Rooted vision
Young documentarians Angad Singh and Chris Canales might come from different countries, but their short film focuses on the land called Punjab and its problems…
Manpriya Singh

He loves maneuvering his way through a sea of colourful turbans and the fact that 'everyone is an uncleji or auntyji'; never mind the heat, the illness and other cruelties of geography when cut straight from New York and placed in the middle of Punjab, documentary film-maker Angad Singh's teething troubles with the region were worth every step he took and every effort he made.

Behind all the cultural escapades, the nineteen-year-old student of Columbia University has a sense of purpose about things. "I am here to make a documentary as part of my project Sustain Punjab. Though we haven't officially named the documentary, it's an endeavour to spread awareness about Punjab and the problems it faces," shares the student of Sustainable Development and Political Awareness. "We will document our journey throughout Punjab along with a couple of interviews but it will be focused on the youth and their struggle. Through this we hope to connect university students."

Although the 60 to 90 minute feature film is yet to reach its final stages, there is a lot at the planning stages. "We will be exploiting all the media available to publicise it, including the film festivals, the broadcast television in the States and the Internet." He adds, "I have been making documentary films since the age of 13. My earlier three films were mainly based on the diversity in the States." Post his first product Roots and Wings, his second film Exchanged brought forth recognition for Best Documentary at the International Family Film Festival.

As a second generation NRI, there was a swarm of issues he faced while growing up, including "struggling to keep his Sikh identity alive." He adds, "They would always ask me questions about my turban and background, and some of them were ignorant to the point of becoming intolerant."

A deep connect with the roots brings him back and he is addressing issues he always wanted to, "This region and our religion has had its share of problems; the youth of Punjab currently face the ecological and economic crisis. We hope to inspire a change."

Foreign guest

Joining him in the endeavour is Chris Canales, 21, student of Sustainable Development at the Columbia University. It's a first time in, let alone Punjab, but Asia. Given the myriad flavours of the country, there's just so much to soak in every day. "I tried explaining things back to my parents and they had a problem understanding." He laughs, "I had never really met a Sikh until I met Angad, who stayed just a few blocks away at the campus and being a senior, I was in-charge of him." The rest is proverbial history and the duo has everything chalked out for the next four weeks of their stay in the region. "We are going to visit the Punjab Agriculture University, then meet Baba Seechewal and go to Kali Bein; then there's Punjabi University at Patiala…we have already been staying at Akal Academy, Baru Sahib, a place I really liked and I'd definitely like to visit again," he gives a low-down of the one-and-a-half month of the total duration of their visit.

In between the business and doing workshops at these places, there have been many cultural experiences. He laughs, "After falling ill once, I'm game for trying the dhaba food once more, especially since now my system has adapted to the local flavours." Especially the sweet and spicy things, the street foods that we are renowned for! "I had this Tamarind sauce and every time we have a meal, I'm hoping it's on the menu."

Print journalism gave way to broadcast and documentary films were waiting to happen. "I was already aware of Punjab, especially since the past few years, and some events put the spotlight on the community."

As for the first-hand experience, "On our way to some place, the driver played a Punjabi song by Dr. Zeus. He must have played it like seven times. We finally decided to fit it somewhere at the end of the documentary."

manpriya@tribunemail.com

A burning desire
Girish Kumar Taurani battled many odds to make a debut in Bollywood. All eyes are now on his upcoming venture Ramaiya Vastavaiya with Shruti Hassan...
Amarjot Kaur

First take: Girish Kumar Taurani
First take: Girish Kumar Taurani

Desire is the starting point of all achievements, not hope, not a wish, but a keen pulsating desire, which transcends everything. — Napoleon Hill

"I always wanted to become an actor," begins Girish Kumar Taurani, who hails from the lineage of the Tauranis of Tips Industry Limited. While one begins to decipher the course of his journey towards becoming an actor and jumps to obvious conclusions, considering the powerful influence of his father, his story is nothing like that of any star kid.

Girish's desire to become an actor faced several hurdles and the first obstacle in his way was his weight. "I have always been overweight and that was a major concern. When I told my father that I wanted to venture into Bollywood to make a career as an actor, he did not take me seriously at first. It was only later when he saw that I was working out to shed the extra kilos and enrolled for acting workshops that he believed me," says Girish, who hired a physical trainer from South Africa to get the coveted six-pack abs that he flaunts in his upcoming film Ramaiya Vastavaiya.

Though his father, Kumar S. Taurani, produced the film, Girish had to go through a proper audition procedure once the script was presented to Prabhu Deva for direction. "When we finalised the script and read it out to Prabhu sir, little did we know that it was a re-make of a South-Indian film Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana that was the directorial debut of Prabhu sir," explains Girish, while adding, "However, he chose to remake this film and asked me to audition. I was given a few scenes from the film Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahni and was asked to enact those scenes to the best of my abilities. Later, I was asked to practice a song that was choreographed by Prabhu sir's assistant, for he felt that dancing required spontaneity, which further polishes ones acting too. So, for over eight months I would practice dance steps and record a CD about the same with the purpose of sending it to Prabhu sir and getting his feedback. It took me over a year to bag this film," says the 24-year-old, while adding, "Ramaiya Vastavaiya is a romantic film where I essay the role of Ram, an NRI, who falls in love with Sona (Shruti Hassan) and makes heaven and hell conspire to win her love. It's a very clean family film."

Girish, who has been getting compliments for his look in the film with sheer humility, seems rather confident about his debut, "It's too early to say anything yet, because the film is still in the post-production stage, but I have received a positive feedback for the songs and trailers of the film. For me, just getting to do this film was a high and I am basking in its glory. I know people will judge me and there is a lot that comes with becoming an actor," he says.

amarjot@tribunemail.com

A reason to smile!

Sherry Mann The Art of Smile has announced the launch of its hi-tech Smile Designing Clinic in Phase 7, Mohali. Equipped with the latest, technically advanced equipment and highly trained and experienced professionals, the clinic is likely to be a boon for established celebrities, aspiring models and stars who want to make it big in the entertainment and fashion world as well as brides-to-be, interested in looking their best for their wedding and married life thereafter. In a path-breaking development, the clinic was today inaugurated by renowned Punjabi singer-actor Sherry Mann.

Art of Smile has been spearheaded by Harleen Oberoi, a dental surgeon with over nine years of experience and trained in New York and Chandigarh. Her team is supported by Dr Parampreet Sandhu and Dr Aruna Rawat.

Talking about the Smile Designing Clinic, Dr Oberoi, director, Art of Smile, says, “What we create is a smile which is perfectly in sync with the facial features of a person and one which enhances his or her personality, self-esteem and self-confidence. During a smile makeover, we may align crowded teeth, close gaps, reduce protrusion, whiten, reduce a gummy smile, widen a narrow smile, change the length or shape of teeth, replace missing teeth or any combination of the above. Crowns, bridges, implants and even orthodontics can be part of a smile makeover. To achieve this flawlessly, we have invested in certain sophisticated equipments. Living up with the trend there are lot of people who want to have a name in the glamour word and want to look perfect. The trend is fast catching up where the brides and grooms to be also undergo smile makeovers to look good on D-day.

Talking from a woman’s perspective, Dr Oberoi says, “A pleasant face and a nice smile is a very important part of any person’s self esteem, both at work and at home, but this is even more relevant and true in the case of a woman. What I like about our method of working is the predictability of our procedure. By using technology and through close interaction with our technicians, we can show our patients exactly what to expect before undergoing any clinical intervention.”

The clinic in its introductory offer has announced free dental check up and counselling till July 6 and a 10 per cent off on the treatment. — TNS

the ‘in’ side
Climb in comfort
Sukhmani

Staircases are an important feature in any house that has more than one floor. Usually people are unaware of certain guidelines that must be kept in mind while designing stairs.

Width of a staircase

The width of the stairway, measured from the inside of handrail to inside of handrail must be at least 3 ft. Many homeowners reduce the width due to space restriction or for cost cutting. Such staircases are uncomfortable and cannot be used by more than one person at a time. Also, carrying huge furniture pieces up and down can prove to be a major problem.

Slope of stairs

The ideal slope for a staircase to be comfortably used is a 30 degree slope. At the most, due to space adjustment, the slope can be increased to a maximum of 45 degree and not more. Steep sloped stairs are a problem for people to climb, especially the old.

Tread width

The tread is the part of the step that your foot steps on as you ascend or descend a staircase. The minimum tread depth is 9 inches, which allows enough for a solid footing while traversing the stairs. Wider or mixed size, treads are generally allowed on spiral staircases or staircases with a landing and twist. If you keep the tread to be less than 9 inches, you are waiting for an accident to happen.

Height of risers

Make sure the riser height does not exceed 6 - 6.5 inches as anything more than that will be uncomfortable for the elderly. A riser less than 4 inches too will be uncomfortable. Make sure the risers are all the same throughout the staircase or you will be increasing the chance of a fall.

Headroom

The minimum head height, that is the clear height above the steps, should be at least 6.5 ft. anything less than that increases the chance of accidents. Also moving your furniture up or down will be a problem.

Good landing

Ideally a landing must be provided after every 15 steps to make climbing up easier.

Anti-skid

It is mandatory to make the staircase safe and for this reason anti-skid tapes and strips are added. In case you wish to use a stair carpet, make sure it is properly secured.

Handrails Make sure to provide handrails for comfortable use of stairs. Where both ends are open, provide railings on both ends. The height of the railing should not be less that 2.5 ft or more than 3 ft. In case you have small children, reduce the gap between the supports of the handrail and choose a grill design that does not have wide gaps. You can add a gate if you must at the top and bottom of the stairs if you have toddlers.

Light up

Make sure your staircase is well lit. Provide foot lights and add a two-way switch at both the top and at the end of the staircase for your convenience. In case of an electricity failure, you must have a provision for natural light.

(Sukhmani is a Chandigarh-based interior and landscape designer)

Get physical
Sweat it out!
Vishal Thukral

Sweat is something many people avoid, but it can be extremely beneficial while working out. Sweating helps to clear the body of toxins and is a sign that the body is working hard to accomplish fitness goals.

Sweating is an important process that the body uses for a variety of purposes. In fact, these days it is used to help the overall health. Sweating has many health benefits. Sweating can also rid the body of harmful substances like alcohol, cholesterol and salt. It removes toxins from the body. Besides these sweating has several benefits while exercising.

If you’re not sweating during your workouts, it may be due to a variety of factors. The important thing is to figure out what it means for you. If you never sweat, not even in hot weather, you need to speak with a medical professional. In other cases, some people just have fewer sweat glands than others. Few ways to increase sweating while exercising along-with its benefits are discussed below:

Work more

It is likely that the body sweats more if the intensity of the particular movement is increased while exercising. For example, sprinting will make you sweat more than jogging and doing a high intensity aerobics class will make you sweat more than slow dancing. In other terms, move your body as much as possible while exercising to increase sweat levels.

Lose weight

It is a well known fact that exercising is good for the body and aides in weight loss too. As the body is heated through exercise, fat becomes water-soluble and exits the body through sweat. Sweating can help burn calories faster while exercising.

Drink water

Drinking plenty of water before and during your workout session can actually help your body sweat more because your body is well hydrated. If you don’t drink enough water, your body may become so dehydrated that it does not have extra water available to sweat out. Green tea is good beverage to drink because it is generally served hot, which can raise body temperature enough to make you sweat as well as body’s metabolism.

Lower stress

Endorphins and other chemicals are released during exercise that naturally improve one’s mood and lower stress levels. Increasing body heat by exercising does have a positive effect on mood and stress levels. Also, heating the muscles through various methods can relax them which also aides in lower stress levels.

Safety measures

Sweating during exercise can be helpful and healthy if it is done with certain considerations in mind. You need to make sure you hydrate your body during and after exercise with plenty of water. If you begin to feel dizzy or faint, you should stop and rest, drink some water and then determine whether you want to continue working out.

(Thukral is a Chandigarh-based aerobics fitness trainer)

Master Chef
Fool-ish fantasy!
Kandla Nijhowne

A mango is like a little genie. Once released from the proverbial lamp, it can tantalise and create magic with its sharp, acid punch and sweet juice! Ice-creams and trifles are the common mango creations but ‘fools’ are often left neglected by the wayside. As all fools do? A fool is a pureed fruit, simply folded into a luscious whipped cream. To reduce the cream content, I use a mix and match of other components to achieve a dessert which is tangy, sweet, velvety yet light. You can even make a stratified pudding by making a portion of blueberry fool and layering them in individual glasses. A few shavings of chocolate and a cherry would complete the effect!

Low-fat mango fool

Ingredients

  • 100 gm paneer
  • 1 cup ready custard
  • ½ cup thick cream
  • 2 small mangoes
  • Powdered sugar to taste
  • ½ tsp vanilla or mango essence

Method

  • Cube the paneer and liquidize it in a blender till smooth.
  • Remove from the blender and similarly puree the mango pieces.
  • Whip the cream with some of the sugar, then fold together the mango puree, custard, paneer paste and cream.
  • Add sugar and essence and check taste. It should be tangy-sweet, not over sweet.
  • Ladle into a glass bowl, small bowls or individual stemmed glasses. Chill.
  • Garnish with chocolate shavings, a cherry or a sprig of mint.

Note: If you want special effects, fold in some blueberry preserve into sweetened whipped cream and create another layer within the dessert!

(Nijhowne is a Chandigarh-based culinary expert)

Time for some nostalgia

The Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi will screen a film titled Nostalgic Longing. Directed by Laurent Bregeat, the film is based on eminent artist and writer Ram Kumar. Ram Kumar’s art, which has proceeded through an alternation of joyous expressivity and brooding reticence, plays out a crucial polarity of emphasis in the context of Indic culture: that between samsara, the sensual participation in the world of events, and nirvana, the ascetic blowing-out of desire.

If Ram Kumar’s art has been a journey from city to landscape, from the grihasta’s social obligations to the sanyasin’s peripatetic freedom, it has also been an art of looking back, an art of reminiscence. As he departs from places he has known intimately, the artist takes with him spasms of agitation that he will recollect in tranquility; so that the images that time has shattered may be set right, and words lost to the wind may be strung together, again, in chants.

On Sunday June 30 at 11.30 am at the auditorium, Government Museum & Art Gallery—10. — TNS

Glass apart

Whysoserious.co.in has come up with uber cool range of totally unique sunglasses for your weekend parties. They look great on everyone and the designs are totally patented, which means no one else is making them.

The glasses have been especially bought from a designer, who makes customised sunglasses for celebrities like Snoop Dog, Jay z etc.

These glasses are available with quotes like "OMG", "Here comes the trouble, Dance or die", and with beer mug image on it. — TNS

Shilpa turns a seducer

Femme fatale: Shilpa Shukla
Femme fatale: Shilpa Shukla

Shilpa Shukla is best remembered for her role of Bindiya Naik in Chak De! India thought she has done many other significant movies like Khamosh Pani, Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, Rajuben and more. She is now in the news for all the right reasons with her femme fatale role of Sarika who seduces a younger man in BA Pass. She feels liberated after doing the movie and loves being at the forefront of things. She talks about the movie and more.

Intriguing tale

The movie happened to me when I was in Delhi. I had almost left Mumbai and Bollywood and then this script was sent my way. I read it on the phone and asked my mother if she would disown me if I did this movie because it is a bold film. She laughed and said that I could do whatever I wanted and that I knew better. Even my father was fine with it. The story is intriguing. I read the original short story too and the three levels of story to the script are quite evolved. Even the writer Mohan Nair liked the movie and now the book cover has the movie poster. I feel complete after doing this movie as it has taken nearly two years of my life but it has been worth it.

Faith full

I feel like I have come back with a bang. I had no work for a while and was quite low. This movie has given me my voice back and I feel I can go on for 10 years! I feel fearless. I feel transformed. This is a big departure from Chak De! India and I have broken out of my comfort zone. I have taken a freefall and a leap of faith and it has worked in my favour. Doing the lovemaking scenes was like dancing or painting.

Lovable character

Sarika has a heart of gold and she is a real femme fatale. Somewhere there is pain in her. We shot the bold scenes in a very real and non-fussy manner. We were being honest to ourselves and the camera as originality is beautiful. I have a new confidence now and even my spiritual beliefs have become stronger. The way you feel or look has nothing to do with your clothes and shoes. It is about your heart and intentions.

Positive response

Everyday I get messages in my inbox and on my phone that makes me happy. And it is just admiration and respect and best wishes. Like my friend had gone to Muscat and the people told her there that they saw the trailer of the movie and loved it and wished me all the best. Mahesh Bhatt saab hugged me and Vishal Bhardwaj also praised my performance calling it brave, genuine and honest.

The other day I was with one of my Chak De! friends and we were having pani puri. One person said one line from the promo of BA Pass and I turned around with a big smile on my face. He told me that he loved the promo and has shown it to all her friends and that they all wanted to see the movie. It is amazing to get such a response from an audience.

Destined to be Sarika

Actually the role of Nagma was offered to me by Anurag Kashyap but at that time I had just finished Rajuben with him and my emotions were exhausted. It was nice of him to think of me but I suggested Richa's name. She and I are very good friends. So I am so proud of the work she has done in the movie. I could not have done that. I know how those women live in Bihar. They are thin but they have the strength of 10 men! I even stayed with the GOW team for two days when they were shooting in Bihar. And BA Pass was initially offered to her but it came to me. This has been a case of beautiful poetic justice and everybody is happy. Every film and character has its own destiny.

Stanley Ka Dabba still popular

It is a matter of great pride and achievement that Fox Star Studios and Amole Gupte’s Stanley Ka Dabba is debuting in newer international markets. The film will be releasing in Japan on June 29. It has already travelled to 15 international markets, from America to Europe to South-East Asia.

Following its tremendous worldwide critical and popular acclaim, Fox Star Studios is once again partnering with the celebrated film maker for his next untitled directorial venture. The film, which will carry the indelible stamp of Amole's cinema, will bring alive yet another heart-warming story with a universal appeal. While talking about his latest venture Gupte says, "In this land of a billion dreams, it will always be a challenge to record the spirit and energy of dreamers that move mountains. This summer, I have set off on this exciting trail and I am thankful to Fox Star Studios for keeping the faith and travelling with me.”

For Fox Star Studios, this film is yet another example of the studio's commitment towards supporting and creating high content cinema - that has the power to break through and create a difference while ensuring its entertainment quotient. 

Vijay Singh, CEO, Fox Star Studios, adds, "We are delighted to partner with Amole and Deepa on their next film. Amole brings a unique vision to film making and his philosophy of 'ethical cinema with a heart ' is inspiring and path-breaking. At Fox Star, we are committed to nurturing and developing high concept films be it Stanley Ka Dabba or Jolly LLB and Amole's next film is definitely the one that will tug at our hearts.”

When reel meets real

You may have heard of actors being inspired by various people and adapting nuances from their personalities while playing characters on screen. But it is rare that an artiste plays a role which is very near to her own personal life!

One such character being unfolded on the silver screen is that of Rakul Preet in her maiden film Yaariyaan; the directorial debut of T-Series’ head honcho Bhushan Kumar’s wife Divya Kumar.

Rakul, a mathematics graduate, who has studied financial management in real life, plays a nerd in the film; one who’s very good with numbers. “Trust me, it’s easier to play another character than one which is very near to your own personality,” she quips as she winks.

“There were times I would get a bit confused how much reality should be mixed with reel. At other times, when I studied the character, I’d feel I needed to get more pep infused in my real life,” she laughs.

Rakul is grateful to her director for keeping the balance perfect. “Divya Kumar has a fine eye and a great sense of extracting natural performances. Her vision really helped me give just the right shades to the character,” concludes the actress.

Thrice over!

Face this: Sajid Khan Fox Star Studios and Pooja Entertainment & Films Ltd. are producing Vashu Bhagnani's Humshakals, the biggest comedy entertainer of 2014, directed by filmmaker Sajid Khan.

Starring Saif Ali Khan, Riteish Deshmukh and Ram Kapoor in triple roles, the film promises to be a laugh riot, as the trio unleash total madness and confusion in their triple avatars!

The film is slated to go on floors in September and will be shot extensively abroad at never before seen locations.

Humshakals will have a worldwide release on June 6 next year.

CHATTER BOX

Beauty secrets

Tip talk: Neha Actress and model Neha, who currently plays Preeti in Sony TV's Amita Ka Amit, spills about her current obsession for beauty products and must-haves. She talks about it and much more.

How do you keep your skin glowing?

For glowing skin, I ensure that I maintain a balanced diet at all times. Eating healthy is my mantra and I include fruits as well as boiled vegetables in my diet daily. This, I believe, enhances the glow on my skin.

What are your top three can't-live-without beauty products?

Kajal, mascara and lip balm

What's the biggest make-up mistake that women usually make?

Usually, not taking out adequate amount of time for removing make-up in proper steps is a common mistake.

What's your favourite make-up style?

I always prefer natural make-up, as I think that suits me the best.

Are you an impulsive shopper and what are your favorite shopping destinations?

Yes, I am an impulsive shopper; if something catches my attention at first sight, then I buy that thing without giving it a second thought. My favourite shopping destination is Bangkok and Palladium, Pheonix Mills & Infiniti 2, and Malad in Mumbai.

What's the last beauty item you bought?

The last beauty items that I purchased were a lipstick and mascara.

What's on your bedside table?

I always prefer keeping a good hand lotion along my bedside to keep my hands soft and moisturised at all times.

Who's your beauty icon and why?

Madhuri Dixit. I like the way she has carried herself with grace and poise over the years, which is very commendable.

Who would you like to go out on a date with and why?

Since I am seeing Shakti Arora, who is currently popular as Dr Onir Dutt in the daily soap Pavitra Rishta, he is the only one I would love to date.

One beauty tip that you would like to give?

Add just a few lemon drops to your body lotion every day, and I am sure that it will make your skin glow and look better. Eating healthy and fresh food (fruits and boiled vegetables) is absolutely mandatory for a glowing skin.

Leave time: Mona SinghMona enjoys her break

Mona Singh's second television show Kya Hua Tera Vada has recently ended. The actress who was part of a hit show Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin feels the show ended at the right time. She says, "I have been fortunate to be a part of a show, which ended at the right time. I am an actor, give me good scenes to do and I will do it. When I did Jassi, I focused on work. I think as long as the show is popular and you're enjoying your work, nothing else matters. I enjoyed myself on the show."

She is currently enjoying her break till the next project comes along.

Leave time: Mona Singh

Far sight: Nikhil AryaPlaying villain

Nikhil Arya will be back on TV and seen playing the role of a Super Villain in Life Ok's Super Villains vs Super Cops —Shapath. In the episode, he will be The Archer Man. As the name suggests, he is outstanding in archery and has a superhuman ability to see things from a far distance. Thus his aim never misses his target. The episode will air at the end of this month.

Far sight: Nikhil Arya

Marriage vows: Anita HassanandaniWedding bells

Anita Hassanandani, who is in love with non-industry guy Rohit Reddy, soon plans to get married. She has finalised October 13 and 14, 2013, as the D-day. The rituals will be in South-Indian style at Goa. She is getting married to him after two-and-a-half years of relationship.

Marriage vows: Anita Hassanandani

On panel: KajolKajol on panel

Buzz is that Kajol might be signed on as the third judge for the upcoming Junior MasterChef India. Chef Vikas Khanna and Kunal Kapoor will stay on while Kajol will replace Sanjeev Kapoor. The makers want a woman onboard and Kajol seems like the right choice.

On panel: Kajol

Rohit rocks in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa

Rohit Roy will be the latest wild card entrant in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa this season. He has been a popular face on television and will be trying his hand at dancing on the show. Rohit has hosted two seasons of the show and is now looking forward to shaking a leg.

Imran Abbas NaqviImran’s Bollywood debut

Pakistani heartthrob Imran Abbas Naqvi is making his Bollywood debut opposite Bipasha Basu in Vikram Bhatt's Creature. He is currently shooting in Ooty for the movie which is inspired by Jurassic Park. We hope he lives up to the expectations and the movie does well for his sake. He is helping Bipasha polish her Hindi pronunciation.

Imran Abbas Naqvi

New address

Aamir Khan's current home is a floor at Fareeda Apartments at Carter Road in Bandra. He has not moved to South Mumbai. His residence at Marina is undergoing renovation and he has rented two floors in this Carter Road building for his home and office space. He even hosted a party with wife Kiran over the weekend. Aditya Chopra and Rani Mukerji attended the party.

Give & take: Vidya BalanCredit line

Vidya Balan is particular about giving credit where it is due. She has ensured that her dialogue and diction coach Sumit Bhateja for Ghanchakkar is mentioned in the credits as he helped her get the nuances right in her Punjabi housewife character.

Give & take: Vidya Balan

Priority list: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan & Abhishek BachchanTravelling companion

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan said in an interview recently that she does not travel anywhere without her daughter Aaradhya who is more than a year old now. Her husband Abhishek accompanies her sometimes. She only takes up assignments she knows she can commit to and her daughter is her main priority. Guess Aaradhya must have become quite the globetrotter by now.

Priority list: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan & Abhishek Bachchan

Good going: Sonam Kapoor & DhanushRaanjhanna clicks with the audience

Raanjhanna has done very well in its first weekend. The Dhanush-Sonam starrer has brought in Rs 20 crore in its first weekend due to great word-of-mouth publicity. The film rests on the shoulders of Dhanush and director Aanand L Rai and could well become an underdog victory as audiences are loving heart-breaking love stories these days.

Good going: Sonam Kapoor & Dhanush

ASTRO TURF
P Khurrana

ARIES: Tie-up all loose ends today; only then will you be able to be a part of parties and social gatherings. Work will take up quite a bit of your time and attention, but once you've dealt with it things will ease out. Tarot message: Do not transact in uncertain matters. Lucky colour: Forest-green. Lucky number: 44

TAURUS: It is a day for change; either external or a more meaningful internal. Start by mending strained relationships with either a family member or a friend. Reach out and let the person know you still care. Tarot message: You gain by being practical; don't be emotional. Lucky colour: Saffron. Lucky number: 35

GEMINI: The day begins on a favourable note. Now will be the time to make some changes in your daily life, so that you can enjoy the freshness. Don't let the drudgery of routine decrease your efficiency. Tarot message: Emphasise on spiritual needs. Lucky colour: Orange. Lucky number: 28

CANCER: The day will be more challenging than usual. As a result, you will have to exercise all your intuitiveness and be as realistic as possible. At work, organised work will bring good results. Tarot message: Retain the fruits of your hardwork. Lucky colour: Cream. Lucky number: 32

LEO: Expressing what you feel is important and that is exactly what you will be doing today. Showing your love, support and friendship will be your key behaviours. Tarot message: Don't waste an opportunity by not exploiting a contact even if it is from your past. Lucky colour: Sea-green. Lucky number: 49

VIRGO: It is important to concentrate on your core beliefs, values and morals since they will play an important role in your life. Relax and spend time with friends and family today. Tarot message: Consolidate your gains. Lucky colour: White. Lucky number: 26

LIBRA: Business people will need to get some permission from government agencies and be able to rely on influential friends for it. If there are people who owe you money, ask for it now. Tarot message: Frankness and truthfulness are your strong points. Lucky colour: Rainbow-pastels. Lucky number: 62

SCORPIO:Decision-making should be quicker if you know what your heart really wants. Believe in yourself and use both your head as well as heart when dealing with various issues. Tarot message: Avoid frictions with business partners. Lucky colour: Brown. Lucky number: 57

SAGITTARIUS: Some of you will get surprising news. For health reasons, it is also important that you don't worry about minor things excessively. In relationships, don't become too controlling Tarot message: Your own aims, ideas and opinions matter a lot. Lucky colour: Grey. Lucky number: 38

CAPRICORN: Finances and health will not be a major concern, but this will be a good time to get routine tests done. Health will be fine. Relationships, marriage and friendships will be the highlight. Tarot message: Act righteously and do your duties on time. Lucky colour: Dark brown. Lucky number: 41

AQUARIUS: This will be a day for love and romance; singles will form special and lasting relationships. Communication will be vital in your personal and professional life, so pay attention to what you do. Tarot message: Your determination to succeed will pay dividends. Lucky colour: Pale-yellow. Lucky number: 52

PISCES: The presence of Mercury in your sign for some more time indicates that you will be able to handle any disappointment that comes your way either at work or in personal relationships. Tarot message: Use your instinct to get into the top circle of power. Lucky colour: Lotus-pink. Lucky number: 63





HOME PAGE | Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir | Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs | Nation | Opinions |
| Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi |
| Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail |