Same old saute
When it comes to experimenting with food, Chandigarh folks go the distance. But at the end, it is the good old butter chicken that wins the day … 
Manpriya Singh

Chef Sudipta
Chef Sudipta

Chef Rungtiwa
Chef Rungtiwa

Chef Pallav Singhal
Chef Pallav Singhal

A chef knows you inside out. What excites your mind, what tantalises your taste-buds and finally what goes inside you! What you eat is who you are and there are few more qualified to reflect on the people and their tastes than the chef who takes your orders.

Here are some notes on the culinary habits of Chandigarh people from the chef's diary.

"It's been only ten days since I've been here and it might be too early to comment on people's food habits, but nevertheless I have made some observations," Chef Sudipta, from recently opened The Red Kitchen, shares his clear but not confirmed take on the culinary habits of Chandigarh people. More than a week might be too short to conclude but long enough to observe! He adds, "People will definitely go through the entire menu, read everything, question but eventually come down to ordering Kadai Chicken, Butter Chicken and at the most it will be Tom Yum soup or Sweet Corn soup."

His study tour is only partially corroborated by a tour to other places in the city. Nevertheless, the observations are perfectly corroborated by others in the industry. Nods executive chef Pallav Singhal, at JW Marriott, Chandigarh, "To cut the long story short; people are not experimental with food at all. They want Japanese, they want Mexican but they want all of these cuisines to be served in Punjabi style." He adds, "I call that confusion cooking - when you start mixing flavours. At times, at Oregano, we refuse to take orders like 'green chilies with pasta' or 'green chillies on my pizza'. But, we keep getting such requests."

To several, food is a serious issue; the one that need not be changed at all. Laughs Chef Sudipta, "When it comes to food, they certainly love their roots. They aren't very finicky unlike people in Delhi, but experimenting for a lot many stays restricted to changing the restaurant, not the cuisine."

Food for thought

Then there are a couple of random observations. "People are also big eaters. The portions here are larger than anywhere else. You don't get portions this big in Delhi," Chef Sudipta compares his three-year experience in the Capital at TGIF, apart from other places. "I've been in Delhi for three years and also served in the United States and Italy, but have come to Chandigarh for the first time even though I've been in this industry for over two decades now." Each day is a surprise and adds onto something new. The change, if either gradual or slight, often goes unperceived. Remarks Chef Rungtiwa Sorlae, the Thai Chef at JW Marriott, "When it comes to Thai cuisine, what helps is the fact that most of the Punjabis have been to Bangkok and Thailand in general. Those who've been there are well conversant with the authentic flavours." There is a comparison to three years ago when she came to the city. "They were not open to food and I had to literally coax them to try, but now this is not the case. Sometimes when I cook, there are queries about the ingredients too."

A lot of behavioural traits go down to the basics; the nature and culture. Reasons Pallav, "People step out not looking for a new culinary experience but either to avoid cooking at home or to celebrate with friends." Those slightly confused about the experimental side of things can reconcile to a couple of more revelations. Shares Chef Mitwa, freelance chef with a city-based catering agency, "A lot many would order one new dish and alongside snug tightly to the basic Indian food." Take it as a compliment or take it as criticism but the city likes its food, its own style. No tampering with the flavours!

manpriya@tribunemail.com 

Matter of faith
Acclaimed director Pan Nalin, whose films like Samsara have been screened at as many as 70 international film festivals, believes emotion is an integral part of films be it documentary or fiction…
Nonika Singh

Faith, we know, can move mountains. Only here in Goa at the 44th International Film Festival of India, it moved people to tears of joy. As Pan Nalin's film Faith Connections documenting the great Indian spectacle, the Kumbh Mela, was screened, it had viewers gushing like never before.

And without a trace of arrogance or pride Nalin shares the buzz the film, which found a receptive audience at the Toronto International Film Festival, is generating at social networking platforms in India. Sure when he was making the film he was acutely conscious that it shouldn't end up as just another appendage to the long list of films on the subject that has captured the imagination of many before him. To him Kumbh Mela, for which he surprisingly did little research, is first and foremost a celebration of life, an awe-inspiring moment of joy and he qualifies, "So what if they gather there for a religious purpose?" Any wonder his film stands out for its strong emotive and spiritual appeal. To others, documentary filmmaking might be about packaging information, he says, "In this information age who cares about facts and figures?" And in this day and age when film craft is becoming sleeker and more complex, his honest 'straight from the heart' works strike a chord with viewers. Yet he almost demystifies his art and states, "While making a documentary film, the only power I possess is when to switch on (and off) the camera." Still, he enjoys this limitation of documentary filmmaking where unlike fiction you can't decide the fate of your characters.

Fiction is not an anathema to him and is a realm that he has forayed into as well. In Valley of Flowers he cast actors like Naseeruddin Shah and Milind Soman. But the film that has really put him on the international map and into big business is Samsara that tells the story of a Buddhist monk's quest for enlightenment. The film that picked up 30 awards created a record of sorts by entering into 70 festivals and made something like Rs 120 crores, a rare feat for a film of this genre. But he doesn't make films for festivals or for earning big bucks. "I don't want palaces or jets."

The success only facilitates the making of the next one. While his ambitious and expensive project inspired by the life of Buddha might not get started for a while, he has already finished the shoot of Angry Indian Goddesses. Though he believes, "Spirituality is at the heart of all good work" this one has nothing to do with the Indian spiritual tradition directly, rather is a lighthearted comedy that deals with seven women characters and their bonding. Between fiction and fact, he doesn't take sides and views them both as films and enjoys playing God as much as being a passionate chronicler. Either way viewers love what he does and make an instant connect. Lest we forget his admirers include luminaries as distinct as Salman Rushdie and Narendra Modi! 

Indian screen

All set to release Faith Connections theatrically in India too, Pan Nalin is dead sure Indian audiences, many of whom are young Indians below 30, are ready like never before for these kind of films. He says, "Sure Indians would always love their Bollywood and Hollywood but there is a growing hunger for cinema that is different, which is evident in the number of film festivals India has seen in this year alone."

Educated take

Pan Nalin might have a degree in graphic design from the prestigious MS University, Baroda, but films are something that he wanted to make ever since he was ten. But as he puts it, "filmmaking is an all-encompassing profession in which no education ever goes waste." Actually he is constantly updating himself in various fields, including Ayurveda, which by the way is a subject of yet another well-received film of his.

Doc Talk
Nail this art
Dr Vikas Sharma

The manicure and pedicure appear to be great beauty indulgences but one needs to be aware of the medical fact that they can also cause allergic reactions, infections, and irritation if not done properly. The main aim of these techniques is primarily to maintain a strong healthy nail plate. However, the artificial nail appearance is dominating the current practices thus making the nail plate and nail bed prone to a number of dermatological disorders.

The most sensitive portion of the nail is the cuticle. This layer of almost invisible skin 'rides out' on the surface of the nail plate. The cuticle on the nail plate is dead cells and is often removed during manicure. This, however, is the most problematic part of nail grooming. It is the removal of the cuticle that creates an entry portal for water and other substances into the proximal nail fold creating an environment friendly for the overgrowth of yeast, superficial fungi and bacteria. Aggressive removal of the cuticle also contributes to nail pale pitting and horizontal depressions on the nail plate. You don't want people to cut or clip your cuticles too far since it can cause severe, permanent nail trauma also.

The patients usually forget to correlate this nail damage to manicure procedure since the clinical signs of nail damage to the visible eye may not be apparent for 4- 5 weeks following the procedure.

The next manicuring step, the shaping of the nail also needs careful skill as the nail corners should be left square to maximize strength. Too sharp an arc extending from lateral to medial nail margin will weaken the nail structurally.

It is preferable to file the nail to shape rather than cutting to avoid fracture of nail plate.

Aggressive use of pointed nail files to remove under nail debris can cause splinter haemorrhages (blood spots under the nail plate).

Bacterial paronychia (red swollen nail folds) can be caused by usage of contaminated cuticle scissors.

Viral warts around and under the nail plate can spread through person-to-person contact when Human Papilloma virus makes contact with a break in the skin. Hands play host to both common warts and palmer warts. The tops of feet may also have common warts, while the bottoms can have plantar warts, which grow inward due to constant pressure between the foot and the ground. All of these are contagious.

The other necessary precautions before getting a manicure or pedicure is to check that the instruments being used on you are properly sterilized- to avoid picking up germs from another person, just dipping the instruments in some kind of solution, is not going to kill bacteria and fungus. There should be an autoclave, a type of machine for sterilizing instruments.

The problematic part is that once one acquires a viral wart or fungal infection of the nails, it can take 1-2 years for the cure and sometimes may require complete surgical removal of the nail plate.

nResist the urge to shave or wax your legs before receiving a pedicure. Freshly shaven legs or small cuts on your legs may allow bacteria to enter.

nWhile it is okay to use a pumice stone, foot file or an exfoliating scrub to remove calluses or dead skin on your feet, avoid foot razors.

nDon't round the edges of your toenails. This type of shape increases the chances that painful ingrown toenails will develop.

In addition there is a high incidence of an allergic reaction to chemicals, such as acetone and formaldehyde, if applied soon after a procedure.

(Dr Sharma is a Chandigarh-based dermatologist)

Warm gesture
Amarjot Kaur

Never mind the chill that the winter brings along with it, as long as you believe in fashion and good clothing, the warmth of your style will continue to remain. Bringing the tenth edition of her annual woollen exhibition at the Art Folio-9, Nadia infuses a contemporary touch to the traditional pashmina. Her experimental line includes a variety of capes, which are priced at the range of Rs 2,100 to Rs 4,500 and pashmina kaaftaans that are priced at Rs 10,000.

"The idea was to add a contemporary touch to the regular pashmina shawls and stoles. The choice of using digital prints on pashmina and swarovskis is to add a little bling to it," says Nadia, who is based in Mumbai and her family has a couple of outlets in Shimla, Delhi and Kashmir.

The exhibition also features a huge range of pashmina shawls, including the ones with chantilly lace and the reversible dorukha pashmina. "We have been outsourcing our products in Chandigarh for over ten years now and the response has always been phenomenal. Also, I have a regular clientele here," says Nadia, who designs all the clothes that are exhibited at the venue.

The exhibition also features hand-embroidered pashmina shawls and ethnic prints, which are priced at a minimum of Rs 60,000. "We give away our products with a stamped pashmina mark that speaks volumes about the quality of the product and also we give our products in a safe box that helps you keep your pashminas safe and sorted," she says. Among other products, the line also features pashmina tunics.

On till November 27.

amarjot@tribunemail.com

stress buster
Holiday without stress
Renee singh

Welcome to the holiday season. Don't we all look forward to holidaying? Yet we also realise that holidays also trigger a certain level of stress. But then are you equipped to manage this inevitable kind of stress.

While this season is meant to bring feelings of love and cheer, it is also the harbinger of stress for many. It means trying to cope up with a lot of family demands, organising kids, dealing with guests, visiting family members or just simply orienting a day to keep everyone happy. In a poll conducted recently, 80 per cent of people find the holiday season to be stressful, some people even find it very stressful.

For all you holiday stressers, relief is around the corner if you know how to deal with it. So, what causes holiday stress?

Doing too much

As the saying goes all things are good in moderation. During holidays we are indulgent with ourselves and we often experience too much of a good thing which is really not good for us.

Stress in itself is necessary for us to keep our zest for life going, but too much of these positive activities actually make us more stressed. Many of these activities which we indulge in considering them as fun activities just seem to make us feel frazzled rather than fulfilled.

Eating, drinking and partying

An overindulgence in fun activities like parties where you eat too much or drink too much causes people to stress over the consequences. First they indulge and then they worry about their bulge. They constantly think of which diet plan to follow to reduce weight.

Financial worries

This is a problem which needs to be dealt with. Holiday debt has become almost a tradition. People bring on themselves this stress by overspending on frivolous things in the holiday spirit and then create stress for months paying all their credit card bills.

Too much of togetherness

Holidays are a time when extended families gather and get together. Sometimes we overdose on togetherness and this leads to stressful arguments, irritability with each other and many other negative behaviours. This inevitably affects relationships adversely.

Seasonal disorder

Many people to some degree are affected by the weather into a state of depression. It may be a subtle condition generated by the weather change but it casts a pall over the whole season as a source of unhappiness and stress. Days get shorter and there is more time spent indoors dealing with each other, leading to stress.

Check holiday stress

The great thing about holiday stress is that it is predictable. We know it is a come and go situation. We can make plans to eliminate it as it is an understandable sort of stress.

It can be avoided completely if we can learn to follow the following premises.

Sort your priorities

Do not allow yourself to get overly weighed by activities. Decide on what you enjoy doing the most and only indulge yourself in that activity.

Smart eating

Food is the constant temptation while holidaying. We even have adequate excuses as we consider that we need to feel pampered on a vacation. Please do not give in to emotional eating as this can lead to excessive weight gain and stress. Practice mindful eating, be aware of your triggers and avoid them.

No great expectations

Be aware of your limitations with family and friends. Look back at previous years and locate the best times of your life and decide which activities suited you the most and gave you the maximum happiness.

Host at home

If travel gets to you just party at home. A holiday need not necessarily mean going away somewhere. You could very much indulge your passion for holidaying in your own home. Invite your favourite people over. That gives you the best feel.

Holidays are supposed to be fun times, don't allow them to stress you.

(Singh is a Chandigarh-based psychotherapist)

Get radiant

Forest Essentials brings to you the latest from its facial care collection, the 'Soundarya Radiance Cream with 24 karat gold and SPF 25. It is an extra rich and light textured, age delay cream that acts as a natural facelift for mature and dry skin. Ayurveda speaks of flawless skin as lustrous, smooth, evenly coloured, firm, elastic and with a golden sheen. A day cream, it incorporates a rich combination of potent herbs and gold which have exceptional properties of uplifting the skin. Enriched with the potent soundarya serum, it penetrates the seven layers of the skin, firming the underlying muscles and restoring elasticity to give a smooth and porcelain texture.

Active ingredients in cold pressed natural vegetable oils deeply moisturize and nourish the skin, while cow's milk improves elasticity and firmness. —TNS

Master Chef
Tangy treat 
Ranjan Dibya

Orange belongs to the family of citrus fruits. Delicious and juicy, oranges contain an impressive list of essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals. The fruit is low in calories and contains no saturated fats or cholesterol, but is rich in dietary fiber, which is very effective in persons with excess body weights. It also works as an antioxidant and is even good for skin. The tangy taste and the beautiful colour make it a 'must use' ingredient for classy desserts 

Method

  • Pour the milk and cream into a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
  • Bring the mixture to boiling. As soon as you see steam coming out, add the sugar and keep stirring.
  • Add the cornstarch and water mixture and keep stirring for one minute or so. When the mixture thickens, add the vanilla extract and rose water.
  • Pour the mixture into individual serving dishes and let it cool at room temperature. Store in the fridge.
  • Place the orange juice in a heavy-bottomed saucepan on medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
  • When the juice starts steaming, add the sugar, stir well and then add the cornstarch mixture.
  • Continue stirring while it bubbles up and add the flavourings. When the mixture thickens, using a large tablespoon, place a few tablespoons of the orange pudding onto the surface of the milk pudding, dividing it equally between all four cups.
  • Cool at room temperature and then in the fridge. Serve when cold, a few hours later or the next day.
  • Garnish with candied orange slices.

(Dibya is a culinary expert)

— As told to Poonam Bindra

Orange vanilla mahalabia

Ingredients

Vanilla

  • ˝ cup of milk
  • ˝ cup of whipped cream
  • 1 tsp of cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp water
  • 2 tsp of sugar
  • 1 tsp of vanilla extract
  • ˝ tsp of rose water

Orange

  • 11/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 tsp of sugar (or more, to taste)
  • 1 tsp of cornstarch diluted in 2tbsp of water

Green thumb
Time to head back
Satish narula

We have always advocated against cutting of trees. At the same time we have also guided on cutting and pruning of trees. Then where lies the difference and what is to be cut and pruned and when? There is a thin line between use and misuse. It is therefore important to understand it.

The time to do pruning, cutting or even heading back the trees is now. This is the time when chances of exposure to pathogens is minimum. The trees that are deciduous in nature, that is peach, plum, pear, grapes, mulberry etc, shed leaves during the winter and go to 'sleep' (dormancy). This is the time when these are pruned. The pruning in such trees is necessary and is done to improve yield and quality of the fruit. The pruning in such cases should be done before they start sprouting in spring.

In case of old varieties that were not so productive, heading back is done to say four to five feet from the ground and new emerging growth is then subjected to grafting to get good quality fruit. In case of mulberry, the heading back is done every year to the main limbs.

In case of evergreen trees too there is a need to do heading back after a few years of growth and production. The old trees become unproductive and whatever fruit they bear is not available to the gardeners as it is too high. It is spoiled by birds. The tree cannot also be given proper plant protection due to its height. This is normally needed in mango and guava. The mango is headed back to about 8 feet from the ground. There is, however, some gap in next bearing as the tree first puts forth new vegetative growth and then shifts to the fruiting mode. This may take three to four years. But then the tree becomes well within the reach for fruits and plant protection. In guava too, the tree is headed back leaving two to three feet of main limbs. In case of mango, if the gardeners have more than two trees in the home garden, then they can go in for heading back the central tree first. This way the other trees in the vicinity are opened up to light and air. In case of lop-sided trees, the correctional pruning, heading back or even limbs removal has to be prompt.

(Narula is a Chandigarh-based horticulturist) 

star track
In conversation with Saif Ali Khan

Saif Ali Khan is back with Bullett Raja and it is his first time with director Tigmanshu Dhulia. The suave actor talks about the role, the hundred crore club, co-stars, his wife Kareena and more.

On Bullett Raja

This was not an easy film for me as I had to pay attention to the language, to my physique and body language and it required preparation. I could not be myself while shooting this. That was the challenge. I like to push myself out of my comfort zone. Bullett Raja is a flamboyant, larger-than-life gangster. I don't expect the movie to make 100 crores but if it does, it will be great!

Couple of co-stars

I feel like I have known Sonakshi Sinha for many years even though it is our first film together. She is a lovely girl and very grounded. I do not know how she is promoting two films at the same time. That is just insane as I am already tired of giving interviews for one film. Jimmy Shergill has become my friend. For some reason, I make him laugh. He calls me "Sire."

Kareena Kapoor Khan

She gives me a lot of credit saying that I have helped her evolve...I think she gives me more credit than I deserve. She is a very open and mature girl herself. She likes to learn new things and meet new people. I feel it is important for us to have a life beyond acting and movies. That is why I like traveling, reading, staying in touch with old friends and meeting new people. I know that our pair has not worked on screen but I think that is because we both are very comfortable with each other.

Favourite cities

I love living in Bombay but I hate shooting here because the weather is terrible and the traffic knows no end. I feel like wearing just shorts and chappals during summer. Having said that, I do not want to live anywhere else. I love shooting in London and other cities in Europe because the weather is just lovely.

Comfort zone

My comfort zone is obviously romantic comedies. I feel I have improved a lot since my Hum Tum and Salaam Namaste days. When I am on the sets of a rom-com, I feel like doing a Bullett Raja and when I am doing a Bullett Raja and it gets tough, I feel like going back to my rom-coms with three-page dialogues. 

Hopping onto Hollywood 

Actress Juhi Chawla is all set to foray into Hollywood. She has been roped in by producers Steven Spielberg and Reliance Entertainment to play an important role in their film The Hundred Foot Journey.

The film, based on American writer Richard C Morais' book by the same name, is about an Indian chef who makes his mark in the haute cuisine of France. The film directed by Lasse Hallstrom also has Om Puri and Helen Mirren in the cast.

According to our sources, a large portion of the film has already been shot in France. The unit will soon move to Mumbai for a shoot schedule. The shoot in the megapolis has been necessitated because since Om Puri plays an Indian living in Paris, his portions needed an Indian backdrop. Hence the unit will be filming in Mumbai. 

On a promising note

R Balki is making a film with Dhanush and Akshara Hassan, which will be her debut film. Meanwhile, Akshara is dating Tanuj Virwani, son of Rati Agnihotri.

Top of the world

Deepika Padukone is on a high with five back-to-back hits: Cocktail, Race 2, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Chennai Express and now Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela.

The buzz is that she is being offered the highest amount of money as producers line up to sign her. Trade experts believe that she is a safe bet at the ticket windows. "She can be counted in the hero's league," says trade analyst Taran Adarsh.

Deepika will be next seen in Kochadaiyaan, Finding Fanny and Happy New Year and at least two of them are potential blockbusters. What luck! 

A date with fantasy

Farhan Akhtar completely enjoys writing because he is not accountable to anybody and can flirt with fantasy. When he is acting, he has to listen to the director and when he is directing or producing, there is a tight schedule and very many things to be managed. 

Two schools of thought

Prabhudeva is likely to direct a film for Ekta Kapoor's production house and it will star newcomers. We wonder how the film will turn out as their sensibilities are quite different. 

Karishma Tanna to play a hacker?

Karishma Tanna, who was last seen in Grand Masti and Sher, is playing a hacker armed with guns and bikes in the upcoming film Tina and Lolo.

It is said that her role is based on Rooney Mara's portrayal of Lisbeth Salander in Girl With The Dragon Tatoo. It is said that Karishma has undergone a complete makeover for the role as she steps into the shoes of her character Lolo. It is also said that the actress will be seen playing the role of a hacker who is proficient with gadgets. Karishma plays a hacker but she will be seen canvassing exotic locations on Harley Davidson bikes while brandishing guns and ammunition.

Abhay's work schedule

Abhay Deol's next production will be in collaboration with a production house in the UK. He is currently working on promotions for One by Two, which co-stars his girlfriend Preeti Desai.

Jack of all trades, master of some

Shahid Kapoor had already started shooting for Haider in Kashmir but he is back in Mumbai to promote R...Rajkumar and is sporting long hair and a bearded look from the film for the promotions as well. We wonder how he did it!

Lady Gaga is the new face of Versace 

Pop sensation Lady Gaga has been named as the face of Versace for the company's spring-summer 2014 campaign.

The Italian fashion house confirmed the news through a Twitter post.

"Versace proudly confirms Lady Gaga as the face of SS14 campaign shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. Versace Loves Gaga," the announcement read. In addition to confirming the partnership, Versace shared first photo of the 27-year-old pop star for the campaign. In the photo, the Mother Monster can be seen wearing a light purple dress. Her long blond hair is styled loose as she lounges on a couch. She also wore some rings to complete the look. Lady Gaga has often stunned everybody with her fashion choices. — PTI

chatter box
Mixing work with pleasure

Jay Bhanushali and Mahhi Vij will soon go to Chicago for a stage show and after that they will extend their trip and enjoy a vacation in LA too. After winning Nach Baliye, the couple didn't get free time to go on a break.

Blogging her heart out

Rashmi Desai has taken to blogging these days and she seems to be focusing only on women issues. She has separated from her husband Nandish Sandhu and reportedly there were allegations of physical and mental abuse. In her blog, she compares TV screen bahus and real ones and claims she has been through a lot in life and has managed to move on.

Making way for new show

Poonam Dhillon's new show Ek Nayi Pehchaan will soon air on Sony. It will replace Siddharth Kumar Tewary's Amita Ka Amit that had been not delivering good ratings.

The show will air in a month's time and also stars Krsytle D'souza. It will talk about the relationship between a mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law who helps her build confidence in life.

Couple of issues

Adaa Khan and Ankit Gera were in love and were expected to marry soon. But now comes the news that they have broken up. Apparently Ankit had become fond of his co-star Roopal Tyagi from Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke and Adaa caught him two timing.

On familiar ground

The team of Desh Ki Beti Nandini loves spending free time with each other in their shooting breaks. Talking about the fun moments, Kirti says, "We shoot all the time. When we get time, we all play dumb charades on the sets. My on-screen dad (Ashok Pandey) and me are in one team and the opposite team consist of my on-screen mother (Aanchal Pandey), elder brother Siddharth and younger sister Ritu. I feel like being at home," Kirti Nagpure says.

Astro turf
P. Khurrana

ARIES: You won't be able to count on anyone, so if you are going to go out, prepare to walk, take a cab or stay home and have friends visit you. Listen to what others have to say. Tarot message: Do not transact in uncertain matters. Lucky colour: Royal-blue. Lucky number: 51

TAURUS: Love can take a turn if you aren't thoughtful, generous and loyal. Be attentive towards the ones you love and forgive those who have upset you in the past. Start off with a clean slate. Tarot message: Don't reveal your plans to anyone. Lucky colour: Red. Lucky number: 50

GEMINI: A chance to hook up with someone interesting will spark an idea for a new project. You can have all the fun you want, but make sure you have someone you can count on by your side. Tarot message: Be articulate. Lucky colour: Green. Lucky number: 40

CANCER: Be careful not to do anything that might get you into trouble. This is a good time to reflect on the days gone by. Keep a practical attitude towards your finances. Tarot message: There is price to pay for over-indulgence. Lucky colour: Yellow. Lucky number: 34

LEO: You will dazzle everyone if you put yourself in the mainstream today. This is a perfect time to entertain or let others do that. A chance to do things a little differently will lead to many more changes. Tarot message: Results are guaranteed if you stick to arrangements. Lucky colour: Red. Lucky number: 40

VIRGO: You will be in an optimistic frame of mind and want to spend time with your family as well as close friends. Romantic relationships will bring fulfillment and moments of tenderness. Tarot message: Handle your projects carefully. Lucky colour: Pink. Lucky number: 60

LIBRA: You will be enthusiastic about some developments in your personal life. Those in new romantic relationships will want to make a deeper commitment. Social events will keep you busy. Tarot message: You shall prevent a lot of trouble by taking timely action. Lucky colour: Green. Lucky number: 66

SCORPIO: You will be in a very creative frame of mind and come up with interesting ideas that will be appreciated by seniors as well as colleagues. Love life will bring fulfillment. Tarot message: Do not let trivial problems haunt you. Lucky colour: Blue. Lucky number: 49

SAGITTARIUS: You will want your space as you mull over recent events. Don't make financial decisions impulsively to avoid disappointment with the outcome. Make an effort to reach out to your partner. Tarot message: Be on guard against fraud or trickery. Lucky colour: Dark-green. Lucky number: 62

CAPRICORN: You will be very inspired to make some changes to your lifestyle. Your insights and inputs will be valuable to colleagues as well as loved ones. Don't take impulsive decisions in personal relationships. Tarot message: Take limited risks while speculating. Lucky colour: Silver. Lucky number: 32

AQUARIUS: You will be very optimistic about certain developments on the career front. Chance encounters will help you clarify some of your reservations about new business ventures. Your love life will be good. Tarot message: Set events into motion. Lucky colour: Metallic-grey. Lucky number: 49

PISCES: You will have sudden insights into vexing issues and this will help you relax. Your love life will be smooth and your partner will appreciate your thoughtfulness. Avoid getting into arguments with family members. Tarot message: Emphasise on spiritual needs. Lucky colour: Deep-red. Lucky number: 37

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is November 27...

Career-wise, it is a very productive year. Your efforts and hardwork to achieve your goal will earn you accolades. There are chances for a promotion. There are good chances for travel abroad. Those in trade and business will also see a sharp rise in income. Those born after 1980 should cast aside stubbornness and listen to the opinions of others before rejecting them. There will be some financial pressure. Gastric, digestive problems and other similar diseases are likely. Mars makes you daring and intelligent. You have exceptional leadership qualities.

Positive colours: Red.

Select days: Tuesday, Friday and Thursday.

Favourable numbers: 3, 6, 9.

Gems recommended: Red Coral, Yellow Sapphire.

Charity on birthday: Donate green moong pulse at a langar, feed unattended cows.

You share this birthday with Mahie Gill (originally Rimpi Gill, November 27, 1975, Chandigarh), who played lead actress in Anurag Kashyap's Dev D. She started her career in Punjabi films before making a debut in Bollywood. Mahi got her first break with the Punjabi film Havaayen and has done a couple of Punjabi films along with theatre. Mars and Venus in her birth chart ensure success in films.





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