A shot at history
SikhNet online film festival is a platform for young Sikhs to focus and celebrate their rich culture and history
Jasmine Singh

Steve Jobs had called the art of connecting things creativity. He realised that creative people felt guilty when they were asked about what they have created. "They didn't really do it, they just saw something and after sometime it seemed obvious to them," he had said. Raj Angad Singh, Japneet kaur, Taranveer, Gurvinder, Jot Singh or Sawaranjeet Singh….the names don't come rolling when you Google, neither have they made it to the list of creative class, these are just names of people who could think different and connect. These are the names of people who raked their grey cells, pinched their sensitive nerves, picked up the cameras, and shot docu-dramas, films that made to the much known creative podium, the SikhNet online film festival. Amateurs, inspired by ideas followed the theme for the year 2013, 'Sikh Women' and came up with the best they could whip up.

Better tomorrow

Raj Angad Singh, 21 from Chandigarh is the winner in the comedy film category. His 10 minutes and 10 seconds film, Singh Vs Singh made it to the winning slot.

Angad was inspired by his brother Satbir Singh, who was the winner of SikhNet film festival 2012. "I made a film on Raksha bandhan special, on how girls can protect themselves without any promise of security. I took a comic take on it," he adds.

Angad is currently pursuing his BCA from Mohali. "I believed in the theme, and once you are convinced about what you are doing, rest everything falls in place. I was very clear about what I wanted to make and how it should be shot."

For a social cause

The Voice Of A Silent Confessor, Taranveer, 20, from Delhi sent his 17 minutes and 30 seconds movie to the SikhNet film festival.

Even though the film did not make it to the winning slot, Taranveer feels satisfied. "I made a film on eve teasing.

I was inspired by the last year's winner Satbir, I watched his film 10 times a day. I liked the platform that SikhNet provides to young amateur filmmakers."

Taranveer is pursuing business economics in Delhi. A little dissatisfied with the voting, he wants the system of selection to be fair to all.

Highlighting heritage

Sawaranjeet Singh Dasua, a Delhi based young fellow made a film titled The Colour Of Blood. "I didn't have a professional camera and neither did I have any editing equipment. So, I first borrowed a camera from a friend, shot the film and finally edited on another friend's laptop." At present, he is an intern with a news channel. "Podiums like these encourage us to connect to our roots through a creative process."

Gurvinder Singh A journey of life

Gurvinder Singh from Chandigarh is the winner of the Make Me Think category. His 22 minutes documentary film won award in the documentary category. "Am I Kaur is the story of a girl's struggle to sport a turban in the modern world. She gains inspiration and insight from events that lead her to take a deeper look at herself," shares Gurvinder. A 3D animator by profession, Gurvinder plans to direct a film one day. "This works as the learning ground for me." Jot Singh a creative photographer from Chandigarh also sent his film in the festival.

A lesson for women

Japneet Kaur from Ludhiana collected her family and asked them to act in her shot film titled Rehnuma, which she sent to the SikhNet online film festival. A voice-over artist, Japneet shares, "I might not be strong technically, however all my friends and family liked the concept. I have got the direction right, I have to work more on the technical details. Next time, I will try to improve on that.” Japneet Kaur came to know about this festival on Facebook, and immediately got down to work. "I have showed that Guru Gobind Singh Ji has already taught us the method of self defense, which girls can use for their safety. I totally believe in the theme and how it’s relevant ". Japneet will definately try her making many more short movies in the near future. “This is the beginning, I am going to give my best again,” she smiles.

Jot Singh Creativity online

Guruka Singh, CEO, SikhNet film festival shares details of the festival that rakes huge response every year. "SikhNet online film festival gives young Sikh filmmakers a medium wherein the entire world can hear them." Out of the 132 submissions for this year, 32 entries alone were from the young filmmakers in India. Each year, the film festival sees 30-40 original films, which are reviewed by the SikhNet staff. Adds Guruka Singh, "The shortlisted films are selected on the basis of creativity and originality, the ability to deliver the message, technical execution and over all impact." For the year 2014, the submissions opened in May and the SikhNet will be taking a fresh look on how judging is conducted.

A votary of collective heritage
Pakistan’s eminent theatre person Madeeha Gauhar strongly believes in the power of theatre to mend broken hearts
Nonika Singh

Madeeha Gauhar Photo: S Chandan She is probably the best known Pakistani (after cricketers of course) in this part of the region. Madeeha Gauhar whose theatre group Ajoka is the face of theatre in her home country has not only vowed audiences in Chandigarh with her much acclaimed play Bullah but has been a regular with her performances at Amritsar too.

Sadat Hasan Manto titled Kaun Hai Yeh Gustaakh may not have been allowed to be part of the NSD festival, she continues to repose faith in the power of theatre to heal wounds and build bridges. No wonder at the Khushwant Singh Literary Festival she not only expresses a heartfelt desire to perform in Kasauli and Himachal Pradesh in general but also shares many heartwarming experiences of performing in India. She recalls how the same leaders of the BJP who tried to thwart her show in Kerala later came backstage to congratulate her. She says, "We are as much against communalism and are for humanity as any sane thinking individual would be." As for her country increasingly falling under the shadow of forces of fundamentalism, she rues, "When a nation is created on the basis of religion, sectarian forces are bound to raise their head. Anyone with a vision could have foreseen it, men like Manto actually did." … But before we can raise an eyebrow she interjects, "I say the same things in Pakistan too." Outspoken she has been speaking out her mind ever since her group was formed some 30 years ago. That is precisely why she doesn't get any sponsors for her plays neither from the government nor from the private enterprise. Corporate sponsorship, she muses, comes with many strings attached like, "do a comedy or a musical like a Phantom Of The Opera." But she would rather do plays not necessarily those laced with forceful message but ones that are thought provoking and many that reflect our collective heritage. She deems, "How can one blossom while denying one's roots." So not only has she done plays on the epitome of oneness and humanism the legendary poet Bulle Shah and also Dara Sikoh but more importantly on the great martyr Shaheed Bhagat Singh.

Having performed the play Mera Rang De Basanti Chola at his village in Pakistan she does share that most people there didn't know about the shaheed. But Ajoka is determined to keep the legacy and history of togetherness alive. Never mind that due to security threat she has not been able to organise Panj Paani festival that brought theatre of the two countries on a common platform for last five years.

Yet she feels strongly about joint collaborations and is particularly proud of Ek Thi Naani that brought two sisters Zohra Sehgal and Uzra Bhatt who acted in her play together. Toying with an idea of an urban love story, standing firm against the winds of hatred and despotism, she remains steadfast in her commitment towards basic tenets of humanity and love.

Enjoined together

Amidst the growing Talbinisation of her country Madeeha Gauhar does fear that the madness might spread further and even envelop Punjab (of Pakistan) so far spared the whiplash of intolerance. But she is more concerned about the Talibanisation of the mind that has not spared the media too. While she doesn't expect India to bail out Pakistan she does feel that India and Indians must understand that a stable Pakistan is very much in their own interest.

Step towards peace
Mona

Altaf Ahmed Bhatt is leading a life quite similar to the one Rizwan Khan (played by Shah Rukh Khan) in My Name is Khan! Only his surname is Bhatt and he feels victimised not in America but on his own land. Altaf, who hails from Kashmir, is on a walk with a message of peace. He likes to share his thoughts with those he meets on travels and address students in school that fall on his way.

He's 42, started his first walk on September 24, 2010 from Mumbai to Delhi with an aim to meet the Prime Minister. He couldn't. He's continued the walk in different parts of India and is heading back to Delhi in a fresh attempt to meet the Prime Minister.

And why? Altaf, who was in Chandigarh recently, shares his story: "When I was 18, under the circumstances that prevailed in Kashmir in the 90s, I was led to a training camp in the POK." He claims to have escaped and visited different cities in Pakistan. "I asked people as why they hated India. Surprisingly, I met no one who was angry with India, on the other hand all they wanted was peace between the two countries. I crossed again and left AK47 at the border."

He claims to have attempted leading a peaceful life as a hawker, freelance photographer and a vendor. "My efforts at good life were rendered fruitless as on someone's information I was lodged in Kashmir Central Jail for two long years."

After release, Altaf's troubles only grew manifold, when he decided to move out of Kashmir and start afresh. After many false starts in Delhi, Mumbai and other places, Altaf couldn't lead a normal life. "My past came on the way. Sadly, it's not easy for Kashmiris to lead a regular life neither in Kashmir or any other part of the country. We are always suspected; and, subjected to inhuman behaviour."

Tired of failing in his attempts to lead a normal life, Altaf chose to walk. "I want to spread my message - peace must return to Kashmir. No parents want their children to turn terrorists. It's about time we changed the system." According to Altaf, two Prime Ministers and their meeting cannot resolve the issue. "Jise dard hai, dawa bhi to use hi chahiye. It's only common people of Kashmir who need to be heard and system needs an overall revamp."

Wearing all white, flags with the message of peace, Altaf who claims to have done 7000 km already carries on walking towards Delhi. Though, he carries an iPhone, a gift from someone, with no job, he is living day to day. There are challenges aplenty. "Someday someone offers me food or a place to live. I am a healer, some who benefit offer help sometimes." But he's all set to complete his walk to Delhi where he hopes the Prime Minister would listen to him and help Kashmir return to normalcy. "I want situation to be such that I along with other Kashmiris especially Pandits who have left their homes can turn back and lead a normal life. How long can educated Kashmiris sell suits and shawls?"

mona@tribunemail.com

Let’s catch up
A battery of actors come together to recreate the magic of college days in their upcoming Punjabi movie Yaaran Da Katchup
Ashima Batish

The exodus of not-so-successful actors from Bollywood lands in Pollywood more than often now. They come, they see Punjabi cinema, learn basic lessons in Punjabi language, laugh out loud on jokes that are supposed to be funny, dance, act, deliver dialogues, never mind the conquering part of it.

Friday witnessed the import of three more actors, Anita Hassanandani, Yuvika Chaudhary, Varun Sharma who joined names from the Punjabi film and music industry like BN Sharma, Jaswinder Bhalla, Manreet Kaur, Ranjan Sehgal and Hardy Sandhu and debutant Anil Juneja to announce their film, Yaaran Da Katchup.

As for the title of the film, the producer and the director of the film, Vikram Bansal and Abhay Baiju Chabbra, strictly in that order, take up the onus to explain it, "The film is about college friends, who pledge to meet every seven years. All that happens at the reunion takes the story forward. While Katchup denotes a get-together, it is also meant for the mess they create," they say while emphasizing that the film has a modern storyline and depicts Punjabi youth as it actually is today. After a long hiatus, veteran actor, Mehar Mittal will be seen acting again. Here is an effort to know the cast and the crew of the film.

The right choice

When Anita Hassanandani says that commitment to a project is important for it to be successful, you ought to believe her. For it has just been six days since she got married, and she is already here in Chandigarh, gearing up to shoot for her part in the film. "Punjabi is a beautiful language. Though I am not from the region but I have a lot of friends in the TV industry who belong here and I love the way they converse in Punjabi," says Anita who is an Ekta Kapoor loyalist. With back to back Punjabi films releasing, more and more Bollywood actors showing interest in the regional cinema and budgets of the films soaring high, she says that this is the right time to be here and doing work.

Home ground

After Fukrey and Warning, Varun Sharma took a turn for Punjabi films for two reasons, first he is a Punjabi himself, and second he finds the Punjabi industry blooming. "I am an actor, what matters is the opportunity when I get to display my talent and perform. Medium doesn't matter; it could be a daily soap, theatre, Hindi or Punjabi film." He doesn't feel that taking a u-turn towards regional cinema would have an impact on his career in Bollywood. He hopes it sets the same example that Jatt & Juliet did last year.

Role model

Yuvika Chaudhary made her debut in the Punjabi film industry with Daddy Cool, Munde Fool, and now with her second film here, she has become more fluent in Punjabi language. But that's not enough to be a successful actress in the industry that usually has men walk away with the major share of dialogues and jokes. In this scenario, she feels inspired by Neeru Bajwa, who she says is doing far better than several male singer-turned-actors in the industry. "It will take me some time to understand what audience wants from me as an actor and vice versa for audience to recognize me as a Punjabi actress," says Yuvika.

Right note

If other singers of Punjab can do it, why can't he. Jumping on the bandwagon is Hardy Sandhu of fame Loan Chahida. As expected, he will render his voice to two songs of the film. But unlike a couple of other singers-turned-actors, who are just one-song-wonders, he wants to establish himself as singer as well. "I am about to release a song next month and even an album before the release of the film." We are waiting and watching.

ashima@tribunemail.com

It’s original!

While the makers of the film promise that it will have the feel of a Bollywood film, except for the difference in language, the storyline seems easy for one to guess by looking at the posters. It is three boys having fun at reunion until things go wrong. Probably something on the lines of Grown-ups, Hangover ….The scriptwriter of the film, Rubina however denies it, "It's a fresh concept, a fresh film, which will change the dynamic of the Punjabi film industry." We hope so!

A life full of music
DJ Ashish Nagpal loves his job and shares his story of how he took to the console
Amarjot Kaur

BEAT IT: DJ Ashish Nagpal Photo: Manoj Mahajan
BEAT IT: DJ Ashish Nagpal Photo: Manoj Mahajan

When the DJ culture picked up in India over a decade ago, it was fancied as one of the most expressive projection of the 'rebels', who remixed the sound of existing music and altered it the way they liked it. The DJ culture surely liberated the generation of the 80s and 90s of their stereotypical notion of the night life, but it was not all that easy to become a DJ. As Delhi-based DJ, Ashish Nagpal, who has been djing for as many as 11 years talks about the profession and articulates his perception of djing in its true sense, we get an insight into how the rhetoric idea of Dj culture has changed in the last one decade.

"When I wanted to become a DJ, a decade ago, I was not so certain if I would really follow it. So I took to securing my future by pursuing an MBA course back then. As soon as I got the degree, I gave it to my parents and went ahead with my dream of becoming a DJ," says Ashish. As he defines djing as a career option, he adds, "Now that people know about several DJ festivals like Tomorrowland and Sunburn, they understand djing, which is a very international trend. Also, I have seen that now with the night life gearing up, people do accept djing as a good profession. However, becoming a good DJ is not everyone's cup of tea, because djing and remixing are two very different things," he says. Adding to his statement, he explains, "While djing is one's capacity to interact with the crowd as they mix songs on the console, remixing is about studio recording, and it involves all the aspects of production and editing." The true character of a DJ comes to play when they perform for the crowd and he fancies it more than anything else. "Perhaps that is the reason why I have not come up with any album yet," he says.

Ashish claims to have played at several music festivals, including Psycoholic at Indore and at various night clubs, including F-bar (where he served as the resident DJ), B Bar (Rasa Night), Blue frog and Aqua. "I am into EDM and dance music, but I keep altering the sounds and genres depending upon the crowd," he signs off.

amarjot@tribunemail.com

Kareena Kapoor Khan on marriage

Wedded bliss: Kareena Kapoor Khan
Wedded bliss: Kareena Kapoor Khan

Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan have been married for a year now. She talks about her wonderful marriage and how nothing has changed between them.

Changes after marriage

Nothing has changed. I just feel more at ease. I don't know why people go on and on about how marriage calms you down, changes you and all that. May be, I am more at ease because I lived with Saif (Ali Khan) for four years before we got married.

Marriage vs. living in

People don't get the fact that living in is not a big deal today. My parents (Randhir and Babita Kapoor) were shocked when we decided to live in. But I am glad I did it. It was like being married. What's the big deal? We got married at home. We got out of our bedroom, went to the living room and signed the papers. It was the most comfortable way to get married. It was the best way. I want Saif and me to represent modern thinking. Love is all about being together.

Tips for marriage

I don't think I have tips for a successful marriage. I don't think any such tips exist either. Even in our relationship, apart from the fact that I love him, there's no particular way of saying that this is the right way or that one should follow this path.

On Saif

The reason I married Saif was that he loves my individuality. People forget that I am married to someone like Saif. He is not a typical husband. He has never asked me about the movies I do and he never will. That's the relationship we share.

Records are meant to be broken: SRK

Bollywood superstar Shahrukh Khan feels that box office records are meant to be broken. "I don't do films to make records. Every film will make some record...It's stupid to think records will not be broken. Any good film will do well and it feels fantastic when such film does well. It's important to make better films. The film (Chennai Express) had finest commercial director...great actress Deepika...It feels heartening to see this kind of response," SRK said.

Shahrukh and Deepika-starrer Chennai Express, directed by Rohit Shetty and released in August, has earned Rs 220 crore at the box office. "There are so many platforms to release a film today. It's natural there won't be a golden or a silver jubilee today. There's speed today in terms of theatrical release and enjoyment of a hit film is inexplicable," he said at an event.

With the trend of sequels, the actor ruled out any "concrete plan" to make any second instalment of Chennai Express. Shahrukh will be seen with Deepika in Farah Khan's Happy New Year along side Abhishek Bachchan, Vivan Shah, Sonu Sood and Boman Irani. Looking forward to it!

No pain, all gain

Role call: Ekta KaulAfter doing Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, Ekta Kaul was inundated with many offers but she chose to do Bade Achhe Lagte Hain (BALH). She plays the role of Priya's caretaker and is elated with her new project. She talks all about it and more…

Why did you choose to do BALH?

In Bade Acche Lagle hain, I was offered a good, interesting, and positive role and other offers that came my way were not that substantial. Also, because I was looking for a role that had much substance to it, so what better than a show that is doing so well.

How was it to work with Ram Kapoor and Sakshi Tanwar?

They are very nice people and are very humble too. Though I have not had much interaction with them yet, I know I will get to learn a lot from them.

How was it like to work with Ekta Kapoor?

I have not met her yet, but I hope to very soon. As a person, I have heard wonderful things about her and that she is very strict.

You gave auditions for Mahabhart and Mahdev. So what went wrong?

I had been approached for Mahadev's Ramayan track, but I didn't go for the audition. As for Mahabharat, I did but it didn't work out due to some issues.

Have you and your boyfriend Karan Malhotra fixed a marriage date?

Not yet. When there is something we will let you know.

CHATTER BOX

What's cooking: Aashka GoradiaPolishing her culinary skills

Recently, Aashka Goradia along with her co-stars, Shakti Anand and Rajshri, visited the sets of Sanjeev Kapoor Ke Kitchen Khiladi. We hear that Aashka was excited and nervous to be cooking in front of the legendary chef and she looked beautiful in a blue sari that was teamed with a black blouse. We love the look and we're pretty sure that the food cooked by Aashka must have tasted delicious too!

What's cooking: Aashka Goradia

The second best show on TV

It is common knowledge that Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is a family entertainment show and it continues to maintain second position on the most viewed shows, according to TAM ratings. "Though our show has been on air for over six year now, we still have so many new stories coming up and we are still enjoying the show so much," comments Dilip Joshi.

Meanwhile, Asit Kumarr Modi adds, "We had known that people will love the show but it is humbling to see the kind of response that we have received from the viewers. We always get accolades for giving a show where entire family can sit together while they learn and laugh. I wonder why would anybody wants to watch a show, which has negativity, planning and fights."

Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah is telecast from Monday to Friday at 8.30 pm only on SAB TV.

New entry: Shakti AroraMeet the gen next

With Star Plus' show Veera on the anvil of a leap, Shakti Arora, aka Dr. Onir of Pavitra Rishta, has been roped in. He will play the character of Karan while the grown up Veera will be played by Digangana Suryavanshi.

New entry: Shakti Arora

Busy bee: Drashti DhamiIn want of time

She has got name, fame and money, yet Drashti Dhami claims nothing has changed in her life. She feels that fame hasn't affected her. She only wishes that she had little more time for herself than what she has right now.

Busy bee: Drashti Dhami

IT’S COMPLICATED: Gaurav KhannaAnd the story is...

With Rachana and Vihaan separating in Zee TV's Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke, there's a big twist in store. Gaurav Khanna will enter the show as Rachana's neighbour. They will fall in love. Vihaan will go to Canada to nurse his broken heart.

IT’S COMPLICATED: Gaurav Khanna

Walking together: Sara KhanSharing love and work

Sara Khan has signed three films with her boyfriend Paras Chabbra. A new production company has signed them for a three film deal. Currently both of them are shooting in Ratnagiri.

Walking together: Sara Khan

Lucky boy: Karan WahiBollywood calling

Joining the bandwagon of many other TV stars, Karan Wahi will soon be seen in Yashraj films' next Daawat E Ishq. This is a big break for him as he plays an important role in the film starring Parineeti Chopra and Aditya Roy Kapoor.

Lucky boy: Karan Wahi

Under scanner: Shilpa Shetty and Raj KundraFacing the music

Actress Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra's Juhu residence was robbed last week in Mumbai. An expensive music system and an iPod were missing from the house. The police is investigating the matter. The couple also have a home in England. Shilpa is said to constantly shuttle between the two places. We wonder who is the culprit and whether they’ll find out.

Under scanner: Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra

Bare minimum: Esha GuptaEsha is a brave heart!

Esha Gupta wears make-up only for films, photo shoots and events. Otherwise, she hardly wears make-up or does her hair. She was recently approached by a magazine for a no-make-up shoot and she readily agreed. The photographer even framed her picture and gifted it to her because she looked stunning.

Bare minimum: Esha Gupta

Special touch: Sunny DeolA birthday to remember

Actor Sunny Deol turned 57 recently. On this special occasion, the makers of his upcoming movie- Singh Saheb The Great- unveiled the title track of the movie. The song has been composed by Sonu Nigam and this was a gift to Sunny Deol on his birthday. Singh Saheb The Great releases on November 22.

Special touch: Sunny Deol

Dream team: Kamal HaasanThe legends have it

Screen legends and National Award winners Prasoon Joshi and Kamal Haasan will pair up for the first time in an upcoming movie. Prasoon will be writing the lyrics for Kamal Haasan's sequel to Vishwaroopam.

Dream team: Kamal Haasan

Canvas calling: Siddharth MalhotraThe artist within

Siddharth Malhotra is not just a good looking face, he is quite talented too! He loves to sketch and paint during his leisure time. This is something that he has been doing since childhood. He feels that the canvas allows him to express himself best.

Canvas calling: Siddharth Malhotra

Awe-inspiring: Sohum ShahOnce in a lifetime

Sohum Shah, of Ship of Theseus fame, wants to work at least once with Naseeruddin Shah because he is in awe of the veteran actor. Let’s see when that happens. Should be something!

Awe-inspiring: Sohum Shah

Aroma magic: Deepika PadukoneCandle-lit home

Deepika Padukone loves aromatic candles and she uses many of them to make sure that her home smells great and has a wonderful, warm feel to it. She asks her staff to light them up before she returns from work. This calms her down. She also uses aromatic candles whenever there is a get-together at her place.

Aroma magic: Deepika Padukone

 

 

ASTRO TURF
P Khurrana

ARIES: Talk to your boss today if you need a promotion. A sudden travel could disturb your schedule. BP patients: get more rest. A long awaited issue finally gets resolved. Tarot message: Its time to question the judgment that shapes your financial status. Lucky colour: Black Magic number: 60.

TAURUS: "The Moon" reveals that you have stretched your relationship with someone a bit too far. Speak your mind to your beloved to clear misunderstandings. Tarot message: Don't be too certain about obtaining a clearance or permission. Lucky colour: Ebony Magic number: 42.

GEMINI: It is a day to forget work related worries. Talk to your seniors and see what they can offer. Romance will dominate your mind. Confide in a friend, take time for long work, or read a good book. Tarot message: Take things slowly and listen to your inner voice. Lucky colour: Peach Magic number: 62.

CANCER: Today you will be in an enthusiastic frame of mind. Matters connected with the state or government agency will run smoothly. Loss through speculation is on cards. Tarot message: Change the status quo, both at work and relationships by voicing your feelings. Lucky colour: Silver grey Magic number: 29.

LEO: Trying to get some 'self time' could be the hardest thing today. Relax and be a little more tolerant. You will be in a mood to find faults with people who are dear to you; curb this habit. Tarot message: Follow your instinct and do not hesitate to act accordingly. Lucky colour: Purple Magic number: 30.

VIRGO: Teamwork is the key note of the day. Home life will be pleasant. Older people may drum up certain problem. Check your car before you set out for a long journey. Tarot message: Draw on those inner energies and begin moving from thought to action. Lucky colour: Rusty Magic number: 64.

LIBRA: Life is not always bed of roses. Do not get involved in any property deal. Emotions have to be controlled. Look after yourself now. A Scorpio woman would be very supportive. Tarot message: The confrontation needs to be managed with care. Lucky colour: Royal blue Magic number: 59.

SCORPIO: You will be happy in the company of friends. Its time to strengthen ties with your partner. Handle property matters carefully. Some of you could be suffering from finances insecurity. Tarot message: It is important to enjoy your dreams, but don't over expect. Lucky colour: Crimson Magic number: 41.

SAGITTARIUS: Don't worry about the work pressure at all. Friends will be easy going. A good proposal will coming your way if you are looking to get married. A romantic alliance is likely to blossom. Tarot message: Do not let anyone get advantage over you. Lucky colour: Burgundy Magic number: 46.

CAPRICORN: You will get an opportunity to become a member of an important club. Family affairs run along smoothly. Guard against mischievous interference. Women drivers: take care. Tarot message: Be determined and increase your confidence. Lucky colour: Forest green Magic number: 25.

AQUARIUS: Love relations bubble with excitement. Students will get down to their tasks and creative hobbies. Be careful not to violate traffic. You can expect a few visitors at night. Tarot message: Win the war with honesty, not by distorting facts. Lucky colour: Crème Magic number: 27.

PISCES: Tendency for manipulation or revenge should be controlled and contained. Believe in your own worthiness. Today is a right day to invest in property. Industrial owners to take care of labour problem. Tarot message: Trust your heart and intuition. Lucky colour: Yellow Magic number: 43.

THE YEAR AHEAD
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is October 21...

Jupiter provides you with energy, honor, ambition, dignity and intelligence. If you are into advisory business, this year will fetch you a lot of contacts. You may get involved in a new romantic relationship. You could also have an unexpected visitor. Don't worry; you'll be able to tackle. You might devote significant amount of time for official travelling. You need to ensure financial safety of yours. Certain changes in family life may occur. Good health is indicated. Youngsters will be particularly audacious when undertaking new initiatives at work. They will be dynamic and professional.

HelenPositive colours: Gold, lime

Select days: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday.

Favourable numbers: 3,6,9

Gems recommended: Yellow sapphire, pearl

Charity on birthday: Donate khaki uniform to poor children

Helen (Jairag Richardson Khan born on October 21, 1939 in Harrow London) is best known for playing the role of a vamp in Bollywood movies of the 70s. Astrologically Helen's Venus star is fantastic, so she will continue to enchant the viewers.





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