Fashion, fiesta and forecast
Here’s a lowdown on a week long date with glamour; to begin with, blue could be the new peach and sportswear gives way to street wear
Ashima Batish

Designs by Aarti Vijay Gupta

If we have Delhi loyalists Anju Modi and Rajesh Pratap Singh all set to open their account at Lakme Fashion Week, we have the very Mumbaikar Mandira Bedi beginning her journey in the world of fashion this season and then there is Mawi celebrating her homecoming with her show in collaboration with Gaurav Gupta. The Lakme Fashion Week Summer Resort is expected to be a beautiful and an interesting motley of colours, cuts and themes But more importantly of fashion designers— established, considerably new and those who are availing the opportunity to introduce themselves in the fashion industry.
Creations by Sayantan Sarkar
Creations by Sayantan Sarkar

That exactly is also the selling point of the fashion week this season, mentioned in bold on the website of the Lakme Fashion Week. Anju Modi’s decision to be in Mumbai for the fashion week is partly an after effect of her designing accomplishments in Ram Leela. The fashion industry in Mumbai certainly doesn’t want her name to be limited to the credits of a film. They want her there on the ramp, displaying her expertise at creating beautiful clothes. As for Mandira Bedi, participating at the fashion week is about sharing her passion for sarees with people who understand fashion. She credits her husband for inspiring her to take the plunge. And now that she has, she is forking out a slice of strictly saree collection in two colour palettes and the theme is fire and ice. Likewise, colours picked are orange and pink for one and turquoise and royal blue for the subsequent next. “I applied for a slot in the Gen Next category but luckily got opening with the regular designers.”
Creations by Karishma Jamwal
Creations by Karishma Jamwal

Coming to the trend forecast, it is predicted that if last year belonged to the chic sportswear, 2014 will be the year of street wear. Karishma Jamwal, who will be presenting for the third time at the fashion week, foresees the same. “The silhouettes will be more relaxed. Comfortable clothing will define every fashion trend. Needless to say, loose pants, skirts and lungis, or any design that boasts of the boho element will be very popular with fashion followers post the fashion week.” Her collection, Wandering Thread, is all dipped in yellow and orange and as for embellishments; she has used old keys and coins. That is boho and vintage whipped together.

It will also be a season of prints, quirky, floral…If Sayantan Sarkar has used screen, digital and block printing in combination, Aarti Vijay Gupta has drawn inspiration from miniature paintings. “While mine is a very serious theme, I find it amusing when people say that I work with quirky prints.” But quirk is a serious form of art, says Jayesh Sachdev of Quirk Box, who has graduated to the registered designers’ category. Titled Quirk-e-Sultanat, his collection once again has original prints, inspired from the Mughal era. Even the history of Rajput kingdom has been a trigger. “The collection is very contemporary and quirky.” All is set for 102 designers showing their work in a span of five days. A fashion extravaganza for sure!

 

Straight cut
While most singers are only too eager to jump onto the bandwagon of acting, singer Jassi Gill whose film Mr and Mrs 420 hits the screens this Friday, became an actor by chance
Jasmine Singh

Apparently affable, seemingly honest, strangely quiet, childishly naughty… Punjabi singer-actor Jassi Gill oscillates between strikingly opposite attributes. Intrinsically, however, he is a desi at heart. Even though, he has graduated to being Mr 420, nothing much has changed for him. He would still miss the much required sleep for a game of football with his closest friend Babbal Rai. And for sure he could take a bullet for his friend.
Jassi Gill
ACT ONE: Jassi Gill

"Celebrity is a tag, but I am what I am, a sum of experiences. There is always a place for old friends in my heart," says Jassi Gill who can surprise you with emotional outbursts. But this is how he is, unpredictable. This explains how the quiet loved singer decided to act in films, even though it is a natural progression these days. He smiles. "Most people will look at it as a natural thing, to me acting just happened and I am pretty much enjoying it."

Jassi opens his innings in Pollywood with the up-coming film Mr and Mrs 420. Is it a comedy? "It is a fun filled film, I have tried to do comedy for the first time, and I am hopeful it will make the audience look back at comedy films with renewed interest," adds Jassi. He will be soon seen in two other films in different genres. "Like I get variety in my songs, I like to do the same with films and my characters as well. I don't want to typecast myself in one slot," adds he.

Life has become busy, live shows, promotions, recordings Jassi finds himself immersed in work now. The realisation that everything is short lived and timely however stays with him. He says, "I understand that each career has its ups and downs, and it comes with a shelf life. I am acting, I am singing, and I think with the two passions I can hope for a long innings."

Jassi has given his best to Mr and Mrs 420. Directed by Khistij Chaudhary, the movie will see him throw up comic punches along with Yuvraj Hans, Binnu Dhillon and Babbal Rai. "I was surrounded by great actors like Binnu Dhillon, BN Sharma, so comedy would flow naturally," he smiles.

Support system
Television actor Karan Tacker is happy to do his bit for the emancipation of women with his role as a host in Halla Bol
Ashima Batish

The Delhi rape case of 2012 changed a lot of things about Indian society. It made people raise their voice against sexual discrimination, sexual and verbal abuse and all crimes against women. It even changed a thing or two about the television industry, especially the content of the crime shows. From featuring helpless victims, the shows now focus on people who fight back to get justice.

On the similar lines is Bindaas's new show, Halla Bol. It showcases inspiring stories of women who stood against the system and injustice. "I took up the job of the host only because I found the content worthwhile," says Karan Tacker, television's popular actor, who is happy to change gear to anchor a show once again.

"We focussed only on women issues because in our so-called modern society, they still face discrimination. We might be technologically advanced but unfortunately we haven't changed our mindset against women," Karan adds.

Most of the crime shows, even those that take up women related stories, are hosted by men, which Karan thinks makes a lot of sense. "May be when lessons come from a man, men might start respecting women. Otherwise to know how men use their physical strength against women is disgusting and disturbing." He hopes that the show will help women develop confidence and make them feel less vulnerable. If not a drastic change, he hopes the show will give enough confidence to women to live without fear. "It is important that women live life on their terms and conditions and not how men around them want them to. It will take time to change the mindset of people, but I hope to make a difference with my efforts."

Happy with his career graph, which boasts of Ek Hazaroon Mein Meri Behna Hai, Rang Badalti Odhani, Love Me Mila Di Jodi, he places Halla Bol on the top of the list. He explains it as the best form of contribution to society. But that hasn't made him averse to daily soaps or anchoring shows. "I have hosted Star Sansaar and Star Guild awards. I like to act, anchor live shows, host shows as long as I have a substantial role to play. With quantity, quality also matters." He believes that for an actor to take up anchoring is a natural progression as is acting in films. Though he hasn't got an offer for films but he says that he would love to graduate to the next level. And it doesn't seem like an impossible task, given the fact that Sushant Singh Rajput is doing well and now Siddharthn Shukla of Balika Vadhu fame has got offers.

Brunch-ing out
A lazy Sunday does not necessarily mean a lazy menu for breakfast or lunch. Combine the two and you can have the time of your life at Chandigarh's eating joints
Mona

Lazy morning spent soaking in the sun, enjoying a well laid out menu as kids take rides - could be all yours as brunches are getting big in Chandigarh! Our sleepy city is waking up to the idea of bonding over brunches and there are options aplenty. While some joints, both big and small are already buzzing with merry brunch seekers, others are all set to introduce brunches in their spaces…

Out in the courtyard


Elante Courtyard
Elante Courtyard
Brunch spread at Hotel Mountview
Brunch spread at Hotel Mountview. Photo: Pradeep Tewari

If it's the European feel you are looking for, Elante Courtyard is your place. Eight cafes, a hearty mix of best from local and international food chains offer sumptuous spread. Choose your spot, sun or shade, as eateries spread their umbrellas in the courtyard, with live music, toy train for kids, skateboards and plenty other fun rides to keep those wanting a spin engaged. While most cafes, Brooklyn Central, Choco La, CCD Lounge, The Beer Café, Mocha, Backpackers Cafe, Girl In A Café, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf offer hearty combo treats, it feels great to be outdoors. Added advantage, if you feel like shopping or watching a movie, you have it all out there!

When: 11am onwards
How much: From Rs 500 to 1500 per person

Lawn rangers

If outdoors work for you, Hotel Mountview is another option right in the middle of the city. Delicacies suiting the palate, both nutritiously and tastefully, are offered in a comforting setting of lush lawns and verdant trees. On Sundays, breakfast combined as lunch gives way to appetizing option flocked by one and all. This joint revels with the aroma of India's southern spread, as much as Punjab's lassi da glass with an assortment of ham, bacon, sausages and variety of egg preparations to fresh fruits and sandwiches.

When: 11:30 onwards

How much: Rs 325 all inclusive

Heady aroma

Cinnamon at Park Plaza-17 offers a special buffet replete with pipe music and kids zone. A hearty combo of breakfast options to elaborate lunch, Cinnamon Sunday Brunch Buffet will have it all right from salads, cereals to main course and an extensive dessert options.

When: 12.30pm to 3.30pm

How much: Rs 1599+ tax including IMFL liquor, Rs 999+ tax with soft beverages.

Spread it out

Enjoy a day of feasting and frolicking with your family and friends as JW Marriott Chandigarh brings to you the longest and most eventful Sunday Brunch at the Café@JW. Take your pick from an array of healthy 'breakfast & lunch' options starting off with seasonal juices to salads, kebabs, curries and biryanis. The lavish brunch spread offers Asian, European, Thai, Lebanese and more. While you enjoy the vast spread, your children can choose from exclusive kid's menu. An entertainment zone for kids with a buffet has not only delicious dishes, a 'candy factory', and also exclusive play area that organises art and craft workshops, tattoos, face painting, clowns, jumping castle, balloon art and toys.

When: 12:30 to 4 pm

How much: Rs 999 plus taxes without alcohol, Rs 1599 plus taxes with alcohol, Kids brunch Rs 549 plus taxes

American treat

American way rules at Bistro Flamme Bois at Sector 7 and 35. Popular with its patrons, what they love here are jumbo burgers and refreshing coolers in giant mugs. "Our pizzas, burgers, and four varieties of fish - pomfret, trout, sole and basa are a huge hit too," says Zorawar Singh from Bistro Flamme Bois. A family-run enterprise, they welcome families for a longish lunch.

When: 11am onwards

How much: Rs 1500 for two

Chinese flavour

A hundred dishes are what The Taj Chandigarh lays out for you at Black Lotus for Sunday brunch. Expert chef Shee brings in the authentic Chinese flavours that rule the Sunday brunch here.

When: 11:30am to 3pm

How much: Rs 999 inclusive of taxes per person

It's not that just eateries have gone crazy doling out delectable options at tempting pricing, but foodies too are enjoying every bit of it. Priyanka Shah and her gang of girls set out on Sunday mornings for bit of girly talk over food. "As Sunday evenings are reserved for preparing for the week ahead, we take out an hour or two to laze around and try different cuisines," says Priyanka, a BPO employee.

And, to enjoy brunches you needn't necessarily head to a restaurant.

mona@tribunemail.com

Doc Talk
Stress marks
Dr Vikas Sharma

Skin being a mirror of the internal body system is also an organ of emotional expression and a site for discharge of anxiety. Thus it can give vital clues to help recognise the signs of stress. Stress can visibly affect the skin.

Rise of rash

Our epidermal skin cells lie on top of each other and are packed tightly together to form a strong barrier. However, severe stress has a negative effect on the barrier making it more permeable, allowing harmful agents to infiltrate the deeper layers. These unwanted elements finally result in imbalance of skin immune system which can break it down to an itchy rash.

Acne attack

With the examination time on, it is one of the most stressful times for students. The scientific research has proven that students who are highly stressed by their exams had worse acne and higher chances of getting disfiguring scars from acne than calmer, less stressed students. When a person becomes stressed, the level of stress hormone (cortisol) rises. This in turn causes an increase in oil and sebum production, which can lead to oily skin, acne and other related skin problems.

Tress & stress

There are many reasons why men and women lose their hair, but stress is the primary reason for unexplained hair loss. When someone is under stress, hair can go into the telogen (fall-out) phase. Telogen effluvium is a very common hair loss problem that can occur up to even three months after a stressful event.

Fat chance

Stress hormones can lead to accumulation of fat around the organs, and too much cortisol has an effect on the skin as well, thus creating ugly collections of fat over the face and abdomen.

Lines and wrinkles

As soon as stress causes the release of cortisol, sugar levels in the blood increase. We know that sugar spikes are especially bad for diabetics, but increased blood sugar also promotes a process called glycation in our skin. Glycation damages our skin's collagen and elastin which increases the formation of lines and wrinkles.

Dry & damaged

In addition to causing glycation, cortisol also decreases our skin's natural production of hyaluronic acid, which serves as a natural moisturizer for our skin.

Poor complexion

As if the effects of stress-induced cortisol weren't enough, another by-product of stress, epinephrine also works against skin complexion. When epinephrine is present, blood flow to the skin is decreased, which robs it of vital nutrients, including oxygen thus resulting in a dull and poor complexion. Stress and anxiety have also been found to flare up eczemas and blemishes.

Self destruction

There are instances where people under stress self-inflict skin, hair or nail damage.

Acne excoriée: Some patients with acne (pimples) cannot resist squeezing and pinching the acne lesions leaving them prone to develop pitted scars on face. It starts as a compulsive habit to get rid of acne but when under bouts of stress and anxiety some persons tend to pinch or squeeze their skin even when there is no acne.

Trichotillomania: The term means a morbid craving to pull out hair. Persons having this disease under bouts of stress, anger, anxiety tend to develop a habit of pulling their hair. Although stress is unavoidable, there are always ways to manage it.

(Dr Sharma is a Chandigarh-based dermatologist)

Bold strokes
Shaktipunj, a women’s contemporary art exhibition, captures varied expressions of creativity
Amarjot Kaur


Visitors at the on going exhibition at Punjab Kala Bhawan
Visitors at the on going exhibition at Punjab Kala Bhawan

It is rare when art objectifies the subject and compliments it with sheer audacity that translates into an intense expression, which creates an impact on the soul of the viewer. At Shaktipunj, women's contemporary visual art exhibition at Punjab Kala Bhawan, 16, one is treated to one such experience that stirs the soul. Plonked right outside the Sobha Singh Art Gallary, Inder Salim, a Delhi-based performing artiste held a glass plank that read 'what a male should feel sorry for' that was followed by another unprintable line on his t-shirt, ends of which were tied to a brick.

An event that begins with a performance so bold must quite be able to sustain a similar rapport and the exhibition lives up to that. An installation by Nitasha Jaini, where she uses condom packs to voice her idea of restraint in reference to the Tehalka case, says, "I have been painting men for over two decades now and this one is my idea of restraint, for which I got the condom packets printed and designed. I wanted to use something that a man uses in a sexual act. Also, for me, the image of a woman on a packet of condom is very offensive, so I designed my own packs. The idea was to convey that a man must refrain from making advances on women when they know that she is not interested. It's about control." Meanwhile, a series of paintings by Anjali Aggarwal, a city-based artist, explore the architectural heritage of Chandigarh. "Not many know that the manhole covers in the city have its map on it, so that was my idea of inspiration," she says. She uses acrylic on canvas for her glittering series too.

Anita Gupta, assistant professor at Government Art College paints folk and traditional art in her paintings titled Dancing Peacock and Shrishti, while Manisha Dhiman, uses acrylic on canvas and geometrical dimensions in the background to express her love for both, painting and dance in her paintings titled Flawless, Shingaar and Nrityangana. Also, installations by Monika Kapur, one of which is a sofa and walls covered in newspapers and a module of plastic water bottles says, "In my first installation, I have shown the power of media, which has the power to change personalities.” The exhibition also includes works by Shyamali, Varinder Kaur Rosy, Swaranjit Gill, Savleen Kaur, Robina Singh, Renu Aggarwal, Rekha and Ragini Sinha.

On till March 13.

amarjot@tribunemail.com

CELEB POINT
Sakhi’s day out
Divya Dutta
Divya Dutta with her pet Sakhi
Divya Dutta with her pet Sakhi

I am back in Mumbai. And it sure had to be a family day. My brother Rahul had told me about the dog fair happening near the Gateway of India.

We had never taken our pet Sakhi to a dog fair. It sure became a family picnic, my mother, brother, sister- in-law and me got Sakhi ready for her day out. Dressed in a beautiful formal frock and a clip to match, she was all set to walk the ramp. What a beautiful venue it was. Overlooking the sea and the Gateway of India, this dog fair had the cutest dogs in all shapes and sizes. The entire protective family was with Sakhi to boost her. We got her registered for the ramp walk. As everyone recognised me there, I and Sakhi posed for lots of pictures. It was decided that I would walk the ramp with Sakhi.

I mean I have walked the ramp many times but to walk it as a parent guardian was so different. We could see Sakhi was a bit restless. So my overprotective mom ran to her before she took to stage and gave her some water and petted her. I remembered my childhood. Ma was always protective of me. Sakhi and I walked the ramp, and I was introduced as Sakhi's mom! She looked hassled as she had never seen so many dogs together before. She got a lot of gift hampers and we decided to celebrate that. Sakhi still didn't look amused. She just looked at us wondering what we were so excited about. I decided to take her for a nice walk at the beach side. We were all in a very celebratory mood. The only one who looked unaffected was Sakhi wondering why the family was so hyper and over enthusiastic about a day at the dog fair.

But what a lovely day, spent in the comfort and coziness of my own family, Sakhi being an integral part of it.

(Dutta is a Bollywood actor)

star track
A bromance drama

Irrfan Khan and Manoj Bajpayee will be seen together in Tigmanshu Dhulia's next film, which is fourteen years after Ghaath (2000). The film is tentatively titled Bichhde Sabhi Baari Baari and is a period bromance drama.

Kunal’s quest for success

Kunal Kapoor wants a new innings in Bollywood. He recently visited a tarot card reader to check as to when his fortunes would turn around. His personal life is going well but he has not had a release in a long time.

A terrific-trio

John Abraham and Mahendra Singh Dhoni will star in a commercial together. It is to be shot in Singapore and Nargis Fakhri will join them too.

Engaged today, separated tomorrow!

Sushant Singh Rajput refutes all rumours of a split with Ankita Lokhande. He is very happy and sorted with her. The tabloids have gone crazy with split, engagement and other such stories about them.

The next generation

Jackie Shroff's children Tiger and Krishna are very much in demand in Bollywood. Tiger is already getting appreciation for Heropanti and Krishna is getting many film offers.

Priyanka is Madamji

Priyanka Chopra is doing Madamji, which is to be directed by Madhur Bhandarkar. It is the first time that Madhur Bhandarkar is repeating an actress. Madamji is about an item girl turned politician.

It's official

Priyanka Chopra is starring in Madhur Bhandarkar's Madamji--but not without a rider. The filmmaker will have to wait till mid-October before he can shoot with the actress even though he had planned to roll in May.

Priyanka can only take up the role after she is done with Omung Kumar's Mary Kom and Zoya Akhtar's Dil Dhadakne Do. It will take her around seven months to wrap up both the films. Priyanka wants to do Madamji in one go since it is a challenging role. She doesn't want any distraction.

Meanwhile, Madhur is planning a quickie to keep him busy for the next few months. He has decided to wrap up Calendar Girls, a moderate-budget film. Calendar Girls needs only 55-56 days of shoot. The team has already set the stage for the first schedule. The cast will comprise mostly newcomers and Madhur will have to speed up the casting process. The film will be shot in Spain and India.

Arjun Kapoor and his Tevar!

Arjun Kapoor will star in Tevar, which is produced by his father Boney Kapoor and uncle Sanjay Kapoor. The film stars Sonakshi Sinha as well. Arjun talks about the family project.
Arjun Kapoor
Star power: Arjun Kapoor

All in the family

It is an emotional experience to act in front of your dad. With Sanjay, I don't share a typical chacha-bhatija equation; we are more like friends. I share my point of view but dad takes the final call because he has more experience. Sanjay chacha will hear our version and share his views.

On Sonakshi Sinha

I have known her since school and keep teasing her as Salman Khan's heroine. I used to meet her during workout sessions with Salman. It feels different to be romancing her on the big screen.

Comparisons with Anil Kapoor in Gunday

These comparisons are happening because people had not seen that kind of energy since Ram-Lakhan. But it is unfair to compare. I want to be as disciplined and dedicated as him. I ask him not to meet me in public because he looks like he can play my younger brother on screen!

Relevance of 2 States

Indians are very emotional and family-oriented. So, the subject is evergreen. Caste and community differences don't affect this generation but they are a concern for our elders. You have to convince them and take their blessings for a new relationship.

On Finding Fanny Fernandes

I play a mechanic, who's in denial about being a loser. We shot it entirely in Goa. Homi (Adjania) is a mad director. Working with Deepika Padukone was great. I know her from the time she was dating Ranbir Kapoor.

chatter box
When wish is a command

Rajan Shahi’s daughter had a desire to meet the lead pair of Aur Pyar Ho Gaya, Avni (Kanchi Singh) and Raj (Mishkat Varma). She is an ardent follower of the show, so she expressed her desire to visit the sets with her friends. Producer Rajan Shahi says, “My daughter means the world to me. She expressed her wish to visit the set and I fulfilled it. Behind every man's success there is a woman, but behind mine, it is my daughter’s.”

For a noble cause

Rakhi Sawant distributed food, gifts and 10,000 dustbins to slum people. She says, “As a responsible citizen, it is my responsibility to help those who are in real need of it, so I have stepped forward and it’s not a political stunt.” Rakhi Sawant, actress Sapna Bedi and Helping Hand, an NGO came all together to support the needy women to promote the cause of female foeticide.

And the winner is…

Ragini Makkhar won the latest season of India’s Got Talent. She’s from Indore and is a kathak dance teacher. Her family’s institute is called Naadyog, which is 25-years-old and has 360 students. Some students are adopted by her and she takes care of them be it financially or personally. The students come from poor as well as well-settled families. Ragini and her husband have been teaching kathak and tabla at a Delhi College from the last 13 years.

She has a son who goes to school and is interested in music. She and her troupe have taken part in many national and international live shows in Dubai and Canada, but it was their first time on TV.

Colours of happiness

Karan Singh Grover and Jennifer Winget will soon be back on TV. The couple will be hosting the Holi show on Star Plus called Masti Gulal Ki. Jennifer is thrilled to be back with her husband after almost six years.

Together they celebrate

Shashi and Sumeet Mittal are producers of GEC shows like Diya aur Baati Hum, Tumhari Paakhi and Punar Vivah. Last weekend, they were in a celebratory mode, so they invited the leading ladies of their serials for a get-together and lunch party. Deepika Singh, Neelu Waghela, Kanika Maheshwari, Preeti Chaudhary, Kritika Sengar, Srishty Rode, Soumya Seth with Shashi Mittal were seen together interacting and having fun. The ladies enjoyed cracking jokes and gossiping. Deepika Singh said, “Though we all work for Shashi Sumeet productions, but never got an opportunity to meet them. I want to thank Shashi for bringing us together.”

Up close & personal

Pretty girl Neha Sargam, who has done numerous shows including Ramayan, talks about her not wanting to be a part of a love triangle on TV and how she wants to do challenging roles. She is currently doing Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon 2 and is thrilled about her mysterious role
Neha Sargam
Rear view: Neha Sargam

Tell us about your role in Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon 2?

It’s impactful. It will change the mindset of people. I am glad that the role is important to the story. She’s not a typical sweet girl. The role is challenging and strong.

There seems to be a shade of grey. Was it a conscious decision to take it up?

I am not sure about my character right now. But I knew that I don’t want to take up a love triangle track. I asked the makers if my role would be about separating Aastha and Shlok. But that isn’t the case.

How is it shooting with the team of the show?

Avinash Sachdev is a sweetheart as is Shrenu Parikh. We keep chatting and giggling on the sets. The director is co-operating and the production crew is very helpful. So they are all fun to hang around with.

Post Ramayan, what were you doing?

After I finished Ramayan, I took a break as shooting a mythological show is hectic. It is so far the most prestigious work I have done. It taught me grace and poise, and improved my Hindi.

The buzz is that you are dating your Ramayan co-star Neil Bhatt. Is that true?

No. We are good friends. He’s the closest friend I have ever had.

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is March 12...

Businessmen and professionals will find new opportunities to earn more. Those in service will earn laurels. Politicians will fare well but they have to maintain a low profile in the second half. The number 3 and the Jupiter, make you energetic, charming, ambitious, talented, and dignified and a highly methodical person. You are independent by nature and people admire you for your ability to take bold decisions, but you need to curb your tendency of being stubborn, and extravagant. The Saturn indicates that business affairs will improve excessively. Incredible occasions for starting up new contacts are likely The stars will particularly favour those born in the last decade.

This is the right time to take important business decisions. Investments made during this phase will bring in profits. Matters related to property will bring gains. Renovation of the house or construction related activities will also be on the cards. Family ties will be strengthened. You may plan your child's future. Those who are unmarried may not meet their partner. Chronic patients definitely need to be more careful about their health. Preventive medicines should not be avoided at any cost.

Positive colours: Yellow, cream, sea green, purple & red

Select days: Thursday & Tuesday

Favourable numbers: 3,6,9

Gems recommended: Yellow sapphire & red coral, ruby.

Charity on birthday: You may donate green fodder to cows, copper utensils to needy.

You share your birthday with Shreya Ghoshal (March 12, 1984, Rawatbhata-Kota) who won the children's special episode of the Sa Re Ga Ma contest on Zee TV. Apart from Devdas, she has sung for many films. Sun is a very powerful planet in her birth chart, which ensures her honours and success.

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: You will be in a cheerful and optimistic frame of mind and will want to spend time with family and close friends. Romantic relationships will bring fulfillment and moments of tenderness. Tarot message: Handle your projects secretly and carefully. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 60.

TAURUS: You will be enthusiastic about some developments in your personal life. Those in a new romantic relationship may want to make a commitment. Spend quality time with loved ones. Tarot message: You shall prevent a lot of trouble by taking timely action. Lucky colour: Orchid. Magic number: 66

GEMINI: You will be very creative and will come up with interesting and innovative ideas and solutions, which will be appreciated by seniors. You will be inundated with social invitations and will be the toast of the party circuit. Tarot message: Do not let trivial problems haunt you. Lucky colour: Blue. Magic number: 49

CANCER: You will want your space as you mull over recent events. Don’t make financial decisions impulsively to avoid disappointment with the outcome. Make an effort to reach out to your partner. Tarot message: Be on guard against duplicity and fraud. Lucky colour: Forest green. Magic number: 62

LEO: You will be very inspired to make some changes to your lifestyle. Your insights and inputs will be valuable to colleagues and loved ones. Don’t make impulsive decisions in personal relationships. Travel is on the cards. Tarot message: Take limited risks while speculating. Lucky colour: Silver. Magic number: 32

VIRGO: You will be very optimistic about certain developments on the career front. Chance encounters will help you clarify your doubts about new business ventures. Your love life will be good. Tarot message: Don’t get bothered by a few unpleasant moments. Lucky colour: Metallic grey. Magic number: 49

LIBRA: You may have sudden insights into issues and this will help put you in a cheerful and relaxed frame of mind. Your love life will be smooth and your partner will appreciate your thoughtfulness. Tarot message: Emphasise on spiritual needs. Lucky colour: Deep red. Magic number: 37

SCORPIO: You won't be able to count on anyone. Stay home and have friends visit you. It's time to clear the air and rid yourself of all the burdens you've been carrying on your shoulders. Tarot message: Do not divest assets or transact in uncertain matters. Lucky color: Royal blue. Magic Number: 51

SAGITTARIUS: Love can take a turn if you aren't thoughtful, generous and loyal. Start off with a clean slate. You can have all the fun you want, but make sure you have someone you can count on by your side. Tarot message: Don’t reveal your plans to anyone. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 50

CAPRICORN: A chance to hook up with someone interesting will spark an idea for a new project. Now would be the time to make some changes in your daily life. Tarot message: Be articulate to prevent people from drawing their own conclusion. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 40.

AQUARIUS: Be careful not to do anything that might get you into trouble. This is a good time to reflect on days gone by. Keep a practical attitude towards your finances. Tarot message: There may be positive developments at work and your financial security would increase. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic Number: 34

PISCES: You will dazzle everyone if you put yourself in the mainstream today. A chance to do things a little differently will lead to many more changes. You may be laidback today. Tarot message: Results are guaranteed if you stick to arrangements. Lucky colour: Tomato red. Magic Number: 40





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