Journey of life
See and think beyond what you are used to. So believes talented actor Irrfan Khan whose film Life of Pi set the ball rolling at the International Film Festival of India, Goa, and hits the screen this Friday
Nonika Singh

SHOW TIME: A still from the movie Life of Pi ‘Definitions limit your experience. So don’t try to make a formula out of things or seek short-cut answers through narrow constructs.” So the hugely talented actor Irrfan Khan would neither describe his role in the Hollywood film Life of Pi nor the essence of the film, which is already making waves and opened to resounding reception as the inaugural film of the International Film Festival of India, Goa.

Instead, he expects the viewers to watch the film with an open mind and sans any pre-conceived notions. The film in which he plays a stellar part, like all good films, he feels is anyway open to many interpretations. So at one level it is the story of a tiger that symbolises innocence and our existence on this planet, at another it could be of the boat lying unused on the ship and on a different level, it might just be about faith and our relationship with God. And that he thinks is the beauty of master teller, of a brilliant director like Ang Lee. For here, asserts Irrfan, is a film that engages not just your heart but also your mind. Irrfan also stressed how it would have been so easy for Lee to make an emotional roller-coaster and offer you catharsis there and then. Yet instead the film makes you contemplate and think.

In fact, he hopes that the film becomes an enriching experience for the viewers who not only enjoy it but also take something home with them. As for whether the film does justice to Yann Martel’s best-selling 2001 novel on which it is based, he felt that Lee’s task was doubly difficult for he had to be faithful to both his vision and the book.

While Irrfan, who has been a part of many international projects, abhors questions like whether it is the moment for Indian actors in Hollywood, he is upbeat about the future of Indian cinema. In a few years time, he quips, “You will witness the very best of Indian cinema.”

On a personal note he wishes he is born a storyteller in his next life. For now he is more than happy to be part of great stories particularly, the likes of Life of Pi, which has an Indian soul. As for faith being part of his soul, he says, “Our relationship with god is personal. Like life’s journey it continues to evolve with time.” That this actor of films like Paan Singh Tomar is growing and blossoming with each film requires no re-iteration.

Small can be big

So believes Tabu, the sensuous actor of notable films like Maachis and Cheeni Kum. No wonder she had no qualms in saying yes to her small but significant role in Life of Pi — that of Pi’s mother. Being a fan of Ang Lee’s cinema, she couldn’t possibly have said no to his film. Visibly peeved at whether in future she would say aye aye to character roles, especially mothers’ parts, her cryptic response was, “Who can know the future…I take life step by step.”

Making of cinema

While watching Life of Pi’s spectacular scenes involving animals, particularly the tiger, in case you wonder how they managed to can it all; well, here is the answer. David Womack, the producer of the film, lets the cat out of the bag and informs that out of the 300 shots with the tiger only 20 are real. 

Much of the cinematic wizardry in the film, including the tempestuous sea scenes, is achieved through digital effects. On the other aspects of the film, including the need to go three-dimensional, he revealed that it was in sync with Ang Lee’s way of thinking out-of-the-box. Among the challenges involved in the film, the most onerous he believes was to depict Suraj Sharma the lead protagonist’s physical transformation for which he had to first gain and then lose weight.

Stage act
Director Feroz Khan, in Chandigarh with his play Dinner With Friends, feels quality infrastructure can boost theatre
Jasmine Singh

The mention of an old interview that Feroz Khan gave years back to a newspaper brings an unassuming smile. “Oh that,” it doesn’t take much of brain-raking for him to recall the mention of theatre being creatively stimulating and not bombarded by intellectual terrorism.

“I was trying to say why people are away from theatre. It is important for the audience to see a bit of themselves on the stage and walk out with some stirring in their mind,” shares Feroz, who is back with his play Dinner With Friends. Presented by People For Animals, Chandigarh, Dinner With Friends throws light on the changing relationships woven beautifully by the cast, Joy Sengupta, Perizaad Zorabian, Tisca Chopra and Vinay Jain. It is Feroz Khan and his world of theatre that we get to look into first.

Whether it is an urban play or regional plays, theatre cannot ignore the audiences. “It is not important that every abstract work has to be shoved down people’s throat. Theatre should be understandable and the audiences should find meaning in it.” Feroz doesn’t deny the existence of a section of people who like certain kinds of plays. “You can call them snobbish, but I would say it is as good as choosing the kind of films one wants to see.”

Feroz, a film director, playwright and screenwriter who is known for directing plays like Saalgirah,Tumhari Amrita and Salesman Ramlal, has a point to share when it comes to theatre finding buyers. “I can see more and more people coming to watch theatre. The problem is we don’t have enough auditoriums; infrastructure to do plays. I am totally in favour of people buying tickets and passes. Theatre is an artistic expression of high integrity. It will not get that kind of respect if it is not paid,” adds Feroz.

The man known to be a pioneer in bringing international film festivals to India feels that theatre has to be progressive. “States that have good economic growth don’t have developed arts. Theatre is a measure of the level of sensitivity of a place. This is why every place needs theatre, which happens on a daily basis.”

jasmine@trinunemail.com

Twilight in Bollywood 

The Twilight saga culminates with the release of Breaking Dawn Part 2 this weekend. It has become a rage worldwide and is among the top 10 openers in the world. So, while Robert Pattinson's Edward and Kristen Stewart's Bella have a huge fan following, we try and cast five characters in an Indian version of the movie series, if it ever gets made.

1 Katrina Kaif as Bella: Kristen Stewart is more alive as a vampire! Both Katrina and Kristen are kind of expressionless. They look pretty and have a set of expressions they draw upon. Katrina looks great with Hrithik and she will make an excellent Bella.

2 Anushka Sharma as Alice Cullen: Alice Cullen is sweet, lively, and likes Bella. She is also clairvoyant and pixie-like. Anushka Sharma has shared the screen with Katrina in Jab Tak Hai Jaan and has a vivacious personality. All she needs is a wig and she will steal the show again!

3 Amitabh Bachchan as Carlisle Cullen: Amitabh Bachchan can do anything and everything. He is good-looking and energetic as well. It may be hard to imagine him as Carlisle Cullen but we know he will surprise everyone and pull off the role of the Cullen patriarch. We can totally see him with blonde streaks and honey-brown lenses to match!

4Hrithik Roshan as Edward: Edward Cullen is a handsome and reliable vampire and we cannot think of anyone else but Hrithik Roshan in the lead role. Women will swoon again! He might even do it better than Robert Pattinson!

5 Ranbir Kapoor as Jacob: Jacob is cute and boyish yet strong and trustworthy. Ranbir Kapoor already has a history with Katrina, he looks great without a shirt and will effortlessly metamorphose into a werewolf. Girls tend to fall for his boyish charm so he gets brownie points there.

Sanjay Gupta: Kagti is desperate to create buzz

It seems to be a war of words between Talaash director Reema Kagti and Sanjay Gupta of Zinda fame over plagiarism accusations. Gupta had allegedly accused Kagti of copying Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara from an international film. In her latest interview, Kagti slammed Sanjay saying that he shouldn't be questioning originality as he copies himself, denying the accusations.

Her comments didn't go down well with Gupta and he turned to Twitter to slam her. "Poor Reema Kagti is desperate to create buzz for her thanda film. If using my name helps, so be it. Kagti you've paid lakhs to the paper to publicize your film and yet it's me they highlight. No highlights in your film to talk about?" he tweeted.

"Kaagti why were you quiet at the time this controversy came out? Was it because you didn't want to hamper your award season?" he continued.

"Kaagti if I've been inspired I have openly admitted and not hidden behind a curtain of fake originality," he added.

"Kaagti most of the films I've made have gotten four star ratings. But if not original I don't shamelessly lobby and clamor for awards. And finally, Kaagti I am available whenever you ask to debate the originality of ZNMD on an open stage," he added further.

Well, over to you Reema!

Kissing Sarah Jessica Parker was a nightmare: Cooper

Hollywood hunk Bradley Cooper says he did not enjoy kissing Sarah Jessica Parker in TV sitcom Sex and the City. Cooper, 38, who guest starred in an episode of the comedy-drama series where he had to kiss Parker's iconic character Carrie Bradshaw, said it was difficult because he was being told how to be intimate with her.

"I did Sex and the City and I was very nervous because I was driving a stick shift, a standard Porsche, and I thought I was going to bang Sarah Jessica Parker's head against the dashboard. That was all I was thinking about.

"And then right before we shot the scene, this guy came up and I think he said, 'SJP does no tongue. No tongue, man'.

And I was like, 'Who's SJP?' So she kisses me, then straddles me in the front of the car and all I kept thinking about was keeping my tongue as far back in my mouth as possible. It was nightmare. But she wasn't — she was great," he said. — PTI

Zoya’s talaash

Zoya Akhtar and Reema Kagti co-wrote Talaash several years ago. The maverick director talks about the movie and more.

Write path

Actually, the script is based on something that happened to me, so it was fascinating to put it on celluloid. Reema and I even met cops at suburban police stations to understand their work culture and life. We wrote it seven years ago and sold it to Excel and went for a holiday. Then we wanted to buy it back but they refused and agreed to let Reema direct it. So that was fun!

Excel-lent choice

I am well paid in Excel and everything is professional even though it is all in the family. I am very happy too. I have a great set-up and lots of creative freedom. There is no need for me to go anywhere else for a few extra bucks.

No sequel

I am in no mood to direct a sequel to Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara right now. Let some time pass before I can think of a sequel and a trajectory for the characters. Just because a film does well, it does not mean it must become a franchise.

A risk worth it
Actor Karan Kundra, in Chandigarh to promote Channel V’s new non-fiction show The Serial, says his capacity to take risks had paid him well
Jasmine Singh

It isn’t often that one hears an actor say that he isn’t an actor first but an entrepreneur! Karan Kundra turns out to be something of a surprise package. He doesn’t sing endless praises about his acting skills; he doesn’t attribute his entry into the television industry to the cliché – ‘well it had to happen’. In Chandigarh to talk about Channel V’s new non-fiction show The Serial, along with TV actress Soumya Seth, the good-looking actor shreds the clichés into fine pieces.

An entrepreneur first

He started work when he was 16, joined family business… and then one day decided to risk everything for what he wanted to - act. “My father taught me one thing: that I cannot move ahead in life without taking risks,” says, Karan who calls himself an entrepreneur first and then an actor. “I have those sensibilities of running a business, the capacity to foresee and take risks, which makes me less of an actor.” Karan is mincing no words here. Take it or leave it things are clear from his end.

Enough of daily soaps

He was the most-sought-after face on television when he decided to says bye to daily soaps and move on to something new. “I looked at people who were in the industry for so many years, doing the same thing. I didn’t want to be one of them. Besides, I am lured by creativity more than anything else. So, I decided to do a couple of things like hosting a show, acting in a Punjabi film and doing a real life show Gumrah, which was based on a totally fresh and different concept,” says Karan, who tossed his comfort zone to do things that an established actor would think twice before doing.

The Serial

The Serial is the show on Channel V where for the first time actors play their own real self. “Seen through the eyes of a 17-year-old boy named Rohan, this is a show with a totally different concept. Every character is real and shows how life of actors is not a cakewalk. The real moments are captured candidly on camera as it trails all the actors on the show.” However, Karan doesn’t deny a bit of extra dope that is added to shows based on real-life incidents. “In Gumrah, I wasn’t even acting. The incidents were real and so was the treatment. The Serial, however, has the same ‘real’ feel but the treatment is different.” The show stars TV actors Pooja Gor, Sara Khan and Soumya Seth. “It is about new learning; life is not just glamour it is much more and this is what we get to see in The Serial.”

My calling

Karan has acted on TV, done a Punjabi film and now he is producing one as well. “I want to try different things in life and I feel I am on the right track. I follow my heart and do things that are creatively stirring,” adds the actor, who wants to produce shows and films through his production house that are much more than regular masala or ‘rona dhona’.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

TREND SETTER
Keep it simple

The words style, trends and fashion conjure up an image of somebody totally in sync with haute couture. But the ones who actually stand out are the ones who carry off what they wear with the right attitude. Navdeep Singh Brar, a B Pharma graduate had a stint in the modelling world. Here is his take on fashion …

Your sense of style

Simple.

Latest addition to your treasure of clothing or accessories?

A black jacket from Woodland.

Brand crazy or street pick-up?

Brands for me please!

Who would be your style icon?

Leonardo DiCaprio. He looks great in whatever he wears, be it casual or formal.

Who do you think is the worst dressed celebrity?

Vidya Balan.

Which look would you prefer – sporty, chic or glamorous?

I love to keep it simple. But I love to see glamorous people around.

One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension…

Body piercing.

Your take on accessories?

Sunglasses only.

Given a choice which designer would you like to be dressed by?

Rohit Bal. I have met him in person a few times. I am impressed by his designs as much as the way he dresses up.

What gives you a high on the confidence level?

Compliments on my looks boost up my confidence level.

— As told to Mona

Dark temptation
Jigyasa Kapoor Chimra

Come winter and all bright hues that do the talking. And it’s not clothes that we are talking about, but we are hinting at the ultra-glamorous and bright lips that are making all conversation this season.

Shades like bold red, deep burgundy, dark wine, chocolates with high gloss shine and orange are in vogue.

“Forget about the bright lipstick this season, is all about the ultimate dark lips,” says Shivani Goyal, head make-up artiste at Headmasters. She adds, “Last year was all about subtle shades but this season calls for hot and bold lips and colours like hot pink, bright orange and blood red are calling the shots.

Well, dark lips are undoubtedly the most sought-after fashion trend on the runways and considering that the wedding season too is on, it is going stronger among the masses too. “Dark mesmerising lip colours are a hit this season, be it lipsticks or nail lacquers,” says Rajni from Bridal Makeover Studio and Hair design in Sector 10.

She adds, “Darker the better is the mantra for lips this season and when we say colour it means blood red, dark maroon or even magenta for brides as well as the party-goers. And that’s not all! Women are not even shying away from using it on day-to-day basis.”

While we say let your luscious dark lips speak volumes, deep and rich colours look hot, mysterious and suit women of all skin tones. Make-up is definitely incomplete without dazzling lips and it’s the bright shades that give lips that extra impact to shine and look glamorous. “Super dark lipsticks add a dramatic finishing touch to the overall look. And from dark plum to maroon, deep burgundy to chocolate brown or black; there are a lot of wintry, dark goth-like lipstick hues to make a real fashion statement,” says Anju from Style Studio in Panchkula. She adds, “These shades draw a lot of attention so the women wearing it is bound to have all eyes on her. To choose a lipstick, one should pick up a right, flattering colour that complements the complexion. But when wearing a dark lip shade always remember to use a lip liner. A lip liner enhances the natural shape of lips and gives perfect effect of fuller lips.”

“Dark lipsticks create a striking look. Women with fair skin look beautiful in shades of deep plum and wine. For medium skin dark berry and wine are the colours. And it’s deep plum and wine red that look fab on dark skinned women,” says Shivani.

So, this season let your lips do the talking!

Lucky lips

* Burgundy is a popular colour for the winter. The right tone can work on just about any skin colour. In general the deeper your skin colour, the deeper the shade of burgundy you should opt for.

* The pantone colour of the year for 2012-13 is tangerine, and it has been very popular in clothing, accessories and nail polish. It is therefore no surprise that orange hues are popular for lipstick.

* True red lips have been popping up in many places of late, from the catwalk through to the celebrity sightings. When you wear this kind of lipstick you can go simple with the rest of your makeup, because your lips are attention getting enough. 

(Courtesy Internet)

green thumb
Space it out
Satish Narula

The seedlings that are once raised from seed may lead a long life giving fruit but it is not so with grafted plants. There is an age after which they become less productive and the quality is also impaired. They have to be rejuvenated to bring them to their original self.

Also, in home gardens, the space remains a constraint, specially with those who go in for fruit trees. In an over enthusiasm, more number of trees are accommodated in small spaces. In case where the space is less than recommended and the plants outlive their productive age, rejuvenation is done.

In home gardens, the productive age of evergreen trees is reduced due to planting of more trees in smaller spaces. The trees start growing upwards due to the competition for air and sun. Due to their joining hands (branches) the strangulated portions become unproductive. There is no other way to rejuvenate them than heading back of branches and even limbs.

The job of heading back is carried out during the winter, which is safe as there is minimum incidence of pathogen infestation. The trees are headed back to a height of eight feet from the ground. All the limbs are cut back with the help of a pruning saw. At times, due to heavy head, the branches snap and drag the bark along with them, severely injuring the tree. It is therefore advised to give one-third cut to the limbs from below and then saw it from above, allowing the two cuts coincide in the middle. With the onset of spring, there starts fresh sprouting in limbs. The tree may revert to juvenile phase once again to complete its vegetative growth cycle and therefore does not give fruit for the next three years or so. Thereafter, the bearing starts once again. The tree becomes low headed and is very easily manageable so far as plant protection measures are concerned. The cut ends should be smeared with some disinfectant and it nothing is handy, it should be applied blitox slurry which can be made by adding a few drops of water in blitox powder.

(Narula is a senior PAU horticulturist)

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 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,” he adds. —TNS

Home front

To cater the increasing demand of designer home products India’s first e-commerce curated home products site, designdeal.com is launched. The site commenced with a spectrum of 400 products and the product categories include furniture, art, kitchen, bar, lighting and other home accessories. The ultimate aim is to offer the widest selection ever in India.

The portal is the brainchild of Amit Vadehra and Gaurav Karan. The entrepreneurs will attempt to bring the country’s top home brands and art onto a common platform thereby creating ease of access to a highly curated collection of items.

While the emphasis will be on design and careful curation, the site will offer excellent sales and discounted prices thereby making quality products available to a wide audience at affordable prices. The flash sales offered on an ongoing basis will allow for great access to value. The clear differentiator will be the “eye” of the curators and merchandisers. The designdeal.com will attempt to source the best in quality and design from brands, exporters, manufacturers and product designers.

Some of India’s exporters sell their products in the finest home stores globally and designdeal.com would make these products available in India for the first time. Amit Vadehra and Gaurav Karan, co-founders, www.designdeal.com said “Our biggest differentiator will be design at attractive prices. There is low availability of design focused products, high on design across India, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where there is considerable demand. Designdeal.com will attempt to bring design to the forefront in homes across the country”

The portal has already collaborated with leading lifestyle retail brands including FMCL, OMA and The Renovation Factory to name a few. These brands focus on contemporary home décor products and accessories. —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.

chatter box
Knowing Niaa

Niaa Sharma Niaa Sharma aka Maanvi of Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Bhena Hai feels her career couldn't have started better than this. Thrilled about it, she talks about her style and success.

What do you think of the success of your show?

As far as my career is concerned, I have just begun. The start has been pretty good and there couldn't have been a better start than this. The kind of success I have seen with my second show has been great.

What is the toughest part of being an actor?

That you have no free time left. Even you have a lot of money, you wont have time to spend it. The best part of my job is being an actor and playing new roles. You don't have time to be with anyone or be alone.

What kind of interactions have you had with fans?

One time I was in a mall with my co star Kushal Tandon and this lady came to him and asked him where's Maanvi. She didn't look at me though I was standing next to him. when he said this is her, she was shocked as in real life my hair is short and I don't wear salwar kameez.

What do you like to watch on TV?

I hardly get time to watch TV but when I do, I end up putting music channels to unwind.

Who do admire on TV today?

Established actors like Ram Kapoor and Sakshi Tanwar. They are brilliant and have been in the industry for years. 

When Kushal Tandon’s fans surprised him
Actor Kushal Tandon has a big smile on his face because of the overwhelming surprises he recently received from fans. In the first, a bunch of teenagers flew in specially to meet him from Bangalore and gifted him a hundred roses each.

Kushal graciously accepted them as a token of his fans appreciation for his role as Viraat in Star's Ek Hazaro Mein Meri Behna Hai. He was overwhelmed with this gesture and had the fans stay and ended the shoot early so he could spend time with them. The next Divali surprise was a bit baffling. Kushal received a beautifully wrapped iPad 3 with an anonymous note of appreciation. Expressing his gratitude, Kushal says, "I'm truly blessed to have such loving and supportive fans. I'd like to thank each one of them! It's their support that matters to me."

He has decided to return this expensive gift to the sender once he identifies them. He spent the morning trying to figure out, while his co-actors joked that his list of secret admirers is growing, Kushal feels otherwise. He loves his fans and would wish for them to not spend so extravagantly. Instead he would feel happier if they contributed this money, on his behalf to a cause they believed in.

‘Don't call me Jagya’

Shashank Vyas, who is famous for his portrayal of Jagya in Colors' Balika Vadhu, doesn't like to be addressed by his on-screen name.

"I like it when unknown people call me as Jagya. But when people I am close to call me Jagya and give me the starry status, I do not like it," says Shashank.

In fact, he observed an awkward moment at Udaipur where he has stayed all his life. "I had gone to Udaipur recently as my father was retiring and it was also my last Divali there, as my dad will now be shifting to Delhi or Mumbai. I was shocked to see most of the people I grew up talking to treating me like a star, wanting to click pictures with me. It was awkward but I could not refuse."

Sanaya Irani gets candid
Popular actor Sanaya Irani is on a high due to the success of her hit show Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon. She talks about awkwardness during romantic scenes and her marriage.

You know you are a popular star. How do you handle fame?

I am very awkward about it and not good at taking compliments which is why people tend to think I am being rude or arrogant. I feel so though no one has said it directly to me. I am actually quite simple. I do what I love doing and I know I am doing a good job and people love it. I thank all those people for there love and appreciation. But I am like that always and never good at saying thanks. My mom told me when I was a kid that you say thank you baby. I am weird about it.

Barun says he finds doing romance tough. Do you feel the same way?

Yes, I am very awkward with it. We both are. In Mile Jab Hum Tum too, my role was a simple one so it was tough. Now, Barun and I crack jokes while doing romantic scenes for the show.

Why do you think your show is a hit?

Lots of things. Lot of good actors and beautiful execution. The technical group was the same which was in Mile Jab Hum Tum. So, I knew they will make it look beautiful. Actors enhance everything. Good things happen to good things.

What does your boyfriend Mohit Sehgal think of your chemistry with Barun in the show?

Mohit likes our paring and he thinks we have good chemistry. He is not at all worried because Barun is such a nice guy. We all are friends so it makes it easier and there's no stress.

What are your plans for marriage with Mohit?

Nothing is happening in the near future. I guess people want to know as we have been together for a while but we haven't thought or spoken about it. The day we do, everyone will know.

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is November 22...

You'll be firm in a tricky situation and worn out by the excessive amount of work you'll need to do. You'll find a solution to a recent quarrel, but don't let your pride stop you getting immediate clarification. You're not getting the affection you desire and it's getting a tad tiresome. Surround yourself with people who appreciate your wonderful qualities. Taking a holiday with a supportive friend is strongly advised. Distancing yourself from an unsatisfying relationship will cause you to view your life from an entirely new perspective. Once you get a chance to think, you'll be able to make a list of demands that are fair. Be cool, calm, and collected when presenting these demands in front of your partner. Take a second, third and fourth look at anything new and weird that comes your way on this birthday. Your opinion is likely to change multiple times before you settle on something.

Don't make a mountain out of a molehill; there's a solution to everything. There's still a lot to do but you'll finish all your tasks eventually. You'll have a great deal of respect for everybody. Now is not the moment for starting projects; consider how everything is changeable and prone to transformation. For the moment, you must rely on what you have. Free yourself from the sense of possessions and expectations that poison life. Try treating all business like new. Be hungry and confident; every interaction is an opportunity to grow. You're so good at this that it never feels like a hard sell. You'll receive some important news but you'll deal with it well, thanks to the advice of someone worthy who likes and respects you.

Students should expect good results. Start planning for a rare opportunity that will soon be in your hands! Your financial position is rather good. Mistakes are likely. Competition will be high. Keep a sharp eye on deadlines. Many will find progress in their attempt of going abroad. Health-wise, December can witness abdominal disorders, eye infection or dental problems. Mood: Pumped and excited.

Compatible signs: Capricorn, Sagittarius.
Lucky colours: Purple, Dark-grey.
Lucky days: Monday and Friday.
Lucky numbers: 3, 14, 51, 60.

You share your birthday with Saroj Khan (November 22, 1948), who has choreographed more than 200 films. After Gulzar's Mausam (1975), her first breakthrough came with Subhash Ghai's Hero but it was Sridevi's nagin dance in Nagina where she was noticed for her talent, followed by Mr India. Next she worked with Madhuri Dixit in Ek Do Teen number in Tezaab and then in Khalnayak, where she choreographed the hit song Choli ke Peeche. 

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: The Queen of Pentacles blesses you with the finest of quiet and subtle qualities today. Things happen quickly and you need to take sharp decisions. Children will be a source of joy. Tarot message: Don't accept situations you dislike. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 34

TAURUS: There is good news on the cards. You will be in a relaxed and happy mood. If you need to make any personal decisions, go with your gut feel. Romance will lead to happy moments. Tarot message: A bird in hand is worth two in the bush.

Lucky colour: Orange.
Magic number: 36

GEMINI: The wisdom of The Hermit inspires you to make new beginnings and move in a creative direction. Spending time with the family will bring about a sense of peace and well-being.

Tarot message: Do not deplete your energy on others. 

Lucky colour: Forest-green.
Magic number: 46

CANCER: The Magician conjures up some travel and business opportunities. Partnership, business problems, past disappointments — all need your attention today.Tarot message: Trust your heart and intuition rather than confusing yourself.

Lucky colour: Sky-blue.
Magic number: 54

LEO: You are articulate and others are ready to tune into what you are offering. A fine time to make a public speech or presentation. Business deals are on the boil, but still inconclusive.

Tarot message: Avoid friction with business partners.

Lucky colour: Brown.
Magic number: 62

VIRGO: It looks like a very busy day ahead. Your chances of success are better today than they have ever been before. Don't depend on others to do your important work. Tarot message: Be firm and stand your ground.

Lucky colour: Pink.
Magic number: 59

LIBRA: The Prince of Wands rides in his flaming chariot of gold to instigate dynamic changes at work. Don't trust unreliable friends or relatives. Travelling will yield valuable information.

Tarot message: Remember never to fall for rash promises.

Lucky colour: Purple.
Magic number: 52

SCORPIO: Today mixing with friends could be tricky business. If you don't want to be alone, choose a companion who is least likely to irritate you. Don't get involved in petty arguments with your mate or partner. Tarot message: Consolidate your gains.

Lucky colour: Grey.
Magic number: 58

SAGITTARIUS: Passionate emotions are likely to accompany your actions and you might be more impulsive than usual. New ideas provide scope for expansion. Tarot message: Lack of confidence or caution can leave you in losses.

Lucky colour: Rust.
Magic number: 45

CAPRICORN: The Hanged Man helps you move into a better

situation. Spirituality beckons and you are inclined towards it. You struggle to keep your temper in check today. This is an appropriate time to buy a car or a vehicle. Tarot message: Focus on your dream project.

Lucky colour: White.
Magic number: 56

AQUARIUS: This is a fine day to plan for future business expansion. Relax with your mate in the evening; it's just the antidote for the trials and tensions of the day. Tarot message: Take limited risks while speculating.

Lucky colour: Crimson.
Magic number: 55

PISCES: You will be concerned about certain family issues and need to take out time to sort things. There could be delays with certain business ventures or personal projects. Tarot message: Outline your goals ahead of time then make a plan for achieving them.

Lucky colour: Deep-red.
Magic number: 28





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