Spirited effort
Ghosts and comedy do not fall in one line. The cast and crew of the first Bollywood ghost comedy, Gangs Of Ghosts, share how they have successfully combined them
Jasmine Singh

There is high probability that the word ghost will leave you unsettled; a chance encounter in real life…well, even the thought is scary! We talk to a few ghosts who were walking and talking perfectly normal though, who didn't have any marks on their face; in fact they are pretty good-looking for ghosts! Anupam Kher, Mahie Gill and Sharman Joshi point towards the man responsible for this 'conversion'.

The man who makes no effort to hide his weight, who drops a punch in every line is the director of the film Gangs Of Ghosts — Satish Kaushik. The first Bollywood ghost comedy, Gangs Of Ghosts, claims to make us fall in love with ghosts. And if these ghosts are dashing and interesting actors like these, it might just happen!

"These are the ghosts who are scared of people, there are almost ten-twelve ghosts in this film, all coming from a different era," shares Satish Kauhsik.

The movie is an adaptation of a Bengali film. "The Bengali film was meant for their audience, so we had to face some problems in adapting it in Hindi. I guess it will be great fun to watch the ghosts." Knowing that these ghosts are pitted against the sexy ghost of Ragini MMS, Sunny Leone, as the movie releases on the same date, Satish still doesn't see any issue here. "We have so many ghosts, so nothing to worry."

The seemingly focused ghost from Satish's team Anupam Kher, however, adds, "I have a bathing scene in the film, so this compensates for that sexy ghost." Since this ghost has spoken, we want to hear more from him — any encounter with a 'real' ghost? Says Anupam Kher, "While shooting, I met a ghost one night only to find out the other minute that it was Satish Kaushik." This is a funny ghost! "Ghosts are generally figments of our imagination; however, my grandfather once told me that he had met a ghost."

So, Sharman Joshi, who has seen a ghost? "Well, I don't play a ghost in the film; I play a struggling writer," says Sharman. "I am glad that I did this film, it is a comedy and Satish actually helped me get it right," he adds. Comedy…is it Sharman's favourite genre? "I don't decide a film on the basis of a genre, it is always subject-driven," he says.

Now that the ghosts are talking, how can we forget the pretty looking bhootni, as she calls herself, Mahie Gill, "I play the ghost Manorama Kumari from the 50s, I speak with a nasal twang — it was quite challenging." "I have never tried the comedy genre, I was a bit scared but Satish Kaushik made it easy," she adds. If ghosts are smart and beautiful like these, who is scared!

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Getting spooky
Bhushan Patel, the director of Ragini MMS 2, says the genre of horrex — horror and sex — is fast gaining ground
Amarjot Kaur

One is quite nonplussed by the term 'director's cut', unless it comes across as a director at work or even talking 'about' work. While the latter explains the content of our conversation with Bhushan Patel, the director of Ragini MMS 2, by no means should one mistake 'director's cut' for anything less than perfection. After 1920: Evil returns, Bhushan is all set for the release of Ragini MMS 2 this Friday and talks nineteen-to-dozen about it.

"Just like the film 1920: Evil returns, Ragini MMS 2 is a franchise and not a sequel to Ragini MMS," begins Bhushan, who then elaborates on the franchise trend that has been doing the rounds in Bollywood for quite sometime. "When you talk of franchising a film, it is more like creating a brand name and selling a new story on that name. This is quite a lot of responsibility for any director. It's more like producers handing over their baby to the director, who nurture it with their creativity and keep the legacy going." While talking about the film, Bhushan says, "The film is about a director who takes his crew to shoot for a film, Ragini MMS, to the same place where the unfortunate Ragini MMS scandal took place. So this film is a horrex, a relatively new genre in Bollywood."

Speaking of horrex, Bhushan adds, "In India, sex is considered to be dark and forbidden, while horror anyway is dark. So, a blend of the two comes across as an interesting combination." When questioned about what influenced his choice for signing Sunny Leone for the film, Bhushan replies, "Ekta had already signed Sunny way before I came on board, but I think she is the perfect choice."

Since Bhushan has directed only horror films so far, we wonder what influences his ideas. The response we get is quite unlike what we expect, "I would love to do non-horror films if I get a chance, but then there is something about horror that fascinates me. For instance, while shooting for Ragini MMS 2 we went to a lake that was in the middle of the woods, just away from Mumbai. The place was so eerie that I would shudder to look back. You should check YouTube for it and you will know what I mean," he shares while adding, "I have signed yet another untitled horror film and we will begin shooting next month, most probably."

amarjot@tribunemail.com

STAR TRACK
Soha’s mission
Soha Ali Khan turns teacher for a day

To contribute towards improving the quality of education and encourage more children to stay in school, Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan recently taught children for a day in Kolkata. As part of a campaign P&G Shiksha, Soha turned a teacher for the day, involved the children in some interactive learning by implementing several fun tactics.

She even painted a wall of P&G Shiksha School to help complete the on-going construction activities.

"I truly believe that education is a basic right of every child and it is heartening to see a movement like P&G Shiksha facilitating education for underprivileged children and helping them realise their dreams and providing them a better standard of living," Soha said in a statement.

She said that with 42 per cent rural areas in India still not having access to primary schools and 30 per cent of primary schools not having proper toilets, infrastructure is a key issue at schools across the country.

During her visit, she also engaged kids in a rapid fire round on a wide range of subjects. — PTI 

Jolie good show!

Angelina Jolie Jolie used to scare her children to prepare for Maleficent. Angelina Jolie says she went "nuts" while preparing for her negative role in Disney's Maleficent as it involved screaming at bushes and trying to scare her children with her costume and voice.

The 38-year-old actress enjoyed playing the villainous fairy in the children's classic and would bring her scary costume home to practice for her role.

"I loved being Maleficent. I was quite sad to put my staff down and put my horns away because somehow, she just lives in a different world," Jolie said.

"But I did have to take my staff home to practice walking with it in my cloak, and then I would go outside and scream at the bushes to expand my voice and play with my voice. So, mom was a bit nut for a period." Describing her character in the film, Jolie said the role demanded something that she has never done before.

"Maleficent was always so elegant. She always was in control. And to play her was difficult. I worked on my voice a lot. She's bigger than me. She's on a different level of performance that I have never done. She's very still.

"She's very sure of herself, but I couldn't figure out her voice, I kept playing with these different types of British voices, making my voice darker and scarier." Jolie's daughter Viv plays young Princess Aurora, while Pax and Zahara both play princes and princesses from foreign lands. — PTI

Admiration club
Salman Khan all praise for Subhash Ghai's Kaanchi

Bollywood star Salman Khan is left impressed after watching the first trailer of filmmaker Subhash Ghai's next Kaanchi.

The 48-year-old Dabangg star took to Twitter to shower praises on Ghai, who directed him in 2008 film Yuvvraaj. "Saw the promo of Kaanchi. Quite nice. Happy for Subhash Ghai, it is beautifully shot. Hope it does well. Best of luck SG," Salman posted.

The film will mark the return of Ghai as a director after five long years. Kaanchi stars newcomer Mishti, Kartik Tiwari of Pyaar Ka Punchnama fame and veterans like Rishi Kapoor and Mithun Chakraborty. It will hit theatres on April 25. Ghai also thanked Salman for his words of appreciation and wished him luck for his upcoming film Kick.

"Thank you Salman for all your appreciation of trailer of Kaanchi in your tweet. Wish you a rocking shoot in Delhi for Kick," Ghai tweeted. — PTI 

A lovable jasoos

Dia Mirza Actress-producer Dia Mirza feels women-centric films in Bollywood are mostly one-sided but things are now changing. Dia also says there is a scope for such movies to be presented as wholesome entertainers for a larger audience.

"Heroines have always been an essential part of films but their portrayal in cinema is not a much explored subject. Actresses are added primarily for glamour quotient," she says.

"Women-dominated films have a long history in Bollywood, but Bobby Jasoos, a spy-thriller centred around a female detective (Vidya Balan), attempts to break into a domain until now largely occupied by male actors," she says.

The first look of Vidya, dressed as a male beggar with beard and ragged hair, and unveiled a few weeks ago caught everyone's attention.

"I am very excited about Bobby Jasoos as a lover of cinema, as a maker of cinema and as an audience. The manner in which we have approached and viewed women-centric subjects is tilted only in one direction—they are gritty, deep, dark and intense," Dia says. "What is now refreshing is our story tellers are beginning to believe and execute women stories that are not what we think or perceive women subjects to be like. They are wholesome entertainers for everyone to see," she says.

Dia hopes Bobby Jasoos, slated for release later this year, gets thumps up from people.

"I hope Bobby Jasoos is loved by men as much as women. We have made this film for everybody. It is not a film for women alone or women power." The film, directed by Samar Shaikh, has been produced under the banner of Born Free Entertainment, co-owned by the former beauty queen and her beau Sahil Sangha.

This is Dia's second film as a producer after Love Breakups Zindagi (2011) and she is enjoying her innings as a producer. "There is a lot of hard work as a producer and it is compelling. It is like a drug...it entices you and once you get addicted, it is very difficult to draw away from it." Ask if she misses acting, pat comes the reply, "Off course I do... But facilitating a film is far more meaningful and fulfilling experience." — PTI

Of bikini and bickering

Carefree actress Sonam Kapoor has come to learn that she needs to be "careful" with her words in an industry where statements can be "twisted and distorted". Sonam's father Anil Kapoor had recently said that Sonam's bikini shot would get Bewakoofiyan a good opening. Refuting this, the actress said: "My father never said that. All that I said at a press meet was that my father feels the film would get a good opening. That statement found itself bonding with the bikini in the newspaper headlines.

"I've realised I have to be very careful in what I say. I speak my heart out. Such honesty is not appreciated in the film industry. Instead, it is twisted and distorted. A lot of what I say is lost in translation." — IANS

Genetic decoding

Aamir Khan is 49, but can give any younger actor of Bollywood a run for his money. The actor-producer says his genes and healthy lifestyle are to be credited. When asked about the secret behind his youthful looks and fit frame, he said: "What should I say...a lot of it has to do with my genes, and I always eat healthy. I stay conscious about what I eat."

He is also always determined to get the look right for his characters - so, it was no wonder that for the 2008 film Ghajini, Aamir went out of his way to get eight-pack abs. Even for last year's Dhoom 3, he had worked hard on his body for a long time.

Aamir has been entertaining Hindi film audiences for over 25 years. The actor is currently seen as the host of the second season of TV show Satyamev Jayate, which deals with socially relevant issues.

— IANS

Southern pull

Filmmaker AR Murugadoss Saturday confirms that Bollywood actor Neil Nitin Mukesh will make his Tamil debut with upcoming yet-untitled film featuring superstar Vijay. "Yes, Neil is playing villain in our new film," posted Murugadoss on his Twitter page.

Vijay and Murugadoss have teamed up for the second time after the success of Thuppakki, which has already been remade in Hindi. Samantha Ruth Prabhu has been paired with Vijay in the film, which is currently on floors and will hit the cinemas this Diwali. — IANS

Par Excellence
Spring clean your golf game
Jesse Grewal

Jesse Grewal This is a good time to spring clean your golf game just as you do this to your home. Analyse and evaluate your putting, short game and the golf swing and iron out the problems. Take a lesson from your local professional if you are unable to diagnose your faults. It is impossible to correct your faults if they are not diagnosed correctly. Once this is done, make a practice plan to set them right as this could take a little while but will benefit you in the long run. If you don't set aside time to practice, your game will not improve by just playing every day. It is difficult to correct swing faults during a round.

Apart from the technique, take an objective look at your equipment and see if all the clubs in your bag are used frequently or need replacement with some other club. For juniors, seniors and ladies the most important clubs in the bag are the driver, wedges, putter and the rescue or fairway wood. For most other golfers at least 75 per cent of the game is played with the putter, driver and wedges in that order. These should be the best quality clubs in the bag and should be properly fitted to you. The driver should have shaft and loft matched to your swing speed. As the swing gets slower, one requires a softer flex and more loft to get the ball to carry more. Senior golfers should play with a senior or 'A' flex shaft which is softer than a regular shaft. The three woods available have very low lofts and tend to hit the ball too low especially from the fairways. For slow swingers it is advisable to replace this with a rescue. Similarly the long irons are difficult to hit and unless you are good with them replace them with rescue's too. An ideal make-up of the set for slow swingers would be a driver, 5 wood, a 21 and 24 degree rescue and 5 iron onwards or remove the 5 iron for a 27 degree rescue.

If your putting requires improvement, check if the shape of your putter matches your stroke. Putting lessons are rarely taken by golfers and yet they make so much difference as almost 35-40 per cent of the strokes taken are on the green. Do not play with obsolete wedges as the wedges are really an important component for good short game. Motivate yourself and allocate some time to your golf fitness.

If you are looking at increasing your distance work on some physical conditioning with golf specific exercises apart from improving your technique and finding the correct equipment. The industry of bio-mechanical training for golf is expanding rapidly and a lot of research is being done in improving power of the swing as well as keeping the golfer injury free. This is something every golfer wants but very few work towards as it requires a lot of willpower and commitment.

(Grewal has coached several national champions and professionals apart from being coach of the Indian golf team for the Eisenhower Cup (World Cup) in 2008. He is currently the Director of National Golf Academy of India and CGA Hero Honda Golf Academy. If you have any queries get in touch with him at parexcellence@tribunemail.com)

It's happening
Meet the maestros

Keeping the tradition alive, this year again, the Pracheen Kala Kendra is all set to organise the 44th session of its annual feast of classical music and dance.

This year the four-day gala event called Pracheen Kala Kendra Nritya and Sangeet Sammelan (formerly known as All-India Bhaskar Rao Nritya and Sangeet Sammelan) will be held from March 19 to 22 at Tagore Theatre, Sector 18, Chandigarh at 6:30 pm daily. The sammelan has the distinction of one of the few festivals of performing arts which feature all the three branches of music—gayan (vocal), vadan (instrumental) and nritya (dance).

Internationally acclaimed artistes from the field of Indian classical music and dance will present their choicest items before general art lovers. The participating artistes are Ritesh Mishra and Rajnish Mishra (vocal recital), Rama Vaidyanathan (Bharatnatyam dance), Harvinder Sharma (sitar recital), Samira Koser (kathak ), Ustad Hashmat Ali Khan, Md. Akram Khan and his son (tabla taal tarang), Ronu Majumder (flute), Satish Vyas (santoor) and Kumkum Mohanty & troupe (odissi). — TNS

TRENDSETTER
Glam up

With the summer here, we look for new styles and new trends. So, the excitement to 'look good' and consequently grab attention gets renewed with a fresh gusto. It is budding fashion 'pundits' like Anisha Chopra who learn the ropes and educate others as a student of fashion designing at INIFD.

Your sense of style?

Anything eye-catching and looking glamorous within the parameters of the latest trends is stylish.

The latest addition to your treasure of clothing or accessories…

A bag in golden colour from the house of Wrangler.

Brand crazy or street pick-up?

What sits pretty on me and gets me second glances is welcome, be it brands or street pick-ups.

Who would be your style icon?

Deepika Pandukone surely knows how to dress for the occasion.

Who do you think is the worst dressed celebrity?

For me Kangana Ranaut fits this slot.

Which look would your prefer- sporty, chic or glamorous?

Glamorous any day.

One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension…

Halters and loose culottes type pants are something I will never wear.

Your take on accessories…

A striking accessory offsets one's dress especially a well crafted neck piece.

Given a choice which designer would you like to be dressed by?

It would be Rocky S, I guess.

What gives you a high on the confidence level?

Smart footwear along with a comfortable outfit makes me feel at ease and naturally confident. — As told to Poonam Bindra

Master Chef
Nutty flavour
Coffee and walnut cookies
Ranjan Dibya

Ingredients

Unsalted butter 550 gm

Icing sugar 300 gm

Egg 75 gm

Flour 750 gm

Walnut 150 gm

Salt 2 gm

Fresh cream 75 gm

Coffee powder 20 gm 

Method

Pre-heat oven to 170C. Dissolve the coffee powder in the fresh cream. Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg stir then finally add the flour, coffee, chopped walnuts. Roll dessertspoons full of dough into even-sized balls. Press a whole walnut quarter into the top of each ball. Bake in a moderate oven for about 20 minutes, until the cookies are firm to touch. Remove from the oven, allow to rest for a few minutes.

(Dibya is a senior executive chef)

— As told to Poonam Bindra

All about films

The Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi is organising a festival of art films and films on artists made by internationally acclaimed film director Amit Dutta. The festival will be held from March 21 to 23 at the Government Museum and Art Gallery, Sector 10 C, Chandigarh.

Five films are being screened in three days along with discussions on the films and a film appreciation workshop. Films to be screened are: Future of Cinema, Kramasha, Aadmi Ki Aurat Aur Anya Kahaniya, The Seventh Walk, and Nainsukh.

The film Nainsukh is based on the 18th century Pahari painter Nainsukh and dedicated to professor B N Goswamy.

Many of the films made by Amit Dutta have received international awards like Gold Mikaldi - Bilbao, Spain; FIPRESCI - International Film Critic's award - Oberhausen-Germany; Golden Conch - Mumbai International Film Festival; Best Film of the Festival - Mumbai International Film Festival; Rajat Kamal - National Award for Best Cinematography; Jury's Special Mention Prize - Venice Film Festival.

A two-day film appreciation workshop is also being conducted by Prof Chabria on March 22 and 23 from 10 am to 1pm.

The workshop is open to all with a token fee of Rs 20 for students and Rs100 for non-students. —TNS

CELEB POINT
Bonding across the border
Divya Dutta

Jinhe Lahore nahin vekhya oh jamya nahin. That I've been hearing for very long. But it sounded so true when I crossed the border. As kids we went to Wagah border and the excitement of peaking into the other side was unparalleled. It was so intriguing to know that across the gates was another land.

So, when we were told that we were going to cross Wagah border to go to Lahore for our play Teri Amrita, I was ecstatic.

The gates opened, we showed our visa of 10 days and passports and we moved towards the gates. Crossing the No Man's Land, the porters took our luggage and we walked to the other side where the Pakistani media was there to welcome me and Om Puri.

I was overwhelmed. The ride to Lahore was 20 minutes as we drove, crossing the green fields and villages. Sab ek jaisa. It seemed like Amritsar only. And as we entered Lahore, it seemed it was Delhi, same broad roads with green trees in the middle. Connaught Place type structures, sab wahi…

A warm welcome at the hotel was followed by lots of gupshup. And what I observed was that beautiful Urdu they spoke. From the driver to our security men to the hosts, everyone spoke this very sweet language which was like music to the ears. My room had ghazals playing all the time, right from Iqbal Bano to Mehendi Hasan saab.

The media asked questions about Indo-Pak relations. We both wondered, where was the enmity here? The people were warm and loving. A few bad ones always spoilt the broth!

We were taken to show around Lahore. We visited the Baddhahi masjid, Baba Arjan Dev ji's gurdwara, Daata ki masjid, Androoni Lahore which is the old part of the city and much more.

The day I got a bit free I was taken out for shopping. What was most touching was that they recognised me as an actor but they felt an honour in being good hosts. All they said was 'we are not taking money from you, you are our Indian guest! Someone would bring a cold drink, someone would offer gifts just like that.

The creme de la creme of Lahore hosted lunches and dinners for me and Omji. So much respect for Indian actors.

And what do I say about the response to our play Teri Amrita. There couldn't have been a better audience. Cheering on every line, it was so motivating to perform better! Four houseful shows to a standing ovation is something I'll remember for long.

I didn't realise it was time to leave. Time just flew by. The love, the adulation, the warmth and the food! Lahore, the beautiful city and the beautiful people with magnificent hearts! It didn't like a foreign land. Neither the land, nor the people. What was the difference? In fact I felt more love than we sometimes get from our own people! But our roots are there too. What still binds is love and feeling for each other. As Omji said, for the governments of both countries which issue limited visas, to open up more! It's great to peep through your window, he said, but why don't you just open the door itself? I was at Wagah border again, this time crossing back to India. The people who came to drop me were moist eyed. Thank you Lahore. Jinhe Lahore nahin vekhya oh jamya nahin—I sure got born today!

(Dutta is a Bollywood actress)

chatter box
Sending across a strong signal

Satyamev Jayate is back with the second season of the social awakening across the Star network. Starting Sunday, March 2 at 11.00 am, the show was simulcast across STAR Plus, STAR World, STAR Pravah, STAR Vijay, Asianet, STAR Utsav as well as DD along with a deferred telecast at 1.00 pm on ETV and beamed globally across more than 100 countries. The new season of Satyamev Jayate, as the marketing campaign declares, is for all those who care for their country Jinhe Desh Ki Fikr Hai.

The campaign idea was converted into a ground activation activity by creating Fikr Touch Points led by STAR Plus's lead protagonist Veera aka Digangana Suryavanshi of Veer Ki Ardaas Veera. Veera who has taken up the cause of voting, stepped out on the busy streets of Mumbai to question and incite the feeling of Desh Ki Fikr with Sandeep Bachhe — an autorickshaw driver. Sandeep gives free rides to the blind, donates money at an old-age home and raise funds for people.

The protagonist was all praises for Sandeep on seeing him display a Desh Ki Fikr message that read meter se hi challenge kyonki desh ki fikr hai. He reiterated that he always goes by the meter and never over-charges his passengers —something he swears by!

"I represent the young generation and have taken this initiative to push the youth of the country to come forward to vote. Likewise, Sandeep Bachhe and many such people like him are supporting the Satyamev Jayate message of Desh Ki Fikr that implies — to take the right action if you are concerned about the country. This is our way of sending across this message to the people; I urge all my friends join our mission." said Veera.

With the new season of Satyamev Jayate, STAR India chose places where people are most likely to commit civic transgressions and strategically placed a Desh Ki Fikr messages at such locations called Fikr Touch Points. The communication aims at provoking the audience to decide what kind of person they are, "one who cares for the country or one who does not". Hence, there is an auto that spreads the message meter se hi challenge kyonki desh ki fikr hai and major railway stations conveying the message of ticket lenge wohi, jinhe desh ki fikr hai, among others.

Dipika’s celebrity fan!

Actress Dipika Singh, who had recently attended a cancer event as a guest along with Usha Uthup, was in for a surprise. While the actress was quite nervous about meeting the singer, tables actually turned around as Usha happened to be a follower of Saasural Simar Ka. 

Dipika reveals, "Recently, I had gone for a cancer event — an Usha Uthup live in concert — where I was a celebrity guest. I was excited and nervous to meet Ushaji, but much to my surprise as soon as we met she hugged me and told that she was my biggest fan. I had tears in my eyes when I heard that. The entire day she kept showering me with hugs and I was left speechless."

Message in spoofs

Bindass channel will soon bring a new show Change Aayega, Hum Layenge, which is an expression of its much loved campaign b for change. The weekly show will take forward the channel's commitment to be an Enabler of Purposive Action by encouraging young Indians to bring about a change and stand up for what is right. The show will decode a multitude of issues that impact the youth through satire and spoofs, along with a social experiment woven into the format of the show.

An interesting element of the show is a spoof on the issue being showcased in that particular episode. The issues are showcased in a light-hearted manner, which ends with a strong impactful message about the relevant topic that leaves the audience with a thought to bring about a change. To create these spoofs, Bindass has roped in the very popular The Viral Fever (TVF) of the Qutiyapa fame. TVF Qutiyapa has over 3, 70,000 YouTube subscribers and over 126,000 fans on FB.

Fighting fit

Adhvik Mahajan, who plays Sohum in Bani — Ishq Da Kalma, is a very fit man. The actor, who debuted with Ram Gopal Verma's Contract, works out for seven days a week. He was twenty-one years old when he had to play a twenty-eight-year-old character, so he had to work out to fit into the role. That's when he got into martial arts training. He says, "I started training in Shaolin kung fu and then it became an addiction; I'm still practicing. I am not crazy about building my body and showing off, I do it for my personal fitness."

Sunny days!
Actress Sunny Leone, who will be seen in Ragini MMS 2, says she is open to other offers on the small screen as long as they are 'interesting'. Sunny, who is known for her bold image in the industry thanks to movies like Jackpot and Jism 2, says a film must have a story and not just bold scenes.

Celebration mode
The celebrations in Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya refuse to end. Now the story, which is revolving around a wedding, is heading to the baraat. The cast had a ball shooting for the wedding, dressed up in all finery. The jewellery and clothes were exquisitely designed.

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is March 19...

One and nine make you very rational and far-sighted. You'll come across new opportunities and this will help combat your boredom of daily life. It will be necessary to adopt a parental role towards your family. The stars smile down at you and restore energy. Entrepreneurs will need to be particularly attentive to business. It is worth preparing a clear action plan and keeping your eyes wide open. You must express your personal needs to others, who are unaware of your higher calling. It is a happy period as far as money matters are concerned. Income will be good due to hardwork. Investment will be lucky throughout. Avoid speculation or increasing overheads.

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

Select days: Sunday, Monday.

Favourable numbers: 1, 4, 2, 7.

Gems recommended: Yellow Sapphire, Red Coral.

Charity on birthday: Donate copper utensils and green dresses to the needy or at Tanushree Dutta any religious place today.

You share your birthday with Tanushree Dutta (March 19, 1984), who is a former beauty queen - she has won the Femina Miss India Universe title. Her period of rahu has distracted her from routine till 2014.

Astro Turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: You will enjoy tidying up and sorting all your paperwork into coherent order, which may involve paying bills or arranging for extra credit. Check your bank account.

Tarot message: Be positive for the future.

Lucky colour: Crimson.

Magic number: 32.

TAURUS: There can be the calm before the storm. Do not bottle up emotions and become agitated. Plan some fun activities with loved ones. Influential people will like your style.

Tarot message: Try to balance

your budget.

Lucky colour: Orange.

Magic number: 42.

GEMINI: Your personal skills and style of working are likely to shine. A financial matter that has been delayed should move forward now. There should be no special problems to deal with at home.

Tarot message: Don't dismiss the advice of youngsters.

Lucky colour: Peach.

Magic number: 28.

CANCER: Lots of secrets and undercover scenarios can make for an interesting day. Stimulating and thought-provoking ideas will be in abundance. Just make a note of them.

Tarot message: Avoid being hurried and over-anxious.

Lucky colour: Pink.

Magic number: 64.

LEO: This is a day when

dreams come true. That may

seem exaggerated but if you believe in something with

enough heart and hope, it just might happen.

Tarot message: You will not get away with wrongful doings.

Lucky colour: Saffron.

Magic number: 30.

VIRGO: Career affairs will be reaching a triumphant climax.

You are in an ideal job, doing

what you want to and showing

the world just how capable

you are.

Tarot message: There are times in a relationship when it is wiser to be silent. Lucky colour: Grey.

Magic number: 27.

LIBRA: The card "The Page of Swords" reveals that you are noted for your resilience. Romance takes a turn for the better. Keep extra cash in hand to cope with additional expenses.

Tarot message: Spend time meeting experienced people.

Lucky colour: Rainbow pastels.

Magic number: 63.

SCORPIO: You need more clarity in financial or business matters. It is important that you get expert advice to help sort out a problem. Creative work is favoured over mundane routine jobs.

Tarot message: Don't waste an opportunity.

Lucky colour: Brown.

Magic number: 51.

SAGITTARIUS: Your card "Eight of Wands" suggests that extra money is likely to come from somewhere. You will start off in a confident and optimistic mood, which will help.

Tarot message: Take time before reacting.

Lucky colour: Red.

Magic number: 40.

CAPRICORN: There is breathing space now to get your act together and clear your mind. Stay with a focus on business because that's what will pay dividends.

Tarot message: New offers should be put on hold.

Lucky colour: White.

Magic number: 29.

AQUARIUS: Reckless spending will be a cause for regret. So no matter how tempting or urgent the purchase is, think twice before pulling out your credit card or handing over cash.

Tarot message: Consolidate

your gains.

Lucky colour: Purple.

Magic number: 52.

PISCES: Although you have sufficient funds, stick to window-shopping. Arrangements you made to meet with friends can change. Pay bills so that you can work out where you stand financially.

Tarot message: Minor official pin-pricks should be ignored.

Lucky colour: Ebony.

Magic number: 26.





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