His cinema, his way
Internationally acclaimed documentary filmmaker Sanjay Kak loves to provoke, even outrage his viewers, for the real purpose of his films is not to take sides but to trigger a debate...
Nonika Singh

His films speak the language of revolutionaries and rather compellingly, forcefully bring forth the idea of revolution.

Yet internationally acclaimed documentary filmmaker Sanjay Kak comes across as anything but fire-breathing or venom-spewing radical. In Chandigarh for the screening of his latest film Red Ant Dream, the man who constantly questions the way democracy works in India, in fact, does affirm faith in the Indian democracy, however, flawed it might be.

Indeed, he is increasingly perturbed by the corrupt forces at work, the money power constantly undermining democratic institutions. No wonder his films, be the Red Ant Dream on Naxalism or Words on Water on Narmada Bachao Andolan or Jashn-e-Azadi on the Kashmir problem that created quite a stir, ask the all important question — who is the democracy meant for? As the film posed some pertinent if discomfiting queries, many feathers were ruffled. Jashn-e-Azadi was not even allowed to be screened in Pune's Symbiosis University by ABVP. He recalls and shares, "Sadly the objection was not to what was in the film."

Not that he mollycoddles his subjects. Unlike other makers, he doesn't believe in the notion of objectivity and calls impartial observation nothing more than a trap. Upfront he says, "Often the so called two sides of an issue are not important. Hence balancing it is irrelevant." Besides he is not imposing his opinion on others, only making his stance clear at the very onset of the film. The intention he insists is, "Not to brainwash others, only to provoke and initiate an argument."

A good documentary, he says, is one that does not reiterate the obvious and unveils something not seen or heard before. No wonder this Kashmiri pandit instead of choosing to tell the tale of his own brethren looked at the perspective of what makes Kashmiris continue with their dissent. No he is neither a votary of 'azadi' in Kashmir nor of violence. Only he wants the discourse to include the people of Kashmir, which fortunately he feels it has in the last couple of years.

Similarly, in Red Ant Dream, which takes you to the centre of Maoist activity, he is not suggesting anything more than those indulging in guerrilla warfare — The People's Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) — are not aggressors. Interestingly, as he has used Paash's poetry and Bhagat Singh's ideals in the film many viewers in Chandigarh failed to see the connection of incorporating Punjab in the story that is largely the tale of Maoists. He smiles, "Such references too are part of the debate."

Kak might be drawn towards dark issues but he is certainly not a pessimist; and neither underestimates his ability to make a difference nor the world to change. Documentary films, he understands, are only one of the instruments of transformation by propounding an argument. As he tilts the argument in favour of those whose voice he becomes, he reminds you, "Remember documentary films are not a document. It's not a dastavez." But a significant world view, impelling you to drop your coloured vision and look at things from a fresh vantage point his films certainly are!

nonika@tribunemail.com

Mainstreaming issues

Sanjay Kak may not agree with what mainstream cinema like Shanghai and Chakravyuh have to say about significant issues such as SEZ and Maoism, but he has no problem with it and feels more such films should be made. Even though he has won many an international award like In the forest hangs a bridge got the ‘Golden Lotus’ for Best Documentary Film, he clarifies he doesn't make films for film festivals. But yes it is gratifying that films meant primarily for Indian viewers find a connection overseas. Even more heartening is the money that the award fetches for it facilitates his next film.

More than a name

The rather piquant name of his film Red Ant Dream may have your perplexed, but he offers no explanation. Sure the film has a sequence involving red ants and the analogy with the ant army is for you to make out. His process of making films begins from nagging questions. The quest takes him to in-depth research and academic reading. Once the riyaaz is over, the film gets rolling. He adds, "When you immerse yourself into something, one thing leads to another." His first moment of immersion came while working on a research project on Narmada Bachao Andolan. Since then he has not looked back.

In black & white
Commissioning Editor for the Young Zubaan, Anita Roy says the emotional connect is most important in any story…
Mona

Anita Roy, while growing up in Buckinghamshire, often wondered how it would be like to work in India given her half-English half-Indian descent. Her work in the publishing industry brought her here with an intention to stay for a year or two. It's been eighteen years now and she has continued to work in India.

Commissioning Editor for the Young Zubaan, Anita was in Zirakpur for a creative writing workshop with Dikshant International School students. The mentor and young learners had fun sharing what made 'bad' characters appealing in story books while also breaking down various elements in a fiction; examining their component parts and a trying a hand at writing. "The workshop led by Young Zubaan's Editor was a great learning experience for us. I learnt that there was a great opportunity in writing books aimed at children and young adults," says Nalini Chaudhary, a student of Class X.

Mitul Dikshit, director, Dikshant International School adds, "The idea behind organising the workshop was to expose students to creative writing skills and present a whole new career option in front of them."

Ask Anita if technology (read texting and internet) had an adverse impact on the writing skills of youngsters and she says, "For me it's the emotional connect that's most significant in a story. That's been universal around the world and more or less the same."

Working for Zubaan, she finds the upcoming Guidebook 101 for the best Indian storybooks quite promising. "It's not easy trying to get what you want your children to read. This guidebook is the first step in that direction, which takes into account both classic stories as well as the recent ones." This will hopefully be out around August and plans are to have it in other languages as well, the first one being English.

Co-author of Dorling Kindersley Eyewitness guide to India long back, Anita is ready with the draft of her children book. As for the theme she says, "Well, it's aimed at ten to twelve year olds, an adventure set in the land of the dead!" We are waiting…

mona@tribunemail.com

Comic caper
Comedy is Manoj Pahwa’s forte. Yet there is more to the man than just that…
Jasmine Singh

Repetitiveness can be more lethal than being executed in an electric chair! For an actor this clearly indicates the End. Surprisingly there are some people, actors in this context, who have the craft of bringing something different out of monotony each time.

Manoj Pahwa has made us giggle as and when he has appeared on screen and this is what he has been doing for a long time. When you drop the word monotony, the actor, who is in Chandigarh to shoot for a Punjabi film, sets out to redefine it! "It can be killing, it is a matter of concern for any actor or character artist, however, I try to bring in something new in similar kind of roles," says Manoj Pahwa, trying to give a philosophical touch to a practical problem.

It is in search of finding new in the routine that brings Manoj Pahwa to Punjabi cinema for the first time. "I had met the producer, Gabbar, during the shoot of Mausam, later he came to Mumbai with the script. I liked my role and agreed to be a part of it," he says. Manoj plays a recovery agent in Heer & Hero, a situational comic character. Comedy is something he has been doing for long. Doesn't it get tiring? "Sure it does. This is why I joined theatre after almost 15 years, so that I could satisfy my creative urge. I used to do theatre in Delhi, after moving to Mumbai I did not get the opportunity. Theatre breaks the monotony if you understand." Manoj has featured in various advertisements, something he thought he would never do and in successful films like London Dreams and Tum Bin. "I would want to experiment with my character, but if you click in a particular role (in his case it is comedy) the industry begins to give you similar kind of roles," says the actor, who has always done some dark comedies as and when they came his way.

Sometimes even in acting it comes down to the need for survival. Manoj laughs, he can relate to it and knows what we are heading for. "Actors sometimes say yes to roles, characters which they wouldn't agree to do otherwise. I didn't have to struggle for recognition because I knew I wanted to act, whether it was films, television serials or ads," adds Manoj, who will be seen in three upcoming films Waar Shod Na Yaar, Purani Jeans and Dedh Ishqiya.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Creative platform
Amarjot Kaur

If you fancy collecting authentic art pieces that speak volumes about the artist’s creative indent, it’s about time you headed to Art Portfolio, Sector 9, Chandigarh, where Neepa Sharma, curator, exhibits a collection of art works of various artists from across the nation.

The exhibition showcases the regular oil on canvas and acrylic on canvas paintings by several artists, including the Rajasthan series (water colour) by Ananta Mandal, Ganesha Janani by Dhiren Sasmal and Woman Series by Vijay Singh Chouhan, where he has made use of intricate pattern work and calligraphy as a fundamental technique. These paintings are priced between Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000.

Besides the canvas, the exhibition also displays a series of mixed art, including sculptures and print on canvas. Mathew Kurein’s photographs, titled Soulless Cutouts and Idris Ahmed’s Holi in Brij are an artistic delight.

“Mathew clicked these photos in London and Idris captured the Holi in Vrindavan. His photos have been printed on canvas which gives an illusion of a painting,” says Neepa. While you continue to look around, as many as four metal sculptures by SC Ahuja, titled Rest, Love and Peace and The Old Man can be purchased for anywhere between Rs 40,000 to 1 lakh.

“We have displayed the works of two new artists, Renu Aggarwal and Pardeep verma. While Renu paints abstract forms with vivid colour patterns, Pardeep’s main subject is the Buddha,” explains Neepa. Pradeep uses symmetric calligraphy patterns which serve as a backdrop for his main subject, Buddha. Meanwhile, Malay Dutta has also painted the Buddha series while using acrylic on canvas. The exhibition also exhibits masks series and ceramic sculptures by C Vishwana, which are priced between Rs 5,000 to Rs 8,000. His glazed ceramic stoneware sculpture, titled Hum Tum is available for Rs 25,000. 

HEART talk
Problem in paradise
Parvesh Rana

I am a 32-year-old woman happily married for the last eight years. But, I suddenly feel that my husband is not giving me enough attention. This is creating some problems between us. Can you suggest something?

Neha, Chandigarh

This happens to every married couple after a while. If you think your husband is not giving you attention then try and find out the problem or the reason behind it. Try to spend some time together, talk to each other, better still plan a holiday. I don’t think there is anything to worry about.

I am a 39- year-old man working in a reputed firm. I am in love with a girl who stays in Delhi. Because of my professional constraints I can’t spend much time with her. In fact, I am beginning to realise that this long distance relationship might not work. Do you think it happens to all-long distance relationships?

Dheeraj, Mohali

Yes, this is a common problem with such relations. You need a lot of understanding and trust to carry out a long-distance relationship. Also, you should be willing to take out time for each other.

(Rana is a Bollywood actor and television anchor)

Sweet success

Sindhis Sweets, which had been synonymous with the food scene of Chandigarh since it started operations in 1976, has added another outlet in the city.

The well known name in the traditional Indian fast food area has reinvented itself by opening a swanky and trendy outlet in Elante Mall. Besides an array of mouthwatering foods like chana bhatura, chaat papri, the chain has added to its menu western fast foods like pastas and sandwiches. One can also savour mocktails, espresso and cappucino sitting in the Sindhi Sweets latest up-market address.

Sindhi Sweets is the only restaurant in its category that provides tawa roti and pyaaz ki chutmey. What’s more, the signature Sindhi dal that has a delectable ‘lasun’ tadka is an all time favourite.

According to Abhishek Bajaj of Sindhi Sweets, “In keeping with our strategy to make Sindhis a one-stop-shop for all food related needs we have added substantial items from the West to our existing menu. Apart from food we have focused on creating a fresh and stylish ambience in our newly opened outlet in Elante Mall. The new outlet is spacious and has a capacity to seat 100 customers.”

Not just traditional Indian mithais and desserts to mouth watering snacks and meals, food items at Sindhi Sweets now boast of a bevy of bakery products. There are ‘melt in your mouth butter cakes’ classic American cakes which typically consist of two layers of a buttery cake, filled with a sweet frosting. For weddings and special events the outlet offers a range of themed sweets, chocolates and confectionery.

— TNS

Master Chef 
Kaushik Jadali
Sprouting happiness

An all-time tested and proved way of getting nutrition and taste is to go in for sprouts. No need of reaching out to bottles of those multivitamin tablets if you include sprouts regularly in your diet. Here, we give you the stepwise procedure to make sprouts and then a delicious soup thereafter.

Ingredients for mix sprouts 

Whole moong, chick peas, green chana, brown chana and matki etc. 

Method

Wash the beans and soak in water for a minimum of 4 hours. Drain and wash thoroughly. Keep in a jar covered with a piece of cloth for 5 to 6 hours. Place in the refrigerator overnight. Next day, wash thoroughly, drain and again keep in a jar covered with a piece of cloth for 5 to 6 hours. The beans will have started germinating by now. Place in the refrigerator overnight. Sprinkle water on the sprouted beans on the third day and store in the refrigerator until required for use.

Tips 

In the process of sprouting, Vitamins A, B group and C (which are otherwise absent in ordinary beans) are formed.

Beans are very rich in proteins and iron.

Ingredients for Sprout hot soup

20 gm mix sprouts, ½ tsp oil, 1 tsp chili paste, 1 tsp soy, auce, ½ tsp vinegar, 2 tsp corn flour, 400ml water, 2 cloves, crushed garlic, Salt to taste, White pepper to taste, Vegetable seasoning powder to taste .

Preparation time 5 minute Cooking time 5 minute

Method

Put oil and sauté the garlic. Pour water in a pot and add all the ingredients. Once the water is boiling, add soy sauce, chili sauce and seasoning. Add corn flour paste as thickening agent. Put the sprouts and vinegar. Serve hot.

(Jadali is a Ludhiana-based culinary expert)
— As told to Poonam Bindra

stress buster 
Out of the mess
renee singh

Mess induces stress. Do not fool yourself that an untidy room is acceptable because you know where things are. Do not rely on technology and the paperless effect to rescue you. We are constantly looking for excuses for being messy.

Clearing desires

Some people have the habit of hanging on to a lot of stuff as they are afraid of discarding anything. They feel they might require those at some point or they might even dispose of the very thing they need. Remember anything that remains untouched for three months in your room is unlikely to be used in the future. Either put it into long-term storage or give it away. 

Getting organised

Make sure that you arrange your room every week and keep all the things around you sorted.

When you walk into you room after a long and tiring day at work, your room should be your heaven. You can actually feel the stress drain away as the clean, warm comfort of a nice room envelops you.

Position the furniture in such a way that the necessary things are easily accessible to you.

Discarding waste

Do not be hesitant to discard things which you feel are useless. Putting away unwanted stuff can actually give you a sense of achievement. Re-arrange things in your room to improve the Teng Shri - you can actually feel the energy in the room things around and this brings about a fresh recharge into the whole atmosphere.

Colour therapy

Stress is also affected  by other visual stimuli, such as the colour of our surrounding.
Companies use colours to create moods–in shops, restaurants and reception areas hotels etc. Do the same for the space around you. Your room is your private retreat. Use the right colours for curtains, a nice beds etc. The colour you select will depend on whether you prefer to be soothed when you enter or you prefer to be stimulated by your surroundings. Choose whichever shade is easy on your mind and has a calm effect on you. 

Add colour to your room with a nice flower arrangement. Some nice family pictures give a joyful feel.

Make your surroundings aesthetically appealing. After all you spend more time in your room than elsewhere. The place where you wakeup and go to rest should be the most relaxing place for you.

Keeping yourself de-stressed is a constant endeavour but allowing yourself a happy space is in your own hands. (Renee is a Chandigarh-based psycho analyst)

Get, set, floored... 

Pergo, the global leaders in laminate flooring, has launched the Original Excellence collection which is designed for handling high wear public places or home environments with very high wear. 

"In today's modern world of interiors style, look, feel and durability which is of utmost priority and thus this collection of laminate flooring does just that. Wide range of options in terms of decor and design is aimed at giving you the best possible option to go with the theme of the area," said Naresh Maheshwari, CEO, Pergo India Pvt. Ltd. 

The perfect choice for heavy residential or medium commercial traffic, this floor showcases a wide array of exotic patterns viz red oak, maritime mahogany, smoked oak, rustic teak and more.

The price range of Pergo Original Excellence is Rs 270/sq-ft.
— TNS

Chatter box

Cause & concern

Recently, Ekta Kaul aka Sahiba of Zee TV's show, Rab Se Sohna Isshq, fell ill and could not arrive at the shoot on time. The unit was waiting for her and her number was unreachable. Later, when she came, her hand was in a sling and though the unit was concerned for her, they were angry with her for not keeping them informed. They had to change the storyline to explain the sling too.

A leaf from history 

Jai Jai Bajrangbali, the hit mythological show from Sagar Arts, has just completed 500 episodes. We catch up with the lead actress Aparna Tarakad, who is playing Maa Anjana, Lord Hanuman's mother.

How did television happen to you?

Actually, I am from Pune and shifted to Mumbai after graduation. I got a break in Lipstick and after that I did serials like Jeet, Yeh Meri Life Hai, Kaise Laagi Lagan and Kahin Kissi Roz. .

How does it feel being Maa Anjana?

I am very excited because I have won the viewers' hearts. When this show was started, it became popular overnight. The viewers now appreciate my acting skills.

What is the show all about?

Jai Jai Bajrangbali produced by Sagar Arts portrays Lord Hanuman's life and service to humanity. He delivers the world from the atrocities of invincible demons like Ravana and other evil influences.

How did you land up in this show?

I had been associated with Sagar Arts through their show Mahima Shanidev Ki. Shiv Sagar, the producer, gave me another opportunity to do the role of Maa Anjana.

Tell us about your co-stars?

I have a good working relationship with my co-stars, but child artist Raj Bhanushali is very close to me. I ask him to do his best as Bal Hanuman.

— Dharam Pal

Reel vs real

Deepika Singh aka Sandhya of Star Plus' Diya Aur Baati Hum might be preparing for the wedding of her brother-in-law in the show but in real life, she recently got her younger sister married. 


Maternity break

Rumour is that Rupali Ganguly is planning to quit Tony and Deeya Singh's Parvarrish on Sony. Rupali, who recently got married and is pregnant, wants to go on a maternity break sooner than later. She has spoken with the production house, which is looking for a replacement. 

Serial-kisser Bharti!

Emran Hashmi has a competitor in Bharti when it comes to serial kissing. Well, in all likelihood, she might just take over as the new serial kisser of the tinsel town!

During a special episode, Dharmendra and Bobby Deol made a special appearance on Comedy Circus ke Ajoobe to promote their upcoming comedy flick Yamla Pagla Deewana 2. Bharti Singh who is a big fan of the 'He-man' of Bollywood could not resist her excitement and planted a kiss on Dharamji's cheek much to everyone's amazement. She just didn't stop there.

Bharti went ahead and kissed Bobby Deol and later on the judges of the show Archana Puran Singh and Arbaaz Khan too. Everyone had a great laugh including Dharamji. Watch out for the serial kisser Bharti on Comedy Circus Ke Ajoobe Mon ay 25 only on Sony Entertainment Television. — HRM

The bizarre world

Discovery Channel's series Body Bizarre moves across the globe in hunt of extraordinary individuals living with some of the planet's most inexplicable, remarkable and thought-provoking medical anomalies that have even mystified the world's finest doctors as well as experts.

The six-part special series, Body Bizarre, will hit the television screens every Monday to Friday at 10 pm starting May 13 on Discovery Channel. From India to Indonesia, China to Ethiopia, the Dominican Republic, Hawaii, the United Kingdom to Texas, Body Bizarre reveals the real human stories behind the headlines and brings to light what life is really like for these people, who have been afflicted by physically and emotionally horrifying syndromes.

Statr track

Hollywood praises Big B!

Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan has just made his debut in Hollywood with his short role in The Great Gatsby. He has won over his critics with the very first film and critics who are known to be difficult to please are welcoming the Bollywood superstar with open arms to Hollywood.

Bachchan was contacted by Baz Luhrman when he came to India to play a role in his film The Great Gatsby. The film is based on the novel by the same name by F Scott Fitzgerald. Leonardo DiCaprio was playing the lead role in the film. Bachchan had agreed readily. He was cast as Meyer Wolfsheim – a Jewish gambler who plays an important role in the life of Nick Carraway – the main character. Bachchan has himself tweeted that it is a small role. “I play Meyer Wolfsheim for about a few seconds... by the time you look down on your popcorn to pick another morsel, I'd be gone from the film...he, he...kinda short service... But with giants of Hollywood - Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire,” he wrote.

But critics in Hollywood have not failed to recognise his talent even in such a short appearance. Scott Foundas is the chief film critic of Variety magazine. He writes,  “By far the liveliest work in the film comes from two actors with only a few minutes of screen time between them: the lithe, long-limbed newcomer Elizabeth Debicki as gabby golf pro Jordan Baker, and, in a single scene that marks his belated Hollywood debut, Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan as the flamboyant Jewish gambler, Meyer Wolfsheim.”

Todd McCarthy of The Hollywood Reporter is also full of praises. He says that the film ‘feels vibrantly alive while remaining quite faithful to the spirit, if not the letter or the tone, of its source’. He does wonder why someone so tall was cast in the role of Meyer Wolfsheim. David Denby of The New Yorker tries to explain it saying, “The director, perhaps not wishing to be accused of anti-Semitism, cast the distinguished Indian actor Amitabh Bachchan as the Jewish gangster.” Bachchan was overwhelmed by the rousing cheers of his fans when the film premiered in New York. The cheering was such that the police thought Leonardo had arrived. Describing the experience as emotional and fantastic, Bachchan tweeted, "I really have no words to express my gratitude to all of you that cheered in virtual world, and in NYC... ” 

Tit for tat?

There have been reports in the past that actress Juhi Chawla is miffed with her long- time buddy Shah Rukh Khan as he has been avoiding his old friends. However, at the recent music launch event of Yamla Pagla Deewana 2, Juhi was spotted avoiding Shah Rukh. She was rather seen exchanging friendly chit-chat with Aamir Khan and hobnobbing with him for a long time. While Shah Rukh stood behind flashing his famous dimpled smile and avoiding the sight.

Will his luck continue?

Prakash Raj has had a lucky run in Bollywood with Wanted, Dabangg 2 and Singham being blockbusters. So, the makers of Policegiri, starring Sanjay Dutt, seem optimistic about the fate of the film too which is finally complete.

Zumba for Divya

Instead of sweating it out on a treadmill, Divya Dutta is shedding weight by following zumba, a dance-fitness programme that combines aerobic and dance.

The 35-year-old, recently seen in director Sonam Nair's teenage drama Gippi, is following the dance-exercise programme invented by Colombian dancer-choreographer Alberto "Beto" Perez in the 1990s.

"Hectic Zumba started now! On heavy duty workout mode! So proud of myself! Lazy me is motivated," Divya posted on Twitter.

Right choice

Actress Yami Gautam, who made a successful transition to films from TV with Vicky Donor, has completed shooting for her second movie Aman Ki Aasha.

A Hindi remake of Spanish movie Seres Queridos (Only Human), the romantic comedy will see the 24-year-old teaming up with Pakistani singer-actor Ali Zafar. "I have finished shooting for the film. We shot the entire film in London. It was a great crew and I am happy that I have made the right decision," Yami said.

Directed by E. Niwas and produced by Neeraj Pandey, Aman Ki Aasha may come out during the monsoon.

Cannes calling

Ali Zafar is among the many Bollywood actors who will be present at the Cannes film festival. But first he will go to Pakistan and from there he will fly to Cannes. He is very excited about his first trip there.

Love it or hate it!

I Don’t Luv U focuses on the youth of today—the fun loving and frivolous lot, who are extremely casual in their relationships and do not want to delve into the intricacies of true love, commitments and fidelity. It is a blend of light hearted witty moments as well as harsh unforeseen realities of life.

Yuvaan (Ruslaan Mumtaz), a young handsome boy and Aayra (Chetna Pande) a beautiful NRI girl, are just like any other teenager of this generation, who want to experience their life by getting together in a relationship? They are willing to go through the most beautiful and much needed feeling called “love”. Without realising what they are doing in the heat of adolescence and the curiosity of discovering each other closely, they end up into an uncontrollably ugly situation, which shatters their life completely. 

Together for a cause

Ritesh Sidhwani has managed to bring rivals Imran Khan, Anushka Sharma, Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif together for a promotion of educational welfare programme where these stars will do their best to eradicate illiteracy.

Nawabi style

Saif Ali Khan treats his shoes like people. His favourite brands are Berluti and John Lobb. He cleans his shoes himself and makes them shine with a little champagne. Now, that is nawabi, to clean your shoes with champagne!

Comic take

Krishna DK and Raj Nidimoru will direct Saif Ali Khan and Ileana D'cruz in a movie which is supposed to be a take on romantic comedies but ends up becoming a romantic comedy itself. It will be shot in Los Angeles later this year. Seems fun!

Sujoy hates getting up early on Sunday

Director Sujoy Ghosh can prepare himself for any kind of turmoil, but can't come to terms with getting up early on weekends.

"With time life toughens you up. You realise that you are capable of much more than you thought... but not waking up early on a Sunday," Ghosh, who rose to fame with 2012 movie Kahaani, wrote on Twitter. He is likely to come up with a sequel to Vidya Balan starrer Kahaani.

Searching for identity

Kiran Rao is going to move away from Aamir Khan Productions and launch her own production house called Kiran Rao Films which will launch low-budget and niche films and provide them with a platform.

 

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Ask yourself if it is time to give up for good or just give in for a while. Heartaches of the past are forgotten. Expect a positive and helpful communication from overseas.

Tarot message: Use your instinct to get into the top circle of power.

Lucky colour: White.

Lucky number: 35

TAURUS: Helping a close associate will increase your goodwill. This is a good time to focus on self-improvement. You will be able to express your view points and convince your seniors effortlessly. Tarot message: You need to be alert and focused.

Lucky colour: Orange.

Lucky number: 48

GEMINI: Try and study all aspects of the situation before making any commitments.  Hectic activity at work will make you feel tired. It will be hard to  keep your commitments.

Tarot message: Take new challenges in your stride.

Lucky colour: Peach.

Lucky number: 51

CANCER: Be clear and precise in your interactions with colleagues. Family members will depend on you for emotional support. Beware of a conceited friend who takes advantage of your goodwill.

Tarot message: You must share responsibility.

Lucky colour: Ebony.

Lucky number: 55

LEO: Prioritise play and personal time. Planetary energies draw your attention towards family. A surprise is in store for you. Speculations in the share market should be avoided today.

Tarot message: Extend your circle of friends.

Lucky colour: Crimson.

Lucky number: 60

VIRGO: Your life is busy and tiring. It's best to go beyond the ego and ask for help, support and clarity when needed. Your efforts will be fruitful. A short romantic holiday will add to the excitement.

Tarot message: Concentrate on projects with reliable outcome.

Lucky colour: Saffron.

Lucky number: 30

LIBRA: You must study the matter thoroughly before signing any contracts today. Try not to lose your confidence. Love and romance in a relationship will lead to a long-term commitment.

Tarot message: Win the war with honesty.

Lucky colour: Pink.

Lucky number: 27

SCORPIO: Today will be a great day for sportspersons. Family gathering at your house will bring bliss to the faces of elders. You manage business affairs with 
skill and capability.

Tarot message: Don't dismiss the advice of youngsters.

Lucky colour: Orange.

Lucky number: 61

SAGITTARIUS: A journey for business or for pilgrimage accompanied by your family is on the cards. Mental flexibility is surely a good idea for you. Health will be stable.

Tarot message: Be practical and do not let minor problems bother you.

Lucky colour: Maroon.

Lucky number: 25

CAPRICORN: You are on the edge of something grand. Even if you are a bit frightened at the magnitude of what's ahead, stay confident. Don't rush the beginning; you'll know when to act.

Tarot message: You need to cultivate understanding and humility. Lucky colour: Golden-brown. Lucky number: 33

AQUARIUS: Make a firm resolution to let go and roll with the flow. Take a trip and connect with interesting new people. Forget routine chores today and follow your heart.

Tarot message: Appreciate the little things in life.

Lucky colour: Pale-yellow.

Lucky number: 42

PISCES: The more you give, the more it adds to your goodwill. Remember, a healthy habit will help you stay fit. Love life will be confusing, but cherish all the memories.

Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended.

Lucky colour: Grey.

Lucky number: 63





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