In the web, virtually
Has the virtual world taken over our being and reduced us to slavery of the online universe?
Mona

Selfie has been declared the word of the year by the prestigious Oxford Dictionaries. The usage of the word, which is first said to have come into existence barely in 2002, has increased by 17,000 per cent over the past 12 months!

A typical lift off from social networking sites, 'selfie' defines life today — alone with your smartphone clicking one's own picture to be shared in the virtual world with thousands in just one click. How else has our virtual life permeated into our social fibre is what we checked out with people from the region.
Ishan Malhotra
at a Click: Ishan Malhotra

"I don't know what I would do without social networking sites," gasps Shriya Chauhan, a new entrant into the professional world. Her day starts with opening her Facebook page. "That's my window to the world. Not only I get to know if all my loved ones are safe and sound, but also what they are up to. Also, I get to know what's happening in the world," says this programmer in a BPO, who finds social networking sites (SNSs) a significant part of our lives.

For Megha Sharma, final-year Bachelor of Engineering, Information Technology student, life is lived more on the virtual platform than in the real. Right from sharing latest class gossip or notes, she prefers to stick to SSNs on her phone. "Look at the convenience it offers. The world is now available at the flick of a finger on your phone. Everyone and everything is available 24X7," reasons Megha, justifying the hours that she spends online ever single day of her life.

For Gaurav Sharma, the vast virtual world is more tempting than spending time with his peers. "College gets over by afternoon. One can either spend time with friends hanging out, which I do once or twice a week, but on the internet I gain much more. I have connected with like-minded people on Facebook, I follow people who interest me on Twitter and enjoy delving more into technology," says Gaurav, who is busy learning Spanish through his newfound friends online.

"Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Whats app, among others, are various social networking tools. How we use them is totally in our hands," says lawyer Ishan Malhotra, who is only too happy to connect with friends through them.

Apurva Chawla leads an active life on Facebook; her Crafty Creases page has hundreds of likes. She likes social networking sites for she believes that they have widened the horizon of her thinking. She regularly shares her opinion with friends and is more vocal about social issues, et al. "They also provide cost free platform to budding entrepreneurs," says Apurva who admits that the downside, which we all are very well aware now, is that profiles and pictures can be easily hacked and misused.

Like everything else our 'social virtual life' too has its ups and downs. Says Shriya, "It's not like we just talk on virtual platforms; we can also do something about issues like literacy or raising funds for those affected by the Orissa Cyclone."

mona@tribunemail.com

Deeper meaning

If you thought the news ends at 'selfie' that's defined as 'a photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically with a smartphone or webcam and uploaded on a social media website', Urban Dictionary has twenty-five words under the category. Here are a few for you:

Selfie King /Queen

Someone who takes a lot of photo's of themselves.

Luke Brooks is the Selfie King to end all Selfie Kings. He is flawless.

Selfie Control

The act of controlling ones impulse to take a picture of themself.

Guy 1: Man you almost got hit by a car trying to take that selfie, you need to have some selfie control.

Guy 2: Yeah, but I looked good though.

Courtesy: urbandictionary.com

Musical mashup
DJ Tomcraft and DJ Aaron James share their take on the musical experience in India
Manpriya Singh


DJ Tomcraft, Heena, Aaron James
THree cheers: DJ Tomcraft, Heena, Aaron James

First time in India lends itself to a lot of queries and curiosity. Which is why, an interaction with DJ Tomcraft, is more like an opinion piece on his India tour.

Those of us already acquainted with his music are well aware that the Munich- based DJ and producer effortlessly shuttles between progressive house, techno and progressive trance. For a change, music doesn't precede.

To begin with, he wanted to spot cows and tuk-tuk. "I've already seen a lot of tuk-tuks," he warms up for an interview, just a few hours before he takes on the console for an open air EDM fest of sorts at Hotel Altius. It's a first time in Chandigarh as well. "Going by things, I can only expect good things from the place and people."

Just before the performance, there's never a fixed plan. "I go by the flow and first sense the pulse of the people."

Nevertheless, the crowds will get to experience his kind of music, which he defines as, "mystique, powerful and energetic." The tracks Loneliness, Prosac and Eniac well define his music as do so many other things.

He's already been out with an album so "enough of albums for the time being." Coming up is a track titled Hey. As for the Indian music, "it is not very favoured in Europe so I don't know much about it save for random stuff that I hear, here and there." He adds, "I recognise these two actors from Bollywood but I don't know their names." Quite a refreshing change from political correctness pervading the statements sent out to media.

It's been three days in India and too soon to comment on anything except for a few experiences. "I loved the kadai paneer, butter chicken and gobi." At least he's learnt to spell cauliflower the Indian way!

Sky is the limit

Opening for him is DJ Aaron James from New York, even though it's been a while since he was completely based out of that city. Meanwhile, it's been four years in India and that's long enough for him to say Priyanka Chopra, when questioned about any Indian artiste. That's also long enough to have made a lot of friends, "who are producing Indian music and remixes." He adds, "As of now, for me making Indian music, there are no concrete plans but I'm open minded."

Ultimately, music is an expression of individuality and various influences seep in and a wide range of exposure helps. He shares, "I'm quite schizophrenic musically and I like to listen to cream of the crop in different genres. It could be expressive house or club banging music or commercial or something else the other day." He makes it a point to mention artistes like Peat Breaker and MAK J.

Of the several memorable gigs, there's one at the rooftop in Bali that deserves a special mention. "It was the New Year Eve of 2000 and it was a new millennium, so the energy was unbelievable." So was it at Burning Man Festival in Nevada, in front of a crowd of 50,000 people. From here on, it's over to Bangkok, "where I'll be for two weeks and then there will be collaboration with an artiste management and from there on, sky is the limit." True that.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Colours in bloom
Poonam Bindra

A riot of colours with bobbing heads big and small, in myriad hues is the scene in the lawns of the Sarabha Nagar gurudwara at the Chrysanthemum exhibition- cum- competition. A big centre roundel decorated with petals, colours of rangoli and religious decorated symbols was the cynosure of all eyes. It seems as if the multi-hued flowers were celebrating the onset of winter, with their colourful faces. Lilac spider ones stood up erect while the quelled ones lent the support and of course the ball shaped and pompoms were the usual beauties.

What was new and even more picturesque were the chrysanthemums, which were spoon shaped, Anemone and the ones with incurved curled up leaves. Set in the celestial environment the show attracted many visitors and participants individual and institutions both. "We have now made it an annual feature and lending beauty to the eyes of the visitors is our aim and I am mighty pleased at the number of participants," said Jatinder Sandhu¸ president. Children from primary and secondary schools had their own share of excitement as they took part in a painting competition, the theme for the same being plants / flowers mentioned in gurbani. It was a grandiose visual treat for the folks of Ludhiana and that too on a Sunday spilling over to Monday too.

Words worth
The next CSA event will be held on January 11 followed by the one on February 8-9 2014.

Chandigarh Sahitya Akademi (CSA) held a two-tiered session at the UT Guest on Sunday. The morning session, Abhivyakti, showcased creative writers in Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu while the post-lunch session focused on writers who have made a name in the English language.

Punita Bawa is a novelist and poet who recently brought out her book Neeljal ki Sonemachhlian. She recited some poems from her latest collection. Her poetry has a strong feminist streak evident in the themes, which revolve around the rights of women.

Rajwanti Mann, deputy director in Haryana Archives, is a researcher and poet. She has recently published her debut collection of poems with the title Babool ki Chhaanv. Her poetry reaches out to the reader with its directness and sincerity.

Arvinder Kaur, a teacher has been writing poetry in Punjabi and in English and can deftly handle long poems as well as short haikus. Arvinder has adapted the Japanese form to local taste and her first book of Punjabi haikus, Nimolian, was published earlier this year.

Manjit Tiwana has been writing poetry for the last fifty years and is a well-known name in Punjabi literature. In her opinion, kavita is sanjeevani booti that keeps her going. Highly symbolic, her themes are personal, dwelling on family relationships, loss, pain and grief.

Brajendra Tripathi, well-known critic and poet from the national Sahitya Akaademi, read some of his own poems, which touched upon several emotional issues, raising questions like "What is home?" Is home something abstract or concrete? How does one define home?

Neelkamal Puri teaches at Govt. College for Girls, Sector 11 spoke at length about the beliefs underlying her writing and read excerpts from both her books. The audience was particularly moved by her passages on the infamous practice of female infanticide prevalent in the Punjab.

Rajbir Deswal is a cop-poet discussed his themes and read his poems. While Nirupama Dutt, editor, critic and poet presided over the session, concluding with a couple of poems that she recited. — TNS

Get the art deco look

Art deco style was developed following World War I, offering people a glamorous style for a new era. This style blended fashion, architecture, fabric and jewellery design, furniture, and interior design with sleek, smooth lines. It combined modern materials, movement, and the industrial trends of the time. Art deco was influenced by the art nouveau's use of motifs depicting nature; sunrises, flowers and shells however, the once loved organically, flowing lines were replaced with geometric and angular shapes. It was considered modern, glamorous and elegant. Although it was out of fashion for a few decades, art deco is now experiencing resurgence and period art deco pieces as well as reproductions are highly sought after.

Colours: Colours in art deco are striking and bold with a lot of contrasts. Bright and deep yellows, reds, greens, blues, and pinks mix well with silver, black and chrome. Most colour schemes include black, combining green and black, red and black and white and black. Metallics are an important aspect of the colours used in art deco. Large amounts of metal in the design signified richness, so gold, silver, pewter, and chrome colours or materials were used generously.

Patterns: Geometric and sunburst patterns were used throughout the design. Chevrons, diamonds and checkerboard patterns incorporating both were widely popular.

Accessories: Lot of mirrors with elaborate motifs on the frames are a common site in an art deco styled home. Special attention is paid to door handles. A lot of candle stands, pen sets on a base are used. Marble vases decorated with inlay work, bold oil paintings and sculptural table lamps bring an instant art deco appeal.

Furniture: Furniture in this style tends to be large in scale with no frills. Sideboards, armoires, and generously sized chairs are all typical of the period. Many designs of furniture are made with a flat bent chrome base that gives the piece a rocking effect. Wood pieces are highly lacquered in black. Decorative black lacquered panels are used as room screens. Highly lacquered wood frames are upholstered in lustrous white leather. A stepped-up arm is typical.

Lighting: Lights are often made of glass and chrome (which was a brand new material at the time). Glass is sometimes etched or enameled. White glass and coloured tiffany-style glass are also very common. Mostly lighting in this style consists of ceiling lights, floor lamps, table lamps and wall sconces. Lights featuring female figures holding the ball of the lamp are typical of art deco style.

Flooring: Classic white or black marble flooring is typical in an art deco interior. Checkered tiles of black and white squares are common. Rugs are placed over the sleek flooring with serpentine swirls or period geometric flowers adding design. Hardwood floors, when used, were highly polished and laid in a distinct geometric design.

(Sukhmani is a Chadigarh-based interior and landscape designer)

it’s happening
Vastram charms buyers


Stuff on display at Vastram
Stuff on display at Vastram

Vastram on at Kisan Bhawan-35 has got tremendous response. “ We are here lots of artisans and a fresh supply of stock," says Harsh, a craftsman and president, SS Memorial Educational Society, Ropar which is registered with Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) Ministry Of Textile, Govt. Of India that has put up the exhibition. Here's what different states have brought for you

Chattisgarh: Silk from Chattisgarh is famous for its traditional weaving by the name of kosa and chapa silk. The price range starts from Rs 300 per metre to Rs 1400 per metre.

Bihar: Baghalpuri tussar silk and matka silk are the special weaves from Bhagalpur. Range starts from Rs 150 per metre to Rs 1,800 per metre. Saree here with Madhubani painting start from Rs 3,000.

Karnataka silk: They are the popular ones. You can find here plain and print sarees.

West Bengal: Tangial sarees and Baluchari sarees are from West Bengal. The state is famous for its kantha handwork on the pure silk and cotton also. The range starts from Rs 1,600.

Madhya Pradesh: Chanderi, Maheshwari sarees and dress material is the identity of district Chanderi of Madhya Pradesh. This state has banned the power looms in the district of Chanderi to promote the real weavers. Range starts from Rs 800.

Assam Silk: Munga silk is also known as its second name Assam silk. Assam's temple design saree is world famous. It's range is Rs 4,000 onwards.

Rajasthan: Sanganer and Bagru district name is famous for its traditional hand block print with natural colours.

On till December 8. — TNS

Weight watch
Watch what you eat
Renupreet Kaur

Emotional eating is a relatively common problem for both men and women. If you eat in response to your feelings, especially when you are not hungry, you are an emotional eater. Emotional eating means your emotions not your body dictate when and/or how much you eat.

When we are stressed, a chemical produced by our brain called cortisol increases our appetite. Some emotional eaters binge when they are sad or confused; for others, eating can be a way of avoiding thinking about problems or taking the action required to solve them.

If we would eat for comfort by reaching into our crisper drawer, we would be OK. But how many people turn to carrot sticks when they're feeling stressed? It's the high-fat, high-cal foods we love that make us feel better; the more fattening, sweeter or the saltier the food, the better we seem to feel.

Behavioural symptoms

  • Thinking about food all the time
  • Eating as you feel there's nothing else to do
  • Inability to stop eating or control
  • Eating even when you're full
  • Eating continuously throughout the day
  • Feeling numb while bingeing

Overcome emotional eating

Emotional eating leads to binge eating, which is sometimes difficult to overcome. Unlike other addictions, your "drug" is necessary for survival, so you don't have the option of avoiding it. Instead, you must develop a healthier relationship with food - a relationship that's based on meeting your nutritional needs, not your emotional ones.

One of the most important aspects of controlling emotional eating is to find alternate ways to handle stress. These may include exercising, meditating, using sensory relaxation strategies and practicing simple breathing exercises. Inculcation of following habits will certainly help you out of side effects of emotional eating:

  • Eat three meals a day plus healthy snacks. Eating breakfast jump starts your metabolism in the morning. Follow breakfast with a balanced lunch and dinner, and healthy snacks in between.
  • Avoid temptation. You're much more likely to overeat if you have junk food, desserts and unhealthy snacks in the house. Remove the temptation by clearing your fridge.
  • Stop dieting. The deprivation and hunger of strict dieting can trigger food cravings and the urge to overeat. Instead of dieting, focus on eating in moderation.
  • Find nutritious foods that you enjoy and eat only until you feel content, not uncomfortably stuffed. Avoid banning certain foods as this can make you crave them even more.
  • Exercise regularly. Not only will exercise help you lose weight in a healthy way, but it also lifts depression, improves overall health and reduces stress.
  • Fight boredom. Instead of snacking when you're bored, distract yourself. Take a walk, call a friend, read or take up a hobby.
  • Get enough sleep. If you're tired, you may want to keep eating in order to boost your energy.
  • Keep a food diary. Write down what you eat, when, how much and how you're feeling when you eat. You may see patterns emerge that reveal the connection between your moods and binge eating.

You should eat

If you are not physically hungry, yet you feel that you simply must eat, you will most likely reach for something crunchy. Crunchy foods take longer to eat and help us divert our attention away from our feelings. High-carb foods like chips are crunchy as well. You can satisfy this craving with pretzels, baked chips, carrots sticks or crunchy fruit like apples. Other good snacks to munch during stress are low-fat cheese and crackers, yogurt or a peanut butter sandwich.

Being disciplined is extremely important while following any dietary programme. By adhering to the following guidelines, the emotional eating can surely be avoide:

  • Increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables
  • Limit the intake of stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol and refined sugar
  • Do not skip breakfast
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Smaller gaps between the meals

While there are many things you can do to help yourself stop emotional eating, it's also important to seek professional support and treatment.

(Renupreet Kaur is diet therapist and obesity expert)

stress buster
Boost your mood
Renee Singh

We all at some time in our lives wish that we had a magic wand that could make stress disappear from our lives. If only we could make traffic go smooth, make our enemies love us, our boss always amicable and turn our jobs into a mixture of adventure and fun. It may not be possible of course to get rid of all the stressors as I feel that we need a certain amount of and a certain kind of stress in our lives to keep us motivated to work and also to keep us healthy and vibrant.

It's great to know that there are many simple ways to turn down the stress in our lives but then are we using any of these simple and effective tools to our advantage? Firstly it is important to have an adequate knowledge of some of these effective stress reduction ways. Vitamins are one such source which can be used as a great stress relief option. They bring great benefits to health and as the saying goes ''in a healthy mind lies a healthy body''. It naturally keeps stress at bay. Vitamins can be used to calm reactivity towards stress, to increase energy or to lift our mood in a subtle but effective manner. Scientists feel that vitamins can be a potential tool for certain situations to reduce anxiety and stress. Dr Brian Dixon who is a molecular and cellular biologist from Oregon University has focused his research on the underlying biochemical mechanisms of the aging process. He says, ''Nutrition is always close to my heart.'' Dr John Bosse is a certified registered dietician and personal trainer. He specialises in sports nutrition. He also validates the role of vitamins in making meal plans for sports people.

How do vitamins affect the body?

Vitamins help the body to perform optimally and multivitamin supplements can also ensure that you are getting dosage of each mineral that you need. One must know that vitamins and minerals do not work in isolation with each other and that consuming too much of one mineral can have wide reaching effects. It can actually be harmful.

Vitamin A, C and E are very powerful anti oxidants. Breaking down our foods generates many free radicals that lead to cumulative damage to our cells. Even environmental exposure leads to cellular damage. Anti oxidants help us ward off this damage. B vitamins help in acting as middle men in helping our bodies. They obtain energy from the food we eat and help in creating new substances in the body.

Vitamins for stress relief

Some of the B vitamins such as folic acid (B9) and cobalamin (B12) have particularly important role. They are important in creating healthy DNA which is the genetic material in our cells. Vitamin D plays an important role in bone and immune health. Vitamin C is important for collagen formation which is critical to our health for our skin, tendons and ligaments.

Vitamin K is important to bone health. It is an essential player in blood clotting. It prevents excessive bleeding. When we have an injury then the collagen promoted by vitamin C helps in forming new tissues to close wounds. Vitamins D and K work with mineral calcium to form and create strong bones. At least three studies have been conducted in terms of perceived psychological stresswhich show that supplementing with B vitamins for two to twelve weeks may enhance mood and decrease stress levels. For relief from cellular oxidative stress incorporate a good antioxidant in your diet. Vitamin A, C and E provide protection. Ultimately of course you should meet up with your physician or dietitian to customide your supplementation regime to suit your individual needs. Physical wellness depends from individual to individual. Proper nutrition is essential for creating a stress free vibrant healthy individual.

(Singh is a Chandigarh based psychotherapist)

star track
Katrina, the teaser
Katrina Kaif
On air: Katrina Kaif

Katrina Kaif's song Kamli from Dhoom 3, which showcases her acrobatic moves as Aaliya, the acrobat diva, is now on air. The teaser lasts three seconds and is becoming all the rage!

Katrina Kaif does not like being called Katrina. She also does not think she is really beautiful when she looks into mirror. She recently went shopping sans make up in Beirut. She saw gorgeous Lebanese women and felt she was too plain in comparison.

Meanwhile, after doing some daredevil stunts in Ghulam, Aamir Khan will be seen doing some super-duper bike stunts in Dhoom 3. Several safety measures were taken for him.

For the star kids…

The makers of Mahabharat held a special screening for star kids such as Hrihaan and Hredhaan Roshan and Nysa and Yug Devgn, among many others.

A good move to make kids aware of our history. and, apparently kids loved it too.

An honest answer

Akshay Kumar has dropped the idea of being a part of Karan Johar's production Gutka. He heard the final narration of the script a few days ago and did not like it. Therefore, he asked Karan to drop the film altogether and work on something else.

Take a look at Daisy!

Daisy Shah, who is the leading lady of Salman Khan's big release next year, Jai Ho, is being kept under wraps for now.

The theatrical trailer launch, of the Salman Khan starrer, will not see the actress.

For Salman Khan, who will be launching the trailer sometime next week, it is a very special moment. With this film, he will be coming back on the big screen after more than a year.

Post the success of Ek Tha Tiger, the audiences are eagerly waiting for the release of Jai Ho! Daisy Shah will be introduced by Salman Khan at another event. Spokesperson of the film confirms and adds, "We are planning something very special for Daisy."

Khans’ memorable ride

Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan shared a cab ride, from the airport in Delhi to their hotel, by Sakha Cabs. Aamir only travels by Sakha Cabs as they train underprivileged women as drivers. They chatted on the way and even after their cab ride.

Remo is The Villain

The Villain is springing one interesting surprise after the other. The film will see the first time pairing of Sidharth Malhotra and Shraddha Kapoor. Kamaal R Khan is doing an extended cameo and Goan pop star Remo Fernandez has been signed on to play a crucial role in the forthcoming romantic thriller. He will play Sidharth Malhotra's boss in the film. The makers maintain that he is the perfect choice to play the character, which has shades of grey. The Villain is expected to complete shooting in March 2014.

Street fashion for Soha

Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan has revealed that despite coming from a royal family, she would choose street fashion any day over runway fashion. When the Rang De Basanti actress was asked whether her go to choice as a princess is runway fashion, she said that runway style is meant for seven-foot tall models, whereas street fashion is more fun and offers a broader canvas to play with.

Besides, the title of a princess sounds very flattering, but it really has no meaning in today's day and age, the 35-year-old beauty added. — ANI

Missed call

Actress Deepika Padukone does not regret being unable to make her Hollywood debut with Fast and Furious 7 and says she is open to doing films in the West even if the role is small.

Deepika was offered to be a part of Fast and Furious 7 , but she could not do it because of prior commitment. "I don't regret it. I had to work out things for Ram Leela here. Looking at the way the film (Ram Leela) has got response, I feel good as my hard work has paid off," Deepika said in an interview. — PTI

Shilpa Shetty: Viaan is my world

Shilpa Shetty is one gorgeous wife, mother and celebrity who has her priorities in place. She talks about judging a dance reality show, producing a movie and her family life.

Reality show

I am judging this reality show for the second time in a row. Besides new contestants what is also new is a thinner version of myself (laughs). It took me a while to knock off all the extra pounds that I had put on after the birth of Viaan.

Turning producer

I am producing a complete masala film based on the Mumbai underworld. The fact that I am taking on such a script sounds bizarre but I simply loved the script. I can't comment on whether it's based on a real character or not. It is the story of a guy who wants to make it as a gangster and the kind of emotional upheavals he faces.

On Raj Kundra

Raj has brought a lot of happiness in my life. He is my strength and encourages me to do different things. He's a wonderful person.

Nothing doing

The next year and a half are very crucial for my son. I am not taking on too much. I don't want to put half-hearted effort in a film as I need to be with my child without whom I cannot live.

Family time

I have never been away from the industry. I have made my presence felt through endorsements and TV shows, which I enjoy doing. There's a lot happening in my life. I also have my son to take care of. He is now saying something new everyday, which I cannot miss for the world. He has developed an obsession for beaches. I try to indulge him in whichever way I can and by spending as much time with him as possible. So, I only take up something which gives me creative satisfaction. 

chatter box
Of passion and talent


Shama Sikander
Creative streak: Shama Sikander

Buzz is that Shama Sikander, who is currently seen in the show, Baal Veer, loves to paint. She says, "It usually takes me around ten minutes to make one painting, although it depends heavily on the size of the canvas too. I like to make abstract art and I love to paint on the beach. My other hobby is photography. I like to click moments, anything and everything."

She also uses many mobile applications for photos. She adds, "So many apps like photophonia and instagram make a picture look so special. However, the most important element of photography is the way one looks at the world and I see beauty in everything around. Painting and photography makes me feel good. In the monsoons it is fun to click pictures from window too. I click whatever attracts my attention."

When Gutthi made Ramdev laugh

Comedian Sunil Grover, who played the role of Gutthi in the show Comedy Nights with Kapil, recently performed at the India Today Group's Agenda Aaj Tak event where Yoga guru Baba Ramdev was also present. Apparently, Ramdev asked Sunil if his name was Gutthi. To which, the stand-up comedian quipped, "Just like your name is Shri Ramdev, but you have 'Baba' prefixed to your name, I am Sunil Grover and 'Gutthi' has got attached to my name." His reply broke Ramdev into laughter!

Different look

Actress Vahbbiz Dorabjee is currently playing the role of Alak, Kumud's sister-in-law, in Saraswatichandra. While Vahbbiz has mostly been seen in western outfits, her character, Alak, who is a young politician, will only be seen in sarees. Vahbbiz says, "People who know me, including my family and close friends, love my sari avatar. Neither could they ever imagine seeing me in a sari everyday, nor could I, but playing the role of Alak proved me wrong. Saree is the most graceful attire a woman can don and I have been given so many beautiful shades, colours, and styles."

Role that matters

Nikhil Sinha's mythological show, Devon Mein Dev Mahadev that is telecast on Life OK, has created ripples in the recent time and actor, Mohit Raina, who did several shows before Mahadev, came to the limelight only after he started playing the role of Lord Shiva in the show. Producer, Nikhil, selected Mohit for his typical Kashmiri features, which was apt for Lord Shiva's character. Sinha says, "There is no doubt about the fact that casting of characters plays an important role in the success of the show. Also, Mohit is a dedicated actor and he has proved himself as an actor. Playing the role of lord Shiva is not an easy task and when I cast him for the show, I was confident that he will pull this off really well."

Sweet memory

The newbie, Ishita Dutta, who is better known as Poonam of Ek Ghar Banaunga, is Bollywood's sexy actor Tanushree Dutta's sister. When asked about Tanushree, Ishita says, "My sister has been a great source of support and she always asks me to listen to my heart and not do anything forcefully. She is more experienced than I am in this field and I completely rely on her."

When asked about her fondest memories of Tanushree and her, Ishita says, "I think the fondest memory is when we used to cook something in the kitchen and create a mess in the process. We would have to vanish immediately because once our mother saw it there would be mayhem. Even today, whenever we have some time off, both of us head to the kitchen and experiment with the food."

The newbie, Ishita Dutta, who is better known as Poonam of Ek Ghar Banaunga, is Bollywood's sexy actor Tanushree Dutta's sister. When asked about Tanushree, Ishita says, "My sister has been a great source of support and she always asks me to listen to my heart and not do anything forcefully. She is more experienced than I am in this field and I completely rely on her."

When asked about her fondest memories of Tanushree and her, Ishita says, "I think the fondest memory is when we used to cook something in the kitchen and create a mess in the process. We would have to vanish immediately because once our mother saw it there would be mayhem. Even today, whenever we have some time off, both of us head to the kitchen and experiment with the food."

From the horse’s mouth

Actor Rohit Bharadwaj, who plays the role of the eldest Pandav, Yudhisthir in Siddharth Kumar Tewary's Mahabharat, is enjoying dealing with horses. He says, "I had learnt horse riding when I was a kid, but for some reason I was always scared of horses. I started telling myself that I have to be fearless. It's only in mythological shows that you get to do horse riding and stuff, which is so different from acting in regular soaps. I manage to shoot with horse regularly now. The name of my horse is Raja."

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Conditions at home will be pleasant. Do not speculate. It is critical to arrange a balanced lifestyle. Court witness will go in your favour. Health problem is not too critical to be worrying so much.
Tarot message: You need to act for yourself.
Lucky colour: Peach
Magic number: 28

TAURUS: If there is any work that is to be done and you feel like doing it, go right ahead. Household chores will be handled efficiently. You have more freedom of action at work place.
Tarot message: Don't let temporary setbacks affect you.
Lucky colour: Violet
Magic number: 36

GEMINI: Do something for your pleasure today. Do all in your power to get agreements settled with your co-workers. A close rapport may be developing between you and a colleague.
Tarot message: Don't dismiss advice from a youthful origin.
Lucky colour: Orange
Magic number: 62

CANCER: Many of you have been working constantly towards choosing an ambitious career path. Teamwork is the key note of the day. Older people may drum up certain problems for you.
Tarot message: You will be happy to retain the fruit of your hard work.
Lucky colour: White
Magic number: 56

LEO: The crowning fulfilment of achieving your goals and gaining recognition may arrive soon. Stay focused on personal vision as you take the last steps to reach a journey's end.
Tarot message: Invest your efforts in professional activities.
Lucky colour: Bottle green
Magic number: 59

VIRGO: Like a game of snakes and ladders, you should step back down and retrace your steps all over again. Get on with any job that is at hands. A secret love affair will bring you an added pleasure.
Tarot message: It is no longer necessary to take risks.
Lucky colour: Rust
Magic number: 44

LIBRA: It's a good time to tie all loose ends together and take care of precious details with absolute perfection. You are in for a mixed day. Lunar position highlights your service matters.
Tarot message: Avoid situations that may turn nasty.
Lucky colour: Blue
Magic number: 49

SCORPIO: Searching a soul-mate? You will be able to make a right connection effortlessly with the added assistance of a dash of intuition and trust. Someone you care about will see you in totally in new light.
Tarot message: Trust your heart and intuition.
Lucky colour: Red
Magic number: 61

SAGITTARIUS: The doorway to profound knowledge may open through a wise acquaintance. Love blossoms at workplace. If you want to impress someone, you will find the right time today.
Tarot message: Do not let anyone get advantage over you.
Lucky colour: Brown
Magic number: 31

CAPRICORN: The day will start calmly and uneventfully, lulling you into a false sense of security. Trusting people who have just appeared on the scene is a foolish move. Go all out to improve your position at work.
Tarot message: Balance in all aspects is recommended.
Lucky colour: Grey
Magic number: 27

AQUARIUS: Minding your business is a good choice. Live and let live is a good motto currently. If a task seems too difficult, break it down into smaller, simple steps. Women will have a relaxing day.
Tarot message: Strive for perfection at work.
Lucky colour: Yellow
Magic number: 38

PISCES: Life seems full of contention at the moment and it is hard to get along with others. The postponement of a certain deal could cause you anxiety. Love life will be quite intriguing.
Tarot message: Don't be too certain about obtaining a clearance.
Lucky colour: Purple
Magic number: 40

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is December 9...

This year, you will feel like the entire world is at your feet. You will be appreciated for your efforts and will be very proud of it. Business will also run smoothly. You might accumulate more money this year. Work front will bring good results; frequent travel is indicated. Relationships show moderate trends. Eye ailments and toothache is likely, so take care. You have only very little chances to escape from the Cupid's arrow. It is a good time to send your resume or appear for an interview. Now you would be full of good ideas and your choice of activities will bring you gains far beyond your expectation. Those born after 1980 must avoid being malicious or arrogant. Keep yourself away from critical situations to avoid tension.

Positive colours: Golden, red, white, yellow and cream

Select days: Tuesday, Friday and Thursday

Favourable numbers: 3, 6 and 9

Gems recommended: Red coral and yellow sapphire

Charity on birthday: You may donate milk, rice or kheer to the needy, handicapped or to a religious place today.

You share your birthday with Dia Mirza [December 9, 1981, Hyderabad], who made her Bollywood debut with the film Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein in 2001. Astrologically, her career will take off in 2015.





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