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How old is old?
Last year was special for Surbhi Awasthi, a private bank employee, in more ways than one. She completed four decades of her life, got a promotion and lost ten kilos, which was her resolution for 2012. Come 2013 and she is geared up to work on a new resolution: to lose another five kilos, which would make her weigh exactly what is recommended for her height.
Fitness wasn’t the primary concern to climb a treadmill though; she had something else on mind - losing weight meant losing a few years, getting rid of sagging skin. In a nutshell, keeping the middle age symptoms at bay and looking young! People like Surbhi defy what a recent government poll in the UK suggested, “The exact age at which people should stop calling themselves young is 40 years, eight months and two weeks.” For people like her, it’s not about, “Do you feel old at 40,”, rather it’s about, “Do you feel young enough at 40?” Surbhi has a point to make, “More than wrinkles, it’s the body aches or that feeling of fatigue that makes one feel threatened by middle age. Keep fit to feel young.” If for some, it’s fitness that makes them feel young, for some it’s socialising. The latter holds true for Neena Aggarwal, a homemaker, “Either you can spend your life after 40 by just taking care of your children and husband or you can balance it by giving yourself some importance as well.” She parties, goes on trekking trips and travels abroad with her friends…“take away my independence and I will start feeling like a 40 plus. Let me enjoy my freedom and age is just a number for me.” Hitting middle age at times also means hitting midlife crises, a term coined by Elliott Jaques, a Canadian psychoanalyst, which means when adults get to realise how mortal they are. But, as Vipin Sharma, a corporate sector employee, says, it happens only when one has time to think and introspect. In a way, extremely busy work schedules are a boon! “I work from nine in the morning till nine at night. Even after that my mind is at work, when do I think about my age or my greying sidelocks or how much of life I am left with?” He adds that he will probably realise it after he says bye to work, which isn’t happening anytime in the near future. Each time he achieves his targets, he feels younger; more energetic than those who are ten years younger. When a dozen studies at the same time suggest that 60 is the new 40, then 40 marks the beginning of middle age is a bit debatable. A few more years have to be added to the count. Rajat Verma, a businessman, rightly says that it’s all in the mind. “Forty is the age when you are settled, secure about a lot of things. If one has a positive attitude towards life, it’s when one can afford to be a little laid back because the twenties and thirties were about a lot of slogging and hardwork.” The complexity of age, nevertheless, is triggered by our surroundings. The anti-ageing treatments might help one keep the skin taut, but using them also means loss of the natural healthy skin. The service sectors prefer to employ youngsters than those who are above 40. Television channels like MTV and Channel V target youngsters and people in the forties don’t fall in the bracket. “Look good, work better, feel best, forties will be taken care of,” says Surbhi, as she flashes a confident smile.
ashima@tribunemail.com
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He’s unusual
No matter which part of the country he goes too, no matter what he does, Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s close affinity with ‘unusualness’ does not change. In fact, he has become unusually close to it! Result: roles and movies that stand on a different pedestal. This time, this unusualness takes him to the sets of Ketan Mehta’s next Mountain Man, a biopic on the life of Dasharth Manjhi of Bihar. Yet again, Nawaz is seen in a different avatar, a different role, different form…..nothing unusual about it…right!
I don’t gun for different roles My education in acting is such that I pick roles that challenge me and my learning. I don’t make a special effort to look for roles that are different. It boils down to a simple fact that I cannot do the same kind of roles over and over again. I would get bored of it and eventually opt for another profession. I stay in the character’s body To do justice to a character it is important to stay in it, to live it. Bollywood works on a typical hero-heroine format with typical dialogues. Each time I pick a subject, I like to get into the character’s body. It is difficult to do so but this is how I act; a typical method kind of acting. In the end, I am always grateful that I got a chance to be someone that I am not — whether it was Faisal Khan from GOW 2 or the recent Dashrath Manjhi in Mountain Man. I am a Mountain Man This is a biopic based on the life of Dashrath Manjhi from Nagar village, in Gaya district, who achieved the impossible with his sheer determination. He cut a 300-metre-long and 25-ft-wide road through a mountain to link Ghivra Mauja of Dashrath Nagar, in Gehlaur Ghati, to Atara Prakhand, Wajirganj, reducing the distance from 75 km to just one km. It took him 22 years to do it. It is a love story of a different kind and I am glad to be a part of it. I’ve got mail Earlier when people asked me about my female fans I would think they were pulling my leg. Now, I know that women have appreciated my work and they like someone like me! It is the best time in cinema, when audiences are appreciating actors who do different roles.
jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Smart designs
KJH Punjab Fashion Week comprising collections by renowned fashion designers of Delhi and Bollywood will be organised at Hotel Shiwalik View, Chandigarh, on January 5 and 6. Khurana Jewellery House (KJH), Mukesh Mahi and Rattan Saree would be the co-organisers for the Punjab Fashion Week.
This is an opportunity for Chandigarh residents to witness famous fashion designers of Delhi and Mumbai with their exclusively designed dresses under a single umbrella. The list of eminent fashion designers includes Rocky S, Munish Gupta, Prem Kumar, Sanjeeta Khaira, Prerna Bhardwaj, Prasansha Saha, Ashish Tagra, Tarveen Khurana, Amit Kashyap and many more. These well-known faces have designed for superstars like Amitabh Bachchan, Hritik Roshan, Kareena Kapoor, Bipasha Basu, Sonam Kapoor, Katrina Kaif and many other stars of Bollywood. Ghaghra choli, lehnga suit, salwar, fashion jewellery, foot-wear and handbags will be presented for women. Designer sherwanis and other types of dresses will be presented for men. This fashion week will also showcase interior decorations and other lifestyle accessories. This fashion week will fulfill the desires of those who are fond of the works of Delhi and Mumbai based designers. The Fashion Show would include many brands like Khurana Jewellery House, Maahi Design by Mukesh Mehra, Pammi Sidhu, Rattan Sarees, Orane Day and Spa Saloon, Adam and Eve, Vavci, Creators, Villa, True-woods, Trendy Shoes, Interior Planet and many more. Global Campus Media has been organising events of this kind for twelve years.
— TNS
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DOC TALK
Ageing of the skin is not something any of us can
avoid, although it is the most unwelcome change in one’s life. In the
crazy drive to maintain youthful looks, people resort to a variety of
anti-ageing regimes and skin treatments. Anti-ageing creams play a
significant part in this. The market is flooded with a plethora of
anti-ageing creams promising miraculous results in removing the signs of
ageing forever.
The bottom line is that any product claiming to be an
anti-ageing supplement is probably too good to be true. Slow Down,
Don't Reverse Anti-ageing products are not really supposed to reverse
everything, and that's a reality we are all going to have to face. They
are not "un-ageing" products after all. Reality Check You
can reduce it's appearance but you will never be able to undo it
entirely. That magic eraser is still awaited eagerly by medical
research. The Big Question: Many wrinkle creams and lotions sold in
at the department stores on the Internet promise to reduce wrinkles and
prevent or reverse damage caused by the sun. Consider these points when
judging the merits of using a wrinkle cream: Do they work? Research
suggests that some anti-wrinkle creams contain ingredients that may
improve the appearance of wrinkles. But many of these ingredients
haven't undergone scientific research to prove this benefit. Because
the FDA doesn't evaluate cosmetic products for effectiveness, there's no
guarantee that any over-the-counter product will reduce your
wrinkles. If you're looking for a face-lift in a bottle, you probably
won't find it in over-the-counter (non-prescription) wrinkle creams.
"As we age, the turnover of our skin cells reduces, and
anti-ageing creams try to regulate this turnover." What one should
be careful of before trying an anti-ageing product is that there are
many factors at play. For instance, skin type - there is dry , oily,
normal and combination skin, and the same product may not be suitable
for all. A lot of companies promote different brands of these
anti-ageing creams and products through their suggestions and
advertising. Side effects Some products may cause skin irritation,
rashes, burning or redness. Individual differences Just
because your friend swears by a product doesn't mean it will work for
you. People have different skin types. No one product works the same for
everyone. Look for ingredients in anti-wrinkle creams The
effectiveness of anti-wrinkle creams depends in part on the active
ingredient or ingredients. Here are some common ingredients that may
result in slight to modest improvement in the appearance of wrinkles. Retinol Retinol is less potent than the vitamin A derivative Tretinoin.
Tretinoin is available only by prescription. Avoid vitamin A derivatives
if you are pregnant or may become pregnant, because they may increase
the risk of birth defects. It is not effective for all and many can
develop a severe reaction with this specially if applied just before
going out in sun. Hydroxy acids Alpha Hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy
acids and poly hydroxy acids are synthetic versions of acids derived
from sugar-containing fruits. These acids are exfoliants — substances
that remove the upper layer of old, dead skin and stimulate the growth
of smooth, evenly pigmented new skin. Because hydroxy acids increase
your susceptibility to sun damage, always wear sunscreen during use and
for at least one week afterward. Coenzyme Q10 Coenzyme Q10 is a
nutrient that helps regulate energy production in cells. Copper
Peptides Copper is a trace element found in every cell. In products
applied to the skin, it's combined with small protein fragments called
peptides. Kinetin It may improve the appearance of wrinkles and
uneven pigmentation with minimal irritation. It reduces wrinkles by
helping skin retain moisture and by stimulating the production of
collagen. Tea extracts Green tea extracts are the ones most
commonly found in wrinkle creams. The Key is that usage of all
anti-ageing products should be taken under medical supervision because
sometimes the results can be disastrous - and one may actually invite a
host of harmful side effects in the bargain. (Dr Sharma is a
Chandigarh based dermatologist)
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The 2013 B-Town wish-list
Real deal
Deepika Padukone dated Ranbir Kapoor, then Siddharth Mallya, and now she is being linked to Ranveer Singh. Apparently, this is the real deal and they both want to keep it under wraps. It is likely that they decide to commit to each other soon, which will bring their relationship out in the open. Balancing act We still do not know Priyanka Chopra's equation with Shah Rukh Khan. She antagonised many people last year and then won them all back as well! She also befriended Salman Khan. We wish she does SRK's Happy New Year and Salman Khan's Kick. Come back Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is losing weight slowly and steadily, and is in no rush to get back to work! She only shoots her commercials and makes endorsement-related appearances. We wish she makes a comeback with a plum role in a Karan Johar movie or one with Sanjay Leela Bhansali. Be open Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif have been more than good friends since they shot Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani. Despite Ranbir's ex-girlfriend Deepika and his rumoured closeness with Nargis Fakhri and Anushka Sharma, they have been in touch regularly and have stayed away from the media glare. The 'good friends' even spent the New Year Eve together. Ranbir is no longer with Deepika and Salman is no longer with Katrina. So we hope that they come out in the open in 2013. Anyways, Ranbir's family loves her! Love again According to a story last year, Imtiaz had separated from his wife Preeti after more than a decade of marriage and was living-in with Pakistani model and actress Iman Ali. There was nothing after that story, but Imtiaz and Preeti made no appearances together, even at the Saifeena wedding reception in Delhi. They continue to be business partners and it was an amicable split. Their concern is the well-being of their daughter Ira. So towards the end of 2012, Imtiaz was spotted hanging out with buddy Ranbir and Iman Ali, which means there is some truth to the story. We wonder if Imtiaz and Iman will make their relationship public!
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Salman’s no ‘bhai’ to Sonakshi
Salman Khan's latest offering has been Dabangg 2, which released on December 21, 2012. The film was a sequel to the 2010 film Dabangg that starred him and marked the debut of Sonakshi Sinha. Sonakshi, who is the daughter of Shatrugan Sinha, was roped in by Salman. And she shed 30 kilos to look 'right' in the film. Her films that released next had been Rowdy Rathore and Son of Sardaar.
Recently in an interview, Sonakshi was quizzed as to why she does not refer to Salman as 'bhai'. Though Salman never endorsed it and also does not like being addressed by everybody as 'bhai', the whole fraternity and Salman's fan-base affectionately refers to him as 'Salman bhai'. When it came to Sonakshi, she retorted by saying "All his co-stars call him Salman, so why should I call him anything else. Why is it an issue when I don't attach 'bhai' to Salman?" Moreover, she has been somebody who has known the star since she was a child and from the time she entered Bollywood Salman has been her guide, thus referring to him as 'bhai' is out of the question for Shotgun junior!
— HRM
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Freida set for Bollywood debut?
Freida Pinto, who debuted on the big screen with Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire and then went on to do Hollywood films, including Rise of the Planet of the Apes with James Franco, You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger and Miral, is finally set to debut in a Bollywood movie.
It is being said that Vikramaditya Motwane and Navdeep Singh have offered her a role in an upcoming film. The Udaan and Dev D director has asked his friend Navdeep, known for Manorama Six Feet Under, to make a film for his production house, Phantom Productions. It is being said that both Vikramaditya and Navdeep felt that Freida would suit the role perfectly. She has liked the script and will take a call soon. Earlier, Shoojit Sircar had approached Freida for his upcoming John Abraham-starrer
Jaffna.
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All’s not well with Rampal, SRK
There have been rumours about Arjun Rampal and Shah Rukh Khan's friendship cooling off. Now, we hear that Rampal is keen to move into the Salman Khan Camp.
The problems between SRK and Rampal began during the shooting of Ra.One, when Rampal refused to slash his fee for the movie and he walked away with more accolades than SRK.
They had disagreements while shooting, then Arjun signed a film with Pritish Nandy and everyone knows that Nandy and SRK are at loggerheads since a few years. Moreover, SRK got angry at Rampal when the latter tried to warn him against Priyanka Chopra's vixen ways and charms! However, Gauri Khan remains very close to both Arjun and wife Mehr. They continue to hang out. Rampal was not present at SRK's New Year Eve bash in Dubai and was at The Golden Temple in Amritsar doing some
'seva'. So, Arjun has personally called Salman Khan because he wants to be part of his reality show to promote his movie Inkaar. Salman has agreed to have him on the show. Rumour has it that he has been sending him feelers for a long time now. With Karan Johar and Priyanka Chopra also befriending Salman, we wonder who is exclusively on Shah Rukh Khan's side. We wish him well and a year full of genuine
friendships!
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NEW RELEASES
Table No 21
Producer: Vikram Rajani, Sunil Lulla Directed by: Aditya Dutt Table No 21 stars Aamir fame Rajeev Khandelwal who is one of the earliest Bollywood imports from small screen. Six films old, Rajeev has
Tena Desai opposite him. It is directed by Aditya Dutt and also stars Paresh Rawal. The film is a thriller about a couple who have to play a
game and perform various tasks to stay alive. The film marks Rajeev Khandelwal and director Aditya Dutt second collaboration, first being Will You Marry Me. Table No 21 has an interesting tagline. It says, If you lie … you die. Paresh Rawal’s look in this thriller has created a lot of buzz. Aditya Dutt, Aashiq Banaya Apne fame
this time has made a thriller. Music is composed by Sachin Gupta. Dehradun Diary Producer: Anita Dhawan Director: Milind Ukey Dehradun Diary is about delays in justice. The film stars Adhyayan Suman, newbie Ragini
Nandwani, Rati Agnihotri, Rohit Bakshi, Vishal Bhonsle. Mrs Kaushik Ki Paanch Bahuein serial fame Ragini Nandwani makes her debut in Milind Ukey’s Dehradun Diary. Rati Agnihotri plays a high spirited mother in this film which is scheduled to release today. Rajdhani Express: Point Blank Justice Producer: Manoj Kejriwal, Ritika Kohli, Rajesh K. Patel Director: Ashok Kohli Written and directed by debutant Ashok Kohli, Rajdhani Express: Point Blank Justice is a socio-political drama which stars Jimmy Shergill newbie Puja Bose, Mukesh Rishi, Sudhanshu Pandey, Sayali Bhagat, Achint Kaur, Shilpa Shukla, Leander Paes, Priyanshu Chatterjee and Gulshan Grover also play important characters. Shot in a train constructed in Filmalaya Studios, this one promises to be a perfect socio-political drama. Universal Soldier: Day Of Reckoning Producers: Allen Shapiro, Craig
Bomgarten, Moshe Diamant Director: John Hyamas Universal Soldier: Day Of
Reckoning marks the fourth, installment of Universal Soldier series filmed in 3D format. The film is a revenge story of Scott Adkins whose wife and daughter were
murdered in a brutal home invasion. As the story proceeds, Scott discovers some unknown truths that change the plot of this action film which also releases today.
— Dharam Pal
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When Shweta got insecure
Buzz is that Shweta Tiwari got insecure with Kamya Punjabi’s role in Parvarrish. The makers had signed her on for a cameo role of Mandira, which due to its popularity got extended to three months. However, rumours are that Shweta, who is the lead in the show, didn’t like Kamya hogging the limelight and had a word with the makers who abruptly ended Kamya’s
role.
Quality over quantity
Neha Saxena, who was last seen in Tere Liye, has been away from television for a while, which is why, she says, she chose to do a cameo in Sony’s new show Amita Ka Amit. The light-eyed beauty believes in doing roles that are noticed and a cameo is no exception. Anyways, this cameo will last for over a month, which should refresh memories of audiences and other producers alike.
ON SCREEN: Neha Saxena
Costly miss
Suyash Kumar and Kishwer Merchantt, who are in love since they met on the sets of Pyaar Ki Yeh Ek Kahaani, had gone to Mauritius for a holiday a few months ago. They did not know that the makers of dance show Nach Baliye 5 were trying to get in touch with them. As they kept their local numbers switched-off, they couldn’t be reached and lost out on the show. Well don’t worry there’s always a next time!
Karan-Kritika back together?
Buzz is that ex-lovers Karan Kundra and Kritika Kamra are back together. The two love birds had spilt apparently due to their work, which kept them apart. After falling in love on the sets of their show Kitni Mohabbat Hai, when the two had to work in separate cities, Mumbai and Punjab, according to rumours cracks began to appear in their relationship leading to the spilt. But they have been cordial with each other since then and now it seems they are giving their love life another shot.
Intimate stuff
Diya Aur Baati Hum is going to heat up your television screens now, as Sooraj (Anas Rashid) and Sandhya (Deepika Singh) will go on a honeymoon having been persuaded by mom Bhabho (Neelu Vaghela). Bhabho wants them to come closer and will send them to another city for a holiday. There they will go for a party and under the mistletoe will be forced to kiss each other, egged on by the crowd at the party. Later, they will get stuck in the rain on their way back making way for more intimate moments.
A still from Diya Aur Baati Hum
Sushant replaces Shahid
Sushant Singh Rajput has replaced Shahid Kapoor in Imtiaz Ali and ex-wife Preeti's remake of My Girlfriend is An Agent. He also replaced him in Maneesh Sharma's film. Sushant is a martial arts expert. Imtiaz is creative director on the film which is an official remake of a Korean hit and will be directed by choreographer
Bosco.
Double deal: Sushant Singh Rajput
New vocation
Imtiaz Ali has turned producer now. He is co-producing Highway with Sajid Nadiadwala. The movie has music by AR Rahman and stars Alia Bhatt and Randeep Hooda. Sajid and Imtiaz have a very good working relationship. Highway will be shot in a couple of months and release in summer 2013. It is a love story, as usual.
Auditions in Bigg Boss' house
Farah Khan got special permission to enter the Bigg Boss house and did some auditions with the house guests. This was part of damage control after the showdown between Salman and Imam Siddique last week. It is unclear for which movie/project Farah auditioned the people for.
Talent hunt: Farah Khan
Cause over crores
Aamir Khan has let go of many endorsements because he only wants to concentrate on social issues and that means he has let go of several crores. He let go of a new endorsement offer recently because it did not fit in with his social reformer image and he only wants to do socially relevant endorsements.
Focussed approach: Aamir Khan
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ASTRO TURF
ARIES: You will be under some stress this morning. Do not attempt to get new plans going. Take the help of a Gemini person. Stock brokers take a back-seat. Work behind the scenes. Tarot message: You can stabilise your financial situation if you make investments in property. Lucky colour: Orange.
Magic number: 60
TAURUS: Arguments with your spouse are possible in the afternoon. Give attention to the creative and spiritual side of your life now. Consider updating your budget to suit your financial position. Tarot message: Over-optimism could lead to mistakes.
Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 30 GEMINI: Be sure to take full advantage of the good opportunities that come your way. Do not indulge in any kind of arguments with elders please; nothing will come out of them. Tarot message:
Do not overspend just to impress others. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 36 CANCER: Keep your spirits up by putting forward a cheerful face. Look at the saving certificates you have. Students: enjoy cheerful moments on the campus. You are likely to attract happy and positive people. Tarot message: Don’t waste an opportunity by being rash or impulsive. Lucky colour: Black.
Magic number: 55 LEO: Many opportunities on the financial front are likely. If working on a commission basis, you will be able to increase your earnings. Old people will have a comfortable night. Overall, the day ends very nicely. Tarot message: You will get the help you need if you ask for it.
Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 32 VIRGO: A tricky day if you are hoping for spectacular results. It will be best to keep new ideas under wraps. Housewives: protect yourself against an accident while cooking. Talk to your partner about the plans for the day. Tarot message: Wait a while; everything will get sorted out on its own. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 40
LIBRA: A secret meeting with influential people will go off particularly well. This bodes well and makes it a good day to seek a loan or other financial support. Tarot message: You need to be creative if you want to retain grip over your business.
Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 52 SCORPIO: “The queen of cups” opens the door for a new job offer; remain calm though. Lovers: a good day for introducing your beloved to your parents. Work out your next moves logically and rationally. Tarot message: Leave things open-ended for best results.
Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 58 SAGITTARIUS: A fine day for starting something new. Businessmen: you can make a secret deal or alliance that could be very lucrative. A discussion behind closed doors will work out very well. Tarot message: Prepare yourself for a mental battle.
Lucky colour: Sea-green. Magic number: 42 CAPRICORN: Be careful, as you are likely to jump the gun and live to regret your actions. An emotional mood can interfere with your judgments and decisions, so make sure you have all the facts first. Tarot message: Health of an elderly member at home will need care. Lucky colour: Deep-red.
Magic number: 26. AQUARIUS: New attractions are likely to be serious today. Do not try to make money the easy way. Romance is highlighted. The second half of the day favours social work.
Tarot message: This is not a bad time to open up new doors. Lucky colour: Turquoise.
Magic number: 62 PISCES: Do not make snap decisions. Mutually held funds must not be disturbed without your consent. The demands of your ego are not likely to be strong, which gives you more sensitivity towards the world around you. Tarot message: Avoid a gossip session at the workplace. Lucky colour: Aqua.
Magic number: 44
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THE YEAR AHEAD
If your birthday is January 4...
Being humble every time will not be good for you; 2013 is asking you to fight for your happiness. You will not feel happy because of the declining health of your parents and negative atmosphere at home. Your self-assurance gets a further boost in your business when you succeed in clinching a prestigious deal or set out on a travel plan, which had earlier seemed impossible. It will be wiser to work independently in your present business. You are likely to experience some annoying moments caused by forgetfulness or imprudence. By keeping calm you'll be able to solve everything quickly and without any consequences. Those born after 1980 will be satisfied at the way their career is going although they will have to face yet another difficult time. Maybe if you let things stay as they are, nothing bad will happen. However, do you want to regret that you did not even try? If you take notes on what you see, you will be able to make an intelligent decision. Do not waste valuable time trying to prove beyond a doubt what you already know is sure. Follow your gut, follow your heart or follow your own advice from 'before' instead of allowing even 'well meaning pals' to direct you. You have to live with your decisions; not them. You'll be in good shape. Mood: Clear and insightful. Compatible signs: Aries, Leo, Libra. Lucky
colours: Navy-Blue, grey. Lucky days: Tuesday. Lucky numbers: 9, 15, 21, 22, 29.
You share your birthday with Gurdas Maan (January 4, 1957, Giddarbaha), who is a famous songwriter, singer, choreographer and actor. Maan is considered one of the most notable figures in the world of Punjabi music, who gained national attention in 1980 with the song Dil Da Mamla Hai. He should be again cautious while travelling, as his number 4 is clashing with 9, which makes him prone to accidents.
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