Brand new web
From designer boutiques to fashion studios, more and more Chandigarh-based brands are going online to reap the benefits of the web world…
Manpriya Singh

Even though the bespoke orders never come through websites, nevertheless the biggest names in the industry chose to go online. Sabyasachi might not need an introduction but he needed a website of his own. Ritu Kumar might not retail out of more than half the Indian cities, all the same, there's an option if you want to shop sitting anywhere, anytime. Need we quote some more big labels? JJ Vallaya promises a 'coming soon' in case you want to shop online.

Closer home, right from the first of generation of designer boutiques to the recently developed fashion studios, the online space is too large, too novel to be ignored. Shares Nidhi Bajaj, from city-based label Blush, "Nobody wants to stay restricted just to their own city. I am retailing only out of Chandigarh but am supplying to clients in Mumbai, Kolkata and even a few other countries." She adds, "E-commerce is both important and effective in the same breath. So much so that there was a mention of my label in a blog and the response I received from thereon was huge."

There's a need to take things further to the next level, to grow and evolve with the demanding clientele and not stay limited to word-of-mouth publicity. Let alone your website, there's a parallel need for a blog or even a social networking site.

"It's also about connecting as much as driving the sales volume upwards," opines city based designer Nimrat Kaur Narang behind the label Nimrat Narang. "Apart from the fact that they can explore all the options and you find a variety of clients online, there's a lot more that drives the need to go online." She adds, "People see the designs online and that's when they really want to visit me. It is also very important for people to know what you are doing. I also post pictures of garments while they are in the making."

Within a few months, there were 200 likes and she's happily counting. Out of all clients that make a beeline for her custom-made outfits, a significant statistic comes through the fan page. She adds, "People are keen to experiment and they are even ready to risk the 80 per cent of advance amount that I ask for. But that's only once they are aware of your design philosophies and know about your existence."

Meena Bazaar has already half-a-dozen outlets all across the Tricity and counting, but there's a need to tap e-commerce. "As the rentals are rising and the prices of property are going up, it makes absolute business sense to tap your customers on the net. There is a lot of cost-cutting online and that's why most of the times, they are able to offer better deals," opines Rajnish Jain, owner, Meena Bazaar.

A firm foothold in the city, notwithstanding, but online, he shrugs, "We can cover the entire world." The only thing that needs to be in place is the delivery mechanism. Eventually it's worth the hassle. Nods Neeta Karkaria, "A lot of known customers shy of asking price in person and hesitate while bargaining. That's not the case when you are dealing with a computer screen." Need we mention it's the best invention to have happened to serious window shoppers? Online a lot of things get taken care of.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Sane notes
DJ Whosane! takes to the console without a fixed plan. He rolls out tunes in sync with the mood of the audience…
Manpriya Singh

He is one of the first-generation of disc jockeys who pulled the relatively unknown term called DJ and turned it into a respectable or certainly acceptable profession that it is today. House, Bollywood, fusion, remixes, electronic…DJ Whosane! has handled it all. Even the multiple gigs in Chandigarh! "How could you miss me?" he laughs, a few hours before his performance at Ten Downing Street, Hotel Altius, Chandigarh. Even little time away, before he takes over the console, there's never a select list. He shares, "There's no fixed plan. Usually it's a mix of everything. It all depends on the kind of audience."

The beginning

One of the factors that made him take up music as a profession dates back to two-and-a-half decades. He shares, "It was my first sighting of a mixing composition. There were amazing people having a good time coupled with great music. I just wanted to blend it all together and gel into it." That was then, back in Mumbai. His biography stands five albums strong titled 'Moksh, Ramayan, Nataraj, Wheel of Life' and 'Surya' and counting. This is in addition to several gigs and remixes. He recalls, "There have been many memorable performances, some of the recent ones being at Sunburn."

Mix & match

What is difficult even today is putting music into words. He laughs, "My kind of music is wow! I don't know because I can't put my finger onto it or restrict to any genre. Bollywood, old rock and new electro, I like it all."

His playlist

He doesn't have a certain or select playlist. "Personally, I produce a lot of music…my playlist could comprise, apart from other things, the things I am currently working on." Among the all-time favourite artistes, he ends up listing the Bollywood legends. "Mohammad Rafi, Kishore Kumar and RD Burman — the big names in the world of music."

Real challenge

A lot many consider remixing as the lazy composition. Come to look at it, a lot many consider it a challenge. "I agree with the other school of thought as well." A good remix needs to pack in way more than a good track. "In a remix the focus is purely on the dance floor. If you can retain the energy level of the dance floor and retain the essence of the track. It should sound like original and still be nothing like it."

Up next

Coming up is a project that'll be live as well as electronic. "The music will be fusion and electronic with even Indian elements…the focus is on more and more concerts.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

A shot at history 
Shubhashish Bhutiani, who has set his short film Kush in the backdrop of 1984 riots, is just short of reaching the Oscar's podium. His confidence is high and the future holds much promise… 
Jasmine Singh

Stills from the movie Kush and (R) Shubhashish Bhutiani

History repeats itself; this is what we've heard. It definitely assumes a different form on the silver screen. And this happens more than once! This time it is Indian director Shubhashish Bhutiani, who has evoked the cold chapter of 1984 though his short film Kush. The movie has been listed by the Academy for ten live-action shots that will advance in the Oscar race. The busy director is travelling with his work across the globe. Shubhashish Bhutiani takes everything in his stride. His gut feeling has paid off; the short story is making a big difference.

Kush, a 25-minute film, stars Sonika Chopra, Shayaan Sameer and Anil Sharma. The film has been produced by Shubhashish's father Sanjay Bhutiani through their Red Carpet Moving Pictures banner.

The film is set during the riots that followed the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984. The story of Kush revolves around a school picnic where a teacher is trying to protect Kush, the only Sikh child in the group from the violence raging around them.

Shubhashish pulls out time to talk about the film that has already won the Orizzonti Award for Best Short Film at the 70th Venice International Film Festival 2013 and jury prize at Hamptons International Film Festival. He shares excerpts from his journey.

How did the concept of Kush come about?

I first heard the story from my economics teacher in Class 10, which inspired me to make the story. I made the film, inspired by a true story, for my graduation project at New York's School of Visual Arts. However, I had heard about the story in Woodstock School in Mussoorie, India.

What kind of preparations went behind this project and how was the casting done?

For the research aspect of the film I read a lot of books on the history, experiences of people and referred to newspaper clippings. But something that helped me the most was interacting with people and hearing about their experiences from that day. This went a long way in shaping the film.

Was it challenging for you to get under the skin of the story?

In fact, it wasn't difficult at all. As it was based on a true story, and it was about a group of Indian children on a bus, the story didn't come as a problem. However, it is not just about the Sikhs but also about how in a classroom all the different religions co-exist, which is how Indian schools usually work. The film is intentionally set in the wilderness so that we could create our own little world on that bus.

Where did you shoot for the movie?

We shot the film in the outskirts of Mumbai and in a National Park.

Did you ever see this coming - loads of appreciation and acclaim?

I always knew that people would connect with the story like I did. But, yes, I never saw this acclaim coming, at least not this much.

What are you currently busy with?

I am currently working on getting more people to see Kush and am in the midst of writing a couple of other films.

Do you plan to get the film to Punjab by any chance?

I would love to get the film to Punjab, as of now we are seeing how that can be done. jasmine@tribunemail.com

Star at thirteen
Aparna Banerji

At thirteen, he's one of the wisest child actors around despite having worked for some of the biggest banners in Bollywood. Having already won a National Award for his lovely act in the film Chillar Party (2009), he once again regaled the audience in the film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag.

National Award winner actor Chinmay Chandranshu Sharma was in Jalandhar during the ongoing Haryanvi Theatre Festival, which saw theatre groups from Haryana perform.

As a child actor accompanying his father Rajinder Sharma, Chinmay's performance as the child version of the character Bobby in the play Bobby Breaker (presented by his own father's Dharohar Theatre Group, based in Yamunangar), was well-appreciated.

Having started early in the world of acting for a serial on Doordarshan, Chinmay has made regular stage appearances in plays directed by his father, who has had his own share of illustrious outings in Bollywood. His mother Geeta Aggarwal Sharma is also associated with the group and appeared in various Bollywood projects, including Delhi 6.

Chinmay's big break came when he cleared the auditions for the film Chillar Party (incidentally, both his real parents played his parents in the film as well). Selected out of 1,000 children who auditioned, Chinmay went on to bag the National Award for the film in 2012 in the Best Child Artist category.

His journey continued with him playing the character of young Milkha's endearing little friend Sampreeta in the film Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. A naughty little star, he reminds all of his presence in the film, saying, "I'm the one for whom the young Milkha said, ‘Sampreete di dhui’," he laughs.

He adds, "It was a really pleasurable experience. Rakesh sir (Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra) made me and Japtej Singh (who played little Milkha) undergo many sessions first, to be absolutely comfortable with each other. Rakeysh sir has always encouraged us a lot."

Chinmay, who will be featuring in an upcoming film starring Kangana Ranaut, signs off by saying, "Of the two — films and theatre — I certainly like theatre more. I have been bitten by the theatre bug. I grew up watching my parents do it. Even though I look forward to Bollywood projects and dream of being a good actor on screen, I am never going to abandon theatre." 

Like father, like son

Rajinder Sharma, Chinmay's father, works for the National School of Drama's (Delhi) theatre for kids under which he holds theatre events at Yamuna Nagar, where he is based, along with his wife Geeta Aggarwal. Rajinder has acted in big banner films like Rockstar, Do Duni Chaar, Love Aaj Kal, Love Shuv Te Chicken Khurana, among many others. He's also got many projects lined up in the future. 

gyan zone
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

Tribute to good times

Kingfisher Ultra SOUL FLYP presents a 12-
city tour of ultra performances by India's leading audiovisual performers BLOT (Basic Love Of Things). The tour, which kickstarted in Mumbai, is now coming to Chandigarh. BLOT will stir the party spirits while the 'Emperor of Good Times', Kingfisher Ultra promises to keep the brew flowing. It is happening in Chandigarh at Score Lounge on December 1, 2013, from 8.30 pm onwards.

BLOT is an audiovisual performance collective at its core, and everything else beyond. An acronym for the Basic Love of Things, it is a multidisciplinary project helmed by Gaurav Malaker and Avinash Kumar and supported by a network of artists. The band focuses on creating atypical club-land experiences. —TNS

Time for fun

Glass Palace’s kids carnival is on from November 30 to December 1 at Palm Valley Lawns and Banquets, Derabassi (Punjab). 'My World of Mythology' is the theme of this year's event. School kids of around 150 schools are participating, in which the tiny tots along with their parents would make their appearance there. —TNS

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.

(Narula is a horticulturist) 

star track
Bip’s tips on fashion
Bipasha Basu is a fashionista and she has recently launched her accessories line. She talks about fashion, fitness, food and more

Promotional strategy

Actress Priyanka Chopra, who is missing from the teaser of Gunday, says it's obviously a promotional strategy for the movie. However, she guarantees that the theatrical trailer of the film will have much more.

"Obviously it's a promotional strategy. The film is Gunday and the boys play Gunday which is why the introduction for them was important," the 31-year-old said at an interview.

"This is a teaser and in the theatrical, rest of the characters—me, Irrfan Khan and the boys will be there, and you will get to know about the film," she added.

A Yash Raj Films' production, Gunday stars Arjun Kapoor and Ranveer Singh in the lead. Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, it is slated to release February 14. — IANS

Shahid’s bald decision

Actor Shahid Kapoor has agreed to go bald for Vishal Bharadwaj's Haider. He says the decision was driven by the fact that the look is justified for his role in the movie.

Haider is said to be the director's adaptation of William Shakespeare's Hamlet.

"I thought it is justified. When I read the script, I found it very interesting and I have tried to do something shocking whenever I have worked with Vishal. With him I have always tried to do something different," the actor said here at a promotional event of his upcoming release R...Rajkumar Friday.

Meanwhile, Shahid also admits that one of the best performances of his career was in Vishal's film Kaminey, which released in 2009.

"He is a phenomenal director. He has given me Kaminey. It has been the most appreciated role of my life till now. It's great working with him again. It has been a lot of fun," said Shahid.

Haider also stars Shraddha Kapoor in the lead. — IANS

Giddy height

Aamir Khan felt nauseous while shooting for the song Malang from Dhoom 3 as they were suspended 80 feet in the air. He was on medication throughout the 15 days of shooting.

Life’s not good

Sandra Bullock, who had a painful split from former hubby Jesse James in 2010, has said that life is a series of disastrous moments. The Blind Side star told a publication that when people say that life is good, she always disagrees.

Bullock said that life was full of painful moments, unexpected moments, and things that will break one's heart and that in between those moments, there are times when one savors.

A publication has recently named the 49-year-old actress Entertainer of the Year for 2013. — ANI

Special attention

Rumour has it that Aditya Chopra is going the extra mile for Rani Mukerji starrer Mardani directed by Pradeep Sarkar. She plays a cop in the movie which will roll in January 2014.

Splitville for Hrithik and Suzanne

It has already been reported that all is not well at the Roshan household. Now rumour has it that Hrithik Roshan is hunting for a new home for himself. He is reportedly all set to move out of the Roshan house and paving way for his wife Suzanne to live peacefully without him at Roshan's residence with his parents.

Sources inform that the parents of the respective married couple tried their level best to mend the differences between them but they failed in their endeavour. Hrithik Roshan and Suzanne are not ready to reunite.

According to the reports, Suzanne will live with Rakesh and Pinky Roshan while Hrithik will move out. The real estate agents are looking for a suitable place for the hunk.

Trouble in their marriage first came into public glare when Suzanne attended filmmaker and father-in-law Rakesh Roshan's birthday party. She came late and left the party early which raised many eyebrows.

She also avoided getting clicked with Roshan family and was missing from the family portrait. It is not yet known what went wrong between Suzanne and Hrithik. 

Kareena wants Ranbir-Katrina to marry?

Audiences rarely get to see the brother-sister equation of Kapoor cousins, Ranbir Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor as they hardly meet. But thanks to Karan Johar as he has brought the charming brother-sister duo on his hot couch and shows the audiences how comfortable Bebo and Ranbir are with each other.

And as expected Kareena spilled some beans about Ranbir and Katrina's marriage. Our source informs, "While chatting with Karan over Koffee, Kareena Kapoor Khan started teasing Ranbir Kapoor about Katrina Kaif. She also mentioned that she has already bought her lehenga for Ranbir's marriage. Bebo went further and remarked that she has also started rehearsing on hit numbers like Chikni Chameli and Sheila Ki Jaawani to perform at their wedding. The source adds, "She didn't name anyone but as everyone is smart enough to understand who is that lucky girl to rule Ranbir's life. Bebo indirectly hinted towards Katrina. 

The wait is on

Alt Entertainment's keenly awaited Ragini MMS-2 has been scheduled for a March 21 release.

Billed as a Horrex (combination of horror and sex), Ragini MMS-2 is the sequel of the 2011 hit film.

"We need substantial time to bring quality visual effects to the big screen. After the success of the first film, the bar has been raised. The Ragini MMS sequel promises to be the sexiest and scariest date movie ever," said Ekta Kapoor.

Surely, one that's not to be missed!

Patni, pati aur ex

On November 22, Kareena Kapoor Khan's film Gori Tere Pyaar Mein released and it flopped. Now Saif Ali Khan's (her husband) Bullett Raja has opened to a good response, and on December 6, her ex-boyfriend Shahid Kapoor's R..Rajkumar will release and it is likely to become a blockbuster.

Donor & delivery

Director Shoojit Sircar of Vicky Donor fame has finally found a sequel to his story in Hollywood movie The Delivery Man starring Vince Vaugh which is also about sperm donation. Neither film is a copy of the other.

No offence please

Ali Zafar has clarified that the Shahid Afridi joke at the end of the trailer of Tota Siyappa is in good humour and they mean no offence to the much-adored cricketer.

chatter box
Cameo calling

Love stories are always confusing, especially when it becomes a love triangle. This is exactly what is happening between Shiv, Gauri and Tulika in the young romcom — Love Dosti Dua.

In the upcoming episodes of the show, television's hottest and much-in-love couple Karanvir Bohra and Teejay Sidhu will make a special appearance where they will be shown helping Shiv and Gauri with some dance moves. Their cameo will start from November 28 and culminate with a maha episode on November 30 featuring both the couples showing their nimble moves and sizzling chemistry on romantic songs.

Viewers will be privy to the fun-filled romantic moments as the heart takes precedence over everything else on Love Dosti Dua! Ruggedly handsome Karanvir, who has impressed the audience and judges alike with his swift moves on the immensely competitive stage of Jhalak, is pretty excited to perform with his lovely wife.

Playing the demon

Actor Rahul Dev will enter serial Life Ok's serial Mahadev as a demon Arunasur. Earlier, veteran actor Danny Denzongpa was approached for the role but though he was interested he couldn't accommodate the dates instantly.

The show goes on

Having been part of a successful season one of Kaisa Yeh Ishq Hai on Life OK, actor Gaurav Bajaj is thrilled that Season 2 has got off to a good start. Busy with the preparations of his upcoming wedding, Gaurav talks to us about the viability of seasons and more

What has the reception been for season 2 of Kaisa Yeh Ishq Hai?

It's been great. We have got a better response than expected. My character too has been appreciated as he's no longer the carefree person from season 1. I am enjoying this changed personality as well. It's funny though that we are the same team with all co-stars and crew members; it surprisingly feels we are doing a new show.

Do you think the concept of seasons works in India?

It's unpredictable for any country I would say and not just India. Any show when it returns or is launched is a gamble. In our country while the concept of seasons might have recently taken off, we have seen shows that run for years but instead of a break, they are continuous. I am glad that now the real concept of giving breaks between Seasons is here.

How is it working with Sukriti Khandpal?

She's a lovely person and very cooperative co-star. It is essential to work with people you get along with on a TV set, as at times you need them to adjust time or dates with you and vice-versa.

Like every actor, are you trying for films too?

I am getting a good response for my TV show and though I would love to try films, right now I am in a contract so I can't look out. Once I am done with this show, maybe.

How are your wedding preparations going on?

They are going on at a pretty fast rate. There's lots of work and I am constantly on the phone. It's hectic but I am sure everything will happen properly. Perhaps once I am married, my fiance Sakshi and I will recall these days and laugh about them. My phone has not stopped ringing in the last 10-15 days. I am so glad I found Sakshi who is a wonderful person, has a positive aura around her and is like the younger version of my mother.

Comic circle

Javed Jaffery, Naved Jaffery and Ravi Behl, who are also the judges of the forthcoming well-known dance show Boogie-Woogie, will be seen in the upcoming episode of Sony Entertainment Television's longest running comedy show Comedy Circus Ke Mahabali. The theme of the episode is Nach De owing to which the acts will be revolving around dance and dance shows. Considering the fact that Javed, Naved and Ravi also imbibe an element of comedy in their show, Boogie Woogie, it was a perfect amalgamation.

They had a fantastic time being humored by the exceptional Mahabalis and also played along with the acts, making it even more interesting and funny. They danced with Krushna and Sudesh after their act and also tried to woo Bharti in which Ravi Behl amusingly succeeded. They totally added to the extraordinary enthusiasm that prevails in the show. Catch Javed, Naved and Ravi on Comedy Circus Ke Mahabali on December 1 at 10 pm only on Sony Entertainment Television.

Grand party

Celebrated singer Lata Mangeshkar threw a grand success party for the cast of CID. She loves the show and has been a loyal fan, so when they completed 16 years on air she thought of honouring them with a private dinner.

Neha to quit Jeannie & Juju

After Giaa Maanek being replaced by Rubina Dilaik as Jeannie and Amit Tandon aka Rahul on in Sab TV's Jeannie Aur Juju, now the news is that Neha Mehta aka Jiya in the show too will leave. She has some personal issues which need her to take time off and therefore she is leaving.

A paranormal venture

The famous nursery rhyme Ringa Ringa Roses will no longer teach children, instead it will be a Khauff to listen to! Paranormal activities occur and Sameer Soni aka JD has the god gifted sixth-sense to feel it, a superpower only the chosen ones are blessed with.

Starting November 30, 2013, Khauff Begins… Ringa Ringa Roses on Life OK traces the paranormal journey of a father in search of his daughter in a world of unseen dangers and unknown monsters. The show blurs the thin line between the unexplained world and the real world we live in. The series will revolve around Sameer's quest to rescue his daughter Maitri from the clutches of evil.

Along with his Team PRAID i.e Paranormal Research And Investigation Department, they will encounter all the ghosts and ghouls from various Indian folklore.

Astro turf
P. Khurrana

ARIES: Love, celebration and romance are on the cards. You will be able to accomplish many things today. Working out a new schedule will be useful. You are generous and giving in family and personal relationships. Tarot message: Prevent trouble by taking timely action. Lucky colour: Yellow. Lucky number: 25

TAURUS: You can find yourself involved in noisy confrontations with close companions. Try to keep your confidence high. Leave things to simmer under the surface and they will only continue to fester. Tarot message: Arrogance will not be rewarded. Lucky colour: Orange. Lucky number: 36

GEMINI: You need friends around today to make you feel loved and appreciated. You want protection and advice about the long-term. Beware of over-indulgence in food or drink. Tarot message: Don't read too much into ordinary situations. Lucky colour: Red. Lucky number: 59

CANCER: Professional entertainment and communication flows well. Organisation and negotiation brings favourable agreements. Take the chance to throw off all your worries and cares. Tarot message: Don't get embroiled in long-term ventures. Lucky colour: Sea-green. Lucky number: 40

LEO: Money you have been waiting for finally arrives. Don't be in too much of a hurry to spend. Be wary about making new joint commitments of a financial nature. Tarot message: Do not cover up your own mistakes and keep the emotions aside. Lucky colour: Brown. Lucky number: 33

VIRGO: You achieve an ambition through hardwork and endurance. A happy event calls for a celebration. Do not hesitate to make settlement and compromises in business matters. Tarot message: Do not let anyone take advantage of you. Lucky colour: Metallic-grey. Lucky number: 45

LIBRA: Your relationships are especially affectionate and friendly today. This is a good time for parties, social gatherings and other pleasurable activities. A journey is on the cards. Tarot message: Accept responsibility for yourself and others. Lucky colour: Black. Lucky number: 39

SCORPIO: An excellent day to take stock of your life and to determine your next step. Expressing your emotions and appreciation will strengthen the bonds between you and your partner. Tarot message: Take your time before reacting. Lucky colour: Golden. Lucky number: 62

SAGITTARIUS: You will be focused and alert at work; this will enable you to get through your tasks without putting in too much effort. Those in creative fields will have a very productive day. Tarot message: You will need to learn how to cope better with success. Lucky colour: Pink. Lucky number: 36

CAPRICORN: Forgive a friend for an error of judgment despite losses incurred in a speculation. You can be in a sensitive frame of mind and overreact to criticism from colleagues or loved ones. Tarot message: Boost your confidence with positive thinking. Lucky colour: Peach. Lucky number: 27

AQUARIUS: You will be enthusiastic and optimistic about your assignments. Work has taken its toll; you have been totally engrossed in projects and careless about health as well as finances. Tarot message: Focus on your emotional and spiritual nature. Lucky colour: Red. Lucky number: 469

PISCES: You will be energetic and confident about your abilities. Students need to focus more on their studies. Love and romance lead to lasting commitments. A spiritual experience is elevating. Tarot message: You are on the right track. Lucky colour: Fuchsia. Lucky number: 32

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is December 1...

Your stars in 2014 predict happiness despite ups and downs in the first quarter of the year. Born under Sagittarius sign and on the first day of the month, you have a charming personality. Sagittarius sign clicks very well with Aries and Leo. Mercury being the lord of the profession indicates a good future in company law and accounts.

You'll be really charming and be able to win over an attractive new acquaintance. Don't let little things bother your mind. Financial difficulties can lead to criticism and arguments. Be prepared to say no to people who expect too much from you.

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

Select days: Sunday and Monday.

Favourable numbers: 1,4,2,7

Gems recommended: Yellow Sapphire, Red Coral, Ruby.

Charity on birthday: Donate 'halwa' or medicines to the needy or at a religious place today.

You share your birthday with Udit Narayan (December 1, 1955, Bhardah, Nepal), who has sung more than 15,000 songs in 30 different languages. He is also a recipient of the Padma Shri Award, in 2009. Due to negative Venus in his horoscope, Udit Narayan's family life will remain disturbed from time to time but career-wise, he will shine.