This bride is different
Does bridal wear mean a red or pink lehenga with traditional embroidery? Nah! Not for the modern bride! And designers have taken upon themselves to give Indian brides an out-of-the box makeover
Ashima Batish

The couturiers of India at least have a consensus on one point, their muse--the modern Indian bride and bridesmaid. But their disagreement on all the other aspects of creating an outfit, from silhouettes to fabrics to colours to embroideries, to technique, is in fact always a welcome.

For, that guarantees diversity, generates options, garners attention from fashion critics and followers worldwide. That also promises experimentation resulting in out-of-the-box creations. Yes, that is the catch here, designs that are a little more than a regular suit and a little less than an Anarkali. Creations that are neither the usual three piece lehanga nor the flowing gowns. Here is applauding and appreciating some of the best designer works which spell different.

ashima@tribunemail.com

Gothic gown by Shane & Falguni

Someone who wants to experiment should go for this. It's gothic, high neck, double layered and has a crafted metal sheet for a belt. How else do you define experiment? Done in Chantilly lace and velvet, with a sheer back, it's not a creation for the weak hearted. It's for those who want the typical Shane & Falguni.

A Roman saree by Suneet Varma

The name of his collection The Golden Bracelet, was a bit self-explanatory. It certainly meant that the colour golden will dominate the collection. His this particular creation with a metal like bustier and the peculiar Roman drape looks like it is straight out of Pompeii, his source of inspiration.

Sheer petticoat with silver saree by Tarun Tahiliani

The pre-stitched saree stood out because it wasn't draped in the conventional pleat and pallu way. But that's not the high point. The more important element was the peek-a-boo petticoat, making its presence felt. The meshwork on the petticoat was subtle enough. So Tarun Tahiliani, so exquisite!

Lehenga by Manish Arora

This is probably what the ace Indian designer meant by monochrome. If it is so kitsch, it is obviously Manish Arora. He announced gold as the colour of his collection and he stood by it. Neon pink was like garnishing a well-set platter. His 3D forms spelt magic. Digital print with surface textures created an illusion of jewellery worn over his creation.

Gown with a jacket by Rohit Bal

Asymmetric peplum bustier with lehenga by Ritu Beri

Work of yore by Sabyasachi

He brought us a work of yore, tweaked it aptly to suit modern sensibilities and it looks beautiful. That is the magic Sabyasachi is capable of weaving. His creation in pastel with crewl work all over makes it a dress that one would love to keep it as an heirloom piece. It's beautiful, exquisite, with uncomplicated silhouettes, yet it's a piece that stood out.

Peplum top with skirt by Shantanu Nikhil

Saree gown by Gaurav Gupta

Talk edgy, talk Gaurav Gupta. It will take a lot for even a bridesmaid to slip into an almost black, almost grey, almost saree, almost gown like creation. The designer solved the puzzle, termed the colour moon grey but it's still not simple to ascertain the silhouette. The sheer, hi-neck top of the blouse extending to take the shape of the saree with a broached pallu, rendered it a sensuous feel. Who wouldn't love to have it in her wardrobe! But then are youn experimental enough?

Cruise control
If you want to have a cruising experience, Sumeer Walia, founder of Cruise Rover, has the right advice
Amarjot Kaur

Guided tour: Sumeer Walia Photo: S Chandan

The camaraderie between passion and creativity conveys an effortlessly fascinating dimension to a vision and when that vision belongs to an avid traveller, one has even more reason to expect a marvel.

Sumeer Walia, who has travelled across as many as 50 countries, is not just fascinated with the idea of travelling, but he also speaks volumes about how important it is to choose an apt medium of travelling. Perhaps that reason validates his choice of embarking on a brand new endeavour, a cruise liner agency, Cruise Rover that is officially set up in Sector 34, Chandigarh.

"I am a passionately driven person and for me, travelling stands synonymous to exploring," says Sumeer, who started his career in a city-based IT firm, post which he moved to Mumbai to work as a photo journalist. "I started travelling in 1997 and my first destination was East Africa. During that time, I was also freelancing with several publications and was fond of photography. However, after serving as a photojournalist in Mumbai and having interviewed various celebrities in my show, Bollywood Tonight that was telecast on Zee TV, I came back to Chandigarh due to some family obligations, but soon I started searching for a job. That's when I landed the job of a cruise photographer with the Royal Caribbean International and there was no looking back," He shares.

Sumeer believes that cruising is the ideal medium of travelling because it allows one to travel more than 10 different countries at one go. "Also it is very economical. While my agency has a tie-up with several cruise liners, we offer the masses to indulge in the experience of travelling on international cruises and that too, while we do all the booking," says Sumeer. "I also offer free advice on different kinds of cruises available that can be customised according to the needs of the customers. The only considerations that the customer must take a note of are the kinds of rooms that they need, the time when they book the cruise and the type of cruise that they choose," he shares. He adds, "We also arrange for cruise weddings and cruise photography, where you'll just have to relax and enjoy while you are being clicked. The album will be delivered at your doorsteps," he smiles. Bon Voyage!

amarjot@tribunemail.com

Nature nurture
Parul Juneja’s painting exhibition captures the essence of nature
Amarjot Kaur

Brush strokes: A painting by the artist Parul Juneja. Photo: S Chandan

The quandary that fills the hiatus between abstract and realism permits an artist with the comfort of operating in a zone that knows no barriers, or boundaries and it tenders as much freedom explore.

Is that not the ultimate refuge than one's creative imagination aches for! Parul Juneja, at her third solo exhibition at Bistro Flame Bois-7, engages in an interesting banter that provides us an insight to her artistic self and all that prompted her to paint. "Even when I was a child, I was excessively given to art and my official training on the same began when I was in seventh standard, under the aegis of Sant Kumar Chaterjee, who holds his name in the Limca Book of Records for painting the longest painting on silk," begins Parul.

While expressing her trenchant fondness for art as a hobby, which she has now taken to as a profession, Parul says, "I like painting between realistic and abstract subjects and the works on display are inspired from nature." Parul uses acrylic on canvas as she borders along the theme of nature and she uses plants, flowers, peacocks and abstract figurative faces as the elements. While most of her works are on diptych and triptych art, she manages to capture the essence of her subject that corresponds to the theme with a deliberated attempt to draw a connection between the two, in both physical and intellectual proximity. "I like experimenting with textures and for that I use leaf prints, knives and other tools, which tender much drama to the character of the painting," she says.

Among a dozen paintings, which beautify the ambience of the Bistro, the ones titled, Golden Buddha, Wild nature, Day and Night, Aquamarine and Pursuit of happiness, exude a vibrant palette of colours and content. The paintings are priced between Rs 6000 to Rs 18000.

On till December 19.

Music on the go

Taking 'coolness' to a complete new dimension, MTV, the leading youth iconic brand in association with Soundlogic, makers of state-of-the-art technology products, together launched an uber cool range of Gadgets for the youth - MTV Fashiontronix by Soundlogic.

The range is available exclusively on www.cromaretail.com and across 40+ Croma stores for the first 60 Days. Apart from this, it is available at 300 + traditional retail outlets across the country. MTV Fashiontronix by Soundlogic brings together the perfect confluence of MTV's unique creative edge and Soundlogic's technical bandwidth to deliver unmatched sound experience. The range is available in cool trendy colours that exude MTV attributes making it just as stylish as the youth today. The range comprises earphones, headphones and bluetooth enabled speakers priced between Rs 899 and Rs 3999.

Speaking about this new range, Saugato Bhowmik, business head, consumer products, Viacom 18 says, "We are extremely delighted to launch this exciting new gadget range with Soundlogic. Through this partnership we are focused to empower the youth with their favorite Music on the Go... It is the perfect mix of style, design and price. So, no more compromise between funk and affordability!"

TV Fashiontronix range includes: Twister -Bluetooth enabled Rugged Splash-proof speaker; Soundbox - Bluetooth speaker with microphone. — TNS

pet passion
Bundles of joy
Poonam Bindra

Mitika Goolry and Jake Fowler with Zak and Zinch

Four piercing eyes size you up before the small brown bundles of fur scamper to their mistress warning the Goolry household of the intruders with their shrilly barks. That is Zak and Zinch who have been with this family since the last seven years.

Zak, a toy Pomeranian, is the one with inquisitive eyes and interesting half-turned tail while Zinch from the Pekinese breed has the penetrating eyes and an extra agile little frame.

We wonder from where did they get their quaint names? "Oh! We got them in 2006 and we got the names from the main players of a football tournament," says the young owner, Mitika Goolry. The real nature of the little canines come to fore when her better half Jake Fowler comes and sits next to her. The bedlam that followed showed how possessive they were of their mistress.

"They are very friendly but the moment I go near my wife they just can't tolerate sharing her," adds Jake with a friendly grin. We learn from the grand mom that "Zinch is more dominating and growls if he is not paid attention first. They are a big support and are the best company," says she as she makes the next move in her game of Solitaire.

Chicken stew is their main meal but as Mitika says, "They go bonkers when they sniff 'halwa or prashad' in the house. From their sharp barks they seem to be short tempered but it seems to be otherwise. As Jake puts it, "They are very friendly with all visitors except small children and I think it is because they feel ignored as we tend to give more attention to the children."

Very fond of taking small walks Zak and Zinch are like two babies being wonderstruck with the surroundings outside. Interestingly though they are very fond of keeping themselves groomed. Zak loves to take a bath but Zinch has to be hunted out from under the bed to be cleaned up. Together they keep good company to each other, jumping around the house and playing. "We have kept these breeds since many years and now can't think of keeping any other," quips Mitika, while the silver haired grandma nods in agreement.

green thumb
Turn a new leaf!
Satish Narula

At times, when it comes to choosing plants for the garden, gardeners are at loss, especially when it is a fruit tree. This is very important in case one is planning a new garden. The choice has to be correct in the initial stage itself as the fruit trees can not be replaced frequently.

The garden is for everyone in the family to enjoy. A member in the family may not be having much interest in rearing the plants but when it comes to enjoying the fruit, everyone does. It is so and should also be as a family is a unit of members with diversified tastes and the benefit of everyone's talent should reach others. The members should, however, be consulted on the type of fruit tree one wants. Anyhow, there are a few that should find a place in every garden. Let us help you in selection.

The first and the foremost that comes to mind is the lime or lemon. In the districts of Bathinda, Abohar, Moga etc. it is lime and in the sub-mountainous districts like Hoshiarpur, Ropar, Nawanshehr, Chandigarh, Ambala etc., it is lemon. Planting lime trees in these areas is not successful as those are prone to diseases that kill the twig terminals where the fruit is borne. It is also not difficult to spot a good plant in one of the friend's residence as there are many a strain available. One could multiply a plant from there or else get it from some source where pedigree of the plant is known for its quality and bearing.

Lemon is almost a daily used item. It is a good source of Vitamin C too. There is a time in a year when it sells for about Rs 100 a kg. At a time when it is available aplenty in the garden, one could preserve its juice too for use in lean period.

Another fruit that one can have is guava, again a very rich source of Vitamin C. Why I am stressing on Vitamin C is because, it gives the body immunity to fight diseases. It is good for all the age groups and the daily body requirement of Vitamin C is to be met everyday as it does not stay in the body. Some people have apprehension that guava gets insect infested. Well, yes, it does during the rainy season but then if you pick it up a bit earlier, when it is raw, it is free from this menace. The fruit fly attack only when the skin starts loosening up. Also, it is only rainy season crop that gets infested, at times. The winter season crop is free from it. It is, therefore, also advised to get rid of summer crop to get healthier and better quality produce in winter. (To be continued)

(Narula is a Chandigarh-based horticulturist)

CELEB POINT
Gratefully yours
Divya Dutta

Where there is love, there's bound to be expectation too. But they say the key to happiness is 'don't expect'. I think it is just a way of calming yourself down. The fact is everything in life that works well is mutual.

If I give, it is not with the intent of getting something in return but for sure I would expect the other to reciprocate genuinely and being there when the need arises. For, it just makes the bond stronger when it's from both sides. If just one person pulls the cart, it's going to get tiring.

So, I feel when you love, when you care when you go out of your way for someone, there's nothing wrong in expecting him or her to do their bit.

I must say I am lucky to have some such precious people in my life who I love, who I expect would never let me down. Rahul's wedding went off beautifully like I would have wanted it to, but the preparations gave me performance anxiety-- kaise hoga? Will everything be okay etc? We being a very small family, the onus was on us to divide the work among the three of us--me, ma and Rahul. The usual running around for the wedding were in full swing and yes I was hyper till Rahul's best friend came from Ludhiana. I did my basic gracious hosting but he wasn't looking for that. He just said, "Give me all your work and let me handle it." I just took it as a gracious offer. Like how usually everyone asks, 'let us know if you need anything'. He actually meant every word of it. I didn't realise when I grabbed his helpful hand and let him take over. I didn't realise how badly I needed someone to be there....taking charge. Thanks dear Guneet.

And my cousin who I'd not properly met for years. I had missed the bond I shared with her all through my life. Yes, she was back too. Taking care of everything. Back with her smiles and a helping hand....my dear Jyotica. With them holding my hands, with Rahul's reassuring presence, it went off like a dream.

And how can I not thank the precious friends I have who, for me left everything and stood by my side as hosts. Also my extended family… I love them all very much and have the faith that they will be there whenever I need them. A surge of gratitude for those strong hands of love who held us tight through it all ...Thank all you special ones...from the core of my heart, with a smile on my lips and a tear in my eye. I do expect you to be a part of my life....always.

(Dutta is a Bollywood actress)

Over a cup of Koffee

Actress Frieda Pinto may not have done a Bollywood film yet but that didn't stop her from mingling with Indian stars and having Koffee with Karan. Frieda recently shot an episode for Koffee With Karan with Nargis Fakhri.

After the shoot, host Karan Johar tweeted: "Just shot the most hysterical Koffee episode with 2 very naughty girls...Freida Pinto and Nargis Fakhri!!!"

Freida, on the other hand, was all praise for Karan and Nargis. "I'm not the best at using twitter but got to take to it to let @karanjohar know he is the loveliest and coolest guy ever. Heady with laughter. And thank you @NargisFakhri ..you elegant goofball for being the best partner in crime," she tweeted.

Nargis was also happy to meet her and replied: "Haha, you are so awesome. Your energy put me at ease! I'm so happy we met. See you soon I hope! Xoxo"

When less is more

The recently released song titled Malang from Aamir Khan's next Dhoom 3 has created a stir among the audiences. Even though only a 30 second teaser of the song has been released, it has managed to be stuck in the mind of the audiences.

A lot of Aamir's friends and family have requested the actor to show them the entire song. They have expressed to the actor how they have not had enough of only the 30- second-cut promo of the song and are very keen to watch the entire piece.

The glimpse of Aamir in his all new gymnast avatar in the song has been loved by friends and family of the actor but they cannot wait to watch and enjoy the entire song.

Malang is a grand song made on a huge scale. It is easily one of the most expensive songs in Bollywood.

Such a marketing strategy of only sampling the content for 30 seconds has never been tried in Bollywood. Aamir and Aditya Chopra are the marketing geniuses of the industry and they believe in less is more out of respect for the intelligence of the audience, who are put off by excessive marketing.

However, the makers of Dhoom 3 are only releasing a 30-second teaser of all songs. They want the audience to come to theaters and enjoy the entire song on the big screens. The film is set to hit theaters on December 20.

Bollywood is a great teacher

Many people like being actors because they get to learn new skills and acquire new looks for different movies. Here is how some actors and actresses have trained themselves in new skills for their movies.

Shahid Kapur

He trained to become a fighter pilot for Mausam and even flew an actual F-16, becoming the first Bollywood actor to do so. During Kaminey he spent a lot of time with gamblers and bookies at the Race Course in Mumbai.

Aamir Khan

He is constantly reinventing himself. For Dhoom 3, he became a gymnast and stretched his body beyond his imagination. He also learnt the very difficult art of tap dancing for the title sequence.

Shraddha Kapoor

She exercised her vocal chords and strum the guitar for Aashiqui 2. For her upcoming film The Villain, she has adapted the look of a biker chick and has also learnt how to ride a bike.

Priyanka Chopra

The National Award winner trained to become a boxer and worked out every muscle of her body to play Mary Kom in the upcoming biopic. She also spent time with the living legend of a boxing champion to get to know her better. That’s Priyanka for you.

Katrina Kaif

She learnt acrobatics and gymnastics for her character in Dhoom 3. She has also learnt belly dancing and shed oodles of weight for movies like Tees Maar Khan and Ek Tha Tiger.

Javed Akhtar injured

Noted lyricist Javed Akhtar met with an accident last weekend and injured his back. The 68-year-old writer was later admitted to hospital and is doing well now. His wife and actress Shabana Azmi confirmed the news and tweeted: "Thank you for all the good wishes for Javed Saab's quick recovery.

He has injured his back and is in agony but hopefully shud b out of hospital soon.

She added: "There has been some improvement but Javed Saab is still in a lot of pain. Your good wishes are a big help thank you so much."

We wish him a speedy recovery!

CHATTER BOX

Role with a difference

TV actor Saurabh Raaj Jain, who was earlier seen as Lord Vishnu in Devon Ke Dev...Mahadev, is currently seen as Lord Krishna in Siddharth Kumar Tewary's Mahabharat. We caught up with the Delhi boy to speak about his role and life.

A still from Mahabharat

What are the reactions you are getting for the preaching part?

I am getting wonderful reactions, people love the preachings and I am glad I am doing justice. Audiences, especially youth loves the interpretation we do in each episode.

The role is a career changing opportunity for you. What do you have to say about this?

Yes, it is a turning point for me. All my work has been diverse and nice but playing powerful Lord Krishna is of course bigger than anything. Playing Lord Krishna is a privilege. It's an honor and I didn't think twice before agreeing for the role. It is a dream role for me.

Did you have any doubts about the show?

I was never ever skeptical about Mahabharat. Siddhart Kumar Tewary has just made it so perfect that I knew this was a hit. I'm honored to be a part of such a grand platform. I am so glad I am able to influence the youth with Lord Krishna's interpretations. I feel all his teachings are so apt that even if we adopt 40 per cent of these, we can make a difference in the society.

Do you feel like God when you are in Krishna's attire?

Yes, I get into the character completely. These days I am just so focused on my role that I tend to talk like Krishna in real life too. I am really honored to be playing Krishna.

Aniruddh Dave turns item boy

Aniruddh Dave, who made his debut on TV with Rajkumar Aryan, followed it up with a character role in Woh Rehne Waali Mehlon Ki and became a household name after playing the rebellious Indu Singh in Ruk Jaana Nahin. Now, he is all set to appear in an item number in Satish Kaushik's Gangs of Ghosts. He has already shot the it along with Paoli Dam. He says, "I have no issues being called an item boy. I love to dance. It was a good opportunity so I did it. I want to do films".

Who is stalking Piyush?

Actor Piyush Sahadev, who is currently playing Kabir in Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke, used to get calls and text messages from an unknown number. What is scary is that the girl would also follow Piyush and message him the details of his whereabouts. Seeing him in trouble, his wife decided to speak to the girl and convinced her not to call him again. He says, "My wife Akangsha handled the situation really well. In fact, my fan was so heartbroken that she never called me again."

Friendly matches

Competing to win the trophy as the best dancer of Dance India Dance Season 4, 17 year-old Delhi boy Manan and Kolkata-based girl Suniketa Bhore, seem to have bonded well despite the tough competition. Being the youngest contestants in the Top 18, the two are forever seen fighting and pulling each other's hair each time they are on the sets of DID. Whenever the two get down to rehearsing together, they end up teasing each other endlessly. Fed up with their ways, Master Shruti was seen complaining about how the two never miss out on single chance to pull each other down and get into a fight over trivial issues and how Suniketa bursts into tears.

Meet the new Veera

Producer Yash Patnaik has an eye for talent. He has taken Digangana Suryavanshi who was previously seen in Qbool Hai as the grown up Veera. She says, "People like me and my look in the show. I like the look as it defines my character and keeps it simple." She adds, "It's so much fun to work with the unit on the sets. We are like one big family; production house is very caring too. The atmosphere really makes me comfortable and motivates me to work more.”. It certainly shows on her face.

Lucky one: Digangana Suryavanshi

High on success

VIR - The Robot Boy on Hungama TV has become the Best Show Launch of 2013. With 350 TVTs, VIR has also garnered more viewership than most of the renowned shows on television in the same slot, like Chhota Bheem (Pogo), Tarak Mehta ka Ulta Chasma (SAB) and CID (Sony). "It’s good to know that kids like our VIR so much,” said Ketan Mehta, chairman, Maya Digital Studios.

Watch out for the action guy

Vidyut Jamwal is three films old and he has stolen the show with his 15-minute cameo in Bullett Raja. Not only does he look good but he impresses with his unsurpassed action and martial arts work. He has wowed one and all.

What’s brewing?

It seems like something is brewing between Anushka Sharma and Virat Kolhi. They endorse a shampoo together and he dropped at her house before he flew off to South Africa. He gave her a quick kiss before he left her building.

Keeping hush: Anushka Sharma

Parineeti in KJo's next

Parineeti Chopra and Ranbir Kapoor are likely to be part of Karan Johar's next directorial venture, as it was also leaked by Salman Khan on Koffee With Karan. The director is not confirming anything. How lucky is Parineeti!

Launch time

Salman Khan will launch the trailer of Jai Ho with his massive fan following in Chandan, a single screen theatre in Juhu in Mumbai. The film is about Salman as an upright common man who is fighting a solitary war against corruption.

Showtime folks!

The team of Heartless comprising Shekhar Suman, wife Alka, son Adhyayan and heroine Ariana Ayam attended a series of shows at the fifth edition of the Indian Bridal Week.

ASTRO TURF
P Khurrana

ARIES: Chances are high for meeting a great companion. Couples can spend quality time in each other's company, sharing intimate moments. Tarot message: If you are tempted to travel overseas don't waste money by financing the trip on your own. Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic number: 27

TAURUS: Early hours are definitely the best. Spending time in good company relieves your from the heaviness of pending duties and responsibilities. Tarot message: Empty promises are certain, therefore try to put your terms and conditions in writing. Lucky colour: Rust. Magic number: 63

GEMINI: Put on your thinking caps. Learning processes and communication endeavors are highlighted. Changes made today would certainly appear to be for the best. Tarot message: Be honest to your desires; if you are truthful and straight you will get the money in advance. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 27

CANCER: You will be free to operate as you feel is right. Relatives will do all they can to help. Speculation in property is not favoured. Tarot message: You have to realise that ideas can be put into practice if you have sufficient common sense. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 57

LEO: The atmosphere will not be conducive to achieve good results. Coming to angry words over personal differences will only be regretted. Tarot message: Nobody has deliberately let you down, so keep going and don't allow your confidence to be dented. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 56

VIRGO: The pendulum of luck will not stop oscillating. Leave stress, worries and cares behind and enjoy yourself. Artistic and cultural experiences will be satisfying. Tarot message: A positive and caring attitude heals old wounds in relationship and partnership. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 51

LIBRA: The Knight of Wands promises you a high profile day. You will be on the receiving end of kindness and generosity from those who genuinely like and appreciate you. Tarot message: If you play your cards right you'll be able to avert future difficulties. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 52

SCORPIO: Your card reveals deception, delays and unhealthy condition in your profession. Keep your wits about you and you will come out for the better in a deal. If a beautiful person grabs your attention, strike up a conversation. Tarot message: You have to push to succeed. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 50

SAGITTARIUS: You may have to check your plans. Improve your health by paying more attention to diet. Today you should be able to surprise the boss by showing the adaptable side of your nature. Tarot message: Reacting to aggressive taunts is a waste of time. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 27

CAPRICORN: Today money may come from unexpected sources. Parents may find that this is a good time for dealing with youngsters. A positive mood can quickly turn negative. There will be a reason for caution or delay. Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 29

AQUARIUS: Clear the mail box and respond to all those calls that have been waiting for you. Detachment does not mean indifference. An early warning of a health problem is a blessing in disguise. Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 64

PISCES: Today fear of loss of reputation or slander could grip you. Be courageous about a new investment opportunity. Urgent demands on the domestic front need immediate attention. Tarot message: Your efforts would gain momentum. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 48

THE YEAR AHEAD
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is December 5...

Being a Sagittarius and ruled by number 5 and Mercury, you are highly knowledgeable, but learn less from books and more from day-to-day interaction with people. Jupiter, the ruler makes you highly broadminded, strong and lively. You have keen interest in sports and outdoor activities. The coming year promises to be good for your physical and financial status. Recognition and rewards for your efforts would be plenty. There would be a good rise in your confidence and determination, enabling you to handle difficult tasks with ease. Speculation in real estate would yield handsome returns.

Positive colours: Green, turquoise, sea green, blue

Select days: Wednesday and Friday

Favourable numbers: 5,6

Gems recommended: Emerald and ruby

Charity on birthday: You may donate yellow pulse/fruits/ bananas to needy.

You share your birthday with Alex Kapp Horner (born Alexandra Kapp; December 5, 1969) is an American actress whose most notable role was as Lindsay on the CBS sitcom, The New Adventures of Old Christine.