their film. Sonakshi pulled in Big B and then the trio grooved to Rani tu main raja. 

Looking for a different role

Avinash Sachdev Popular star Avinash Sachdev who seems to have gone missing since his show Choti Bahu ended, talks about what he's looking for and what the two seasons of his only TV show meant to him.

Where are you these days, post your show Choti Bahu?

I enjoyed my break post the show. Then I recently acted in Teri Meri Love Stories. Though there are talks going on for a show but I will be able to reveal only once I sign it.

Though the first season did great, season 2 didn't fare that well…

Both seasons had their audiences and different stories. I am happy that the same cast did two different seasons of one show. Season 2 was well received.

After two seasons, can the audiences expect one more?

I don't know about that. The producers are the best people to answer your question. I am sure the audiences and the cast will be thrilled if that happened.

What kept you busy post the show?

I went for some concerts abroad and it was superb to meet people who showered our show with so much love. I also did some ads.

Coming back to acting, is there something particular you are looking for?

I have done many different roles but I am looking for something more than what I have done. A negative role or comedy would be great. Even a non-fiction, anything interesting and challenging!

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is November 16...

You'll be able to finalise an important deal concerning your salary and career progression. Someone close to you will give good advice about your relationship; try to follow it and the year will pass more smoothly. Familiar routines are reassuring. Do whatever you can to deepen your enjoyment of life. When you engage this side of yourself, you become a lot more creative. If you're looking for work, you could find a position that draws on your artistic talent.

Your birth on the 16th day under the sign Scorpio suggests you are introspective and a little stubborn. Due to this, it may not be easy for you to maintain permanent relationships, but you probably will as you are very much into your home and family. This birth date suggests you are interested in the technical, the scientific and the religious fields. You are emotional, but have a hard time expressing these emotions because of which there may be some difficulty in giving or receiving affection.

You'll be very coherent and will be decisive when dealing with all the problems. Something will irritate those born in the first decade; this could be a humdrum routine or a need for change. The stars recommend a little patience. Students will be busy with studies, preparing for forthcoming examinations. If you neglect any urgent matter, it will cost you more in the longer run. Tact must be used, especially when dealing with money matters. Financial improvement is likely. Some of you will get job offers and foreign travel opportunities. The old saying 'it's not what you know but who you know' may surface clearly, especially where friends are 'networking' with you or helping with career insiders.

Mood: Happy throughout the year.
Compatible signs: Cancer, Leo.
Lucky colours: Cream, blue.
Lucky days: Tuesday and Wednesday.
Lucky numbers: 9, 14, 22, 54, 55.

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Your card "Two of Cups" suggests that romance will be much on your mind. Independent efforts are unlikely to bring spectacular gains. You might have to cancel a proposed trip.

Tarot message: Act righteously and do your duties on time.

Lucky colour: Pink.
Magic number: 57

TAURUS: Spiritual values surface. The personal and professional areas of your life might be at odds. Maintain a romantic view of daily events and forget that your desires never seem to get fulfilled. Tarot message: Leave things open-ended.

Lucky colour: Golden.
Magic number: 65

GEMINI: Social activities accelerate. Co-workers are helpful. Pursuing your romance into the realms of commitment makes for joyous celebrations. A proposal of marriage or a decision to start a family is high on the list now. Tarot message: Take things slowly.

Lucky colour: Red.
Magic number: 30

CANCER: Your card "The King" brings joyous news. Share your interests with your family members. It is a good day for purchasing a vehicle. You need a break from your hectic schedule.

Tarot message: Try to get rid out of negative feelings.

Lucky colour: Crimson.
Magic number: 33

LEO: Check your e-mails and appointments before setting out this morning so that you don't miss anything important. Chances are you will get a message mixed-up and have to re-do something at some stage or the other. Tarot message: Stick to your course. 

Lucky colour: White.
Magic number: 61

VIRGO: Update routine matters. You need to be alert. Evening is good for purchasing ornaments. Group efforts and projects will inspire you.

Tarot message: Don't be too certain about obtaining a clearance.

Lucky colour: Mauve.
Magic number: 44

LIBRA: Focus on spirituality and meditation. You may find that a journey undertaken now is subject to delays. Messages you receive may be very subtle or contain hidden meanings.

Tarot message: Win the war with honesty, not by distorting facts.

Lucky colour: Saffron.
Magic number: 29

SCORPIO: Work and domestic duty follow a familiar pattern today. You will find it difficult to reach an agreement with loved ones. Family members will be quick-tempered and only too willing to criticise you.

Tarot message: Avoid delays.

Lucky colour: Green.
Magic number: 63

SAGITTARIUS: Employment affairs may be somewhat unsettled, especially in the morning. Factory owners: labour will not co-operate with you. Home and family affairs will be most enjoyable.

Tarot message: Leave the past.

Lucky colour: Yellow.
Magic number: 52

CAPRICORN: Mental work will be stimulating today. Be a little cautious about whom you get involved with. Women: beware of strangers. Early memories can surface, arousing nasty emotions. Tarot message: Don't antagonise anyone. 

Lucky colour: Purple.
Magic number: 36

AQUARIUS: Business matters will not proceed smoothly. An attempt to improve your health will be successful. Practice deep-breathing and you can maintain your composure. Tarot message: Don't give up your rights or freedom.

Lucky colour: Orange.
Magic number: 40

PISCES: It would be wise to keep work and domestic matters separate. Students: time spent on studying will not go waste. It is a useful day for tackling household repairs. Girls: be at your charming best. Tarot message: Don't allow others to interfere in your way.

Lucky colour: Peach.
Magic number: 26





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