Frills & fancy
Since its revival in 2012, peplum has taken the fashion world by storm. Designers predict various adaptations of the frill that are likely to rule the fashion scene
Ashima Batish

Aashka Goradia in a peplum saree and Nikhil Shantanu’s pleated peplum blouse with lehanga at WIFW.

Originality is the first causality of fashion. A silhouette that is born in the designers' workshops and bred on the ramps of fashion weeks, finds itself ruthlessly stomped on in boutiques and retail stores. It is copied, tweaked, interpreted and presented in ways unthinkable, yet you want it to survive because of its fall and fold. It's been two years since peplum saw its revival for the spring summer season of 2012 and it is still into overdrive. At a recently held apparel exhibition in Chandigarh, peplum was used on an ethnic suit, making us wonder if we have had enough of it. Or there are versions of it still untried and worth going for?

Time zone

If fashion designers are to be believed, peplum will be seen at least till the fall winter, this time minus the volume. The length will be shorter as well. "It won't be very pronounced like it was last spring-summer. Rather it will be softer, just like a frill attached," says Mandira Wirk, who has extensively used peplum in her prêt and couture collection. "But it goes the best with creations from diffusion line, like a peplum attached to a gown saree." While an actress of recognition sported the frill this year at the Cannes Film Festival, Jennifer Lawrence and Julia Roberts kept the trend going at their red carpet outing at the Oscars, hinting at a trend that's refusing to wrap up. Last year, Aashka Goradia, a TV actress, marked her presence at the Emmy awards in a gown saree by Riddhi and Siddhi. This time they have designed one for Vishakha Singh, which she wore at her debut at the Cannes Film Festival. "Since what we made for Aashka brought us a lot of queries, we went ahead with the same cut and silhouette," shares Riddhi, about her version of the most celebrated frill.

Suit yourself

A peplum off-shoulder top by Hemant & Nandita

When Indian fashion designers adopted the silhouette from the West, doubts lingered as to how they would ensure that it suits the Indian woman's body type. While many didn't consider the pear-shaped body as their muse and went ahead randomly adding peplums to different garments, there were some who made sure that they don't add any more volume to the wider hips. Anupama Dayal gave her share of solution in cropped peplum tops that saw the frill begin and end inches above the navel on the midriff. "And it worked wonders. Midriff is our anatomy's strong point that my cropped peplum tops aim to draw attention towards," comes from Anupama, who feels that the coming few seasons will see various adaptations of the frill. The fall winter collections presented at the WIFW didn't rule out peplums either. Taking their love affair with peplums forward, Nikhil Shantanu added pleats to the frill, giving their own interesting twist to it. Hemant and Nandita added it to the off-shoulder top that was a part of their resort wear top.

Going overboard?

After Indian fashion designers added peplum to all creations possible from gowns to saree blouses to cholis of lehangas to tunics to coats…it's now that the mass and retail market has taken to the silhouette. It is being sewn at the centre of every garment possible. At Pernia Pop Shop, there are picks from the last season bearing fashion designers' labels. If there is a teal peplum drape dress by Amit Aggarwal, there is a peplum top with ombre skirt from JJ Valaya. But that's last season. At least for the Autumn Winter and next spring summer, Jenjum Gadi has done away with peplum. "Is there any experiment left to be done?" he quips. Not that he isn't fond of the silhouette, but he still terms it as, "One of the fashion's appropriate tool, but something blunted by overuse. We really need a break from it as of now." Probably the reason that no star actress sported one at this year's Cannes edition!

ashima@tribunemail.com

Breaking fresh ground
Zafar Dhillon has made a mark with Punjabi film 47-84. He has a long way to go and he is all set to move ahead on wings of his creativity
Jasmine Singh
A still from 47-84
A still from 47-84

While some would restrict themselves to a boundary, happy with what they have, content with a sky on their head, there are some who will do anything to explore beyond the boundary. They will embark on a new journey every day, returning home with new lessons, a lot of hope, some failures and a zest to start all over again. The tall, handsome-looking man from Singhewala, Muktsar, Punjab, Zafar Dhillon without fail qualifies for the second category. His world is his imagination, taking him as far as he can think. After making his Punjabi film debut with 47-84, Zafar is now on a roll. Zafar started his acting career in 2010 with Bollywood film Ishaqzaade, where he played the role of Parineeti Chopra's brother. "I had moved to Mumbai in 2008. I did my graduation in the city and also did a course in technical part of filmmaking. I only knew that I wanted to do something in films, I wasn't clear what. I gave the auditions at YRF and got the role," says Zafar, cutting his long story short. And this was the first time he saw beyond his boundary! "It was a world outside and I had to see that as well. So, I stayed on, exploring other roles. It was during one of these exploration sprees that I got to play the lead in a Punjabi film. And I am proud of the fact that being a Sikh, I got to do this role and justify it as well."

Zafar is one of the few actors who wouldn't want to tie himself down to just one place. He also feels he has an added advantage that works in his favour. "I can speak Punjabi, Hindi and English well. This of course helps me while acting in both Hindi and Punjabi films. More than this, I feel an actor is an actor - it is not about whether it is Pollywood or Bollywood. It is about the role and justice that one can do to it," adds the actor who might sound politically correct when he says he admires all actors. "But this is how it is. Once I entered the industry, I realised every actor puts in his or her entire effort and skill into a film.

How can I not like their work," he shares, nullifying our politically correct stance. Zafar has a Bollywood release and a few Punjabi films in his kitty. Things, however, are a bit clearer now. "I don't categorise a role as a big one or a short one! What matters is how I justify it. Nonetheless, I would want to play lead in Hindi films now," he adds confidently not forgetting to credit his parents and his relative Jagtar Singh Bhangoo, who helped him achieve his dreams. "I need to take on another journey," he straightens his back. Zafar will soon be hitting the road.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

Par Excellence
The lob shot
Jesse Grewal
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2

The lob or flop shot is a high shot played from around a green when one requires to hit an elevated green or to a very hard green where the ball must land vertically and softly so that it does not roll much. The first and most important requirement for his shot is that the ball should be on a good lie. It is almost impossible to hit this shot from a bare or bad lie. If the ball is in the rough the club could go right under the ball without getting enough friction with the ball thereby just popping up in the air and falling short of the target.
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To get the maximum elevation of the ball one needs to take the most lofted club in the bag, the lob wedge and set the hands very low in the set up (picture 1). This is done by bending more from the knees by pushing them outwards (picture 2). This outward position of the knees reduces the movement of the knees during this shot as well as for the bunker shot.

When the hands are positioned low, the grooves on the face of the club point to the left of the target (for a right-handed golfer) despite the leading edge of the club being square or pointing to the target (picture 3). Therefore, we have to open the leading edge so that the groove's (which is the face) points to the target (Picture 4). This is required only when the hands are positioned low at address and this would apply for any club, but more so with the wedges.

The swing would be predominantly with the arms and upper body. The legs and hips do little work on the downswing allowing the club head to release early causing the left wrist to flip over. This increases the loft on the club which gets the ball to fly high and land softly.

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

Discovering the value of art

Under its film screening programme, the Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi, in collaboration with Alliance Française Le Corbusier de Chandigarh, brings together a series of films by Alain Jaubert exploring a selection of major works from various periods in the history of painting. Thanks to the latest techniques in video animation, the secrets of the paintings are revealed and discovering art becomes an enjoyable adventure.

The films, including Watteau (1684-1721), Chardin (1699-1779) and Fragonard (1732-1806) are of thirty minutes duration each and are being screened for educational purposes. These films, to be screened on 8th June, 2014, at 5.30 pm at the auditorium of the Government Museum & Art Gallery, Sector 10 C, Chandigarh, have been directed by Alain Jaubert and the producers include Arte France, Palette Production as well as Delta Image.

Chardin (1699-1779)

La Saveur de l'immobile : La Raie (1728) Musée du Louvre, Paris At first sight, The Skate is a simple still from life painted in the Dutch style by a young artist who didn't dare commit himself to grand historical scenes. However, the painting proved fascinating to Diderot, Proust and many others. Even today, it is one of the Louvre's biggest drawing cards, attracting large numbers of visitors.

Fragonard (1732-1806)

L'Amour dans les plis: "Le Verrou (around 1775-1777) Musée du Louvre, Paris. A young man and a young woman stand between a bed and a door. The scene could be trite and even trivial as the man is in his drawers, but no more is needed for Fragonard, painter of joyful life, to tell a story of sensual love. Each detail has a subtle meaning that reflects the traditions of pictorial science. Even if Fragonard painted profane love at the very moment it ends, the scene still has an air of mystery about it.

Watteau (1684-1721)

Le Pèlerinage à l'île de Cythère" (1717) Musée du Louvre, Paris; this painting is no doubt one of Louvre's greatest. Painted by Watteau in 1717, reworked in a slightly altered version a few years later, this work belongs to the series of "Galant Conversations" in which the artist from Valenciennes gave the best of himself. A mysterious work (What are they doing? Where are they going?), that provokes quite a few questions, with just as many different answers. — TNS

A wide canvas
Chandigarh-based artist Dalvinder Singh's works occupy a proud space inside the Hackett London store
Ashima Batish

Besides a few knobs and a clear mirror inside the try room of the Hackett London, beautiful works of art stare at you. It's not the part of the décor; these weren't there when the luxury-casual-formal clothes label opened its door to fashion lovers last year, but of the initiative helmed by Hackett to promote local artists by providing them display space.

The project named Rising Star, has enrolled Dalvinder Singh, a city-based artist, for their Chandigarh store. "Fashion is an offshoot of art, only the base of canvas is replaced fabric," says Dalvinder, as he explains the connection between the two. His medium of work is acrylic on canvas. His colour scheme is pastels and black ink pen. The subject, very close to his heart, is the city beautiful and its landscape. The artist moved to Santiniketan in 2000 to pursue Masters in Arts. "But I left my heart in the Chandigarh and came back despite the fact that I had better career prospects there," says Dalvinder who is a government school teacher in Chandigarh.

Coming to the project, it's global initiative, with artworks on sale. A popular retail address that will also serve as a platform to promote art is yet to be seen, but Dalvinder is positive, "People, who have a taste for fashion, do have a taste for art as well." Or is it about indulging in luxury either ways! Anyone who can buy a polo T-shirt beginning from Rs 7,500, can surely buy a painting worth Rs 5,500. And the latter purchase will stay forever. It won't have to go through the swirls of washing machine for maintenance!

Doc Talk
Hide the braces, smile
Pankaj Pupneja

Adult patients are very concerned about their appearance during orthodontic treatment. They have been mulling over getting braces, but are worried that they'll cramp their style. Metal braces and wires just don't seem to go with much of anything. Still, you know that dental braces are a good thing; straight teeth are easier to clean and can help minimise the risk of tooth decay. Plus, you're tired of covering your teeth every time you smile or laugh - you want a smile that you're proud to show off.

Popular choice

Lingual braces are the most invisible type of dental braces. As more grown-ups are taking interest in their appearance, lingual braces are gaining popularity. The demand for aesthetic solutions and refusal for traditional orthodontic treatment in adults for social or work reasons are driving invisible braces (lingual orthodontics) to unprecedented popularity, as people seek beautiful smiles without the obvious appearance of metal or ceramic brackets.

What makes lingual braces so unique is their placement: Unlike any other type of dental braces, lingual braces are placed behind your teeth. This positioning makes them essentially non-visible to others and the patient can undergo complete orthodontic treatment without suffering the cosmetic detraction. The biggest advantage is, of course, cosmetic. With ceramic braces, the brackets are tooth-coloured and look more natural, but the metal wire connecting the brackets is still visible. You won't have that problem with lingual braces. In fact, someone would have to look pretty close at your mouth or from certain angles to see them.

Cost factor

There's no doubt that braces are an investment of your time and money, but the benefits are worth it. As mentioned, the cost of lingual braces is generally more than traditional ones. Here's why. The lingual braces are custom-made to your smile using CAD/CAM and robotic wire technologies. As with anything that's custom-made or uses specialized technology, the associated costs tend to be higher. Treatments also tend to be more involved and timely than traditional braces because of this customisation process.

Not all orthodontists have an interest in providing lingual braces treatment, so locating an invisible braces provider might take a little effort. If you have a job (public figure, media personality, air hostess, modelling, hotel jobs) that would not allow you to have regular braces or if you just don't want anyone to know that you're undergoing treatment, consider lingual braces.

Dr Pupneja is a Chandigarh-based dentist

HEART talk
Being overprotective
Parvesh Rana

Thinkstock

I am 21 years old; I stay with my elder sister who is married. She is very strict and always watchful of me. She doesn't allow me to bring my friends home. I can't offend her and I can't tell my parents either. What should I do?

Sneha Malhotra, Chandigarh

I still suggest you should talk to your sister first, maybe she is just overprotective about you. If you think she is not listening, talk to your parents. I don't think there is any reason to worry; it is all about striking a conversation with them.

I am a 32-year-old bachelor; I think I have fallen in love with a girl whom I met on a social networking site. I approached her to meet me but she says it is too early. I am confused; what should I do?

Manav Gupta, Chandigarh

This is something that I hear every second day. I think you should give yourself time. Don't rush into anything or make up your mind since you haven't met her personally. Also, if she is not ready to meet you, let it be; maybe she is also confused.

Rana is a Bollywood actor

Glam look

Looking chic and glam is a must for the female race, and PFDC -The Boulevard has made this possible with a range of Quirky Ensembles. The designer label brings you the newest and most extraordinary fashion trends in the world for a woman who has a fun & fearless fashion statement. Touched with the quiet opulence, the ease of summer and soft subtleness, the assortment is a perfect blend of all of it with a vibrant colored accessories and clutch bags. A collection that's both functional and fashionable at the same time. Each of them is designed versatile keeping fashion and quirky sense of style as the code, so you could pair them with just about every kind of outfit, or mix them with other fashion genres and accessories, and still you look totally fabulous.

Sahibjit Singh Bindra, director, PFDC -The Boulevard, says, "Today casual dressing is all about diversity and our latest casual collection has array of choices for women to opt from our latest creations. Ours is a fashion forward brand which loves to experiment with different styles and our latest creations reflect our passion for fashion. Price Rs 2,000 - Rs 15, 000. —TNS

star track
Akshay inspires youngsters

One would have thought only Akshay Kumar held the crown for following a tough fitness routine, but not many know that this Khiladi Kumar has inspired a lot of youngsters who wants to make it big in Bollywood. Added to the list is Fugly actor Arfi Lamba. He is so inspired by Akshay Kumar that he tries to emulate Akshay's ways, of waking up early, exercising, eating healthy and so on...

"Akshay Kumar is like a guru. He made a mark in the industry without any godfather. Akshay Sir is a superstar only because of his hardwork and talent. He not only inspires me but also inspires all the youngsters who want to make a mark in the industry. He is just so fit and so full of energy. When he is on the sets the whole aura changes and I just love that about him. It's only because of his involvement that Fugly is such a big film now," says Arfi Lamba.

"Akshay Sir have seen some parts of the film, and he called me to say that he liked my work, I was in the seventh heaven", says Arfi Lamba

Looks like the official Bollywood Khiladi is a true inspiration for Arfi.

Guiding star

Bollywood actress Sonakshi Sinha, who turned 27 on Monday, got a tiny star tattooed on her collar bone to commemorate her birthday.

Sonakshi feels her new ink would be like a guiding star in her life from now on. "Surprise! My birthday gift to myself is this tattoo... My guiding star, now always with me," Sonakshi posted on Twitter alongside a photo of herself flaunting the design.

The actress, who is the daughter of BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha, will be next seen opposite Akshay Kumar in Holiday: A Soldier Is Never Off Duty. The AR Murugadoss-directed film will hit theatres this Friday. — PTI 

Broad outlook

Actress Angelina Jolie reveals that she's closer to her adopted son Maddox than her own genetic children.

"I think children are exactly who they are when they're born. And if there is a trauma, it can drastically change who they are," said Jolie, 38, who is engaged to Brad Pitt.

"If you look at baby photos of our kids, the way they were, the way they looked, what their energy was — whether they were a sweet, elegant, private little person, or a funny, open person, or a bold person — they're still the same. There's so much they are born with. And we believe you just have to encourage the individual and support them, but don't get in their way too much," she added.

Three of Jolie's children are adopted and she said she was surprised she had more in common with Maddox. "You'd think you'd be more similar to the children you have a genetic link with, but I'm not. Maybe one of them, but then I'm very similar to Maddox. So it doesn't have an impact that some are genetically connected," she said.

She added: "We're hoping the kids don't become actors. We want them to do what they're interested in, we're showing them so many other ideas they won't want to act." — IANS

Zarine cries foul

At a recent store launch, Zarine Khan proudly took the credit of initiating a trend of voluptuous and curvy figure. However, she feels that the Bollywood industry has not accepted her whole-heartedly unlike Sonakshi Sinha. She pointed out that achieving success in Bollywood depends on powerful filmy background.

A source reveals that Zarine Khan seemed quite disappointed with the criticism she had to face when she entered Bollywood and that Sonakshi, even though being as voluptuous as she is, did not have to go through this condemnation.

Coincidently, both actresses kick-started their career with Salman Khan and received equal amount of opportunities to prove their stand. And still, Zarine Khan blames Bollywood for not accepting non-filmy actors in the fraternity! 

Not ready yet!

After making waves in Bollywood, and recently bagging her first lead role Evelyn seems to be grabbing a lot of attention. The actress who studied in UK and started her career with an American Film, just very recently had to decline an offer due to excessive nudity. The film in question is being produced by the same director who gave Evelyn her first acting job in the movie Turn Left. While other aspects of the film are unknown, it is believed that the film is a high intense drama.

Evelyn has a bold personality, and is perceived as sexy. Evelyn wasn't yet ready to bare it all on screen.

A lead role in a high flying British drama would have been quite a meaty addition to her career, but the character was a little too bold for the lady and after some thought she decided to give it a pass!

A lot of Bollywood actresses in the past have given up sensational offers due to this aspect, Evelyn seems to the latest one to join that list as she maintains she's very uncomfortable going nude on screen even though the film wasn't Indian. The film is an untitled project and Evelyn was approached to star in the same beginning of May. She declined the role soon after.

Thieves strike again

Singer Miley Cyrus's luxury car Maserati and some of her precious jewellery pieces have been stolen from her house. The matter is being investigated. Cyrus' Maserati Quattroporte 2014 was valued roughly at $100,000. The singer was not home at the time of the theft and the police were notified around 4 pm May on 30.

According to reports, the perpetrators were a man and a woman. Having scaled the outside enclosure, the pair entered the home through the garage.

The singer's assistant was the first to come home and notice that some of the belongings were out of place. The police are working with Cyrus's assistant to get hold of the robbers. Police officers are currently searching through security footage from the weekend. A finger-print expert was also reportedly due to visit the property.

Cyrus' expensive purses and jewellery worth $100,000 were stolen from the same Studio City mansion last year. — IANS

Twitter clarification

Actress Eva Longoria has dismissed reports that her restaurant in Las Vegas was shut down after failing a health inspection.

Longoria has slammed the rumours and took to Twitter: "Just to be clear, the steakhouse in Vegas did not close for health violations. We had an 'A' rating at time of closure.”

"People should read more carefully. SHe Las Vegas was originally conceptualised as a nightlife entertainment venue. The closing of the nightclub venue, impacted our ability to deliver on our guests' experience."

The actress still runs one of Los Angeles' top restaurants Beso. — IANS 

Scary movie

Coming up soon is Machhli Jal Ki Rani Hai a paranormal thriller. The film is directed by Debaloy Dey. The film stars Bhanu Uday, Swara Bhaskar, Deepraj Rana, Murli Sharma, Hemant Pandey and Reema Debnath. The Film is produced by Shri Wardhman Movie Ventures Pvt Ltd. The music is given by Amit Mishra. Swara Bhaskar (Ayesha) and Bhanu Uday (Uday Saxena) are a happily married couple living in Mumbai. Uday, a mechanical engineer, works at a private company and they are living a perfect life with their four year old son Sunny.

One day, while coming back from a party, they are involved in a major road accident in which the other driver dies on Ayesha's windshield, an incident that plays on her mind and depresses her. When Uday's boss offers him the job of managing a Jabalpur factory, he accepts the opportunity to give Ayesha a change of atmosphere. Uday becomes busy with his job and rearranging their life. Ayesha starts to feel the presence of someone in the house that no one else can. Her fears grow and she starts behaving in a bizarre manner.

The film is scheduled to release on June 13.

chatter box
Working hard, studying harder

Pooja Banerjee, who plays the role of Perizad in Nikhil Sinha's show, Hatim, loves to study. The pretty actress, who hails from Nagpur, will be returning to her home to appear for her exams. She is pursuing her Masters degree in English and will be taking a leave from work to give her exams.

"I graduated in commerce and I love studying. Though I came to Mumbai a few years ago, I continued studying and appeared for my final exams while I was shooting for Ek Doosre Se Karte Hai Pyar Hum," says Pooja. "Later, I decided to pursue my Masters in English because literature has been one of my favourite subjects. I have already spoken to my producer, Nikhil Sinha, and he gladly granted me an off for a few days," she adds. Pooja will be shuttling between Mumbai and Nagpur.

"I have already booked my air tickets and planned the trips in a way that it does not interfere with my shooting. Dealing with exams and shooting at the same time is a Herculean task for me, so I have already started preparing for the exams on the sets during my breaks."

On a weight loss mission

Actor Sharad Kelkar, who was last seen playing the role of Deepika Padukone's brother in the film Ram Leela, is on a weight loss mission as he is focusing on his career in Bollywood. He has lost four kilos in a week and intends to shed four more kilos. He works out at the gym twice a day and is sticking to a strict diet.

"Fitness is of paramount importance to an actor. It's not only about looking lean, but being fit that allows one to sail through the long tiring hours of shoot, especially the action sequences," says Sharad. He adds, "The only thing I am resisting is mangoes and mango shake as I am a huge mango lover."

Reel sister vs real sister
Mrunal Thakur, who plays the role of Bulbul in Kumkum Bhagya, is busy with two wedding preparations, on and off screen

Its wedding galore for Mrunal Thakur, who is attending the wedding functions of her reel sister, Pragya, on Zee TV's show Kumkum Bhagya and her real sister, Lochan, in Nashik. While on one hand Mrunal has to visit her home in Nashik, to help with the arrangements of her real sister's wedding, she is shooting for her show, which features the wedding track of her on-screen sister.

"In the show, my sister Pragya (Sriti Jha) is getting married and we are seen preparing for it. So, I am actually running around doing the same things on the shoot for Pragya and at home for my sister," says Mrunal. The 21-year-old Mrunal seeks Sriti's advice on the sets and their relationship blossomed while spending time together while shooting for Kumkum Bhagya. Mrunal does not want to miss out even a single wedding-related activity back home and she knows for a fact that there is no way she can miss her shoot schedule as it is an important part of the show.

Kumkum Bhagya's Pragya (played by Sriti Jha) is soon to tie the knot with Suresh (played by Faisal Rashid) on the show. While in the beginning, Suresh confesses that he had feelings for Pragya's younger sister, Bulbul, he finally realises that it is Pragya, who can take care of his house and is accepted by his family.

I enjoy essaying negative roles: Siddhant Karnick

Actor Siddhant Karnick, who was seen in several shows, including Aasman Se Aage, Pyar Ki Ye Ek Kahani and Kismat, is currently seen as Sagar Khurana in Life Ok's show Gustakh Dil. He talks about his role and more…

How did you bag a role in the show Gusthak Dil?

The creative head of the show, Ravi Ojha, and Madhura Naik called me and asked if I was interested in doing this role. Since I had been doing theatre for the last two years and was almost broke, I was lured to be a part of the show out of necessity and of course, the very interesting graph for the character I was offered to play.

Tell us something about the role you essay in the show?

I play the role of Sagar Khurana (SK), which has no relevance with RK of Madhubala (laughs). Unlike most characters on television, who are either good or bad, Sagar has many shades and layers. He is a creative, eccentric, unpredictable individual, who has seen the highs and lows of life and the way he deals with the circumstances is the most interesting dimension of his character.

What do you enjoy doing apart from acting?

I like riding on my bikes across India. I just came back from an unplanned solo trip to the south, and it was the best trip of my life. Next year, I plan to ride my bike all the way to Bhutan. I have also been to Ladakh thrice on my bike. Apart from that, I enjoy dancing and I am a trained dancer in salsa and jive, but I gravitate more towards Hip Hop and B Boying.

Negative or positive, which roles do you prefer?

I enjoy essaying negative roles for sure. On television, unfortunately, only negative characters have many layers and shades and are a lot more challenging to play. I get bored playing good, being bad is more fun.

Are you keeping the beard for your role? How do you maintain it?

It is absolutely easy. For a lazy person like me, not having to shave every morning is absolutely wonderful. I have started to enjoy the beard. I get some food stuck in my beard, which serves as a snack later on.

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is June 3...

Yours is the number that makes you rich in imagination and spirit. But you have to be careful not to waste your talent. Your bane is that you often lack discipline and order in your life. Avoid becoming a "happy- go-lucky" spendthrift, escaping responsibility and commitment. Try to control your emotions, especially anger. You should look twice at investment schemes that are presented to you. Health of your spouse may cause reason for stress and anxiety. Partnership projects will create more problems than positive results. Resolve your long-standing quarrel today as tomorrow may be very late. Business affairs will improve. Those born between 1980 and 2000 will be very successful. Those of you who are interested to go abroad for further studies should try your best. Positive colours: Golden, red, brown

Select days: Sunday & Monday

Favourable numbers: 1,4,2,7

Gems recommended: Yellow Sapphire

Charity on birthday: Donate sindhoor or Saffron at a religious place

You share your birthday with Sarika (June3, 1962 New Delhi), who started her film career as a child actress. She gave up her career after marrying Kamal Hassan when she was at the peak of her career. Her career will be in slow motion due to Saturn effect.

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: The day can be tricky for relationships, so avoid getting into confrontations. The highlight of the day would be handling your finances and not letting them run out of control. Tarot message: Don't do anything at the cost of health. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 41.

TAURUS: There would be changes in the work scene and these could have positive consequences for your career. Some of you may need to help an elderly relative, friend or colleague. Tarot message: Lack of persistence can be disastrous in business matters. Lucky colour: Cream. Magic Number: 53.

GEMINI: The stress and strain of work and relationships would bother you. Being candid and tactful would help you to talk about your feelings with the right person at the right time. Tarot message: Don't waste an opportunity by being rash or impulsive. Lucky colour: Sea green. Magic Number: 27.

CANCER: Today you would be bothered by your past. You may feel drained by the demands of your time and energy. Towards the end of the day, there may be some discussions about these topics and things may be resolved suitably. Tarot message: Keep your eyes on the future. Lucky colour: White. Magic Number: 30.

LEO: The assignments at work may be more interesting than usual; however, there may be some ambiguity about certain projects which could lead to delays. Tarot message: Don't do anything at the cost of health. Lucky colour: Aqua. Magic Number: 37.

VIRGO: Change is vital and you would need to change the way you think. Even in personal relationships, let go off grudges and move forward. Socially, you would remain quite popular and busy. Tarot message: Time will heal all pains and wounds. Lucky colour: Turquoise. Magic Number: 32.

LIBRA: It is important that you remain calm and balanced, since future growth would depend much on your attitude. There may be some confusion at work. Tarot message: Be positive; you can make things happen out of the most unlikely circumstances. Lucky colour: Lotus pink. Magic Number: 26.

SCORPIO: You may have to work hard at balancing home and professional lives. At work, you would receive appreciation from your co-workers. This is a good day for finalizing property and financial deals. Tarot message: Do not be in a rush to spend extravagantly. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic Number: 43.

SAGITTARIUS: Today many of you would connect with your inner self and be calm and content with your life. Mone y matters would be stable, though expenditure may be a little high. Keep an open mind at work. Tarot message: Spend time by meeting experienced people. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic Number: 57.

CAPRICORN: Your confidence and energy would be on a high today and as a result, you would be able to shine brilliantly. By being expressive and dynamic, you would be able to influence people at work. Tarot message: Don't try to end all the deadlocks at one go. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic Number: 65.

AQUARIUS: Most of you would be reckless and strong-willed at work and at home. This may lead to some difficulties in relationships. Use your innate charm to win over people. Tarot message: Do not let trivial problems haunt you. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic Number: 50.

PISCES: Though the beginning of the day may seem strenuous and emotionally exhausting, you would be able to learn a great deal from it. Certain financial commitments may have to be reviewed. Tarot message: Capitalise on your strength and do not trust others. Lucky colour: Black. Magic Number: 41.





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