The recently cancelled Vizag Fashion Week once again stirs up the controversy and we wonder whether spirituality makes for a safe fashion subject…
Faith-fully fashionable
Ashima Batish
A gown by Sakshee Pradhan
A gown by Sakshee Pradhan
Designs by Nitin bal chauhan
Designs by Nitin Bal Chauhan
Designs by Nitin bal chauhan

Slip into a tee that has a motif of Lord Ganesha printed on it and yet it won't mean that you are wearing spirituality on your sleeve, even when you tangibly are! Spirituality and fashion: the combination is more for the sake of fashion than for spirituality. A tangential message might be there, but on the whole it is fashion that takes centerstage.

Still spirituality as a theme of fashion offends a few, as the matter is so very subjective. If at times it is measured as the creative streak of fashion designers, at others it is translated as demeaning to the Gods. Or why else, in the name of God, Vizag Fashion Week was cancelled on Monday following the controversy that models walked the ramp wearing the clothes that had motifs of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi?

Ironically, at the same time, young designer Nitin Bal Chauhan has been applauded for his experimental Bhootsavaar labelled t-shirts that have figures of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Kali on them. "Spirituality wasn't the reason I picked up the design, in fact I wanted to add a bit of humour to my work. We claim to be righteous, God-fearing people but do we actually do all the right deeds to avoid bad karma," says the designer.

His creations also brings into focus international concerns, the most important being world peace. "Every country talks of world peace but proxy wars are not a mere figment of the imagination. How many practice what they preach?" Nitin's collection is also in tandem with the cycle of fashion that comes back after every twenty years. It's retro, which reminds one of the fashion of the seventies — the era of Hare Rama, Hare Krishna.

Designs based on Gods and Goddesses might not come out of the designers' den very often, but the street fashion has always embraced them. Little wonder then, these are omnipresent at Janpath and Sarojini Nagar markets in Delhi. Exceptions, however, are always there. Delhi-based designer Sunil Mehra, since the last ten years, has been coming out with two collections annually, each derived from the symbols and tales of Lord Krishna.

People often ask him whether he will run out of ideas in the coming times. "I can easily stick to the theme of lord Krishna for the next ten years; the ideas are plenty," comes from the designer. Rather than using a motif of Krishna as it is, he uses distinct features of the God. This year, the second edition of his theme, Krishna's Lily, has in focus the colours found in the peacock feather. Understandably, you will find peacock blue, green, yellow, brown...in all his creations. The silhouettes of his works are usually Western. "As for why I pick Krishna everytime it is because he is the most fashionable Hindu deity. The accessories he wore, his style of playing the flute and his glamourous image that we have seen on television makes him the perfect subject for me."

Sakshee Pradhan, another fashion designer, in 2011 came up with the collection that looked at Raasleela from Radha's point of view and was rightly christened The Classic Romance. Spirituality and fashion has to be paired up with caution; cross the line and even the most adored fashion designer of India, Manish Arora, isn't spared. He was criticised for using the motif of Lord Shiva on skirts, leggings and harem pants. When fashion gives a frivolous treatment to spirituality, it is seldom followed. Only Osho Chappals serve as an exception!

Controversies abound

An outfit by Sunil Mehra

In the West, the Cross makes for the most popular motif on clothes. It's been part of the Gothic-Punk fashion ever since. But it's with same leisure that designers of the foreign land have tried to experiment with Indian Gods and Goddesses, which has stirred controversies. Back in 2004, Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli offended Hindus when he used images of Hindu Gods on a collection of underwear. More recently in 2011, Australian fashion designer, Byron Bay, got a lot of flak from Hindus worldwide for using the image of Goddess Lakshmi on swimsuits. In 2010, the Converse, an American company, withdrew its collection of shoes that had images of Hindu deities on it.

Mind speak

I don't think there is anything wrong in wearing images of deities as long as the sanctity of the faith is not questioned and the idea is not to show disrespect to a certain religion. In fact if you look at it otherwise, wearing clothes with deities' images on it can also be a way of showing respect to them.

Nida Mahmood

The Constitution empowers us with freedom of expression and we need to stand for it. The Vizag fashion show being cancelled as Lord Ganesha's images were used on creation raises questions on our fundamental rights. At the same time, it is important that the images should be aesthetically used.

Anupama Dayal

ashima@tribunemail.com

Model choice
Poonam Bindra

It was only on his mother's insistence that the handsome, six-feet tall Amninder Singh Grewal decided to take part in the Mr. Ludhiana contest in 2013. During practice, after getting selected through the auditions, he overheard choreographer Vikrant Sharma as saying, "Amninder seems very disinterested." That statement really shook him; Amninder put in his hundred per cent and won the coveted crown of Mr Ludhiana after three rounds, including Western, bridal and formal.

Since the theme underlying the show "Save Life Against Drugs" is very dear to his heart, Amninder went out of his way to work hard for the contest. A student of B. Tech, he takes pride in being a turbaned Sikh. "The respect you command as such is amazing," he says.

The Q & A round was the deciding point when questions were asked both in Punjabi and English to judge the language abilities of the contestants. When asked what profession he would ultimately follow, Amrinder answered, "A PCS officer and a model as a hobby" When asked why, he added, "To bring about any change you need power and that's what civil services affords you. I want to model only to please my mom." The answers found favour with the judges and the rest, as they say, is history. Interestingly, it was his paternal grandmother who was the first to run to the stage to congratulate him.

Now, Amrinder's agenda is to free his friends and colleagues from the menace of drugs. He says, "Nobody but a drug addict can commit such a heinous crime as happened in Delhi recently." Amninder is also thinking over an offer he recently got for a forthcoming untitled Punjabi Movie.

Conventional methods of making a pizza are fast becoming popular 
The good old pizza
Gurvinder Singh

Hot ambers emanate from the fire over the burning-golden wood in the oven that melts the cheese over these pizzas. As compared to 'push-button-beep-get-the-pizza' methods at multinational food outlets, this quaint old way of making pizzas in wood-fire ovens has its own charm. Not only for the method of preparation, but also for the taste of the pizzas!

Some of the restaurants in Ludhiana have started turning the clock to bring this original method of making pizzas back into vogue. "We use mango wood for heating the pizzas and that too adds its flavour," says Nishant Jairath from Bistro Flamme Bois. "The oven is curved, made of firebricks and pizzas get uniform heat; so they taste different," he adds.

"The pizza has a distinct smoky flavour to it, which is different from the ones made in electric or gas ovens," says Preet Chadhoke, a food-lover and businessman. "The crispiness and smoky flavour of natural heat are not possible in machine-made ovens," says Rohit, a foodie. Chef Ajay from Lucky Wednesday says that people have started opting for pizzas made in wood-fire ovens. "These pizzas are thin-crust and have a different flavour," he says.

Doc Talk
Make your feet happy
Dr Vikas Sharma

A lot of people tend to suffer from painful foot disorders without realising what is causing or aggravating them. Feet endure tremendous pressures of daily living. An average day of walking brings a force equal to several hundred tons on them. They are subject to more injury than any other part of the body.

Everyone wants a stylish footwear but one must be aware about the fact that improper footwear are the root-cause of various moderate to severe skin problems in a lot of individuals. The problems may range from moderate calluses, corns, infections to severe contact dermatitis and plantar fasciitis.

Calluses and corns on the feet are often caused by repeated pressure or friction on an area of skin by the improper footwear. They may appear greyish or yellowish and feel bumpy. Corns are a build-up of dead skin cells that are made worse by the rubbing of ill-fitting shoes. Corns are usually found on the toes, the top or sides, and they form a thick hardened spot that contains a cone shaped middle, which exposes the nerve and causes pain and discomfort. The pain while walking changes the daily lifestyle. Unlike corns, calluses don't have a central core and generally develop on the bottom of the foot, the heel and sometimes areas of the toes.

Get it right

In order to prevent bunions, corns and calluses:

  • Always buy footwear that boosts a broad front, wide toe box, which gives the toes lots of room to move.
  • If you suffer from metatarsalgia always wear footwear that has a higher, wider toe box and a deep cup complete with metatarsal padding and support.
  • Getting into the habit of wearing an arch support with a pad is wise because it decreases pressure on the foot and redistributes the weight properly.
  • For the children it becomes necessary to change shoe sizes at a pace that frequently surprises parents so as to allow room for growth as the rapidly becoming narrow size causes painful corns in a lot of kids.
  • An ingrown toenail takes places when a toenail grows directly into the lateral nail fold causing a great deal of pain. In order to avoid these extremely uncomfortable foot conditions you need to retain the foot's natural shape in a shoe so always choose footwear that has a wide toe area (or toe box). Arch supports as well, help to distribute weight better.

Watch out for:

  • Tight shoes squeeze the foot.
  • High-heeled shoes squeeze the front part of the foot.
  • Shoes with a thin sole can create more pressure on the ball of the foot when walking than do thicker-soled shoes.
  • Wearing sandals and shoes without socks can lead to increased friction.
  • The foot may rub against a seam or stitch inside the shoe.

Shoe byte

Shoe contact dermatitis is known as skin rash on the feet caused by the wearing of shoes, boots and/or sandals. This often occurs because the skin on the feet reacts to particular substances (allergens) found in footwear.

Many different products and chemicals are used in the manufacture of footwear. Allergy may be due to the chemicals found in the material that the footwear is made from, ie leather or rubber, from glues used to hold the shoe together, or from decorations applied to the shoe. The main causes here are the thermoplastic or rubber-boxed toes, and the dichromates used in tanning. While a patient with shoe dermatitis is being evaluated, he should wear sandals or unlined cloth or plastic shoes, which are inexpensive and generally safe. Sweat leaches out chromates from the leather, so controlling perspiration is essential.

Symptoms of shoe allergies include — inflammation, swelling, redness, blisters (that can break and leave crusts and scales), fissuring (cracks in the skin), burning, pain and itchiness.

Some steps you can take to reducing shoe contact dermatitis reactions include:

  • Controlling foot perspiration using antiperspirants.
  • Wear shoes free of metal components like nickel.
  • Replace rubber insoles with a foam sole, e.g. urethane foam.

(Dr Sharma is a Chandigarh-based dermatologist dermato-laser surgeon)

A smooth sail

General Motors India has launched the Chevrolet Sail. The premium sedan takes styling, comfort, performance and safety in its segment to a new level. The Sail is built on a new global passenger car platform created especially for fast-growing emerging markets. Engineers at the GM Technical Center-India in Bangalore spent nearly two years refining the platform for India to ensure that it would meet the requirements of the local market and car buyers. —TNS

Bollywood has its share of glamorous moms. Bollywood's mummies wear designer clothes, look gorgeous day and night and they are perfectly slim, trim and glowing. But then, they have money, designer friends and lots of free time and help at hand to do what they do. Here is what they do and how they do it.
Yummy mummies of B-town

Malaika Arora Khan

She loves her food and she loves cooking too. She is often seen hanging out at Pali Village Cafe in Bandra, Mumbai. She works out but has a naturally slim and shapely body.

Sussanne Khan Roshan

She is an interior designer who runs The Charcoal Project. Her young sons keep her busy and active. Susanne has always been skinny and she did yoga sessions with Payal Gidwani in order to gain weight.

Amrita Arora Ladak

The new mother is now blessed with two boys. She does yoga like Kareena Kapoor and follows Rujuta's diet, specially designed for her. She has to work out because she gains weight easily. She rubs beet juice on her face to get a natural blush. And would you believe her son Azaan recently turned three?

Konkona Sen Sharma

She is the most identifiable mother in Bollywood because she has real problems like she left her husband Ranveer, is not skinny and hardly glamourous. She wears plain clothes and is happy staying away from the media. She has fiercely protected her personal life and treats movies and roles like a job and is not willing to change herself for movies.

Karisma Kapoor

She is genetically blessed with a fast metabolism, good hair, and good skin. She loves her food and is a non-vegetarian too. She likes snacking on healthy, baked goodies and Rujuta Diwekar has developed a special diet plan for her. She loves sweating it out in the gym.




Sunny clarifies rape comment

Actress Sunny Leone found herself in the thick of a controversy recently.

It all started after former Bigg Boss contestant Kamaal R Khan tweeted, "Ye lo @SunnyLeone says - Rape is not a Crime, Its just a Surprise Sex."

Angered by his tweet, Leone clarified: "Who ever has said this rape comment is an idiot. I never said this. Grow up!!!!!!!!! I'm blocking all people who retweeted this comment. So either erase it or your blocked. Well everyone on my page that thinks that's a joke they are getting blocked!" She added: "Sad when you wake up in the morning and reporters are writing about a lie that was said on my behalf by a well known lair, KRK. #shameonyou"

Sherlyn sizzles

Sexy Playboy playmate Sherlyn Chopra added the glamour quotient at Dr Vijay Mallya's McDowell Signature Premier Indian Derby as she stepped out in style at the Mahalaxmi Race Course in Mumbai. Sherlyn rocked in her black and white Bebe dress which defined her curves. Style comes at a cost, and Sherlyn sure knows that as she dared to wear the sexy Ruthie Davis peep-toe platforms with killer heels. Sherlyn accessorised her perfect look with 'Bottega Veneta' knot clutch and flaunted her Chanel shades. After handing over the The McDowell No 1 Platinum Trophy to the winning jockey and the trainer, Sherlyn addressed thousands gathered at the biggest Derby event of the year.

"I am very happy to be here, I would like to thank Dr Mallya for inviting me to be in the company of sexy horses and hot jockeys," she said.

Sherlyn has recently developed a love for stallions as she is training to play a princess in her forthcoming movie Kamasutra 3D and horse riding is one of the skills she has to acquire. Sherlyn attended the derby for the first time, and she had fun hooting for the horses and hanging out in elite company. Now she sure can be called the 'queen of good times'.

Set it straight
Madhur Bhandarkar
It’s different: Madhur Bhandarkar

Known for making realistic films, filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar denies that his next film is based on Indian Premier League (IPL).

"All news about me signing actors and actresses for my next film is false. My upcoming film is not inspired by IPL. I am yet to decide my next, so let's not indulge in false rumours please," he said. "My next film will be made with UTV and after that with T-series in Association with Bhandarkar Entertainment. Hope I have set the record straight," he added.

it’s rocking
Such a pleasure!

Tube and Berger, aka Arndt Roerig and Marko Vidovic, began their career in music with a punk band at the age of sixteen. However, they progressed to producing organic electronic music after an introduction to house and techno during the late 90s.

Since a mammoth breakthrough in 2004, the duo's independent label Kittball Records with DJ Juliet Sikora has found a consistent global appeal. They have already dominated DJ booths across the world in the renowned clubs, including Frankfurt's Cocoon and Manchester's Sankeys. They launched their first studio album Introlution in 2012, which features collaborations with Chicago House legend Robert Owens and trumpeter extraordinaire Thalstroem. Their new track, Imprint of Pleasure, was released on January 14 and it is topping the charts already. We advise you to lend your ears to it just like the music buffs in Chandigarh have. Here's what they have to say about the track.

Beats and loops

The first time I heard Imprint of Pleasure was on beatport.com and no wonder it is topping the charts. It has a fresh appeal to it. Needless to say, it is my recent favourite. I love it for the beats and the loops.

Kanika Sehgal, student, New Public School

Appeals to young

When it comes to the new generation, electric music is the way to go! Though most of those who cross their 20s don't really fancy this kind of music but it has a lot of energy to it. Personally, I think that this song has a lot of drama to it, especially how the music rolls through the track. It's very energetic.

Kavisha Mahajan, student, Vivek High School

Original effect

I have listened to a lot of electro house music, but this one seems to have a different appeal. Fortunately, it's nothing like the regular dose of Akcent and Armin van Buuren, though I like listening to them, but this one has a very authentic touch to it. Also, I love the beats and it's a very good way to start the day.

Nipun Nagpal, student, Scholar Fields School

High Spirits
Barbara-D
A Hollywood cocktail for you
Vineet Mishra

Ingredients

  • 45 ml Fuel Orange Vodka
  • 10 ml pomegranate syrup
  • 20 ml litchi juice
  • Splash of lime juice

Instructions

Pour ingredients into a cocktail shaker. Shake, strain and pour into a chilled cocktail glass. Add a splash of lime juice and garnish with fresh lemon slice.

Cocktail fact:

Barbara D'Alterio is a British actress of stage and screen. She is perhaps best known for her role as Italian Silvia in the Channel 4 television soap opera Hollyoaks.

(Mishra is the owner of CocktailJockey.com)

HEART talk 
Clear the air
Parvesh Rana

I am a 19-year-old girl staying as a paying guest in Chandigarh. My landlord is very nosy. He and his wife want to know every little detail about what I do, where I go. How do I deal with the problem without upsetting them?

Reema, Chandigarh

If you don't want to be rude with your landlord, then tell him politely that you don't appreciate their inquisitiveness. But make sure whether they are just nosy or simply concerned about you.

Garima, Mohali

I am a 24-year-old married woman with a child. An old friend of mine got in touch with me last week via email. My husband didn't like it all. I want to be in touch with my friends, how do I do that?

Simran, Mohali

Simply talk to your husband and tell him what you want and why you feel the need for it. It is always good to have friends around, but you have to know why he is objecting to it. Talk to him without rage.

(Rana is a Bollywood actor)

green thumb
Ornamental value 
Satish Narula

When Chandigarh was born, the city was lucky to have Dr M S Randhawa as its first chairman of the Landscape Advisory Committee. A passionate horticulturist, he introduced many species in this city, both indigenous as well as exotic, not however, disturbing the local groves of fruit trees and other indigenous species. Some of the exotic species introduced in the city established themselves making Chandigarh their natural abode.

Some of the city flora has, however, not received as much attention as it should. In fact, some of the species have tremendous potential and could be used more frequently in city gardens for tourist attraction. Let us talk about such plants today.

One of the most attractive ornamental plants is Erythrina crista-galli. The name no doubt is a tongue-twister but this is one of the best ornamental trees growing near the main fountain in the Rose Garden.

A few trees were later introduced near the back entrance to the Terrace Garden in sector 33. The tree grows to a height of about 15 to 20 feet. The trunk and branches have their own structural beauty and the tree is a picture spot for tourist due to their blooms when in flowering and due to corky artistic stem and branches when it sheds leaves. The flowers are brick red and appear in bunches. Looking at the ease with which it grows, it should form more frequent planting in city gardens. The tree may be grown as specimen tree or in clusters. It is not fit for growing as an avenue tree. The watering requirement of this tree are also very less. It is easy to propagate by way of cuttings.

Another towering 'personality' in the rose garden is Taxodium. This columnar tree has also made this region its abode and stands tall near the fountain in the Rose Garden. The tree grows straight up and may go up to 40 feet or so. It hardly has any spread and grows within 10 to 15 feet across. The compound leaves of this tree are very small and imli like. It is a slow-growing tree. It is because of the miniature leaves and slow growth rate it has won the favour of bonsai freaks.

The flowers are insignificant and the seeds are borne in small capsules resembling those of bottle brush. It can also be grown as specimen tree or in group in city parks. It propagates easily by way of seeds. A few plants have been made and grown in Chandigarh Botanical Garden near Sarangpur. Groups have also been grown in fragrance garden.

(Narula is a senior PAU horticulturist)

Chatter box
Emotional time for Kamya
Kamya Punjabi
tough phase: Kamya Punjabi

Kamya Punjabi, who is presently part of Colors' out-and-out comedy show, Nautanki—The Comedy Theatre, is superb when it comes to entertaining everyone with her perfect comic timing, but not all know that the lady is going through an emotional setback in her personal life at the moment. However, this does not stop her from being a thorough professional when it comes to work.

Now we hear that her husband, Bunty Negi, had a major accident recently where he fell from the fifth floor. Our source tells us that Negi was at his friend's apartment, which is still under construction (during the wee hours of January 24) when he fell from the balcony area, which was still under-construction. Negi was immediately rushed to the Hinduja Hospital and was diagnosed with multiple fractures and other major injuries. Kamya states, "Bunty was at his friend's place; actually he was there for only 10 minutes as he was waiting for his driver to come. Along with his friends, he was chatting in the balcony area, which was under construction. Unfortunately, my husband slipped and fell from the fifth floor. He fell on to the wires on the fourth floor, after which he fell on a Scorpio car before landing on the ground. Since he hit the wires and Scorpio car before landing, the impact of the fall was less, which fortunately saved him."

She adds, "His friends rushed him to Hinduja Hospital. I was actually sleeping at home and got to know of it only after an hour. I was shivering with fear. He had multiple fractures; his hip was dislocated which needed a surgery and he also had to go through a plastic surgery on his face. The doctors at the hospital were so good that he is completely out of danger now. After a 12-day stay at the hospital, I have finally managed to bring him home. He has to rest for some time now.

Romancing poetry
A still from Wah Wah Kya Baat Hai
A still from Wah Wah Kya Baat Hai.

With Valentine's Day round the corner, poetic platform Wah Wah Kya Baat Hai will bring a special episode with many romantic and hilarious compositions. The poets participating in the first episode are Pawan Dixit, Surya Kumar Pandey, Anjum Rehbar and a renowned lyricist, Santosh Anand.

Pawan Dixit's comic composition reads, Usse hum kyon bhala chhed khaani karen, jiske bhai sabhi pehelwaani karen… Santosh Anand, who wrote songs for films like Shor, Kranti and Premrog, will be seen on the show as well.

The second part of the two-episode long Valentine special features Suresh Neerav, Vishnu Saxena, Anjum Rehbar, Arun Gemini, Simple Kaul and Sharad Tripathi. Anchored by Shailesh Lodha and Neha K Mehta.

Genie love

Karan Godwani Karan Godwani, who was last seen in Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon, will now do a cameo in Jeannie Aur Juju. He will play a naughty Jin called Johny, who comes to the earth after he's ousted from the genie world. He falls in love with Priya.
                                           
special act: Karan Godwani

Reason to celebrate
A still from Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai
A still from Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai

Star Plus' show Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai has been in the news for a number of reasons last year and it seems like the celebrations are increasing in 2013. Akshara's mother Rajshri aka Lata Sabharwal Seth, the polite and loving mother on screen, is all set to embrace motherhood. Lata who is married to Sanjeev Seth, her 'on-screen husband', is expecting in real life and is really excited about the same.

The diligent actor has still been shooting for the show and feels at home as the cast is extra-supportive. In fact, while Lata plays the mother on screen she states that in real life Akshara now behaves like her mother and ensures that she is well taken care of at all times.

The overjoyed Lata states, "I am expecting and it is a beautiful feeling. I can't thank god enough for a supportive family that I have at home and at work. They all take really good care of me; in fact when I shoot ten people shout if there is a wire around while I am walking. At this point, I will say that I am lucky to be a woman not only because I am able to enjoy the beautiful feeling inside me, but also for having so many loving people around me."

Arjun Bijlani Back to healthy times

Arjun Bijlani, aka Dev in Kaali-Ek Punaravtar, has been unwell during the last week and was hospitalised for a few days. He was suffering from fever and fatigue, but couldn't take a break as his track in the show had just started. He soon realised that his health wasn't improving so he went for a check-up and had to be hospitalised. However, he is much better now.
                                                                               sick leave: Arjun Bijlani

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: You will be focused and alert. Working with colleagues and gaining their support will lead to faster progress on assignments. Don't make impulsive decisions regarding your finances. Tarot message: Don't accept situations you dislike. Lucky colour: Aqua. Lucky number: 63

TAURUS:You're not undecided, just trying to understand what others around you are thinking so that you can plan ahead. Avoid new debt or excess spending. Minor muscle aches will be bothersome. Tarot message: Take things one at a time. Lucky colour: Sea-green. Lucky number: 48

GEMINI: Do not overlook a chance meeting that can lead to a future romance. Kick old habits and adopt a healthier lifestyle with more time for meditation. A brief business-cum-pleasure trip is on the cards. Tarot message: Polish your public relation skills. Lucky colour: Mauve. Lucky number: 43

CANCER: You are likely to find an ideal partner. Be bold to speak out what is in your mind. Delays can be expected today. Relax; things will clear up and you will find them progressing by the evening. Tarot message: Beware of depleting your energy or resources on others. Lucky colour: Peach. Lucky number: 38

LEO: You will be able to enjoy interaction with people who share your views and thoughts. Your ability to communicate effectively will help you to enhance your reputation. Today loved ones will be more demanding. Tarot message: Arrogance will not be rewarded. Lucky colour: Brown. Lucky number: 55

VIRGO: You find ways to express your creativity and emotions. Your personal interests are likely to be stagnant. This should be a pleasantly sociable day. A Taurean person supports you through a difficult time. Tarot message: At work, a setback will be followed by a rapid advance. Lucky colour: Burgundy. Lucky number: 49

LIBRA: Today, a long-cherished dream will come true. Do not try any short-cuts as they will misfire. Be understanding. A surprise phone call can put you back in touch with a friend. Tarot message: Do not refuse offers without seeking advice. Lucky colour: Green. Lucky number: 29

SCORPIO: Complicated family issues, past romantic promises or repeated social patterns require consideration. Provide support and maintain a cheerful attitude. Your efforts will be appreciated. Tarot message: A dissatisfactory phase will need gentle handling. Lucky colour: Sky-blue. Lucky number: 44

SAGITTARIUS: A new business venture is on the cards. Minor jealousies are best addressed in the moment. You tend to be lazy and laid back today. Expect key officials to provide faulty instructions. Tarot message: Feel free to change your mind. Lucky colour: Pink. Lucky number: 37

CAPRICORN: A close friend needs delicate advice concerning strained relationships. Past disappointments and old memories will now provide valuable social wisdom. Tarot message: If you insist on leading a fast life, you may aggravate your problems. Lucky colour: Maroon. Lucky number: 54

AQUARIUS: This is a good time for shared enjoyment with your family. Review your financial records for forgotten payments. Avoid acting as a mediator and wait for obvious cues from loved ones. Tarot message: Trust your heart and intuition. Lucky colour: Yellow. Lucky number: 61

PISCES: Expect loved ones to propose new forms of entertainment. This is an excellent time to adopt new routines and develop hobbies. A friend or lover will bring some drama into your life. Tarot message: Do not get tied down by any promises. Lucky colour: Orange. Lucky number: 46

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is February 7...

An unusual dream prompts you to get in touch with your creative side. You're highly appreciative of rich colours, fabrics, delicious aromas, good flavours and melodious music. Depriving yourself of these finer things of life makes you jaded and depressed. Take this opportunity to enjoy yourself, even if it means taking holidays. Help from a government agency will arrive in the nick of time.

You'll be very receptive and take every opportunity to improve your finances and ego. Your loved one will hinder you in postponing a decision that concerns your future together. However, don't worry because eventually he or she will understand your reasons.

You require harmonious surroundings to experience the peak of health. Some of you will suffer from coughs, colds and joint pains. Last year you succeeded in your career and now will need to consolidate your achievements as well as accomplishments. The luckiest time is March to June. You want to be prominent; all the initiatives will bring excellent results. The period from August to September will be difficult, but you should not forget that Saturn is situated in the sector of career accomplishments; the situation will change and you will enter a new stage of business achievements.

The affection of people you love and respect from the people at your workplace will bring happiness. Sometimes your ego will overpower. It's better for you to avoid any such situation. A broader mindset will be very helpful for you this year. You are likely to be taken ill by some seasonal diseases, but there will be nothing to worry about much. Stars foretell that you are likely to go on a holy pilgrimage with your love interest. You will upset your beloved sometimes, but then you will also conquer him or her with your love. You will be working with some experienced professional, which means this year is going to be good in terms of career as well. You will even get promotion by the end of this year on the basis of your perfect performance. Regular flow of income will keep you happy throughout the year

Mood: Good.

Compatible signs: Cancer, Leo, Aries

Lucky colours: Orange, Burgundy

Lucky days: Sunday.

Lucky numbers: 2, 7, 15, 16, 66

Cerina Vincent You share your birthday with Cerina Vincent (February 7, 1979, Las Vegas, Nevada), who made her big screen debut in Sony's outrageous hit spoof Not Another Teen Movie, where she bared it all (including her comic skills) as Areola.

She then stripped off much of her skin as Marcy in the Lions Gate horror success Cabin Fever. She also appeared in many other films.





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