Wide angle
Iqbal Ahmed Rizvi, director-editor, believes that approach towards a particular topic is all that decides the final outcome. Little wonder then, he is out to change the pattern in television viewing...
Jasmine Singh

Television is the medium for all. C’mon ladies, you have a complete copyright on the never-ending tears and it is just because of a few creative people that the TV industry has found many more fans. Iqbal Ahmed Rizvi, director-editor, is one name that has flowed down from the sparkling lanes of the fashion industry and is filling the creative tank of the telly.

Iqbal has given a different cut and shape to the serials he has directed, whether it is Maryaada on Star Plus, Jaane Kya Baat Hui on Colors or Radha Ki Betiyan on NDTV Imagine.

“I don’t believe in doing regular run-of-the-mill stuff. I take up the topic with a different approach wherein I try to do justice with the story. I want to change the pattern in television viewing,” says this director, who is one of the few names who brought the trend of shooting music videos into India.

Based in Mumbai, Iqbal, who has spent his schooling years at the Lawrence School, Sanawar, in Himachal Pradesh, credits his independent thought to the schooling he has had.

It is this independent and different thought that Iqbal has brought into his work. “It is all about story-telling and I adopt different ways to do it. If on one hand I bring out a remix, a musical, I have handled the story of Maryaada as well. It is the approach, the way a director looks at the topic that makes all the difference.”

Iqbal is one of the firsts in the industry to have learnt and used non-linear form of editing. “Editing can make or destroy the scene. As a director, I find it an important tool in working,” he says.

Punjab pulls Iqbal, he has memories of old friends attached to the state. He would love to make music videos for Punjabi singers bringing in his element of ‘difference’.

Currently working on a script for a Hindi film, Iqbal doesn’t deny that TV has a lure of its own. “The beauty of TV is that you constantly challenge yourself. With newer scripts and topics coming in, it is an interesting medium to explore,” adds the director, who has seen and gone through different forms of film-making. “My last project was a 90-minute film for television titled Luck Luck Ki Baat for Walt Disney, which has something that hasn’t been accomplished on TV before,” he shares.

We remind him that he hasn’t laughed or exercised any facial muscles throughout the conversation. “I have a great sense of humour,” Iqbal leaves it for us to decipher the rest.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Carnival connect
The Chandigarh Carnival is back and so is the gala time associated with it. So what are you waiting for? Just go out and have a rocking time…
Manpriya Singh


Dancers from the north-east showcase their talent

Never mind the slightly watered down version, the air’s replete with the full-fledged winter carnival feel. Chandigarh Carnival, the tourism endeavour by the Chandigarh Administration, turns out to be what it aims at - a joy-ride! With the theme, Dreamland, the three-day event offers an array of activities, filled with fun and frolic. Grab candy floss or climb atop the giant wheel, soak in the mood and by all means get set!

To begin with, the Government College of Art students are out to regale, make live portraits, draw a tattoo or paint the faces for anybody who’s willing to volunteer. The colour-filled activity is in sync with the theme showcasing creativity and imagination, revolving around fantasies and dreams. In fact, among the 40 activity-based stalls there is one that claims to give analytical feedback on the dreams and imaginations.

Meanwhile, dig into some street-food, take a ride on Columbus or aim at the colorful balloons with a gun. Cut-outs of cartoon characters, think Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse, Batman, lend the colourful touch while the regional folk singers spread all along the carnival village regale with the songs playing in the background. “What I like the most about the carnival each year is the swings and the street-food, which is not easily available in the city at other times. “Things like live portraits and handicrafts stalls are also not easily available elsewhere,” shares a visitor, student, Government College of Art. She adds, “Moreover, we get to showcase our talent.”


Talent galore: A stall for face-painting and a stage show at the Carnival village

There’s a Le-Corbusier Centre, selling souvenirs and stalls by organisations, so characteristic of the city. Punjab Tourism, British Library and Chandigarh Sahitya Academy make their presence felt with a stall each. The one by Chandigarh Traffic Police, distributing brochures on safe driving, road signals, accident surveys, draws the maximum crowds with majority being a bunch of inquisitive college-goers with queries regarding the alcohol-sensor.

Then there’s the staple CITCO Da Vehra, with the swings, traditional set-up, a well, manjis and a menu that every inch spells Punjabi food. Also on display is the culture of north-eastern states, with the added attraction of Sikkim mask dance. It is day time and the crowds are still trooping in, while the entertainment nights list performances by Satinder Sartaj and Alka Yagnik.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

(On at the Leisure Valley—10 till November 25)

Something for everyone

The kids can choose from an array of activities, while the adults can touch base with their childhood, yet again. Carnival, necessarily brings to the fore an image of swings. There’s a giant wheel, ready to ferry whosoever wants to dare, a Columbus running to and fro, teeny little carts moving about in circles, inflatable rides, trains for the toddlers, among a host of other things. The adults who missed the swings during monsoon can experience the unadulterated pleasure at CITCO Da Vehra. The grown-ups can show some skills in on the spot photography competition or the talent hunt for Voice of Chandigarh.

fun time: People enjoy various rides at the Carnival

fashion funda
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.

A story to tell
Bed-time stories are among our cherished memories from childhood, but how about one for dogs?
Mona

Pets today are as spoilt as children, if not more. There are a host of options available for them -right from the most comfortable of couches, blow-driers to designer accessories. And the latest to pamper your pet pooches are 'bed-time stories'!

Teddy and Stanley's Tall Tale is the audio book developed by British scientists Laura Quinn and Karen Wild. It supposedly has syllables that dogs find soothing. The audio book is read by actor Simon Callow. We try finding out if there could be such a thing as 'soothing stories' for dogs in human language.

Dr Gurvinder Pal totally believes in this concept as much as in communication between pets and their owners. "I have seen masters communicating with their dogs most comfortably. The other day, there walked in this man with his pet pug who would answer yes and no by tilting its head in particular direction." Dogs communicate much more than a 'yes' or 'no', opine dog-lovers. Like this working couple who love spending time with their golden retriever. Their-11-month-old is fast expanding his human vocabulary!

For Priya Singh from Sector 4, Panchkula, dogs have been the ultimate friends. Tuned well into the latest with pooches, she has already heard about Teddy and Stanley's Tall Tale and is seriously looking for checking it out for her tribe. Jojo and Zorro, two Pit bulls, have ruled her household for years, and now there are three more! She found Snowy on the road, quite sick, and she is doing everything to revive it to good health. When Junglee (he would pounce on her each time he saw her, so the name) got bit by another dog, she brought him home as well. Soon Chotu Ram followed, as Junglee was morose without his friend. Talk of the book and she exclaims with happiness.

"This sounds incredible. Dogs do differentiate between the sounds," says Priya, who is greeted by her stray tribe when she goes to feed them each morning. "They sense my coming with just the sound of my car and jump up from all directions."

NK Sharma, who runs Dog Lovers Point, Dhakoli, Zirakpur, has seen masters and pets sharing the language of love. "It all depends on how much an owner is responsive towards their pet. Dogs do gesture if only the masters catch," says NK. Though this dog expert doubts if bed-time stories for dogs will work, there is no harm trying. For this book is available free on Youtube. Owners can even download it if they want to read it out to their pets!

And, who said anything about leading a dog's life?

mona@tribunmail.com

Sky is the limit
Jasmine Singh

Not everyone can fall in line with the ways of the world. Some souls out there are spinning their own adventures, finding their own sky! Dalip Singh Grewal from Chandigarh can nicely be put in this slot. When friends his age (he is 23 by the way) are going wild in the party circuit, this young guy is dropping the police and the CRPF on the helicopter Ecureuil AS 350 in the Chattisgarh area. The youngest civil pilot to fly as a captain, Dalip was 21 when he first taking government officials around these places!

He laughs, "Mostly, Air Force people fly helicopters. So it was a big thing to achieve," adds Dalip. "At the age of 21, I started flying the six-seater helicopter AS 350 in Chhattisgarh's naxal area as pilot-in-command for the Chhattisgarh Police and CRPF. I used to fly in the naxal-affected jungle, where conditions are hostile. There is no air traffic control, no weather information and to top that, there were naxals waiting for us to make a mistake."

Dalip has done rescue operations (medical evacuation of police personnel when they used to get shot in ambush). "I did relief sorties too (placing police personnel from unsafe area to safe area and vice-versa)." He sounds like a soldier returning from war.

No one is talking about late night parties. "I hardly get time for them. Besides, this is my passion and it keeps me engaged." However, Dalip is not missing out on the fun his friends have. "I party whenever I can, but nothing compares to the real adventure and thrill that I get to face almost everyday," says the young captain who got his training in flying from California.

Dalip dreams of flying MI-172, a 26- seater helicopter soon. "My company Mesco Airlines had sent me to a training session in Russia. Now, only this dream is left," adds Dalip, who is working on a fiction book, which will be a compilation of the real-life incidents that he has experienced so far. "It will be a satire on how things are done in the naxal-infested areas and how ignorant the country is about the situation in that part of our country. It will be a funny narration to a serious story because sense of humour is a positive trait and who wants to read a serious book these days." The book has a working title Jagdalpur Diaries. Flooded by Facebook requests? "You have to check that out," he passes a well-groomed smile!

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Concrete evidence

Renu Khanna

Architect Renu Khanna has another award in her kitty. The award for Outstanding Concrete Structure of The Year 2012 for Chapparchiri War Memorial was given to her at a seminar cum Award Function held at JW Marriot-35, Chandigarh on Wednesday.

The function was jointly organised by the Indian Concrete Institute (ICI), Punjab and Ultratech Cement on the occasion of Concrete Day. Chapparchiri War Memorial is the second award winning building in Mohali after Punjab Forest Complex.

Other buildings that were also given recognition in their respective categories are Boys Hostel Rohtak, Kalanaur Bridge and Tower Green. — TNS

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. 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.

(Thukral is an aerobic fitness trainer)

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. This warm salad is your complete nourishment platter.

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.

(Nijhowne is a Chandigarh-based culinary expert)

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)

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. —TNS

star track
I love being the Twilight Girl: Kristen Stewart


missing Bella : Kristen Stewart

Kristen Stewart has become a global star after playing Bella in the Twilight movies. The Twilight Saga culminates with Breaking Dawn Part II. The lead actress talks about the four-year long journey and her love for the Twilight movies.

You are envied by women for making love with two hot men (Edward and Jacob) onscreen. How do you react to that?

I couldn’t have done this…I guess always if you insert different numbers into the equation, you are going to get a different answer, but I can’t imagine what this movie would have been if I did not have really, really, really solid and always growing relationships with my lead co-actors.

Tell us about the last Twilight movie… is there any major character change for you? Yeah in the last Twilight movie, my character drastically changed from human to vampire, and in this part I am playing a Mother. (Smiles) It was awesome to portray a powerful vampire. Bella is dream come true for me.

This being the last film in the series, will you miss romancing vampires on screen?

Of course!  It is funny.  If you told me tomorrow that we had to have reshoots of some scenes that they weren’t happy with, I would be so happy that I would start vibrating because I do really enjoy playing this role.  had into it.

What’s the best compliment you have ever received?

I take being seen as a Twilight girl as a compliment. People who call me the Twilight girl and mean it... That means I did it right.

Reality check

Book wise: Sonam Kapoor

Sonam Kapoor is well read and attends book launches quite often. She launched a book about film critics recently. She said that she is still in the industry because somewhere she has impressed the critics. She feels critics are important to put things into perspective and for reality checks!

 

Let down

Kajol was not invited to the Jab Tak Hai Jaan premiere. The problems between the Devgns and YRF started during the making of Bol Bachchan when YRF demanded Rs 25 lakh to allow Devgn to use Kajra Re in his film. Kajol was upset because she had made appearances in YRF films free of charge. Then she was not even invited to the premiere. That is sad!

 

Tribute to Yash Raj

Stage presence: Karisma Kapoor

Karisma Kapoor has not danced on stage in a long time. She will play a tribute through dancing to Yash Chopra and dance to hit songs from his movies. This even to celebrate 100 years of Indian cinema will take place 
in Dubai.

 

Desi Rapunzel

Hair and there: Jacqueline Fernandez

Jacqueline Fernandez is a lovely lass with lovely long hair. She had long hair to begin with and has kept it long to suit her character for Race 2. She thinks she is Bollywood's Rapunzel. She wears braids and poker-straight hair in the movie.


John and Bipasha to get back together next year?

 

Fitness funda: John Abraham and Bipasha Basu 

It's a known fact that Bipasha Basu and John Abraham are fitness junkies and have always pledged their support towards it. But will their passion for fitness bring the estranged couple together?

While John has moved on with Priya, Bipasha is very much single and living it up. Sources close to both tell that Bips and John are all set to make heads turn in the coming year. While John endorses the Mumbai Marathon, Bipasha supports the Delhi Marathon. However, this January, the Mumbai Marathon will see Bipasha run in support of an NGO. Will we get to see them together though? That remains to be seen.

It seems that both John and Bips are going the Ranbir-Katrina way trying to keep their personal and professional lives separate. Let's see what this New Year has in store for them.

 

New single

Next in line: Priyanka Chopra




Priyanka Chopra will launch her new single called Erase soon. This is the second single and will feature The Chainsmokers, an Electropop band. Way to go, girl!

 

 

Mumbai, the city of dreams…


sweet home: Asha Bhosle

Asha Bhosle, who recently returned to Mumbai from a short vacation, got nostalgic as she went for a morning walk.

"I always enjoyed watching a city wake up. Mumbai is a late riser but the energy in this city is commendable. In the 50s I used to live in Borivali. Used to catch early morning local and go to work. It was fun talking to commuters," she tweeted.

"Today's youth may not know that there were trams in Mumbai. I used to commute in trains and trams before I could afford a car," she added.

"I got paid Rs 100 for my first song. My husband and I celebrated with roadside batata vada. Mumbai is the city of dreams. Some dreams come true," she added further.

 

Promotions for Talaash get real


Crime scene: Still from Talaash

Aamir Khan's Talaash is creating a lot of curiosity among the audience. Talking about the movie promotions, our Mr Perfectionist will leave no stone unturned! After deciding to do the nightly promotional activities for the film, there is more in store…

The film revolves around Aamir who plays a cop (inspector Shekhawat) who is investigating a tough case. On the promotional move, Aamir wants to interact with crime journalists.

The film has been generating a lot of curiosity due to its promos and the mystery surrounding it. It brings together Aamir, Kareena and Rani together for the first time. Moreover, Aamir's last release was 3 Idiots in 2009. This movie comes nearly three years later!

Not many know that Aamir has been a keen follower of crime and investigative journalism and he thinks that they do a very commendable job in the tough circumstances.

A source close to Aamir informs us, "He would be meeting crime journalists in various cities and would interact with them. He has wanted to meet the top crime investigative journalists of the country since a long time and Talaash gives him the perfect opportunity to do so."

Talaash releases on November 30.

 

 

Screen change

 

Jab Tak Hai Jaan is being replaced by Son Of Sardaar in some single screen theatres across India. Jab Tak Hai Jaan has collected more than `80 crore as of now domestically while Son of Sardaar has collected more than Rs 66 crore.




Making of Matru

Self love: Imran Khan

Imran Khan grew his beard and changed his look over a period of three months to become Matru in Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola. He took pictures of himself every morning, tracking his progress and that meant over 300 pictures in just three months! Constructive narcissism!





Chatter box
Two-in-one

A cut above: Shama Sikander




Shama Sikander aka Bhayankar Pari in Baal Veer is not just a pretty face but a talented fashion designer too. She created her label Saisha two years ago. This year she took her creations to South Africa where she received a good response. She has a team working as only then she is able to focus on Baal Veer.







Die-hard fans!

Winning streak: Arjun Rampal

Arjun Rampal has quite an influence on young girls. Now, it so happened that on his episode of Live My Life 2, not one but two fans got a chance to live his life! They did all those things that Arjun does and eventually both got a chance to meet him. Both the girls confessed that they had skipped their board exams to catch up with the latest ‘Arjun Rampal’ movie. Arjun scolded the girls and got them promise that they would finish their education.

 

New direction

New role: Sneha Wagh




Actress Sneha Wagh who came to limelight with the show Jyoti had taken a break for sometime, but now she is back as Ratan in Yash Patnaik's show Veera. After Jyoti, she learnt film direction in the UK. Now she wants to direct soon.

 


Bull fight 

Madhura Naik

Celebrities often tend to have the most unique fears…mirrors, airplanes and even ants. The co-host of Integriti Bindass Superdude, Madhura Naik is not behind. She recently revealed on the show that she is scared of bulls. So much so that she can’t even dare to look at a bull, forget crossing paths with one.

“Bulls have always scared me and I can’t seem to figure out why. One may point out that it has got something to do with their gigantic size or their robust posture, but I don’t think so. I am not scared of tigers and lions, animals far stronger than bulls. I secretly think that it has got something to do with my past life,” says Madhura 
humorously!

Her fear is not restricted to living bulls but even inanimate mechanical bulls. 

 

Ali in action, once again

Ali Asgar stars in new SAB TV show, Jeanie Aur Juju with Giaa Manek. People still remember his act as Kamal in Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki, but there is more to him.

After doing so many comedy shows, how do you find this one different?

Yes. It is a comedy but a clean one. I am glad I got this chance as I was tired of similar work.

Why did you choose this show?

Mainly due to producer Rajiv Mehta. He was the one who gave me my first show Ek Do Teen Chaar. This role is fun and interesting. The concept is relatable as everyone tells their kids fantasy stories.

Is it fun to do back-to-back comedy shows?

I did FIR too in-between but doing comedy shows is fun. Working in daily means non-stop work. God has been kind as I always have work in hand.

What do you think of Giaa Manek as actor?

She's hard working and performs very well. She's bubbly and fits the role. She wants to learn and do better. I am glad our show has got a good response. I want it to rock.

You tried films too but didn’t do many. Why?

I want to do good work but I didn’t run after films. Role is important not the length. At times, I have done smaller roles. Whatever good work comes my way, I take it up.

What do you think of TV actors quitting TV shows for films?

I wouldn't want to comment about others. If they get what they're looking for...good for them.

 

Anil becomes Lakhan again 

 

Rewind:Anil Kapoor

The Indian Television Academy Awards that will be on air on Star Plus saw the talented Bollywood actor Anil Kapoor giving a million- dollar performance, leaving the entire crowd wanting more. While everyone was happy to see the superstar dance before they became more fervent when the actor performed on the cult favourite song of the nineties My Name Is Lakhan.

 

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Your card The Universe favours good progress in your profession or business. Be wary of a situation where it will be easy to make a mistake in haste. It is a good day for tackling household repairs. Tarot message: Do not let anyone take advantage of you. Lucky colour: Bottle-green. Magic number: 25

TAURUS: You card The Moon reveals a romantic interest. If you have a lover, this is the day to treat them to a wonderful dinner. Fortune smiles on you from the least expected sources. Tarot message: Don’t be certain about obtaining a clearance. 
Lucky colour: Purple.
Magic number: 38

GEMINI: An unexpected bonus will appear in your paycheck, as a salary raise is in the offing. Buy the right outfit for your sports or exercise programme. Dress for success to make a great impression. Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 29

CANCER: Fresh strategies are likely, but initially they may be somewhat hit-and-miss as you iron the bugs. A household task will be done in record time. Models: admirers will stick to you like bees; but be careful. Tarot message: Capitalise on your strengths and do not trust others. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 60

LEO: Today, boring routine jobs can be made more bearable through teamwork. A level of stress may be building up, especially if financial issues are weighing on your mind. Keep a cool head and avoid confrontations. Tarot message: Focus on better to mitigate the bitter. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 59

VIRGO: Many of you will scurry to be on time, frantically trying to complete all the tasks on the ‘to-do’ list before the day is over. Make extra efforts to conclude pending projects. Tarot message: Wait and watch; impatience will lead to failure. Lucky colour: Cream. Magic number: 54

LIBRA: Caring conversations and heart-to-heart talks flow easily. Health problem can be successfully handled. This is a good day for both buying and selling property. Stick to what you know. Tarot message: Unfinished business will unleash new problems. Lucky colour: Grey. Magic number: 39

SCORPIO: A burst of domestic enthusiasm will lead to cleaning and decoration of your home. Senior bureaucrats should focus on secret files and documents. If possible get a dose of fresh air. Tarot message: You need to cultivate understanding and humility. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 63

SAGITTARIUS: Differences of opinion within the family will reach a boiling-point. A stubborn response on your part won’t help. It is a bright day for intellectuals, writers and advocates. Tarot message: If you are tempted to travel overseas, don’t waste money by financing the trip yourself. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 27

CAPRICORN: If you are not okay about a relationship, finances or career issues, take positive action rather than stewing about it. The employed will have to work overtime. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish tasks that normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Camel. Magic number: 40

AQUARIUS: Check newspapers and internet guides for what is on in your area. You win over one enemy or adversary. Family life is charged with tension. Financially, the first half of the day is not good. Tarot message: Follow the path that you have taken so far. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 49

PISCES: Those who are more spiritually inclined or want to stay calm will search for solitude. Love life is passing through a rough phase. A feel-good humour and cosmic wisdom will weave into your affairs. Tarot message: Be positive and think carefully before taking action. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 42

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is November 24...

You will have growing satisfaction with your loved one who will show trust and love. Be careful, however, of your desire to look through his or her things. Keep spending to a minimum. You may have some reserves of cash, but emergency expenditures will eat them up. Fortunately, some additional work assignments will arrive, helping you to stay solvent. You could hear of a great new job through a former colleague or partner. Still, it's important to resist expensive luxuries or you'll be struggling with your debts. If you really want an expensive outfit, wait until the end of the season when you can snap it up for half the price.

Born on the 24th under Sagittarius sign, you'll put many demands on co-workers, but they will understand. Try to temper your ways and be as helpful as possible towards your beloved, who seems to be going through a lonely phase of life.

It is not the right moment to accomplish great undertakings. In fact, now you can obtain something by moving slowly and being constant. Be content with your position and in this way you'll go far. Be an active voice at work. You've got a positive way of pinpointing issues, identifying opportunities and of bringing diverse points of view together. This year you'll be very talkative and unproductive; be careful as you could be reprimanded for this, so take things more seriously. You have a rather challenging 2013 with schedule issues and temper tantrums, but you’ll have better career prospects. Listen closely to the 'observations' of friends.

Mood: In need of balance.

Compatible signs: Cancer, Leo.

Lucky colours: Orange, Burgundy.

Lucky days: Sunday and Monday.

Lucky numbers: 5, 14, 56, 67, 75.

You share your birthday with Katherine Heigl (full name Katherine Marie Heigl), who was born on November 24, 1978 in Washington, District of Columbia, USA. She is a famous actress who was nominated at the Golden Globe. In 1992, she bagged a role in That Night, which was her first in any movie. Since then she has appeared in many films, including My Father the Hero, Wish Upon A Star, Roswell, Side Effects and many others.  





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