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A man of many words
There isn’t a need to read between the lines; he says what he means and means exactly what he says! There is no mincing of words despite the fact that he is one of the most reverred Urdu poets, someone who translates emotions into poetry and weaves magic with words. For Pakistani lyricist and poet SM Sadiq, stating the facts and speaking the truth is important, as that he believes only prevails. He doesn’t enjoy the food in India, “because it lacks the flavour of Lahore”, appreciates that art is valued more in India than in Pakistan and hopes his country amends the flawed copyright laws. It was the premiere of Jatt James Bond, for which he has written four songs, which brought him to Chandigarh a week ago and he has stayed on to contribute to more Punjabi films.
Jatt vs Gujjar He is happy with the response Jatt James Bond has received and counts it as one of the best films ever made in the history of Punjabi cinema. “It is not because I have written songs for the film, but for the fact that it has delivered a story.” Pollywood has a long way to go and it’s time it did away with Jatt and the likes. “The Pakistani film industry nosedived because we also got obsessed with gujjar. There were films like Gujjar Di Maa, Badmash Gujjar, Gujjar de khadak…being made, with the same storyline.” Art wise He isn’t the first one to confess that Pakistan is producing better authors, musicians and singers than India. He affirms the same, but regrets that his country didn’t value the artists like the world did. “If I had written 45,000 songs in India, embellished with the beautiful words that I use, I am sure people here would have made a statue of gold in my honour.” From across the border, he admires works of Gulzar and Saahir Ludhianvi. As for the current generation, he is unable to pick a name and blames the trend of beat becoming more popular than lyrics. “There was a time when lyrics and music were gives equal importance. Now even Duniya pittal ki and baby doll sone ki is fine as long as the music makes you shake a leg.” Born with it Sadiq finds the concept of working hard to become a poet amusing. He firmly believes, “Either you have it or you don’t. You can study hard to become a doctor, a lawyer, an engineer but no amount of hardwork can make you a poet — the reason why poetry is not as appealing to youngsters.” He has written 70 songs in four days, 100 in a day and then 22 in one hour, but each, he says, required hardwork. “Originality is indispensable and the number of songs written in a day by me doesn’t make for a record because it is all a part of me.” Of all the great singers he has written songs for, he lists the name of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan at the top. “He was one of the reasons why I shut down my factory, which employed 400 workers, and started writing songs. All I earned then was Rs 100.” No regrets at all! ashima@tribunemail.com
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The perfect act
Post nine films and nine years in Bollywood, not much has changed for Vikram Singh. Neither in terms of work, nor in the form of recognition; he is still a struggling actor, taking auditions for all roles coming his way. Well-versed with the fact, Vikram is hoping it would all change with his next film, Heropanti, in which he plays the role of an anti-hero. “A lesson I have learnt after spending all these years in Bollywood is that a flop, big-budget film with bigger cast is better than doing a small-budget, hit film.” Heropanti, he says, falls in the first category, for it is being produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and marks the debut of Tiger Shroff.
He will be seen playing the character of Rajjo Fauji, a jaat from Haryana who runs a night club in Delhi. “He is also a boxing champion, who doesn’t shy away from taking up a fight,” says Vikram. It was only for the boxing part in the film that he trained himself, rest, he says, came naturally. “I am from Delhi, where you don’t have to make an effort to get the Haryanvi dialect correct.” Like other films, this too was a result of a successful audition; Deepak Balraj cast him for the film. Vikram is not complaining about a negative role as long as he isn’t asked to look like a conventional Bollywood villain — bald, black teeth and ugly. “Deepak made me look the way I am. And more than my looks, I too paid attention towards my acting,” says Vikram, who also enjoys a Chandigarh connect — he has done his schooling from YPS, Mohali. This might be his first big film but it also stars Tiger Shroff, who has already created a buzz with his abs and dancing skills. That doesn’t bother Vikram, who says, “Tiger is a dear friend. He never acted like a star kid on the sets. In fact, when I saw him work so hard in the action sequences, I too felt inspired.” Vikram has done several films Down South in Kannada and Telegu. But even after a few highs post several lows in his career, he has a few regrets, especially of turning down television offers. “I turned so many of them down because I thought that they would never help me graduate to films.” Now when he looks at Sushant Singh Rajput and Ayushmann Khurrana, he wishes he could get back the nine years of struggle!
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Date to remember
Mohalla romances sure have paved the way to newer dating spots; the dating scene has moved from gardens to clubs. “Put the youngsters together and the romantic scene is set,” says Iha Bansal, final-year B Tech student from PEC. “Hobby classes are also the new places to find a partner,” says this single girl, who finds believe dance classes are sure a place for youngsters to hook up. Not only dance or photography, even music classes are the places where youngsters hang-out together. The whole dating scene has indeed changed; the umpteen gardens in the city do not click with the youngsters anymore although the Sukhna Lake sure does. The rest has been taken over by clubs and eateries around the town. The current city favourites (patronising a place in a jiffy and switching to another equally fast is a typical Chandigarh phenomenon) to impress your date are the Brooklyn Central, Elante, and Whistling Ducks -26. While good food works for the former, it’s the ambience that takes over at the later. F Bar & Lounge Chandigarh happens to be clubgoer’s favourite at the moment; once again it’s the open ambience that works for this bar. Those looking for a change head to PVR bluO at Elante. Bowling being relatively new, there are many takers for it and BluO is turning out to be new hotspot for the young to mingle. Says Sheenam Manchanda, 25-year-old freelancer, “After work, we love to unwind at BluO. Some bowling, some food and music works the best for those in love and looking for love,” she laughs. “It’s the Western dating culture that is fast catching up. Clubs and cafes have become the best place to look out for love,” she adds. Once you have spotted your date at cafes or dance classes and hooked up too, you can even venture out to the nearby hills on weekends. One can head to Kasauli, Shimla or RDB Fort on Patiala Road (the fort that’s featured in Rang De Basanti) on the weekends! mona@tribunemail.com
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The
‘in’ side Different shades of plum can jazz up your home Sukhmani
Plum goes well with both modern and traditional decor. Plum looks exceptionally good on walls. In a modern set-up, add a plum accent wall. In a more traditional setup, you can paint all your walls plum provided you tone it down with white on the trim and other architectural details. Painting the wall behind your headboard a dark shade of plum, especially in a large room, helps to define the bed as the central feature of the room. A dark backdrop makes your bed seem larger and more solid, almost like an island, especially if bed linens include dark tones that continue the theme.
Emphasise the lushness of plum with accessories that depend on reflective surfaces. In combination with glossy polished woods, chrome, brass or copper finishes and sparkling crystal all enhance the regal qualities of colour. Any one of your rooms can be given a makeover by simply using cushions, throws, rugs and table lamps in warm plum colour tones to coordinate with your existing décor. (Sukhmani is a Chandigarh-based interior and landscape designer)
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The middle path
It is more than the fact that they broke the monotony of editorials and opinions. His middles reached out for their sheer simplicity and everybody connected with the little incidents of life they had not even led. "We are all ordinary human beings and even ordinary life needs to be celebrated in some way… The middles connected with a large number of people because they pointed the extraordinary factor in little incidents of life we generally overlook," academician and author Harish Dhillon shares of his recent book that puts most of his middles together before briefing on how his affair with middles began.
"I started writing middles only in 2005… For years I had wanted to write a story narrating the kindness of an old woman and the beauty of a wrinkled apple she handed out to me." The story was a little over 500 words, a little short for a short story and just right for a middle. Apple Blossom Time appeared in The Tribune and the overwhelming response through emails, phone calls and even letters ensured that the practice never stopped and finally culminated into a book. His book titled Of Cabbages and Kings puts together 137 carefully selected middles, including the ones extremely popular and some very close ones to his heart. There is the very popular The Forgetful Grandmother, which draws the humour out of a situation of a clueless granny walking into a wrong headmaster's office. The Boy With Magical Smile talks of his bond with a quiet shy student. "There is one where I confessed of being a failure as a teacher at times…It was heartwarming when my students pointed otherwise and how exactly those qualities made them consider me a great human being." Fiction hardly ever dramatised facts and each piece is an honest account of slices of his life. "Barring the poetic license that I have taken in only one or two of them for a suitable ending, I have been brutally honest in my middles. That's the least I owe to my readers." Well said.
manpriya@tribunemail.com
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Different mood, different expression
Also, the works by Devinder Singh come across as a breath of fresh air, owing much credit to the dexterity with which he uses colours that define his objects. A perfect blend of sheer beauty and talent! BC Prasad takes to painting indoor landscapes, his paintings seem to explore the spaces between lights and shadows, but then one stands acquainted with the works of Vandy Jais and Pardeep Verma, who take to similar styles and explore textures on canvas. However, the installation-cum-painting by Shyam Lal draw much attention. With a palette framed against the brushes, he tries to tread on exploring a social dimension while painting the deplorable condition of women. His works, on which he also leaves a couplet of his poetry, read-Sona aisa kya pehnu jo kaano ko hi khaye, bate ki kya chahat aise, jo mera wajood mitaye… The exhibition also showcases the evening cityscapes by Dalvinder Singh, spiritual and meditative works by Subhash Shorey, Boondi-inspired folk modern art works by Lalit Bhartiya and collage landscapes by his wife, Mani Bhartiya. On till April
30. amarjot@tribunemail.com
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Master
Chef Kandla Nijhowne I saw red velvet cake for the first time in a quaint little shop in Windsor. I was a young student then, constantly ready to sample anything, so long as it was appealing to the eye and mind. For the same reason, I couldn't bring myself to munch on fried cockroaches on sticks, displayed in a food joint in Soho. Getting back to red velvet, I promptly bought a cupcake from a weathered looking man who tried to sell me a few more. Trust me, I did buy a half a dozen as soon as the first vanished down mygob! Rich, moist, and delicious, that's three words that describe it, though I can think of countless others. Red velvet is invariably topped with the iconic cream cheese frosting which is slathered on generously on the surface and can also be used between sliced layers of the cake. You can also frost it with vanilla flavoured sweetened cream.
Method Note: For cupcakes, the baking time should be 18 minutes. (Nijhowne is a Chandigarh-based culinary expert)
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TROUBLE SHOOTER Simmi Waraich I just go along with people all the time. I can disagree with what someone tells me yet all I do is nod my head and don't say a word. I want to put forward my own views but I can't. I can't stand up for myself at all. Rishi, Chandigarh What you think of yourself can be based on many things-—how you were brought up and treated as a child, how you did at school, your relationships with other people (friends, family, partner), the job you have, how successful you think you are, or can be, your strengths and weaknesses, what you believe others think of you etc. How people feel about themselves can change from time to time. Yet, some people find they don't feel good about themselves a lot of the time. They may have low self esteem. You may try to please others or not speak up for yourself or be able to take decisions. Work on your self-esteem one step at a time. First, be aware of your thoughts by writing them down. For example, "They may think I am stupid if I say let's not go out." Then write another way of looking at that by thinking what you would say to a friend in a similar situation. For example, you might say, "Relax, that's your opinion. If they don't agree, it's fine. Let them go. You can stay back if you don't wish to." Second, start praising yourself for little things. Do things for others. And set small goals- priority wise and start by working on those. Start by planning what you would say when you are with certain friends. Then start by saying it. Evaluate how it went later but again be careful of being too negative about yourself. (Waraich is Chandigarh-based consultant psychiatrist)
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star track Singer-turned-actress Monali Thakur plays the role of a victim of child prostitution in Nagesh Kukunoor's latest film, Lakshmi. In a candid chat, she talks about her role and more... Natural instinct
I didn't have any reference point. I didn't meet the real life Lakshmi. I didn't meet any prostitute to know how they behave. I told myself that they are normal human beings. So, if I was in such a situation, how would I react? I have never been exposed to such situations. My dignity and respect have never been threatened by anybody. My reference point was Nagesh sir. It was his imagination, whatever he had in mind for Lakshmi. The best thing that happened was that what I had in mind for Lakshmi and Nagesh sir's vision of Lakshmi was almost the same. We were on the same page from the very beginning. We finished the shoot in 22 days. Perfect director He is a disciplined man. Whatever time was given, he would be there sharp on time. If you value other's time, people will follow you. He is strict but he gives the actor the space. Everybody acting is so real - that's not easy. I didn't want to ham it up as a 14-year-old. I wanted it to be natural so people would relate to the pain and the pathos. Nagesh sir knew exactly where to end the exaggeration or where to put a full stop to the emotional highs, which is outstanding. I don't know how to explain this, but so many times, he was measuring the emotions. So sometimes he would say thoda zyaada anger, or thoda less anger. He made me do this like he was measuring with a tape. When I saw the film on the editing table, I thought this man is good at what he does. Family support My parents stay with me in Mumbai now. My dad, Shakti Thakur, was an actor and singer in Bengal. He is an outstandingly talented a man. He has sung a few songs in Hindi also, with RD Burman and Hemantji. He is also a huge fan of Nagesh Kukunoor's work. He was happy to hear I had a chance to act in his film. He thinks this is one of the best things to have happened in my life, and it is indeed. Singing continues I will definitely not give up singing. I will sing all the more now, and I will feature in my own songs too. I have recently sung a beautiful track for Bobby Jasoos.
Katrina injured
Katrina Kaif, who is busy dividing her time between Bang Bang and Jagga Jasoos, hurt herself while shooting a dance sequence for the film Bang Bang.
The actress had muscle pull while shooting a dance number. Earlier, it was Hrithik's ill health that delayed the film and now it's Katrina's injury that further pushes the film behind. She was shooting a big budget song for Bang Bang when she got hurt. She was making all attempts to match steps with the hunk but ended up injuring herself. It is Katrina Kaif and Hrithik Roshan's second film after Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. Directed by Siddharth Raj Anand, the film is apparently a remake of Hollywood blockbuster Knight and Day which stars Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz in the lead.
Fan mail
Maneesh Sharma's film Fan starring Shah Rukh Khan will be going on the floor later this year.
Maneesh is keen to shoot the film in a location which is largely untapped by Bollywood. The director is keen to venture out and find locations which have not been experienced by the audiences. He has discussed this at length with producer Aditya Chopra and has also done extensive research and roughly worked out the logistics of places he can look at for shooting. Maneesh and his team have narrowed down a couple of places and will be going for a recce to personally get a sense of the workings. He will be visiting Zagreb, Hvar, and Dubrovnik in Croatia; Amsterdam in the Netherlands; and Edinburgh in Scotland. The team needs to identify places where they can shoot, speak to the authorities, get required permissions and look at the feasibility of shooting. The film has high octane action sequence and hence safety precautions are other key factors they need to look into before choosing the location.
Will she, won’t she?
Buzz is that actress Diana Penty, who made her Bollywood with Cocktail, is reportedly going to tie the knot with diamond merchant boyfriend Harsh Sagar.
However, the 28-year-old model vehemently denied the news and wrote: 'Dear Media, Eagerly waiting to hear what date you've fixed for my wedding! Regards, Diana.' It is also said that Harsh does not want to see his lady love in the arms of other men on screen, which is why she hasn't signed any new films. Well, we hope this news is false too!
Bond over giggle
Priyanka Chopra and Sonakshi Sinha could not stop giggling at the recently concluded IIFA ceremony. They got along like a house on fire and their common factor..Shahid Kapoor...had no problems at all.
Competitive spirit
Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan have already started promoting their respective films, PeeKay and Happy New Year, though there is a long time for the release. And they are trying to outdo the other.
Time for love
Katrina Kaif has got a break from her Bang Bang schedule which means she gets more spare time to spend with beau Ranbir Kapoor who has wrapped up Bombay Velvet.
Strip tease
Rumour has it that Sunny Leone played a stripper at a party near Mumbai and got richer by nearly Rs 40 lakh. Old habits die hard.
Akshay blings
As is Singh Is Kinng was not enough, Akshay Kumar will star in Singh is Bling directed by Prabhudheva which releases in 2015.
Gujarati act
Saif Ali Khan plays triple roles in Humshakals and one of them is that of a Gujarati. He insisted on speaking to everyone on set in Gujarati and he has played a Gujju role before in Kal Ho Naa Ho.
Kriti in demand
Kriti Sanon has not even debuted in Bollywood as yet and Sajid Khan wants to cast this Heropanti actress in Housefull 3. Lucky girl! She is going to be paired with Riteish Deshmukh.
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chatter box
Buzz is that Pankhuri (Disha Parmar) will soon die in Star Plus' Pyaar Ka Dard Hai…Meetha Meetha Pyaara Pyaara. After being left defeated by Aditya (Nakuul Mehta), Vikram (Apoorva Agnihotri) will plan to kill him. With Aditya in Pune and Pankhuri in Kullu, the plan would be to kill Aditya when his dear wife is not around to save him as always. But this time too, Pankhuri will get a whiff of the plan and call up Aditya in the nick of time and save him from his impending death. But as luck (or bad luck) would have it, Pankhuri will get stuck in a landslide and fall off from a cliff in Kullu. Muttering Aditya's name, she will breathe her last leaving her family and the viewers of course shattered by this loss. With Pankhuri's death, the show will further see a two-year leap where everything in the Deewan mansion would have changed in Pankhuri's absence.
Fit & fine
Actor Mohit Raina exhibits an impressive physique in the hit television serial, Devon Ka Dev Mahadev. Here he explains how he maintains it.
What does fitness means to you? For me fitness is not only having a good physique, but it is the overall lifestyle which I follow in my life. It's not about having a perfect figure with the accurate amount of muscles. I also believe in positivity within you. A person should have positive attitude in his life and thus reflects in a healthy lifestyle. Also fitness means a lot of mental strength for me because it's the mind that takes all the decisions. Please share your complete fitness routine with us. My fitness routine comprises four days of weight training, two days of cardio and muscular and one day of complete rest, as I believe your body is not a machine so one day of the week we all should give rest to our body. Which forms of exercise do you prefer? As I mentioned, I do a mix of all as I feel we need to balance it all. Excess of anything in life is not good and I follow this always. Do you believe in dieting? I believe in eating the right kind of food at the right time. Many people think that dieting is starving yourself, which is never a right way to control your diet. Starvation ruins certain systems in our body. What do you like to eat? In breakfast, I eat scrambled eggs with brown bread and baked beans. For lunch I eat homemade food like brown rice, chicken and daal. And for dinner I eat early and thus prefer salads and soups. I just love rajma-chawal; I miss that eating often in my life! Are you a yoga and meditation person? I wish I can have that much of time in my daily routine, but whenever I do get some time I do meditation in the morning. — HRM
Hands full!
Kapil Sharma, who is currently seen as the host on Comedy Nights With Kapil, is fighting a desperate battle with his schedules. He was initially planning to cut down the episodes of his comedy show as he will start shooting for his debut film Bank Chor from May. However, he is now busy shooting for the bank of episodes. He has also lost weight for his Bollywood debut.
Time to quit
After actor Gunjan Utreja, it is actress Deepshikha Nagpal turn to quit daily soap Madhubala - Ek Ishq Ek Junoon. Buzz is that Deepshikha, who plays Gunjan's stepmother in the show, was also unhappy with her track.
Break time
Actress Giaa Maanek, who was seen in shows like Saath Nibhana Saathiya, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and Jeannie Aur Juju, has been missing from television. Apparently, she is enjoying her break. She is also in talks with some production houses for her comeback.
Moving on
Actress Delnaaz Irani, who was earlier married to Rajev Paul, has finally moved on. She is in love with Percy Karkaria, who is ten years younger to her. Delnaaz is part of new comedy show Akbar Birbal, in which she plays Akbar's (Kiku Sharda) wife.
Vote for Gangs of Hasseepur!
There's a new 'political' party being formed and it has only one promise, it will make you laugh! This special party is Zee TV's first-of-its-kind 'variety' comedy show. Be it your classic Indian style hasya kavis or new-age stand-up comedians, the hilarious spoofs will bring to you the real face of the most talked-about netas, actors and sports figures. Titled, Dabur Glucose D Gangs of Hasseepur, the show will be telecast every Saturday to Sunday at 8 pm on Zee TV.
The show will feature Raju Shrivastav and Suresh Menon leaving viewers in splits with their witty punches and comic timing. Also, Bharti Singh will add her own flavour of masti and madness on the show while Mandira Bedi and Tanishaa Mukherjee will step in as the Hasseepur ki Haseenayein, adding to the glamour quotient. Known for her penchant for comedy, the vivacious Ragini Khanna will host the show. With rib-tickling impersonations of famous personalities and spoofs on topical issues that affect human life, here's a show that seems all set to make you fall off your chairs! Veteran comedian, Pankaj Saraswat, who is co-producing the show, said, "Gangs of Hasseepur is a melting pot of diverse styles of humour, presented by different types of comedians. In addition to stand-up heavyweights like Suresh and Raju, the show will feature some of the finest stand-up talent from across the country.
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Astro turf
ARIES: There will be the issue of a strong and vital relationship that you will have to deal with.
At the end of the day, your intuitive and perceptive skills will be especially sharp.
Tarot message: Let things run their course and start afresh later. Lucky
colour: Red. Magic number: 25.
TAURUS: With the presence of Saturn in your money sector, you will need to work out plans for investing and saving as much as possible. Your love life will be quite interesting. Tarot message: Avoid the tendency to criticise or judge others too harshly.
Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 46. GEMINI: You should be patient with people around you. There will be times when you feel neglected; however, it will only be temporary. Affection and serenity will
pay in the long run. Tarot message: Avoid situations that can turn nasty.
Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 57. CANCER: Be attentive and careful of everything that you do at work since it will affect your overall career. Let all your hidden talents and skills shine through.
Tarot message: You are advised to focus on professional changes. Lucky
colour: Yellow. Magic number: 26. LEO: There will be an increase in confidence and energy as you go about your work. Most of you will also initiate career moves and get a good response from
prospective employers. Tarot message: Do not lend money to strangers. Lucky
colour: Crimson. Magic number: 41. VIRGO: Finances and spending will be your focus today, along with other things. There will be some splurging due to the festive air and some of you will also be surprised by a sudden windfall.
Tarot message: Do not leave things to chance. Lucky colour: Blue. Magic number: 62. LIBRA: The focus of the day will be on your ability to deal with more than one thing at a time.
It is vital that you plan everything and deal with any hurdles that come your way.
Tarot message: Strive for perfection at work. Lucky colour: Rainbow-pastels.
Magic number: 60. SCORPIO: This will be quite an uplifting and inspiring day.
You will be able to realise your goals for the future and start working towards
them in full earnest. Tarot message: Take no chances despite the assurance of people.
Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 28. SAGITTARIUS: Take care of your health and exercise caution when driving since you are prone to mishaps. Some of you will decide to take concrete action to improve your personal life and relationships. Tarot message: Start on a fresh note.
Lucky colour: Forest-green. Magic number: 33. CAPRICORN: Some of you have overshot your budgets in the past few days due to celebrations, so now is a good time to be prudent. Domestic affairs will be calm; however, you can feel overburdened. Tarot message: Be honest to your desires.
Lucky colour: Lotus-pink Magic number: 36. AQUARIUS: Your instincts as well as reactions will be relatively fast today and as a result, you will be able to make the most of situations. Deal with any
pending tasks at work. Tarot message: Avoid being hurried and over-anxious.
Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 47. PISCES: Although you are driven and focused on your goals, it is also important that you avoid being critical of team members and partners. This can lead to arguments and undue stress.
Tarot message: Learn to accept responsibility for yourself and others. Lucky colour: Grey.
Magic number: 58.
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The year ahead
If your birthday is April 30...
Being born on April 30th, your personality is characterised by determination and a loving nature. At times, your will-power is impossible to match. There have been numerous occasions where your determination allowed you to overcome obstacles and achieve goals. While your friends and family have always marvelled at your strong will, it is your loving qualities that they value the most. In all your relationships, you are warm, caring and loyal. Focusing on matters closer to home, you will begin to feel that you are regaining contact with a part of yourself that has suffered neglect and needs a bit of gentle encouragement. Positive colours: Golden, Red, Brown, Cream, White. Select days: Sunday, Monday. Favourable numbers: 1, 4, 2, 7. Gems recommended: Yellow Sapphire, Red Coral, Ruby.
You share your birthday with Kunal Nayyar (April 30, 1981), who is a British Indian actor and writer. He is perhaps best known for portraying Raj in the CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory. Nayyar was born in London and raised in Delhi.
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Twenty-two-year-old Rohan Malhotra is looking forward to the peak of summer to dive into a swimming pool. His reason is not to beat the blistering heat, but interact with others of his ilk as swimming pools are the new hotspots being preferred by youngsters for meeting up and forming relations!
Plum is a colour that's on the mind of every interior designer today. It's a purple with a lot of red in it, somewhere between purple and magenta. It's a vibrant colour that's warm, classic and regal. It can make any room look super glam! Even the name itself implies superiority and begs you to give it attention.
Plum lightened to a pale pink shade can be used as either a warm or cool pastel because it contains both red and blue components. Use pale plum to enlarge visual space or to create a sense of softness. Reserve the darkest shades of plum for floor coverings and accessories like a fuzzy throw or silky throw pillows to increase the richness that plum brings to a decor. Paler shades of plum are being seen in wallpapers which have a repeat pattern of flower buds and dainty floral patterns which are light, bright and airy.
Colours that complement plum are many but need to be used wisely as plum is a complex colour. White is one that instantly makes the plum pop up. Yellowish and bluish greens complement plum beautifully. Plum is one colour that will make a pink room less girly by adding a touch of boldness. I recommend using this colour in gender neutral zones.
When art originates from the emotional reserves of an artist, it elaborates on the expression of the enigmatic, which is often honest and raw. In most of the paintings exhibited at the Sobha Singh Art Gallery, Punjab Kala Bhawan, it's not very easy to sift the aesthetics from the thoughtfulness, which blend so seamlessly in every painting that stares right back at you, rather poignantly. A play of colours, objects, elements, lights and shadows, all dancing attendance to their understanding of perfection. At a group show of contemporary artists, Expressions 2014, one can't help but applaud the dramatic excellence that the works of 30 artists create through the powerful strokes of brushes.
The exhibition opens to some familiar paintings by Chandigarh-based artists, Shiv Singh and Sadhna Sangar, which exude the effortless creativity flowing from the years of experience. On one hand, Purnesh Pamarthi's paintings, titled Happy, objectify the eye and exude much inspiration from architectural idea of proportions. On the other hand, Akshi Babbar's paintings in mix-media amount more credit to the aesthetics, beautifying women in fancy clothes, the images of which one has seen over a several times in fashion magazines. Meanwhile, Rahul Dhiman's paintings see him romancing the railway tracks, which continue to be his favourite. The utter delight, however, lies in the understanding of effort and originality his works exude, even while he paints the famous diamond track of Nagpur or merges railways into nature, with a defined and contemplated consciousness.
Ingredients
2 cups maida
Charity on birthday: Donate green fodder to cows and copper utensils to the needy or at any religious place today.