Shining through
Actor, producer and anchor Deepti Bhatnagar has done justice to each role she has essayed. In Mohali, she shares how she is a people’s person and loves to spread happiness
Ashima Batish

Deepti Bhatnagar Amidst the chaos and clutter; everybody stepping on everybody's shoes, a hundred pictures being clicked, best wishes exchanged…you see Deepti Bhatnagar, all smiles and chatting with people around. But for her pretty face, everything around is ruffled, so much so that even jewellery on the shelves of the just launched Timeless Jewels store in Mohali, does not sparkle as much in front of her!

Deepti, except for feeling hot (it is a jam-packed space), remains cool. "It is because I am a people's person and love to spread happiness around," says the actor-cum-anchor-cum-producer, who is all excited to launch her YouTube channel, Yatra.tv.

On the lines of her popular travel show, the YouTube Channel, will extensively cover the genre. From pilgrimages to exotic destinations to virgin locations to backpackers, the channel will showcase it all. "Also it will be about futuristic travelling, about how one can travel on a minimum budget." While anchoring the show for ten years took her popularity to a new level, she believes it also benefitted her on the personal level, "It changed my personality, infused confidence in me and at the same time helped me develop patience." Yatra now might have a new host, but the trade name, Yatra, she says is registered with her. Proud to be a part of it once, she shares that it is the only Indian show to be nominated for Emmy Awards.

Sharing her life's history, Deepti says that she was just 22 when she moved out of her house. But she began working very early in life, as early as in class VIII! "I made two jewellery pouches and sold them off for Rs 6. The jeweller who bought them gave me a huge contract. I made a profit of Rs 40,000 with my first consignment." She also runs a jewellery house, which still uses the same pouches!

An entrepreneur, besides being an actor and anchor, Deepti also successfully runs a production house. "I am now venturing into producing films and one is ready for release, which is co-incidentally the last film by late Rituparno Ghosh." Named Tak Jhak, it's the story of a pair of sunglasses and how it changes the life of a family. The star cast of the film is no less interesting.

"I am fortunate to have Jaya Bachchan, Konkana Sen Sharma and Madhavan to act in my film." Happy to be a producer she still says that acting is a better profession as actors are paid really well, while production has become a very costly affair. But there is no denying the fact that the money game in production has got bigger and better, the reason why actors are graduating to production, "For me also, it was a natural progression." And she has certainly made money, which she admits as well!

ashima@tribunemail.com

Over to part 2!
It is the time for sequels in Punjabi movies. And with Aa Gaye Munde UK De, director Manmohan Singh has entered the fray
Jasmine Singh

It is a curious case of will it or won't it; Punjabi film industry waits for a verdict on itself. Movies are not doing well, producers are not repeating themselves, actors as well as directors are worried and then out-of-the-blue one odd film clicks. Recently, we hear 'Part 2' is making rounds - in simple words sequels of Punjabi films is what we will get to see now, more than often.

As for now, we wait and watch as Manmohan Singh announces the arrival of the sequel of his earlier film Munde Uk De, titled Aa Gaye Munde UK De.

Setting a trend
Manmohan Singh

The man undoubtedly gave us a new cinema, which was relished by one and all. His film Munde Uk De received a good response from the audience. Manmohan Singh is back with Aa Gaye Munde UK De starring Jimmy Shergill, Neeru Bajwa, Binnu Dhillon and Gurpreet Ghuggi.

A sequel: You can call it a sequel, the Aa Gaye Munde UK De has a different storyline, and it is an altogether different concept. The shooting of the film has already begun; we have added one or two new characters though.

Comic line: Films run on substance, we look at so many comedy movies releasing everyday - this has led to the downfall of cinema. The content of Punjabi comedy films is more or less the same.

Hope for the best: I also know that we are sailing in difficult waters right now; it is about one or two good films hitting the theatres. Thereafter everything will be okay.

Laughter riot
Gurpreet Ghuggi

In a Punjabi-Canadian accent, Gurpreet Ghuggi, the actor-comedian, made laughter a real thing with Munde UK De. In the movie's sequel, Gurpreet plans to bring in something new.

What's new: This is for the first time that I would make the audience cry. You have seen enough comedies, but with Aa gaye Munde UK De you will see what a comedy is all about.

A sequel I would like to see: I am waiting for the sequel of Carry on Jatta. Other than that I don't think in recent times any movie needs to have a second part. I am glad that Mann ji is coming back with this film, since he makes promising movies.

My kind of comedy: I loved the comedy in Bhajji in Problem; it was loud and subtle at the same time.

Being particular
Neeru Bajwa

She is the reigning queen of Punjabi cinema and very particular about the kind of films she does. Says Neeru Bajwa, "I am a fan of Manmohan Singh films; with this movie the audience will see the cinema of real comedy, real subject and real matter."

Neeru is known to do all kinds of roles from romantic, comedy to even intense. “To me it is the role that matters, if a movie has a good script then it does not need anything else.”

jasmine@tribunemail.com

High & on his way
Director Imtiaz Ali is prepared to learn from his critics, but it is the ordinary viewer who spends money to watch his film that matters the most to him
Amarjot Kaur

Deep focus: Imtiaz Ali
Deep focus: Imtiaz Ali

The one predominantly overwhelming feeling that embraces you jab you meet Imtiaz Ali, director of the recent film Highway, is that of gratification — the kind that you feel when you actually receive a call from someone who once said, "I'll get back".

In Chandigarh on Tuesday to visit the theatres where his film Highway was being screened, Imtiaz makes an honest confession — in a sincere tone that does not exceed a certain decibel limit, "I'm here to meet people and garner their responses about my film."

Although Highway has received mixed reviews from the critics, Imtiaz remains unruffled by their opinions, "Well, I don't read reviews. When Jab we Met was released, critics gave it two or three stars but people really liked the film. I am more interested in knowing what a common man, who spent his money on watching my film, feels about that movie. It is his opinion that matters to me the most."

While Imtiaz's statement makes us wonder how he takes to the criticism, he retains his composure and replies, "Criticism, I believe, is very helpful. However, even criticism has to be real. Although there are times when criticism can be very harsh, but there is always a grain of truth in it that can indeed guide us towards the better."

As a director, the first thing that Imtiaz looks for in a film is an interesting story and then come the characters. "In my growing years, I was fed on commercial cinema like Sholay; and a lot of dishum-dishum, romance and drama. When I grew a little older, we had movies like Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak and so on. So I like such kind of cinema, especially Sholay," he shares.

Known for shooting at picturesque locales, Imtiaz believes that a film must not necessarily focus on the locales but must be able to touch the hearts of the viewers anywhere, "Highway has been shot in natural light and there was no set. There is certain rawness in the film that conveys truthfulness, honesty and it should touch your heart," he shares.

For a director an actor is a reflection of his character and when puzzled about who he thinks is the most potent director's actor, Imtiaz replies in a jiffy, "It has to be Kareena Kapoor Khan and Ranbir Kapoor. They are brother and sister, else I would have cast the two of them in Rockstar," he laughs. And what is that one emotion that he, as a film-maker aims to evoke in his viewers? He delves deep in his thoughts to look for words and says, "I think it's that certain kind of softness, a smile; it's that feeling of gratification. The kind that is shown in the film Highway when Veera climbs the rock and people strike an instant connect. It is one of my favourite scenes in the film too," he says.

amarjot@tribunemail.com

A visual treat
Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi’s annual art exhibition portrays the many shades of life
Amarjot Kaur

The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.
— Pablo Picasso

Photo: S ChandanAt the Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi's annual art exhibition, which is being held in three categories - student, professional and invited, as many as one hundred works of art are ready to delight the senses at the Sobha Singh Art Gallery, Punjab Kala Bhawan.

The first that draws our attention is an installation by Charanjit Singh Dhiman - a golden broom with a sword handle. Just when we decipher what it aims to connote, our eyes go to the placard - titled as Ultimatum! A 72" by 54" acrylic on canvas portrait by Narinder Mour titled, Portrait of Darkness, hangs right behind the installation. A figurative abstract painting titled No Lips by Ashok Das complements both the installation and the portrait. Also, a photograph of numerous fingers, titled Democracy, only propels the flow of thoughts.

Photo: S ChandanAs one progresses through the romantic scenic landscape photographs in tungsten and red sepia tones by Bhupinder Brar to Sonali Garg's quirky cartoon sketch work on rotis, the mood mellows. However, Madan Lal's Urban Melange and Viney Vadhera's Power, both acrylic on canvas, set the progressive thoughts back in motion. While Madan Lal weaves the elements of society and its functioning in a contemporary figurative abstract to reflect on the existing social set-up, Viney, the mask man, paints the portrait of a politician. "I have painted the politician of today, who does three major things - he entertains the masses, he lures them with polite words and he dupes them. This is why in my painting, one politician is holding flowers in his hand while the other one is masked as a crow who steals food from the masses," says Viney. Bheem Malhotra's water colour painting, titled Lost in the Past VI, represents grey in a rather intense fashion as he uses pigeons against the black and white backdrop of a dilapidated building.

The student category has more of etching and aquatint paintings by various artists, including Rahul Dhiman, Vikas, Neha Chawla, Amandeep Kaur and Simranjot Kaur, among others.

(On till February 28)

amarjot@tribunemail.com

GET PHYSICAL
Take care of triceps
Vishal Thukral

Many chest exercises also involve triceps. This means chest and triceps exercises may be performed during the same workout or with sufficient recuperation time in between. Here are a few exercises for chest and triceps.

Chest exercises

Dumbell flies: Grasp two dumbbells. Lie on a bench. Support dumbbells above the chest with arms fixed in slightly bent position. Internally rotate shoulders so elbows point out to sides. Lower the dumbbells to the sides until the chest muscles are stretched with elbows fixed in slightly bent position. Bring the dumbbells together in a hugging motion until the dumbbells are nearly together. Keep the shoulders internally rotated so elbows point downward at bottom position and outward at top position. Do it 10-12 reps, 3 to 4 sets.

Dumbell chest press: Lie on the bench with a dumbbell in each hand and feet flat on the floor. Push the dumbbells up so that your arms are directly over your shoulders and your palms are up. Pull your abdominals in, and tilt your chin toward your chest. Lower the dumbbells down and a little to the side until your elbows are slightly below your shoulders. Roll your shoulder blades back and down, like you're pinching them together and accentuating your chest. Push the weights back, taking care not to lock your elbows or allow your shoulder blades to rise off the bench. Do it 10-12 reps. 3 to 4 sets.

Push ups: Lie prone on the floor with hands slightly wider than shoulder width.

Raise your body off the floor by extending your arms. Keeping body straight, lower your body to the floor by bending your arms. Push your body up until arms are extended. Do it 15-20 reps.3 to 4 sets.

Tri-cep exercises

One arm tri-cep extension: To begin, stand up with a dumbbell held in one hand. Feet should be about shoulder width apart from each other. Now fully extend the arm with the dumbbell over your head. The small finger of your hand should be facing the ceiling and the palm of your hand should be facing forward.

Overhead tri-cep extension: Position one dumbbell overhead with both hands under the inner plate (heart-shaped grip). With elbows overhead, lower forearm behind upper arm by flexing elbows. Flex wrists at bottom to avoid hitting dumbbell on the back of neck. Raise the dumbbell overhead by extending elbows while hyper extending wrists. Return and repeat. Do it 10-12 reps, 3 to 4 sets.

(Thukral is a Chandigarh-based aerobics trainer)

the foodies
Easy grace
F Bar & Lounge offers a unique eating experience in a wonderful setting
Jasmine Singh

Once a while, it is okay to ignore certain things; it just makes life easy. Eating more is a case in point! Through the glass lift of the mall City Emporium, Industrial Area, Chandigarh, you have to knowingly ignore the emptiness around. It is the destination that you just remember…F Bar & Lounge, a much-talked about place in Chandigarh, a cool hangout joint, a night club offering a spacious terrace as well.

Look around

The first thing that you notice at F Bar is that nothing in this place exceeds the limits. The interiors are regular yet fresh; nothing hits your eyes and senses. A DJ console on the top holds the promise of one helluva party!

Eat right

The menu is easy on your mind without many pages to flip through. Despite this, you get an assortment of food at F Bar; you name it and they would serve. Oven roasted Basa, Grilled sole, Roasted New Zealand lamb chops in Continental, Fettucine Alfredo, Brushchetta, Galouti kebab, Seekh popeye are there in starters. And if you are missing that great Indian dal, well the F Bar menu offers tadke wali dal and biryani as well.

The portions of the dishes might wary, but this is a club, which means no one is really fussy with food here! The choice moves on with Mediterranean, Hummus with chicken, Baba Ghanoush, Lamb kibben, Fried minced lamb and F Bar signature cocktail and soup.

Try this

Soft dahi kebab, flavoured chicken with dark rum and chicken popeye with your choice of drinks goes pretty well! If you are not taking drinks, seafood bisque or broth with chunks of sea food are for you. Says KD Rawat, Executive Chef, "F Bar & Lounge is a place where you would like to party hard, but the kind of easy, simple yet niche menu we have…you wouldn't mind digging into food as well."

Sweet nothings

The blueberry cheese cake and choco lava are the most interesting desserts to cut through. The choco lava cake gives you an opportunity to experience finger licking lava as you dig your spoon into the soft cake.

Rating: ***

CELEB POINT
Prime experience
Divya Dutta

Recently I got a call from Shyam Benegal's office informing that we were to go to the Parliament House for the screening of his ten-part series on the making of the Constitution - Samvidhan. The Prime Minister and the Vice President were to watch the series with us. I was so excited!

This was once-in-a-lifetime experience. Although I was shooting for Ragini MMS 2, I sorted out the dates and was soon onboard the flight with my favourite team comprising close friends who are also a part of Samvidhan, including Ila Arun, Rajit Kapur, Rajeshwari, Swara Bhaskar and Sachin Khedekar. The fun started in the flight itself and the favourite topic was what everyone was wearing.

We reached the Parliament House at sharp seven am. I was excited to be inside and watch my own self on the big screen with the Prime Minister and Shyam Benegal. I felt a surge of excitement and nervous energy. As we got into the auditorium, we were told that things would be a bit delayed as the Telengana Bill was being passed. What you saw on television was happening on the same premises where I was! In about an hour, the bill was passed and the ministers started entering the auditorium for the screening. Whatever said and done, I felt great they were there to inspire after a hectic day of debates. I also had the honour of meeting Jaya Bachchan in a different set-up! Then the Prime Minister arrived and after the screening a huge round of applause followed. I felt so proud to have been part of such a prestigious project.

Then I had the honour of shaking hands with the Prime Minister. What a gentleman to meet! We all had the privilege of having dinner with the PM, which is something people can just dream of. In between I got to chat with him briefly and all my friends were giving me envious looks! We were behaving like excited students. After dinner, we walked through the Parliament House amidst tight security! What a great experience.

(Dutta is a Bollywood actor)

Lofty design

Woodland, announced further strengthening of its support to UNICEF’s work for children in India. Woodland and UNICEF enters this partnership for the third consecutive year and will together advocate the importance of safe drinking water and sanitation under their WASH campaign.

About a quarter of deaths of children under the age of five in India are due to diarrhoea; lack of safe drinking water, proper sanitation and hygiene being the major cause behind. As part of the association under Woodland’s sustainability initiative ‘ProPlanet’, every Woodland customer is encouraged to donate at the billing counter and support the program generously. Over the last two years customers already contributed 12.5 million rupees - the support growing day-by-day since every Woodlander is concerned and is inclined to support the cause.

At the start of the third year of the partnership, Woodland will aim to generate more funds, over and above the already generous cash collections from like-minded Woodlanders. With the launch of this unique online T-Shirt design initiative ‘Design4UNICEF’, participants will be challenged to design their own T-shirts using the application tools available on the website on the theme of safe drinking water and sanitation. The winning design will be selected for production and sold at Woodland stores. A part of the proceeds from the sale of these styles will be donated to UNICEF India for their WASH programme running across the country. — TNS

Rahul Khanna shoots for an American show

It looks like Bollywood actors are busy finding a place for themselves on American television. After Irrfan Khan and Anil Kapoor, who bagged plum roles in the celebrated serials In Treatment and 24, respectively, it's now the turn of Rahul Khanna to bag a role in another very popular American series.

Rahul will be seen in The Americans, the series about two former KGB agents posing as an American suburban couple in Washington. Rahul will be seen in Season 2 of The Americans, which went on air this month in the US. Rahul plays an Oxford-educated Pakistani agent who is privy to vital information on the KGB.

While Rahul is not allowed to divulge much information on his role, a source close to the actor says, "It's an important role. Rahul was called to audition for it after the creators of the series The Americans saw him in Deepa Mehta's film 1947. Rahul immediately bagged the role. In one scene he had to strip in front of the camera. Rahul agreed to do so."

Rahul reluctantly adds, "The Americans is one of my favourite new TV shows. I am overjoyed to be a part of its second season. It was a pleasure to work with such an incredible and accomplished team. I never knew espionage could be so much fun. I have been told specifically to say nothing more until closer to the airing of the episode in April- May."

New kid on the block

TV actor Karan Chhabra, who was seen in the popular show The Serial on Channel V, is all set to make his Bollywood debut alongside Tiger Shroff with Hero-Panti. Karan's character in the film is called Rocket Singh. The film is due for release soon. He tells us more...

How did the film happen to you?

To begin with, I have done some television and have been spotted by producers and directors who have invited me to audition for their movies. I had auditioned for this role.

Tell us about the film and your role.

This is a complete Bollywood masala film with a lot of action, comedy, drama and romance. My role is particularly significant in terms of it being the second lead.

It is also the closest to Tiger Shroff's character. I play a strong boy with a firm belief in loyalty and friendship.

How do you stay healthy?

I am not a gym freak and though I do free weights, I prefer the natural way to keep fit. I avoid elevators and climb stairs whenever possible. I regularly play badminton and soccer as I believe it is the best way to keep fit. Alternatively, I just practice dance. This serves as a good stress buster and it is the best exercise to keep oneself fit.

What's next for you?

Post this film, I am most definitely looking forward to getting more roles in Bollywood and am fairly open to pursuing television as well.

Yaami has been lucky

So far: Yaami Gautam
So far: Yaami Gautam

Yaami Gautam considers herself fortunate to have done the films that she has, namely Vicky Donor and the upcoming Total Siyappa. She talks about movies and offers.

Possibilities galore

In today's time after seeing the success of movies like Vicky Donor, it is possible for newcomers to to get into the industry. What is more challenging is how to sustain... And for that you need to be sure of what you do. I am not from a film family or from Mumbai so I have to be more careful and make the right moves.

Offers that were

I have done work that has appealed to my heart and Total Siyappa is something I really liked. There were lots of offers that came my way but I don't like to talk about films that I have said no to. It is unprofessional. When films become hits, then you have to choose your projects more carefully.

On Total Siyappa

This film (Total Siyappa) has lots of shades. I am glad Neeraj Pandey thought of me. It is a quirky one day story... It is different and interesting. It is a challenge to put it together. We had fun but making a comedy is serious business.

Back with a bang

Having connected millions of people through dance and given so many youngsters a career through dance, Zee TV brings back DID L'il Masters Season 3 on popular demand. In the third season, the show returns with a unique positioning called Bachchagiri!

Premiering on Saturday, March 1st at 9pm, the show will feature Geeta Kapoor and Ahmad Khan as Masters with Sanam Johar, Raghav Crockroaz Juyal, DID 4 contestant, Swarali Karulkar as skippers. Also, there will be a fourth member on board as a skipper, whose name is still under consideration.

Ajay Bhalwankar, content head (Hindi GECs), ZEE, "This year, we have added another layer to our earlier positioning Dance Ke Baap. Dancing isn't just about the steps. It is also about the attitude. Looking at the effortless moves and the unperturbed disposition of the contestants this season, we have coined the term Bachchagiri to define the attitude of these kids." He adds, "Though the word is heavily borrowed from dadagiri, bachchagiri no way gives any leeway to over-smartness or cockiness."

This time, the top 16 contestants will be put under the able-guidance of Sanam Johar, Raghav Juyal, Swarali Karulkar and the fourth skipper and will strive to cultivate a positive environment for the children to nurture, develop and further hone their dancing skills and overall personality. Nitin Keni, Producer, Essel Vision Productions Ltd said, "We conducted auditions in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Vadodara, Indore, Raipur, Jaipur, Bhubaneshwar, Guwahati, Dehradun, Chandigarh, Ranchi, Patna, Jammu and Lucknow and the response has been very gratifying and overwhelming.

CHATTER BOX

Up for a cause

Launch pad: A still from Halla Bol Kangana Ranaut will be seen launching the first episode of the new show, Halla Bol that will be telecast on Bindaas. She will talk to women across the country asking them to be fearless and fight against injustice. The show will be hosted by Karan Tacker and it will premier on Feb 28 at 7pm only on Bindass.

Launch pad: A still from Halla Bol

Love no more?

Mallika Sherawat's search for love ended with Vijay Singh in Life OK's show, The Bachelorette India-Mere Khayalon ki Malika. Now, the rumours are that though they seem to be smitten on the show, they are not together at all. Rumours are that they haven't kept in touch post the show.

Surprise party for her hubby

Karan Singh Grover's wife, Jennifer Winget, threw a grand birthday party for her hubby. She booked a yacht and got all his friends and family to celebrate his 32nd birthday. The cast and crew from his last show, Qubool Hai, too came to the party while his fans tweeted non-stop and wished him.

Law of nature

Act apart: Aashka Goradia Actress Aashka Goradia, who is currently seen essaying Maharani Bhatiyani in Maharana Pratap, has played a lawyer before in the show, Saat Phere. Now, she will be playing a lawyer once again. She quips, "I love playing the role of a lawyer because, as a kid, I always thought I would become a criminal psychologist since I love crime and mystery.

Act apart: Aashka Goradia

Also, for me, as an actor, it's going to be interesting playing the role of Maharani Bhatiyani on a historical show and then switching gears and fighting cases against Ronit on Aadalat. I am excited to be working with Ronit as he could be such a great mentor to anyone. We have worked together in an ad before but it is the first time we will be doing a show together.

Cutting down on time

Kapil Sharma, who has recently signed a three-film deal with Yash Raj films, has now decided to cut down on the duration of his show Comedy Nights with Kapil. Kapil wanted that the show, which is now telecast twice a week, to be reduced to a one long episode a week. However, the channel didn't want that, so they came to a conclusion that the show will be aired for lesser time, but twice a week.

The sister act

Kiran Joneja is happy to do a cameo in Ek Nanad Ki Khushiyon Ki Chaabi...Meri Bhabhi. She feels that working in a television show is very hectic and time consuming, but as her good friend and colleague, Kanwaljeet Singh, is in the show too, Kiran agreed. She will be seen playing the role of her sister.

On hold: Rani Mukerji No action girl, this

Rani Mukerji is shooting for YRF's Mardaani on the streets of South Mumbai with her body double for the action scenes. Why doesn't she quit acting and get married?

On hold: Rani Mukerji

When patience is a virtue

Kangna Ranaut is not disappointed that a couple of her films have not yet released. They are I love NY and Ungli. She knows that they will release when they have to and she has no problems because she has done her work and has been paid for it.

All is not well

Rumour has it that Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan are not getting along and they have been avoiding each other. The Bachchan men have tried to intervene but to no avail. Aishwarya might move out of the house.

Shahid’s destination wedding!

After Shahid Kapoor completes shooting Haider, he will begin shooting for Vikas Bahl's Shandaar, which is India's first film about destination weddings. Vikas Bahl is the director of Queen.

Inching along

Highway has collected more than Rs 14 crore so far from around 800 screens. The word of mouth for the movie has been good and collections and footfalls have increased due to the same.

Rumour has it…

Alia Bhatt will not talk about her personal life and she would like to keep people guessing. Buzz has it that she is dating her 2 States co-star Arjun Kapoor.

ASTRO TURF
P Khurrana

ARIES: Your ambitions can be realised if you use your connections. Don't make a secret of your aims as they will manifest. A romance will have reached the stage of moving in together. Tarot message: Retain the fruits of your hardwork. Lucky colour: Grey. Magic number: 52.

TAURUS: Keep a clear mind. If you start getting confused, nothing will work. You are in danger of blowing your budget if you don't practice restraint. Colleagues can sound knowledgeable, but in fact they only know half the picture. Tarot message: Don't waste an opportunity. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 50.

GEMINI: Pay attention to little jobs today. Taxation matters will get adjourned. Check all information regarding legal matters. Watch your thinking as it can easily spin you into a depression. Tarot message: Consolidate your gains. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 56.

CANCER: Gossip will bring you down. Your creative juices will flow. A class in music, dance or theatre will help you meet like-minded people. Your popularity is on the rise. Tarot message: Frankness and ability to state the truth are your strong points. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 33.

LEO: Unstable influences suggest uncertainty. Be compassionate and try not to judge harshly. Take a moment to be grateful for those small things that make everyday life so full and rewarding. Tarot message: Avoid frictions with business partners. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 41.

VIRGO: Any change made at work or in your job bring favourable results. Domestic wrangles are sorted out. Enemies are conspiring behind your back. Do not take people on face value. Tarot message: Your own aims, ideas and opinions matter a lot. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 30.

LIBRA: You start the day on a philosophical note. Do not jump to conclusions in haste. It is not a good day for forming partnership. Ventures will fail when associates withdraw support. Tarot message: Learn to accept responsibility for yourself and others. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 25.

SCORPIO: Kids keep you busy. A few people will be making waves today. You will not be able to have things your own way. Marital difficulties can be eased through a mutual friend. Tarot message: Your determination to succeed will pay dividends. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 44.

SAGITTARIUS: Do what you can to improve relationship with your spouse. It is a sensitive day for joint financial affairs. Emotions should not be allowed to rule your head. Tarot message: Use your instinct to get into the top circle of power. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 30.

CAPRICORN: Monetary issues will bother you. Keep calm even if people around you are losing their heads. The health of your parents needs care. Tackle children gently. A spiritual approach to the day will suit you best. Tarot message: Do not deal in uncertain matters. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 47.

AQUARIUS: Students suffer from lack of activities. Start making the changes you keep talking about - a new diet, an exercise regimen etc. An unsatisfactory relationship can come to an end. Try not to lay blame. Tarot message: Emphasise on spiritual needs. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 51.

PISCES: The card 'The Lovers' signifies that a friendly and helpful atmosphere surrounds you. People are likely to be drawn to you now, so dress to impress. Do not clash with a partner or friend over a difference of opinion. Tarot message: You gain by being practical. Lucky colour: Black. Magic Number: 63.

THE YEAR AHEAD
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is February 27...

Your birthday falls this time on Maha Shivratri, which will prove quite auspicious. You are highly interactive and this nature will get you many profitable professional proposals. You will attract many well-established business personalities with your knowledge and sense of humour. However, you will face ups and downs as far as your domestic life is concerned. The second half of the year might bring happiness related to love. You will enjoy constant flow of income the whole year. Keeping a low profile is the only way you'll get any peace. You'll regain your zest for life after taking a short break. Let your creative juices flow; don't waste your time on mundane chores. Painting, baking, sculpting and craftwork help release considerable tension.

Positive colours: Golden, Red, White, Yellow, Cream.

Select days: Tuesday, Friday, Thursday.

Favourable numbers: 3, 6, 9.

Gems recommended: Gemstone.

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

You share your birthday with Prakash Jha (February 27, 1952, Bihar), who is known for his political and socio-political films, including Damul and Gangaajal. Prakash Jha fought and lost elections to the Lok Sabha from Champaran in 2004. His stars are strong for films and not for politics.





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