Draped in tradition
It's not Vidya Balan alone who loves to wear Kanjeevarams, many others swear by its eternal appeal
Ashima Batish

After a deluge of hits; subsequent awards from the last four years and now marriage to a business tycoon, doing away with Kanjeevarams would have been hardly a deal, but Vidya Balan took the path that's less trodden - be it selection of films or red carpet outfits.
A model wears a Kanjeevaram saree
Step up: A model wears a Kanjeevaram saree.

The actress picked up bold stories and made bolder style statements. She brought back the much-forgotten Kanjeevarams on the red carpet that's usually dominated by gowns of international labels and sarees in sheer materials, which reveal more and hide less. Each Sabyasachi creation she wore was traditional; silk made for the fabric and gold borders for the embellishment. There are a few like her, some from her world and some not, who for all these years have strongly believed in the beauty of the garment. Likewise, some designers are making efforts to revive the classic wear.

Take the case of Gaurang Shah, a young designer from Hyderabad who has been consistently working for the cause of Kanjeevarams. While his contemporaries used the platform of Lakme Fashion Week last year to showcase experimental creations, he had the audacity to present a collection of beautiful, colourful Kanjeevaram sarees. Titled Ardhagini, the ensemble had Anarkali suits in the same fabric and signature motifs for women who think draping a saree is a tedious task. "However, off the ramp, my focus remains on sarees," says Gaurang, who believes that the traditional-wear suits the Indian skin tone the best. He adds that Vidya Balan wouldn't have stood apart from the crowd of actors if it weren't for the silk sarees although a part of the credit also goes to her favourite designer, Sabyasachi, whose creations she wore at almost all the events.

Vidya Bala
Ethnic choice: Vidya Balan

While in South India, a pure zari work Kanjeevaram saree still makes for the ultimate bridal attire, in the North it is merely a prized heirloom possession. Sushma Gupta, administrator of The British School, Panchkula, is fortunate to have one that has been passed on to her by her mother, who in turn was gifted the same by her mother-in-law. She finds it plain silly when people try to judge the fashion value of a Kanjeevaram. "It makes for eternal fashion. Those who use the excuse that they are heavy and difficult to carry forget that the Swarovski-laden and heavily embellished pieces aren't any lighter." She has at least half-a-dozen of these, which she proudly wears on formal occasions. "Be it a wedding ceremony or an official meeting, Kanjeevarams are the perfect choice for formal occasions," she adds.

Besides Vidya, only Rekha and Kirron Kher have been seen donning traditional Indian wear at important events. The younger actresses of Bollywood, on the contrary, sport lighter, sheer contemporary versions of the ethnic wear. "Only if they wear silk sarees with the same zest will their fans take to them," comes from Kirron Kher, an actress and a Kanjeevaram loyalist. She feels that the saree has been so much contemporised that it has lost a bit of charm. "Either the pallu is done away with a thin sling or folds are stitched, but that doesn't render the same grace to the saree as the pure Kanjeevaram and its zari borders do," she adds.

The coming back of Kanjeevarams on the red carpet hasn't just revived the traditional wear, it has also in a way worked for the cause of weavers who went out of work although there is still a long way to go before young women begin to consider Kanjeevarams as a piece that determines fashion. As Neena Dhawan, professor, MCMDAV College, says, "I wish to see my students wear sarees with the same confidence that they sport Western clothes. I hope they take a cue from Vidya Balan." And she deserves another round of applause for the same!

ashima@tribunemail.com

Fair game 
The fairer sex and rallies do not always mix. But here are a few women drivers, who are going to change your perception...
Jasmine Singh

She knows it all…. She doesn't ask for perks while going that extra mile. She is a perfect fulcrum who can take quite a bit of overload and yet balance that well. She is hurt when you are sad and she can surprise you with her unbelievable sense of humour. She can slip into a sexy dress and hit the floor, and she can apply a perfect handbrake while driving on the mountains. It's the woman you see everyday at house, at office, at the grocery store, in the restaurant…the woman who knows it all.

Celebrating womanhood and her undying spirit are the Santa Banta Women's Car Rally and North India's largest Vintage-cum-Classic Car Rally that falls on March 9 and 10. So, she gives cooking, dishwashing and maybe her office a miss and gets behind the steering wheel kicking up fun and adventure.

Why should boys have all the fun?

This rally, which is being organised by Team Chandigarh Adventure Sports in association with Chandigarh Police, sees women participants from Patiala, Ludhiana, Delhi and Chandigarh. The scrutiny of the vehicles will be held on March 9. The rally will run on March 10.

Sounds like a fun day! "The rally is going to be a fun event. A woman can compete in any car of any make. No modifications are required in the car to participate in the event," shares

Gulpreet Aulakh, founder, Team Chandigarh Adventure Sports. Participation is on first-come- first-served basis, and enquiries are coming from diverse places for entry in the rally. "The entry fee for the vehicle is Rs 2,000 per car, for a team of driver and navigator. For each additional person, the charges are Rs 1,000," he adds.

Shifting gears

Man and machine, someone coined the combination and left it swell with time. Here is a group of women who can give the combo a spin. Vaneeta Kang, marketing head (India), Paul Merchants, who drives a Fortuner and Swift Desire, knows her machine too well. Something like the back of her hand. "If I can drive, I would like to know everything about my vehicle. So, words like engine oil, battery don't leave me with a blank expression," says the lady who has driven as far as Leh and Ladakh with her husband. She can change a flat tyre and she is a brilliant driver. "I know at what speed should I drive and exactly how I am going to get there," says the confident Vaneeta.

Women are good drivers

Often seen and pretty often heard, 'women are worthless drivers'! We bet there are thousands who can contest this observation! Nidhi Singh, CEO of a financial firm in Mohali, will definitely want to alter it. Nidhi has been participating since a long time. She was third at the SJOBA rally (TSD) as well. "I know my car well," she beams. And of course she knows what she wants from her car. "Comfort," her answer comes from her experience of driving a gypsy and other 4x4 vehicles.

Safe journey

The message of the rally is women's safety and road safety. "Because it is an all-women's rally with women behind the steering, I guess male chauvinism takes a backseat," laughs Mona Markanda, vice-president CESA (Carmel Ex- Students Association) who are associating themselves with the rally.

The rally will travel through all the prominent places in the city. The catch is that the driver of the car has to be a woman. The navigator can be a man or a woman, and the total number of occupants in one car cannot exceed four.

Rise in love
If you like fairy tales, then you would definitely love, Vinay Sapru and Radhika Rao's latest offering, I Love New Year, a modern love story wrapped in the old-world charm 
Mona

Director-duo Vinay Sapru and Radhika Rao gives a fairytale-like feel to their works. A number of music videos and a film Lucky—No Time for Love to their credit, they have just wrapped-up shooting for their recent film I Love New Year. Busy giving the finishing touches to the film, this duo opens up on their latest work…

Produced by music barons Bhushan Kumar and Kishan Kumar, this is a musical love story set in New York. Starring Sunny Deol, Kangana Ranaut and Navin Choudhry, the film has music by Pritam.

Vinay and Radhika find it most natural to work together. "We both know our strengths which we capitalise on. We almost always approach a shot together," says Vinay. Vinay has worked solo, but for Radhika, she has always been a co-director. "In fact, I sometimes wonder how do people work alone," she says.

The biggest challenge with I Love New Year has been to keep the setting close to reality yet lend a fairytale touch. Says Radhika, "It's a story that took place in two days and one night. To keep it in a contemporary setting and yet to give that larger-than-life treatment was indeed a tough task."

The movie is a modern take on love…love in high-rise apartments. "Love can change everything in a moment. It's love in today's times," offers Vinay. The movie has been shot in New York and Chicago extensively.

This duo is happy working with Sunny Deol. "It was fabulous working with him. He is a true star and very professional," they offer.

How is he compared to Salman Khan, the star in their last flick Lucky? "They both lend a certain super power in their projects. I can relate them to two of my favourite games - cricket and tennis. If there is a choice between the finals of two, I would be at sea. Both Salman and Sunny are rich powerhouse of energy," says Radhika. Having directed Dabbang's Mast Mast Do Nain and Sachi Sachi which became huge hits, Radhika and Vinay jump with joy at his name, "He has this uncanny power to read your mind which makes working with him so much fun."

Their film releases in April.

mona@tribunemail.com

Par Excellence Jesse Grewal 
Shot story
The role of the wrists in the short game

The method taught to most beginners or high handicap players and the one used by the good players is vastly different. Even the definition of a chip shot is different. For most, a chip is played with an extended putting stroke with no wrist action. Technically the chip is a low running shot played from a bad lie. This would be executed by a steep angle of approach and a de-lofted club face. To get a steep angle of approach we could do one or all of three things - set the centre of the upper body or sternum ahead of the ball (which could be done by placing the ball back in the stance or leaning more towards the target and placing more weight on the forward foot), lifting the arms by folding from the trailing elbow or using some wrist cock. The latter helps the club head move up more vertically and therefore create a more descending blow.

Beginners or high handicapped golfers have difficulty in executing this move as when we have more than one lever working the need for 'timing' becomes more important. In a single lever action there is no need for timing. Therefore when we make a 'putting' like stroke the work is done by only the body and the need for 'timing' is less. But this produces a low backswing and will catch the ball on a shallow and ascending path with less backspin. This would be good when we want the ball to roll a lot but could only be done from a good lie. When the ball is lying in the fringe in a bad lie or thick grass we need to get the club steeper.

The technique used is to allow the wrists to hinge by the centrifugal force created by the body turn coupled with soft arms. The weight of the club head makes the wrists cock automatically as we turn the body. To feel this move, take your club halfway towards the target after getting into an address position. This means make a small forward move from your address position first and then make the backswing. As the body moves to create the back swing you will feel the wrists cock automatically. If we try to create steepness by just lifting the club by using the wrists and not turning the body, we will not have the force of the body and will be inconsistent as the body apart from generating the force also controls the rhythm of the swing.

(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)

Shall we dance? 

City-based ace choreographer and dance trainer Dipesh Sekhri has opened his dance training school–Art of Dance at Club Pulse Piccadilly-34.

The academy will be mentored by Dipesh Sekhri, who is an expert dance trainer with 9 years of experience and teaches all forms of Western dances like hip-hop, salsa, contemporary, locking and popping, break dance, fusion, Bollywood and many more.

Says Dipesh, “We will provide technical training rather than teaching dance steps to students on particular songs and themes.” He adds, “Students will be taught about the origins of various dance forms. They will also learn a gamut of performance skills, including stage presence, facial expressions, body language and character portrayal to prepare them as they move up the performing arts’ career ladder.”

The academy will start functioning from March 5.

— TNS

Italian ahoy!

JW Marriott-Chandigarh tempts the guests to try out lip-smacking pizzas at Oregano Bar & Restaurant. Oregano is celebrating the Unlimited World of Italian with pizzas made in the wood-fired oven and special beverages combo apart from the main course menu.

 The fiesta offers 15 varieties of non-vegetarian and 10 varieties of vegetarian pizzas ranging from simple comfort Margheritta pizza to gourmet pizza selection.

Guests will be welcomed with a sparkling Mocktail, and will have an option to choose from the medley of pizza seasonings and sauces with recommendations for each kind of pizza. Not only this, guests also have a chance to hone their culinary skills by rolling their own pizzas and learn valuable tricks from the chefs.

On till March 15 — TNS 

TRENDSETTER
Classy touch

She has a unique sense of styling, experimenting from brands to street fashion. She is all set to conquer the fashion world. A blend of pleasing personality and humble attitude, Shonaya Rajpoot is a perfectionist and an aspiring model in the making.

Your sense of style?

Keeping it classy. I like to experiment a lot!

Latest addition to your treasure of clothing or accessories?

I recently bought a red dress from Shelly’s Wardrobe. I like to alter my clothes to make them unique and flaunt my tattoo.

Brand crazy or street pick-up?

Definitely brand crazy! But if I like something extremely striking on the street, I add it to my wardrobe.

Who would be your style icon?

Jacqueline Fernandez. Everything about her is perfect. She is my style goddess.

Who do you think is the worst-dressed celebrity?

Rakhi Sawant. Her choice of clothing is a little disappointing, nothing she wears suits her personality.

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

My sporty look is only for the gym. Glamour aptly defines who I am.

One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension…

Overtly-dressed people. They display everything they have in a go. Keep it simple!

Your take on accessories?

Rings and handbags! Choosing the right kind of accessory to go with your dress is very important.

Given a choice, which designer would you like to be dressed by?

Manish Malhotra. He is right-fully accredited for the astounding style of Bollywood’s glamour girls.

What gives you a high on the confidence level?

My looks and sense of style make me confident; I don’t need to dress up to stand out or wait for somebody to compliment me.

As told to Tanya Malhotra

tune in
Love notes
Manpriya Singh

We may be well past the Valentine month but that doesn’t barricade the Cupid and nor does it stop the romanticism from being in the air. Or even the radio waves! A date night or a night out, soft romantic tracks always make their way in the gatherings. Most of the romantic numbers transcend generations and while some might have been overplayed, most remain classics and almost all of them are beautiful pieces of music. Last but not the least, they are mushy and yet not clichéd.

Hall of Fame

So where do we begin from? From Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You by Glenn Medeiros or My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion? The list of the greatest, in this genre, can neither be unanimous nor complete. Moving on, I’d Love You To Want Me by Lobo might be a seventies’ song but it can certainly get us started with the genre.

Who hasn’t crammed the lyrics of the song? For that matter, there’s Steve Wonder’s I Just Called To Say I Love You that came a decade later. And when we say, PS I Love You, some of the die-hard romantics think of the phenomenally successful song by Beatles and not Gerard Butler.

No love album is complete without the Academy award winning The Way You Look Tonight, the song with countless covers. The one by Frank Sinatra is arguably the most successful.

Very many vouch for Everything I Do, I Do it for You by Bryan Adams, the song with record breaking sales.

For every one song mentioned, there are probably 10 left out.

Youngster’s take

Romance and music is a deadly combination. If it’s not the music, it’s the lyrics. “Just because we’ve grown up on them, we are addicted to them. No wonder you could be single, dating or even married, but that doesn’t stop the partiality towards mushy lyrics and soft music,” says Sidhi Arora, functional English student, Panjab University. Her all-time favourite is Book Of Love by Peter Gabriel. “I like the song for the depth of lyrics and the soft and slow music that it stands for.”

Just like love and romance, everyone has their reasons, everyone has their versions.

“What I like about these songs is that they instantly take you back to your college days. When they would be played during canteen hours,” shares Tejas Veer Singh, former law student, Panjab University. He owns allegiance to Love Me Tender by Elvis Presley. Just like idea of love, to each his own! 

To mama, with love
Hayek’s daughter surprises her with souvenirs as a keepsake when they are apart

Actress Salma Hayek dislikes staying away from her five-year-old daughter Valentina, but the youngster ensures her mom has a memento of her when they are not together.

"When I go out, my daughter Valentina gives me something to remember her. She calls it un recuerdo — a memory — and it changes all the time. She sneaks it into my bag so it's a surprise," said Hayek in an interview. The 46-year-old, who is married to Francois-Henri Pinault, also revealed that she keeps aromatherapy oils in her bag at all times to help her relax. "I keep aromatherapy oils for energy or relaxing... they can change your whole outlook," she said. — IANS

 

 

Supernatural scare

Director Suparn Verma promises that his upcoming horror film Aatma will go beyond the same canned plot and will tap insto the audiences' deepest fears.

"I am not experimenting with Aatma but redefining the genre completely. I want to set a standard. It is not tacky, I don't want to make a film and be apologetic about it, either as audience or as a maker," Suparn said.

The 38-year-old journalist-turned-filmmaker says the film does not have the usual ugly, melting face or weird camera angles to scare the audience out of their wits but will definitely make them sit up.

"Aatma will break the norm of the usual haunted film, which has a haunted house, an old wandering spirit. We have seen that time and again, what is new in it? The audience is waiting, they are exposed to world cinema and so you need to have an international level horror film in this country. I have made sure that this is the best possible horror film I ever make," Suparn said.

Aatma stars Bipasha Basu as a single mother and Nawazuddin Siddiqui as her husband, who comes to take away their daughter after his death. "The film is a supernatural drama, which is grounded in emotions. It takes a family scenario which is very real — two parents going through a bad patch and the kid is caught in between. Now, I took the real life situation which is emotionally dramatic and put it in a supernatural framework," he added. — PTI 

Doting dad

Actor Abhishek Bachchan says daughter Aaradhya will have the liberty to choose a career for herself and a parent's job is just to give "love, care and good education" to the child.

Abhishek was in the capital on Saturday to be the part of designer Ritu Beri’s annual kids' fashion show, organised to create awareness for autism and raise funds to support underprivileged children.

When asked about why Aaradhya was missing from the action on the ramp, Abhishek said: "I had lot of fun coming here. I am a film actor and these children (who walked the ramp) are much better than me. Talking about my daughter, I think it is completely her (Aaradhya) choice, let her decide her career as and when she wants too.”

"Currently she is in Dubai and very small, but I am sure she will be happy to lend her support to such causes when she grows up,” he said. The 37-year-old also said that a parent's responsibility is just to give a healthy upbringing to child, without forcing any ideas on him or her.

“As a parent it is not about material goods. The gifts a parent can give the children are love, care, education and understanding. These are the most important gifts any parent can give. As far as I am concerned, taking care of the child is never just a mother’s role. It’s all about sharing responsibilities," Abhishek said.

Dressed in a black jacket and blue denims, he was seen having a fun time with small kids on the ramp. He also danced on the ramp to songs like Bunty aur Babli, Kajra re, Bol Bachchan and Desi girl.

Showing his generosity to the cause, Abhishek also signed a t-shirt that went on live auction during the event. With the price starting from Rs 50,000, it finally went to Member of Parliament Baijayant Jay Panda, who got the t-shirt, for Rs five lakh. — IANS

Tiger in Japan

Director Kabir Khan is travelling to Japan to promote his Salman Khan-Katrina Kaif starrer Ek Tha Tiger, which is releasing there this week. The spy thriller is scheduled to screen in Tokyo on March 7.

"Ek Tha Tiger is releasing all over Japan. I will be travelling to Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo for interviews and publicity. Looking forward to it. Flying to Tokyo tonight for the release of the movie in Japan. I can't wait to see Salman speaking Japanese on screen," Kabir tweeted.

The movie released in India last year on August 15 and saw Salman-Katrina pair up on-screen after a long break. It was declared a blockbuster.

The filmmaker has previously made movies like New York and Kabul Express.

— PTI

Family business

Bollywood star couple Kajol and Ajay Devgn are likely to team up for a film. The two have earlier paired up for films including Hulchul (1995), Pyaar Toh Hona Hee Tha, Raju Chacha, Dil Kya Kare and U Me Aur Hum.

"We are working on something for Kajol but lets see if we are together or someone else. We should get the right kind of script to come together," Ajay said.

Ajay might produce the film as well. "We are planning a few things, let’s see... it depends on a lot of things," he said. The 43-year-old actor will be seen next in Sajid Khan's remake of Himmatwala opposite southern actress Tamannah.

Kajol was last seen in a prominent role in Karan Johar's home production We Are Family. — PTI 

Role of substance

Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan doesn't believe in the "hero-heroine dynamics" of Bollywood, and prefers a character-driven role in a movie, even if she doesn't get to play the protagonist's role.

"I don't think about hero or heroine! I look for character-driven scripts. I find the words hero or heroine very absurd. We all play characters," Soha said in an interview.

Even her debut Bollywood film Dil Maange More, released in 2004, reflected this choice. "When I did my first film Dil Maange More, I chose the character of a girl who chooses her career over the boy. But then everyone was like, 'You are not the heroine of the film! She has to get the hero.' But I felt the other role was more interesting," Soha said.

The 34-year-old, daughter of veteran actress Sharmila Tagore, is appreciative of the kind of cinema the Indian film industry is witnessing currently. "It is not hero-heroine driven. It is not even star-driven. It is script and plot- driven... this is more exciting for me," she said.

Soha has been a part of off-beat films like Soundtrack and Midnight's Children as well as commercial films like Rang De Basanti and Tum Mile. She is happy the lines between the two are blurring gradually.

"In the 1970s, there was commercial cinema and parallel cinema. Now that line is not so clear. Good films work at the box office, with off-beat subjects or actors," she said. Soha is only looking to do good cinema and doesn't want to restrict herself to any genre.

"I want to be part of good cinema...with songs or without songs, with or without masala, with or without Salman Khan. The story should be good, the character should be good. If I like the environment and role, then I will do it. Whether it works or not is secondary," she said.

Soha also admits she regrets being a part of some films, but she doesn't allow herself to dwell on it too much. "There is no point regretting anything. I don't look into the past. Of course, there are films which I have done, which have not worked. But I don't dwell in those," she said.

Soha will be seen next in Tigmanshu Dhulia's Saheb Biwi Aur Gangster Returns. She believes it is essential to strike the right rapport with a film's director.

"You have to believe in the director. The script can be brilliant, but a bad director can completely mess it up. A script can be average and a brilliant director will bring magic to it," she said.

— IANS

Saif and Riteish to come together

Actors Saif Ali Khan and Riteish Deshmukh are teaming up for a comedy film. "We have finalised Saif Ali Khan, Riteish Deshmukh and Jacqueline Fernandes for a comedy film. We have got an amazing star cast in place," producer Vashu Bhagnani said in an interview.

The yet to be titled film will be directed by Sajid Khan. This will be Sajid's second collaboration with Bhagnani after Himmatwala. "It is a different kind of comedy and completely original," Bhagnani said.

It will be for the first time that Saif and Riteish will act together in a film. Jacqueline has worked earlier in three films —Aladin, Jaane Kaha Se Aayi Hai, Housefull 2 — with Riteish and will be working for the first time with Saif.

"We will start shooting for the film 
this year and release it next year," Bhagnani added. — PTI 

Master Chef
Citrus savoury
Kandla Nijhowne

An orange to me is one of god's miraculous creations. Tiny sacks of tangy juice are enveloped in a protective skin, cushioned yet ready to be pulled out and popped into our mouths! You shouldn't stop at just that! An orange can also lend lots of flavour when used in savory dishes. Just a little bit of acidity can make all the difference in a sauce, salad, marinade or any dish, for that matter. Apart from additional vitamin C in your final dish, oranges also lend that little bit of tang to the dish! Let me introduce you to a dish with a velvety sauce, draping chunks of paneer or tofu. You can throw in a handful of fresh greens and serve it with steamed rice and a salad.

Method

* Dice the paneer or tofu into even sized cubes. You may even cut them into larger, steak-like fillets.

* Cut the greens of your choice into even strips.

* Saute the garlic in hot oil, then add the greens. Stir fry briefly and add the paneer pieces.

* Stir in soy sauce, orange juice, vinegar, peel/marmalade and ginger, stirring to combine and coat the paneer. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.

* Remove from heat and add cornstarch and water, stirring to combine. Now return to heat and bring to a boil. Check and adjust the seasoning.

* Cook until the sauce thickens

Cottage cheese in orange sauce

Ingredients

* Garlic (minced) 2 cloves

* Cottage cheese 250 gm (paneer) of tofu

* Oil 2 tbsp

* French beans, 150-200 gm 

spring onion, broccoli or capsicum

* Soy sauce 3 tbsp

* Orange juice ½ cup

* Vinegar 2 tbsp

* Fresh ginger, minced 1 tsp

* Cornstarch 1¼ tbsp dissolved in 3 tbsp water

* Grated orange 1 tbsp peel or marmalade

* Salt and pepper

(Nijhowne is a Chandigarh-based culinary expert)

Bigg Boss goes regional

The show, Bigg Boss is all set to revolutionise the South Indian entertainment industry. ETV Kannada bagged the format rights from Endemol India to bring the concept of Bigg Boss in the regional space for the first time.

The Kannada version will witness local newsmakers and celebrities from different walks of life entering the house of Bigg Boss. Also, southern superstar, Sudeep, will host the show in a never seen before avatar. 

chatter box
Big stars, big bucks and dwindling TRPs

There are many famous actors who star in big budget shows, but when it comes to delivering TRPs, they lag behind. We take a look at some of the actors who earn big bucks but are low on garnering TRPs.

Gurmeet Chaudhary
Gurmeet Chaudhary:
Punar Vivah was expected to be the big ticket for Zee TV as the audience anticipated Gurmeet to recreate the magic that he kindled during his performance in Geet. Reportedly he earns Rs 75,000 everyday.

 

Ronit Roy: Reportedly, he makes up to Rs 70,000 a day while working in Sony's Adaalat. Though the show had a good start for the weekend entertainment, it is now witnessing an average run on the TRP charts. 

Samir Soni: Though he has been getting a hefty amount of Rs 50,000 everyday, his show Parichay has never been a trailblazer.

 

Ram Kapoor: Bade Achhe Laggte Hain has been a steady runner on TV for a while now, but it has not reclaimed its spot in the top 10 daily soaps like it did when the show was launched. Reportedly, Ram takes home Rs 80,000 everyday.

Aamna Sharrif: She returned to TV with a bang and a lot was expected out of her show Honge Juda Na Hum. However, it never took off. Aamna makes Rs 65,000 everyday reportedly.

 

Mona Singh: Getting her back was an attempt by the channel to work with a familiar face in a new story, but her show, Kya Hua Tera Vaada has not done quiet well. Reportedly, she makes Rs 50,000 everyday.

 

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is March 5...

You will take risks and make investments in a business that you are not even positively intuitive about. Your will be hesitant to take quick decisions. Personal relationships will be harmonious and fulfilling. You will make a financial indulgence for the sake of your loved ones. It is an above average year. Compliments from known people will be flattering and you might end up praising them too! You'll be able to evaluate your relationships and ponder over your future with loved ones. Be content in whatever you do and this will bring long term results. Be decisive in choosing your friends as supporting troublemakers will ultimately land you in trouble. You're about to receive an impressive award. So celebrate graciously by splurging in a shopping spree.

Don't worry about an assignment you've been given as your capability will help you to put your best foot forward. Your good mood and energy incline you towards the right direction. Today on your birthday, you'll easily forgive the mistakes of your partner, thinking about the long term consequences. Ruled by number 5 and the planet Mercury, you are intelligent, sharp, sensible, business oriented. Your originality and dignity, adds to the charm. People perceive you as a very warm and friendly person, but you need to be vigilant to put a tab on your quarrelsome and destructive behaviour. If you are expecting returns from investments or loans, this is the right time as expectant premiums are also on the horizon. All the things you couldn't get to can be fixed with the old 'many hands make short work' adage.

Mood: Inquisitive, reinforcing and insightful
Compatible Signs: Libra, Capricorn, Pisces
Lucky Colours: Orange, Purple, Mauve
Lucky Days: Wednesday.
Lucky Numbers: 2, 3, 17, 19, 23

Tinnu Anand
Tinnu Anand (March 5,Verinder Raj Anand)
is a renowned director , known for directing movies with Amitabh Bachchan in the lead such as Kaalia, Shahenshah, Main Azaad Hoon and Major Saab. He is the son of veteran writer, Inder Raj Anand and uncle of director Siddharth Anand. Anand also portrayed an important role in the film Ghajini. His movies, Dabangg 2 and Tere Naal Love Ho Gaya were released in 2012.

Astro Turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Your cards "Two of Cups" suggests that romance will be on your mind. A minor incident can have dramatic effects. Ensure that you will still have creative and satisfying things to do.

Tarot message: Be punctual and act righteously.
Lucky colour: Pink
Magic number: 57

TAURUS: Spiritual values surface. The professional areas of your life will be at odds. Romance will be in the air. Don't compromise on your values.

Tarot message: Leave things open ended for best results.
Lucky colour: Golden
Magic number: 65

GEMINI: Social activities are likely to accelerate. Co-workers will be helpful. A love relationship will be revitalized. A proposal of marriage or a decision to start a family is high on the list now. Health problems will arise.

Tarot message: Be patient.
Lucky colour: Red
Magic number: 30

CANCER: Your card "The King" brings joyous news. It is a good day for purchasing vehicle. Don't compromise on your health. Take a break from the hectic schedule. Love life will be exciting.

Tarot message: Be optimistic.
Lucky colour: Crimson
Magic number: 33

LEO: Double check everything before setting out this morning to avoid missing anything important. Your care and interest can make all the difference for a friend in need. Relationships will keep you cheerful today.

Tarot message: Stay focused.
Lucky colour: White
Magic number: 61

VIRGO: You need to stay attentive today. Evening time is good for purchasing ornaments. Group efforts and projects will inspire
you and introduce you to new and interesting friends.

Tarot message: Don't be overconfident.
Lucky colour: Mauve
Magic number: 44

LIBRA: Focus on spirituality and meditation. Your hard work may not be acknowledged immediately. Be patient. Avoid social gathering in the evening. Don't trust anybody blindly today.

Tarot message: Win the war with honesty.
Lucky colour: Saffron
Magic number: 29

SCORPIO: You will find it difficult to reach agreement with loved ones. Family members will be quick tempered. Assessment of any kind might be more stressful than usual. Don't be disappointed.

Tarot message: Delays are the only obstacle on your way to success.
Lucky colour: Green
Magic number: 63

SAGITTARIUS: Employment affairs will be somewhat unsettled. Home and family affairs will be most enjoyable. This is the time of increased communication or travel with a romantic partner or social groups.

Tarot message: Focus on future.
Lucky colour: Yellow
Magic number: 52

CAPRICORN: Mental work will be stimulating today. Be a little cautious today. Early memories can surface, arousing nasty emotions. Don't take any decisions under pressure.

Tarot message: Practice patience.
Lucky colour: Purple
Magic number: 36

AQUARIUS: Health will be good. An irritating coworker can push you to your limits. Practice deep breathing and you can maintain your composure and avoid a confrontation. Change your normal routine. 

Tarot message: Don't give up on your ambition.
Lucky colour: Orange
Magic number: 40

PISCES: It would be wise to keep work and domestic matters distinctly separate. It is a useful day for tackling household repairs. A major change in your professional life will keep your morale up. 

Tarot message: You are on the right track, stay focussed.
Lucky colour: Peach
Magic number: 26





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