Two plus two rock
It’s a golden phase for Punjabi cinema. The cast & crew of upcoming Punjabi movie Tu Mera 22 Main Tera 22 are making the most of it…
Mona

Late Sunday evening and the crowd at Piccadilly Square only grew bigger with time, as the anchor announced that the team of upcoming Punjabi film Tu Mera 22 Main Tera 22 will be arriving shortly. What follows is an ecstatic crowd requesting Amrinder Gill to sing his hits. If Dildarian got a rousing response so did Sargi! We catch up with the team …

Singer turns actor — Amrinder Gill
I am grateful to the audience for making me successful as a singer. I will try hard to repeat the feat as an actor. I have put all my efforts in Tu Mera 22 Main Tera 22; now the verdict is in the hands of the audience. Yes, I am anxious but I will continue to work hard. Sargi, one of the songs in this film, is closest to my heart.

Balancing act — Alfaz
It was a dream to write for Amrinder Bhaji. I feel blessed to have done that. There are few songs in the film that truly represent our soil and there are some with mass appeal, but all is clean and clear. All in all, music is the high-point of the film.

Loving & learning — Mandy Takhar, Wamiqa Gabbi
The shooting was a huge learning experience and so much fun. We used to stay on the sets even when we were not shooting. To watch Amrinder and Honey together was a treat. They are an absolute treat to watch — both on-screen and off-screen.

Terrific phase — Binnu Dhillon
The kind of frenzy we noticed today for a Punjabi film was unheard of some four to five years back. All I can say is that Punjabi cinema has come of age. It is on us to make it stay. I will entertain you with some four or five films in the near future.

Image makeover — Honey Singh
It is Yo Yo Honey Singh's debut film, but he was conspicuously absent during the promotion. It is the rest of the team that came forward to defend.

"He is busy promoting outside the region and we will be joining him soon," says Amrinder. "And this film will also bring forward the 'real' Honey. It is certainly going to be an image-changer for him," asserts the singer, who finds his ultimate idol in Gurdas Maan.

The film Tu Mera 22 Main Tera 22 is the story of two brothers, being played by Amrinder Singh and Honey Singh, and traces their journey. Touted to be full on entertainment, it is aimed at the family audience.

Tu Mera 22 Main Tera 22 hits the screens this coming Friday.

mona@tribunemail.com

Jazzy Jiving Jatt 
Jatt has never been far away from the Punjabi screen. Now, he is back in Singh vs Kaur. We dig in more…
Jasmine Singh

He was out in the fields; life was pretty easy. He picked up a fight whenever he wanted to; love whenever he wanted to. He is back from hibernation, he has come back from Canada; he has slipped into the finest trendy clothes and he just bought a Land Rover. The jatt of Punjab is back in cinema and in a new avatar.

  Lyrical note: Dr ZeusHis counterpart, the jatti is back too; more stylish than she ever was. The Kaur is the new diva and now they are in a tug-of-war. Welcome to the world of Singh Vs Kaur with Gippy Grewal, Surveen Chawla and Binnu Dhillon. And the man who takes us through the journey is Punjabi cinema's known director Navnait Singh. The music launch of the soon-to-be-released movie (February 15) was definitely a musical affair. It was, however, the title that interests. The director Nanvnait was right there to take the query?

"Jatt & Juliet, Carry On Jatta and now Singh Vs Kaur, it is the very jatt titles that are coming back into trend; the typical character remains the same. Singh Vs Kaur, produced by Gurfateh Films and Sippy Grewal, is a complete entertainer and one of the most stylised films made in Punjabi." Now for the man who brings in the entertainment factor — Gippy Grewal. A totally different look and style, Gippy has also sung all the songs of the film. Diversity is the name with him. "I understand that comedy is ruling the roost; with Singh Vs Kaur I have tried to give it a new meaning. My look is something different; it goes with the character, which I am sure the audiences will appreciate."

What of the resurgence of the jatt name in cinema after a long time? Does anyone remember Jatt jeona maur...Jatt da gandasa "Jatt has been the likeable character, some of the movie-watchers would relate to it. It is the same jatt who is known to entertain people in a new set-up." Singh Vs Kaur releases next month in February. The movie is high on action as well, which is executed by Ram-Laxman who did the original Dabangg Down South. The movie boasts of music done by Jatinder Shah. Gippy, the singer adds, "I enjoy acting and singing, and when I have to act on my own songs the result is far better."

While music was being talked about, we catch a sight of a man who looks familiar. Dr Zeus of Kangana fame was there to support his friend along with cricketer Harbhajan Singh. Dr Zeus doesn't have tattoos all over his body and he has a greater interest in talking about music than style. "I am working on a number of compositions. I will be performing in Chandigrah around next week," he says. Dr Zeus has done tracks on Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and wishes to work with Punjabi actors. "I make killer music," he smiles. Talking about killer music, one man around definitely has a killer presence — Harbhajan Singh. He has Punjabi music on his i-Pod, he likes Gippy Grewal as an actor and he has things to say about Punjabi cinema. "It is great thing that our films are a global phenomenon," he says.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Drew baby-proofs home

Actress Drew Barrymore is protective of baby daughter Olive and has reportedly spent $ 80,000 baby-proofing her home. The 50 First Dates star, who became a mother for the first time three months ago, is determined to protect the tot as much as possible and so wants to make sure there's nothing in her home that can harm her.

"She is being overprotective to the next level. But it's also so sweet. She loves this child so much," a source said.

Barrymore, who married husband Will Kopelman when she was pregnant with Olive, has had baby monitors installed in every room, pointy edges around the house softened and all the electrical sockets raised.

Friends say the actress, who was in rehab by the time she was 13, wants Olive to have the safe and secure upbringing she never had. "She'll do everything it takes to keep Olive safe because no one did that for her when she was a kid," the source added. — PTI

Hudson wants another baby

Singer Jennifer Hudson says her son David Jr wants to have a sister, and she wants to add to their family with a second child. The 31-year-old said that she wants to grant him his wish, and would like a daughter herself.

Jennifer Hudson"I definitely want another baby. I want a little girl so bad and every day David Jr reminds me, 'Mommy I want a baby sister. I want a baby sister'. "And I said OK, maybe when he gets 4-years-old, but he is 3. He is almost 4 now so maybe when he gets 6 or 7 because...3 and 4 comes too fast," Hudson said.

The Think Like A Man hit-maker has been engaged to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) superstar David Otunga since 2008.

He is all set to branch into acting with a role in The Call and Hudson said that she has a new nickname for the wrestling star.

"We call him Curtains, because when he got the role he was like, Curtains for everybody. He's so excited. I can't wait to see the film ... He's super excited about the project coming out and he got to play an officer ... I just got to see the preview for it... Look out, curtains for everybody," she added. — PTI

Wait & watch
Director stalls screening of Lohan's film after Sundance snub 

Lindsay Lohan, Director Paul Schrader has stalled the release of his new movie The Canyons, starring Lindsay Lohan, after Sundance Film Festival. The bosses opted not to feature it during their 10-day independent cinema event.

Schrader said it will be months before he'll let critics and fans see the movie, which also stars adult actor James Deen, because he fears the project will be unfairly savaged because of the embattled Mean Girls star Lohan's involvement. "The intense reactions to Lohan's 2012 TV movie Liz and Dick and the Times magazine article have made us realise that there will be an immediate blowback once The Canyons is publicly screened.

"That's the nature of anything involving Lindsay. In a way it's good we're not at Sundance. We weren't prepared, we weren't organised," he added. But Schrader insists his decision to stall screenings have nothing to do with the quality of the movie. "The film is very good. I have no qualms about that." — PTI

Bad time: Lindsay Lohan

Ground work
I worked in slums to prepare for Midnights's Children: Saran

Shriya Saran Actress Shriya Saran spent two months working in slums to understand the nuances of her character Parvati, a woman with strange magical powers, in Deepa Mehta's adaptation of Midnight's Children.

Deepa cast Saran as the love interest of protagonist Saleem Sinai after working with her in Cooking with Stella.

"Deepa believed in me for this role. The trickiest part was to play a girl in 1947, who lives in slums. I did not know how slum life was back then. We had a workshop. She made me work in Mumbai slums for about two months to understand the life there," Saran said.

The 30-year-old actress believes Parvati is the role of a lifetime. She is looking forward to the release of the film on February 1. The film is being released in India by the PVR Pictures. "Parvati is born seven seconds after the stroke of midnight on August 15, 1947. She has got special powers. It was a challenging film to shoot because it was not easy to fit the entire book into two hours. The film is a mirror image of India of that time. The interesting thing is that our dreams and aspirations have not changed much over the years," says Saran.

The actress, who made a name for herself by starring in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Hindi films, says she loved Rushdie's novel so she was delighted to relive the moments as a character.

"We relived those moments through this film. Every character has something to say and our biggest challenge was to put everything together. About 50 pages are sometimes fitted into one minute but there is a harmony. Salman (Rushdie) loves all the changes that we have made in the film. He said he wished he could have thought about the changes while writing the book," says Saran.

Saran, a trained dancer in kathak and Rajasthani folk dance, also had an opportunity to indulge in her passion during the film. She is seen dancing with abandon in one of the scenes.

"I am wearing my mom's old jewellery for that scene. I showed Deepa some dance movies and she told me to just dance.

I am singing this Rajasthani folk song which fits in that situation. It is a beautiful scene." Saran, who has starred in films like Sivaji: The Boss, Awarapan and Pokkiri Raja, is busy working on a number of other projects.

"I think that the best part of being an Indian actress is that you can be a part of so many different films in different languages. I am doing Valmiki Ki Bandook in Hindi and have some projects down south. I am just going with the flow."

— PTI

Hilary robbed in Paris

Oscar-winning actress Hilary Swank was caught up in a violent robbery when her purse was stolen while she was in a taxi in the Parisian suburb of Saint-Denis. According to a police source, Swank, 38, was sitting in the back seat of her taxi and thieves pounced on the taxi whilst it remained stationary in the northern part of the city.

Three thieves smashed the back window of the taxi and snatched Swank's designer purse from her hands before making off with the loot.

The suburb of Saint-Denis is notorious for its frequent traffic jams and over the years an influx of 'smash and grab' robberies have become increasingly common.

As of yet, the PS, I Love You star has not issued any statement relating to the robbery. — PTI

10-year plan

John Abraham Model-turned-actor John Abraham, who has completed a decade in Bollywood as an actor, is confident that he will stay in the film industry for at least next 10 years. "I think I have created a space for myself in the industry. Audience is my godfather and my strongest force... they keep me going," John said.

"Producers tell me I have got good and better 10 years now. And I think the same. I feel I have improved as an actor, human being and I am far more relaxed. It is great to be here," he said.

John had made his acting debut in 2003 with Jism, followed by Saaya (2003), Paap (2004), Lakeer (2004), the films that did not run well at the box office.

However, Yash Raj Films' Dhoom released in 2004 proved to be a success and was followed by other hit films like Dostana, New York, Force. Last year, John had produced Vicky Donor, a romantic comedy film directed by Shoojit Sircar. John said when he made his debut in 2003, he was afraid that he might have to pack his bag soon.

"When I came here into the industry with Jism, I felt I would be here for three months and then go back to work...This was in 2003 and it has been 10 years now," he said. The actor said the newcomers should not harbour any pre-conceived notions about the industry.

"To the newcomers, I would say 'don't come here with any pre-conceived notions like only industry kids get work'. I am not from the industry and so are Akshay Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan. The industry is an open space," he said. — PTI

Price of malfunction

Katie Price & Keiran Hayler Model Katie Price suffered a wardrobe malfunction when she threw her bouquet into the air after her marriage vows. The 34-year-old wed, who wore a body hugging white gown with a veil and minimal train on her third marriage with Kieran Hayler, 25, saw her dress slip when she raised her hands to throw the bouquet.

The couple has left for the Bahamas without the catwalk queen's kids from her previous marriages. They are planning to have a big party back home to celebrate their marriage. — PTI

oops: Katie Price & Keiran Hayler

Height of luxury

Apple’s Height, a European style high street market mall has come up at Zirakpur. The mall, located in the prime area on VIP road, Zirakpur is a first mall in the region that houses factory outlets of all national and internationally famous brands. The mall has first ever mini-plex in the region that has ticket prices from Rs 60 to Rs 80 throughout the week.

Apple’s Height is the vision of Parasmani Group to create a benchmark in the retailing infrastructure industry. A 4,59,000 sq ft architectural marvel, Apple’s Height is a world class shopping centre having a food plaza and a recreation zone which is rolled under one roof. In another word, Apple’s Height is a one-stop family entertainment centre that is going to be the pulsating hot spot of the region.

The dedicated zones in Apple’s Height are entertainment, food and beverage, hypermarket, beauty and cosmetics, fashion and accessories, home, family and kids, digital and lifestyle.

Says Vikas Passi, MD Parasmani Buildwell Pvt. Ltd. and promoter for mall, “Apple’s Height is just not another mall focusing on retail as it has vast ranges of entertainment facilities.

Apple’s Height also boosts of entertainment and night clubs, event stage for brand promotion, multi-cuisine food court and fine dining restaurant. Besides this the mall has a health gym, including Pulse Gym, bowling alley, kids zone, gaming arcade, Tress Lounge and indoor golf.

Apple’s Height is a heaven for retail shopping. It has been divided into dedicated zones for different product categories to ensure a comfortable, world class shopping experience for the shoppers. At the same time, impulse shopping has been kept in mind with strategic retailer place ment throughout the mall to help promote circulations. There are F& B outlets on all floors to provide shoppers enough rest between shopping. Special care has been taken to ensure that retailers get optimal exposure by having strategic brand outlets spread over the foot place.

Par Excellence
Putting: the reverse overlap grip
Jesse Grewal

Putting is a game within a game. It is completely different from the long game as the shape of the putter is different from the other clubs. The head has a little loft and is designed to get the ball rolling as soon as possible while the other clubs are designed to get the ball airborne. The shape of the grip is different too. The grip on all clubs must be round but in a putter the grip has a flat surface on top and is shaped to fit into the palm on the underside. As the shape of the grip is different it is recommended to employ a different grip while putting and not the grip used in the long game.

The reverse overlap is the most commonly used grip in putting and also the recommended one for all types of golfers. Other non-conventional grips are used by players to reduce the work of the hands especially when a player has the yips. These could be the reverse grip (left hand lower than the right) or the claw. The belly and the long putter also reduce the work of the hands but are going to be banned from 2016.

The index finger of the left hand (for right handed golfers) is extended and placed over the right hand’s fingers after taking the grip (picture 1). This reduces the work of the wrists through the putting stroke. Do not extend the index finger of the right hand down the shaft as this is a very powerful finger and though it gives the feeling of improving direction it adds power and flips the putter upwards. This added loft imparts backspin to the ball making it roll less. Another variation of this is to place the extended left finger along the shaft of the putter and place the right hand at the same level as the left hand with its fingers on top on the left hand (picture 2).

To adopt this, the grip has to be a little over size or thicker. The main idea in this is to get the putter completely in the palms in both hands. If you are using the same grip as in the long game try switching to one of these to improve your putting. If you are a good putter do not change as any grip which works can be used.

(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

Master Chef
Care for caramel?
Kandla Nijhowne

There are dessert recipes that require a long, elaborate technique and multiple steps. There are others that are quick, simple and easy to execute. There are dessert recipes which have a half a mile long list of ingredients. And then there is caramel custard! Milk, eggs, sugar and vanilla. I mean how difficult can those be to lay your hands on? Bitter sweet caramel flavour paired with firm and decadent vanilla custard, it’s a combination made in heaven! You can cut the sweetness by serving a sliced acidic fruit with it like mango or strawberry, or a dollop of whipped cream. I for one am very happy with just the caramel custard, and lots and lots of it!

Method

* Divide the sugar into two halves. In a heavy pan on a low heat, place ¾ cup of sugar.

* Twirl around gently without stirring with a spoon until the sugar melts completely.

* A spoon if lowered into the pan will promptly pick up hundreds of sugar grains on itself. They will be difficult to shake off back into the “melting pot”!

* Do not be tempted to raise the heat either. You may end up with scorched sugar that will only be fit for the dustbin.

* When the melted sugar syrup is golden brown, pour it into 6-8 small metal bowls, or one large one.

* Tilt around to coat the bottom of the bowls. Pre heat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).

* In another vessel, beat the eggs, milk, vanilla and the remaining ¾ cup of sugar together. You can speed up this process by first warming the milk with the sugar till the latter dissolves. Cool slightly, then whip in the eggs and vanilla.

* Pour boiling water in a shallow tin and place the bowls in them. The bowls should roughly be standing in a one inch depth of water.

* Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a knife inserted near the centre comes out clean. Remove from pans to cool on wire racks.

* To un-mould, run a knife around rim of cups and invert onto dessert plates.

* Serve warm or chilled.

(Nijhowne is a Chandigarh-based culinary expert)

Punjabi Tadka
Soul connection
Jasmine Singh

Sharry Mann His song had everyone remembering their good-old college and university days. Sharry Mann’s Yaar Anmulle received record hits on Youtube within a day. Someone who likes to talk in chaste Punjabi, hang out with friends, Sherry’s next hit track Aate Di Chiri will take any Punjabi back to the childhood days. For him songs should have a soul so that they can connect to people. And to make that connection stronger with the audiences, he is making his debut as an actor in an upcoming film.

I can’t believe I am a celebrity

People tell me that I have become famous. I think I am still the old Sharry Mann who loves his family and friends. Sometimes, when I sit alone, I wonder what have I become. When people say nice things about me I feel grateful and humble.

I wish I could

Out of the many things that I want to do, I want to take a bus ride to my village along with my old friends. I want to walk down the same route and spend time with friends like I used to in college.

Songs with a soul

Yaar Anmulle was a song dedicated to friends, everyone could connect to it. Same goes for Aate di Chiri, which talks about a soul connection with mother. Whenever, I sing a song, I feel I am and it is this feeling that I wish to translate to the listeners as well.

Actor singer, singer actor

I like to sing, I am a singer. I connect to the medium. And now I have decided to take the plunge in acting with Oye Hoye Pyar Ho Gaya. I am still pretty new it, let’s see how it goes.

Live junction

It is fun performing live, the energy the response from the audiences’ keeps me alive on stage.

Doc Talk
A healthy beginning
Dr Vineeta Munjal

We are in the heart of winter, and marking the beginning of a new year. It is a beautiful time to make room for a new you. With exercise, good nutrition and personal care, make time for a new beginning that takes you out of any darkness of the past, and a new light is born within you.

No crash diets

Good nutrition is of utmost importance. More and more women of our thriving city are moving out of the concept of crash diets and realising the importance of good, wholesome meals.

At the same time, there is an equal realisation that there is no reason for our good eating habits to go for a toss simply because the mercury is dropping daily. Dry fruits make for a delightful snack as the chill sets in. But despite the delicious flavours of the various kinds of dry fruits, remember that the ‘fist-full’ rule applies. Take a fist full of the dry fruits of your choice and make it part of your daily diet. It is enough for you.

Traditional wisdom rightly promotes the consumption of sweets made at home using sesame seeds (til) and jaggery. Both are an important source of calcium and ideal during the winter months. Jaggery and dates are a good substitute for sugar. Fluid intake is highly important too. Fill yourself with good soups and herbal teas to keep the chill at bay.

Work out

One thing that definitely suffers in such cold, cold days is the exercise routine. Women must remember that regular exercise, regardless of the weather, is of utmost importance to keep their bones strong. There are many health problems that women can avoid simply by regular exercise. Weight control, of course, is the other major reason why exercise is so important for you. Exercise is a vital part of preventing osteoporosis. This disease is particularly bad and strikes mainly in women.

A good, brisk walk is just what you need to keep your body in great shape, and your bones happy and healthy. But during foggy days, you may not feel like stepping out for your regular walk. So, through these weeks, you can continue light exercise indoors like stretching and light workouts. Exercising on a regular basis will also keep your weight under control, and help you avoid health problems that come with being overweight. If you have a family history of heart problems, then regular exercise is essential for you. Exercise increases your heart rate and breathing, and keeps your heart healthy. Remember, the heart is a muscle too.

Personal care

Personal care, of course, must be underlined. Hair care and skin care during the winter is important. Equally important is the overall care of your body. A regular check-up must be an essential part of every woman’s health plan. A yearly health examination is highly important. Good diet and exercise will give you a healthy body. Combine it with an annual health check-up. It is your best investment for good health.

 (Dr Munjal is a Ludhiana-based gynaecologist and infertility specialist) — As told to Poonam Bindra

For your safety

A recent study of ASSOCHAM Social Development Foundation (ASDF) reveals that around 92 per cent of working women in all major cities across the country feel insecure; especially at night. The survey covered mostly women working in key segments such as BPO/IT, hospitality, civil aviation, hospitals and garment units, among others.

Not surprisingly, the study revealed that North region topped the list with 92 per cent women respondents complaining that they felt unsafe. While 85 per cent women felt the same in South, 82 per cent felt unsafe in East.

Keeping the current scenario in mind, with the rising crime rate in the country against senior citizens and women, Midas Care introduces Bodyguard, a self-defense pepper spray, available in a handy size, fits easily into ones purse, pocket or bag and is effortless to use. It temporarily immobilises the attacker, inflaming the eyes, nose, throat and lungs, causing temporary blindness, severe burning sensation on skin, swelling of breathing tube tissues and systematically cuts off all except breathing. So the victim can escape. —TNS

chatter box
Anil Kapoor on Kaun Banega Crorepati

The Kaun Banega Crorepati 2012 will bring a never seen before combination of entertainment as actor Anil Kapoor will join the host of the show, Amitabh Bachchan, to amuse the viewers. This special episode will be in every sense a complete delight!

The audience will see Mr India of Bollywood at his tapori best. Once on the much acclaimed Hot Seat, Kapoor will take everyone by surprise by not just playing the game impeccably but also adding a dash of that extra entertainment to the episode.

Be it mouthing his ever famous jhakaas dialogue to dancing to the tunes of Aye Ji O Ji Lo Ji Suno Ji from his super hit movie Ram Lakhan, he did it all. And the entertainment quotient of this episode will go a notch higher when Bachchan himself will perform his much much-admired signature step from his song Apka Kya Hoga Janabe Aali from his all-time hit movie Laawaris. The audience will also witness the untold story of Anil Kapoor's much talked about moustaches.

(Catch the episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati with Anil Kapoor on Sony Entertainment Television at 8:30 pm)

A lesson in hosting
Ram Kapoor will soon be hosting another show Welcome—Baazi Mehmaan Nawazi Ki. We catch up

What attracted you to this show?

I always look for something different, especially when it comes to doing the same roles in serials. Welcome is different and is about entertaining guests as well as food.

How good a cook are you?

I can't cook, but can take care of our guests. I have learnt to be a good host from my dad. Also, I can throw a good party, but cooking is something that I have never had to do; so I didn't learn it either.

What will be your role in the show?

I will be seen interacting with celebrities and will try to get them to open up as much as possible before the camera.

Who are your idols in acting?

I love Robert De Niro and Johny Depp because they believe in doing good work and not talking much about it.

What do you think of Mehmaan Nawazi, which is the tag line of the show?

The concept is based on the art of entertaining guests. Besides being passionate about food, Indians also like to take care of guests. The entire experience is the basis on which we will judge the guests in the show.

The show must go on!
Karanvir Bohra is now planning to launch a Punjabi flick

Karanvir Bohra Karanvir Bohra is sad that his television show
Saubhagvati Bhav on Life Ok is coming to an end. The show that brought him back on tube with a bang was under fire for showing extreme domestic violence. 

Have you shot the last episode of the show?

Yes, I did and was miserable. I woke up to the realisation that I won't be able to shoot anymore. I've already started feeling the pain of not being able to shoot.

Do you think the show went off air because of TRPs?

No, rather I think that it was doing really well. Most shows don't have a finite story. Moreover, we took the big risk of making a show on the subject of domestic violence. However, taking it off the air also involves a lot of risk.

Many people felt that the subject of domestic violence was portrayed too graphically. What's your take?

No, I think it created awareness among women in India as well as abroad who have been through domestic violence and kept quiet. The show gave them strength to step forward.

Was there a need to show so much domestic violence on television?

In fact, it's good that we depicted domestic violence behind closed doors; now people know what actually happens. It is about time that the issue is addressed.

What's next for you?

I recently shot for a cooking reality show titled Welcome and will soon launch a Punjabi film with my wife Teejay. 

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is January 22...

Positive energy surrounds you as the birthday begins. As far as you are concerned, the world is one big extended family. As of now you like everybody, even those who you haven't had the good fortune to meet. Forget about the blues, dump old grudges and enjoy the day to the fullest.

Your warmth and genuine sense of humour makes a strong impression. Now is the time for you to show your generous side, especially to close friends. You really want to encourage a friend to make serious changes because of the success you enjoyed in implementing personal changes recently. A little push from your end could do the trick. Meanwhile, your domestic and partnership affairs are of special interest, and paperwork connected with them is likely to bring good luck now. Contracts and agreements tend to be long-lasting. You are at a point where you need to be doing something that will totally absorb you. A hobby, good book or an old movie can go a long way in channelising your energy.

Your desire to be with your family and loved ones can bring about some unusual activities at home, and discussions on important matters can put the young people at ease. Encourage unity. An accidental meeting with an old friend will revive happy memories. Those of you looking for an office premises or a shop will find a suitable place. You will experience both good and bad situations. However, your family and loved ones will support you in all situations. You might go to religious places, including some renowned temples. Also, you will have increased faith in the Almighty.

You will be very fortunate in terms of love. Those who are single will get engaged and lovers will find peace in togetherness. This phase of your life can be termed as soothing. Apart from some ailments, you will enjoy good health during the year. If you are already suffering from an old disease then you will recover this year.

Mood: Fulfilling

Compatible signs: Aquarius, Leo, Aries

Lucky colours: Burgundy, Maroon

Lucky days: Thursday

Lucky numbers: 2, 4, 6, 19, 29

Namrata Shirodkar You share your birthday with Namrata Shirodkar (January 22, 1972, Mumbai, India), who is the sister of actress Shilpa Shirodkar. Namrata worked as a model and was later crowned as Miss India in 1993. She made her debut with a small role in superhit film Jab Pyaar Kisise Hota Hai (1998), starring Salman Khan and Twinkle Khanna. She then went on to act in Vaastav. She has played supporting roles in many films, including Pukar, Hera Pheri and Astitva.

Astro Turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: The Two of Cups will bring relationships in the limelight. There will be some conflicts due to stubbornness or ego. However, you will benefit from the same. Work hard to retain the integrity in your relationship. Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended. Lucky colour: Ebony. Lucky number: 25

TAURUS: Focusing on your budget and planning long-term will be the highlight of the day. Don't let the monotony at work get to you. Expect interesting conversation later during the evening. Tarot message: Play your cards close to your chest.

Lucky colour: Red.

Lucky number: 42

GEMINI: Love and romance is on the cards today. In certain relationships, you will need to be patient. Investments and savings will grow at a steady rate and your future plans look achievable. Tarot message: Take no chances despite the assurance of people. 

Lucky colour: Yellow.

Lucky number: 52

CANCER: The Queen of Cups implies that communication will be vital today. There will be some delays, especially before noon. At work, take care of current projects, however, avoid taking on more than you can handle. Tarot message: Don't reveal your plan of action to anyone. Lucky colour: Royal-blue. Lucky number: 29

LEO: Work and professional endeavours will be the highlight today. Have faith in your abilities and everything will be possible. Relationships will deepen as also your financial position. Tarot message: You need to be creative to retain a grip over your business.

Lucky colour: Crimson.

Lucky number: 33

VIRGO: Many of you will form new relationships that will benefit you, both personally as well as professionally. Finances look good because there will be some windfall towards the end of the day. Tarot message: A positive and caring attitude heals old wounds.

Lucky colour: Pale-yellow.

Lucky number: 65

LIBRA: Lovers, friends and partners will be aggressive and demanding. However, you will be able to deal with this new development easily.

Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid the inbuilt delays that come your way. Lucky colour: Green. Lucky number: 60

SCORPIO: Your mental, physical and emotional state will endow you with a sense of peace. Your confidence will be on a high. Also, you will be open to taking up more challenges. Tarot message: Strive for perfection at work. Lucky colour: Golden-brown. Lucky number: 36

SAGITTARIUS: The increase in the flow of money will continue because of the Venus that will enter your sign. Emotions will be particularly sensitive and you will get hurt. Tarot message: Be sure iof nvolving yourself as much as possible in a new project. Lucky colour: Crimson.

Lucky number: 50

CAPRICORN: The time is just right to put everything into perspective and remove the element of chaos that has been prevalent for some time. Splurging should also be avoided. Tarot message: Do not leave things up to chance.

Lucky colour: Turquoise.

Lucky number: 57

AQUARIUS: There will be a flow of ideas and emotions today. You will be able to come closer to your partner and other family members. At work, try not to avoid any complicated matters. Tarot message: Don't be too certain about obtaining a clearance. 

Lucky colour: White.

Lucky number: 63

PISCES: Business people will face some conflict of interest with partners. At home, you will have to help out a younger relation with some work. Spend some quiet time to restore your sense of balance and harmony. Tarot message: You need to think more about long-term interests. 

Lucky colour: Silver-grey.

Lucky number: 4





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