Aap jaisa koi...
A thing of beauty is a joy forever. Holds true for beautiful diva Zeenat Aman without an iota of doubt...
Mona
Zeenat Aman
GRACE DEFINED: Zeenat Aman

Life has come a full circle for Zeenat Aman - a model who scorched the cinema screen with her sizzling act, even in her sixties she is the face of many a fashion event today!

"I am walking the ramp again," she says with child-like exuberance, looking as ravishing as ever. "Not that this is a career option at this stage, but I am all for any platform that gives the young a chance to make a professional move."

In Chandigarh to judge the IFA ZONE Face of the Year Awards 2012, she fluttered many a hearts. Those present of course were elated at having the 'hottest' woman of the film industry amongst them; much touched by the warmth she exuded on a cold December night.

A true diva, Zeenat is happy 'living'. "Modelling, acting and raising two kids, I have earned my stripes well," says the actor who gave Indian cinema the truly glamorous heroine, the one who strummed the guitar on Chura liya hai tumne jo dil ko.

Fashion events keep her occupied and she spends the rest of the time reading and travelling, two pursuits that give her much pleasure. Movies she is not much into and it's Bigg Boss that she is fond of these days. Quiz her on cinema and she opens up, "Things are much more advanced now, technologically. While in our times a film would take two to three years for completion, things are pretty fast now. In essence it's the same —old romance, songs and dishum dishum — old wine in a new bottle."

Zeenat is pretty happy with today's tribe of divas —Kareena, Katrina, Priyanka. "The girls are bold and glamorous; they know pretty well on how to carry the look, something I guess every woman must should."

As for the innumerable beauty pageants nowadays, this former Miss Asia-Pacific says, "Any opportunity that helps the young showcase their talent is always great."

Herself, a model, actor and journalist, she practically grew from a teenager to a woman on screen. Zeenat worked hard to carve a niche for herself in the industry and that is her advice for youngsters as well: "Believe in your dreams and then toil to attain them, whatever be the field."

Fit she is and looking forward to life; she adds, "Do everything in moderation and khush raho."

A carefree soul Zeenat surely is, but also a realist at the same time. With films like Kahaani, will we see more women-centric movies? "Such films are few and far between. It's a hero-centric industry and will remain so."

Does it ever bother that actors get meaty roles in whatever age bracket they are, while she does not? "I was rather the glamorous girl of the industry, what would they offer me now? I am content with the league of roles that I got to do, all from Don, Qurbani, Satyam Shivam Sundaram to Heera Panna." Who wouldn't fondly remember the hippie glam girl from Dum Maro Dum!

mona@tribunemail.com

Scripting success
Script-writer Naresh Kathooria has won many a heart with the comic timing of Carry on Jatta. He has much up his sleeve. We catch up…
Ashima Batish

A comparative analysis between the Punjabi film industry and Bollywood on which among the two churns out better comedy films throws up many interesting facts — the most important being that Bollywood has a lot of money to invest than its Punjabi counterpart. Still the quality of comedy is better in Punjabi films, though the box-office collection vis-a-vis Bollywood doesn't complement it.

A confession regarding this paradox comes from Naresh Kathooria, who has closely observed Bollywood on one hand and has co-written scripts of hit Punjabi comedies Carry on Jatta and Chak De Phatte on the other. Says Naresh, "Bollywood probably lacks good writers." Or probably it knows how to rake moolah with anything that can be called a script and antics of popular heroes.

Naresh is unfazed with the sudden success he has got with Carry on Jatta. He was flooded with phone calls from numerous production houses to write a film for them after his feat. "Even now, I get at least two calls a day to script a film but it is quality and not quantity that is important for me." In the last three months, he has just signed six films, including a Bollywood project with an established director.

A few projects in the pipeline are Jatts in Golmaal, Paaji in Trouble and Lucky Di Unlucky Story. "All are comedies and the star-cast of the films will again boast of the favourite names — Gurpreet Ghuggi, Binu Dhillon and Jaswinder Bhalla. Just as it is difficult to find good writers, it's not easy to find actors with great comic timing."

Writing only comedies is a challenge in itself and there is always the risk of repeating a comic situation or a punch-line. "Original work always gets appreciated and I don't see any need to copy; there are a lot of ideas that still need to be worked upon. Punjabi cinema has got into the groove once again." And he received the best of the compliments on Facebook. "I was overwhelmed to see how much people loved the film."

Taking a look at his career graph, he began by writing one-act plays and then gradually scripts for comedy reality shows on TV. "I took a three-year break after scripting Chak De Phatte along with Sameep Kang because I didn't find the basic plot of any movie interesting enough to turn it into a screenplay." He looks up to Raju Hirani, director of Munna Bhai MBBS and 3 Idiots, for writing films that gave due importance to comic situations and those with a tight storyline. "I was a fan of Anees Bazmi's films too, but even he got caught up in the web of making films with big stars and no storyline." Naresh hopes to do for the Punjabi film industry what Hirani has done for Bollywood!

ashima@tribunemail.com

History reviewed
The makers of Sadda Haq say the movie carries a positive message
Mona
Sandeep Kapoor
right Act: Sandeep Kapoor

Sadda Haq is a dream project for Kuljinder Sidhu, writer, actor and producer, as well as his team! Only it ran into a deadlock with the censor board.

A story that captures the other side of the separatist movement of Punjab during the 80s and 90s, Kuljinder wrote it in 2007. Realising the sensitivity of the subject, they did not make it then, but are ready for the challenge now. "This is the story I always wanted to tell. I grew up in Amritsar and experienced first-hand what drove youth to this, it's their side of story I want to narrate."

But the director, writer, actors, all in unison, claim, "The film leaves a positive message and not otherwise."

Director Mandeep Benipal, co-producer Dinesh Sood and actor Sandeep Sood are in all support of their creative vision. And defend their films by comparing it to other films that have touched sensitive issues like Chakravhuh.

The movie is under consideration at the tribunal, they say, and will go further if need be. "Even Bandit Queen got a clearance after initial hitches," says Dinesh, sounding hopeful.

"All we want to clear is that what happened in Punjab in that era was not a clash between two communities, but a system failure," asserts Mandeep Benipal. The film gets a go-ahead in India or not, the team intends to release it worldwide. "We are ready to make changes, hopefully the movie reaches the screen in India soon," says Dinesh.

In the frame

Mannan Takker didn’t have to go on an expedition to the hills to click nature. He, in fact, found the same in the subjects that he chose to click inside the premises of his school itself. In the frames that bear his signature, squirrels and birds are shown living on trees in bliss. Like him, 21 other students from St. John’s High School have clicked the world as they see it, which are a part of the exhibition titled, Reflections Of The Soul, put up at the Government Museum and Art Gallery.

“The nuances of photography are being taught to the students and they have picked them up really well. The exhibition has given students a chance to showcase their talent,” says Michaelangelo Francis, photography teacher at the school. If nature interested Mannan, the man-made wonders in Bangkok caught fancy of Shikhar Sarin. He clicked the panoramic view of the city, which makes it evident why the city is a preferred tourist destination.

Another student, Sayam Mittal, has done interesting concept photography. Little did we know that a droplet in a bowl can make for such a perfect click. “The idea was to introduce students to different forms of photography. The exhibition is a proof of the fact that students did discover their hidden talent.”

On till 16.

Ashima Batish

TROUBLE SHOOTER
Move on in life
Simmi Waraich

I am a 29-year-old girl working in Ludhiana. I live with my mother and father. I got involved with a man who I call regularly. I am in a physical relationship with him. However, he tells me he will never marry me and even after my mother got to know and spoke to him, he told her that I call him and he is not interested. However at times, he has told me that maybe he could be with me. I still call him and at times meet him too. My parents are very upset. I am trying to stop calling him but it’s not working. What do I do?

Manisha, Ludhiana

First, what all are you doing in life that you are enjoying? What is your job like? Do you feel it is something you would like to continue? In life we go through various stages. In our 20s making a career is important for both men and women. Second, having a meaningful relationship with someone of the opposite sex is important. At times some people decide not to have a relationship - maybe because they do not feel the need for it or they decide to delay it but on an average most people feel more content with a meaningful relationship.

At times it may not be what one has planned but there is some benefit out of it- in the form of financial security or family support, social recognition etc. It is where after 5 0r 10 years one would feel at least some satisfaction from it.

So perhaps the question is why is this man telling you “he may be with you some day but telling your mother he is not after you and you are after him!” he may be doing this for various reasons— just for kicks or having someone he can call or feel good about you being dependent on him. But what are you getting out of it in the long term? Will it make you feel better after 5 years or will you end up feeling more alone if you stick around.

Second, what else do you enjoy? A walk, movies? Tell yourself, “I can wait it out today without calling him. I choose to move on in my life.” Also write down what you are thinking when you are upset.

Meet a counsellor or psychiatrist once a week for at least three months—it is just hardly any money and often I have seen people feel much better on taking an antidepressant like an SSRI and they are able to leave the relationship more happily. You are a beautiful person—value yourself.

My wife had too much to drink. She was also on antidepressants, so she became unconscious. I was out for a day and she had to be taken to the hospital. I have not told my parents. She says she does not drink and just took one drink but does not remember what happened next. I feel she is lying to me and I am very upset. What can I do?

Nitin, Chandigarh

Often a person may do something they regret later. In a marriage it depends on the relationship you have—many people feel wary of talking to their partner for fear that the partner may get upset. So, instead of focusing on whether she is lying to you, just build up the relationship first. What would you do with a friend? Talk to them and still be there for them. Then why give up on your wife so easily? In fact, be there, do things together, tell her lets move on. First, be her friend, relationships take time.

(Waraich is a Chandigarh-based psychotherapist)

green thumb
For a healthy bloom
Satish Narula

After all, we are talking about the king or you may call it the queen of flowers, the roses. These have to be treated like royalty. Rose in north India is a very short-duration plant. There are two-bloom flush times, once in the middle of December to continue till the middle of January and the other comes in the last week of February to March. However, occasional blooms keep appearing all through the year but the quality is poor. If during the short prime bearing period, care is not taken, we lose the opportunity to enjoy the best of blooms.

The biggest problem in roses is the die back. The twig starts drying from the tip and the disease proceeds downwards drying the twigs and then main branches. Ultimately the whole of the plant may die. This is more so when new plantation is done. This may be due to transplant shock or pruning in old plants. This may happen due to faulty pruning equipment. The diseases spores travel within the twigs from the cut ends and the plant may be damaged. In such cases immediately remove the dried or drying wood taking a bit of healthy plant part. Do not forget to apply a disinfectant at the cut end. If nothing is handy, used copper oxychloride powder. Make a paste of the powder by adding a few drops of water. Apply this paste at the cut end immediately after the cut is made. The powder fungicide is easily available in the market.

Another disease to watch is premature drop of leaves. This happens when the plants are attacked by a fungal leaf spot disease. This can be identified by the presence of black spot with yellow halo around it. The disease spreads very fast even with the splash of rain drops. The fungus responsible for this disease emits ethylene gas that is responsible for ageing in leaves that fall prematurely. The falling of leaves takes a toll on the quality of blooms. Otherwise too a leafless plant loses attraction. You cannot also use the flowers for display in a vase as a rose bloom sans supporting foliage or with diseased leaves means nothing.

Powdery mildew is another disease that needs your vigil. The disease appears as a white floury mass on leaves that turn and twist. The affected leaves turn purplish and drop. Even the flower buds may fail to become blooms. For the control of this disease, spray sulpher or karathane. For this, dissolve the chemicals at two gram or one milliliter respectively to a liter of water.

(Narula is senior PAU horticulturist)

An effort gone awry
Anne Hathaway
Slip-up: Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway says she was devastated when she suffered a wardrobe malfunction at the premiere of her latest movie Les Miserables.

The 30-year-old was climbing out of her car at the Ziegfeld Theatre, when she accidentally exposed her private parts through her figure-hugging black dress, reported a publication.

Hathaway managed to stay calm and appeared completely unfazed by the incident before joining her co-stars Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and Amanda Seyfried on the red carpet before the screening.

"I was getting out of the car and my dress was so tight that I didn't realise it until I saw all the photographers' flashes. It was devastating. They saw everything. I might as well have lifted up my skirt for them," she said. — PTI

In Shahid's den
See what Shahid has done to his new home...

Black & white: Shahid Kapoor

Shahid Kapoor has always been keen to learn new things. Recently, when his house needed a renovation, he decided to do the renovation himself. He wanted to make sure his house reflects his taste and personality, which could get hampered if an interior designer came on board. The actor bought a few interior magazines and scanned them thoroughly.

He decided to keep his walls white and the flooring and furniture essentially black which makes his house look spacious. However, he has not overdone it. Has kept it very simple but elegant.

He also made sure that the house gets good ventilation and ample amount of seating area besides the window. He loves sitting by his big window panes and in the balcony and just gaze at the sky and the gardens near his home. He listens to music while doing this. Shahid resides by himself in Raj Classique on Yari Road, suburban Mumbai. Priyanka Chopra and his father Pankaj Kapur are his neighbours. Madhuri Dixit has also purchased a house in his apartment complex.

In the family way

Hollywood star Jennifer Aniston has fuelled the pregnancy rumours after she was spotted stepping out in a bulky oversize jacket. Aniston, 43, who is engaged with actor Justin Theroux, was also seen avoiding alcohol and seafood at her own intimate engagement party, reported a publication.

"They had a margarita bar, but she didn't go near it, opting for water instead. It was so unlike her and didn't go unnoticed. She was also picky with what she ate, and didn't touch the huge sushi platter, which is one of her favourite foods," a source said. She was seen furniture shopping with her fiance in Los Angeles and kept well and truly covered up in the unusually loose jacket which appeared to be several sizes too big.

—PTI

Too hot to handle

The annual verdict on the Hottest 99 (and famous) women from around the world is now out on a popular men's magazine. While the usual suspects (read lingerie models, Hollywood A-listers, glamorous athletes et all) have made the cut, only two Indian women have been featured on the list.

While starlet Sherlyn Chopra, who's clearly better known outside India now, thanks to the uproar over her Playboy assignment, figures at number 63 on the list, actress Bipasha Basu trails at number 67.

— HRM

Deepika’s tips and tricks…
Deepika Padukone
Quick fix: Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone is a beauty and a style icon. The stunning lass gives us some quick tips on health, beauty and fitness.

Keep it simple

The key to looking good is of course, taking care of yourself but what my mother told me is spiritual and true. She said one must focus on feeling good and thinking positive and that really works. Stay away from negativity in your life.

Some model tricks

Eyebrows are very important. If you have the right thickness and the shape, I feel they define your face. Over-thinning and over-drawing are two traps that Indian women often fall into. Thicker eyebrows make you look younger. A little profile looks better than looking straight into the camera.

Food for thought

Eat correctly, eat healthy and eat often. Starving and dieting are never the answer. Indulge every once in a while. Maintain a balance. Take a break from working out every now and then because your body needs rest. I watch what I eat but I have a weakness for chocolates and sweets.

Style quotient

I wear what suits me and what I feel comfortable in. My style has evolved over the years! I love looking glamorous and feeling good. There is a lot of hard work that goes into looking glamourous. I love wearing casuals when I am not shooting. I love gowns too.

Free for all

Pop diva Madonna indulged in a raunchy public display of affection when she locked lips, with current boyfriend Brahim Zaibat, on stage during her show.

The 54-year-old star was performing at her concert in Porto Alegre, Brazil, when she leaned in for a kiss with her boyfriend, reported a publication. Zaibat, 30 years younger than Madonna, stood behind the singer and wrapped his arm around her waist as they shared the intimate moment.

Madonna was dressed in a shirt and a tie, teamed with smart trousers and a waist-clincher.

The Material Girl singer has been dating Zaibat, a French dancer, for over two years. — PTI

Browser’s delight

PCs, notebooks, ultrabooks and tablets are a rage these days, and the starry-eyed youths want only the best for themselves. And to cater to Tricity, Simit Technologies, the tri-city’s biggest computer mall, opened recently in the computer market of Sector 20-D. The 2,000 sq ft facility showcases the entire range of desk tops, notebooks, ultrabooks and tablets of seven of the top computer brands--Apple, HP, Dell, Sony, Toshiba, Lenovo and Acer--all under one roof.

To make shopping more delightful for the IT buffs, Simit Technologies has carved out a separate section of latest iPhones from Apple and smartphones from Samsung. Says Surinder Chugh, “It’s important that buyers get to compare the features of all top brands before they buy.” —TNS

Make way for Santorina

Cleopatra Day Spa and Salon is all geared up to soak Chandigarh in the spirit of X-mas celebration. Richa Agarwal and Ritu Kolentine kicked off X-mas Party Carnival and presented India's First Scintillating Santorina. The goody wish bag of Santorina opened with the plethora of attractive party makeover packages and discounted beauty deals for boys and girls of the city.

The duo also highlighted party makeovers and made forecasts on the current trends. They said "Why only Santa should get all the attention and why should he feel alone; so this year we are presenting the first ever X-mas Santorina."

— TNS

it’s rocking
Playful tune

Himesh Reshammiya has once again thrown a surprise at music lovers. All the songs from the album Khiladi 786 are a hit, best being Balma that features Akshay Kumar with Asin and German model Claudia Ceisla. Music lovers tell us what makes them tune in to the song.

Fast track

RD Burman’s signature bongo beats have made this track a huge hit. Other tracks from the album are good as well but it is this song which will be liked by every music lover. The item girl, Claudia Ceisla has danced well, complementing the fast beats of the song. Singer Shreya Ghosal has once again proved why she is known as one of the most versatile singers of Bollywood. The remix is, however, not as good as the original.

Ritika Dhawan, PU student

Retro feel

This is one of the best tracks by Himesh Reshammiya in the recent times. The song has been picturised well on Akshay Kumar, Asin and Claudia Ceisla. The song has been choreographed well. Composed like a retro item number, the song is already topping the charts of Bollywood music in India. Shreya Ghosal and Shriram have done a wonderful job. The remix of the sing has further made it a foot tapping number.

Sidhant Arora, a private sector employee

Befitting tribute

It’s a great dance number. Himesh Reshammiya has fulfilled his promise of making an RD Burman like composition. The song is a befitting tribute to the legendary music director. Himesh has been duly supported by singers Shreya Ghosal and Shriram. The fast beat of the songs will surely hit it off with party goers.

Nidhi Kalra, a student of SD College

As told to Ashima Batis

STAR TRACK
Kunal Kapoor Silence is golden

Kunal Kapoor is in a happy and a serious relationship with Naina Bachchan, who is Amitabh Bachchan's niece. He is not ready to settle down as yet and would not want to talk about marriage or his special girl.
                                                                Not yet: Kunal Kapoor

Shiamak Davar Celebrating brotherhood!

Shahid Kapoor used to be a part of Shiamak Davar's dance troupe before he became an actor. His brother Ishaan is also a dancer with Shiamak Davar and the other day Shahid Kapoor went to drop him for his class and even shook a leg with the dancers and students. How sweet is that.
Starting point: Shiamak Davar

chatter box
Twists and turns

A still from Anamika

Anamika on Sony TV is a new show and is being loved by people because it is a thriller mixed with romance. But the upcoming episodes will be all the more interesting. Our source informs us that in the upcoming episodes of Anamika, Jeet (Mudit Nayar) and Rano (Annie Gill) will fall for each other. On the other hand, the witch (being played by Simran Kaur) will constantly follow Jeet. This will cause a strain in the relationship of Jeet and Rano. Furthermore, it will also be revealed that the witch has been following Jeet as his past is connected to her.

Not a typecast

Giaa Manek Giaa Manek, who is presently portraying the role of a genie in Jeannie Aur Juju, is happy playing the sweet genie and claims to be happy about not being offered the same kind of roles. She adds that she isn't being typecast, She is glad to get opportunities to essay different roles.

                                                                                  Giaa Manek

Kavita Kaushik War of words

Guess who got into a verbal spat recently? Well, it's TV stars Kavita Kaushik and Aamir Ali of FIR. The two were seen storming off the sets. Apparently, Kavita has bagged another show on the channel and Aamir was tired of adjusting with her schedule as he was also juggling between two shows. So they had a heated argument inside the makeup room. The director had to mediate to pacify them.
DICTATING TERMS: Kavita Kaushik

nil Kapoor Anil clears the air

Anil Kapoor wants to bring in the same level of efficiency into the Indian version of popular American series 24 as the original. He also says that there is no role for his daughter Sonam in the show and denies he is taking his daughter's help with the project. He insists that he has a fine team of people working for him and they know their job.

                                                      HONEST TAKE: Anil Kapoor

Speaking through silence

Silent comedies are back with a bang! Sab TV launches the second season of not one but two silent comedy shows. The Chaplinesque style is known for its silent comic brilliance and once again, bringing the same vividness of humour in India on the small screen will be shows like Gutur Gu Season 2 and Chintu Ban Gaya Gentleman. The two shows are similar in approach as they both explore the genre of silent comedy but have a different concept and story line. Gutur Gu Season 2 continues to have Bhavna Balsavar in one of the pivotal roles, the story revolves around her family and their antics. Other leading protagnists include stalwarts in acting and comedy like Jay Dutt Vyas, K.K Goswami,  Bhairavi Raichura and Anita Hasnandani.

Anita Hasnandani, who plays an off-beat bahu in the show Gutur Gu, says, “It’s challenging to convey a story through the medium of silent comedy and I truly believe the cast has done a brilliant job. The concept of Gutur Gu Season Two remains the same as its previous season but we have tweaked the storyline to add a refreshing zing to the show.”

For the love of food

Five known faces from TV will be seen in an upcoming cooking reality show, which will be an Indian version of the international show, Come Dine With Me. According to sources, actors like Ragini Khanna, Aman Verma, Vahbbiz Dorabjee and Abhinav Shukla have been approached to participate in the show. The show will see the participants visiting each other's house for dinner. There will be discussion, arguments and fun over food.

Nirahua's exit note

Given a second chance to play the game, Nirahua's excitement knew no bounds when he entered the Padosi house of Bigg Boss house. For him, it was more of a home coming in the house. Seeing Aashka back, he was more than joyous but in just a couple of days he saw something he never expected to see. Imam's midnight drama took him by surprise. Post his re-entry in the house, his closest associate, Sapna, was the happiest to see him back. He ensured not to pick up undue fights with anyone in the house. But each time Imam tried his antics, Nirahua was ready to fight against him.

Commenting on his exit, Nirahua said, "This was my first chance ever to portray my own character, which I do not get to do in the films I do. It was great to be back, and I am glad I am walking out with the same image that I walked in with. I will definitely miss the house and all the contestants, but Sapna and Santosh will always be my favourites."

New Releases

Cigarette ki Tarah
A still from Cigarette ki Tarah
A still from Cigarette ki Tarah

Producer: Sunita Poddar, Branda Yadav

Director: Akashditya Lama

Star Cast: Madhurima Tuli, Bhoop Yaduvanshi, Prashant Narayan, Sudesh Berry,

Television star Madhurima Tuli, who was last seen in shows like Shree, Jhansi Ki Rani and Rang Badalti Odhani makes her debut in Cigarette Ki Tarah. The film has a social message other than being a romantic thriller full of action and comedy. Bhoop Yaduvanshi who was in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Saawariya production team also makes his debut in this film. The buzz is that the film was made after two years of extensive research done by writer Santosh Goyal. Sudeep Banerjee, Ankur Mishra, Kavita Seth and Viraj Sawant have composed the music.

It has six songs penned by Ajay Jhingan, Kaushal Kishore and Dev Shukla. Watch it at theatres near you.

The Collection

Producer: Patrick Rizzotti, Julie Richardson, Brett Forbes

Director: Marcus Dunstan

Star Cast: Christophyer McDonald, Emma Fitzpatrick, Randall Archer, Josh Stewart.

This one is a horror film, a sequel to The Collector. The Collection is written by Marcus Dunstan and Patrick Melton who have written scripts, for Saw IV, SawV, SawVI and Saw 3D. This creepy tale is story of Elena Peterswho becomes the victim of a psychopathic killer called the collector.

The Hobbit

Producer: Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Caroline Cunmingham, Zane Weiner

Director: Peter Jackson

The Hobbit is a series of three epic fantasy adventure film co-written, produced and directed by Peter Jackson. The story is based on J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy novel The Hobbit. The series are a prequel to The Lord of the Rings. The Horbit stars Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Annitage, Andy Serkis, Bennedict Cumberbatch. Cinematography is by Andrew Lesnie and music is composed by Howard Store.

Dharam Pal

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES:Be vigilant as someone at office will try to harm your reputation. Socially, there may be quite a few rumors and scandals, so keep an open mind and don't make hasty judgments. Tarot message: You have well-wishers who will give you sound advice. Lucky colour: Turquoise Lucky number: 60

TAURUS: Finances and investments will take up a lot of time today. This isalso a good time to deal with loans, debts and credits. Businessmen may decideto take care of their portfolios. Tarot message: Take limited risks and don't jeopardize your long-term capitals.Lucky colour: Aqua. Lucky number: 52

GEMINI: Many of you will receive some sound counsel from unexpected sources,so pay attention to everything that you hear. Professionally, you may face a conflict at work. Tarot message: Health of elderly member at home will need looking after.Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels. Lucky number: 46

CANCER: This will be quite a surprising and rewarding day. Many of you willreceive bonuses or pay hikes for their hard work. At home, you will have to balance the demands of work with personal commitments. Tarot message: Leave thing open ended if you want best results.Lucky colour: White. Lucky number: 39

LEO: The day is going to be busy yet happy and you will be able to achieve a lot in your personal and professional life. At work, you will be appreciated and rewarded. Tarot message: You need to be creative if you want to retain your grip over your business. Lucky colour: Sea green. Lucky number: 28

VIRGO: A hectic social life will keep you on your toes today and lead to somenew and interesting associations. A special someone may not have enough timefor you and may make you feel a bit neglected. Tarot message: Wait for a while and everything will get sorted out on its own. Lucky colour: Cream. Lucky number: 63

LIBRA: Most of you will be craving for something stimulating and entertainingtoday. At work you will be open to challenging assignments and give youa chance to tap into your immense potential. Tarot message: You will get help you need if you ask for it. Lucky colour: Deep red. Lucky number: 41

SCORPIO: Manage personal relationships with diplomacy and thoughtfulness. This will be a day in which you will need to think with your heart, especially as far as a special relationship is concerned. Tarot message: Do not overspend just to impress others. Lucky colour: Orange. Lucky number: 32

SAGITTARIUS: Single ones will receive good proposals and should consider them.Stomachache or backache will bother you. At work, you will be open to feedback and some of you will also be planning to prepare for promotions. Tarot message: Over optimism will lead to mistakes. Lucky colour: Mauve. Lucky number: 30

CAPRICORN: If confused about relationships, seek help. Those who are married will bring the spark back into their relationship. Singles will also experience a deepening of a friendship. Tarot message: You can stabilise your financial situation if you make property investments. Lucky colour: Peach. Lucky number: 64

AQUARIUS: Travelling and communication will be part of the day and so will be an interest in religion and spirituality. Children will be filled with energy. Some of you may also, be philosophical and spiritually inclined. Tarot message: Avoid gossip session at work place. Lucky colour: Saffron. Lucky number: 50

PISCES: Adventure, fun, entertainment will be on the top of your mind today and you will spend a good deal of time partying. Most of you will also feel a strong desire to become more efficient and aware. Tarot message: Be sure of involving yourself as much as possible in a new project. Lucky colour: Purple. Lucky number: 25

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is December 14...

Work front will make you realise your goals. You need to make more efforts for professional success. There may be moderate results on the personal front.

The year 2013 is favourable for you if you wish to start or improve an emotional relationship. Indeed, now there is great harmony in the cosmos. The situation will change, which could make your heart richer and also those close to you.

A birthday on the 14th makes you talented and versatile, very good at presenting ideas, organising and systematising. You will have a tendency to develop itchy feet at times and need change. Bad news comes your way early in the year and might keep you off-balance for a few days. Try not to act rashly; though you may be tempted to take quick action, you're much better off slowing down and waiting to see how it all shapes up.

Those born after 1980 will be really busy and must learn to manage their time efficiently. Otherwise, they'll be snowed under with work at the office. You still have plenty of time left to change things around. Sometimes you need to take a few steps back before you can make that great leap forward. You are standing too close to the big picture to see the whole thing all at once.

Blessings from a mature person will steer you towards spirituality. You have money pouring in from all directions. December 2013 will not be the right month to act; there will be difficulties, so it is worthwhile to stop and reflect.

Romance will have to be relegated to the back-burner while you're busy finding a new job. You'll have to curtail some of your favourite pastimes. Try not to worry too much about a minor psychosomatic disorder. Meditation will also be helpful.

Mood: Emotional.

Compatible signs: Virgo, Libra.

Lucky colours: Brown, Yellow.

Lucky days: Monday and Wednesday.

Lucky numbers: 8, 13, 24, 40, 44.

You share your birthday with Shyam Benegal (December 14, 1934, Secunderabad), who is a prolific director and screenwriter known for films Ankur (1973), Nishant (1975) Manthan (1976) and Bhumika (1977). He created a new genre, which has now come to be called the 'middle cinema' in India. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1976 and the Padma Bhushan in 1991. In 2007, he was awarded the highest award in Indian cinema for lifetime achievement - the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.





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