Stars in her eyes
Tisca Chopra began her journey in an alien industry all alone. Years down the line, she is not only a known Bollywood actor, but is also penning down a book about her experiences
Jasmine Singh

Tisca Chopra
Many facets: Tisca Chopra

A girl from a small town, with a passion for acting, hoodwinks her parents into believing that she is moving out to pursue a course in a big town. She lands there without any clue and struggles hard for almost 15 years before she finally makes it. This can pass as a good plot for Subhash Ghai's movie, only he would have to give actor Tisca Chopra due credit for it! For this is her story…she lived it and today she can talk about it without any regrets. Tisca is one of the judges for the Big Fame Star, the auditions for which kickstarts in January 2013. Dressed in black with a neck pieces thrown lavishly around her neck, the Taare Zameen Par actress speaks Punjabi as and when required.

Ticket to stardom

Tisca has seen her share of struggle in Mumbai, which makes her relate to the problems strugglers from Punjab and elsewhere face. "I know how it feels to be in a new place with nothing to bank on," says Tisca who felt immensely lonely when she moved to Mumbai from Kasauli. Big Fame Star is one such platform that promises ticket to stardom by making things a little easy for the youth of Punjab. Auditions for Big Fame Star will be held in six cities in Punjab, including Patiala, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Bathinda and Chandigarh. Following the local auditions, 50 contestants will be shortlisted to participate in the mega-audition. "I will be a little tough with the contestants; if you want to act, you better be good," she smiles

Get your act together

So the struggle, the difficult days find place in the chapters of her book Get Your Act Together. "I planned writing this book eight-nine years back. This contains my own experiences and also of fellow actors as well as directors," says Tisca, who has included incidents like casting couch, bad contract and manipulative managers in her book. "I saw how auditions would take place and how people would queue up to do the same things." Tisca has had directors like Yash Chopra. Imtiaz Ali, Raju Hirani and actors like Boman Irani talk about their experiences. "I don't understand when people ask me whether it is a biography or autobiography. I don't think I am in a position to tell people how to act; this book would be more like a guide for strugglers with experiences they can take a clue from." It is towards the end that Tisca mentions about her husband's book that just got released.

"I was calling the publisher for my husband's work, when I just made a passing mention about the ideas I had in mind. It was then that Meeta Kapoor pushed me to get going on it," adds Tisca, who is frequently seen in theatre as well.

Go Punjab

She doesn't reprimand herself for not speaking chaste Punjabi. "It is okay if I can't speak Punjabi like flowing water." Tisca comes with quite a bit of knowledge about Punjabi cinema. "I have seen Jatt & Juliet, and bits and parts of Carry On Jatta. I am surprised how come it is only now that Punjabi cinema has become so popular. I think they make awesome comedy, even better than Bollywood," she adds expressing her desire to act in a comedy film. Tisca will soon be seen in an international Punjabi movie, Qissa, with Irrfan Khan.

"I can't talk about it now," she says.

Dream big

As a person, Tisca is constantly trying to challenge herself. “Having done movies and theatre, I was very eager to try something different, so i took up the opportunity to judge Big Fame Star,” she says. The show is one-of-its-kind hunt by Spark Punjabi, which aims at finding out the most talented people from Punjab who aspire to be stars in the world of entertainment.

“I am confident that my fans and the audiences will support me in this new endeavour. I am very disciplined, so the contestants can expect a hard time. Anoop Soni is the fellow judge,” she signs off.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Kitchen cool
Mona

Today we are living a plush life with each aspect getting upgraded, modernised and mechanised every passing moment. Kitchens are the newest area of interest. And Kutchina is one name offering custom-made solutions for your dream kitchen. Right from purifiers to chimneys to modular kitchen cabinets, they offer an array of items.

The brain behind the company, Namit Bajoria, Kolkata-based first generation entrepreneur, is delighted at the response his company has garnered over the last ten years.

"I started when bathrooms were getting big and grander. Kitchen was still a carpenter's job. Seeing some scope here, I ventured into the field and the returns have been immense," says Namit. Apart from the regular appliances, Kutchina offers full tech-supported solutions. A chimney that offers auto clean at the touch of a button to ones that offer seven-inch LCD monitor there is a lot to choose from. "We have introduced CCTV cameras on the screen in case you want to keep an eye on children when they are with the maid and also USB port to play your favourite films," says Namit.

mona@tribunemail.com

Hill haven
Mona

Looking for a last-minute get-away for the New Year's Eve? Well, not far from Chandigarh are two pretty lakes nestled next to each other. Amid the lower Shivalik Hills, as river Ghaggar winds through, the 45-kilometre journey has some steep hilly terrain with tall pines stalking the sides. As you reach and are lucky to have some fog around, the first look of the two lovely lakes is a sight to behold.

Untouched by the modern world, the tall trees, water banks and teeming sound of the jungle is instantly refreshing. Apart from the numerous private guest houses, Haryana Tourism caters to the visitors at Morni with Mountain Quail Resort, restaurant, lakeside cottages and motel. The place is rich in natural bounties and if you want to go a step ahead there are soft adventure activities on offer too.

Just enjoy the cold wind while your boat wades through the lake admiring the hills or pump-up the adrenaline by trying rock climbing, rappelling or trekking. Evenings are fun with a warm bonfire.

The theme park closeby has ample to keep children occupied — Horror House, Monkey Maze, Tree House to plenty of open spaces to just frolic around. Whether with family or friends, on prior intimation you can arrange parties or adventure activities.

A quiet time away from the humdrum of daily life is what this hill town of Haryana has on offer. Check out the website http://haryanatourism.gov.in for details. And, enjoy the last leg of year 2012!

mona@tribunemail.com

trendsetter
Perfect combo

Dr Sanna Ralhan
Dr Sanna Ralhan

Those in the medical profession exude certain charm and confidence. And if they are little particular about looking ‘good’, their combo of brain and beauty sure warrants a second glance! Our trendsetter today Dr Sanna Ralhan seems to fit into the slot with aplomb….

Your sense of style?

Keeping up with the latest fashion dictates makes a person stylish. Also it is very important to dress according to the situation.

Latest addition to your treasure of clothing or accessories?

A beige coloured bag from Gucci.

Brand crazy or street pick-up?

Definitely both, depending on the suitability.

Who would be your style icon?

Katrina Kaif’s dressing sense is impeccable!

Who do you think is the worst-dressed celebrity?

It has to be Vidya Balan!

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

Chic is the best option!

One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension…

Bell bottoms and too much of frilly tops don’t gel with me.

Your take on accessories?

They should complement and not overshadow the outfit. Personally I have a weakness for big hooped earrings!

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

Manish Malhotra for sure.

What gives you a high on the confidence level?

When my mirror tells me that I am looking right and I am feeling comfortable too!

—As told to Poonam Bindra

indulge
Succulent bites...

With winter at its best, the craving for hot and piping kebabs is too hard to ignore. To cater to that yearning Hotel Maya brings to you New Year Kebabs & Grills Festival at its restaurant, Buzzczar from December 21.

As the festival brings the best grills from across the world, authentic flavours fill the air as exquisite spices sink into succulent cuts, leaving one asking for more. The food lovers get an opportunity to feast on a selection of unmatched variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies.

For starters, the aroma of barbecue beckons one and all even before entering the restaurant. The appetising part is that the fest entices with a host of succulent kebabs ranging from murg chandi tikka, narangi tangri, gandheri jhinga to scrumptious vegan creations like lahori arbi, palak dal mutter ki tikki, Peshawari bharwan aloo.

Juicy flavours captured through the fine art of using grills and griddle adds a whole new twist to the dining experience. Chef Tarun and his team of chefs will give a personalised touch and create the authentic, hot and spicy food grills with succulent and prime cuts of meat. In order to preserve the smoky flavour of the grills, platters would be served on hot pans.

But it’s really the eclectic sauces and chutneys complimenting the grills that are worth noting. Executive chef Tarun Says, “The chutneys we have created are unique in taste. The ingredients used range from thai chillies, tartar, grapes, narangi, bishopweed, beetle etc.”

A platter that consists of 12 pieces of kebabs and a complimentary drink costs Rs 799+tax (veg), Rs 999+tax (non-veg) — TNS

Christmas spirit

Models showcase the designer creations International Institute of Fashion Technology (IIFT), Mohali  organized X-mas Jingle All The Way, a fashion show. The young designers showcased their designer wears during this function.

The show had five rounds—Dazzling Jingle, Pepe Jingle, Shimmery Jingle, Romantic Jingle and Grand Finale round with style to welcome New Year. — TNS




Models showcase the designer creations

Academically inclined

Pepe Jeans London presents a plethora of interesting outfits, produced in a seasonally appropriate palette of colours and designs, the new trend “Academy” which renders the ideal of layering, combining and revamping your existing wardrobe.

The collection by Pepe Jeans pulls off the sporty casual trend to its best. —TNS

star track
A nawab’s life
Saif Ali Khan has stopped smoking and drinking and is shooting films back-to-back. He talks about his new ways, films, being married and more

Career wise

My fees have almost doubled. And I don’t mean to say this in a vulgar kind of way. In a country where everything is so uncertain, my career is the best investment I have made. I must be careful with my diet, because it is related to my career. Acting can give you a lot more than what share-market and telecom business can. This hundred per cent jump in showbiz is absent even in realty business. The cinema halls are growing. We are making more hits than we have in years. For once, our writers and directors are more in sync with the audience. Since we have delivered hit after hit, everyone’s prices have doubled. It is a wonderful time to be working in films. It is making me feel that I should respect my profession more.

Keeping fit

Keeping fit is a lifestyle now. Even drinking and smoking have becoming boring and repetitive like all other negative things. It feels great to wake up feeling healthy and alert. I love waking up in the morning, taking a deep breath, reading the newspaper and going to the gym - as opposed to carrying a horrible hangover right until lunch. It is nice to let off steam once in a while, but I find myself less involved with people in that sense. I like staying at home, reading a book, having a chat with my wife, a quiet dinner and going to bed early. I don’t want to drink half a bottle of whisky and look 50 the next day. I have become an anti-drinking, anti-smoking agent.

Nawab of Pataudi

The Nawab of Pataudi is different from the other nawabs. My ancestors have been austere and careful with money. They have been very good sportsmen; flamboyant, but disciplined. Their tastes are not flashy. They were good-looking and understated. We are not debauched and fat people who watch mujra. There have Saif Ali Khan been nawabs who probably lived only for themselves, which is perhaps why so many royal families did not have staying power and are defunct or extinct. You cannot live in a poor country and be unrealistic. The royalty must be a celebration like it is in England.

Balancing factor

She gives me a sense of well-being personally and she is a very strong and beautiful woman. I think we complement each other and we like living the good life. We are setting up our home again. We allow each other space and freedom. We love spending quiet time with each other. I see a good future for us. I have learnt that she acts on impulse and that has helped me not think too much and go with the flow and stick to what I am good at. She has brought balance into my life.

Rosy future

I am shooting Bullet Raja. Race 2 is ready for release and I have a special appearance in Go Goa Gone followed by shooting for Judwaa 2. This year has been pretty full and successful too.
Happy life: Saif Ali Khan

Sonakshi Sinha Sonakshi starts shooting with Akshay

After finishing the promotions for Dabangg 2, Sonakshi Sinha is now looking forward to shoot for AR Muragadoss’ upcoming Hindi film opposite Akshay Kumar.

The actress, who was last seen with Akshay in Rowdy Rathore, confirmed the project and tweeted: ‘Because I only talk about a film AFTER I’ve signed it, it’s my pleasure to share with you’ll that we started shooting the thupakki remake today :) looking forward to working with this team!’

According to reports, actresses like Diana Penty and Parineeti Chopra were also vying for the role. The film is a remake of hit Tamil action thriller Thuppakki. Sinha will be playing a boxer in the film.

New role: Sonakshi Sinha

Family time

Sonakshi Sinha has said that she will not dance at New Year’s Eve because that is the one time her entire family is together, so why would she attend a bash? She would consider the shows only if her family is not around and that does not happen because they make a point to spend NYE together.

Sonam gets her customised Ferragamo heels

Bollywood fashionosta Sonam Kapoor has received her made-to-order heels from Italian luxury brand Salvatore Ferragamo.

Sonam was presented the designer footwear at the Salvatore Ferragamo Boutique in Mumbai. She had designed the special pair with the brand's shoe designer during her visit to Italy.

Sonam was welcomed by the Ferragamo family at Palazzo Spini Feroni, the historic Florentine headquarters of Salvatore Ferragamo in Italy since 1938, in February.

She visited the headquarters as part of the Shoes for a Star, where she met with an expert shoe designer and technician, who measured her feet for wooden lasts. Along with the shoe designer, she created a customised shoe in line with her tastes. Sonam was also a front-row guest at the preview show of Salvatore Ferragamo Autumn Winter 2012 women's collection during Milan Fashion Week in February. —IANSRanbir Kapoor

Fussy eater

Ranbir Kapoor is a fussy eater and eats very little. Everything has to be tasty and presented in a particular way and only then he will eat it. He always eats less than half of what is on the plate. Even protein shakes have to be tasty for him to finish them. So after his mother Neetu, his new fitness trainer is worried about his bratty eating ways!

Prim & proper: Ranbir Kapoor

Nargis learns to act?

Director Shoojit Sircar is confident of casting Nargis Fakhri in his film Madras Cafe in which she plays a foreign journalist. She has attended workshops to get her act right and he is convinced that she is perfect for the part. Now we will only know once the movie is out! Will Nargis prove people wrong with her acting skills?

Dark fantasy

Versatile actor Paresh Rawal, known for being a part of clean comedy films, also enjoys the dark, sex comedies genre, which is fast becoming popular in Bollywood. He says he would love to be part of such films.

"I would love to be part of dark comedies. I love them! They are no-nonsense, no spoon-feeding, and the norms and cliches are left behind. It is something new. I would love to work in such films," Paresh said.

In the recent past, comedies like "Delhi Belly", "Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum", "Phas Gaye Re Obama", found wide appreciation from the audience.

Asked if he has been offered any such film, he said: "I do get such offers, but I amEsha Gupta looking for a good script. Sometimes I feel bad I lost out on a film like 'Phas Gaya Re Obama'. I could not do because I was not happy with my part. I knew it was a good film, but I never visualised the film will be made like this. I enjoyed watching that film." — IANS

She’s got the looks

Esha Gupta is the typical Indian beauty--tall, slim, shapely, dusky, earthy and gorgeous! She says the world wants and adores Indian models because each one is unique and has a strong personality and can carry off Indian and Western clothes. She is very happy with the way she looks.

Wow factor: Esha Gupta

Harry hangs out with Swift's mother

Singer Taylor Swift seems to be taking her relationship with boyfriend Harry Styles to the next level as she introduced the One Direction star to her mother.

Swift took Styles to spend time with her family and the three were pictured hanging out together.

The 18-year-old British heartthrob reportedly stayed over at her Hollywood home. He was spotted going out with his girlfriend and her mother the next day and accompanying the ladies to do some shopping at Southern Californian grocery store Ralphs. —PTI

Priyanka's lucky year

It's nearly the end of the year and award functions are something that everyone is excited about and looking forward to. In spite of heavy competition in our industry, Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra has certainly managed to grab the eye!

Yes, in the recently-held Reliance Big Star Entertainment awards, our talented actress Priyanka has won the Best Actress trophy for her role in Barfi where she played the character of Jhilmil, an autistic girl. The film even surpassed 100 crore club, and has also been sent to the Oscars. This film is a very special film for Priyanka as it shows her belief in the character she played.

Priyanka ChopraPriyanka's Jhilmil character has won her several accolades. Priyanka has been highly appreciated for her amazing acting skills by all her fans, critics, and the industry as well. For the year 2012, Jhilmil is such a character which has created a lot of impact.

Priyanka had started the year with a bang and she surely will be ending the year with a bang. Agneepath grossed more than Rs 100 crore which was followed by Barfi who also crossed Rs 100 crore. Not forgetting her super-hit single In MY City which was launched internationally, it certainly has been a wonderful year for Priyanka and many more awards and movies and hit songs are yet to come!
Winning spree: Priyanka Chopra

Rakhi Sawant Attention Rakhi!

Rakhi Sawant says what she wants to without thinking twice. Recently Deepika Padukone wore a black and white gown at an awards function and Rakhi thought she looked like a zebra and even said so. Well, her opinion does not count but got to say that she has the guts and is quite a relentless attention seeker!

Blunt talk: Rakhi Sawant

Films & romanceArjun Kapoor

Everyone wants a piece of Arjun Kapoor. Rumours are that Ekta Kapoor signed him for a new film but the truth is that he has not even spoken to her regarding the film, so there is no question of signing yet and he is busy with Gunday and Aurangzeb at the moment, along with apparently dating Anushka Sharma.

Arjun Kapoor

Crorepati KatKatrina Kaif

Katrina Kaif is a rich girl already! She is dancing at four award shows this year and it is only the beginning and she has netted around Rs 10 crore already. Hmm, we wonder if she will take home all the trophies too! She has competition from Priyanka, Kareena, Vidya, Parineeti and a few more.

Money matters: Katrina Kaif

Sajid: My films will never flop

After Housefull 2 success, director Sajid Khan is back with another entertaining film which is a remake of yesteryear blockbuster Himmatwala starring Jeetendra and Sridevi in the lead. Sajid is very sure that his films will never flop as he understood the taste of the audience.

"My life moves with films. I have not gone to any film school, drama school... I have learned films by watching them, and I make films as an audience member. I know what the audience wants, and that is why my films will never flop," Sajid said at a press conference.

He is confident that his film Himmatwala starring Ajay Devgn and south star Tamannaah will be liked by the audience and it will be a box-office blockbuster.

"All my films have been blockbusters and I will continue making such films," said Sajid.

Sajid's three directorial ventures—Heyy Babyy (2007), Housefull (2010) and Housefull 2: The Dirty Dozen (2012), did a good business at the box office.

Meanwhile, Sajid Khan is looking forward to judge dance reality show Nach Baliye 5 starting on December 29 on Star Plus. He will share the judges' dais with actress Shilpa Shetty and choreographer Terence Lewis.

"We will talk about Himmatwala in the press conference of Himmatwala. But please watch Himmatwala, I guarantee you will not get tickets for the first three days," the 41-year-old said here Monday at the launch of the reality dance show Nach Baliye 5. Sajid Khan

Asked about judging the dance reality show, Sajid said, "We judges are not experts in judging. There are better people than us who are experts in judging."

"I feel that every person watching a reality show is an expert judge. I don't see myself as a big judge, but, yes, I do see myself as a representative of the audience," he added.
Confident man: Sajid Khan

chatter box
On a positive note

After a successful run of fifteen years, actor Shivaji Satam has quit his crime show CID on Sony television. His good friend Deepak Shirke who has been a popular villain in many Hindi films will play the new ACP in the show from this weekend. We talk to him about his new role and old friendship.

Why did you choose to do CID?

I had worked with the team before in a Marathi show and I felt comfortable with them. So, when I got this opportunity, I took it up

Shivaji Satam who has played the role of ACP Pradyuman has been doing it for 15 years now. How do you feel after replacing him?

I am not replacing, instead I will be playing a totally new character called Digvijay. He will also be an ACP and will strive to maintain a rapport with the new team.

You have been friends with Shivaji. Is it easy to step into his shoes?

Well, I know people have loved him and the show for years. I hope they like me too. We are all working towards achieving that result. I have been friends with Shivaji for years.

What do you think about the show CID and its success?

I like CID and I have seen and even done a few episodes long ago. People love to watch crime series which is why this show has been successful for so long.

You have played villain in Hindi films and now you are playing a positive role. Does it feel good?

I am excited about doing a positive role. I have done a few in my career but I have essentially been a villain. My best roles have been in Hum, Tiranga, Ishq and recently Ferrari Ki Sawari.

A still from CID
A still from CID

Sex appealKushal Tandon

While Kushal Tandon aka Virat from Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai was thrilled to be voted the 6th Sexiest Asian Man in the world according to the UK-based Eastern Eye’s world-renowned list, he is happier as Sunaina Roshan, Hrithik Roshan’s sister is excited for him. Hrithik too was voted as the world’s sexiest man in the poll with Kushal at 6th position. Sunaina is thrilled that both her brothers are termed sexy.
Kushal Tandon

Going strong

The team of Saubhagyavati Bhava along with the lead actor Karanvir Bohra celebrated the completion of 300 episodes of this popular daily show.  We hear that the entire unit had a gala time celebrating the special moment with a cake cutting ceremony on the sets. Actor Karanvir Bohra says, “It has been the most joyous ride so far.  The show made me unfold new facets about myself as an actor.  It has pushed me and has made me break my own boundaries.”  This is the first show for Life OK to have crossed 300 episodes, so everyone is so excited!

Sing & dance

Amitabh Bachchan (middle) on the sets of Kaun Banega Crorepati Big B played Santa for one special hot seat contestant on Kaun Banega Crorepati this week as he fulfilled her wish to dance on the hit item number of Kajra Re. The special episode which saw several champions from various schools across the country had Muskaan from Bihar who was the first to make her way to the hot seat. The ever talkative Muskaan requested Sr Bachchan to dance with her on Kajra re. Now that's one big Christmas wish fulfilled! Tune in to Kaun Banega Crorepati for 8.30 pm Friday, December 21 on Sony Entertainment Television.
Amitabh Bachchan (middle) on the sets of Kaun Banega Crorepati

first day first show
Chulbul Pandey returns

Super-cop Chulbul Panday is growing both on the professional and the personal front in Dabangg’s second outing. He continues to pulp the goons, be lovey-dovey to his wife and wears the shades at the back. While Arbaaz Khan dons the director’s hat, Salman carries his larger than life act. Here’s how audiences react to Dabangg 2.

Total masala

The film is total formula entertainer. Name a cliché and it is there. And the best part, it entertains! Leave the worries home to watch dabangg Salman!

— Shekhar Kumar, corporate executive

Fun film

Dabangg 2 carries the story forward. The characters are the same, so is the treatment. It is a total comedy, full-on fun.

— Suresh Sharma, government employee

Sallu rocks

It’s an out-and-out Salman Khan film - total action sans any violence. No plot, no story and yet Dabangg is a treat. A must-watch for Salman Khan followers.

— Kanika Singh, Arts student

Cult film

Dabangg 2 is recommended for all Salman fans. Plus it’s a cinematic treat. It’s Salman at his peak. The film makes you forget normal life and is pure entertainment.

Karan Singh, engineering student

— As told to Mona

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Love, celebration and romance are on the cards. You will be able to accomplish many things. Working out a new schedule will be useful. You are generous and giving in personal relationships. Tarot message: You will prevent a lot of trouble by taking timely action. Lucky colour: Yellow. Lucky number: 25

TAURUS: You may find yourself involved in noisy confrontations with close companions. Try to keep your confidence high. Everyday mates at work seem easier to handle. Tarot message: Arrogance will not be rewarded. Lucky colour: Orange. Lucky number: 36

GEMINI: You need friends around today to make you feel loved and appreciated. You want protection and advice about long-term issues. Beware of over-indulgence in food or drink. Tarot message: Don't read too much into ordinary situations. Lucky colour: Red. Lucky number: 59

CANCER: Professional entertainment and communication flows well. Organisation and negotiation brings favourable agreements. Not a time to make serious commitments. Tarot message: Don’t get embroiled in long-term ventures. Lucky colour: Sea-green. Lucky number: 40

LEO: Money you have been waiting for finally arrives. Be wary about making joint commitments of a financial nature. Wait until the end of the day before making serious decisions. Tarot message: Do not cover up your own mistakes. Lucky colour: Brown. Lucky number: 33

VIRGO: You achieve an ambition through hardwork and endurance. Do not hesitate to make compromises in business matters. Essentially a busy day; rewards are received for efforts made in the past. Tarot message: Do not let anyone take advantage of you. Lucky colour: Metallic-grey. Lucky number: 45

LIBRA: Your relationships are affectionate and friendly today. This is a good time for parties, social gatherings, and other pleasurable activities. A journey is on the cards. Tarot message: Accept responsibility for yourself and others. Lucky colour: Black. Lucky number: 39

SCORPIO: An excellent day to take stock of your life and determine your next steps. Relationships at work will progress smoothly. Be flexible if you have travel plans as there could be delays. Tarot message: Take time before reacting. Lucky colour: Golden. Lucky number: 62 Lucky number: 58

SAGITTARIUS: You will be focused at work, which will enable you to get through your tasks without putting in much effort. Love life will be good. Be willing to listen to those who have more knowledge. Tarot message: Learn how to cope better with success. Lucky colour: Electric-pink. Lucky number: 36

CAPRICORN: Forgive a friend for an error of judgment despite losses incurred in speculation. You may be in a sensitive frame of mind and could overreact to criticism from colleagues or loved ones. Go with the flow rather than swim against it. Tarot message: Be positive. Lucky colour: Peach. Lucky number: 27

AQUARIUS: You will be enthusiastic and optimistic about your assignments. Work has taken its toll; as you have been totally engrossed in projects without caring for your health. Tarot message: Focus on your emotional and spiritual nature. Lucky colour: Crimson. Lucky number: 46

PISCES: You will be energetic and confident about your abilities. Students need to focus more on their studies. Love and romance lead to lasting commitments. A spiritual experience is elevating. Tarot message: Don’t allow others to interfere in your way. Lucky colour: Fuchsia. Lucky number: 32

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is December 22...

If you still have some time on your hands, invest it in making improvements to your home. Spending more time with your family members will help strengthen bonds. A welcome diversion will make you think about your situation. A new unexpected problem worries you, but you will be determined to solve it.

You will enjoy a meeting with friends. Shut your office door or work on your birthday - you need to finish of chores. As it is your social energy is somewhat dormant. You can be quite productive, but only if you aren't constantly distracted by workplace problems. On this birthday, listen to what your internal voice suggests and do things that you know are right. Do not try and achieve some aim in the hope of a financial reward. No matter how hard you try, you won't be able to make a friend, therefore see reason. Your loved one is trapped by an obsession. There's a good chance you will not be able to condone this behaviour any longer. Mood: Cheerful.

Compatible signs: Scorpio, Pisces.

Lucky colours: Deep-pink, military-green.

Lucky days: Wednesday and Friday.

Lucky numbers: 2, 8, 11, 22, 28

You share your birthday with Bern Nadette Stanis (December 22, 1953), who is an American actress best known for her role as the strong-willed Thelma Evans on the CBS sitcom, Good Times. In April 2010, Stanis starred in Marlon Campbell's famous Momma and Me. One of Stanis' most recent television appearances was on the UPN sitcom Girlfriends, where she played the cousin of Maya Wilkes. 





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