Of bromance & romance
Two best friends falling for the same girl…the story may sound a tad too familiar but the on-screen and off-screen chemistry of the star cast of Mundeyan Ton Bachke Rahin is refreshing!
Ashima Batish

It's incredible that film is shot and wrapped up in flat 35 days, including all scenes and songs. Incredible because, when the star cast has a decent star value to them; it's implausible if not impossible. That's how it was done, in just over a month, Mundeyan Ton Bachke Rahin was completed.

Five minutes into the conversation in Chandigarh on Tuesday, and you start believing the claim, for the camaraderie between the cast of the film, Roshan Prince, Jassi Gill and Simran Kaur Mundi becomes apparent. They prompt each other for answers and share credit for their performances. Flanked by producer Pawan Gill and director Navinder Kirpal Singh, they talk about their film, their characters and how the project is different from a dozen other bromance films in Pollywood.

Bromantically yours

It's a safe bet to make films on fun and friendship, a pet subject of Pollywood, but that, Simran says, didn't cut down on her screen space. "I am not expecting women-oriented films in Pollywood yet but what Neeru Bajwa manages to do is inspiring for actors like me." The film is about two friends who, as expected, fall in love with a girl. Roshan sheds more light on the story, "It's a youth-oriented film about two boys, who get caught in a difficult situation post they upload pictures on Facebook." He adds that it is his off-screen bonding with Jassi that resulted in their on-screen chemistry. "I have always wanted to do a film with Roshan, even before reading the script I knew I was doing it," Jassi pitches in.

Simran's role is that of a modern girl, who can't be taken for granted. "We could complete the film in this short period because each one of us was eager to be together on the sets," Simran adds, who will also have a Bollywood film releasing on the same day, Kuku Mathur Ki Jhand Ho Gayi by Ekta Kapoor. She has worked in films down South and a Punjabi film, is an add-on in her resume.

On a similar note

There is a stark similarity between the songs Dilliwali Girlfriend from Yeh Jawani Hai Diwani and Boycott Karidya from Mundeya Ton….and you would usually expect the similarity to be attributed to sheer co-incidence. Pawan and Navinder are, however, rather candid about it, "The costumes are inspired and so is the music." What Ranbir Kapoor wore in silver in the song, Jassi and Roshan are wearing the same version in white and black. "Both of us have worked with Yashraj Productions. We admire the production values of Yashraj and Dharma Productions. Our film's song is inspired from Dilliwali Girlfriend, and we don't even contest it. It can be called an ode to the two best production houses in India," Pawan says.

The costumes of the film, as is apparent from the trailer, are probably the best we have seen so far in a Punjabi film. Adds Navinder, "We wanted our production values to set a benchmark for the upcoming Punjabi films and probably we have achieved that."

It's for the first time that the poster and trailer of a Punjabi film have been released with the music of the film. Pawan terms it aggressive marketing, again a cue taken from Bollywood. "It's important that a film is creatively and commercially satisfying. Only then you can work on your next project." That sounds wise and practical!

ashima@tribunemail.com

Dressed to kill

It's good to see Punjabi film actors dressed up for the occasion; after all it is the release of the music of the film.

If Simran looked beautiful in a baby pink short dress, Jassi Gill looked dapper in a white shirt teamed up with a bright yellow bandhgala jacket.

Only if Roshan Prince could score as much! His jacket would have been icing on the cake, if it was the month of November.

And Jassi went wrong only with the brooch. It wasn't required, after all it was not a wedding he was attending.

Sorrow in City of Joy
Director-actress Maud Andrieux's play Le Vice-consul is set in the backdrop of Kolkata
Manpriya Singh

What sets the novel Le Vice-consul apart is the fact that it's been set in the steamy monsoon heat of Kolkata and penned by French author Marguerite Duras. However, for 32-year-old director actress Maud Andrieux, the entire exercise of adapting, staging and performing the play has been exceptional.

"What is also special to me is that this novel is about the feelings of a woman and it goes 90 years back," she says while briefing us a day before the performance.

The French theatre company Compagnie du Barrage and Alliance Francaise present the play as a part of the celebration of birth centenary of the author. "It is a solo show where you can hear other actors speaking but on stage only I can be seen. It comprises the recoded sounds and voices of other actors." The play, to be staged with English subtitles, depicts the heroine on a trip down the memory lane.

The novel brings together three suffering characters. Meet Anne Marie Stretter, the beautiful wife of the French ambassador, seeking the love of younger men as if desperate for a carefree youth she never had. One of those men who falls for her is the former Vice-consul of Lahore, an awkward solitary man prone to violent, irrational rages. There is a mysterious Cambodian beggar woman whose presence in India intrigues the Europeans, just as the woman herself seems drawn to them.

She adds, "The good thing about the novel is that you have space to imagine things yourself. The author's writing style has ensured enough creative and imaginative space for the reader."

Born in Versailles, France, this is not her first brush with adapting and staging plays. "I have also adapted the famous autobiographical novel by Marguerite Duras, Un Barrage contre le Pacifique (A Dam Against the Pacific), which narrates the efforts of a family of settlers to survive in Indochina. She adds, "I thought of that play on my return trip from Vietnam in 2003…Since childhood, I have been fascinated by Vietnam and South-East Asia. Since childhood I have also been very interested in history."

Tale of three cities

It's only been two days since her first ever Indian tour comprising three cities began. "After this I go to Delhi and Kolkata…I am happy to be here in India around this time because it is warm. In France, it is too cold and rainy this time," she excitedly shares the itinerary, while everything else about the place falls into a random haze.

"I don't know much about Bollywood. Whatever little I know is only through my friend who is French but has been working in films in India since five years now. I've always been more into theatre than cinema so I know very little about cinema."

On the radar are a lot of cultural exchange programmes, "where she plans to continue with theatre and bring beautiful works by French authors."

manpriya@tribunemail.com

To be staged on April 16 at 7.15 pm at Alliance Francaise, Chandigarh.

Divine intervention
Harshdeep Kaur feels her voice is meant for Sufi songs
Gurvinder Singh

Singer Harshdeep Kaur, the voice that became a household name after the reality show Junoon— Kuch Kar Dikhane Ka, was in Ludhiana for a concert. Giving her reason for wearing a turban, she said that during the show, and singing Sufi songs, she had to cover her head.

So, rather than covering her head with a chunni, in a traditional manner, her uncle suggested that she should wear a turban. She wore her father's turban which looked rather good.

So, the turban became part of the attire for all her performances. Even people wanted her to wear the turban.

Starting early in life, when she was barely six, worked for her as she had clear focus. She said that all parents must help their children in nurturing their talent at an early stage. If they help to hone the talent, that hobby can be a career later, said the singer.

Sufi music is close to her heart, as she grew up singing Sufi songs. "Although the reasons for liking Sufi were altogether different to begin with," she said. While listening, one wants to sing along. But while listening to singers like Lata Mangeshkar, she could not match their scale because her voice was a tad heavier. So, she started listening to Reshma, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and other Sufi singers, and eventually developed an inclination and liking for Sufi singing.

Unlike many of the music reality show winners, who are hardly there, Harshdeep continues to sing as a playback singer. "It depends on how much effort you put in after winning the shows," she said. But she was already singing in Bollywood, and had to her credit a few songs. She wanted to participate in the reality show because of the Sufi concept, and that she wanted to reach out to more people through the reality show.

Despite being an established singer, she felt the pressure while competing with newbies. "But I was confident of winning it," she said.

She admires many singers from Pakistan, including Rahat Fateh Ali Khan and Ata Ulla Khan. She grew up listening to Ata Ulla Khan, and it was a great pleasure when she had an opportunity to share the stage with him during a concert in Delhi.

With stardom and fame comes the hectic schedule. Her schedule is packed these days with back-to-back performances across the globe, Delhi, London, Switzerland, Thailand, Mauritius to name a few. But she is enjoying the labour of love.

A workaholic’s confession
Jasmine Singh

Many Shades: Ekta It hasn't been registered anywhere but television actor Ekta of Bani Ishq Da Kalma fame has created a record for working 72 hours at a stretch. This record is for herself and her friends and colleagues who appreciate it. She smiles, "It is no record, I just like working like this.

I feel if I have work then I should do complete justice to it. When we don't have work we crib a lot, now that I have, why shouldn't I make the most of it."

Ekta, who comes from Khanna, Punjab, moved to Mumbai in 2000. She has been associated with theatre and still an active member of IPTA. Her heart, however, beats for TV. "My role in Bani gives me a chance to portray many shades. I have thoroughly enjoyed doing it. This is what I like about TV characters, they are all about experimentation," she says.

Coming back to the 72 hours of work record! TV actors have to deal with the words 'stress' and 'monotony'. "I didn't get off to even attend the funeral of my brother-in-law. We don't have off or leisure holidays. But then it is part of the work culture. A TV actor has to deal with it." Having said this she also adds, "Not that we don't get any free time at all. Sometimes, the unit accommodates as well."

Ekta never gets into the length of the role, big or small it doesn't matter. "I live my character, I 
just don't act. For me getting into the character is more important than anything else."

Ekta has done a small role in the upcoming Hindi film Saat Uchakey. "The film industry is the ultimate destination for every actor. Again, if I get good roles, I would certainly go for it," she adds.

Par Excellence
Swing it right
Use different methods to practice 
Jesse Grewal

Practice does not always make one perfect as the adage goes but certainly practice makes it permanent. If one practices incorrectly or the wrong thing, this would become a permanent part of ones swing or game.

The basic idea of practice is to first assess where one is going wrong and this assessment starts with the ball flight. This can only be done when one begins to make some sort of repeatability in the contact with the ball. So, if one is not hitting the centre of the club it is impossible to make a practice plan as each shot would be different. To achieve this, the fundamentals especially the pre swing principles must be sound. These are primarily the grip and the set-up.

To make any improvement in a person's game we can use three basic ways. We either change the person (technique, physical attributes like fitness, the correct use of the mind and a correct fit of the clubs), the environment or the task. Try to put the latter two into your practice plan. Changing the environment means practicing from different lies or from a rough. It could mean asking a person to stand behind a tree and move the ball around it either by hooking or slicing it. If a golfer has the tendency to duff they could practice from a down slope and this would force them to learn to steepen the angle of approach so as not to hit behind the ball. A golfer who slices could practice from a slope where the ball is above the feet. This would shallow or flatten out the swing and induce a draw. So, use your surroundings to improve your swing in a non conscious way. This is a method of reverse engineering.

The second way is to change the task. So, if you hit varied shots in practice they definitely change the technique for each different shot automatically. If you hit a few draws you would have to use an in to out swing. Then hit some fade shots. The path of the swing would have to change to an out to in plane with the face open to the path. Vary the height of the shots. This would make you either change the position of the body in relation to the ball. This again achieves the technical change in a non- conscious way by again reverse engineering.

Therefore a practice plan need not necessarily be technical or conscious with lots of thinking. It could be by using any of the above ways.

(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)

CELEB POINT
Special moments with special someone
Divya Dutta

When it's romance, when it's effortless dancing, when it is inherent ease in acting, it has to be Rishi Kapoor! My favourite actor since childhood. All his songs are still my favourite. I guess, apart from Rajesh Khanna, he had the nicest songs and how much he added to them with his sheer presence! Karz, Ye Wada Raha, Rafu Chakker, Sagar are some of my favourites!

I met him for the first time on the sets of Dilli 6. I was in awe of him. I normally am not, but he was an exception. We all were given huge cottages in a resort in Jaipur for the film and once in the evening, our entire group was singing songs, playing the guitar and we suddenly switched to Rishi Kapoor songs. So overwhelmed were we that we went up to Rishi ji, who was there with us, and sang his songs to him. He was very amused. For me the big day was when I had to perform a lengthy monologue in Haryanvi, a language I am not very familiar with. The scene was in front of veterans like Waheeda Rehman, Om Puri, Rishi ji and the entire cast, including Abhishek Bachchan and Sonam. Being nervous was an understatement! They were all watching and I had to deliver, I promised myself. In one go, I rattled my lines and also added a few in my nervousness. Pin drop silence. After the shot I wanted to just bury myself for having goofed up till I saw Rishi ji clapping for me and then everyone followed. It was an applause! That feeling is indescribable. Your idol applauding for you! He didn't have to, but he did. My respect for him only grew manifold.

And then I was offered a film with him recently. How could I not have done it? In Dilli 6, I didn't share much screen space with him but in this film all my scenes were with him. Shooting for it in Chandigarh was an added bonus. I love the city. I was having breakfast in a restaurant when I spotted Rishi ji sitting there too having his breakfast, unaffected by the public gaze. I went up to him and started chatting. Yes, I am still nervously excited when I talk to him. He looked after me so well, ordering delicacies and discussing the scenes. Shooting with him was a sheer delight. He was so spontaneous and all you had to do was react. Acting is all about reacting. Right from guiding me, making me comfortable, helping the crew, Rishi ji was pleasure to work with. And charm personified!

One schedule over and I was all smiles. It's not very often that you grow up idolising someone and one fine day work with him and sit chatting away to glory with him! No, it doesn't happen too often. It is very special. Will always be... Kuch log bade khaas hote hain...As I sat in my car bidding adieus to the unit, I heard myself humming, Jeevan ke din chote sahi hum bhi bade dilwale. True, Rishi ji!

(Dutta is a Bollywood actress)

Get talli with chicken
Hyderbadi Food festival at Amara presents some sumptuous but lesser known dishes from the state
Mona

Amara brings Chandigarh foodies "kuch nazakatein Hyderabad se". Chef Manju Sachdeva, who calls Hyderabad her home for last 20 years, offers delicacies that she has learnt from royal khansamas for you!

Hyderbadi Festival at Amara-43 presents the distinct royal flavours. There are veg and non-veg kebabs, of course the famous biryanis and Manju's take on chicken 65 and chicken talli. The starters are sumptuous and the names whet our curiosity.

"Chicken 65 is a dish just called 'fried chicken' to begin with. Post 1965 war, a Colonel at Sikandarabad Club, who was impressed with the snack, asked the chef its name. Not impressed by the 'fried' tag, he re-christened it as chicken 65. Now, you find many variants of it in Hyderabad," clears Manju. Chicken talli obviously has wine as an ingredient.

Masala chassh is a refreshing starter with a crackling rai (mustard seeds). The starters are served with special dahi chatni. There are three types of biryanis to pick from—vegetable, chicken and mutton.

"While typical Hyderbadi biryani is oily and spicy, keeping in mind the palate of North Indians, we have balanced it out." Desserts include zafrani savian and makhane ki kheer. Savour one hot and other cold! The best part of the food is that the dishes are not heavy but filling and flavourful. All for Rs 499 plus taxes (welcome drink, kebabs, biryani and desserts); you can add two alcoholic beverages to it and pay Rs 699 plus taxes.

On till April 20 (only for dinner).

Dabba diaries of Bollywood stars
Bollywood stars need to watch their diet more than anyone else. Here is what they eat on the sets to maintain their energy levels and hot bodies!

A balanced meal

Deepika Padukone: She likes egg whites, plain dosas, mint chutney, upma or paranthas for her breakfast. She loves having dal, sabzi, roti, raita and salad for lunch.

Of Punjabi palate

Priyanka Chopra: She loves to eat like a proper Punjabi person! She is not fussy at all. She has pizzas and paranthas often. She has rotis, soups, salads, vegetables, rice, dal and fruits everyday.

Homely touch

Ranbir Kapoor: He loves home-cooked food. He has vegetable juice and egg whites for breakfast. His lunch is usually dal, sabzi, roti and curd.

On a liquid diet

Katrina Kaif: She likes to have brown rice with vegetable salad and pulses. She has a lot of fruit juices and healthy beverages during lunch time.

Packing in a punch

Varun Dhawan: He likes having steamed brown rice, three rotis, broccoli and baked chicken for lunch. His breakfast is omelette, oats and whole-grain sandwich. That's a lot!

Lisa signs Shaukeen

For some time now, it has been a topic of discussion as to who would be replacing Nargis Fakhri in the film Shaukeen, alongside Akshay Kumar. Now we hear that Lisa Haydon who was last seen in the recently released film Queen will be taking up the mantle of being the leading lady.

The film, which is going to be a remake of Basu Chatterjee's 1982 hit, will see Lisa essaying the role of Akshay Kumar's girlfriend, after whom three old men - played by Anupam Kher, Annu Kapoor and Piyush Mishra- will be lusting. Directed by Abhishek Sharma, the film is expected to go on the floors later this month.

The next big league

Bollywood heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor, who will own the Mumbai franchise in the inaugural Indian Super League (ISL), said he was looking at translating his passion for the sport into development activity.

Ranbir has tied up with investment banker Bimal Parekh to co-own the Mumbai franchise. The eight city league will be played during September-November. "It is a moment of great pride for me to be a part of the Indian Super League and to represent the vibrant city of Mumbai. Football has never been far away from my daily life since childhood and now, as a partner of the Indian Super League, I am looking forward to translate my passion into contributing to the growth of the sport," said Ranbir.

Captain of the ship

Alia Bhatt says that her mother Soni Razdan is the captain of her ship. She keeps her sane, grounded, working, functioning while making sure she eats, sleeps and works out on time and Alia feels that she would not have made it without her.

Meanwhile, she says that would love to do a masala movie. Something like what Varun did in Main Tera Hero. More importantly, she totally wants to do a Bhatt girls' film which she will act in, Pooja Bhatt will produce and Shaheen Bhatt will direct.

CHATTER BOX

Cause and effect

Popular television actor, Rithvik Dhanjani will be seen in the coming episode of MTV Webbed Season 2. The episode will revolve around one of his obsessed fans, who will be webbed in the world of cyber by people who will misuse her love for her icon, who is Rithvik Dhanjani.

Rithvik says, "When I got to know about the episode and I immediately said yes because I wanted to do it for my fans. I want them to know that there are many in the internet world who want to use their weakness against them. I really love all my fans and would never want anything wrong happening to them."

The story will portray a young girl, who wants to meet her dream man through a concert organised by the star, and a group of miscreants misuse her love and take undue advantage of her by claiming to get her an entry in the concert. "It was heartbreaking to know about such things are happening out there. I would request all my fans to stay away from such people. The episode will definitely help as a learning measure for them and protect them from such future crime," concludes Rithvik. The episode will air on April 18.

Five hundred and counting…

These days, television shows have a short shelf life and are taken off air quickly, when given a lukewarm response. It's time for a big celebration on the sets of the show, Sapne Suhaane Ladakpan Ke, as it completed a glorious run of 500 episodes on Zee TV. The story of the show is about young girls, Gunjan and Rachana.

Namit Sharma, programming head, Zee TV said, "The show is a fine narrative of love, everlasting friendship, the joy of sharing and caring, fights and making up between sisters, who may not be related by blood but form a special connection that completes the two of them.”

The show has beautifully depicted the finer nuances of life like hope, aspirations, love, togetherness, emotional turmoil, rebellious feelings, etc. “As the show reaches a significant milestone of 500 episodes, we're certain that the show will keep the dedicated fans engrossed with the twists and turns in the protagonists' lives and Gunjan-Rachana will continue to inspire thousands of girls across India,” he adds.

Producers of the show, Shyamashish Bhattacharya and Neelima Bajpa of Shakuntalam Telefilms said, "It's a proud moment for us. The show has touched the hearts of millions of viewers with its relatable characters, realistic scenarios and topical tracks that move people."

In the up and coming episodes, even as Gunjan scales unimaginable heights as an active social worker, will she be able to finely balance her roles as Mayank's wife and the bahu in the Garg family?

Even as Rachana and KT grow closer, will Vihan re-enter her life, leaving her in a dilemma of the heart? Stay tuned!

While fans fanned her flames

New innings: Supriya Actress Supriya, who played the lead, Amoli, in Balaji Telefilms' show, Bairi Piya, which was on Colors, is all set to make a comeback in the industry. Her fans missed her on television and she was flooded her with requests to comeback. Touched and moved by the love of her fans, she is now making a re-entry with a new show, Anudamini with Sachin Shroff playing opposite her. The show will be telecast on DD National. Excited about her new show, Surpiya says, "It feels really good to get back from where you started after 3 years. My fans really missed me, and through various mediums, they told me that want to see me back on television, which made me come back. There are the ones who brought me back on telly."

Debina stuns Sumit with her taandav

Divine dance: Debina and Sumit of Chidiya Ghar In a recent track of Chidiya Ghar, Debina was supposed to do an angry dance performance.

Sumit felt that Debina would find it difficult to perform as she is a very pleasant person in real life. However, he was pleasantly surprised. "I told Debina that it might be a challenge for her. However, she pleasantly surprised me, along with other members on the set.”

Divine dance: Debina and Sumit of Chidiya Ghar

Meanwhile, Debina said, "I dancing and have learnt it professionally as well. I took it up as a challenge as not everyone gets an opportunity to do a modern 'taandav'.”

Sick leave

Kushal Tandon, who recently exited form the show, Khatron Ke Khiladi, will soon be operated for his shoulder. He was given physiotherapy for the shoulder before leaving the show, but the stunts aggravated it. He will have to take precautions for the coming few months.

Back with a bang

Amitabh Bahchchan will soon be back on television. He recently shot for the promos of Kaun Benga Crorepati and his blog read- "The early morning shoot for the promos of the fresh season of KBC were accomplished." Get set for yet another round of quiz coming your way soon.

Dancing his way into shows

Buzz is that Kiku Sharda, who plays the role of Palak in the show, Comedy Nights With Kapil, might participate in the up and coming season of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa. He has been approached for the reality show and has proved his dancing talent in Nach Baliye too.

Time to celebrate

Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai completed 1,400 episodes and its cast and crew celebrated the event with a huge cake-cutting ceremony. The producer of the show, Rajan Shahi, and actors, Hina Khan and Karan Mehra, attended the party.

When work takes precedence

Salman Khan's father Salim Khan was down with fever and he was diagnosed with malaria. Now he is in hospital and is recovering. Meanwhile, Salman is in Warsaw, Poland shooting for Kick. It is for the climax sequence and Randeep Hooda is also a part of it.

In love: Mishti and Kartik Aaryan Reel turns real

It seems that Kaanchi's lead pair Mishti and Kartik Aaryan is in love and their romance is blossoming even more. This is Mishti's debut in Bollywood while Kartik has done a couple of films earlier.

In love: Mishti and Kartik Aaryan

Parental guidance!

Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap's parents will make an appearance in his next film Bombay Velvet. It so happened that when they dropped in on Anurag's set; he urged them to come in front of the camera.

A leaf from the past

Arjun Kapoor feels that the character of Krish in 2 States is close to him. His mother had the book on her shelf and she wanted him to do the movie and now that wish has been fulfilled.

Ifs and buts

Anil Kapoor is keen on making a movie version of his TV show 24, but the makers of the original haven't granted him the permission.

ASTRO TURF
P Khurrana

ARIES: You will enjoy physical love making now as apposed to romantically staring into your partners eyes over a candle-lit dinner. Try your luck in speculative deals. Domestic compulsions will make life uneasy. Tarot message: You need to cultivate understanding and humility. Lucky colour: Peach Magic number: 36

TAURUS: Social events will be a positive stimulus for you. At trip out of town is on the cards and may take you away from your lover. Those in love will have an exciting day. Hobbies will gain extra momentum. Tarot message: Resolve conflicts through discussions. Lucky colour: Skin Magic number: 29

GEMINI: Jealousy, possessiveness and control, all suggest issues of code pungency. Learn to let go and be independent. Invest extra cash into a safe scheme. Circumstances take a turn in your favour. Tarot message: Keep a close watch on any niggling health problem. Lucky colour: Copper Magic number: 34

CANCER: Think twice before you start spending your cash on a whim. You may meet an interesting person today. Do not disturb jointly held fund without the consent of your partner. An Aquarian friend will be supportive. Tarot message: Boost your confidence with positive thinking. Lucky colour: Maroon. Magic number: 33

LEO: Primarily, you need to honour yourself. Today, your focus remains on the sale or purchase of property. Family outing brings surprise. Things will sail smoothly at home. Stay clear from sycophants. Tarot message: Wait and watch as impatience only leads to failure. Lucky colour: Blue Magic number: 30

VIRGO: Be willing to change your behaviour. Be positive. Women: emotionally you may feel insecure. Romantic luck will boost your spirits. Evening is extremely pleasant. Do not over eat at night. Tarot message: Rivalry and competition would push you to do your best. Lucky colour: Red Magic number: 44

LIBRA: An issue that is niggling at the back of your mind needs to be addressed. If you have been thinking of buying a pet, this is a favourable day. Expect excellent news concerning finance. Tarot message: Cut away the frills and concentrate on the truly important. Lucky colour: purple. Magic number: 32

SCORPIO: Friendly vibes and thoughts of romance bade well for singles. Just remember that people may not be everything they say they are. You will be in a mood to find fault with people who are dear to you. Curb this habit. Tarot message: A caring attitude heals old wounds. Lucky colour: Grey Magic number: 46

SAGITTARIUS: No matter how much you love your partner, do not compromise on things that are important to you. Relationships are based on give-and-take, so make sure you go both the ways. Tarot message: Do what is right and watch your best interests. Lucky colour: Coffee brown Magic number: 50

CAPRICORN: Relatives will be sensitive and difficult to get along with. Do not get involved in any land deal. In the evening, there is an exchange of ideas with someone who means a lot to you. Tarot message: Take limited risks with you capital Lucky colour: Burgundy Magic number: 63

AQUARIUS: Don't gossip in the workplace. If you work in an area where there are language barriers, be extra careful. Those in love will be happy. Guard against extreme agitation. Health can be problematic. Tarot message: You find within yourself a fountainhead of will power. Lucky colour: Saffron Magic number: 59

PISCES: Think wisely before spending extra cash. Do not shirk responsibility. Keep travel plans off the agenda. Romantic life takes an upswing. Children will be a source of happiness and joy. Tarot message: Do not let anyone get advantage over you. Lucky colour: Yellow Magic number: 48

THE YEAR AHEAD
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is April 16...

The 16th day of the month gives a sense of loneliness and the desire to work alone. This number has a most peculiar occult symbolism. If it appears as a compound number (relating to the future), it is a warning sign. This year is the time to relax and enjoy your love life, especially the last half of the year. Both, singles and married couples will provide stability and strength to your love, emotional bonding, and intimate relationship. You will be in the mood to help, be it helping your family, friends or those less fortunate than you. Work relations could be slightly difficult. Luckily, you will be able to extricate yourself and express clearly what's going wrong. If you are self-employed, you will be attracted to the possibility of setting up short-term projects, which will help you move ahead in your career.

Positive colours: White, sky blue, cream, yellow and navy blue

Select days: Monday and Sunday

Favourable numbers: 2 and 7

Gems Recommended: Pearl, white coral and diamond

Charity on birthday: Donate green fodder to cows, or copper utensils to the needy or a religious place today.

You share your birthday with former Miss Universe, Lara Dutta [April 16, 1978, Ghaziabad], who made her Hindi debut in 2003 with the film Andaaz. She is married to an Indian tennis player, Mahesh Bhupathi. Her strong Venus will keep her charming in films for a very long time.





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