Note worthy
They act, they sing. With Priyanka Chopra out with her album and Ayushmann Khurrana delivering a hit track, there is no stopping for our singer-actors
Jasmine Singh

Singing sensasions: (From top) Sanjay Dutt, Akshay Kumar & Priyanka Chopra

He made people, the mango people (the aam admi), who goes to a theatre to see an actor dance, romance, fight and at times shed copious tears, sit up and say, ‘well, we didn’t know an actor could sing well’. Actor Ayushmann Khurrana showed his rang with a hit track he sang for Vicky Donor, Paani Da Rang.

Of course, this wasn’t the first time that an actor was spotted recording a track for his or her film. In fact, Amitabh Bachchan is known for his singing capability. Ekla Chalo in Kahani was his recent marvel. It would be a crime to leave out Sanju baba, for the actor has made quite a few of attempts to bring ‘the star factor’ in songs. Remember Aye Shivani from Khoobsurat? The list is about to get bigger with Sridevi (Chandani), Priyanka Chopra (she took the talent so seriously that she went on to record her own album), Abhishekh Bachchan (Bluffmaster), Shahrukh Khan (Josh), Madhuri Dixit (tried few lines in Devdas), Kareena Kapoor (Dev if you can remember) and Salman Khan (Hello Brother). It gets even better with actors who have well-in-place vocal chords like Farhan Akhtar and recently Akshay Kumar singing Mujh Mein Tu for his film Special Chabbis. Before we get started on how good and bad these actors are at this ‘art’, here comes spinner Harbhjan Singh, who recently recorded a Punjabi track Ek Suneha! Anyone else joining the band?

Now, the question is—are actors discovering their singing talents or is it just a passing fancy?

Rocking time

It was unbelievable when we heard it for the first time Farhan Akhtar singing the songs for Rock On! Now, there is no stopping him. He laughs in his crackling voice, “I would love to write more if you ask me. I am glad my songs have struck the right note, and I didn’t do it just for fun, I really wanted to sing, which is why they were put in the movie,” says Farhan Akhtar whose singing skills resurfaced in Zindagi Na Mileygi Dobaara.

Earlier, Kishore Kumar, KL Saigal, Suraiyaa and Noor Jehan were known as singer actor. They were good at both. Actor, song writer, composer, singer Piyush Mishra gives a strong thought to it. “Whatever I do, whether it is singing, acting or composing, it is for a reason. I discovered that I could do all these in childhood. Talking about actors taking to singing, I think in due course of time they discover that they can sing as well, so what is the big deal in it,” adds Mishra, who has been singing in various movies. “I have heard Akshay Kumar recording. He has done a very good job. Likewise, Amitabh Bachchan has the knowledge of sur.

High notes

This could be ‘for a change’ thing for the actors, but for the music industry is it the same thing. Music director Jaidev says, “Actors singing is once in a blue moon development. They do it for the sake of doing something different.”

Sing along

Here, a low down on actors who have gone behind the mike…..

Ayushmann Khurrana

Vyjayanthimala sang Bol Radha Bol in Sangam and Cheye Thaki Cheye Thaki in Hatey Bazarey.

Amitabh Bachchan sang Mere Angane Mein in Lawaaris and has also sung in Silsila, Mahaan, Toofan, Baghban, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, Bhootnath, Mr. Natwarlal, Buddha Hoga Tera Baap, Delhi 6 and Babul.

Aamir Khan sang Bum Bum Bole in Taare Zameen Par.

Abhishek Bachchan sang a rap song in Rohan Sippy’s film Bluffmaster.

Shahrukh Khan sang Jab Tak Hai Jaan (poem in Jab Tak Hai Jaan.)

Salman Khan sang in Bodyguard.

Madhuri Dixit sang Kaahe Chedd in Devdas.

Juhi Chawla sang in Bhootnath along with Amitabh Bachchan.

Sridevi sang O Meri Chandni in Chandni.

Kamal Haasan sang many numbers in his films. Lately, he has sung Three songs in Vishwaroopam. Another famous hit song of his would be Kaasu Melae Kaasu Vanthu from Kadhala Kadhala in which he sang with Udit Narayan.

Tamil actors Silambarasan, Dhanush, Siddharth and Bharath have also sung songs from their own films.

(Courtesy Internet) 

Net picking
As Chandigarh goes the Delhi way with traffic problems, more and more people are opting for online shopping
Mona

Bela, a hassled homemaker, felt jubilant last Saturday. The reason--she got an oversized, off-white tote-for just Rs 199. From getting her children ready for school to picking and dropping them to their respective tutors to dealing with domestic helps, clinching an online deal was all she could do for herself! Online deals are a steal…and Chandigarh is opening up to it.

A treat for customers, stores and many more, modern lifestyle is better suited for the virtual space. Come Thursday and this rather regular saloon in sector 44, Chandigarh, starts receiving calls from the morning.

“Dealing online is in vogue. It increases footfall and gets us newer clientele,” says Suchitra Sareen from Beauty Blinkers-44, who has a tie-up with a popular online chain that places ads in local dailies on Thursdays.

Online shopping offers time, space, comfort and options. Definitely the feel of buy is missing, but then our world is moving more on virtual plane than physical.

For Neha Kumar, her job and domestic chores keep her so occupied that stepping out to even buy a birthday present for her younger sister was a Herculean task. Along came the help from Flipkart and she is happy that the present, beautifully packed arrived at her doorstep in 24 hours straight. “That’s not all, I got this lovely red wallet for a steal,” exclaims Neha.

Soumya and her friend Saloni, both English honours students, are new online shoppers. The duo was a regular at Sector 17 and 22 markets, but now they would rather sit with their laptop and shop. “Not long ago, we would be all running around from market to market, haggling for a few bucks. Virtual space offers plenty and it is on 24X7,” they chorus.

Reach to international brands is what prompted this duo to make a move to online shopping. For Nitin Verma, it’s the ease that does the trick.

“When one can buy stuff just by making a phone call or clicking the mouse, why drive around in this traffic and deal with parking hassles? I might as well do it from the comfort of my home,” offers Nitin, a banker.

More and more of online sites offer end of the season sales, zero per cent EMIs and cash-on-delivery options which further make them popular. “Right from air tickets to kitchen appliances is offered online. Not only it’s quick, it also lets one compare the features and prices in a jiffy, try doing that in real life, it is way more cumbersome and time consuming,” says Praveen Tomar from Mohali, who now intends to try out selling stuff online which he is no longer using.

Online works for another reason for Jaishree, a BPO employee, who is putting up alone in sector 35, Chandigarh. With no relatives and not many friends, online shopping keeps her in a high. “For the New Year, I gifted myself a book and for Valentine’s, I intend to order flowers and a lovely piece of jewellery for myself. Who needs a boyfriend to do that for you anymore?”

Well, call it the gains of the virtual world or losing out on real life, it’s up to you to strike a balance…

Par Excellence
Putting—hear the ball fall into the hole 
Jesse Grewal

As the hole gets closer, to us the tendency of taking the eyes off the ball increases. There are some players who get completely 'hole bound', they keep looking at the hole and actually do not focus on the ball.

It is also very common to see players 'spin out' of the putt or turn their body towards the hole before making contact with the ball. This happens due to the desire to see where the ball is going. Anxiety of missing a short putt also increases this tendency. When the body turns too early it makes the putter follow the path of the turn, which is to the left for a right handed golfer. This would make the ball go left. As this happens, the hands react and open the face and we end up hitting a weak 'cut' which spins to the right and could also end up short. This is very frustrating for golfers as they could have both mistakes - a pull because of the path and a miss to the right due to the opening of the putter face.

The following drills could help:

n Do not watch the ball go into the hole - wait to hear it fall in. This will keep your body still and stay facing the balls original position.

n Rock your shoulders on short putts instead of rotating. Maintain the triangle formed between the arms and the shoulders through the stroke and keep you body facing the balls original position.

n The pushing exercise (in last week's article). Place the back of the putter touching the ball and push it towards the hole without taking a backswing. Make sure that you push with the shoulders. After a few putts with this drill make a short backswing and create the same follow through.

n Pick a spot just in front of the ball and make sure that the centre of your putter goes over it.

(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)

vanity box
Survive the cold
The cold has not left us yet, and till it lasts you need to take a little special care of yourself. Here is what you can do
Blossom kochhar

Skin deep

For many people, the cold clear days of winter bring more than just a rosy glow to the cheeks. They also bring uncomfortable dryness to the skin of the face, hands, and feet. For some people, the problem is worse than just a general tight, dry feeling. The skin turns extremely dry, resulting in flaking, cracking and even eczema. In this case you can moisturize.

Get an "ointment", an oil-based moisturiser, rather than water-based, as the oil will create a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture than a cream or lotion. But choose your oils with care because not all oils are appropriate for the face. Instead, look for "non- clogging" oils, like avocado oil, mineral oil, primrose oil, or almond oil.

Use a sunscreen. For, the winter sun combined with snow glare can still damage your skin. Try applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your face and your hands about 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply frequently if you stay outside a long time.

Your lips needs extra attention. Apply a moisturising lip balm when you are doing the rest of your skin care, make it a part of your routine.

Foot note

Yes, those minty foot lotions are lovely in the hot summer months, but during the winter, your feet need stronger stuff. Find lotions that contain petroleum jelly or glycerin instead. Use exfoliants to get the dead skin off periodically, which helps moisturisers and foot creams to sink in faster and deeper.

Ban hot bath

Sure, soaking in a burning-hot bath feels great after frolicking out in the cold. But the intense heat of a hot shower or bath actually breaks down the lipid barriers in the skin, which can lead to a loss of moisture. A lukewarm bath with oatmeal or baking soda, can help relieve skin that is dry.

Look after the hair

Hair goes dry, weak and brittle during the winter, but if you give it the right treatment you will avoid it becoming a big issue. There are plenty of shampoos that help your hair become strong and healthy.

Heat pure coconut oil and apply on scalp and hair ends. Wrap a hot towel and let it stay for sometime. Next morning, wash your hair with a mild shampoo.

Lock in the moisture from your shampoo and conditioner by rinsing your hair at the end with cool water instead of hot.

Cut back on your use of blow dryers, flat irons, and other heated products during colder months. If blow drying is a must, set aside some extra time and use a cooler setting.

Wear your hair up on a windy day. In addition to keeping it from getting disheveled and tangled, keeping your hair in a ponytail protects it from damage caused by harsh, whipping winds.

(Kochhar is a beauty expert)

Bold strokes
Artists Anjali Aggarwal & Niku Guleria present some unusual themes
Amarjot Kaur


Anjali Aggarwal

The camaraderie of the rouge and cerulean with a million other shades of the fading winter's warmth fall beautifully in the browns of the ceded leaves; that is exactly how art embraces change at the Sobha Singh Art Gallery, Sector 16. Venturing upon paying a tribute to Amrita Shergil, the first Indian female artist to introduce modern art to the nation's culture, 'We', a group of Indian contemporary women artists, have initiated a series of solo exhibition.

Indeed, we have come a long way to beseech Amrita's profound vision to translate into modern woman's expression of emancipation at the solo exhibition that showcased the works of Anjali Aggarwal, assistant professor at the Government College of Art, and solo works of Niku Guleria, a city-based artist.

Anjali's paintings stared right through you with conspicuous aggression that was typical of her subject—the tiger. "These tigers have been painted during my visit to Kanpur, where my parents stay. We visited the Kanpur zoo and I was prompted to paint tigers," shares Anjali. The technique used by her sheer contemplation of her subject's (tiger) character was in tune with her interpretation of the same. "I have used ink on canvas with calligraphy tools and brush. The paper has turned pale and a little weak brown around the corners because it's really old. Somehow, I'm surprised to see the way it suits the mood of the painting," she smiles.

Also, her ideation caters to the most contrasting shades of a woman's disposition; it's rather evident in her paintings, Enchanting sunshine 1 and 2, where she draws a woman's hands in close proximity to a butterfly and elaborates on the dainty traditional pattern with contemporary drawing. Glistering caress, another of her painting is a metaphor for her daughter's curiosity for nature.

Also, the depiction of the tiger with bold lines and traditional motifs has a deep rooted connotation to it, "I have experienced that a woman is likely to be successful if she is a cow at home and a tigress at work, therefore the tigers."

Man and machine
Royalty by Niku Guleria & Glistering Caress I by Anjali Aggarwal
Royalty by Niku Guleria & Glistering Caress I by Anjali Aggarwal

A better half of the gallery was seen romancing the works of Niku Guleria, plays rather diligently with the concept of machines and their influence on man. The robotic depiction of human figures stretching their hands out for help in despair in a painting titled, Robotics, speaks volumes about the way humans have scumed to machines. However, the compassion regarding the same comes to life in another one of her paintings, Consolation, when the man is seen comforting the machine and otherwise.

"I leave most of my paintings at the hands of the viewer's imagination and interpretation, as an artist I just paint my vision but it can be best understood when others render their opinion about the same," says Niku.

Most of her words include, Mystical Empathy, Suspended Animation, Joined at Birth, Twosome, Lighthouse, Incubation and Inside Out. 

Master Chef
Cheesy bite
Kaushik jadali

Food must taste good and look good. It requires a special culinary art to combine ingredients to give the dish an appetizing look. Here we have combined the whiteness of the mushroom with the greenness of the spinach to make an attractive and crunchy snack.

Cheese mushroom fritters

Ingredients

Mushrooms 250 gm

Rice vinegar 10 gm

Salt and white pepper to taste

Tabasco sauce 10 gm

White bread crumbs 200 gm

Cottages cheese 30 gm

Amul cheese 20 gm

Soya milk 00 gm

Garlic 20 gm

Spinach 100 gm

Refined oil for frying 

Method

Take the mushrooms and wash them well. Put in vinegar, salt, white pepper, tobasco sauce and few drops of lemon. Leave aside for 5 minute. Take a bowl and mix finely chopped spinach, grated Amul and cottage cheese and little white pepper.

In a pan sauté the crushed garlic and put the blended mixture and season with salt. Now remove the stem of the mushroom and make a hole and stuff with a little of the mixture. Dip in soya milk and roll in brad crumbs and fry till golden brown. You can slit it into half before serving hot with tomato bell pepper salsa.

(Jadali is a Ludhiana-based executive chef)

--As told to Poonam Bindra

star track
Nothing impressive

Slow down: Bejoy Nambiar





Shaitan was an awesome and energetic movie. Bejoy Nambiar debuted with that and his second movie David has none of that edge or innovation. It is stylish but the stories, except the Neil Nitin Mukesh’s one, don't really make sense. It is a disappointment.






Launch pad for Narmada
Film producer Pahlaj Nihalani says he will give Govinda's daughter Narmada Ahuja a perfect launch in Bollywood


Perfect platform: Narmada Ahuja

"One thing is for sure... I am definitely going to launch Narmada. She is like family and I would like to give her a proper launch. I am scripting something special for her and I assure it will be the perfect launch for her," Nihalani told in an interview.

Talks of her Bollywood debut have been going on since long and now, hopefully, Narmada will scorch the silver screen soon.

Asked what the film will be about, Nihalani said: "It is too early to talk about it. I don't want to talk about it on record right now, (but) I shall disclose it soon."

Nihalani has earlier produced films like Shola Aur Shabnam, Andaz and Aankhen.— IANS

 

High maintenance 

Big baggage: Bipasha Basu

 





Bipasha Basu carries a lot of baggage and equipment to her gym and she takes a lot of time to remove it from her bag and assemble it. Onlookers at her gym say that she could open a store with the amount of she brings to use!





Randeep Hooda feels overworked


Double shift: Randeep Hooda

Randeep Hooda may have made his Bollywood debut way back in 2001 with Monsoon Wedding, but got noticed only recently after his performances in Once Upon A Time In Mumbaai and Jannat 2, which has put him back in demand.

Evidently, the 36-year-old actor is happy about the turn-around but feels he is "overworked".

"It feels great to be in demand. I hope I don't give out myself so much that it will be like supply becomes more than demand. So I am trying to restrict it," Randeep said in an interview.

He has some interesting films coming up including Karan Johar's Ungli alongside Sanjay Dutt, Neha Dhupia and Emraan Hashmi. Then there is Salman Khan starrer Kick, Imtiaz Ali's Highway opposite Alia Bhatt, John Day with Naseeruddin Shah, Vishram Sawant's next Shooter, with whom he has done two films in the past – D and Risk. "I feel I am overworked, I am shooting, promoting films.

I am doing double shifts. I am preliminarily tired apart from that I don't have any problem. I mean I will have to start saying no, may be this year at some point of time," Randeep said.

"I can't work like that. It has really stressed me as an actor and as a person to shoot for different movies. It is not fair on me. If I keep doing it this way then my quality of work will not remain the same," he said. — PTI

Family man

Doting dad: Aamir Khan

Bollywood star Aamir Khan began shooting for his new film Peekay in Rajasthan and the actor made it a point to take his wife Kiran and son Azad along with him.

Aamir has a 45-day shooting schedule lined up in Rajasthan and he couldn't afford to spend that long a time apart from his family. So he decided to take them along with him, said a source.

Even while Aamir was busy shooting for Dhoom 3 in Chicago, he made it a point to take Kiran and Azad with him. He had set up a complete home for three months tere too.




Rooney Mara engaged? 


In spotlight: Rooney Mara

Girl with the Dragon Tattoo actress Rooney Mara has sparked engagement rumours after she was spotted wearing a diamond ring.

The 27-year-old actress, who has been dating Charlie McDowell since 2010, was spotted wearing an unusual diamond ring on her engagement finger while enjoying a lunch date with her director beau in New York. This is the first time the Oscar nominated star has been photographed with the ring in public. The actress has always been tight-lipped about her relationship with Charlie, who comes from a famous family.

His parents are Malcolm McDowell and Mary Steenburgen, his stepfather is Ted Danson, and his sister is Sons of Anarchy actress Lily McDowell.

Despite her success on the big screen, Rooney has previously insisted she isn't comfortable in the spotlight.

She said that she finds it 'annoying' people want to know what she's wearing and would rather they concentrate on her acting rather than her fashion sense. — PTI

Fatherhood is intense: Channing Tatum 

Magic Mike star Channing Tatum, who is expecting his first child with wife Jenna Dewan-Tatum, says fatherhood will be an intense experience.

The 32-year-old actor can't wait to be a father, but says it will be challenging. "The rest of this year is going to be pretty nuts. Even during having the baby — the baby-having process, it's going to be intense," Tatum said.

The actor previously revealed that he is terrified, but excited about the impending birth.

"I mean, I don't think there is one thing that doesn't terrify you, but in the most unbelievably beautiful way.

"Someone said it is really like watching your heart jump out of your body and run around, and I think that can possibly be the coolest thing that I have heard of," he said. — PTI

Lonely Valentine’s Day for Marvin

JLS star Marvin VIN Humes will be spending his first Valentine's Day as a married man, all by himself. The 27-year-old singer, who married Rochelle Wiseman, last summer, will be cooking alone and can't even hang out with his bandmates as they all have plans. "My wife is going to be away in LA. So I will be definitely spending Valentine's Day alone," he said.

Meanwhile, the rest of his band will be celebrating in style. JB Gill, 26, is going to whip up a storm in the kitchen for his other half. Aston Merrygold has cleared his diary to spend the day being treated by girlfriend Sarah Richards. — PTI

Drew can’t wait


Movie watch: Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore, who starred in Steven Spielberg's ET as a child actress, can't wait to show the 1982 film to her daughter.

The 37-year-old actress, who gave birth to her first child Olive in September 2012, also wants her daughter to watch her 1998 romantic film Ever After.

"My first goal is to show her ET. I cannot wait until she is old enough – and then Ever After, because I want her to see that you can rescue yourself," said Barrymore.

She was only six when she starred in the iconic science fiction film and has previously spoken about how she wants to protect her daughter from the entertainment industry. Now the Charlie's Angels star is content with her life with husband Will Kopelman.

"He's my home now. It makes me almost want to cry. I'm finally a part of a family and it's a miracle," she said. — PTI 

Kangna goes vegetarian 

Positive change: Kangna Ranaut




Kangna Ranaut has turned vegetarian because it gives her more energy and optimism. She has always been into Yoga and meditation and vegetarianism goes hand-in-hand with it. She says she "does not want to eat other animals!" and that she feels de-stressed by turning vegetarian.






chatter box
All is not well

A still from behenein

Alisha Khan, who rose to fame as Purva of Behenein that is telecasted on Star Plus, has been out of action for a while now. She was diagnosed with a benign tumour behind her left eye a few months ago and took time before deciding to go through an operation.

Alisha says, "My poor health has stopped me from accepting new offers on television. I had a neurological tumour behind my left eye that was operated on December 19, 2012. I have been asked to take complete rest for another month or so. The doctors have done a good job on my eye. However, the tenderness and swelling remains, which will take some time to heal."

Shreya shines on

SO FAR SO GOOD: Shreya Jha

Dehradun born, Shreya Jha, has carved a niche for herself as a talented actress over the years with six Oriya, Telugu and Bengali films. With Kavita Barjatya's Jhilmil Sitaaron Ka Aangan Hoga, which will be telecasted on Sahara One Television, she is excited to essay the role of Angna Rai Chand. The show will revolve around a love story with the back drop of a joint family. Shreya, a commerce graduate, who is working hard on this family show, talks about her journey in the tinsel town so far.

It has been eleven months since your first show Jhilmil... started. How is this show shaping?

The response is tremendous because it is a beautiful family show. There is a big scope for me to show my talent in it. I am living my character Angna Rai Chand.

What were you doing before entering the TV industry?

Before entering the television industry, I was a radio jockey, did many commercial ads and acted in six films (Telugu, Oriya and Bengali).

You are shooting non-stop for this show. How do you manage?

From the crack of dawn till mid-night, I work all the time. We practically end up shooting the entire day, evening and night. I easily manage all this.

What is difficult on the small screen?

I get no time to prepare for a shot. You need to get it right almost instantly. We develop high levels of concentration.

How was it working with seasoned actors like Kamalika Guha and Rakshanda Khan?

Both actors are very senior and talented. 

— Dharam Pal

Rakesh Bedi turns anchor


Rakesh Bedi

Renowned comic personality Rakesh Bedi (known for his memorable roles in Chashme Buddoor, Shrimaan Shrimati, Yes Boss, Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi, Hum Sab Ek Hai to name a few has now donned the role of an anchor. He will be seen hosting Science with BrainCafé, a science show on ZeeQ, India's first edutainment channel. Kids will now learn the scientific concepts and theories with an element of fun and humour with Rakesh Bedi.

Bedi's rib tickling show will cover concepts of Bernoulli's Principle, convectional currents, chemicals, robotics, gases and bubbles, motors and gears, electricity and static and many more. Children can learn all about science concepts and theories and of course the application of these- in a fun way! Science with Brain Café' is the first of its kind show on Indian Television targeted at kids between 4-14 years.

A twist in store 

A still from anamika

The storyline of the television show, Anamika, Trishula Productions, telecasted on Sony Entertainment Television, is heading towards an interesting twist.

Sources inform that Jeet (Mudit Nayar) and Rano (Annie Gill) will soon be entering into wedlock. However, Anamika (Simran Kaur) will not want Rano to marry Jeet because of the jealousy that stems from her love for him.

Soon Jeet will learn that the real culprit behind this vicious game is Anamika. But before he can do anything, Anamika will hypnotize Jeet and make him dance to her tunes. This will lead to loads of chaos and confusion, which viewers will have to wait and watch. Keep checking this space for more updates.

Back with a bang

ACT 2: Aakanksha Singh

Back on television after a three-month break, Aakanksha Singh, feels fresh and raring to go. She talks about the Season 2 of her show, Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha and a lot more...

What do you think about being back with Season 2?

Though in other countries it's a trend, but in India, to have sequels of fiction shows is unusual. I feel lucky and blessed to be a part of the show that continues the story forward.

There was quite a hue and cry when the show went off air. What do you have to say about it?

The news about our show going off the air was shocking and the audiences felt so too. In fact, I heard they even wrote to the channel and production house to keep it on air. I am glad that we are back.

Was it not tough for you play the role of a woman who is in her late 30s as you are in your early twenties?

Not really. When I took up the show, I played the role of a 28-year-old widow with two kids, so now after a leap of 12 years I didn't have any worries about playing an older role. It is a challenge and I am enjoying it.

But having an older actor play your daughter must irk?

Well yes, Jayashree Venkatramanan, who plays Navika in the show, is two years elder to me but that doesn't matter. We jell well and work together as a team. When we act, we both work on our characters of mother and daughter.

What did you do during your break?

I went to Jaipur and prepared for my physiotherapy exams and spent time with my family too.

Talent abound 

Zee TV's brand-new reality show, India's Best Dramebaaz, the talent hunt show features children doing a series of tasks and challenges that will groom them as actors and test their acting capabilities will start soon.

Judges Vivek Oberoi, Sonali Bendre and film-maker Anurag Basu recently went to Delhi to interact with the short-listed contestants from the show's auditions. The contestants chosen there would make it to the final auditions in Mumbai.

Sonali says, "The show concept is unique and Zee has always been a frontrunner in reality shows. It's my first time on Zee TV and the show presents a win-win situation for me … I just love kids. I'm glad that India's Best Dramebaaz provides an atmosphere that puts children at ease.”

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Your card suggests that of your relationships can be shaken. A temptation to overindulge might not be good for your credit card debt. Finance for the purchase of a home or for home renovation is likely to be approved. Tarot message: Don't forsake a new learning. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic number: 56.

TAURUS: Follow a good routine of exercise and diet to make sure you're keeping up to the mark with health matters. Focus on the little things that need to be done and stick to routines. Tarot message: Plan your life to avoid delays that come your way. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 27.

GEMINI: This is the perfect time to get into athletics. Try not to overdo it. You could have accidents simply because you forget to look before you leap. Be careful with your financial situation. Tarot message: Work could pose certain minor difficulties but don't worry. Lucky colour: Rainbow pastles. Magic number: 30.

CANCER: Flattery, charm and willingness to be bold will bring success. An evening event could test your nerves. There may be some last-minute changes. New people are moving into your sphere of relationships. Tarot message: Your determination to succeed will pay dividends. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 50.

LEO: You might be about to meet that someone special. This is a great day for socialising once you get going. You could get invited to a lavish event that makes you feel self conscious. Tarot message: Learn to accept responsibility for self and others. Lucky colour: Silver grey. Magic number: 44.

VIRGO: Your card promises self-confidence so trust your instincts today. Opportunities to socialise will put give you many choices. You have the capability to cope with every situation. Tarot message: Get over with the unpleasant set of events. Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic number: 35.

LIBRA: Your earning power could kick into a higher gear. Singles will attract someone new. An intimate connection with that special someone is worth pursuing no matter how difficult. Tarot message: Use your instinct to get into the top circle of power. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 46.

SCORPIO: A restless and irritable atmosphere could bother you. Avoid getting sidetracked or letting another's bad mood sully your day. Follow through on unfinished projects and tasks and enjoy the creative energy that is enhanced. Tarot message: Don't be dismissive. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 25.

SAGITTARIUS: Stick to your work and avoid new territory because this is not a day for clear thinking or making decisions. While shopping beware of adverting claims, as you could be easily influenced today. Tarot message: Be articulate. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 39.

CAPRICORN: An enthusiastic mood is encourages you. Nothing will seem too much and you are sure to help out those around you if you can. Your loved ones may not be enthusiastic. Tarot message: Do not divest assets in uncertain matters. Lucky colour: Sky blue. Magic number: 48.

AQUARIUS: Thoroughness will be your key to success. Try to avoid getting caught up in conversations that divert you from your course. If a neighbour is going away for a while, be willing to keep an eye on their place for them. Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended. Lucky color: Peacock green. Magic number: 63.

PISCES: Conflict between your private and professional life can test your abilities. Strong views on politics might entice you to get up and speak at a public forum. Don't be shy. This could lead to bigger and better things. Tarot message: Emphasise on spiritual needs. Lucky colour: Metallic grey. Magic number: 28

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is February 5...

As for physical and moral strength, luck is on your side. You feel confident again. Your adventurous spirits will allow you to take risks and show people around you what you are capable of. There will be good understanding among members at home. At work, you may have to put more efforts to achieve your targets. There will be limited gains in money. Health will remain moderate. Overall, it will be an average time.

Dealing with an authority will be unpleasant. No matter how talented and capable you are, they'll find fault with your performance. Given their attitude, it would be wise to scale back your efforts. Instead of putting forth a perfect performance, give one that is merely adequate. If you have a chance to travel abroad, go for it. There will be certain new developments giving you an opportunity for growth. Accept fresh proposal for a job or business, which may entail a lot of travel. Financially 2013 is full of promise. Those dealing in landed estate, stock market, food-grains, transportation and consumer goods will make handsome profit through their new transactions. Your will have a desire to make a fresh start. Your physical energy and courage are intensified. Unless you channel your abundant energy into decisive action or vigorous work, accidents, anger, and irritability are likely at this time. Put in some overtime, you can easily do the work. Then when this time period is over, you can enjoy the extra income you'll earn.

At the moment you must wait and occupy yourself only with small things. You will be able to be victorious. Use this period to analyze everything and be prepared to the best of your ability. You will gain strength and success. You're consumed with self doubt, for no good reason. Stop questioning everything you do and say. Just be natural. If you make a mistake or social gaffe, laugh it off. Nobody will judge you. Part of the problem is you don't give yourself enough credit. You're warm, steadfast and affectionate. These are the reasons why people love you. Stop pretending these qualities are unimportant. An overly possessive lover needs to be held at bay. You can't stand being monitored all the time. You'll want to manage your work autonomously and will impose your will.

Mood: Vulnerable at times

Compatible signs : Aries, Gemini, Aquarius

Lucky colours : Dark blue, black

Lucky days : Wednesday.

Lucky numbers : 5, 18, 23, 25, 28

Abhishek Bachchan (February 5, 1976, Mumbai) son of Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan, started his career with the movie Refugee. In 2004, he starred in the movie Dhoom, which was the first hit movie of his career. Soon after he gave a four consecutive hit movies like Bunty aur Babli, Sarkar, Dus and Bluffmaster. His daughter is likely to prove lucky for his career.





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