Ring leader
From personalised messages to popular film songs to weird sounds, ring tones are getting fancier and wackier

Jasmine Singh

The sound of a baby crying cuts through the silence. Everyone immediately turn their heads to locate the source. The crying wouldn’t stop. And then someone pulls out a mobile from his leather jacket, looks at the mobile and flashes an embarrassing smile at the people around.

If you think this is one odd case of a ring tone that’s bizarre, wait till you hear a phone that says ‘You dare ignore my call’ or something like, ‘Pick me baby one more time.’

The world of caller tunes and ring tones just got fancier, weirder and more interesting. From personalised messages, popular filmi songs, religious tones to hit international numbers, just about everything makes for a tune.

Getting personal

A ring tone that can in a way tell what you are thinking, what you stand for, your attitude and your preferences. If there is a whole lot of crowd that doesn’t use any ring tone or caller tone, another lot prefers to keep it entertaining. From an official tune that says thank you for calling XYZ to recorded messages Hey buddy, what’s up can we have a little chat, personalised tunes are preferred by the corporates and entrepreneurs.

Sunit Malhotra, working in a Chandigarh-based bank, was finally convinced to put up a personalised caller tune. “I used to get a lot of crank calls, in fact I was attending to wrong numbers almost everyday,” he laughs. “My friend asked me to put a tune that says ‘Thank you for calling Sunit’, so now anyone who call me knows who it is on the other end.”

One for entertainment

It is interesting and sometimes a good time pass to hear an interesting tune at the other end. The possibilities of how and when you can use ring tones have increased. You can simply have different ring tones for your diverse contacts. In this way when the phone rings you’ll know who is calling even before you pick up the phone? Other than this the incoming ring tones, ring back tones are the latest craze. As per Airtel Mobitude 2012 North India sees a 40 per cent jump in customers accessing devotional content on mobile phones with 400 per cent customers tuning-in to listen to the live content on their mobile phones this year. So much so in the entertainment space, hit Punjabi number Jeende Rahe of the popular album Saturday Night featured in the top 15 Hello Tunes in the country and topped the charts in the category of Punjabi Hello Tunes followed by the title track Jaane of the movie Jaane. In the music downloads category, popular number Kata Rutla scored maximum downloads followed by the song Dariye Kartar Tion.

Supreet Aujla, a Punjabi actress changes her ring tone every month. “It depends on my mood, sometime I am in a sing a song mood and this is when I like to put Justin Beiber’s Baby Baby. When I am cranky I have this very funny tune, which I downloaded that says Stay Back,” she adds with a word of advice. “Put religious tunes only if you understand these.”

Oh that’s funny

When we are choosy about everything in life why not a ring tone? Funny and absurd ring tones catch the fancy of many... A wife yelling, a Harley Davidson revving up, a mother warning. Diljot Khurana, a tattoo artist from Ludhiana, goes a step ahead with putting a tune of a mother reprimanding his son for going to discotheques. “Some of my friends call just to listen to it. It blows the wits out of them,” he says.

Get wacky
with these ring tones

Buri nazar waley tera mauh kala
C’mon c’mon pick up the phone. Don’t be a lazy bum
Hardly Davidson engine rev sound
Dogs barking
Kithey reh gaye janaab

They are the best!
Dolly Ahluwalia and Ayushmann Khurrana pick up Best Actress in a Supporting Role and Best Debut awards respectively and share their moment of glory 
Mona

Chandigarh was made proud by two artistes, Dolly Ahluwalia Tiwari and Ayushmann Khurrana, who collected their Screen Awards 2013 for Best Actress in a Supporting Role and Best Debut, respectively, for the film Vicky Donor. Back after collecting the trophy, Dolly Ahluwalia Tewari is jubilant. In a freewheeling chat, Dolly, the acclaimed costume designer shares her life:

Memorable moment

I feel honoured to receive the recognition from the masters of Bollywood. It has boosted my appetite for rich work. My best award, however, has been audiences’ feedback. People from different age groups, class or backgrounds have appreciated the act. The young say, ‘You are the best mom’, mother-in-laws say ‘We also want to have a similar relationship like the one you portrayed with our daughters-in-law, men folk joke sade naal kado peeyongen. The response has been phenomenal.

Success story

I credit Shoojit Sircar and Juhi Chaturvedi for Vicky Donor’s success. We were walking the razors edge and a little here or there would have landed the film in the C-grade category. The feedback on sets was instant and significant.

Small steps

There has always been an actor in me. I have had roles, albeit small ones in films like Love Aaj Kal, Yahaan and Aloo Chaat. Mudda: The Issue was one remarkable film in which I played a Haryanavi politician. A lovely film it was with an impressive cast but sadly it did not reach the audience.

Punjabi streak

I implore you to see Sadi Love Story. Punjabi cinema is passing through a great phase and it’s on our shoulders to give it a warm welcome.

Midnight’s stroke

I am going to Midnight’s Children’s premiere on 31st of this month. I have seen all of Deepa’s films ; I find it her best till date. Costume designing for this one has been hugely challenging and equally gratifying for me .

Offers galore

Oh yes! I have been flooded with roles similar to the one I played in Vicky Donor but I have made a conscious decision not to repeat myself. Currently, I am working in a film with Shashant Shah and Rahat Kazmi. I am also doing a cameo in Ayan Mukerji’s film.

mona@tribunemail.com

Ayushmann KhuranaPackage deal
As Ayushmann Khurana walked to collect his trophy at the 19th Annual Colors Screen Awards 2013, it was his onscreen mum who whistled and cheered. The ‘complete package’ is how he is referred to by Dolly Ahluwalia Tiwari. He felt special when he got the Best Debut award.

“It is difficult for a non-filmy background actor to break ground,” shares Ayushmann. The biggest challenge has been the shift from anchoring to acting. The journey has been long and circuitous but Ayushmann has enjoyed all of it. He has also bagged Filmfare nomination for Best Male Playback Singer, and, guess what, he is a fab dancer too. What is the closest to his heart? “I would say my acting is way more than singing. Though, I am taking singing seriously now.”

Do check him out in the upcoming film Nautanki Saala and Hamara Bajaj. Yash Raj Films’ untitled project, endorsements and more. Clearly, he has his hands full. 

Alba's Golden Globes necklace worth $ 5.8 million?

Jessica Alba Hollywood star Jessica Alba's sparkling diamond necklace that she wore at the Golden Globes is reportedly worth $ 5.8 million.

The 31-year-old actress looked elegant in a peach Oscar de la Renta gown. She completed the glamorous look with Harry Winston's platinum and round diamond stud earrings and a pear-shaped diamond cluster ring.

The Fantastic Four star was also one of the evening's presenters. — PTI

Mamma Mariah

	Happy family: Mariah Carey, Nick Cannon with kids Singer Mariah Carey, the mother of 20-month-old twins Moroccan and Monroe, is thoroughly enjoying motherhood. "Every moment is incredible and a blessing. I was performing in Sydney and I brought them (twins) out on stage because I want them to have these experiences. Some might disagree with that, but I know Monroe especially was going to love it. She didn't want to get off the stage," said Mariah.

She, who is married to Nick Cannon, admits that career was her first priority, but now she loves being a mom.

"Motherhood is an amazing thing. I never thought I would experience it because I always said I don't think I would do it because my career was always my life, but when you find the right person..." she said

The 42-year-old finds juggling her parenting duties with her American Idol judging role a challenge, but admits it is better than working in studios on new music.

"It's super difficult. It's really exhausting, but this isn't the most exhausting part. The best part is when everything runs smoothly.

"You come to work, do your job and go home like more of a normal person than someone who is in a studio for 18 hours, which would be me," she said. — IANS

Work over health

Keira Knightley Actress Keira Knightley says she suffered a certain disease while she was busy working. But she did not realise the seriousness of the matter until her health got worse.

She is said to have suffered a lung infection and had chest pain and breathing problems. It got worse when she was in the middle of a play's rehearsals in 2012. "You do period films and you get some sort of weird archaic disease. And I didn't realise, so I went on for another month. I just stupidly never went to a doctor," said Knightley in an interview.

"I was rehearsing for this play and then I found in rehearsals it got so bad that I couldn't stand up any more. And they said: 'Please, can you go to the doctor," said the actress, who was seen in the film Anna Karenina last year. — IANS

All is well

Anurag Kashyap and Amitabh Bachchan have apparently buried the hatchet. Anurag recently shot for a short film with Amitabh, as part of a compilation of short stories being put together as an experiment. “Shot with @SrBachchan today . Awesome fun. His childlike enthusiasm blew everyone. Crew in awe.. Details later..” Kashyap tweeted. Amitabh Bachchan also enjoyed the shoot. “A shoot with Anurag Kashyap, and an evening spent in creative discussion .. exhilarating !! Need more such ... starved for it !!” the 70-year-old updated.

The two had differences as Anurag had accused Amitabh of using his star-power to promote his son Abhishek Bachchan starrer Khelein Him Jee Jaan Sey and delayed the release of his film Chittagong.

Mustafa on move

Noted Pakistani crooner Mustafa Zahid has been snapped up by Vishesh Films for a third soundtrack. Zahid shot to fame with his hit numbers Toh Phir Aao and Tera Mera Rishta from the Mohit Suri-directed Awarapan. Thereafter he rendered Jo Tere Sang, Gunaah and Teri Yaadon Mein from the recent Vishal Mahadkar-directed Blood Money.

He has been recently contracted to sing Hum Jee Lenge in the forthcoming Murder 3. Mahesh Bhatt confirms, "The rise and rise and rise of Mustafa Zahid...... this is our third film with the enigmatic, cross-border talent who is the driving force of the Roxen band. Like all his previous renditions, we're certain that the 'additional' number which he has contributed to Murder-3 is all set to become a sure shot chart-buster."

"Vishesh Films is like a second home for me. I feel privileged to be a continuing part of a company, which is synonymous with chart-busting music," says Zahid.

artist’s studio
Brushing up an ideology
Nonika Singh

He may have spent half of his lifetime in cities more precisely in Chandigarh, but veteran artist Malkit Singh whose works are in the collection of prestigious museums like the Museum and Art Gallery, Chandigarh and a museum in Egypt, has never been able to bid adieu to his village Lande, near Moga district. Wherever he goes be it the Triennale or Japan where he participated in a workshop recently, his pind tags along. Actually it lives within him, breathes inside and often spurts across by way of forceful images.

No wonder it has always occupied a permanent space on his canvas. The forms might have changed from rural landscapes to goats to images of his family to the Sufi poet Bulle Shah, those crucial memories of childhood have always remained with him and permeated through his works. Except, perhaps now, when he has paused to paint none other than the revolutionary martyr Shaheed Bhagat Singh.

Painting the hero

It has not really been an accident. Malkit an avid reader had always browsed through literature on the great patriot and had been suitably impressed. Only in recent times a small news report piqued him no end and made him wonder--why is it that different political parties perceive Bhagat Singh differently. As he wanted the world to look at the hero from a right perspective his new untitled series was born.

Behind the canvas

There is a whole lot of research. To get Bhagat Singh’s ideology right, he sourced material including his photograph, some of it all the way from UK as well. Similarly, he read books and books on one of his favourite legendary figure Bulle Shah whose poetry he often scribbles on the paintings. Incidentally, at one point he read tomes on saint poet Kabir too. Though finally he did not go on to paint him, who knows when it all might come back and find space in his paintings.

Imagination vs reality

Indeed, when he paints unknown characters imagination soars to greater heights. With real people such as Bhagat Singh there is always a danger of being misunderstood. While painting this particular image he had to be doubly conscious. But once he got going he was not apprehensive, not even when he turned the imagery upside down. Nevertheless, painting for him is neither a chronicle nor a photograph and is tampered with artistic liberty even when it is steeped in facts.

Colours speak

In Malkit’s visual lexicon, colours are not just tools but have a symbolic significance. So to reinforce Bhagat Singh’s purity of character white became a predominant colour. Saffron alludes to basant and deep green is the colour of spirituality. While applying colours he stumbled upon another technique of letting colours flow and freeze, in the process creating a unique fluid texture.

Wonders of technique

“Technique is a by-product of all I have learnt much of it during my training as a student of the Government College of Art, Chandigarh and what is within my innate self,” he says. So, when he sits before the canvas there is no conscious or deliberate thought process. Even when he gravitated from water colours to other mediums, it was an organic change. Same goes for the imagery also that too is in the continuous process of evolution yet never pre-meditated.

Language of metaphors

What is art without symbols? So, he believes and elucidates. “In my painting the fort is not just another building but alludes to British imperialism.” Similarly in his previous works even goats seemed to epitomise the essence of Sufism. Lyrical beauty is something he imbues to each of his metaphors.

Future course

Who knows what it holds. He might stop after making two paintings of Bhagat Singh or might make a dozen more. Then he might amalgamate his previous imagery with the existing one. Wistfully he says, “I am already toying with making one of Bulle Shah in dialogue with Bhagat Singh.”

Didn’t we say it’s near impossible for him to tear himself away from his childhood? Bulle Shah whose poetry he grew up listening to is an integral part of those formative years. Call it rural fixation or tug of roots, Malkit Singh remains attached to the terra firma, all the while soaring on wings of Sufi philosophy that influenced his sensibilities early on in life.

Master Chef
Centre of attraction

Centre-melting chocolate pudding Method
Ranjan Dibya

In a saucepan, add water and keep it on a simmer flame. In a bowl, mix chocolate and butter. Keep this bowl on top of the hot saucepan to melt the butter but see that it does not directly come in contact with the flame. Now stir the ingredients till they are smooth and glossy. While the chocolate is still melting, add the sugar to the mixture. Add one egg at a time stirring continuously. Lumps should not be formed at any cost. Finally add the yolks, vanilla essence and flour. Place the mixture in the baking mould. Preheat the oven at 200 degrees centigrade. Place the baking mould in the oven. Bake it for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from the oven. It should be baked in such a way that the outer crust is baked and formed, and the inside of it is still in the liquid state. Demould the pudding on serving plate.

(Dibya is a visiting Goan chef) 

Ingredients
150 gm chocolate
150 gm butter
75 gm castor sugar
75 gm refined flour
4 eggs
4 eggs yolks
1 tsp vanilla essence

For fun’s sake
Music composer-cum-singer-cum-actor Bhinda Aujla is okay with the Punjabi film industry churning out rom-coms 
Ashima Batish

It’s too early to expect experimental cinema from the just-revived Punjabi film industry. Too early for it to spring up surprise thrillers or action flicks. Let it produce more romantic, funny, buddy films, let more singers become actors, let it tread the beaten path.. what is important right now is to mint money, get established and then take a step forward.

Bhinda Aujla, a music director-cum-singer-cum- actor, who will debut with Jugnu Weds Jugni, doesn’t mind confessing that majority of the Punjabi films that’ll hit the big screens this year will again be rom-coms. There is still time for other genres to enter the mainstream.

He is doing another film, Sajjan-The Real Story, again a comedy. “Punjab is a happy and prosperous state. People have money, they are well-travelled and haven’t seen the difficulties of life like people of other states. The reason, you can’t offer them cinema that isn’t enough entertaining.” But when it comes to present something new to the audience, he suggests history of Punjab makes for a perfect topic. Given the number of freedom fighters and revolutionaries from Punjab, films on the same will make meaningful cinema. “I realise that other regional cinemas make films on diverse subjects but you can’t draw a comparison between us and them. We should make ‘different’ cinema only when we are ready for it and not just for the heck of it.”

He has over 300 tracks to his credit but composing three tracks for Jihne Mera Dil Luteya was the high point of his career. A trained music composer and singer from London, he feels that his life will change post the release of Jugnu Weds Jugni. “It’s a pure comedy and I am sure people will appreciate it.” He is happy to enter the queue of singers who graduated to become actors, a trend he finds in the interest of the industry. “People’s acceptance of Punjabi singers and actors is more as compared to actors as such. If they can help make a movie do well, I don’t see any harm if the trend is followed in the future too.” As for his success, he gives credit to his Godfather, Kamraan Ahmed, owner of record label, Movie Box, who he says helped him learn the nuances of music composition.

This year, he believes the fate of Punjabi cinema will change. With the number of films releasing and Bollywood taking more and more interest in Punjabi film industry, one can safely say that the industry is faring pretty well. “When Akshay Kumar is ready to present a Punjabi film, it becomes evident that we are generating enough business.” That box office figures of last year hits reflect clearly. And he is happy to make his bit of contribution to the same. 

green thumb
Food for your plant
Satish Narula

For those who love gardening, the sunny days may bring a ray of hope for better days ahead but the night fog and frost are still giving sleepless nights. The plants are, however, braving the winter. But at the same time we have to help them pass this phase.

No doubt the plants are almost dormant now, but the gardener has to do many a thing. One of the most important operations is adding manure and fertilizers to the plants, especially the fruit trees where, in most cases, the manure is added only in winter. Also the phosphorus and potash are also added only once in a year along with the manure. What is most important is that the addition of manure and fertilizer should be according to the age of the tree. Any deviation may do more harm than good. Addition of more fertilizer than required may divert the plant growth towards vegetative growth and there may be lesser fruit availability. One could contact experts or get a copy of package of practices on fruit plants from Punjab Agriculture University which has detailed information on application of various kind of fertilizers as per age of the plant.

While adding fertilizers, one should keep in mind that the spread of the roots is supposed to be as far away as the drip area of the tree. The fertilizer should be spread in the basin that should be as wide as the drip area of the tree. It should be thoroughly mixed with the upper soil layer and this should be followed by copious irrigation. In case of deciduous plants like peach, plum, pear, grapes etc we do not give water but in case fertilizers have been added, the application of water is a must.

Seeing the day time warmth in weather conditions, one could go in for one application of urea in the lawn which otherwise is looking ‘depressed’. In this case too the application of urea must be followed by a good amount of irrigation.  But do not be complacent so far as keeping the plant protection against cold is concerned. Do not take the indoor plants out in the open as yet.

(Narula is a senior PAU horticulturist)

Water woes

During winter months the watering needs are reduced. But at the same time it is recommended to give water when danger of frost is felt. Watering at that juncture gives strength to the plants. Special care should be taken in case of gerbera and geranium and carnations, in which there is zero tolerance for standing water. The soil should be moist but not wet, not even for a few hours.

Fresh appeal
Amarjot Kaur

Passion, they say, is the fountainhead of creativity and the chefs at Saffron, a fine Indian dining restaurant at JW Marriot, stirred the flaming flavours of the season to create art in food at the Biryani and Kebab festival.
From chukender aur khumani ke kebab to nashelli jheenga, the Biryani and Kebab festival offers something for everyone
From chukender aur khumani ke kebab to nashelli jheenga, the Biryani and Kebab festival offers something for everyone

As Pallav Singhal, head chef, walks you through the shiny floors that lead you to a table decked up with an ensemble of over a dozen dishes, you’re already pacifying the sweet quandary that your sense of sight and smell are fighting over.

Just when you’ve made up your mind, Singhal rolls up his sleeves and points at the pre-starter that is served in an oriental-style stone bowl usually used for serving soy sauce and wasabi paste with Japanese food, “Well, now this is made of sprouted lentils and we serve it with our own rendition of Indian salsa sauce.” Attempting to explain the western infusion, he quips, “We are not aiming to infuse or mix western flavours with Indian food. We are improvising to innovate.”

His passion for food drips in every honest expression while he explains the key ingredients used for the preparation, “Since its winter, we’ve used a lot of cloves, maze and nutmeg. These spices generate heat that is essential for the body during this season.”

Among many dishes, which are as much a feast for the eyes as for the soul, you cannot stop yourself from adoring the deep wine red chukender aur khumani ke kebab that are stuffed with apricots. Also, the tandoor bharwan aloo exhibit the charm of the west as Singhal smiles, “Deepak Gurung, Indian chef for Saffron, takes the credit for coming up with this dish. It’s stuffed with cheese and ‘candied fruits’ that have been stewed in sugar to tickle your taste buds. ” Spare the exaggeration, but you will know exactly what he means when you gulp the heaven down your throat.

Perhaps it’s the chapli and kakori kebabs that melt in your mouth or it’s the divine kabargah, lamb brazed in milk and spices and then grilled to satisfy your hunger. The most unique, and a rather splendid treat for the meat lovers, is the nashelli jheenga, individual quick frozen (IQF) prawns cooked in clay oven that serve for a mouthful and a soulful delight.

Words can only say so much, however, if you want to serve your passion for food with the best in town, head out to Saffron to taste a bit of paradise.

Doc Talk
Muscular problem
Dr Harinder Batth

The locomotor system, also known as the musculoskeletal system can be affected by our daily lifestyles. The lifestyle factors like smoking, physical inactivity, obesity and heavy drinking show a high risk of locomotor disability, the impact of the above is seen 12–14 years later. Moreover, the person who suffers major cardiovascular disease such as stroke, myocardial infarction, angina or aortic aneurysm have a higher risk of locomotor disability.

Mobility factor

Leading a healthy lifestyle improves survival and reduces the risk of locomotor disability and increases the chances of being disability-free even in the event of developing major cardiovascular disease.

The locomotor system is an organ system that gives humans and animals the ability to move using the muscular system and the skeletal systems. The musculoskeletal system gives form, stability, and movement to the human body. It is made up of bones (the skeleton), muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, joints, and other connective tissue. The musculoskeletal system's primary functions include supporting the body, allowing motion, and protecting vital organs.

Take care

Locomotor disability has a significant effect on our daily life activities. It is therefore important to preserve the locomotor system for your personal well being. The damage that you cause to your locomotor system by working for long hours or incorrect posture must first be cured with the help of regular exercise and yoga.

It is also necessary to give your body rest after a long day’s work. Proteins are important for body’s ongoing growth, repair and maintenance. Proteins help to build and repair muscles. About 1,000 mg of proteins per pound is essential. The 2.4 micrograms of vitamin is recommended daily. The water intake is essential for the body. A lot of it is drained from the body in the form of urine and perspiration.

(Dr Batth is a Chandigarh-based orthopedic surgeon)

chatter box
Change of order

Mohit Sehgal of Mile Jab Hum Tum fame is currently seen in Khamoshiyan playing a suave guy Sidharth. But the show has come under some fire apparently and will change the track. He explains...

There have been many reports about Khamoshiyan changing the story completely. Is it true?

Yes we are. The show was bit high on drama and suspense but now will veer towards comedy and romance. We will soon start shooting for the same. Things are in order and it is much more relaxed on the sets.

Wasn’t it a shock for you and everyone else?

Well the show is made for the audiences and if the audiences don’t like a certain concept, it is the right thing to do. We cater to our viewers and hope they like this new change.

But didn’t you have a bank of episodes which had to be scrapped?

No it wasn’t like that. We are using the episodes to make way for the other story track. The makers have changed the story to make it livelier. There is romance and comedy.

With the show moving towards a love triangle, Garv will compete with your character for Gauri. Aren’t you worried about length of your role?

No. I am very secure and I know how the show is being developed. I think this new romantic track will work wonders for the show.

What do you feel about the fact that now you are busy and your girlfriend Sanaya Irani is free as her show has ended?

Yes, it’s strange that earlier I was free while she was busy shooting and now it’s the other way round. I hope someone casts us together so we get enough time to spend together.

Back on the job
Mahesh Shetty who plays the role of Siddhant in Bade Achche Lagte Hain will again re-enter the show. Our source informs that Siddhant will enter the Kapoor mansion and learn that Ayesha (Chahat Khanna) has a child. He will also come to know that the baby is his and Ayesha’s. “Siddhant will develop a liking for the child and will again woo Ayesha. He will also learn about Ram (Ram Kapoor) and Priya’s (Sakshi Tanwar) separation,” said a source. 

A still from Arjun Arjun takes charge
In the upcoming episode of Arjun, a TV soap of Star Plus, Arjun learns that a bomb placed in the switch board of an ad agency explodes and people are killed during a meeting. Meanwhile, nothing seems to lead to a motive or a suspect. After investigating, Arjun finds out that the office was rented. However, Khanna is missing. Several other unusual details keep surfacing. Will Arjun be able to solve the mystery? 

A still from Arjun

Meet Mr Popular
Going by its tradition of introducing many firsts in the industry, Zee TV introduced a new awards category at this year’s Zee Cine Awards. With the growing popularity of the social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Youtube and its influence on the youth of today, Zee Cine Awards devised a special award to honour the actor who enjoyed maximum adoration from his/her fans. The channel roped in experts at Asterii Analytics to find out who has the biggest fan following. And the data revealed that the person who emerged numero uno was none other than Dabangg star Salman Khan! The research showed that Salman had 7,408,859 fans on Facebook, 3,188,226 followers on Twitter, 60,567 videos on Youtube, 577,919 followers on Twitter fan clubs, 757,057 fans on Facebook fan clubs and 2,774 followers on Google+.

Catch Zee Cine Awards 2013 on Zee TV on 20th January at 8 PM

Kim Kardashian Weighty issues 
Reality TV star Kim Kardashian is terrified of gaining too much weight during her pregnancy. The 32-year old socialite recently announced that she is expecting her first child with boyfriend Kanye West in July. Kardashian is giving into her sweet tooth cravings these days but is working out rigorously to make sure she doesn’t gain weight during the pregnancy. “She is just craving so many sweets now, like pies and ice cream. She is working out a lot because she doesn’t want to turn into a pregnant blimp”, a source revealed. The actress revealed that her pregnancy was a “pleasant surprise” as she suffers from fertility issues. “It was a pleasant surprise when so many doctors were telling me one thing and then the opposite happens, and that’s just an exciting moment.”, she said. Kardashian admitted that she “definitely” wants to get married again, despite the breakdown of her second marriage to Kris Humphries after just 72 days. —PTI 

Best of the league
Star World recently launched their show Homeland. It is the highest award winning television series. Three- time Golden Globe Award Winner and six-time Emmy awards winner, it is an adventure-drama based on the Israeli Keshet format Prisoners of War. In this iteration, an American soldier who was presumed killed in Iraq returns after ten years. But after the joy of his homecoming dies down, suspicions arise as to whether he was really an American hero or was part of a cell planning a terrorist attack. The show airs from Monday to Friday at 11 PM, on Starworld.

On the sets of Yeh RishtaFour times lucky
Producer Rajan Shahi’s hit show Yeh Ristha Kya Kehlata Hai completed four successful years on television. The unit celebrated the same with a cake cutting ceremony on the sets. They are all happy that their show is a hit since four years and still fetching good TRPs. It is rare in today’s times to be hit for such a long time.

On the sets of Yeh Rishta...

 

Shyam Pathak Language exchange programme
Shyam Pathak aka Partakaar Popatlal of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashma, is a happily married guy. His wife Reshami is a Malyali while Shyam is a Gujarati. To give her a surprise, he’s learning Malyalam as she speaks good Gujarati already.

Shyam Pathak

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is January 17...

This year you would be able to save a lot of money that you are going to spend on your family. Your expenses are not a matter of concern as finance seems to be very fine this year. If you are in a relationship then you are advised to be careful while handling situations. There are chances that some fake people will win your trust by making false promises.

On Birthday, you’ll be razor sharp and shrewd when dealing with new opportunities. Your ability to understand people on a deep level is put to test and you pass with flying colors. Don’t take a chance with your resources. You work too hard for your money. A flirt may try to get into your good books. Although you find their attention flattering, you’re not convinced they would be a good partner. Trust your instincts. As far as marital life is concerned, you should look after needs of your spouse, particularly from January to March.

Mood: A bit pushy at times.
Compatible signs: Sagittarius, Aquarius.
Lucky colours: Aqua, dark violet.
Lucky days: Wednesday and Friday.
Lucky numbers: 9, 11, 15, 32, 50.

Javed Akhtar Javed Akhtar (January 17, 1945, Gwalior) is son of Jan Nisar Akhtar, a Bollywood film songwriter and Urdu poet. Akhtar was married to Honey Irani, a script-writer for Hindi films, with whom he had two children Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar, both film directors. Later he married Shabana Azmi, the daughter of another famous Urdu poet, Kaifi Azmi. The Mercury being the strong star of communication, lyrics and poetry writing in his horoscope makes him very reflective. 

Astro Turf
P Khurrana

ARIES:Enjoy a quiet morning. A trip to the local market for locally grown fresh produce might inspire you to eat nutrient-rich foods. Let your imagination go wild. Luck will be with you. Tarot message: Work could pose certain minor difficulties but don’t worry.

Lucky colour: Green.
Magic number: 33

TAURUS: Today you will find people generally hard to pin down. Buying and selling is a salient feature. Do not bury disturbing emotions but work through them. Tarot message: It is best to get a clear perspective and balance your energy before making important decisions. 

Lucky colour: Peach.
Magic number: 51

GEMINI: Your card signifies that enduring relationships can be formed with new people who live at a distance. Benefits are assured by not taking the comments of others personally. Tarot message: Do not play into the hands of a shrewd set of colleagues.

Lucky colour: White.
Magic number: 34.

CANCER: Concentrate on your career path and the business at hand. Look at a problem from different angles and you can find a simple, albeit unexpected solution. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish those tasks, which normally take up a lot of time. 

Lucky colour: Rainbow pastles.
Magic number: 39

LEO: Today attention revolves around your home, property, family and long range decisions. Money rolls after lunch. You will have to modify your plans. Your determination will ensure success. Tarot message: You will be happier if you retain the fruit of your hard work. 

Lucky colour: Black.
Magic number: 27

VIRGO: Hobbies will give you a lot of satisfaction. Discuss investment. Real estate matters may suffer. Business negotiations will give you a chance to shine. Tarot message: Remember it is the thought that counts and not the price tag.

Lucky colour: Saffron.
Magic number: 45

LIBRA: A day meant for romance. Avoid gossiping, because it can spoil your chance of success. Sportsmen: Exercise to keep fit. A very friendly vibe makes it easy to approach subjects that might usually be avoided. Tarot message: Try to be active in catching financial opportunities. 

Lucky colour: Yellow.
Magic number: 47

SCORPIO: Go along with the wishes of your family members. Do not be too demanding from loved ones. A more comfortable lifestyle will result from a pay raise, boosting your confidence and feelings of personal security.

Tarot message: Do not leave things to chance. L

ucky colour: Deep red. 
Magic number: 32

SAGITTARIUS: The day will become rather sensitive for marital relationship. Appointments and meetings could fill up your day, making it necessary to keep your phone turned off. Tarot message: Use your judgments and be firm in extracting a commitment. 

Lucky colour: Crimson.
Magic number: 29

CAPRICORN: Emotions have to be controlled. No need to put your hard earned money on the stake. Be realistic in any business negotiations or plans, don’t overlook the petty details and you will have success. Tarot message: Take care of your work.

Lucky colour: Orange.
Magic number: 42

AQUARIUS: Hopes fill your heart. Planning a house? Good offer on the cards. Patience and hard work pays. Loved ones are likely to agree with whatever you decide. Tarot message: Try to relax in the middle of the week and put your cares to one side.

Lucky colour: Purple.
Magic number: 61

PISCES:Avoid alcohol and drugs and you will avoid doing anything stupid. Speak to your partner about using joint finances to cover an extra loan.

Tarot message: Be sure to involve yourself as much as possible in a new project.

Lucky colour: Burgundy.
Magic number: 58





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