Written in red
Do special events call for a formal dress code? After Ranveer Singh recently walked the Red Carpet in a printed Louis Vuitton suit, the question comes to the fore…
Ashima Batish

If the recent Red Carpet outing of Ranveer Singh in a printed Louis Vuitton suit is anything to go by, he is all-eager to rewrite rules of dressing up at events that matter. Review the recent awards and you wonder why it is only women who bring glamour to the Red Carpet, while men stick to the usual grey, black and blue suits when there is no formal dress code to be followed!
Rajkumar Rao in a black bow tie suit
Designer touch: Rajkumar Rao in a black bow tie suit and (below) Farhan Akhtar in a green velvet jacket.
Farhan Akhtar in a green velvet jacket

From Ranveer's contemporaries, new-found best friend Arjun Kapoor to industry's ever-favourite Salman Khan, actors are sticking to the gentleman's attire. Is it time to experiment or should the Red Carpet be reserved for serious dressing up, for at least men?

Or aren't there enough options that are as formal and classy as a tuxedo or a three- piece suit?

Internationally also at the Red Carpet affairs, it is strictly women who make news for their choice of attire, labels, hair-dos and accessories. Men, however, are only appreciated for their work on the screen. Drawing a parallel, designer Gaurav Gupta, a favourite with actresses for the Red Carpet events, says Indian men still have a lot to choose from in comparison to the West.

"From bandhgala to kurtas to dhoti pants to colours that falls outside the men's colours palate, the options are ample but to try something exciting on the Red Carpet should be a much-thought out decision. It should be in tandem with the personality of the wearer and in that case, Ranveer Singh fits the bill." Of all others, Gaurav also liked Farhan Akhtar's turn out at the Screen Awards in a velvet greenish blue half sleeve jacket worn with a white short shirt and light grey semi-Jodhpuri trousers. While men are into experiments, they are doing it very subtly and aren't going overboard. "I like the way Rahul Khanna dresses up. He wore a polka dotted bow tie and that did the trick."

Indian fashion designers have been presenting a lot of androgynous designs on the ramp. Bright colours dominate their collections as well, especially the ones presented at couture fashion weeks but the same have not been sent down the Red Carpet. Take Troy Costa for example. His collection at the India Bridal Fashion Week even included an orange shirt teamed up with a paisley printed blazer. However, when it came to styling Irfan Khan for Toronto International Film Festival or Siddhant Kapoor (Shakti Kapoor's son) for Cannes, he tailored for them a black suit, white shirt and a black bow tie. Says Troy, "Red Carpet is not the platform to experiment; if you consider similar events in the West, they don't even pick a different-coloured bow-tie. It's a formal occasion, where men look the best in a three-piece and women in gowns or sarees." As for the one off change introduced by Ranveer Singh, he terms it as most inappropriate. "You can't be dressed up like a joker for an event like this. The same goes for actresses who walk down the Red Carpet in Anarkalis."

While most of the designers are sticking to the black suit protocol, Nitasha Gaurav, Ranveer's stylist, is out to prove a point. His polka dotted trousers at Karan Johar's show Koffee with Karan adds to the same. Mandira Wirk, who is the stylist for Saif Ali Khan, disagrees, and says that looking different doesn't necessarily translate itself into a classy and elegant turnout. "I personally didn't like Ranveer's styling because that's not how we are conditioned to look at men. We love and admire the Richard Gere like sophisticated look; you tamper with that and it seems like you are really trying hard." In all objectivity, Ranveer Singh's style looks effortless; like it belongs to him and he knows how to carry it. His chappals and plazzos are a welcome change, though the Louis Vuitton suit was probably a mismatch for the esteemed Red Carpet.

ashima@tribunemail.com

Stage notes
Jyoti Dogra, in Chandigarh with her play Notes on Chai, says working with an ensemble cast is quite a challenge...
Mona

Jyoti Dogra has enjoyed her innings on the stage as well as the screen, both big and small. However, stage remains her favourite playground. In Chandigarh with her solo, Notes on Chai, on the invite of Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi, Jyoti loves to engage herself on different levels — as a writer, performer and director, she is happy doing all this and more.

Are solos more challenging than ensemble plays, we wonder? Jyoti believes challenges in solo are different than an ensemble cast, but can't say if one is harder than the other. "In a solo, space is more familiar and there is liberty to explore more. Like I have delved into the use of body and that of sound in Notes of Chai, which I bring to the city," says Jyoti. Another thing she loves about solos is that you can carry them on for longer time periods. Notes of Chai has now been running for almost two years.

With an ensemble cast, however, this liberty is seldom enjoyed. Time and commitment are the challenges that the whole team has to face to put a show together on stage.

As much as Jyoti loves being on stage, she admires Rehan Engineer's works as well. "His approach to the set, scene and cast is so exceptional," she shares. As for actors, Naseeruddin Shah tops her list of favourites. "Everyone says he is an extraordinary actor; of course he is."

While men get to play characters of different shades on the big screen, do women get their fair share under the sun? "Well, women don't in any walk of life in India — be it films, corporate sector or marriage. Even in theatre it is as easy or difficult as in any other field."

(Notes on Chai will be staged on February 1 from 6:30 pm onwards at the Tagore Theatre)

mona@tribunemail.com

A dazzling affair...
Jewellery designer Nirav Modi's persona is simple. What shines through are his exquisite creations inspired from art…
Nonika Singh

Amidst the sea of artists and artworks at the ongoing 6th edition of India Art Fair at New Delhi, in a way he is an odd man out. But India's billionaire jewellery designer Nirav Modi, whose exquisite jewellery pieces are attracting as many eyeballs as priceless artworks, believes, "art and jewellery go together." Sure this is a first-of-its-kind event for him in which he is exhibiting at an art fair. But while jewellery shows and holding exhibitions might be a strict no-no for him, his designs have been a toast at prestigious auctions worldwide. Take his lotus necklace with a rare Golconda diamond. A showpiece of Christie's auction of jewels in Hong Kong in November 2010, it was sold for a whopping three million dollars. Yet another necklace, comprising 36 flawless white diamonds, together weighing 88.88 carats, was sold for 5.1 million dollars at a Sotheby's auction in Hong Kong to a Chinese buyer. More recently, he has created a piece comprising 17 solitaires priced at an astronomical Rs 50 crores.

At the fair, however, he says, "The idea is not to sell but to create awareness and generate interest among the discerning buyers with an artistic eye."

Actually much of his jewellery is fashioned and inspired from art. If Mughal miniature art has led to a necklace of diamonds worth Rs 55 lakhs, Monet's Lillies pour in yet another fascinating piece. Growing up in Europe, Antwerp to be precise, repeated visits to art museums exposed him to the best in art at an early stage. Today as he, eats, lives and breathes design, he believes his jewellery line is not just a collector's item but more significantly wearable. To make them so, he goes an extra mile and has created bangles that can stretch out by two inches, a feat achieved by sheer engineering. Movement too is intrinsic to his designs and that is what earned him the appreciation of Rahul Kadakia, head of Christie's Jewellery Department in New York. No wonder some of his designs like earrings that look like butterflies actually move when worn and do not stand stiff. To jewellery-loving Indian women his first bit of advice is, "don't go for heavy pieces that would hurt your neck or ears".

Using the finest quality of diamonds - the very minimum is VS quality and F colour - expectedly he cautions buyers against substandard craftsmanship. Dittoing the eternal piece of wisdom that 'jewellery is a lifelong investment', he doesn't think his jewellery is out of bounds for the not-so-rich. He quips, "Some of my jewellery is for Rs 5 lakhs, not exactly cheap but not a king's ransom either." India may have slowly woken up to signature jewellery designs but operating from his plush salon in Mumbai, he certainly has made a place for himself not just in India but also on the international map. No wonder he will soon be setting showrooms in Delhi, Mumbai and New York.

Tastes of his foreign clientele, he observes, are no different from their Indian counterparts. Anyway, his signature style is as contemporary as global in appeal. However, except for occasional cufflinks that he himself too adorns at times, he doesn't care for 'ornamenting' men. To dazzle and make the fair sex more dazzling is the aim of his bright and luminous collection.

Collecting gems

Nirav Modi, with revenues of $1.3 billion and manufacturing units in India, Russia, Armenia and South Africa, is also an art collector. Modern masters particularly the progressives is what he cares to buy. The art fair might have a two-fold advantage for him. While he might pick up a few pieces, who knows the artistic impulses imbibed here too are likely to permeate his designs.

Budget proposal
Located in the Industrial Area, Hotel Ginger targets at the business travellers
Amarjot Kaur

Yet another name adds to the list of budget hotels in the city—Hotel Ginger from Roots Corporation, a subsidiary of The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), at the Industrial Area Phase 1.

"The hotel has a total of 102 rooms and it is owned by Hind Inns and Hotels Ltd. Though this venture is an extension of our business, which essentially is an automobile company, we are aiming to provide the customers with hospitality services, which will give them value for their money," says Ashish M Gupta, executive director.

Meanwhile, PK Mohankumar, managing director and Chief Executive Officer, Roots Corporation Limited, says, "This is our first hotel in Punjab. The city is equipped with highly capable human capital, first-rate infrastructure and access to large domestic and international markets. Designed exclusively to cater to the value-driven traveller we hope to bring a fresh flavour to the city's hospitality landscape with the launch of Ginger."

Easily accessible from the airport and railway station and located in the Industrial Area, the business hub of the city, Ginger is a perfect choice for business travellers with room prices starting from Rs 2199 for single occupancy and Rs 2699 double occupancy.

On offer

The hotel is equipped with special features like a smart space, Safe zone, self-check-in kiosk, gym, and free Wi-Fi. "The hotel also offers puzzle parking facility, which is the fist in the city and we also have five rooms, which are specially designed for the handicapped. Also, the meeting room accommodating 35-pax is ideal for business meeting and conferences. We have a 24-hour in-house multi-cuisine restaurant and bar, Red Salt restaurant for the residents, which will remain open for the outsiders till 11.30pm," shares Ashish.

Technology and design-led, Ginger rooms are equipped with technologically advanced locking system ensuring safety and privacy. All rooms are furnished with well-appointed amenities such as a mini-fridge, LCD TV, self-controlled air-conditioner, tea and coffee maker, and a telephone.

amarjot@tribunemail.com

first-day-first show
Nothing romantic

One By Two is a Bollywood film, which is a romantic comedy. It is directed by Devika Bhagat and the film features the real life couple, Abhay Deol and Preeti Desai in the lead roles. The film revolves around the story of Amit and Samara, who meet each other while living in Mumbai.

Nothing convincing

I did not quite like the first half of the film that much, but in the second half, the movie catches momentum and becomes a little more entertaining. It is a good story, but not that convincing. It's a one-time watch!

Megha Sareen, student

Little drab

I liked the film and Abhay Deol has acted really well. However, he is not able to pull the movie through its weak moments. I think the movie is a little drab for a romantic comedy, but then it's okay!

Anuj Khanna, businessperson

A disappointment

With real-life couples, Abhay Deol and Preeti Desai, I thought that the movie would be fun to watch, but it was quite a disappointment. I like Abhay Deol, but in this movie, he is not all that good.

Sonal Manik, fashion designer

As told to Amarjot Kaur

South meets North!

The first name in South Indian food that comes in one's mind is Sagar Ratna. This highly acclaimed chain of restaurant is known for its hygienically prepared South Indian delicacies.

But now the brand has also started to serve North Indian as demanded by the guests. The restaurant has been ranked amongst the best 5 restaurants in iIndia and 450 in Asia by the world renowned Miele Guide.

Sagar Ratna has been missing from Sector- 17 for last two years. The customers were missing the authentic South Indian taste to cherish. So here they are, back to serve the patrons. There are a variety of 25 dosas to relish your taste buds. Dahi vada remains the starter speciality that every customer loves to have before giving his order.

The staff has been trained from the company end. The taste of the sambar has remained true to authentic one from the very year of its establishment. The sambar master and the dosa master come with an experience of more than 18 years.

Apart from the speciality in the South indian cuisine, they are also serving the best of North indian and Chinese cuisines now. While the dosas start at Rs120 onwards, South Indian thali is at Rs 180. There is inaugural discount too. — TNS

Over a cup of tea

Marvel Tea has announced the multi-faceted entertainer, Bollywood Superstar and International pop sensation Priyanka Chopra as its brand ambassador for its range of tea products. The alliance is to cultivate the aggressively expanding tea business of Marvel.

Announcing the association with Priyanka Chopra, RC Jain, CMD, Marvel Tea Estate (I) Ltd. Says, "We are pleased to announce one of the leading icons of the film industry, Priyanka Chopra as our brand ambassador who would be the face of our brand. Priyanka as a versatile actress with youthful zeal and positive influence will distinctly bring forth shared synergies, values and beliefs and help Marvel Tea further expand its customer base."

Speaking on her role as the new face of the Marvel Tea brand, Priyanka Chopra says, "This is truly a synergistic association. To me Marvel Tea is a forward looking brand that has trust, credibility, versatility and innovation in its DNA and I would like to believe that I am representative of some of those qualities. I'm looking forward to being a part of the next stage of Marvel Tea's growth, expansion and success.'' — TNS

STAR TRACK
Flora co-stars with Ajaz

Actress Flora Saini, who is awaiting the release of in Nagesh Kuknoor's Lakshimi, is all set for the release of much-delayed film Ya Rab. The movie was shot in Lucknow and Mumbai around two-and-a-half years ago. Incidentally the actress shares screen space with Bigg Boss contestant Ajaz Khan.

Flora quipped, "He is a fine actor and a very dedicated professional. It was a pleasure working with him." The movie deals with a strong subject that teaches everyone that all religions and Gods are equal and none of them preach killing anyone and spreading terror.

Flora further explained, "I am playing Saima who is a sister of a terrorist. She falls for an Indian cop. It's a very interesting role to portray."

Horror story

With many known televisions hunks debuting in Bollywood, Mohammad Nazim is heading towards Bollywood as well.

Nazim, who is currently seen as Aham of Saathiya, has chosen a rather unusual genre to debut as he is all set to star in a horror flick Plot no 666. He says, "The script and crux of the movie or a story are the most important points for me. If the story and my character are sensible then I always take up the role. The same goes with this movie. The makers felt I fit in the role."

His favourite horror movies include Raaz and 1920, also The Conjuring. He adds, "These movies really grip me, they keep me on the edge of my seat because the stories had life to them. I have completed the shoot and am dubbing for it".

Nazim will also be seen in a Punjabi film titled Full Fukrey.

No masti on TV

Vivek Oberoi and Aftab Shivdasani's sex comedy Grand Masti will not be shown on television and neither will Neil Nitin Mukesh's Shortcut Romeo because they have a lot of bold content.

Ranveer says it all

Ranveer Singh tells it like it is. He talks about his aspirations in the film business, co-stars, and more.

Two-hero film

Liking an actor is subjective; but yes, I want people to remember both of us. One needn't be concerned about these things.

Awards season

I am happy with 2013. I agree with Sonakshi's (Sinha) disappointment over Lootera not getting any nominations; that film hasn't got its due. I am not talking here about my performance. The art director, the music composer, the cinematographer and the director should have got awards as it was a technically superior film. In case of Ram Leela, Deepika (Padukone) deserves to win awards this season.

Future plans

I cannot do dhandebaazi, so I cannot be a producer. I do want to look into the creative aspects of filmmaking. Right now I am busy with acting but few years down the line I want to write film scripts, compose music and direct films. I have three ideas in mind and have already narrated them to filmmakers Maneesh Sharma, Shaad Ali and Adi sir (Aditya Chopra) and they seem to be confident about it.

The real Ranveer

I am honest and expressive, but no one knows the real me. People ask me to pipe down but I cannot change that; I will go mad if I am pretending to be someone I am not. What matters is that I don't offend anyone. Of course, people now know that I am prone to doing crazy stuff. Besides, I am not in an important relationship that I need to be worried about.

Fashion sense

I wear what I want to wear irrespective of what people like or dislike. Also, I get easily bored with suits in black, grey, blue and white. Thanks to my stylist, I am more aware about fashion. Now that I have money of my own, I can shop for myself; earlier, I'd just wear what my mother or sister would buy me.

Losing for a reason

Rajkumar Rao has lost more than seven kilos and he will lose two more kilos for his role in City Lights. He has gone off non-veg food and carbohydrates and fried food.

Funny and happy

Farhan Akhtar is very happy that Shaadi Ke Side Effects has given him the chance to do a lot of comedy and he feels that it is the funniest movie he has ever done.

Kalki moves out

Kalki Koechlin has moved out of her shared apartment with Anurag Kashyap and is living on her own in a rented apartment in the vicinity. The duo is on talking terms though they have separated.

Bieber wants to live on a ranch!

Justin Bieber is reportedly looking at estates in a ranch, which is 20 miles from where he currently lives in Calabasas. The 19-year-old pop star has been looking at homes in Hidden Valley and is particularly keen on White Stallion Estates. The Baby hitmaker, who is also interested in Portrero RD in Hidden Valley, wants to move out of Calabasas as soon as possible, following a police raid on the property. It was earlier reported that Bieber wants to build his own skate park in the new estate that he buys, so that he and his friends can use their skateboards without interference. — ANI

Weight loss

Parineeti Chopra feels that she has lost a lot of weight and can wear much better clothes now. She wants to look great in her movies.

Singing buddies

Shekhar Suman and Adhyayan Suman are both singers and have sung in their movie Heartless. They are like friends in real life.

An effortless seductress

Burlesque star Dita Von Teese practices the art of seduction in normal situations she encounters everyday. Von Teese, 41, said she builds up her confidence more she surrounds herself with beauty, reported a publication. "I believe in practising the art of seduction in everyday life. By surrounding myself with luxury and beauty, seduction becomes effortless, she said. The dancer said one should also wear a powerful lip colour.— PTI

Hema is one happy mother
Ahana Deol is marrying Vaibhav on February 2

Ahana Deol will tie the knot with beau Vaibhav Vora on February 2 and move to Delhi. Hema Malini talks about her younger daughter's marriage.

When Ahana met Vaibhav

Ahana met Vaibhav at Esha's wedding but we have known Vaibhav for a long time and wanted Ahana to meet him. After Esha's wedding, Ahana met him twice or thrice. Then she came to me and said, "Yes Mom, he is a nice guy and I would like to get married to him."

Trousseau shopping

(With a weary sigh) Finally, yes, the trousseau shopping is complete and it was a task. When Esha tied the knot, I brought a lot of things from down South. This time the shopping was done in Mumbai and Jaipur. Neeta Lulla has designed her mehendi ceremony ensemble and Manish Malhotra her wedding outfit.

Moving to Delhi

Yes, but hum dance shows par milte rahenge. She is not giving up dancing till she decides to start a family and Vaibhav is fine with that decision.

chatter box
Shaking a leg

The upcoming episode of Comedy Circus Ke Mahabali will see real-life couple Abhay Deol and Preeti Desai sweat it out on stage, as they get dancing lessons from Krushna and Bharti. After initial greetings, the entertainment quotient will be taken a notch higher when Bharti will invite Abhay and Preeti to shake a leg with her. Though hesitant at first, both will be seen grooving with Bharti on the song Pinky hain paise walo ki. Watch Abhay and Preeti get dancing lessons on Comedy Circus Ke Mahabali on February 2, from 10 pm onwards only on Sony Entertainment Television.

Playing the devil

The young and charming Akshay Sethi makes his way to SAB TV's fantasy show Baal Veer as a devilish magician Mogambo Gomango. Known for his negative roles in Saat Phere and Sasural Genda Phool, Akshay will be seen in a completely different character as Mogambo Gomango this time around. He plays a magician with a negative shade, who possesses special powers through which he can create his own clone, becomes invisible and fools people through his tricks.

"It's for the first time ever in Baal Veer that a male antagonist has been introduced. My character has different negative shades along with lots of fun. A stylish and sleek magician, I steal valuable jewels and clothes of queens. My aim is to destroy the Pari Lok and Baal Veer. I am excited about playing the character of Mogambo Gomango, as I had to change my voice to a very husky one for this role," he says.

Roshni’s comic timing

Mimicking Kangana Ranaut and Priyanka Chopra on Lux Cozi Zee Cine Awards 2014 Nominations Special episode, Roshni Chopra was seen at her versatile best. While the actress carried off their looks from the movies Rajjo and Zanjeer with ease, Roshni seemed quite comfortable playing their parts too. Mimicking the two Bollywood sirens in a hilarious spoof that had various other mimicry artists, including Rajesh Kumar, Kunal Kumar and Mubin playing the bigwigs of Bollywood, Roshni was seen playing a double role of Priyanka and Kangana.

"It was a lot of fun stepping into the shoes of Kangana and Priyanka, as they are both glamorous style icons. I hope the audiences like my look and laugh out loud." Watch out the 'Nomination Special' episode of Zee Cine Awards on Saturday, February 1, at 7 pm only on Zee TV.

Moving on?

Buzz is that Hina Khan aka Akshara in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai has split from her boyfriend. She was apparently seeing the director of her show Neeraj Baliyan, who not only groomed her but reportedly helped her become the actress she is. Hina never spoke about him in public, but they were seen together at parties. Recently, when Hina threw a party to celebrate five years of the show he was, however, missing.

Show time...

Jaya Bachchan's television debut show is on its way and rumours are that it might replace Desh Ki Beti Nandini. The latter hasn't delivered ratings, so the channel is thinking of launching Jaya's show at the 9 pm slot instead. It has a cast starring Anupam Kher, Urvashi Dholakia and Vishal Singh, among others.

Classical approach

During award functions, television actresses usually prefer to showcase their dancing skills on popular Bollywood numbers or through contemporary dance forms. Recently when Shilpa Shinde was asked to put up a performance for SAB Ke Satrangi Parivaar Awards, she chose to stick to the traditional Indian classic dance form — Kathakali. Shilpa, who is currently playing the character of a Catholic girl named Mary D'mello in SAB TV's popular show Lapataganj - Ek Baar Phir, will be once again seen dressed in bright and colourful South- Indian attire.

"Dancing on Indian classical forms is very difficult and challenging. It is very different from the usual Bollywood song and dance numbers. A lot of attention is required in getting the right expressions. I performed on Desh Mera Rangeela from the movie Fanna. The best thing about performing an Indian classical dance form is that it improves your concentration levels. I am sure viewers will love my performance."

Negatively positive

Aanchal Khurrana aka Charu of Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke fame talks about her devilish character in the show, Aanchal says right now her focus is on her health, which has been suffering too. We catch up for more.
Aanchal Khurrana
Not bad: Aanchal Khurrana

Your role is ending again, how does it feel?

It's disappointing. It doesn't feel like its ending, as Charu will be back soon. The game is still on. This was my fifth re-entry into the show. Every time I come back, it's exciting. The TRP rises as people hate Charu!

What do you dislike most about your character Charu?

She' dumb, arrogant and a rich brat! I don't like many things about her but her proposal to have a one-night stand with Mayank was the worst I thought. Personally, I hate negative characters.

What is it like working in the show?

It is great as the cast and crew are lovely. I am friendly with all of them. Till my last comeback, I was good friends with Roopal Tyagi and now I am friendly with all. The senior actors take good care of me.

Did you even fall ill during the show?

Yes. I was hospitalised as I had an ulcer in my intestine. I had to undergo treatment, but as I was needed to shoot I couldn't get proper rest. The director took great care and asked me to rest between takes.

What's next for you?

I will go to Delhi for a week to recover. I want to get well. And later I will look for a positive character to play onscreen. I keep getting offers for negative roles, but I want to try my hand at positive roles as well. 

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is February 1...

You are entering a phase where no one can slow down your enthusiasm and combativeness. Moderate health is indicated. Take care of your stomach, hair and skin properly. Those born between 1960 and 2000 will be particularly active and organised; they'll act with proper planning. New career opportunities are in store for those engaged in fashion design industry, advertisement firms, music industry or in any other creative profession. They will gain fame and fortune.

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

Select days: Sunday, Monday.

Favourable numbers: 1,4,2,7.

Gems recommended: Yellow Sapphire, Red Coral, Ruby.

Charity on birthday: Donate utensils or medicines to the needy or at any religious place today.

You share your birthday with Jaikishen Kakubhai Shroff (February 1, 1957, Mumbai), who made his Bollywood debut as a villain in the 1973 hit Heera Panna, which starred Dev Anand. He then acted in Swami Dada. According to his stars, Jackie will gain much more as a director after 2015.

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: Keep in mind that situations change and lucky breaks can be just around the corner. Try to increase your knowledge in new areas. Health will need more care in the evening. Tarot message: Lack of confidence can leave you in losses. Lucky colour: Coffee. Magic number: 28.

TAURUS: Take criticism constructively and accept praise graciously. Make the most of this low-key day because there is plenty of work in store foryou tomorrow. Tarot message: Don't take hasty decisions. Lucky colour: Burgundy. Magic number: 61.

GEMINI: Your chivalrous behaviour and sentiments strike the right note with people. Pack up your cares and have a good time. Influential people can be contacted without too much trouble. Tarot message: Don't waste an opportunity by being rash or impulsive. Lucky colour: Golden. Magic number: 33.

CANCER: Browse the newspaper and websites for that dream job because you will just find exactly what you have been looking for. Arguments at home are likely to erupt. Tarot message: Learn from past experiences. Lucky colour: Beige. Magic number: 28

LEO: If you have been feeling house-bound, arrange an outing with your partner. Refuse any new assignments. Loved ones are unlikely to make special demands upon you. Tarot message: Be articulate. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 65.

VIRGO: Show your love to close ones through practical action rather than empty promises. Be careful while signing agreements. Family members will require your assistance. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish long-term tasks. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 27.

LIBRA: If something is already on your calendar, postpone it for a later date. It is time to impress your boss. You will be feeling competent to deal with work that requires creativity. Tarot message: Don't do anything at the cost of health. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 39.

SCORPIO: You are in a cheerful mood today. Decisions involving a journey overseas, committing to a formal course of education or joining a religious community are likely today. Tarot message: Make compromises outside and come to terms within yourself. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 25.

SAGITTARIUS: Women: you will have the money to shop to your heart's desire. You can plan a profitable business trip. Those interested in modelling will get a suitable break. Tarot message: Lack of caution can cause trouble. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 44.

CAPRICORN: Household expenses and mortgage seem to be pretty well covered now. But pleasurable indulgence might be eating into domestic expenses. Ignore unpleasant gossip. Tarot message: Prevent a lot of trouble by taking timely action. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 55.

AQUARIUS: Investments in property are possible. Shopkeepers can encounter an unruly customer. Politicians: some of you can figure in the news. Tarot message: Be positive and think carefully before taking action. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 64.

PISCES: Make the day a really enjoyable one and forget about the work. Students interested in competitive sports will be selected for their school team. You will be free from any pressure and stress today. Tarot message: Do not swing away from the course you have charted so far. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 46.





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