Really hooked!
Reality shows are addictive, not just for the audiences but for the contestants as well. Some do it to boost their flagging careers, some do it for popularity and others do it simply for money
Ashima Batish

Vishal Karwal Each year it leaves behind a void that isn’t easy to fill. Nothing in comparison to it seems as interesting, no love stories, no saas-bahu tussles, no family issues…For, Bigg Boss presents real entertainment culled from real emotions, real problems, real eccentricities of the contestants. If 95-days of entertainment leave the audience asking for more, it also leaves the contestants with a career high. And that’s true with participants of most of the reality shows.

Popularity of the shows does have a trickle-down effect on the contestants as well. They get fame, money and in return more reality shows which makes them the television stars. From performance-based shows to the ones which scan their personalities, these actors don’t mind undergoing the grind of the shows one after the other.

Personal equation

Take Jay Bhanushali for that matter. The actor has to his credit almost half a dozen reality shows, including the current season of Nach Baliye. His previous ones were Jhalak Dikhla Jaa as a participant, three seasons of Dance India Dance as a host and a stint in Iss Jungle Se Mujhe Bachao.

“In TV soaps, it’s your character that gets popular with the audience but people get to know the real you through reality shows.” He finds hosting the most convenient way to be part of a reality show. “I get my share of fame and fees, without practicing for hours together.”

Kashmira Shah, Shweta TewariBigger & better

The level of competition has become much tougher as compared to how it was five years back when this concept was beginning to catch the audiences’ fancy. “In Nach Baliye the judges expect the actors to dance like professional dancers. The prize money has gone up and one doesn’t mind slogging hard to win,” adds Jay who is loving the experience of working with his wife, Mahi Vij.

Saving grace

Reality shows have provided some impetus to careers of those actors who were long forgotten. Who knew Veena Malik and Ashmit Patel before Bigg Boss? In fact, Ashmit now hosts a reality show, Bindass Superstud, in which he mentors boys on how to win a girl’s heart.

A slew of reality shows worked wonders for Kashmira Shah. It began with Bigg Boss, followed by Nach Baliye, Iss Jungle Se Mujhe Bachao and Desi Girls. “It’s because of the experience I gained on those shows, now I am being able to anchor V Steal Ur Girlfriend. But hosting a reality show is not an easy job. That makes you a permanent feature on the show whereas contestants change with each episode.” She feels the responsibility increases manifold. She confesses that she hasn’t ever turned down a single reality show offer, which is why she has the maximum shows to her credit in the TV industry.

Chain reaction

Success in one reality show often opens doors for other reality shows for contestants. Vishal Karwal, who was in Bigg Boss Season 6, began his television journey with Roadies. His demeanor and ability for task performances helped him get his second show Splitsvilla and later Couple Sutra.

“One thing led to another. I didn’t plan being a part of so many reality shows but I guess the producers look for some experience while short-listing their contestants,” says Vishal.

It’s different takes for different contestants when it comes to picking up a reality show. If Gurmeet Choudhary chose Pati Patni Or Woh a couple of years back to shed the Lord Ram image that he played in Ramayan, Kashmira chose those for money. She candidly accepts, “Money matters to me. It is the sole reason why I do reality shows. I find people silly who say they are on a show to test their patience, to discover their real personalities.”

In that case, she suggests people should stay at home and give others a chance who are in need of money. A real reason to do a reality show!

Who really made it big? 

Shweta Tewari: She made her reality show debut with her ex-husband, Raja Chaudhary on Nach Baliye, went on to do Iss Jungle Se Mujhe Bachao and won the season four of Bigg Boss. Even Raja Chaudhary was in Bigg Boss.

Juhi Parmar: From being a winner of Bigg Boss 5 to becoming a finalist in Pati Patni Or Woh to doing comedy shows, Comedy Circus 2 and Hans Baliye, to dance reality show Nach Baliye, she has been seen in any possible format of reality shows in India.

Rahul Mahajan: He became a household name with Bigg Boss, garnered enough TRPs for Imagine TV’s Rahul Ka Swayamver and now is shaking a leg with his wife Dimpy in Nach Baliye. 

 

Theme for a dream
Jasmine Singh

It didn’t come easy. Michael Uslan, the producer of the Hollywood film Batman had seen the door closing in his face. What kept him going with his set of crazy ideas was his faith in himself. Who said it was fun and easy dishing out money from the account and see it changing hands, some who utilize it just and some who do not. With Rahulinder Singh Sidhu, CEO of the newly formed RSG Studios, a production house, nothing will be looked as a matter of fact.

Handling many ventures at a time, Rahul Sidhu group now decides to take a plunge into film production, and he sure has a five-year plan. Adds Rahul, who wouldn’t sit comfortably with the tag of a ‘producer’. “If you are looking for a producer who spends, I am not the one. I am a creative producer who has a vision and who wouldn’t compromise on quality,” he adds.

Cut to Punjab

RSG Studios plans to make five films in the first year of their operation. Their first Punjabi film goes on the floor from February. Shares Rahul, who has researched for a complete year before venturing in this, “I understand that the number of producers in Punjab have grown. What we need is professionalism in this field. With RSG Studios we will not be compromising on anything.”

Rahul promises to offer the best in the field of filmmaking—from technicians to equipment to creative assistance. “We have a panel on every aspect of filmmaking that assists in smooth functioning along with the team.”

Launch pad

The production house will be producing three Punjabi films back-to-back. The idea is not just about funding. “I would want to raise the standard of Punjabi films and bring it at par with Bollywood films. The Punjabi films will be family entertainers, and I would make sure that every movie is a launch pad for a new face,” says Rahul, who is already in talks with the Bollywood actors and veterans for Punjabi movies. The Bollywood film under their production house has a Punjabi theme. “It will be a romantic movie that will remind the audiences of their college days. I don’t like being part of the popular trend, comedy. My movies will have situational comedy which is used aptly,” he shares. The fifth movie of the production house is a Hindi remake of a south Indian flick.

Market value

Rahul plans to bring a change in this area as well. “Bollywood movies have a budget allocated for marketing. If not equivalent to that, we need to raise our standards of marketing,” he adds.

Wisdom of words
Book Bug Club aims at inculcating reading habit among children
Poonam Bindra

This enterprising city is known for many ‘firsts’ but the latest initiative sure demands attention. When the reading habit of children is becoming rare, thanks to the gizmos available, what does an enthusiastic mom do? She does what Reena Kaushal and her friend Preeti did!

These two enterprising women recently launched a Book Bug Club to inculcate the love for reading among children. The groups are made according to age—-6 to 8 years old and another for 8 to 10 years. The kids are given books to read for a month and then they are quizzed on the contents of the book in the next get-together. It becomes fun and a sense of comradeship prevails as there are many small prizes to collect as well.

“My daughter is a brilliant student but the teachers and I felt that she needs to read more, so the idea of this club came up and the number of children joining in such a short a time is a wonderful development,” shares Reena.

The books are on different topics – novel or a comic series or on a great personality. At this particular meeting the children were given The Life of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

The meeting was held at International school of Etiquette. The bonanza was a practical talk cum-demo on etiquette and manners in daily life by its director Roopa Pahwa.

The accompanying mothers too were given a small update on parenting. Reena hopes to reach out to more and more children though they find it tough to source so many books from the city.

“Maybe it would be an incentive for the book stores as well,” she says.

GYAN ZONE
Changing scenario
Sixteen artists, sixteen subjects! But what connects them together is their perception of change in life and their surroundings
Jasmine Singh

art mart: Artists showcase their works at the Museum of Fine Arts, Panjab University. The weather is warming up, just a wee bit. The wind caresses the trees, leaves wither away saying goodbye to a complete life cycle. Something around has changed. And it is this change that gives velocity to strokes of the brush. It is this change that sets the mood of the canvas and of the artists who have gathered with their works at Museum of Fine Arts, Panjab University. It is the Group Show 16, holding the frames of 16 artists who have depicted the change in their lives and their understanding of the surroundings.

She has captured woman and the complexities that she has to deal with everyday. Veena Karki is an artist and a teacher in Gurgaon. Originally from Uttranchal, she has been painting for almost 15 years now, the change that a woman has gone, the complexity of her mind, the lustful desire that she feels sometimes. Nayika, that' her theme and she manages to capture those intricacies beautifully.

Change undeniably is the rule by which everything operates in life, and it is by this rule that artists also operate on their canvas. The colours change shades, forms disappear and reappear…

art mart: Artists showcase their works at the Museum of Fine Arts, Panjab University. Archana Yadav from Bhopal depicts the same in her work, Behind the White Spaces. "There are so many things and incidents in life, which we ignore. Each day we are entangled in so many thoughts, some we choose to care about and some we don't. My work points towards what goes on behind the space," she says.

Working as a freelance artist, Archana is aware of how her understanding of the world has brought about a change in her work. "I used to use fiery colours, now I have turned subtle."

This Group Show brings works of artists like Bheem Malhotra, his Vibrations of Spring. Sangeeta Gupta with her untitled oil on canvas, Abid Hadi and his mix-media on canvas, The God Particlean Enigma and many more.

Pradeep Verma from Jaipur brings in his story of transition and his work The Budhha. "I was painting other subjects, but soon I realised I wasn't happy with what I was doing. This is when I decided to move towards spirituality and came across Budhha as a subject. I have found bliss in my work, which would probably reflect in my paintings as well."

Indeed an artist paints nothing more than a reflection of his or her thoughts, brings to life the observations that we tend to ignore with our naked eye. Geetha Ramasesh lives this thought in her untitled oil on canvas. She captures those things and species in colour that we tend to ignore. Like a squirrel or a small paper cutting!

Padmini Mehta who is originally from Benaras and now settled in Delhi finds it difficult to ignore the major influences around us-- nature. She uses different techniques to show her concern for nature. "From landscape to cityscape, now I am trying to bring forth the real essence of cities, irrespective of their nature in my work," she says. It is change that keeps the canvas alive and the imagination of these artists too.

CELEB POINT
Life is beautiful 
Divya Dutta

Chalo back to Punjab! Teri Amrita, my play with Om Puri comes to Ludhiana and Patiala on January 18 and 20. How beautiful it is to do what you enjoy the most, acting and that too among your own people, among whom you've grown up! I am so excited to perform in Punjab!

This past week has been a journey, within and outside. I went to Jaipur with my mother for a 3 day event and saw Jaipur like never before. The entire Jaigrh fort was hired for the event and lit up with lamps like it must have been in its times. Elephants, camels, Rajasthani folk singers and dancers, it seemed I had gone back into time, into the era of kings and queens. Majestic, royal, beautiful, every courtyard had a theme. I was in my Indian attire and I felt like a queen literally! Being an actor has its assets too. Sometimes we get to see places and things which you normally wouldn't be able to.

Like whenever I've seen the beautiful Jalmahal right in the middle of a lake, I wished someday I could go in there. But for this event, we were taken inside the Jalmahal through boats for a visit! It was an awesome palace with folksingers singing. I felt so beautiful and peaceful!

It's lovely to travel places, see them for what they are in their beauty and grandeur. But before I unpack, its time to pack again for Punjab and prepare for the cold there! Wonder how l lived so many years bearing the biting cold there! I cover myself in blankets even in Mumbai. As of now, all excited to meet friends, family and acquaintances.

(Dutta is a Bollywood actor)

Par Excellence
Putting: length of stroke
Jesse Grewal

The length of the putting stroke varies between different players and styles. Some believe in a long follow through and others seem to have a very short follow through. The length of the putting stroke has also changed or evolved with the change of the speed of the putting green. As the green mowing equipment has improved coupled with the development of types of grasses with short internodes, the speed of the greens have got much faster than they were three decades back.

There are three basic styles of putting—the 'pusher', the 'stroker' and the 'hitter'. The 'pusher' is one with a short backswing and a long follow through. This was the predominant style when the greens were slow. If the course you play on has slow greens then this could be a preferred style. This also works well on short putts.

The 'stroker' has an almost equal backswing to follow through ratio. A large number of golfers adopt this method. The backswing is longer than the first one and the rate of acceleration of the putter is slower. This stroke has good rhythm.

The 'hitter' has an apparently long backswing and a short follow through. This is a style used by some good modern players who putt on very fast greens. The basic concept is that as the putter head hits the ball it transfers its kinetic energy to the ball and therefore has very little residual energy to have a follow through. This motion is scientifically repeatable as the small muscles in the forearms are passive and let the bigger shoulder muscles create the stroke. This is also very effective in 'lag' putting or getting the ball close to the hole from a longer distance on the green.

The basic confusion starts with the over emphasis on accelerating the putter too much. An early acceleration at the start of the backswing or too long a backswing could lead to a deceleration near impact as the player perceives that the ball could go too far. Too short a backswing could lead to too much acceleration by using the small muscles and a stroke which does not have repeatable speed control.

(Grewal has coached several national champions and professionals apart from being coach of the Indian golf team for the Eisenhower Cup (World Cup) in 2008. He is currently the Director of National Golf Academy of India and CGA Hero Honda Golf Academy. If you have any queries get in touch with him at parexcellence@tribunemail.com

Coffee & company

The warm interiors of Cuupa is quite inviting. Bring alive the old traditions, albeit with the modern twist of innovative blends with Cuppa, India's largest chain of franchisee format café's. Cuppa promises an eclectic mix of food and beverages to keep everyone happy.

"Our new store in Sector 7 is the 40th in the country and we look forward to expanding in Haryana too," says Sushil Kumar, retail head, Concorde Cuppa Beverages Pvt Ltd.

Trying to touch new heights in the Quick Service Restaurant segment, Cuppa brings with it its specialty, large variety of beverages and freshly made food to suit the palate of the customers. Cuppa offers innovative range of national to international tea and coffee, cold beverages, mouth watering snacks from sandwiches to burgers to samosas and freshly-made food like soups, salads, pastas, sizzlers, noodles and rice bowls.

Cuppa maintains a standard theme at each of its Café - vibrant colours and comfortable seating to provide people a place where they can unwind or refresh themselves over a chat or a meeting. 'All convenience under one roof' is Cuppa's maxim. It includes free Wi-Fi, games, music, and a large screen to enjoy a cricket match or your favourite programme. —TNS

GET PHYSICAL
Strengthen your Spine
Vishal Thukral

It is widely known that the benefits of exercise include improvement of cardiovascular conditioning, flexibility and muscle strength. What is not known is that exercise is not necessarily working up a sweat and lifting heavy weights. Regardless of your condition, improving your posture through spinal exercises should be an important part of your fitness regime.

Spinal exercises, correctly performed are some of the best preventive measures one can take to circumvent back disorders.

One of the best ways to help your back become healthy and stay healthy and pain free is to start a regular exercise programme that increases the flexibility and strength of the muscles that support the spine. The following is a list of few exercises recommended for strengthening the spine.

Tabletop

Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Raise one leg at a time in the air, keeping your knees bent 90 degrees, as if your legs formed a table top. Hold this position 10-15 seconds, then lower one leg at a time back to the starting position. Keep your abdominals firm so that your back is completely still throughout the exercise. Repeat 4-6 times.

Bridging

Knees bent and feet flat on the floor as above with your heels spaced comfortably from your bottom. Raise your bottom upward, slowly lifting one vertebra at a time from your exercise mat. Continue lifting your bottom upward until there is a straight line from your shoulders to your knees. Hold this position 10-15 seconds. Think of reaching your knees forward over your ankles as you hold the bridge. Repeat 4-6 times.

Forearm plank

Lying on your stomach, rest on your forearms with your elbows directly under your shoulders. Press through your shoulder blades until they are spaced wide on your back (instead of being pinched together). Lift your chest so your upper back doesn't round up. Tighten your abdominals to lift your waist off the floor and make a straight line from the top of your head to your knees. Hold this position 10-15 seconds and then lower your waist to the floor. Repeat 4-6 times.

Airplaning

From hands and knees position, extend your left leg behind you. Straighten your knee and hold your leg straight out from your hip. Hold your trunk steady as if there was a cup of coffee balancing on your back. Hold your left leg up as you reach your right arm forward, maintaining a steady trunk. Hold 3-4 seconds and reach as far as you are able with your left leg and your right foot. Lower your arm and leg and then switch to the opposite side. Four to six reps each side, 3-4 second hold at the top.

(Thukral is an aerobic fitness trainer)

TRENDSETTER
Suit yourself

 Prateel Chhatwal The desire to look trendy and a-la-mode is an integral part of youth culture. And with the global exposure the youth of today has choices aplenty. B. Tech student Prateet Chhatwal shares her views--

Your sense of style?

Real style is choosing a particular trend and adapting the style which gels with one's own persona. What looks good on others may not look good on me. So, for me suitability is the main focus.

Latest addition to your treasure of clothing or accessories...

A fur jacket in grey and golden from Marks & Spencer.

Brand crazy or street pick-up?

Both, depending on the look!

Who would be your style icon?

Sonam Kapoor for the unconventional look and Vidya Balan for the traditional look.

Who do you think is the worst-dressed celebrity?

Hmmmm! Can't think of anyone. Everyone has their own style!

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

Chic is the best option!

One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension?

Printed Zebra type slacks in electric colours.

Your take on accessories?

Accessories should only complement the look and not overwhelm one's apparel.

What gives you a high on the confidence level?

When I am happy with my look and what I am wearing, I feel confident.

— As told to Poonam Bindra

star track
Shooting star 
Sonakshi Sinha has worked in several Rs 100 crore films in two years! She talks about her career...

Sonakshi SinhaJourney

It has been a whirlwind journey between the two Dabangg I and 2. Nothing has changed on many fronts. Salman and his family still treat me like a baby as I have known them since my teenage years. Salman is a straightforward guy and never shies of telling me anything. I have to pinch myself to remind that all this is for real.

Hits

I have to thank my stars for the hit films I have done. I have been very lucky with my movies. Dabangg was the best start ever. Films make more money today because business has grown. The 100 crore club is a new phenomenon.

Shooting

I love shooting continuously. I get restless if I am not shooting for 2-3 days. I don't know what to do with myself if I get a break from shooting. I want people to talk about my work. I don't care about partying and I don't even care about making friends though I have made some good ones in the industry. I feel like I should have started acting much earlier.

Holiday

I recently went to Thailand for five days and did nothing except lying on the beach all the day and getting tanned. I was working for a year so I deserved that break.

Next films

You will see me in Lootera, the Thupakki remake, the sequel to Once Upon a Time in Mumbai and Bullet Raja: all releasing this year. I choose movies by putting myself in the shoes of the audience!

SRK, Arjun hug and patch up!

Here is good news for all. Shah Rukh Khan has finally patched up with his good friend Arjun Rampal. Shah Rukh and Arjun had a fall out and following which both stopped interacting with each other. But now all seems to be well between the two as they have mended their differences. It all happened at an award function last week.

It was Shah Rukh who extended the olive branch. At an award function, Shah Rukh spotted Arjun Rampal outside the venue talking to Chunky Pandey. The superstar came out for some reason and saw Arjun chatting with Chunky. He came forward to Arjun, chatted with him, hugged him and both broke the ice.

Their friendship dates back to Om Shanti Om days. Later they worked in few movies together. Personally as well as professionally they were very close. Arjun was part of SRK's camp and gradually their proximity grew.

According to an eye-witness, "Shah Rukh left the stage after his performance and went backstage. He had parked his vanity van near the exit so that he could change quickly." When Shah Rukh came out of his vanity van, Arjun who was standing outside waved to SRK. SRK, who was surrounded by his bodyguards waved back at him, according to the eye witness. SRK joined the two.

Rekha Bhardwaj: I love Vishal as a creative person

Vishal & Rekha Bhardwaj Singer and filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj's wife Rekha got nostalgic as she recalled their old days together and showered praises on him. She also praised his latest film Matru Ki Bijlee Ka Mandola (MKBKM).

"I love Vishal as a person; I met him as a student. We grew together amidst music. I love him as a genuine creative, sensitive, passionate human being, a man of his word. MKBKM is about his awareness about the world we are living in," she said.

"The way he has blended nukkad-natak form with film storytelling is amazing. It needs lot of understanding of theatre and film mediums to make a film like this one," she added.

I will not marry a TV or film actor: Ekta

Ekta Kapoor Ekta Kapoor's Ragini MMS is aimed at entertaining women. She talks about her film plans and marriage preferences.

Ragini MMS 2

It is a date with horror film and it caters to both men and women. Except for Sunny Leone, the cast is new. We have cast good-looking and desirable men so women like the movie as well. Women can unabashedly enjoy adult content.

Films

Right now, I would call myself a flash in the pan instead of a successful producer. I will release films over two years. The so-called adult films are being made under ALT Entertainment. I am diversifying my company. I have to achieve a little more before I become a successful producer.

Marriage

My parents are very keen that I get married so I am telling them to give me time. I know that I will not marry a film or television actor. I don't know whom I will marry. I have left it to God. You cannot plan these things.

Bless thy soul!

Sunny Leone Sunny Leone is shooting for Ekta Kapoor's film which is the sequel to Ragini MMS. Sunny Leone was present for the aarti at the Siddhivinayak Temple to mark an auspicious start for the film. It may be noted that Hanuman Chalisa had been added to the original Ragini MMS to dispel evil.

Auspicious moment: Sunny Leone

No dialogues

Milind Soman plays an observant Muslim gangster in David and he keeps repeating godly words under his breath. He doesn't have one single dialogue from the start until the end. The film is out in February.

Hate list

Karan Johar hates animated movies. He does not understand how people can watch and like animated movies. maybe that is why the animated version of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai has been shelved.

Together again

AKSHAY KUMAR & KATRINA KAIF Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif are among the biggest hit pairs of our time. Their last movie together was Tees Maar Khan and now they are working together in the remake of Ramana. This film will be directed by M Raja.




HOT PAIR: AKSHAY KUMAR & KATRINA KAIF

The end

Sonam Kapoor Apparently, it was Sonam Kapoor who called it quits with Punit Malhotra as she had grown out of the relationship with him. They avoided each other at a recent party. They began dating during I Hate Luv Storys.

Break up: Sonam Kapoor

Play mate

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan Aishwarya Rai Bachchan reserves two hours in the evening to play with Aaradhya and this time is not negotiable at all. This makes Abhishek admire Ash even more because she is such a dedicated mother.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

 

chatter box
It’s showtime for Jay

Jay Soni played the lovable Ishaan in Sasuraal Genda Phool and now he is looking forward to playing the darling son yet again in his new show Sanskaar. He talks about his show and role …

How was the shooting experience in the US?

Everything was wonderful. It was really cold. We had no option but to shoot. Once out of the car, within 10 seconds one would start shivering. It was windy as well. It was tough but we managed. We shot mostly in New York and New Jersey for 18-20 days.

Why did you choose the show, Sanskaar?

The concept is good and I had decided after Sasuraal Genda Phool, I would pick up something nice. Not just anything for the heck of it. It is a different show in terms of character, presentation and story. It has been shot like a film which you will see in the first episode. 

What can you tell us about your role?

I am playing the role of Jaikishan who is a family oriented guy. He’s a pure Indian at heart. The dialogues will touch your heart and of every Indian who is living overseas. Memorising dialogues is easy for me. I don’t know why I wasn’t like that when I was studying.

Sasuraal Genda Phool was your first show as a lead, how do you think it benefited you?

SGP has given me a lot. It helped me make a place for myself in the industry. Initially I was scared as everyone was an established, popular actor including Ragini (Khanna) but then I got into the groove. TV is ruled by women so for a boy to stand out is tough. What can you do at the most? When people remember you they say he was opposite that heroine. I was worried about getting lost in the show. I followed my director’s vision and guidelines. I didn’t try to look like a hero. I feel you should be the character, which makes you the hero. Gradually the show clicked with people and they liked my character Ishaan.

Being a Gujarati, how is it to shoot with most Gujju actors on sets?

Wonderful! We all talk in Gujarati though we are told by the production house to talk in Hindi. We do that for few minutes and then get back to conversing in Gujarati.

Family issues

A still from Yeh Rishta... In an upcoming episode of Yeh Rishta Kya Kahlata Hai, Naitik will witness an emotional outburst triggered from the helplessness he felt for not being able to save Naksh. Also, Gayatri while expressing her motherly concern for Naitik, asks him to rest, but it backfires and makes Naitik rather irritated.



A still from Yeh Rishta...

Post the break

Neha Marda After getting married to a businessman, Neha Marda quit her show Balika Vadhu and travelled across the world. Now, Neha seems to be in the mood to return to the television for which she will start looking for work soon.



time to work: Neha Marda 

Dance on their mind

A still from Talash-e-Baliye Last weekend, Terence and Rahul Mahajan were seen shaking a leg while encouraging the audience to take part in Talash-e-Baliye in Mumbai. The contest was held to select the 12th couple from the audience to be a part of the celebrity dance reality show. During the event, Rahul and Terence taught the audience the signature step of Nach Baliye.

A still from Talash-e-Baliye 

Taste of reality

Sanya Irani Sanaya Irani has been chilling since her show Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon ended. But of late shooting for Life OK’s Welcome: Baazi Mehmaan Nawaazi Ki has been fun for her. Though there were reports that she is considering a new show, she claims otherwise.



what’s cooking: Sanya Irani

Richa is still around

Richa Soni Popularly known as Bindiya of Bhagyavidhaata, Richa Soni seemed to have disappeared. However, she is expected to soon return to TV in Ravi Ojha's next serial. The buzz is that she will play a typical Indian bahu with a mysterious past.


New look: Richa Soni

Astro turf
p Khurrana

ARIES: Your card brings a gracious influence in your life. You are likely to face several interruptions which will make it difficult for you to stay on schedule. Singles should be cautious about new relationships. Tarot message: Don’t reveal your plans to your competitors. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 27.

TAURUS: You draw Two of Wands to invoke mental power and intelligence to achieve professional goals. Work will be smooth sailing and your analysis of current projects will be appreciated by colleagues. Tarot message: You shall prevent a lot of trouble by taking timely action. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 35

GEMINI: You are awakened and energised by fiery Knight of Wands. Your creative abilities will be at peak and your innovative ideas will gain recognition. Romantic relationships can benefit from communication. Tarot message: Don’t reveal your plan of action to anyone. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 27.

CANCER: The Ace of Pentacles leads to actualisation of personal and professional plans. You may be restless and might make changes to your routine but you need to spend time to define the changes you want to implement. Tarot message: Don’t do anything at the cost of health. Lucky colour: Jade. Magic number: 29

LEO: The Lovers inspire you with love and creativity today. If you have spent time finalising the details of your pet projects, now is the time to take the initiative and implement your plans. Romantic relationships can be intense. Tarot message: Be true to yourself. Lucky colour: Golden Yellow. Magic number: 46

VIRGO: Two of Wands spin in luck. You may be in an irritable mood and could react aggressively when faced with dissenting views. Chance encounters could lead to interesting opportunities. Tarot message: Take one step at a time and avoid being over anxious. Lucky colour: Purple.  Magic number: 55

LIBRA: You draw The Ace of Wands which puts you through a touching and transforming personal experience. Caring conversation and heart-to-heart talks flow easily. Control your emotions. Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far. Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic number: 26

SCORPIO: The Priestess infuses pure and exalted influences in your life. Applying for a dream job? You might just get through with your track record and qualifications. Your love life will be good. Tarot message: Do not expect too much from others. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 52.

SAGITTARIUS: The Wheel of Fortune spins in some good fortune and emotional abundance. You may be unable to concentrate on your tasks at work. Tarot message: Lack of confidence or lack of caution can leave you in losses; so be confident. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 43.

CAPRICORN: You card gives you self-esteem and a good feeling about yourself today. Work will be a smooth sailing and your ability to get things done will be appreciated by colleagues. Tarot message: Don't make hasty decisions as it could lead to waste of time. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 41.

AQUARIUS: Your card is reversed, so be careful. You will be enthusiastic about developments at work but take out time to listen to colleagues as they can help you fine-tune your plans. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish tasks, which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Bottle green. Magic number: 32.

PISCES: It is a day of change, whether you want it or not. You may be feeling irritable and restless and could lose your temper very fast. Tarot message: You will receive a useful tip at the stock exchange which can be put to profitable use. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 44

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is January 16...

Financial gain from a business partnership or legacy will allow you to buy a few luxuries. It feels wonderful to go shopping without worrying about paying the bills. If you have everything you need, think about going for an overseas trip. Visiting a spiritual hub can be uplifting. You're growing tired of the material world and its values. It will be a relief to surround yourself with people who are also seeking peace and wisdom. As far as investment matters are concerned, try to avoid investing money from January 2013- March 2013. Except this period, other months will be quite good for investment but try to invest in realistic projects. Take decisions wisely and logically before investing.

 2013 will be marked with moderate relationship. Chances of disputes are foreseen; however, you can find suitable ways to make the year a positive one. More travel will be possible. You will be able to secure yourself from any negative influences by adopting spiritual practices. Some sacrifice may be the need of the moment. Searching for positive results will be the order of the day. You will have a wonderful opportunity to change your life in June. Possibility of receiving a large sum of money which you had not expected is indicated during last months of the year. You may meet someone by chance, who will probably become a great friend. In September, you would be lucky in the financial field. You may be surprised to see that the days to come will be extremely beneficial. Soon all your misfortunes, debts and lack of money will be a distant memory. Destiny has ordained that you will benefit from this amazing time. Do not miss out on unexpected opportunities. Be sure you take full advantage of them. Good health and energy are ensured before the end of January. Your vitality will be quite helpful. You may have good physical and mental health. Health consciousness will prevail. Professional travel for new opportunities could be in the offing. Mood: In need of subtlety.

Compatible signs: Libra, Scorpio.
Lucky colours: Fire brick, cyan.
Lucky days: Tuesday and Sunday.
Lucky numbers: 2, 5, 17, 27, 75.

Kabir BediKabir Bedi (January 16, 1946, Punjab) began his career in Bollywood, worked in Hollywood and became a star in Europe.

In the James Bond film Octopussy, he played the villain Gobinda who battled Roger Moore. He starred in The Bold And The Beautiful, the second most-watched television show in the world.

Kabir has acted in over 60 films. Kabir will again shine in 2014 as per stars but will not have a settled family life.





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