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The buying tradition
Dhanteras is around the corner. And just before the big Diwali bash, here’s a chance to splurge...
Dhanteras, also called Dhan Trayodashi, is associated with the 13th month, which is sometimes not considered lucky. But number 13 is actually associated with 'unexpectedness'. "Any person buying jewellery on the day stands to get unexpected gains," says astrologer P Khurrana. He advises that one should make a rangoli in front of the house and light five diyas or a panchmukhi diya in the evening. "It will fulfill your heart's desire," he says.
Well, if you follow tradition, there are do's and don'ts. Astrologer Madan Gupta Spatu shares, "Dhanteras morning should begin with disposing unused papers, gadgets or clothes. The whole day is auspicious for buying." Given there would be a rush on the day, traders are gearing up for their big day as well. If there are a number of cars booked for delivery on the day, jewellers are going to have a field day as well. They are well-stocked and open for longer hours. "Traditionally, buyers would buy gold coins and jewellery on Dhanteras. Over the years, the trend is bit changed. As it is the onset of the wedding season, jewellery scores still and moreso diamond jewellery. The NRI clientele goes for couple bands, cuff-links, tie-pins and diamond-studded mobile phone covers," shares Vikas Walia, MD, Anmol Jewellers, which has outlets at Elante Mall and Mohali, as well as a diamond boutique in Hotel Mountview. Buyers are equally busy readying their homes for Dhanteras. Says Priya Garg, director, Oven Fresh, "As is tradition, we buy some silver or something new for the kitchen." Neha Sharma, assistant professor, has been eyeing gold bangles for a while now and is all set to bring them home on the day, "As they say whatever you buy multiplies, so bangles it is this Dhanteras," she laughs. Well…shop till you drop!
Try your luck
If ornaments are purchased according to the zodiac signs, they can bring good luck. Here's a check-list: ARIES: Head-accessories, earrings, red coral bracelet. TAURUS: Diamond ring, nose pin, earrings, diamond bracelet. GEMINI: Hair-pins, nose-pins, forehead and head jewellery; pendant in the shape of a fish. CANCER: Silver, pearls jewellery, diamonds and pearls bracelet, utensils. LEO: Gold and white mixed jewellery, mangalsutra, ruby bracelet. VIRGO: Make-up kit, anklets, toe-ring, necklace, preferably made of turquoise and emerald. LIBRA: Gold and silver bracelet, gold chain, heart-shaped pendant, diamond bracelet. SCORPIO: Any ornament for the neck; gold initials, red coral bracelet. SAGITTARIUS: Gold bracelet, silver and gold kamarbandh; nose-pin, amethyst and topaz jewellery. CAPRICORN: Modern jewellery and chunky ornaments; gold kada, blue sapphire bracelet. AQUARIUS: Silver pots, gold chain, key-ring, gold-ring PISCES: Wrist-watch, nose-pin, earrings, utensils. — P Khurrana, astrologer mona@tribunemail.com
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Devil’s day out
It's time to go a little crazy and let the dresses do the talking this Halloween…
If the costume parties, carved pumpkins and horror flicks don't make things obvious, the fact that you can 'dress to disgust' will! The day might be a borrowed concept from the West, but what makes it click is the connotation it carries and the connection it has with the youngsters. How often do you officially get to unleash the devil within? Tonight your date out with the evil awaits…Happy Halloween. Merry make-up
Goes without saying, the costume bit scores over anything else; an evening where claws and horns replace the blush and shimmer! Halloween's make-up is both a challenge and a pleasure. "Undoubtedly, the best thing about Halloween is the costume parties. It's a dress code, which attracts everyone and spells fun in all capital letters. Your imagination is the only limit," says Sania Rana, student, MCM DAV College. She adds, "The whole scary atmosphere attracts me." We bet that finds an echo with many! Laughs Jag Choudhry, student, M.Tech, PU, "It's a day when at least half the women can step out without worries and sans make-up." He adds, "Dressing up like a devil has its underlying charm...It's a party which everybody should have attended at least once. It's liberating." Look like a zombie, a monster, a dragon or a geek, by all means let red and black dominate your wardrobe and choice of colours. Draw the lipstick out of the lips, put stitches on your face, wear red lenses… like they say, it's liberating! Party time
Several places step in to seal the celebrations. Underdoggs Sports Bar and Grill is organising a Halloween party that asks you to eat, drink and be scary! They promise a lot of horror coupled with spooky décor. At The Blue Blazer, feel free, "to wear anything gothic." Adds Sanjay Negi, the manager, "We'll also be providing some masks. As for the music, that's the surprise element. It'll be spooky music." At Ten Downing Street, the Altius, they've already celebrated the eve as a usual club night with Halloween theme. At Score Night Club, there's a theme party with a dress code followed by prizes for the best dressed…err…the scariest dressed!
manriya@tribunemail.com
History speak
There are several folk legends associated with the day, but the widely believed one goes something like this. They say it originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain - a celebration that comprises people lighting bonfires and wearing costumes to ward - off the surrounding evil spirits. In the eighth century, November 1 was designated as All Saints' Day, as a time to honour the saints and saintly souls while the evening before came to be known as All Hallows' Eve or as we love to call it, Halloween. Happy spooking!
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Juhi Chawla talks about her journey in Bollywood, mistakes she has made, taking up causes and getting out of her comfort zone. Lucky girl
Everything in life has happened by chance. I applied for the Miss India contest following in my friends' footsteps. There was no concept of grooming then. I remember wearing a friend's
ghagra-choli. I don't even remember who did my make-up. Luckily, I won the competition. The next thing I know is that I was travelling alone abroad for the first time for the Miss Universe competition. But as luck would have it, I won the best national costume title. That's when I realised that God has given me extraordinary opportunities in life and I began working hard. Mistakes I made
Success can go to one's head and I rejected some good offers. I became conscious after doing Yash Chopra's Darr and I began limiting myself by having a set idea about only doing romantic and commercial roles which left no scope for experimentation or good meaningful cinema. Thankfully, I realised my mistakes soon enough. Race for number 1
I never aimed at becoming the number one actress and never became one. I was always among the top few. Also, it's scary at the top as you are always afraid of losing that position. When I passed through that phase, I was plagued with doubts about doing the right things. Also, there are distractions, but an artist should only focus on doing good work. Negative character
I play a negative character in my next film, which is not only interesting but also takes me out of my comfort zone. It is challenging and exciting, I now believe in doing my best in whatever I take on. Raising a voice
After the media picked up the issue of mobile towers, I have seen them disappear from around my house. But it set me thinking about the health hazards it poses for people who carry their cell phones in their pocket or keep it near their bedside. One is allowing them to constantly feed on radiation. So, I decided to raise awareness about this issue. Cell phone is a phenomenal invention; but we are using it irreverently. It's time to learn about its safe usage.
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View point
The idea of education extends way beyond the academic stereotype, and just as one stands witnessed to the way that the students of Vivek High School explore their creative potential, one is delighted and overwhelmed.
As a part of their Founder's Week Celebrations, the students organised a
photography exhibition—View From the Third Eye at the Punjab Kala Bhawan.
While as many as 100 photographs adorned the walls of the Shoba Singh Art
Gallery, they appeared like the windows on the wall, each of which tendered a
new perspective at the viewer's disposal. While most of the photographs dwelled on nature and light photography, there were others which bordered along the lines of expressionism and architectural photography. Be it Aishwariya Rana's effortless clicks on nature, landscape and the scenic views of Singapore, or Akshita's diverse shots at nature and fireworks, or even Ishana Passi's deliberate takes on Singapore's design and architecture, the photographs defined their passion for the art in the most exquisite fashion. Meanwhile, Noor
Randhawa, Sehajvir Singh, and Alya Sharma fancied the myriad sites at the venues they visited and translated their experiences in the frames of creativity. Saanika
Shahi, however, delved deep into the dimensions of expressions and beauty, an amalgam of which was reflected in her works. Tiptoeing on the parameters of light photography, Jasleen
Marwah, Anahita Khanna and Geetika Goel clicked a series of interesting photographs, while Prachi Kumar took to nature, wildlife and scenic photography. Since all of Abhay Iqbal Singh's photos were in a monochromatic tone, the undercurrent of which was his intense understanding of human expressions and beauty, he says, "I love black and white pictures, perhaps that is the reason why I lend my lens to click a frame that suits well on a monochrome tone." While Jai Singh's photos reveal a creative dimension of geometric shapes, Janvi Sidhu takes to light painting photography and Karamvir Dewan plays with lights and shades. "We encourage our students to step out of the confines of the rhetoric and stereotypical or what is seemingly only related with academics, thus the exhibition. Also, while the students of the photography club were taken to Europe and Singapore, not for trips, but for workshops where they worked tirelessly to click theses photos," says PK Singh, the principal of Vivek High School. Some other clicks by Nikhil
Ghai, Ranjeet Singh Grewal, Yajur Tyagi, Sidak Sandhu, Pratap Iqbal Jhakkar, Aakriti
Suri, Yash Pal Sharma and Paranjal Marwaha, translated their expression of creativity in the art of photography, which requires both technical diligence and intellectual perspective. The exhibition also showcases the works of Kath
Beek, the foreign exchange student from South Africa. Each photograph is priced at Rs 5000. On till November
1. amarjot@tribunemail.com
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B’ day bash
Cake-walk: Kritika Kamra
Accolades for historical show
Sony Entertainment Television's historical magnum opus Bharat Ka Veer Putra… Maharana Pratap dominated the 13th Indian Television Academy (ITA) Awards by bagging six awards, beating all its competitors. Maharana Pratap has been hugely appreciated and loved by the audiences since its inception. This was further solidified by this huge victory at the ITA awards. The show won six honours in various award categories. These were for Best Actress in a Negative Role - Aashka Goradia, Best Historical/Mythological Serial- Maharana Pratap, Best Art Direction - Sandesh and Vishwanath, Best Costumes - Nikhat Mariyam Neerushaa, Best Editing - K Rajgopal and Best Title Music/Song Track- Karthik Shah. ITA Awards have today become the most coveted stamp of merit in the medium. And winning six awards at the ceremony just reconfirms our viewers' love for this immensely popular show. Stay tuned to this record-breaking show Bharat ka Veer Putra….Maharana Pratap every Monday to Thursday at 10 pm only on Sony Entertainment Television.
Riding high on success
Neha Sargam might have done only a few shows but she can't help feel her role as Sita in Zee's Ramayan was once-in-a-lifetime affair. Looking forward to more good work, she talks to us about her past, present and future. How do you look back on your experience in Ramayan? It was a lovely experience. The scenes, producers, director and co-actors were all in sync. The story itself is an epic and I think one can make every chapter into an entire story. The role of Sita was substantial. It is very close to my heart. The ratings of the show were not good. Did that dishearten you? Not really, as it was telecast simultaneously on Doordarshan where it got a rating of 14. So I don't judge the show only according to the ratings on Zee TV. I feel Ramayan was a hit show and am glad to have been a part of it. Moreover, ratings don't matter, experience counts. How was the reunion with your mentor, producer Rajan Shahi with Saavdhaan the movie? It was like going back home. It was wonderful. I got nostalgic about my first show Chaand Chupa Badal Mein. He kept praising me, saying that I haven't changed since then. It felt good to know that. Doing Saavdhaan, The Movie, was fun too. Now there's buzz that you will be seen in an episode in Yeh Hai Aashiqui? I am in talks with the makers, but nothing is confirmed. The love story is interesting and unusual.
After running successfully for six years without taking a leap, popular comedy show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashma will now be dubbed in Telugu and aired on a South- Indian channel. Producer Asit Kumar Modi is thrilled and feels people love the show due to its modern outlook.
Expanding horizons: A still from Taarak Mehta...
Anoop turns author
In troubled waters
Losing ground
Anil Kapoor's television show 24, which is an adapted version of the American thriller and boasts of well-known film personalities and fast-paced direction by Abhinay Deo, still has average ratings. It got 3134 TVTs (in millions) in the first week. Good going
Aamir Dalvi has been impressive in Life Ok's show Shapath-Super Cops VS Super Villains, but now he is looking at Bollywood. He has worked for over 14 years in television and is thrilled to have completed Ashish Tyagi's film Dilli Gang.
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Astro turf
ARIES: Relax with your mate in the evening; it's just the antidote for the trials and tensions of the day. Someone you are attracted to at work feels the same way. It is for you to make the first move.
Tarot message: Take limited risks while speculating. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 55 TAURUS: Conquer your fear today and take a chance to live the reality. You can be worried about a family issue that needs to be sorted out. Socialising and attending gala events can be costly. Tarot message: Outline your goals ahead of time. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 28 GEMINI: 'The Queen of Pentacles' blesses you with the finest of quiet and subtle qualities today. Things happen quickly and you need to take sharp decisions. Children will be a source of joy. Tarot message: Don't accept situations you dislike. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 34 CANCER: There is good news on the cards. You will be in a relaxed and happy mood. If you need to make any personal decisions, go with your gut feel. Dont purchase anything from unknown websites. Tarot message: A bird in hand is worth more than two in the bush. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 36 LEO: The wisdom of "The Hermit" inspires you to make new beginnings and move in a creative direction. Spending time with family will bring about a sense of peace and well-being. Tarot message: Beware of depleting your energy or resources on others. Lucky colour: Forest-green. Magic number: 46 VIRGO: "The Magician" conjures up some travel and business opportunities. Partnerships, business problems, past disappointments - all need your attention today. Tarot message: Trust your heart and intuition rather than confusing yourself. Lucky colour: Sky-blue. Magic number: 54
LIBRA: A good day to make a public speech or presentation. Business deals are on the boil but still inconclusive. Work will progress satisfactorily. By the evening you can be in an irritable mood. Tarot message: Avoid frictions with business partners. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 62 SCORPIO: It looks like a very busy day ahead, but any partying and indulgence of the previous evening will be catching up with you. Your chances of success are better today than ever before. Tarot message: Be firm and stand your ground. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 59 SAGITTARIUS: The Prince of Wands rides in his flaming chariot of gold to instigate dynamic changes at work today. Don't trust unreliable friends or relatives. Travelling will yield valuable information. Tarot message: Never fall for rash promises. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 52 CAPRICORN: Today mixing with friends can be a tricky business. If you don't want to be alone, choose a companion who is least likely to irritate you. Don't get involved in petty arguments with your mate or partner. Tarot message: Consolidate your gains. Lucky colour: Grey. Magic number: 58 AQUARIUS: Passionate emotions are likely to accompany your actions. You will have a better chance of getting through odd jobs connected with home and family affairs. Tarot message: Lack of confidence can leave you in losses. Lucky colour: Rust. Magic number: 45 PISCES: "The Hanged Man" helps you move into a new and better situation. Spirituality beckons and you want to find out more about it. You struggle to keep your temper in check today. Tarot message: Focus on your dream project. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 56
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The year ahead
If your birthday is October 31...
It will be a progressive year at the work front with chances of travel. You will gain financially although expenses will come along. It will be a moderate time for relationships. Pay attention to your health. Eyes and teeth need special attention. Uranus and number 4 shower creativity, reliability and discipline. An unexpected encounter will throw you into a sudden dilemma. You will make the right decision, the one that's best for you. Your self-esteem is tied-up in your job. If you're looking for work, you will find a great position related to design, hospitality or human resources. Positive colours: Dark blue, Dark grey; all blue shades and dark colours. Select days: Saturday, Sunday. Favourable numbers: 1, 2, 4, 8. Gems recommended: Sapphire, Cat's Eye. Charity on birthday: Donate yellow ladoos or feed the visually challenged today.
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A sweet twist
Manju Dewan It is festival time now and what do the celebrations bring? Lots of cheer but lots of guests also and then the home-maker thinks "what should I offer that is different"? Usually the trend is to offer dry fruits or the quintessential 'mithai'. With everybody counting calories this sweet made with dried apricots, chocolate and almonds is going to be a winner in looks and taste both. It is something even the kids would try making easily. CHOCO APRICOT Ingredients
Method
(Dewan is a Ludhiana-based culinary expert) — As told to Poonam Bindra
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This fox says a lot
Talk of making waves and Ylvis, Norwegian comedy duo, seems to have taken the international music industry by a storm with their song The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?), which is an electronic dance song and viral video. Ever since the video was posted on YouTube in September, it has received over 145 million views. Currently, The Fox is at number six on the Billboard Hot 100, the highest-ranked song by a Norwegian artiste on the chart since a-ha's number-one song Take on Me in 1985. Let's know what Chandigarh folks have to say about the song… Can't stop laughingThe song has a very synthpop feel to it and it is extremely wacky. I love it for its sheer capacity to be different and smudging that straight in the faces of the audience. Rudra Sharma, student Erratic and eccentric
The Fox is just about as random and melodramatic. Everything about the song is crazy, including contemplating the meaning of Stonehenge (Stonehenge) and then the beats and the music is crazy too. I like crazy things!
Aman Suraj, musician As you like it
What does the fox say? Do you know what does the fox say? I mean who knows what does the fox say! They just made a song for the heck of it and turns out that everybody is liking it, even I do. It is an interesting
song! Siddharth Sharma, student — As told to Amarjot Kaur
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Devo ka Dev Mahadev is one of the most popular shows on television and has made its lead actor Mohit Raina a household name. He talks about the task of playing god. Tough playing god
I have to shoot 18 hours a day because it is a costume drama and it takes time for me to get ready and prepare for the role. Since our set is located outside the city, sometimes I have to stay back on the sets in the night to resume work early next morning. Initially, it was hectic but now I am used to it. Television is such a big medium and this role and honour has made me a household name. Marriage can wait
I am so busy with the show that I do not get enough time to spend with my girlfriend Mouni Roy. I can only decide when to get married after Mahadev ends. We are not in a hurry to get married. Embarrassing situations
People approach me for blessings. But I feel really bad when the elderly come and touch my feet. I try to avoid such situations.
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Sonakshi to play a struggler again
Actress Sonakshi Sinha's career might be rocketing high, but in Bulett Raja she plays a struggler again. She played a Bollywood wannabe star in Milan Luthria's Once Upon A Time In Mumbai Dobaara just a few months ago. Though when actors are offered similar roles they either inform the directors or opt not to do one of the two roles. Hrithik Roshan has now opted not to do Tigmanshu Dhulia's adaptation of Hamlet because he saw it as a father-son revenge saga similar to Agneepath he just did last year. Tigmanshu jumps to Sonakshi's defense arguing, "She does play an aspiring actress. Sonakshi plays a girl who has run away from her home in Kolkata to become a Bollywood actress. She's even willing to do a Bhojpuri film." He adds, "I haven't seen Once Upon A Time In Mumbai Dobaara. So I wouldn't know how similar the two characters are. But her character doesn't go through any kind of humiliation or compromise."
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Come Friday and the markets in Chandigarh are going to be chock-a-block with shoppers. Not that they are not for a week now, but Friday is special as it is Dhanteras. The day is traditionally associated with shopping that adds to prosperity of the family. 
Recently, Kritika Kamra celebrated her birthday with a surprise party that her brother has organised. She wanted a quiet dinner but it became a big party. She went gaga to get two cakes - candy crush and red velvet cheese cake. Kritika was last seen in Sony's Kuch Toh
Kahenge.
Comic circle
Gaining popularity as a host in Crime Patrol and acting in Balika Vadhu, now Anoop Soni will turn a writer soon. He is working on a book called 'It's All About Mentality', which will apparently not be preachy but practical, based on real-life situations.
Vikrant Massey has apparently been giving the makers of Bindass' Yeh Hai Aashiqui a tough time. As he also shoots Qubool Hai, he has been putting this show on the back-burner making it tough for the crew to get things done. Rumours are that he bunked work and things got so heated that he opted to quit the
show. 
You share your birthday with Piper Perabo (October 31, 1976, US), who was cast for a lead role in The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle. She also featured in Coyote Ugly where she played Violet Sanford, a young woman who came to New York to accomplish her dreams. She appeared also in the television show House, as a nutritionist.
