Growth theory
Amit Prasher, the debutant director of Tu Mera Bai, Main Tera Bai, joins hands with Bollywood biggie Kumar Mangat to make a big budget comedy film in Punjabi
Jasmine Singh

American author John Maxwell had a couple things to say about 'growth'. The one that applies to the Punjabi film director Amit Prasher goes like this--If we are growing, we are always going to be out of our comfort zone.

Punjabi cinema is definitely riding up the ladder, pretty fast as well. As a side-affect it is also making people related to this genre to do things out of the box. Instead of following the hit formulae, actors, producers and directors in Punjabi cinema have taken the word 'different' really differently!

Amit Prasher, the debutant director of Tu Mera Bai, Main Tera Bai adds a difference to his work by bagging a Punjabi project backed by famous Bollywood producer Kumar Mangat who is known for projects like Son of Sardaar, Pyar ka Punchnama, Omkara, All The Best and Aakrosh.

Amit who comes from Nakodar, Jallandhar is geared up to take the path less travelled.

First things first

Amit's first project Tu mera Bai Main Tera Bai is already making news for its different star cast of Amrinder Gill and Honey Singh. The first Punjabi movie to unveil its look through a series of posters is also the first of its kind to release its promo through Youtube. "If Punjabi cinema is changing, the credit also goes to the audiences, especially the youngsters who are accepting the stories. Also, because they can relate to it," shares Amit who will be releasing the project next year.

Amit doesn't believe in a chalta hai attitude. "If I have the resources and the faith of the people in Tu Mera…why shouldn't I do it with dedication?"

Out of the comfort zone

Amit, who had done theatre and also Punjabi music videos for a long time before he moved to Mumbai, looks at the growth in Punjabi cinema in a tweaked way.

"Growth means more challenges, it means doing things out of the ordinary. The growth in Punjabi cinema means we have to now give the audiences even better films," shares Amit talking about his second film to be produced by Kumar Mangat.

"Kumar Mangat is a big name in Bollywood, and if a producer like him decides to enter Punjabi films, it surely is the measure of growth of our cinema." The second project is a comedy with a multi-star cast. "The movie will be shot in Punjab as well as abroad where Punjabi cinema hasn't been exposed to. The movie is a comedy but the punches are new and so is the treatment, something different from the set formula," adds the director who is in favour of giving fresh and new faces space in front of the camera.

"Punjabi singers are already big stars and there also a place for more. I want to encourage talent. I am here in this industry because a few good men invested their faith in me," the bottom-line is clear.

Jasmine@tribunemail.com

 

First take

Kumar Mangat, the Bollywood producer, ventures into Punjabi cinema for the first time and he definitely has higher plans for future.

"I am a Punjabi and the way Punjabi cinema is growing with each passing day, it is time to make films on a higher platform," shares Kumar Mangat. The producer who is known to give magnanimous and meaningful treatment to his films is looking at creating magic here.

"The canvas of the film will definitely be larger with a multi-star cast and a great script. I also plan to make it as the biggest Punjabi film," he adds talking about his plans to make at least five Punjabi films every year starting 2013.

Picture perfect
Picture books can be a great tool to impart education not just to toddlers but also to grown- up children. Frane Lessac, author-cum-illustrator from Australia, explains the relevance of picture books
Ashima Batish

In a society that is academically driven, it would be interesting to see how picture books will be accommodated. These have been part of the Western education culture and also finds a place of prominence in Australia, where parents of a newborn are gifted one by the government. But when it comes to India, picture books are still considered pages wasted with colours and figures. That's what brings Frane Lessac from Australia to India; so she picks up the book, The Wonderful Towers Of Watts, and begins to explain the relevance of picture books, at a workshop in Rock Garden.

The lecture, however, is not very direct. She begins with the protagonist of the book, Watts-- how he uses all the waste material to construct beautiful structures and the lack of words doesn't make a difference.

"Picture books impart education as well. The visual literature can't be undermined just because there is lesser text," says the author- cum-illustrator, who has over 35 picture books to her credit. She started making illustrations in 1984 after she was mesmerised with the beauty of Carribbean island of Montserrat. These were incorporated in the book, My Little Island.

From then till now, Frane has worked on historical fictions, travelogues, folk tales, cross-cultural books, which also happen to be her favourite genre. The best example from the category is Nine O'clock Lullaby. It travels to various countries at different times. India too is one of the destinations, where the stopover is made at 7.30 am.

"I made the illustration of how an Indian village looks like at that hour. Men go out to work in the farms, women milk cows, while mud houses make for the backdrop." A simpler way of educating children about cultures of different countries! She draws the figures in accordance with the ethnicity of the people. It thus doesn't take much time to differentiate a South African from a Chinese or an Indian.

Comparing the Indian education system with that of the West, she says that there are picture books published even for high school students there. "Everything in a bid to inculcate the habit of reading, which in turn help the students compete well in academics!" But then there is a paradox as well, as to why the number of school drop outs is maximum in the US.

"Books alone can't work wonders; culture plays an important role as well. Youngsters get independent at a very young age in the US, in contrast to India, where family bonding makes a lot of difference."

To introduce the change in the educational system, she says that the government must show its concern, like it has happened in Australia. As a child grows, the parents are given a list of picture books that he must go through. "Also the perception that picture books are only for kids needs to be changed. Why can't we have more illustrations and lesser text to teach history, science, geography… Education should be informative than just being about plain text." Like Rock Garden, which teaches how recycled material can create a different world.

Towards Nirvana
Jasmine Singh
Vandana Malhotra with her works
Colour code: Vandana Malhotra with her works. PHOTOS: Manoj Mahajan

She talks about transformation, rumblings inside that she can witness as she moves among the array of bright colours, a blank canvas and some thoughts. Vandana Malhotra with her exhibition Inception at Punjab Kala Bhawan finds herself in a different zone altogether.

Capturing the five different stages of life in her paintings, Vandana who is a freelance artist and illustrator for children’s book, dedicates each painting to a phase. If the painting Horse running in different direction depicts the Ferrari life we are leading these days, Women and Puppet is all about the dilemma every woman faces, whether she is an individual or a mere puppet. “I have divided my work in five stages because this is how I see life as, passing from one stage to another and finally touching a blissful point,” shares Vandana who feels the key to an artist’s work lies in patience. Patience according to her is the stage when she can collect all her thoughts. “Painting is not just a passion to me, it is my way of living, it is catharsis. I throw all my thoughts on the canvas, give them form and shape. In the end I feel light and rejuvenated.”

Vandana’s other works includes puppet series, abstract paintings where each work depicts a search for hope and light. Spirituality and finally Bliss is where her work put up at the exhibition culminates. “Abstraction can be achieved though spirituality. I totally believe in the divine force that guides me and that fills colours in my thoughts,” adds Vandana who carries the richness of colours in her painting inspired by the city of Banaras where she was born and brought up. 

Eye contact

Titan Eye plus announces up to 40 per cent discount offer on its frames and sunglass collections. The offer is valid from Nov 20 across all Titan Eye Plus stores in Chandigarh. This offer is valid across the entire range of frames from in-house brands like Titan, Eye+, Dash and Cabana sunglass range from Titan Eye Plus. Customers can also avail this attractive offer on a wide of international brands. Also on offer is a flat 10 per cent discount offer on Titan lenses and a flat 20 per cent discount on all brands of contact lenses.

According to Ravi Kant, CEO- Eyewear Division, Titan Industries Ltd., "The end of Divali does not mean that the festive season has ended. The real fireworks begin now, with the biggest consumer offer in the category being available exclusively at all Titan Eye+ stores. What is really special is that we are catering to non spectacle wearers too by giving great offers on our sunglass range too.”

Titan Eye Plus being a front runner in the eyewear segment is focused on creating awareness for the need of vision correction. “To support this cause further we have recently launched a free online vision correction test which will help in tracking vision problem in your eyesight,” he adds. —TNS

fashion funda
Tailored to perfection
Ashima Batish

What fashion designer Arjun Saluja brings on the ramp goes with what he thinks of fashion and the Indian fashion industry. He doesn’t believe in following conventions, focuses more on the cut rather than on colour or bling factor. This was evident in the latest collection of his label, Rishta, at the WLIFW. His approach has made him a popular name in the industry. Know more about the season’s trends from him.

What’s In: This winter, the focus is on tailoring. Opt for a certain languidness in what you wear, bring ease in dressing, go for fitting that is anti rather than straight. Experiment with your wardrobe. Pick up stuff that is an interesting mix of masculine and feminine silhouettes. Also, there is a hint of vintage in the atmosphere, the old school charm of fashion is making a comeback, where couture is gaining prominence over pret. Something beautifully crafted will score over the casuals.

What’s Out: Avoid any piece of garment that turns you into a reflector. Bling might not be totally out of fashion but try to find a decent replacement. Prefer zardosi to heavy stone work.

Colour Count: The greys, blacks, chocolates, navy blues are always the best bets for the winter season but you must still have some colour in your wardrobe. Infuse a bright lime green with any other colour or mustard for that matter.

Party Couture: Stick to a beautifully crafted black dress for a party and you can never go wrong.

Dressed To The Nines: Tilda Swinton for her immaculate style. She never followed trends as such but was always looked upon as a style icon.

Leading In Fashion: Works by Vivienne Westwood, Pierre Cardin, Jean Paul Gaultier make for a study material for fashion designers around the world.

On Indian Fashion Industry: We still have a long way to go. We are evolving and there are a lot of new things happening in the industry but I still feel we are in the embryo stage, and it will take some more time and effort by the designers to catapult the industry to the level, we want it to be at. What’s important is consistent efforts by all who want the industry to grow.

Par Excellence
The Role of the Arms
In the back swing the arms swing up or lift the club and they must allow gravity or the clubs weight to come down.
Jesse Grewal

The golf swing is basically composed of two elements – the up and down action of the arms and the turning motion of the body. The body is the power producer and the arms transfer the energy to the ball. One could say that the body is the engine of the swing and the arms are the transmission which transfers the power to the wheel which is the club head. To achieve this, the arms must move only up and down and the body takes the club around on both sides–the backswing and the follow through. In the back swing the arms swing up or lift the club and they must allow gravity or the clubs weight to come down. There is very little of a downward hit by an action of the arms – it is done by letting them fall freely.

To simplify this, the arms would work vertically towards the ball and the body’s turning action produces the action towards the target. If we do not turn the body the club would come down too vertically and hit behind the ball and we would ‘duff’ the shot. If we turn the body and do not drop the arms we would ‘top’ the ball.

A good drill to achieve this is to hit balls with the feet together. This stops the action of the body and only allows the arms to go up and down. The downswing can only be done properly if we let the arms drop. This drill also helps in creating the correct path of the arms in the backswing. One cannot take the club inside or behind the body which leads to an ‘over the top’ downswing. This is the major cause of a slice. It is also true that most of the ‘slicers’ do not drop their arms but hit with them from the top of the backswing.

(Grewal has coached several national champions and professionals apart from being coach of the Indian golf team for the Eisenhower Cup (World Cup) in 2008. He is currently the Director of National Golf Academy of India and CGA Hero Honda Golf Academy. If you have any queries get in touch with him at parexcellence@tribunemail.com

Master Chef
Crumbles, cobblers and carpenters...
Kandla Nijhowne

I first heard about a dessert named Cobbler during my stay in England. Needless to say I was aghast! Why would any dish be called a cobbler, I wondered. Would leather be its core ingredient? Worse still, would Britain next inflict on me a dessert called Carpenter ?

I mean if there can be one, there surely can be the other too! Warily, I shoveled a spoonful of pear cobbler into my mouth while my British classmate looked on, eager for a response. Needless to say, I was truly floored. It’s in my later years that I decided to investigate the difference between crumbles, crisps and cobblers.

American cobblers are considered fruit stews with a biscuit dough dropped on top before baking. Crisps also have a bottom layer of fruit, but their topping is much more crunchy than cobblers. Instead of a dough-like pastry that rises, the crisp is topped with a different proportion of butter, sugar and flour. A crumble also begins with fruit at the bottom, but is topped with a different butter-flour-sugar mixture.

The crumble originated in Britain whereas the crisp is seen as more American. The word "cobbler" refers to the appearance of the pastry topping, which is often made to have the uneven, rather rough appearance of a cobbled street. You can bake an apple or pear cobbler, now that both fruits are in season. But don't forget the heavenly jug of cream or custard to be poured over the warm dessert!

Pear crumble

  • 1½ kg pears
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ cup grain sugar
  • 1 tbsp cornflour
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2/3 cup maida
  • ½ cup sugar( preferably brown)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 4 tbsp chilled butter, cut into small pieces
  • 3 tbsp oats (optional)
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts

Method

  • Preheat oven to 375° F (190 degree C).
  • Core and cut the pears into ½ inch thick slices.
  • Combine pears and lemon juice, then toss gently to coat.
  • Combine ½ cup grain sugar, cornflour and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
  • Add these dry ingredients to the pears and toss well. Transfer to an ovenproof dish.
  • Sieve maida, 1 tsp cinnamon, brown sugar and salt into a wide bowl.
  • Add chilled, diced butter and rub it in with your fingertips until its evenly blended.
  • Add oats and walnuts, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the pears.
  • Bake for 40 minutes or until pears are tender and the topping is golden brown.
  • Cool 20 minutes on a wire rack. Serve warm, drizzled with runny cream or custard.

(Nijhowne is a Chanmdigarh-based culinary expert)

Doc Talk
For a carefree life
Dr Vineeta Munjal

This is the time of the year when freshers at college are just about settling into the new life, and experiencing a whole new freedom. Girls in this age group sometimes tend to eat poorly to maintain a slender figure. Not eating a balanced diet complete with the essential fats plays havoc on one’s health. With multiple demands on their time from academics to co-curricular activities and an active social life, it is essential for youngsters to manage their hours well, and keep out stress and tension.  

As a college or university student, never accumulate what some doctors refer to as ‘sleep debt’. Having less than eight hours of sleep every night will hurt your physical health and mental faculties. Sleep debt will leave you exhausted, stressed, and unable to perform to the best of your ability. It is good to maintain a regular cycle, by sleeping and waking up at approximately the same time each day. Try not to sleep late in an effort to “catch up”. This creates insomnia the next day. Naps longer than 20 minutes also contribute to insomnia.

Avoid eating or drinking late at night. A midnight meal, coffee or tea will activate your body, instead of relaxing it and making it ready for sleep. Do not exercise close to bedtime.

One thing that all youngsters must learn to deal with effectively is the stress challenge. This can be caused by a combination of your academic responsibilities, social relationships, and your pursuit of excellence in sports and co-curricular activities. Do not let the feeling of "It's all on me!" pile up.

To deal with stress, it is best to work with a schedule. Keep a daily calendar with the times of all classes, activities, dates for giving assignments, and personal plans. A quick glance will help you feel more in control. Exercise regularly to work out your pent-up stress. Go for a walk, a bike ride, a run. Take a break with your friends, and plan activities of common interest. Always eat regular, healthy meals. Excess of fried foods, junk food, snacks, pizza, colas tea or coffee are bad. Choose more of vegetables, fruits and low-fat dairy products. Take care to wash your hands often, and don't push yourself to stick to the schedule if you are sick. Take a haemoglobin test to ensure that you are not anaemic.

(Dr Munjal is a Ludhiana-based gynaecologist, obstetrician and infertility specialist)

Master Chef
Vishvesh Khanna

We have all been reading in English novels about the sophisticated dinners where the perfect ending comes with small sips of some heavenly liqueur! But how about making it at home and surprise your guests? It can be made and stored also. So, be the "much-talked about host by serving this one!

Method

Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend at high speed for about 20 seconds. Transfer to a clean bottle with a tightly fitting cap. Store, refrigerated, and shake well before using.

 

Bailey's original Irish cream

  • 1 cup light cream
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz.)
  • 1 2/3 cups Irish whiskey
  • 1 teaspoon instant coffee
  • 2 tablespoons chocolate syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract

(Khanna is a Ludhiana-based culinary expert)

As told to Poonam Bindra

Not paired, yet!
We take a look at Bollywood people who have not been paired with each other as yet. Recently, many people's filmy fantasies were fulfilled when Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif were paired together in Jab Tak Hai Jaan

Parineeti Chopra and Salman Khan

The spirited newcomer could easily do with a hundred-crore blockbuster and she is short enough to be paired opposite Salman Khan. We think a mad-cap comedy would be great!

Ranveer Singh and Kareena Kapoor

This pair was going to be seen but Raam Leela now has Deepika opposite Ranveer. Kareena does not prepare for her roles and Ranveer leaves no stone unturned. So it would be interesting to watch to work them together.

Saif Ali Khan and Anushka Sharma

They both are spontaneous actors and this pair would be fresh. They could do a thriller or a romantic comedy.

Hrithik Roshan and Deepika Padukone

They both are tall and gorgeous and vibrant actors! Hrithik Roshan should have been part of Race 2. They can even do a Western period romance together. They would look great in black and white and sepia tones.

Shahid Kapoor and Katrina Kaif

They both are quite cute in their own way and would look cute together too. A romantic action comedy or romantic comedy would suit them best. We think Imtiaz Ali should direct them together. He might even make Katrina act and deliver her best performance!

STAR TRACK

Ghai wants a fresh face
The poster of Kaanchi
The poster of Kaanchi

Subhash Ghai is in a frantic search for a younger girl to play the title role of his latest directorial venture Kaanchi, to be launched soon.

The film is a based on a love story of a young beautiful girl from the northern mountains who fights against big power. It’s a story of great human spirit.

The film stars veterans like Rishi Kapoor and Mithun Chakravarty along with new talent.

The music is being composed by Ismail Darbar and Salim-Suleiman and two most melodious songs have already been recorded and the film will go on the floors in January.

Subhash Ghai added, "This is the best women-oriented film ever written or presented till now in Hindi cinema, as far as I know. This is the best script of mine so far with so much passion, energy and drama of today...a wholesome entertainment for masses and classes both. I am too excited to start my film, but I am waiting for that lucky girl who will play Kaanchi!"

When asked what kind of a girl he wants for Kaanchi, he explained, "I am looking for a girl aged between 19 to 21 years, medium height, sporty body type -- fair with bright eyes, extrovert and vocal by nature with fair amount of talent. she may apply to us for an audition test at admukta@gmail.com with her profile and pictures with and without make up.”

Mini Cooper for Aaradhya
Birthday Bumps: Abhishek Bachchan with Aaradhya
Birthday Bumps: Abhishek Bachchan with Aaradhya

Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan's daughter Aaradhya, who turned one last week, was surrounded by her loving parents and grandparents on her first birthday.

While Amitabh Bachchan gifted the toddler a Mini Cooper on the occasion, he also tweeted pictures of Aaradhya with her actor parents, happily posing as the birthday celebrations progressed in the background.

Amitabh tweeted with the picture, “With her parents on her 1st ... love to all ...”

The second picture had daddy Abhishek Bachchan holding Aaradhya, dressed in a pink outfit and a floral head-band.

The youngest Bachchan had made her first public appearance during the Big B's 70th birthday celebrations in October this year.

Naked truth
Salma Hayek cried while shooting nude scenes in the Hollywood movie Desperado
Desperate moment: Salma Hayek
Desperate moment: Salma Hayek

Hollywood beauty Salma Hayek says she cried before shooting nude scenes with Antonio Banderas for her 1992 film Desperado.

Hayek, 46, who is married to French billionaire Francois-Henri Pinault, said she was worried about what her parents would think when they saw her on screen.

"It was my first chance at an American film and I knew I had to take it. In Desperado, I had great difficulty doing the love scene with Antonio Banderas. I actually cried.

"I didn't want to be naked in front of a camera and kept on thinking, 'What will my mother and father think about this?'," she said.

The movie was a cult hit and helped launch her career but she initially thought the film had flopped and critics were blaming her for it.

"When the movie came out the critics were saying, 'Salma Hayek is a bombshell'. I was confused because I thought they were saying that the movie had 'bombed', as in failed, and it was all my fault," she said.

— PTI

I find racy photo shoots empowering: Cameron
Confident mode: Cameron Diaz
Confident mode: Cameron Diaz

Hollywood actress Cameron Diaz finds racy photo shoots empowering and has no problem stripping off for the cameras.

Diaz, 40, said she is comfortable in her skin and knows how to handle herself.

"It's empowering. I'm not some young girl with the photographer going, 'Will you take your clothes off?' I'm like (mimes stripping), 'How does this look? "They're like, 'Today we're not going to put anything other than undergarments and heels on you,' and I'm like, 'These heels are not high enough.' I'm a woman. I know how to handle myself. I know what I feel comfortable doing and I know my sexuality," she said.

The Gambit star also thinks its healthy for women to want to be objectified.

"I think every woman does want to be objectified. There's a little part of you at all times that hopes to be somewhat objectified, and I think it’s healthy." — PTI

Casting away
War & love: Nicolas Cage
War & love: Nicolas Cage

Actors Nicolas Cage and Hayden Christensen are set to depart for the southwestern Chinese province of Yunnan next April to begin shooting the 12th-century war-romance 'Outcast'.

Based on a screenplay by James Dormer, Outcast revolves around two jaded Crusaders who chose to wander off towards the East, finally arriving in western China, where they become entangled in both romance and antagonism with local royalty.

Chinese co-producers plans to release it in the US and China on the same day in November next year.

"The stellar cast of the project justifies a same-day domestic and international release. This could maximise its impact," said Alan Zhang Lun, Yunnan Film Group president.

Nick Powell will make his debut as a director with the film.

— PTI

B’day plans go kaput...
...as Gerard Butler could not organise his documents

PS I Love You star Gerard Butler's last-minute plan to spend his birthday in India was wrecked after he failed to leave enough time to obtain a visa. The 43-year-old Scottish actor, who was in Dubai recently for a store opening, decided to take an impromptu trip to nearby India for the post-birthday celebrations, reported Hollywood life. Butler celebrated his birthday on November 13 and the same day he headed to the Indian embassy in Dubai for a travel permit but had to abandon his plan when he was told the documents would not be available for a week. "I am very disorganised. So at the last minute here in Dubai, I decided I wanted to go to India for my birthday. But I went to the embassy here today (Wednesday). They were excited to see me, but they said 'No' and that it would take seven days. So this year, I will go to Scotland and spend time with my family," he said. Butler has turned producer for upcoming film Playing for Keeps, where he is also acting. The film will hit theatres on December 7.

— PTI

Chatter box

Break ke baad
Smita Bansal
Work time: Smita Bansal

Smita Bansal aka Anandi's mother-in-law in Balika Vadhu has returned to the show. Smita who had a baby girl recently was away for the same and now is glad to be back.

Congrats on your baby girl. How do you feel?

Thank you. My baby girl is named Anaagha which is another name of Durga. She has been giving me sleepless nights but also supreme joy.

Did you enjoy the long hiatus?

I didn't realise where the six months went. With pregnancy and delivery I was very busy and my baby kept me occupied. It was not a holiday break. I was busy at home

Did you watch the show at home?

Yes I did. But also I was in touch with the unit and actors on the phone so I was aware of what's happening on and off.

How did it feel to return to the show?

It felt great to be back on the show. I don't feel that I was away for six months. The story sure has moved on and things have changed on the show but as far as the experience and the co-stars are concerned, they are all the same.

With new family being brought in, do you wonder about your role and the length in the show?

In Balika Vadhu, all characters are important and everyone has something to do. So no I am not worried. Sure with the new family, the focus might be on them for a while, but our family is very important in the show and can never be sidelined.

Are you planning to take up more work?

Not right now as my baby is too small. I will give it a thought in couple of months.

Time for change

Now that Harshad Chopda's character Raghav is shown dead in the show Dil Se Di Dua Saubhagyavati Bhava, Sriti Jha's charcter Sia too will die. Sriti has decided to quit the show following in Harshad's footsteps.

Together forever!

After dating for two years, Vivian Dsena and Vahbbiz Dorabjee who got engaged a year ago are all set to tie the knot. They have decided their wedding date to be January 7. They will have a court marriage in Pune with functions in Vivian's hometown Ujjain.

Samir Kochhar Cheat code

Anchor-turned-actor Samir Kochhar popular these days as Rajat Kapoor of daily soap Bade Achche Lagte Hain was troubled when an unidentified person hacked his Twitter account. "Someone hacked my account. Please ignore all the rubbish being written," tweeted Samir. He has sent apologetic messages to his friends to whom the hacker could have sent messages. Samir has been busy travelling with work and events hence he could not log into his account for a while and when he finally got the time to do so he was shocked to know his account had been hacked.

                                                 In trouble: Samir Kochhar

Get, set, wed
Wedding bells: Yash Sinha
Wedding bells: Yash Sinha

Yash Sinha aka Babloo in Rakesh Paswan's Afsar Bitiya will soon get married to his fiance Amrapali Gupta of Teen Bahuraniyan fame. They will tie the knot on 24th of this month. Their marriage date was postponed a couple of times due to astrological and other reasons. Yash says, "Though I am keeping a tab on the arrangements, mostly my family has been looking after them." The wedding will take place in Lucknow, Amrapali's hometown. "My best buddy Rakesh Paswan and all the actors from Afsar Bitiya would be present in my wedding and also from my other show Bhagyavidhata." Post wedding, the new couple will head for Bhagalpur, which is Yash's native place.

A still from Parichay The angry young man

In Colors' Parichay, Kunal (Samir Soni) is very angry with Siddhi (Keerti Nagpure) and in the upcoming episodes he will demand custody of his second son Anand (Apurva Jyotir). He will file a suit which will shock Siddhi and their kids.

                                            A still from Parichay

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: The Emperor gets you in touch with your leadership qualities. You need to take frequent breaks. Parents need to listen to children and elders need to be heard as well. Tarot message: Use your judgments and be firm in extracting a commitment. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 29.

TAURUS: You have a renewed sense of enthusiasm and zeal in projects that mean a lot to you. Keep away from another Taurus person at work who is arrogant and conceited. A good day to spend with your friends. Tarot message: Do not leave things up to chance. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 32.

GEMINI: The Moon takes you through a difficult Karmic situation today. Important issues come to light before 4 pm. You must address them even though there is a dark underside to them. Tarot message: Try to be active in catching financial opportunities. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 47.

CANCER: Experience pleasure and happiness. Subtle pressure within organisations seems necessary to get things done. You should also pay attention to your motives; ensure they are positive. Tarot message: Remember it is the thought that counts and not the price tag. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 45

LEO: The Lovers inspire you to climb new heights and actualize creative ideas. The challenge is to control them so that they occur in positive ways. Tarot message: It is best to get a clear perspective and balance your energy before making important decisions. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 51

VIRGO: You make an impact and shine like The Star. You may take the lead today; set the pace and control the emotional agenda. You are likely to work closely with children. Tarot message: Yet work could pose certain minor difficulties but don't worry. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 33

LIBRA: Your card spins in some good fortune. Today you are capable to handle more than two or three situations at the same time. Take preventive measures like diet exercise and good rest. Tarot message: Be sure involving yourself as much as possible in new project. Lucky colour: Burgundy. Magic number: 58.

SCORPIO: The Priests usher in a pure, exalted and gracious influence. Shut down the Internet, leave e-mails and social net-working for another day. You are confused about what you want to. Tarot message: Try to relax in the middle of the day and put your cares to one side. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 61.

SAGITTARIUS: Nine Golden Cups greet you happiness. After an active night, you might appreciate a peaceful, restful day. You're in a position to stir things up but be very careful about arousing a reaction against what you're doing. Tarot message: You will be happier. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 27.

CAPRICORN: The Queen of Wands allow you to achieve professional success with calm. You can blend logic and intuition to come up with new, creative directions. You're spontaneous to changing circumstances. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish tasks. Lucky colour: Rainbow Pastles. Magic number: 39.

AQUARIUS: The Queen of Swords bring mental clarity and perspective in chaotic situation. You work best with people who share a common vision. You focus on what you want. Pay careful attention to financial solvency. Tarot message: Take care of interests. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 42

PISCES: You are able to establish your business and expand in new directions. Getting out to be a part of social event looks fun especially with kids. You easily become enthusiastic but you must stay grounded. Tarot message: Do not get into an argument with shrewd. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 34.

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is November 21...

Outperforming a rival gives you a great deal of satisfaction. You've always known that you are more talented and now people understand the same too. Don't be afraid to enter a contest or go for an audition. If you need financing for a business project, now is the time to take on a partner. You'll deal with the creative elements of this venture, while a colleague can focus on sales. Being your own boss will be refreshing. 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. Teaching or blogging about your favourite medium will be the answer to a prayer.

You'll have to be the aggressor in a romantic relationship. As a general rule, you prefer to be pampered. You'll have to use your charms to lure them into the bedroom. You could meet someone special. The two of you will feel an instant attraction towards each other.

Being born on the 21st is likely to add a good bit of vitality to your life. The energy of three allows you to bounce back rapidly from setbacks, physical or mental. In January, you will tend to squander emotive and psychic energy. Calm down. Employees can expect a good year ahead. Those who make propositions will be listened to favourably and their merits will be recognised. A slow start to 2013 may see a few complications pile-up. Spending may be on the rise, but it does appear to be for both necessities and improvements in life. Travel as a group is likely as well as entertaining. Your financial position would be slightly strained. But your strict professionalism and promptness in past days is going to pay off. You'll be trusted. Restrict your diet. You may be pushed out of your comfort zone by an aggressive individual or unfamiliar experience in April. If you're unwilling to play the game of love with a light heart, you might prefer to stay home alone. You can't fake your feelings.

Mood: Filled with insightful and accurate feelings, ideas and thoughts.

Compatible signs: Taurus, Virgo.

Lucky colours: Dark blue, black.

Lucky days: Tuesday and Saturday.

Lucky numbers: 3, 11, 13, 22, 33.

Aarti Chhabria (November21, 1976, Mumbai) was crowned Miss India in 2000. She then appeared in approximately 200 ads, before her debut in Bollywood with Tum Se Aacha Kaun Hai in 2002, but before that she had also acted in Akansha and Lajja in 1989 and 2001 respectively. Venus and Saturn will play a positive role in her career till 2019 and she will steal the show in the industry.





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