It’s showtime again!
In Chandigarh, Simone Singh, who is making a comeback on television with Ek Hasina Thi, says she has no dream role and it all depends on the 'appeal' factor
Manpriya Singh
Simone Singh
Telly time: Simone Singh. Photo: S. Chandan

Sometimes, when buried under time, even the most memorable performances need to be recalled. Even though her roles stretch back to serials like Sea Hawks and A Mouthful of Sky, it is the adorable character of Heena that gets the bells ringing.

From playing a helpless protagonist in a daily soap to returning as an all-powerful Durga Thakur in Star Plus' Ek Hasina Thi. Given her career graph, Simone Singh has always been used to a few repetitive queries.

These days it is the fact that she chose to make a comeback after half-a-decade with a negative character. "The negative character was just not an apprehension. In fact, that was the main draw for me," she shares, while in Chandigarh to host a fashion show put together by The Talwarsons.

The negative streak was not a deterrent, not even the fact that she plays a mother to a grown up — the dreaded point in the career of any woman in showbiz. "If at all, there were apprehensions whether I'd be able to devote long hours for the show. Playing a mother was the least of my concerns."

She adds, "The way the character was narrated to me was appealing. She has streaks of grey, but she is powerful and central to the story." There is nothing else on the radar, 'because playing a central character in a television serial doesn't leave you with time for anything else."

She has had brief stints and cameos in more than a dozen films, including Being Cyrus, Kal Ho Na Ho and Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham. "I just do not have a dream role."

If long hours demanded by television industry, leave any time…"I love to travel with my husband. But I don't think I'll be getting to do that any time soon now. Apart from that I also like to cook. I used to write on food." 

Shining bright

Well, it seems like nothing has changed in the past few wedding seasons. The trends that have been there only emerge stronger than ever before at the fashion show organised by The Talwarsons. Chandelier earrings, gem stones (emeralds to be precise) diamonds and statement pieces continue to rule. Like we said, nothing much has changed. Save for a few motifs and silhouettes. Shares Simone Singh, "For all those who have loved Chandelier earrings, this is the time; the ladies that do not yet have chandelier earrings, this is the time to fix this problem." She adds, "One can wear only one thing at a time and stand out. Save for a wedding in the family, one can get away with the limelight with only one statement piece." Diamonds and solitaires ruled the collection, with even the bridal collection going in for a major overhaul and moving from the traditional gold coupled with kundan as well as polki to diamonds.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Twice the melody
Aditya Balani and Suhail Yusuf Khan grew up in an atmosphere imbued with music. Together, they now rock on stage
Mona

Aditya Balani and Suhail Yusuf Khan Suhail grew up following totally different routes to music. While Adi listened to film music and played on his keyboard, Suhail found inspiration from the sound of sarangi he grew up listening to. Following his uncles, Kamal Sabri and grandfather Ustad Sabri Khan, Suhail picked up the sarangi. Adi pursued music and went to learn formally at Berklee College of Music, Boston, US.

Now, together they present quite a wonderful sight on stage you see sarangi, drums, laptop with loop and two artistes having a go!

Been together for the last decade or so, Adi and Suhail combined to make music and buoyed by the encouraging response, cut their first album titled Culture Code Landscape. Quite an unusual name for a musical album! Adi explains, "For us Culture Code is the DNA of a culture, the stories, the language and the history. Culture Code Landscape is the landscape of all the DNA of different cultures put together, which we are a part of and draw inspiration from."

The duo rocked at the recent music festival at Kasauli. The event worked as an excellent escape from city life (they are currently based in Delhi) and made them meet, listen to other artistes and share their latest album as well.

Culture Code Landscape has nine tracks in total. Unifying theme is love. You see sarangi and guitar coming together, and various other artistes to present a cultural mélange. There is poetry by Baba Bulleh Shah with Western influences in Naina; Qalandar takes forward the message of most saints while Pahchaan is about humdrum of life taking us away from our real selves.

While they do fusion, ask them about their inspiration in music and Adi turns to Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, "I am moved not only by his divine music but how he overcame all obstacles to reach where he is today. Suhail credits Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan as his inspiration.

They are doing of couple of shows in major cities in the country, including Chandigarh, and going to UK for concerts later on. Catch them live at the Whistling Duck on April 25 from 8 pm onwards.

mona@tribunemail.com

Coming soon
The stage is set
Ras Kala Manch from Haryana is geared up to delight theatre buffs in a three-day festival that kicks off on April 25...
Amarjot Kaur

While Chandigarh folks eagerly await election results, artists are all eager to take part in Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Academy's three-day Chalo Theatre National Theatre Festival, which has been organised in association with Ras Kala Manch. Touted as one of the prominent theatre festivals in Haryana, the Chalo Theatre National Theatre Festival has been doing rounds in Hisar, annually.

However, this year, the Ras Kala Manch, a Haryana-based theatre group, sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Haryana, is organising the event in the city. When asked about the reason behind changing the venue to Chandigarh this year, secretary of the Ras Kala Manch, Manish Joshi Bismil says, "This is the fifth edition of the festival and we wanted to make it big, so we changed the venue to Tagore Theatre." He adds that the city's audience is more responsive to theatre. The three-day festival will feature a play every evening, starting 7 pm.

On collaborating with the Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Academy, Manish shares that he met Gurcharan Singh Channi, whose daughter had performed at the Chalo Theatre National Theatre Festival in Hisar, and he and as chairman of the Academy was prompt to accept their proposal. "The group comprises as many as twenty artistes, who are paid on a monthly basis," says Manish. While most theatre artistes complain about the Government not providing them with enough resources, Manish remains less critical and credits the Government of Haryana and Ministry of Culture for funding them. But that does not change his stance about the freedom of an artist's expression. "Theatre has always been against the system and a medium of expressing the need for change, so just because the government is funding us does not mean that we can't do plays that voice our opinion for change," says Manish.

Of the three plays, which will be performed at the Festival, the first one titled About Ram has been directed by Anuradha Roy, a renowned puppeteer and recipient of Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Purskar by Sangeet Natak Academy. Performed by the Delhi-based theatre group, Katkatha, the play traces Ram's inner journey as a man tormented by his forced separation from his wife Sita.

Doosra Aadmi Doosri Aurat, a play directed by Ravi Mohan, a self-trained nationally acclaimed theatre director, will be performed on the second day. The play laments the transitory and futile existence of relations in today's world. On the last day, a play titled Urgent Meeting will be staged. Directed by JP Singh and performed by the Delhi-based Rangbhoomi group, the play is a satire on today's bureaucracy.

(Festival starts on April 25 at the Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh. Entry is free)

amarjot@tribunemail.com

A progressive step

A beauty pageant Miss Progress India was organised in Chandigarh recently. This is a pageant where a less beautiful can win but the objective she carries has to be strong and viable.

Shital Upare from Mumbai won the title of Miss Progress India 2014. Ruchika Sambhi from Ambala and Renu Pruthi from New Delhi stood 1st runner-up and 2nd runner-up, respectively.

Swami Ganesh Dutta Auditorium of SD College, Sector 32 witnessed a glamorous evening of 11 girls walking down the ramp with confidence.

The jury comprised eminent personalities from Bollywood and Pollywood. — TNS

Spring in the step
To keep in sync with nature, spring is the time to redecorate your home
Mona

The spring is here…nature at its most bountiful. Needless to say, the surroundings have a huge impact on how we perceive and lead our lives. It's not for nothing that April is celebrated as redecorating month…

Here's how our Chandigarh folks are making the most of the month and experts share their tips for those who are yet to do the late spring cleaning…

On print


Renu Khanna and her team
fresh take: Renu Khanna and her team

Suchita Malik is enjoying her colourful front and back lawn that has a variety of flowers. This teacher-writer takes a part of her garden inside too. "Every second or third day, I do flower and fern arrangement on our dining table and that's the most happening place of the home. Even the corners come alive with flowers," says Suchita who often redecorates. 'Variety is the spice of life' is her mantra and with the change of the season her study table moves. Spring is all about window view, winter the sunny spot…
Kavneet Aggarwal
placement theory: Kavneet Aggarwal
Suchita Malik
flower power: Suchita Malik

It's colours again for Suvaina Sharma from Mohali who is employed with a pharmaceutical firm. But colours not in just flowers but in paints and patterns too dot her home. "I love to redo my room often in my favourite colour which keeps changing. Prints are dominating Suvaina's wardrobe as well as her room in form of drapes and bedspreads. "I am quite fascinated by dark blue this season," says this 'room' proud girl who follows interior glossies to be in touch with the latest.

Looking through

In office interiors, glass is fast replacing the partitions for more transparency, more light, architect, interior decorator Renu Khanna cues us in. For her office, she has kept small meeting tables outside with stone and plants arrangements around. It not only adds up to the decor but it is practical too. "If a visitor comes to meet someone, people all around get disturbed. So, we have designed this separate area," says Renu. As far as trends go, bright colours are in.

For home, Renu suggests shuffling of furniture, adding fillers and bringing an aquarium home. "Fish is considered lucky, and they say when a fish dies it takes away some of your bad karma along."

Do it right

Home front

  • Place an amethyst cluster crystal in the southwest direction to strengthen relationships.
  • Place five crystal balls on the table in the centre of the house for happier relationships.
  • Place fu-dogs at the entrance to protect home from any harm.
  • Put Fuk-luk-su, three goddesses in the dining area for health, wealth and prosperity.
  • Put green coloured dragon in the east to enhance good fortune.

Office work

  • Put eight running horses in south to earn fame.
  • Put a water feature or aquarium in the North for better career and cash flow.
  • Place a laughing Buddha for prosperity.
  • Place bamboos in south-east direction for profits.

You can get these at any Feng Shui store. Soak the crystal in salt water overnight and put in the sun for a few hours before you use.

— Kavneet Aggarwal, Feng shui, vastu and art consultant

mona@tribunemail.com

A piece of nature, a slice of history

Abhimanu Adventure Resorts Pvt Ltd has announced the launch of their ambitious hospitality venture, the Ramshehar Fort Resort. The Abhimanu group has also launched their Ramshehar Grandiose Club Membership. The fort resort is a great place for destination weddings, corporate events and family vacations amidst nature and mountains.
Swati Kundan, spokesperson, Ramshehar Fort Resort
travel time: Swati Kundan, spokesperson, Ramshehar Fort Resort.

Ramshehar Fort, a historic structure which was lying in seclusion near Nalagarh in Himachal Pradesh, has been restored in its originality, retaining its true essence and aesthetics. It's a new tourist destination having an immense potential from hospitality point of view.

The Ramshehar Fort Resort combines rich hospitality and a chance for tourists to revisit rich historical heritage of our country. It lies at the height of 3,900 ft above sea level on a hill top having a 360 degree view.

The project aims at not only restoring Ramsheher Fort, but also creating modern facilities to make it attractive for tourism. This Historical fort will offer guests a unique opportunity to enjoy the rich culture and ethos.

This resort has various options that help the guest have a comfortable stay. It gives the guests the freedom to be themselves. The service is crisp and courteous. Every touch point across the customer's journey has been carefully thought. Eco-friendly methods such as water harvesting, sewage treatment plant, use of solar power, energy saving devices, plantation of trees are being promoted to keep it green. — TNS

CELEB POINT
Ambarsar da love
Divya Dutta

Ambarsar de papad ve main khaandi na... That's the music video I was a part of. It had become a household name. Ambarsar. My Amritsar. My birthplace. Darbar saheb where my ma would go and do sewa. She said, "You are a blessing me and your dad got from Darbar sahib. We really prayed to have you."

My connect with the Golden Temple had been established from my birth. Every visit to this place is so special. Every time, I visit Amritsar, the first stop is to pay obeisance. This trip was very special every which way. It was a visit to the Golden Temple with lots of officials accompanying me. Lots of people were coming to meet me and most of them were women. It wasn't a mere meeting. They blessed me, some hugged me tight, and some pulled my cheeks with affection. There was so much warmth in them. I could have cried with that overwhelming love. It's a thing about Punjabis. So, magnanimous with their love! I felt I was a part of them. I gave a silent 'thank you' standing in the sacred premise. That was my moment with the sacred shrine. That one moment I disconnected with the world. I just thanked for all the blessings and gave the Almighty all my worries. When I give everything and everyone my sincerest best, why should I worry about the results? They are not in my hands. They were in the hands of the one I had locked my gaze at. I stood silent and tears flowed! Of a magical connection, of having communicated, of having been heard by someone you've known when you were born…getting so much love in his presence, life seemed surreal! As I bowed down one last time, Wahe guru meher karin, I smiled and cried simultaneously. The most beautiful feeling in the world! I felt so secure and reassured when I left that premise. Outside, I picked up some wadis and papads for ma. I went to the airport with so much baggage...of warmth and blessings.... from my Ambarsar.

(Dutta is a Bollywood actress)

Master Chef
Smooth nutrition
Kandla Nijhowne

Health gurus advocate we should have heaps of fresh veggies and fruit. Health gurus surely know! The trouble is we cannot really consume enough so willingly, where smoothies and juicing come to our rescue. When converted into a smoothie, we are able to have a bigger bulk of fresh goodness which is detoxifying, filling and energizing for our system. Choose seasonal produce when it's in its prime and whiz into a peppy- wonder food! Adding spinach is a superb idea, giving you a punch of calcium, iron and protein. It also makes a vibrant green smoothie, initiating you into going green!

Green smoothie

This recipe has ginger which regulates blood circulation and increases immunity.

  • 2 cups chopped spinach
  • ½ cup fresh dhaniya
  • 1 medium sized apple
  • 1 banana
  • ½ inch piece of ginger
  • A squirt of lemon juice

Method

  • Put chopped spinach and dhaniya into the blender, whiz slightly till it releases its juices.
  • Add chopped apple and banana along with peeled and sliced ginger bits.
  • Whiz again and finally add lemon juice.
  • To make it more palatable, you can add a hint of rock salt.
  • Here's the mantra to keep the doc away, and stubborn weight at bay!

(Nijhowne is a Chandigarh-based culinary expert)

it’s happening
Step up with Sarukkai

Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi is organising a screening of The Unseen Sequence, an internationally acclaimed documentary film exploring Bharatanatyam through the art of Malavika Sarukkai. The film is directed by Sumantra Ghosal. The screening will be followed by interactions with Dr BN Goswami and Malavika Sarukkai.

On April 24 at Govt. Museum Auditorium Hall, Sector 10, Chandigarh from 6 pm onwards.

Reaching out to artists

With the belief that art and artists not just need promotion, but also support, the Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi has initiated and developed a fellowship programme for artists. This year, the Akademi is giving three fellowships of Rs 1 lakh each.

The Akademi invites applications for the fellowships in various streams such as drawing, painting, mix media, installation, photography, print making and sculpture. The applicants should be between 25 and 45 years of age. The last date for submission of applications is May 15.

Artists residing and or employed in Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali are eligible for the fellowships.

The forms are available at www.lalitkalachandigarh.com and the Akademi office in State Library- 34 A. —TNS

star track
B-town’s new offering…
Alia Bhatt,Deepika Padukone and Kangna Ranaut have ruled the box office this year. Here are some movies that Bollywood’s leading ladies have to offer…

Kangna Ranaut

After winning hearts with Queen, she will be seen in a bold and wacky avatar in Revolver Rani and she is the USP of the movie. After that, she will be seen in Ungli with Emraan Hashmi.

Alia Bhatt

She has made her mark with Highway and 2 States and will be seen next in Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhaniya in which she plays a Punjabi girl. That is her last release of the year and is out during the monsoons.

Shraddha Kapoor

She has become a heroine after the success of Aashiqui 2. She has Ek Villain, a thriller with Sidharth Malhotra releasing in June and then Haider with Shahid Kapoor which releases in September.

Parineeti Chopra

She stole the show in Hasee Toh Phasee and will now win hearts in Daawat-e-Ishq with Aditya Roy Kapur and Kill Dil with Ranveer Singh which are two completely different movies releasing in the second half of the year.

Deepika Padukone

Last year's blockbuster heroine will be seen in Finding Fanny Fernandez, Happy New Year, and Kochadaiyaan this year. Happy New Year and Kochadaiyaan are blockbuster-type movies.

Imran pairs up with Ileana

Imran Khan and Ileana D'cruz will star in Saali Kutiya, to be directed by Nikhil Adwani and produced by UTV. It will roll in July after Imran's wife delivers.

Tough competition

There is a good amount of competition at the box office this weekend as Kangna Ranaut starrer Revolver Rani will battle it out with Subhash Ghai's Kaanchi, Rajeev Khandelwal's Samrat and Co. and a documentary titled The World Before Her.

IIFA rocks

A host of Bollywood celebrities, including Shahid Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan and Sonakshi Sinha, have landed in Tampa Bay to attend the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards 2014, which is making its US debut.

The four-day award show, which is hosted in a new place every year, has a impressive line-up of Bollywood celebrities.

This year the nomination list is dominated by actress Deepika Padukone, who has three nominations--for performance in a leading role (female) category in Chennai Express, Goliyon Ki Rasleela- Ramleela and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewaani.

Amongst the films, the biopic Bhaag Milkha Bhaag starring Farhan bagged 10 nominations followed by Goliyon Ki Rasleela- Ramleela and the romantic musical Aashiqui 2 with seven nominations each. — PTI

Spiritual intake

Kangna Ranaut has turned a vegetarian completely. It has been tough as she gets meat cravings but she restrains herself. She felt that meat-eating was blocking her spiritually and now she feels lighter and happier than before, having started living on vegetables.

Chetan is all for Alia

Chetan Bhagat is apparently keen on casting Alia Bhatt as the female lead in the adaptation of his book Revolution 2020. He loved her in 2 States.

Salman the Spiderman!

Salman Khan gave the entire unit a scare for a couple of hours. He chose to do the high risk action sequence on his own. Salman, who is currently shooting in Poland, left the entire unit holding their breath for around 5 hours till he finished shooting a pivotal sequence for Kick.

With all safety precautions were taken by the unit, it was still extremely risky for Salman to hang from the 40th floor of the tallest building in Poland. Palace of Culture and Science is a huge tourist attraction and always has hundreds of visitors on a given day. While the unit was able to cordon off a very small area below the building as they were shooting the facade from a long distance, hundreds of fans were standing to cheer and clap.

The interesting thing was that every movement of Salman was met with a laugh, a collective sigh and a lot of claps. Sajid Nadiadwala confirms and adds Salman Khan was incredible. Kick is expected to release on Eid this year.

Good choice

Karan Johar was convinced that only Ronit Roy could do the role of Arjun Kapoor's drunkard father in the movie 2 States and he got him on board. Ronit was not too sure and would not have done the film had it not been for Johar. Now, he is basking in the praise.

Ayushmann becomes father again

Being one of the youngest fathers in B-town, Ayushmann Khuranna turned second time lucky and this time, it's a baby girl for the actor.

His wife delivered the little angel on Monday and Ayushmann is too excited about becoming a father once again. The thrilled actor stated that his bundle of joy will now teach him to be more compassionate. While Ayushmann is juggling between the shoot schedules of three major films with big banners like YRF and JA Entertainment, the actor maintained that his kids will be staying back with his wife and her parents at Chandigarh.

In the mean time, he also rubbished rumors about signing Akshay Kumar's next, titled Mubarakan. He is currently working on Dum Laga Ke Haisha.

chatter box
Home for polls

Actors Raqesh Vasisth, Ridhi Dogra and Akshay Dogra have made a trip to Amritsar to support their family. We hear that Arun Jaitely is Ridhi and Akshay's uncle and hence the entire family is together. In fact, Akshay and Riddhi have spent many summer holidays as children in Amristar.

Ask Ridhi and she quips, "I am so happy to be back to my paternal city here with Raqesh for the general elections 2014. To support our uncle Arun Jaitley is a moment of immense pride and honour for the entire family."

Adds Raqesh, "I love Amritsar and it feels great to be here for our family. The entire city is getting ready for the elections and its fun. We are also planning a visit to the Golden Temple, which I am really looking forward to."

The show goes on...

Fans of Sony Entertainment Television's popular crime show CID are well aware about the show completing seventeen years, but here's some unknown trivia on this show. Did you know that when the show started it was just a unit of ten members, which has now grown to more than 100 now!

Shivaji Satam, popularly known as ACP Pradyuman, says, "The whole team of CID was a tiny group of 10 people, including the cast and the crew. Due to lack of crew members there were days that even I used to help the crew by holding the lights. We all played a pivotal role in the making of the show, so that the episode could air on time. It is because of the dedication that the show has received such a huge response from the audience and continues to be the most loved show.”

Back in time

Get set for an exciting summer as History TV 18 brings back the clan of Norse warriors with a rapacious appetite for warfare, knowledge and power. The second season of Vikings begins on April 21, 2014, with episodes every Monday to Wednesday at 9 pm. The gripping family saga of Ragnar, Rollo, Lagertha; friends and enemies is a tale of brutality, passion, alliances, infidelities, infighting and death.

The hit scripted drama series centers on Ragnar (Travis Fimmel), a restless young warrior and family man who longs to find and conquer new lands across the sea. It portrays life in the Dark Ages, a world ruled by raiders and explorers, through the eyes of Viking society. Now Ragnar is an Earl, allied with King Horrik (Donal Logue). With more power than ever before, his desire to sail West and explore new kingdoms remains unquenchable. The new season brings crises of faith, power and relationships. Loyalties shift from friend to foe and unlikely alliances are formed in the name of supremacy. Ragnar's indiscretions threaten his marriage to Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick), tearing him and his beloved son apart. Plots are hatched, scores are settled and blood is spilled…all under the watchful eyes of the gods. Tune into Vikings, every Monday to Wednesday at 9 pm, only on History TV18 for all the action.

More than friends

Sharad Malhotra and Divyanka Tripathi finally admit to their relationship. The couple has being seeing each other for seven years, but always claimed they are just good friends. The couple has been spotted together often and their friends as well as family always knew about them.

What’s cooking?

Buzz is that co-stars, Adhvik Mahajan and Neha Bagga aka Sohum and Rajji in Bani - Ishq Da Kalma, are seeing each other. They play a couple on screen and rumours about their closeness have been rife. But Adhvik is happily married, and both have refuted the rumours.

Spirited effort

Kushal Tandon, who recently injured his right shoulder and had to leave Khatron Ke Khiladi, is in Dubai right now shooting for Rahat Fateh Ali Khan's music video with Gauhar Khan. Kushal who is due for his surgery on April 23, decided to shoot the video irrespective of all the odds as he has always been a big fan of Rahat's songs.

Kushal and Gauhar will be seen romancing in this music video. The video will be released on April 23 at IIFA in the US on the same day of Kushal's surgery in India. "I have been taking special care of my shoulder since the injury; this video depicts a couple's pain post separation so there are no dance moves or physical exertion. I am really happy to be a part of it," says Kushal.

Bonding over books

Shooting for daily shows can be quite time consuming, especially for child actors, considering they have to pay attention to their studies as well. But what if the sets turn into a part-time study sessions? The sets of Star Plus' Yeh Hai Mohabattein seemed to have turned into tutorial sessions for little Ruhi (played by Ruhanika Dhawan), as she has found a new teacher for herself. This teacher is none other than her on-screen mother Divyanka Tripathi (Ishita).

Ruhanika and Divyanka have formed a very strong bond with each other and Divyanka is always around the little girl, taking care of her even during shoot breaks. The two spend a lot of time with each other on the sets and Divyanka feels much attached to her.

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: The day will be quite busy, since you will be taking care of issues such as bills, appointments and miscellaneous errands. Yet, once you are through, you will be able to lie back and take things easy. Tarot message: Don't make financial decisions impulsively. Lucky colour: Navy-blue. Magic number: 32.

TAURUS: Interactions, travelling and intellectual pursuits will all be the best part of today. Many of you will travel for pleasure and explore interesting places. Tarot message: Be true to yourself. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 44.

GEMINI: Many of you have been experiencing a profound, philosophical inclination for the past few days and today, this feeling will become stronger, motivating you to introspect. Tarot message: Sound advice will put you on the right track. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 36.

CANCER: Things will move at a relatively slower pace today and you can use this time for financial planning and also meeting friends. In case of a windfall, do not spend it all; rather save it for a rainy day. Tarot message: Do not cover up your own mistakes. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 50.

LEO: This will be an active and positive day for professionals, especially, women who will have the stamina and enthusiasm to accomplish just about anything. Tarot message: Be diplomatic with colleagues. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 62.

VIRGO: Businessmen will need to work out the finer aspects of a partnership or contract while professionals will need to display intelligence, tact and efficiency at work. Tarot message: Don't get embroiled in long-term ventures. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 55.

LIBRA: This will be a day where you will need to adopt an unconventional yet productive approach, so as to accomplish the maximum. Professionally, you should be careful of whom you trust. Tarot message: Start a saving plan and also curb expenses. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 27.

SCORPIO: You will have to be strong and make the decision to save as well as invest. In relationships, do not get entangled in temporary, meaningless affairs. Tarot message: Pay attention to your inner feelings and trust them when making a decision. Lucky colour: Grey. Magic number: 35.

SAGITTARIUS: At this time, you will be quite generous, optimistic, expressive, tactful, compassionate and creative. Help from a spiritual guide will be valuable. Tarot message: Keeping a close eye on savings and investments. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 65.

CAPRICORN: Taking care of an elder will give you great happiness. At home, there will be warmth and affection in your relations. Businessmen should conclude deals with caution. Tarot message: Finances and health will need care. Lucky colour: Green. Magic number: 40.

AQUARIUS: In relationships, don't become too controlling, since everyone needs his or her own space. IYou will be able to identify and understand the real intentions behind the actions of others. Tarot message: Keep other people's secret well-guarded. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 51.

PISCES: When faced with someone who is absolutely rigid and stubborn, don't waste your time in arguments. If holding a social get-together, take a close look at the guest list. Tarot message: Do not spend beyond your capacity. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 29.

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is April 24...

You will always be aware of the emotional undercurrents within the family. You have an outstanding ability to see and understand how people relate to each other. The year will prove eventful for you. You will be more assertive during the period. Demanding what you want will create conflict at times, but it will also make you happier and more successful. Expansive Jupiter will be touring your career sector, making this an ideal time to go after a high-powered position or dream job. You will need to work harder than ever.

Positive colours: White, Cream.

Select days: Friday, Thursday and Tuesday.

Favourable numbers: 5, 6.

Gems recommended: Diamond, Emerald, Lapis Lazuli.

Charity on Birthday: Donate 21 copies of Hanuman Chalisa or Chopai Sahib or bananas or papayas at any religious place.

You share your birthday with Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar (April 24, 1973), a former Indian cricketer widely acknowledged as one of the greatest batsmen of the modern generation, popularly holding the title 'God of Cricket'. His stars will never allow him to retire from public life. His destiny will take a drastic turn in 2016.





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