Once upon a time in PU...
Thanks to the Lyngdoh Committee, the election fever in Panjab University is a much more subdued affair. The old council elects miss those good ol' days when they enjoyed full freedom of expression
Manpriya Singh

Whether the rules have been followed or whether the rules have been flouted reflects in the mood of the campus. If there aren't any posters flying in your face, the election fever doesn't get to you. Commendable as it is, to have peace and security and sense and sanity prevailing on the campus grounds, the former council elects are glad to have been a part of the exercise during the days when the rules were easy to tweak and the election fever at its peak.

"In our days, it was a very enthusiastic affair. A lot of students would show support and involvement. Students knew their presidents well. Nowadays, someone else fights the election and someone else asks for votes," Bhupinder Singh, elected council member from PUSU, draws a comparison and alludes to the dummy candidates. He adds, "I was a member of the council in 2000-2001. Due to open house, the student leaders ensured that there was something new and something significant to say."

Open house is what invites the maximum criticism. Nods Malvinder Singh Kang, two time council member from PUSU, "It was a great platform for student leaders to perform and future leaders to shape up. It's very unfortunate that open house should even be considered dispensable." The council elect from 2002-2004 laughs over the changes, "Today's students are scared of entering the hostel warden's or chairperson's room, how can they become student's leaders."

While the prevailing peace and security draws approval of several, there are still some others that look back at the colourful days. Shares Amit Punia, HSC supporter, "They have completely banned printed posters. Otherwise, every car in the campus had poster of some party."

It's a comparison to the days, when students wore allegiance on the sleeves, when thousands gathered for the question answer session, when the larger than life pictures of those in the fray would greet at the campus crossroads. He adds, "Those days, as soon as one entered the premises, one would know that elections are on. Not any more."

It starts from an era when there were no rules, the students and the leaders had a free hand, then the laws got strict but there were loopholes. Adds Kang, "The Lyngdoh Committee has brought the basic and significant change. But there's also a flipside. Actual leadership is killed in the process. Students these days are more career conscious than politically aware." Opines DP Randhawa, SOPU founder and two-time council elect, "In the open house anybody could question anybody. Student parties should conduct themselves responsibly but elections should also be a complete democratic process. If institutions of learning fill the gap in leadership, nothing like it." Call it a sorry state of affair or a sensible one, but everything has a flipside, even the strict guidelines.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Call of the crown
Miss India Navneet Kaur Dhillon, who is flying off to Indonesia for the Miss World beauty pageant, is hopeful about bringing home the title
Ashima Batish

She has learnt the art of being at peace with herself even when the pressure is tremendous. As she is set to board the flight to Indonesia on September 2 for the Miss World contest, she is quite self-assured. Navneet Kaur Dhillon is now a transformed person. Expectations don't give her jitters and pressure doesn't bother her. After grueling training under the best in the industry, Navneet knows how to take tough situations in her stride and use them to her advantage.

"I know that Indian beauties haven't won a title since a long time now but that doesn't dampen my spirit, instead I feel inspired to bring home the title of Miss World." Here, she shares how she has prepared for the international pageant and the social cause of safe drinking water that she has taken up.

How busy have you become after winning the Miss India world contest?

I begin my day at six in the morning. The day it extends to seven, I feel life is easy. I hit the gym, do pilate before beginning with my dance sessions. It is followed by a make-up class and ramp walk sessions. But I am enjoying every bit of it. I am loving the attention I get from my mentors who are training me for the contest. Also I feel more responsible towards society now. The title has given me a platform to reach out to a larger number of people and help them with their problems.

How relevant is the cause of safe drinking water you have picked in the present times?

I feel proud to be a part of a cause that affects the masses. Safe drinking water is a necessity but the irony is that the majority in India don't have access to it or is rather unaware of the fact that most diseases are water-borne. My initial aim is to create awareness about how important it is to have safe drinking water and then educate people about how to go about it.

How do you aim to begin working on your chosen cause?

I recently visited a few villages in the Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu to educate people about the cause. Once people know the consequences of drinking unpotable water, they will buy water purifiers. People can buy it from companies like Pureit on installments.

Who all helped you train for the Miss World pageant?

I feel fortunate to train under the best of the fashion industry. Be it Sabira Merchant, the official etiquette trainer, Alicia Raut, my ramp walk mentor, Sameer Parohit, my pilate trainer or Marc Robinson, national director of the Femina Miss India contest, all have contributed in making me the person that I am today and it's also for them that I want to bring home the title.

What will you wear for the pageant?

It will be a fusion of Indian and Western costumes, something that will have an international appeal, yet will boast of Indian elements.

A beautiful world
A group of children allows us a peep into their imaginative minds at the painting exhibition at hotel Icon
Amarjot Kaur

For which colour will you trade your imagination and splash it on the canvas that immortalises the very essence of that thought? For there's an artist in each one of us and its aching for a vent… As you walk through the spiral staircase at Hotel Icon, a young lass of about three welcomes you with a warm smile and a basket full of toffees. Just as you advance towards the basement, the paintings along the sidewalls, some of which are free hand doodling by 4 year olds, amuse as well as delight you. Perhaps, it's true what they say about talent knows no age.

"The paintings basically depict the formative development of drawing and we have a series of paintings that have been drawn by children belonging to the age group 4 to 17," says Sonal A Singh, the curator of the exhibition and the teacher. Arranged in the ascending order of age, as many as three paintings hang on a thread that is connected to a rod, which holds three such threads and nine paintings in total. Effervescent and infused with the innocence that is typical of childhood, the artists in the basement, who are below the age of 13, hold the ground for their seniors. And as they swarm you with the intention of disseminating a piece of information that defines the progression of thought which reflects in their painting, they make your heart melt into a huge 'awwwww….'!

The paintings by the kindergarten students of Strawberry Fields, including Viren Kapoor of LKG, Kaira Mahajan, Khushi Kapoor and Bisar Kaur of Class 3, acquaint you with the beautiful world of imagination that grows in their innocent minds and how it transforms into reality. In the meanwhile, Arunima, Idhika Jolly and Preeksha Kaur Katial of Carmel Convent paint vibrantly on the themes of nature. Also, Vidhi Giri of DPS and Kabir Singh Bal of YPS exhibit a series of work in pensil colours, oil pastels, water colours and glitter pastels.

The first floor around the staircase holds the paintings by the elder lot. A series of paintings by Adikh Partap Singh Sekhon, Tanvi Sehgal, Tanya Saggi, Rupan Ghuman, Pankhuri and Triman depict their talent, art and sensibilities in a rather beautiful expression of self.

On till September 20

Punjabi Tadka
Destined to sing
Jasmine Singh

He is a livewire on stage. But once he is off stage, Punjabi singer Satiwnder Bugga returns to his own shell. He talks softly just like his numbers. In 1997 with Vichran Vichran Kardi Han the singer hit the commercial music scene and since then, as we all say, there was no looking back for him.

Singer always

This is what I always wanted to be. I did my masters in economics, but my heart always pulled me towards singing. Maybe, I was destined to sing.

No stage fright

I believe some people are naturally talented singers. I count myself as one. I thoroughly enjoy the stage. I can see the audience react to my songs, and this motivates me to do better.

Prior to performance

I pray to god. I thank him for taking me so far and I request him to take care of me throughout the performance.

Dos and don'ts

None (laughs). I eat everything-chaat and samosa when I don't have any show or recording. When I know I have to record a song I avoid anything that can spoil my throat and voice.

Rigorous riyaaz

If you want to go far in life then riyaaz is must. I came into the Punjabi music industry as an untrained singer. Later I realised if I wanted to go far in singing, I needed to learn the art. Practice is the key to success.

Sing along

I have sung with many singers. I would like to collaborate with Sardool Sikander for sure. He is a fantastic singer and good human being.

Filmi chakkar

I acted in a Punjabi film long time back. Thereafter I got busy with singing. Now, if the directors or producers find me befitting for a role, I would love to act.

Most memorable show

After almost 20 years I performed at my own college, Mata Gujri at Fatehgarh Sahib. It was an amazing show. I returned to the place that made me what I am today.

Satwinder's secret

I am a cleanliness freak, I like everything to be organised and systematic. I have almost 25 files where I have systematically put all my important documents and papers.

GET PHYSICAL
Let’s work it out
If you want to attain a certain level of fitness then don't get deterred by a thumping heart or sweat
Anil Juneja

There are people who cannot tolerate even an iota of discomfort while exercising. As soon as they notice a thin film of sweat on their forehead or experience shortening of breath, they would halt there and then and discontinue exercising. Even when they leave home, they fix a target to jog for 4 km but as soon as they start feeling a bit tired, they will comfortably put a full stop to it.

This clan of 'self pampered' and 'self protecting' people does not want to move out of their comfort zone. In fact, to assure that they remain in their protected cocoon, they have their own definition of working-out and exercising. Their way is that of the leisure one that sans any kind of hard work or toiling. They want to achieve their fitness goals but without putting in any labour.

Now let me kindly shed some light on the real meaning of working out. Of course, this enlightenment may not be liked by our pampered league! But then it is important to know these things. When you are doing a proper work out, then you would experience certain marked changes at the physiological level.

Your heart starts to thump faster, your breathing rate increases (number of breaths per minute) and you will also notice an increase in the body temperature. These

changes are responsible for bringing in the improvement in the fitness level of an individual. In other words, when we ensure a good heart rate, breathing rate and appropriate body temperature while exercising then only we get the best results.

That's why these can be rightly called the 'positive changes'.

To make sure that such changes are induced at physical level, I will recommend opting for a high intensity workout. With the high intensity workout, your fitness levels improve and there you are! You are justifying the actual purpose of exercise, i.e., to improve the fitness by challenging your strength, stamina and flexibility. Again, never confuse a high intensity workout with any kind of insanity work out or military training; it is just working-out in the best of your capacity while keeping your physical limitations in mind.

So it is for the 'self pampered' ones--if you actually want to pamper yourself, then do so with the rightful approach. The key concept here is of challenging oneself and such a challenge can be taken at least thrice a week. Yes, there would be some grinding for few minutes of the day but this grinding will ensure that you chisel yourself well and have a wonderful day ahead. You will actually feel good after taxing your body. Now, no more sticking to self-styled and self-evolved definitions but working-out properly, relishing the results and yes moving out of that comfort zone.

(Juneja is a Chandigarh-based fitness expert)

Master Chef
Meaty portion
Kalyan Kumar Jammula

While browsing through the non-veg spread in the stores we come across many exotic meat cuts and the adventurous foodies or home style chefs do get tempted to try those out in the certain delicacies. But then how to go about it? Here we bring you a delectable dish made with pork baby back ribs.

Baby back ribs infused with courvoisier

Ingredients

For the ribs

Meet the new hottie…

Pooja Chopra is ecstatic about her fantastic debut in Commando. Her work was appreciated by audiences and critics alike. She talks about fashion, growing up and more.

Debut deal

After Commando, I became acquainted with attention, Bollywood, filmmaking and fame. Things have improved for outsiders who want to make a career in Bollywood. In fact, I was quite skeptical about the industry as I had no one to guide me. It was heartening to see the positive reception given to the film. The film’s success means a lot to me.

Language barrier

Working in a Tamil film was fun but nothing beats Bollywood films. I found it very tough to speak in Tamil. It felt strange on the sets as everyone around me was saying things that I didn’t understand at all. It is easier for me to enact a character in Hindi.

Fashion basics

I feel that every celebrity should have a basic sense of fashion. When you are in showbiz, you are constantly in the limelight. People look at you closely — your hair, clothes, make up, accessories, even your nails become very important. I am a very fashion conscious girl who loves feminine clothes. I like to wear cocktail shorts, dresses and gowns.

Starry air

My life in Pune where I grew up was quite chilled-out. The city has its own charm. People havetime to meet you for a chat or a cup of chai. In Mumbai, people hardly have any time. Sometimes, my friends ask me — don’t you feel annoyed as in Pune you can't go for walks or have paani-puri or sit in a coffee shop any longer. I reply by saying that I always strived for stardom. If I were not an actress I would have been an IAS officer.

Varied regime

I was a hyperactive kid, I was always into running, jumping and playing badminton. I can’t do any exercise activity for a long time, for instance I cannot do yoga or gym for three months. I change my exercise routine and do skipping, jogging, swimming. A varied regime is great for the body.

Pursuing her passion

Actress Udita Goswami, who made headlines when she sang the Nepali version of the popular hit song Kolaveri Di, has plans to get into music production for films. She will make her debut in the new field with her husband Mohit Suri’s next film The Villain that is being produced by Ekta Kapoor. It was only early this year that Udita tied the knot with Mohit.

Udita exclaims, “Earlier singing was just a fun thing with friends but now I am taking music seriously. I am doing my music production course with DJ Suketu and have started DJing too.” As a matter of fact, during one of her wedding parties, guests were surprised to see bride Udita at the DJ table mixing some tracks.

Having made her debut opposite John Abraham in Paap, she subsequently did a few more films like Zaher and Aksar. But the lady was not content as she wanted to take her passion for music forward. So, besides having done around 14 films till date, Udita pursued singing. On her singing interests, Udita observes, “Frankly I'm not a trained singer and don't consider myself to be Lata Mangeshkar, but I'm confident that my voice is good enough to be appreciated by all.”

Katrina-Deepika rivalry grows

Warring queens: Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone

Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone’s cat-fight is taking an ugly shape with each passing day After the bikini clad picture of Katrina Kaif made national news, Deepika got a brilliant chance to hit her back. The Cocktail actress blamed Katrina Kaif for the holiday episode and said that a public figure should always remain conscious.

"It has never happened to me. I believe if you are a celebrity or public figure... these things are bound to happen. And I don't think you can accuse anybody of anything. If I am a public figure and if someone captures me then I feel I should have been a little more careful," said Deepika in an interview.

Now the rumour is that Katrina has been telling her friends and family that Deepika should learn to keep her 'words of wisdom' to herself. Katrina got miffed with Deepika’s advice and asked to keep her mouth shut. All know the bone of contention between the two beauties is the heartthrob of Bollywood, Ranbir Kapoor.

Ranbir is Deepika’s past and Katrina’s present. The Dhoom 3 actress is not happy with Deepika for varied reasons. Firstly, Deepika’s career is going great guns. She is the only actress in Bollywood who has crossed 500 crores mark at the box-office. Second, Kat is unhappy about Deepika’s lingering kiss with her boyfriend at Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani success party.

Lastly, she is angry over Deepika’s comment on her bikini image. Above all, Deepika has snatched many meaty roles from Kat and also Katrina lost many opportunities to act alongside her beau. "Deepika too was clicked by the paparazzi in Dubai with Ranveer kissing her in front of guests at a night club. People who live in glass houses should not throw stones," says a close friend of Katrina. Oh well, this is getting really ugly!”

Jack of all trades
Ayushmann Khurrana is into singing, acting and more. He talks about his different talents…

Music masti

I composed the song Pani da in Vicky Donor, just out of fun. But I think I should sing more often. Since the release of my debut film, I have learnt something new everyday. Recently, I sang on a show for Uttarakhand victims, I was overwhelmed by the experience. As an actor, there is so much to contribute to society. It’s just one needs to have a heart to give.

Telly scope

On Indian television, most of the stories and characters revolve around women. How many men watch daily soaps? Men are more into news and sports. I feel there is an overdose of women-specific content on the tube. There is a lot of type-casting that happens. TV is an aggressive medium and reaches out far and wide. This could be one of the reasons, why our audience crave for hero on 70mm.

Behind the scene

On the sets of Vicky Donor, Shoojit Sircar punished me by making me an assistant director for one day. I totally enjoyed the drill. We would often joke that if I don’t succeed as an actor, I would take to assisting. It’s insightful to stand behind the camera and think like the ADs, cameraman and others on the set. It’s unfortunate that the technician's job is a thankless one, but it’s they who transform the actor into star. It has also improved me as an actor. So, as a fun exercise, I assisted Shoojit for 10 days for his latest film.

CHATTER BOX

What’s cooking!

TLC presents Gordon's Ultimate Cookery Course which premieres on weekdays at 8 pm, starting September 2 only on TLC.

Master Chef: Gordon Ramsay

The host of Gordon's Ultimate Cookery Course, presents simple ways to bring the spirit of amazing cooking to kitchen and onto the plate using ingredients easily available. Gordon Ramsay has been cooking in professional kitchens for over 25 years. He has been taught by some of the best chefs in the world and in turn taught some of the best. In this new series he is going to strip away all the complexity, all the hard graft and teach us how to cook amazing food with ease.

Each episode concentrates on a different theme essential for the modern cook - from the secret of cooking with chilli and spice, through to baking, roasting and slow cooking. In this practical home cookery series, Gordon Ramsay will teach, the viewers of TLC, how to cook 100 simple, accessible recipes.

For a cause

Fighting for women’s safety and raising an alarm on the growing crime rates in Mumbai is none other than the very popular Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra, as she hosts an episode of Life OK's popular crime docu drama, Savdhaan India - Mumbai Fights Back. The show hosted by Atul Kulkarni focuses on specific crime cases from Mumbai. But wait, there is more!

Talking point: Priyanka Chopra

The Bollywood diva will share TV space with her Zanjeer co-star Ram Charan Teja. The particular case revolves around a woman's body being found in an unidentified suitcase. The woman centric episode will feature Priyanka Chopra and Ram Charan Teja motivating the audiences and asking them to be more vigilant. Mumbai, the city of dreams, was once upon a time known for being one of the safest cities in India, when every Mumbaikar could proudly claim one's safety. There has been a dramatic shift in the crime scenario of the metropolis. From corruption to kidnappings to murders, Mumbai has been engulfed within the vicious crime circuit.

Presenting the real picture of the real Mumbai is Life OK's crime reality series, Savdhaan India- Mumbai Fights Back. A thrilled Priyanka says, "I absolutely love Savdhaan India for the content and the nature of the show. I am really happy to be a part of the show and contribute whatever little I can to the society."

Back with a bang

Amitabh Bachchan is back with Kaun Banega Crorepati season 7. He is as excited and enthusiastic about the show as ever.

From season 1-7, what changes have you felt?

There have been some changes in the format. But we can't change much in that preset format. We have changed the set this time and raised the prize money to Rs 7 crore.

How much credit do you take for the show doing well?

Zero, I have nothing to do with it. I don't understand this. The most important part is the show itself. The show was designed by a scientists and psychologist who has knowledge. It's not just simple question and answer show but deep research has gone into it. I think that's what makes the show popular. It's running in 127 countries. There's an intrinsic value in the show. Anchor has just got to read a few questions.

Would you ever like to sit on the hot seat?

At times we fool around and do try them but I can't go beyond two questions.

What have you learnt as per the theme of this season - Seekhna Bandh Toh Jeetna Bandh?

We learn something every day. It's an ongoing process.

The kind of adulation you get on the show is unmatched.

It's embarrassing. I don't know where to hide. I don't know what to do with it.

Give & take

Taking a break from their thriving business in Las Vegas, Pawn Stars' father-and-son duo Rick and Corey Harrison are touring India. Rick Harrison, 48, has been in the pawn business for 28 years and is an expert when it comes to spotting anything fake or stolen; and Corey Harrison, 30, began working at the pawn shop when he was just nine and is expertly trained in the art of appraisal.

Corey & Rick from Pawn Stars’

Along with their family members and friends, the father-son team run the gold and silver pawn shop in Las Vegas and has become some of reality television's biggest stars. The series is best known and loved for the Harrisons' hilarious antics on-screen. Rick and Corey, made good use of the trip to India by visiting the Taj Mahal on the first day of their tour. As home to the Pawn Stars, HISTORY TV18 premieres Season 6 (starting 2 September 2013) delivering all new Pawn Stars episodes every weekday at10 pm.

I’m proud to be Sushant’s girlfriend: Ankita

Ankita Lokhande professes her undying love for Sushant on the sets of DID Super Moms! It's the case of finding real love while working in the reel world. And who could say it better than TV starlet Ankita Lokhande. On the sets of DID Super Moms, where the cast of Shuddh Desi Romance were present to promote their upcoming film, a surprise was in store for Sushant Singh Rajput the male lead of the film. The content team of Zee TV had prepared a video tape for Sushant where they had taken bytes of all the prominent cast of Pavitra Rishta.

IN LOVE: Ankita Lokhande & Sushant Singh Rajput

Though he was touched by the gesture and all the sweet things that his ex co-stars said about him, what he didn't expect was a confession of love from his long term girlfriend Ankita Lokhande. Ankita in her video proclaims her eternal love for him in front of the world and says, "I am proud to be your girlfriend and the kind of chemistry I share with you, I can't have that with anyone else". An overwhelmed Ankita recollected the last scene they had shot together in which Sushant hugs Ankita as they part ways. She adds that at that point the moment they shared was real. They hugged as they knew this was it. The tears they cried at that time were not a by product of any glycerine but the feelings they had for each other. A visibly touched Sushant almost had tears in his eyes and was too overwhelmed to say anything. Sushant's co actors of Shuddh Desi Romance , Parineeti Chopra and Vani had a whale of a time with the super moms on the Sets of DID.

Double bonanza

Sunny Leone will help Maliika Sherawat to find her soul mate on the Indian version of the reality show The Bachelorette. Two bombshells on one show will be a treat for the viewer! Sunny Leone is becoming busier by the day. The sequel to Ragini MMS has been delayed even further. It was supposed to release in September but there have been a lot of delays in finishing the movie as Sunny has no time.
Check mate: Sunny Leone (left) & Maliika Sherawat

War of words

Kalki Koechlin lashed out on Twitter when designer duo Riddhi Siddhi called her mentally disturbed and distraught due to her allegedly failing marriage to Anurag Kashyap. She clarified her stance and called the show poorly organised and unprofessional. She was the showstopper at the Glamour Style Week 2013.

Sad state: Kalki Koechlin

Saree saga

Shraddha Kapoor attended the Lakme Fashion Week grand finale wearing a Sabyasachi saree showing her support for the designer. People at the event could not help but call her Aarohi, her character from Aashiqui 2. She looked great in the saree.

All support: Shraddha Kapoor with Sabyasachi

Acting pricey

Rumour has it that Emraan Hashmi is acting pricey and not giving dates to begin shooting for Kunal Deshmukh's Shapit. They even roped in a heroine of his choice that is Humaima Malick but Emraan is not yet ready to shoot for the film.

A special treat

Ejaz Khan celebrated his birthday with the under privileged kids of Muskaan Foundation. He has been associated with them for over nine years now. He enjoyed the day with them and they enjoyed too as they watched him shoot.

ASTRO TURF
P Khurrana

ARIES: Supervise your property ventures. Conditions at home will be pleasant. Do not speculate. Maintain a balanced lifestyle. Court witness goes in your favour. Do not worry about your health. Tarot message: You need to act for yourself. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 28

TAURUS: If there is work to be done and you feel like doing it right away, do so. House work and chores can be handled efficiently. Consider helping a relative with their domestic needs. You should be in a pleasant mood. Tarot message: Focus on your goals. Lucky colour: Violet Magic number: 36

GEMINI: Today's the day to do something for your pleasure. Settle agreement with your co-workers. A close rapport may be developing between you and a colleague. Not the right time to contemplate on changing a job. Tarot message: Don't be dismissive of advice from youth. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 62

CANCER: Dream big. Team work is the key note of the day. Older people may create some problems for you. Do not walk about in daze. Club and social activities are favoured. Tarot message: You will be happier if you retain the fruit of your hard work. Lucky colour: White Magic number: 56

LEO: The crowning fulfillment of achieving your goals and gaining recognition may arrive soon. Stay focused on personal vision as you take steps to reach a journey's end. Consult professional people for legal worries. Tarot message: Infuse your efforts into decisive action. Lucky colour: Bottle green. Magic number: 59

VIRGO: Like a game of snakes and ladders, you should step back and retrace your steps all over again. A secret love affair will bring you pleasure. Pedestrians in particular, should watch out for careless drivers. Tarot message: It is no longer necessary to take risks. Lucky colour: Rust Magic number: 44

LIBRA: The page of 'Swords' reveals a good time to tie all loose ends together and take care of precious details with absolute perfection. As the day progresses you will feel more comfortable at home. Tarot message: Avoid situations that may turn nasty. Lucky colour: Blue Magic number: 49

SCORPIO: You will be able to make the right connection effortlessly. All in all an interesting and stimulating day. Someone you care about will see you in a new light. Good business opportunity comes your way. Tarot message: Trust your heart and intuition. Lucky colour: Red Magic number: 61

SAGITTARIUS: The door-way to profound knowledge and insight may open through a wise acquaintance. Love blossoms in the workplace. Little would be achieved by a show of force at this stage. Tarot message: Do not let anyone take advantage of you. Lucky colour: Brown Magic number: 31

CAPRICORN: This can be a day that starts calmly and uneventfully, lulling you into a false sense of security. Trusting people who have just appeared on the scene is a foolish move. Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended. Lucky colour: Grey Magic number: 27

AQUARIUS: If a task seems overwhelming break it down into smaller and simple steps. Chanel your energy and efforts towards concluding the task at hand. Tarot message: Strive for perfection at work. Lucky colour: Yellow Magic number: 38

PISCES: Life seems full of contention at the moment and it is hard to get along with others. The postponement of a certain deal could cause anxiety. Love life will be quite intriguing. Tarot message: Don't be too certain about obtaining a clearance. Lucky colour: Purple Magic number: 40

THE YEAR AHEAD
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is September 1...

Number one is a leader. It indicates the ability to stand alone, and has strong vibration. You will be independent, creative, original, ambitious and determined. If expressed negatively: arrogant, stubborn, impatient, and self-centered. Health will be satisfactory but take care especially between November and December. If you are in business, you need to be very careful. Financially, new sources of income will open. Business trips abroad are expected. Do not invest money in unsecured property. Lending money to near and dear is too risky this year.

Positive colours: Golden, Red, Brown, Cream, White, Orange and Purple

Select days: Sunday & Monday

Favourable numbers: 1,4,2,7

Gems recommended: Yellow sapphire & Red coral, Ruby.

Charity on birthday: You may donate halwa or medicines to needy or to any religious place today.

You share your birthday with Ram Kapoor (September 1, 1973 Mumbai) a television actor who made his screen debut with a serial called Nyay. Nowadays, he is seen in prime roles on TV. Ram Kapoor’s numbers indicate a lot of wealth.