The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - The Tribune Lifestyle

	Tipsy-turvy Whiskey alone cannot be the lifeline of a party. Mix and match different liquors, add a dash of creativity and a funky name and voila, you have a heady concoction to make your party rock! Jasmine Singh It’s moving beyond the obvious; it’s about keeping the regular aside and saying cheers to the new. It’s called the hard drink concoctions. And if you are in the ‘what’s in a name’ category, then you can suit yourself with the new cocktails that will give a spin to the regular hard rum, whiskey, gin and vodka. As for all you women out there, who begin the ritual by smelling the drink, a few pleasant add ons will not only kill the ‘harsh’ smell but also brighten up the taste. We only suggest a few winter concoctions, it is up to you to lift one or stick to the lemonade! Mix & blend This was long time back when rum was harsh and flavouring options were limited for farmers in Cuba. They started out with something we call a mojito. Sugarcane, lime and mint, someone made a concoction and passed it on to us to make more changes as and when required. Vineet Mishra, a cocktail jockey from Chandigarh, says out loud and clear, without any added flavours! “If you want to have a regular rum with hot water and or whiskey with coke do it at home, but if you are stepping out for a party or a drink then look for something different.” The word is concoctions. And if you thought what best can you do with a rum or a whiskey, he quickly finds a solution to it. Add lime, sugar syrup, soda, mint to the whiskey, or replace soda with cranberry juice to call it a Scottish Screw. A couple of additions more and you are ready with whiskey with a difference. “Whiskey, ice cream, few drops of lichi and pineapple juice, two fresh green chilies. Blend it nicely and enjoy the warm drink,” he adds. For those of you who have a lifelong relation with coffee, here is what you can do with it. Some hot coffee, dark rum, vanilla ice cream, cinnamon powder, stir it well, your perfect winter drink is ready. Sense & sensibility This will not make sense all the time, ice cream in whiskey! It is simply about giving a twist to the regular. As Ashish Manchanda, director Advisure Hospitality consultants, puts it, “The basic nature of hard drinks is that they are spirits. In order to balance the harsh taste they can be used as a base for mocktails, made interesting by adding various ingredients, fruit-based mixtures and anything that is edible.” He adds, “Rum is a versatile drink and it is becoming quite popular. In addition to mojitos, now we have something new called Bojitso which is mojito and basal leaves.” Well, if you are looking for a concoction of various liquors then it is the Scorpion Bowl you should ask for. White rum can taste different by adding jasmine or honey and apricot flavour. Vodka with lemon grass and peach juice makes for a completely new drink. Go over the top by mixing dark rum, white rum, orange, pineapple and pomegranate juice to make what is called the famous Planters’ Punch. Add cherries if the lady likes it like that! jasmine@tribunemail.com Hit ones Alabama Slammer A whiskey-based cocktail that contains Southern Comfort (liquor), Sloe Gin and Orange Juice. Bubblegum This probably doesn’t fit in the regular standard. Absolut Vodka, cider, rum crème de banana and orange juice. Vodka with a difference! Funky monkey Banana, melon, liquor, vodka and orange juice. Matador Tequila, pineapple and lime, and you can drive away in glory
	it’s rocking Boy zone Matru Ki Bijli Ka Mandola might not make for an outstanding album but it offers a couple of tracks that are being loved by music followers. If the title track, Matru Ki Bijli …is full of energy, Oye Boy Charlie promises magic that was once produced by Vishal and Rekha Bhardwaj in Omkara. Music lovers tell us more about what makes Oye Boy Charlie their favourite. Retro feel I had eagerly waited for the release of the music of Matru Ki Bijli… I was expecting the kind of music that Vishal Bhardwaj gave in Omkara. And he hasn’t disappointed a bit. Oye Boy Charlie is the best track of the film; I like it even better than the title track, Matru Ki Bijli. Rekha Bhardwaj has brought in the effect that was last heard in the song, Namak Issq Ka. The song is a retro qawalli, a genre of music that music directors have stopped experimenting with. But from Vishal Bhardwaj, you expect the unusual and he doesn’t fail to deliver. Niyati Gupta, PU student. Peppy beat Oye Boy Charlie is a fun track, a dance number that inspires one to try a step or two. Rekha Bhardwaj has sung it beautifully; her voice has lent magic to the song, which is also the best from the entire album. Shankar Mahadevan and Mohit Chauhan have done an equally good job. The song has been shot well too and bears the signature of Vishal Bhardwaj’s cinema. Jaskeerat Kaur, MCMDAV College student. Echo from Omkara Except for Oye Boy Charlie, the music of Matru Ki Bijli is average. The song is in fact the saving grace. Its zany beats and Rekha Bhardwaj’s voice have made the song a must on anyone’s play list. Shankar Mahadevan and Mohit Chauhan have further added to the fun element in the song. Vishal Bhardwaj’s background music reminds us of what he presented in Omkara. Vinita Sharma, teacher — As told to Ashima Batish
	Restoring faith in marriage I am a 27-year-old woman staying with my sister who recently got divorced. My sister doesn’t want me to get married soon because she thinks this is not the right age for marriage. But I have found someone whom I would want to settle down with. How should I convince her? Mamta Chandigarh This is a sensitive issue. Your sister has probably got used to your company. She is dependent on you for many things. You have to tell her carefully without upsetting her. Make sure you don’t hurt her sentiments. You have to make her feel wanted and also at the same time make her understand that marriage is not a bad institution. You have to restore her faith in this. Don’t be too pushy, just do it over a period of time. I am a 24-year-old student pursuing fashion designing. My relatives mock at me for being a designer. They think this is not the profession for me. They keep telling my parents to pull me out of this. Do you think there is something wrong in being a fashion designer? Akrit Sharma, Panchkula Who says there is anything wrong in being a fashion designer? We have the best male designers in India who create fashion statements and dress up celebrities. You don’t need to pay attention to what your relatives say. As long as you are convinced about what you are doing, nothing else matters. (Rana is a television anchor)
	Doc Talk Uprooting the unwanted Dr Vikas Sharma Everyone wants good amount of hair. In fact lots and lots of them, but women feel agonisingly uncomfortable if these excessive hair are present over unwanted areas like on face and body. The medical term for excessive hairiness in women is hirsutism which appears as dark, visible, and often abundant hair growth in a male-type pattern. The hair usually occur on the face but can also affect the chest, abdomen, upper pubic triangle between the groin and navel, inner thighs, and back. These hair are different than the fine “baby” hair that most women have on their upper lip, chin, breasts, or stomach. Hirsutism causes severe anxiety and lack of self-esteem in women. Risk factors Women with a family history of polycystic ovary syndrome or adrenal hyperplasia are at risk for developing hirsutism. Both of these diseases are thought to have a hereditary or genetic component. If your family is prone to any of these conditions or to hirsutism, see your doctor for early diagnosis. If caught before symptoms appear, therapy can correct the underlying problem and prevent hirsutism from developing. If the underlying causes of hirsutism are not treated, longer-term health risks due to ongoing hormone excess may arise. The diagnosis begins with a detailed history and physical examination, with laboratory testing and imaging as needed to confirm or rule out underlying causes. Management begins with education and support and includes hair removal and drug treatment of any underlying metabolic derangement. Treatment for hirsutism consists of lifestyle changes, medication, and physical removal of unwanted hair. Losing weight and getting exercise can add to the benefits of drug therapy, since obesity has been associated with an increase in the male hormones that can cause hirsutism. Patient education regarding the cause of hirsutism and reasonable treatment expectations and emotional support are important in the management of hirsutism. Also important is regular follow-up. The drugs most commonly used for hirsutism are oral contraceptives and antiandrogenic drugs. Topical eflornithine cream is used in few cases. Insulin sensitizers, GnRH analogues, and other drugs are occasionally used to treat hirsutism. Options of hair removal The mainstay of treatment of hirsutism is removing the excess hair. Options include inexpensive, home-based, self-care methods such as plucking, shaving, waxing, using depilatory creams, and bleaching, and more expensive clinic-based treatments such as clinic-based waxing, electrolysis, and laser hair removal. These methods can also be combined with drug therapy if indicated. The choice of method depends on patient’s preferences, adverse effects, the degree of hirsutism, the level of distress, previous treatments and cost. Self-care methods offer only temporary reduction of excess hair. In addition these are not able to achieve the desired results as they are not able to reach up to the matrix cells of hair at the root level where only Laser light wavelengths can reach and target. Self-care methods Plucking and threading are painful, time-consuming, and only practical for areas where few hair exist. Waxing is painful and can cause thermal burns, folliculitis and postinflammatory dyspigmentation. Chemical depilatories, usually thio-glycolic acid preparations, are painless and easy to use. However, the resulting hair reduction is of short duration because the hair shafts are only removed at the level of the skin surface. These can also cause irritant dermatitis. Bleaching with hydrogen peroxide is inexpensive and can camouflage dark facial hair, but it can also cause skin discoloration and irritation. Clinical methods Electrolysis is operator-dependent and requires multiple treatments, and it is painful and can cause erythema, infection, scarring, and post-inflammatory dyspigmentation. Some reports suggest that prior waxing and plucking of hair damages the hair by twisting the hair shaft, making electrolysis more difficult. (Dr Sharma is a Chandigarh-based dermatologist)
	Master Chef Pineapple for keeps Kandla Nijhowne Even though I'm not into a sweet-heavy breakfast, a jar of luscious thick jam with an equally thick slice of fresh bread is impossible to resist! I always make my own preserves at home, devoid of colour, essence and preservative. If I were to stop doing so, I seriously think my family will declare my condition 'serious’! When fresh pineapples are in the market, it's a perfect time to turn them into a preserve and have them for keeps, sitting in your shelf. They also go beautifully on pancakes, in fruit salad or as a topping with cheese on canapes. Of course, you can also pop a spoonful into the blender and do wonders for your smoothie or milkshake. Pineapples are great for digestion and bone strength. Being high in vitamin C, they also keep coughs and colds at bay. Ingredients 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced ½ tsp ginger, minced ½ cup sugar Method Use a heavy pot and tip the pineapple pieces into it along with ¼ cup of water. Cover the pot and simmer till the chunks are somewhat tender. About 15 minutes. Uncover, add sugar and cook on a high flame, stirring constantly to avoid scorching. Place a small saucer in the fridge so it chills for the 'jam-testing' later. Turn off the heat when the jam is slightly thickened. Remember, the consistency will change when the jam cools. Test the jam by spooning a few drips onto the chilled plate from the fridge. It will chill instantly and should not slide down too willingly if it's ready. If not thick enough for your liking, simmer for a further 2 minutes before re testing. Repeat until your desired texture is reached. Pour jam into a sterilized jam jar and seal the lid. Allow to cool. (Nijhowne is a Chandigarh-based culinary expert)
	the ‘in’ side Add warmth to your abode Sukhmani An outdoor fireplace is a place for building fires outside of the home. Similar in construction to an indoor fireplace an outdoor fireplace is usually added to a stone, brick or concrete patio. Outdoor fireplaces and pits continue to grow in popularity due to the outdoor living space concept. By adding an outdoor fireplace, you can make an outside space into a second family room, a centre for entertainment or a lounge. A fireplace can offer a place to warm up while being outdoors in this chilly weather. Outdoor fire features are a great way to extend the livability of your outdoor space into the evening. While fire pits and fire as art are all in rage, the traditional fireplace offers so much more than physical warmth. When you plan out your fireplace, decide if you want to build it on its own, integrated into the general landscape, or if you want it built as part of an actual 'room', included into a patio space or under an enclosed area. Also, check with your building laws before you undertake construction. Fireplaces can look antique, contemporary, rustic or echo a theme or locality. Materials can be stone, wood, stucco, tile or brick. A well-built fireplace will create a focal point for your landscape as well as creating a useful event to make the most of your property. Situate your fireplace where the warmth will be enjoyed and the view easily seen. Make sure it is located safely away from potentially flammable trees or structures and it is properly screened. The size of your fireplace should be scaled to its surroundings. Consider whether you want your fireplace to be the focal point of your back yard or for it to complement an already-stunning vista. A wood-burning hearth offers the natural sights, sounds and smells of a fire that gas units simply cannot match. A traditional fireplace will also produce a significant amount of smoke, and therefore must have a chimney built to strict specifications. If you want to go with a fireplace without a chimney keep in mind that embers and sparks are hard to control. For this reason, gas is the best option for this type of application. Chimneyless fireplaces are great for small yards because they won’t overwhelm the space and produce no ashes or embers, don't require a chimney and seldom require construction permits. Integrating a fireplace into your landscape is not difficult, but it does require both aesthetic and logistical considerations. Make sure the materials you use for your fireplace are the same as those used around your landscape. Look for ways to extend elements from your patio around the fireplace. For instance, if your patio is made from bricks or pavers, edge the fireplace with the same materials for a seamless look. Paint clay pots the colour of the fireplace. Adding a few potted plants around the immediate area where the fireplace sits is a subtle and easy way to complement the fireplace. You can also lay gravel around the base of the fireplace to catch any stray embers. Spread the same gravel over a plant bed leading to the fireplace to tie the look together. (Sukhmani is a Chandigarh-based interior and landscape designer)
	star track Desi touch at Golden Globe… Indian actors Tabu and Suraj Sharma walked the red carpet of the 70th annual Golden Globe awards with Oscar-winning director Ang Lee here. Their film Life of Pi was nominated in three categories, but won just one award. Tabu, known for her offbeat and intense performances, opted to stay desi at the international gala, wearing a bright red designer sari teamed with a heavily embroidered golden blouse. Debutant Suraj, 19, exuded confidence in a white shirt and formal black suit with a matching bow-tie. Suraj plays the lead in the movie, which is based on Canadian author Yann Martel's award-winning eponymous novel. It is about the journey of an Indian boy who survives a storm and is left on a life-boat with a tiger. Life of Pi won the best original score motion picture award for Mychael Danna, who pipped Alexandre Desplat (Argo), Dario Marianelli (Anna Karenina), Tom Tykwer, Johnny Klimek, Reinhold Heil (Cloud Atlas) and John Williams (Lincoln) to walk away with the prestigious trophy. — IANS
	I am real, not bold: Chitrangada Her choice of films and roles have earned her the 'bold' tag in Bollywood but actress Chitrangada Singh feels she is real and much more subtle than other heroines. "I don't think I am bold. It is not the right word. I am not physically bold but very strong headed. I am not a 'sati savitri'. I am more real in that sense and I feel that way I am bold. There are lot more bold scenes in other films done by other actresses. But I am very proud of my choices," Chitrangada said in an interview. The 36-year-old actress made a successful debut with the critically acclaimed film Hazaaron Khwaishen Aisi in 2003 and followed it up with other off-beat films like Kal: Yesterday and Tomorrow, Sorry Bhai and Yeh Saali Zindagi. And she says she is bothered by the fact that only a certain kind of roles are offered to her by some directors. "Having a particular image does bother me. I hate being boxed and have others thinking I can only be a part of certain kinds of films and do particular roles. I want to do everything and I am happy that there are good directors who are giving me something different," she says. Chitrangada officially forayed into commercial cinema with Rohit Dhawan's Desi Boyz opposite Akshay Kumar in 2011 and then followed it up with an item number in Shirish Kunder's Joker last year. "I was trying to do something different and so I did the song Kafirana. It was something that no body expected me to do. I also did a very commercial Desi Boyz. I would love to do both kind of films - commercial and off-beat. It is ideal to be in the middle and take your chances," she says. The actress has reunited with director Sudhir Mishra for the third time - after Hazaaron Khwaishen Aisi and Yeh Saali Zindagi - for her next Inkaar, which deals with the issue of sexual harassment at the work-place. — PTI
	Cooper to take mom to Oscars Actor Bradley Cooper, who recently split from girlfriend Zoe Saldana, will walk the Oscars red carpet with his mother Gloria. Copper says his mom claimed his plus-one ticket for the Academy Awards scheduled for Feb 24 long before he was even nominated in this year's best actor category. "Oh yeah, that was done. One night, when I started the profession, my mom said, 'If you ever get nominated, I am the date’," said Cooper. He was nominated for his role in Silver Linings Playbook. Cooper recently revealed his parents are his inspiration and he hopes to have a traditional family home like them. "I would say, I am a romantic, for sure. I think, most guys are deep down. I look at my parents, who have been married happily since 1963, and my grandparents are the same. What guy wouldn't want that? "I think the thought of a traditional family home is awesome. Traditional roles are becoming a thing of the past, but I think there is something still really charming about them," he said. — IANS
	Comeback preparation British singer Adele is sweating it out to give a flawless performance at the Oscars gala next month. The 24-year-old has stayed away from the stage since giving birth to her son in October 2012. This will be her first gig after becoming a mother. “Adele is petrified of her comeback performance. She's been working flat-out to perfect her performance and rebuild her confidence," said a source. “She’s been a recluse over the last year being a mum and she knows the whole world will be watching," the source added. She will belt out Skyfall theme song at the Oscars ceremony, which will take place Feb 24 in Hollywood. — IANS
	Third time lucky? Model Katie Price is ready to marry boyfriend and stripper Kieran Hayler. Although Price, 34, and Hayler, 25, have been together just for weeks, they are ready to take their relationship to the next level. "Kieran and I talked about marriage a few times and he proposed to me at Christmas over dinner. It just feels right. I know what people will say because I've heard it all before," Price said. "But life is short, so when something feels right, I just go for it," she added. Price was married to singer Peter Andre for four years before calling it quits in 2009. A year later she tied the knot with cage fighter Alex Reid, but ended their marriage within a year. — IANS
	Beyonce’s gift Singer Beyonce Knowles and husband Jay-Z have reportedly splashed 50,000 pounds on a diamond-encrusted Barbie for their daughter’s first birthday and the total expense is said to have crossed 1,30,000 pounds. Their daughter Blu Ivy turned one-year-old Jan 7 and the coupled spared no expense to make the day special for her. The couple threw a lavish theme-based party and spent 60,000 pounds on white and pink roses used for decoration and bought a cake worth 1,500 pounds.
	chatter box On the right track India’s premier lifestyle channel NDTV Good Times brings to your television screens a first of its kind auto show – Two for the Road. Auto buffs Kim Jagtiani, Indo-Canadian TV personality and Varun Mitra, model-turned TV host travel the length and breadth of the country to explore it from a never-seen-before perspective. The show revolves around Kim and Varun’s travel around different landscapes, in vehicles unique to those terrains; showcasing their journey, experiences and discovery of distinct cultures while on the road. The series will feature vehicles across categories, right from an Audi A8 to a truck, and from 500cc Thunderbird to a jet-ski. The last segment of the show will see Kim and Varun review a new automobile for the viewers. They will be seen travelling to Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Agra, Aligarh, Pune, Hyderabad, Andaman, Kolkata, Darjeeling and many more. From winning a pageant and moving to Mumbai at the young age of 19, to training in dance forms like ballet, kathak, Kim has done it all, and more. Varun Mitra is a true blue Delhi boy who loves to explore new destinations, is passionate about cars, loves good food and is a complete movie buff. The show airs every Sunday at 10 pm on NDTV Good Times.
	Seriously-comic actor Kavita Kaushik, who has taken on one more serial Tota Weds Maina after her hit show FIR, is thrilled to play the role that is opposite to her earlier one, Chautala. Here she talks about her show. Tell us about your role in Tota Weds Maina. Maina has been brought up in a loving and protected atmosphere. She believes life is about fun, party and games. She’s high on life. She is a chilled out girl. As FIR is shifting to weekends because Tota Weds Maina replaces it on weekdays, does that mean it’s on its way out? I don’t know. I don’t belong to a channel, I am an actor and it’s not my decision. As of now both shows are on. You did try the usual soaps path before you hit big with comedy. What do you have to say about it? I will try everything in life as I am an actor. I will do a documentary on wildlife if need be. I like to be in front of the camera and surprise my audience. Even if it’s a negative, serious or simple role, or even an item song. Most people play safe with characters, I don’t. But you have played safe as you have been doing FIR for seven years. What do you have to say about it? The character of FIR is so strong that to play I had to become Chautala even personally. To remove Chautala from your system and play another role is a very big job. Normal person would take a one-month vacation and erase this heavy character. FIR is not a reality show or one that involves anchoring. The channel approached me and said my dates would be managed between FIR and Tota Weds Maina. I was thrilled as I was looking for something more. What do you think is the secret of your success? If you have perseverance and talent, nothing is difficult. And hardwork of course is required.
	Jennifer takes a U-turn Buzz is that after walking out of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s debut TV production Saraswati Chandra, Jennifer Winget is back in the show. The makers had issues with her and she had opted out. But when they couldn’t find anyone suitable for the role, they got her back on board. She is also happy to be back and says that it’s a privilege to work with Bhansali. back again: Jennifer Winget
	On tube, once again... Aruna Irani is back on TV and this time again as a grandma. After her last show Main Laxmi Tere Aangan Ki where she played a modern granny, here she is a traditional one in Sanskaar. The veteran actor rues the lack of good roles. Sanskaar is yet another show based on a Gujarati family. What makes these roles so popular? I don’t think shows on Gujarati families alone become popular. There are many other communities that find favour with audiences. But perhaps Gujaratis love watching shows on their own community. As for our show Sanskaar, the story is wonderful and endearing. Tell us about the story of the show and your role. I play a traditional grandmother who has her own set of rules. She’s lovable. I can’t say much about the story of the show as it will ruin the fun for the audiences. It’s a lovely story and I hope the audiences will love it. You are doing back to back TV shows. Why? I like working and usually there aren’t many good roles to do. So when I get something which is interesting and engaging, I take it up. Why aren’t you doing films? It’s the same case with films. There are no good roles. I would love to do films but have to get good roles. What do you like to watch on TV? I hardly get time to watch TV and when I do, I generally go through all the channels.
	Shock therapy In Sony’s Anamika, Jeet (Mudit Nayar) will take Anamika (Simran Kaur) out for a walk and will cut himself by mistake. With the sight of blood, Anamika will get excited and will suck the blood. Soon the wound heals, leaving Jeet in a shock. He will then start suspecting her. A still from Anamika
	Astro turf p Khurrana ARIES: Not much out of the ordinary is likely to transpire today. Do not overload yourself with work. A relaxed night is ahead. Pearls of wisdom from an older person are valuable. Tarot message: Boost your confidence with positive thinking. Lucky colour: 38 Magic number: Aqua blue TAURUS: There are too many problems to cope with at home. Business conferences and organizational meeting can go off smoothly under your direction, building your self-esteem and professional reputation. Tarot message: Avoid a situation that may turn nasty. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 59 GEMINI: Not a particularly busy day. You’ll prefer not to share your thoughts or ideas with people from your past. If you are thinking of rekindling a past love affair, make plan for a weekend treat. Tarot message: Results are guaranteed if you stick to arrangements. Lucky colour: Navy blue. Magic number: 47 CANCER: Work wise you will be doing fine. Love life is controversial. Give more time to domestic duties. Sportsmen perform well. Good vibes abound. Love and friendship are likely to take up most of your time. Tarot message: Do not let anyone take undue advantage. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 53 LEO: You must try harder at work. Avoid speculation. A hectic day for business activities. Travel plans need a double check. Even when surrounded by friends, you may feel all alone today. Tarot message: Do not cover up your mistakes and keep emotions aside. Lucky colour: Saffron Magic number: 30 VIRGO: There will be new projects to deal with. Friends will be coming with useful ideas. Businessmen: Send your apologies in order to avoid future confrontations. Tarot message: Don’t get involved in ventures where returns are not coming anytime soon. Lucky colour: Sky blue Magic number: 31 LIBRA: Nothing is going wrong today. Home and family life run smoothly. You will get more time to do what you want. Evening favours a get together. Co-workers are controversial. Pamper yourself a little today. Tarot message: Avoid gossip sessions. Lucky colour: Orange Magic number: 36 SCORPIO: Women will get bored with their daily routine. Love life will be controversial. Your health can stand in the way of your travel plans. Think about what you are going to wear for a job interview. Tarot message: Try to get your work in order Lucky colour: Pink Magic number: 61 SAGITTARIUS: Avoid tiffs and angry words in the heat of the moment. Focus on hobbies and personal matters. Maintain your equilibrium. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from making their own conclusion. Lucky colour: Silver Magic number: 32 CAPRICORN: Overseas inquiries for business will be encouraging. Investments made in new ventures are sure to bring good dividends. You probably won’t be able to put your thoughts across. Tarot message: You are advised to focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Yellow Magic number: 29 AQUARIUS: A strong independent streak will push you to get things done your way. This might not be accepted by your partner or business colleagues, so remember to use some diplomacy and tact. Tarot message: Arrogance and pride will not be rewarded. Lucky colour: Green Magic number: 43 PISCES: The wheels of progress and action are likely to come to halt today. The vibes now call for reflection. Finish odd jobs, research new projects, but don’t try to initiate them yet. Tarot message: You need to be creative if you want to retain your grip over your business. Lucky color: Peach Magic number: 65
	The year ahead Madan Gupta Spatu If your birthday is January 15... An unusual dream prompts you to get in touch with your real side. You're highly appreciative of rich colours, soft fabrics, delicious aromas, savoury flavours, and melodious music. Depriving yourself of these finer things of life makes you jaded and depressed. This is the year of pleasure. You can't keep grinding yourself all the time. All work and no play makes anybody depressed. Help from a government agency will arrive in the nick of time. You will have to make important decisions which will make you tense and highly nervous. Do not invest in joint ventures and dubious financial schemes. Overall, a beneficial time but someone you think you can trust will let you down. Control your passion it may put your romantic alliance in jeopardy. You will suffer disappointment as recognition and rewards that you were expecting get postponed. Choose your words with care when interacting with important people. Family members will spend a happy time together. Health issues like knee pain may bother you. You will be worried about your children. Be warm and polite in your conversations as rash behaviour will create trouble for you. Pay attention to your career needs. Extravagant expenses will lead to debt. It will not be a favourable day for love partners. Couples should be patient and considerate towards each other. Learn by your own experience. Some discomforts in September are possible. Health expenses might dampen your progress. Obstacles in securing more money will be present as there will be a widening gap. Mood: Practical. Compatible signs: Libra, Sagittarius. Lucky colours: Light blue, aquamarine. Lucky days: Tuesday and Friday. Lucky numbers: 5, 11, 15, 25, 50. Neil Nitin Mukesh (January 15, 1982 Mumbai) is the son of singer Nitin Mukesh and the grandson of the late noted singer Mukesh. As a child he made appearances in Vijay (1988) and Jaise Karni Waise Bharni (1989). Neil made his movie debut with the 2007 crime thriller Johnny Gaddaar directed by Sriram Raghavan. Neil’s career will take off in 2013 when his number 6 coincides with the number of the year.