Double role
Punjabi film stars are not satisfied with screen space alone. Many of them pursue alternate professions that are just born out of their passion for life
Jasmine Singh

A piece of paper called the 'call time schedule' defines their day and to a large extent, their life. Weather changes are secondary; action is the word that gets their adrenaline pumping…this is just a peek into the daily schedule of a Punjabi film actor. It's an exercise 24x7! And despite some non-stop day-after-day shoots, they still manage to hold on to and successfully pursue alternate professions, which are diametrically different from their reel life. What is more interesting is the balance, which they strike between the two professions; beautifully handling each. Some of these young stars share their alternate professions, which have sprung from passions other than acting.

High design
Surveen Chawla, actress

She is raising the temperature with her seductive looks in the upcoming Hindi film Hate story 2. A successful actress, not many know that Surveen is a professional fashion designer who specializes in designing dupattas.

The alternate route: My mother and I design dupattas; I have showcased my work at various fashion weeks well.

A fine balance: This is something that I love doing along with acting, so there is no question of balancing…both are my passions. I enjoy acting as well as designing, two creative professions. 

Fitness first
Nav Bajwa, actor

An actor who proved his mettle with his first Punjabi film Fateh, Nav is a totally outgoing and jovial personality. Nav has always wanted to extract more from life. "I feel I have too little time to do things that I want to do," he shares. The actor has nicely picked up two things that he is pursuing as an alternate career. "They are not fallback options. Like acting, they also define my personality and they will exist independently from each other."

The alternate route: I am totally into fitness and love to interact with people. So, to satiate the two desires, I am doing two things, which can be looked at as alternate careers. I own a gymnasium in Mohali Phase 11 and am working as a celebrity RJ doing a show titled Big Funjabi.

A fine balance: Fitness is a part of me, so is going to my own gym everyday. This is not a business prospect for me; it is like sharing whatever I know. As for being an RJ, he says "I have always wanted to do something like this. Of course, being a known actor I get more listeners. So, when I am shooting for films, the gymnasium is looked after by the people in-charge there and I ensure I have certain pre-recorded material for radio before hand. Since I love acting, Rjing and fitness…all the three professions are like a passion for me.

Write path
Dakssh Ajit Singh, actor

This one falls in the slot 'jack of all trades' perfectly well. From a graphic designer to working on machines to professional body building, this actor, producer and singer has done it all. Dakssh has recently opened his account in the film industry with Arsho, a movie that he has produced as well. "I never thought of becoming an actor, but like things had to happen, some three years back I had a spiritual revelation that gave me a better understanding of myself," shares Dakssh, a philosopher at heart.

Alternate course: Not many people know that I am writer, a novelist, a painter and a publisher. Clearly you can say that I am a fiction writer. After my two novels, I am working on a new one based on a story of a 'regular' woman. This interest or profession has nothing to do with acting, but this is what defines me as a dreamer or a creative soul.

A fine balance: I have dabbled with way too many professions earlier. I understand that writing is an activity that requires peace of mind, but to be honest, I live on Mars and not Earth, so I can any minute take off somewhere if I have to write something. 

Action man
Sippy Gill, singer-actor

The doe-eyed actor has sung songs that will ignite fire in your heart, songs that will make you realise the real meaning of friendship. He has also acted in a film. A fine singer and actor, Sippy is a man of few words. He doesn't talk much and whatever little he does, makes very good sense. However, his alternate profession is nothing like what he is in his real or reel life!

The alternate route: Sippy is a young entrepreneur, a financer in his 'the other profession.' "I understand this profession requires me to be totally outspoken, so the energy I conserve is utilised here," he laughs. "I like the idea of building something new from a scratch. I have always looked up to my father and Steve Jobs, although there are no similarities."

A fine balance: Acting, singing on one side and financing on the other, are poles apart but I like both the jobs. Even when I am shooting or recording, I am totally clued to the other profession as well. I don't mix the two and with time, I have learnt the art of managing both well. And trust me both are pretty relaxing."

Good going
Karan Kundra, actor

He is the pin-up boy of television and a delight to watch in films, Karan Kundra can sway your heart with his smile. This is only one thing about him. Besides his acting career, he is also a successful entrepreneur as well. "I amaze myself by being good at both the things," he laughs. "Both the things I enjoy doing thoroughly."

The alternate route: I run a call centre in Jalandhar. I understood each and everything well before starting it.

A fine balance: Thanks to technology, I am always clued into my work even when I am acting.

Don’t mock them!
The growing popularity of mocktails is leading to more experimentation
Gurvinder Singh

There is nothing more relaxing than a cool drink after you've just shed sweat in the searing summer heat. Apart from quenching the thirst, these drinks excite, pamper, sooth, tickle and play with the taste-buds. Mocktails are surely gaining huge popularity amid Ludhianvis.

According to Jimmy from Bakehouse, "Mocktails such as 'Playbody Mojito' are the most refreshing and vitalising during the hot weather. With ingredients such as apple juice, fresh mint leaves, lemon chunks, with a dash of soda, this is a very interesting and refreshing drink. A lot of the mocktails are inspired from cocktails and have an amazing taste, sometimes surpassing the taste of cocktails. In Virgin apple martini, apart from the apple juice and lemon, we put fresh apple that adds a special taste. Virgin Mary, inspired from Bloody Mary, has a blend of tomatoes. The Masala Lemonade is tangy and refreshing."

The variety in mocktails has increased. More of them are being created each day, offering people, especially teetotallers, a great variety. Adding fresh pieces of fruit along with attractive garnishing adds special taste to each drink. "Youngsters love mocktails," he adds. Creating mocktails from different drinks is an art and it takes practice to be able to get the flavours just right. "Mocktails are all about taste. Any ingredient can alter the complete taste of a drink. So creating mocktails is an art, which is continuously being developed," says a local bartender.

gurvinder@tribunemail.com

Healing words
Vaneep Sandhu’s novella Chandigarh to Chapel Hill is about a woman's emotional journey through cultural divides
Manpriya Singh

It is not just a delicate but a difficult situation as the protagonist shifts from City Beautiful to a town in North Carolina. There is not just a surge of emotions but a struggle to balance American independence with Indian ethos.

Throw in a difficult marriage in the backdrop and there is nothing simple in life. But then from Chandigarh to Chapel Hill, a novella, is about a woman's triumph across cultures. "The book is about a woman's journey within. It's a story of an Indian woman migrating to the US after marriage and how she redefines herself," shares Vaneep Sandhu, the author, as she visits Chandigarh. "I was brought up partly in Bathinda and currently my parents stay in Malout, but Chandigarh is where I graduated from."

Barring fictional liberties, the book, as she likes to admit, remains inspired from her personal life and is a, "blend of imagination and actual occurrences." There's a bit of Sabreena, the protagonist, in the author and vice versa. She adds, "How much of it is real me and how much the creative me, I leave it to the readers to decide."

Sabrina’s story

Sabreena, an innocent optimistic graduate shifts base to the States after marriage, only to discover that she is completely incompatible with her husband, who fulfilled all the requirements set out by her parents. The marriage deteriorates and Sabreena finds herself the victim of emotional abuse and financial manipulation. In an attempt to create a life she wishes to lead, comes an attractive stranger. "The book was never planned. It was quite accidental. I enrolled in a graduate programme in the US and started writing and found it cathartic…An American friend of mine, who I would take walks with, suggested that I turn it into a book…" Then of course, there was inspiration, backed by personal experience, to share views on parents and children being brought up in the US. She adds, "My editor completely fell in love with the story and the rest is history."

While it took her three and a half years to pen the 84-page novella, it took a lot more to experience what went into the book. Transcending cultural barriers was the first stumbling block. "What's most difficult about shifting base is that there is a change in culture and cultural identity. That change is never easy. One has to unlearn and relearn and that can be an emotionally sapping process." All the more if the character happens to be warm, sensitive and honest like Sabreena and the character that she would love to see on celluloid. "Sabreena can be played well by either Madhuri Dixit because she has personally experienced the transition or Aishwarya Rai because she too has realigned with different cultures." Coming up is a working sequel to this one, which will be, "an immensely beautiful love story." She leaves it at that.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Royal touch

Profound and bewildering, India's love-affair with jewellery has been a fact that can neither be fathomed nor illustrated. The woman of today secretly desires to wear something which nobody else possesses - giving herself an individual identity, making her feel unique, yet something that is an heirloom piece.

Keeping in mind the splendour and grace of classy enameled statement pieces CaratLane.com bring to you its exquisite Enamel Royale that makes you look and feel extraordinary and stunning. Invest in these classics that you'll love forever.

The Enamel Royale collection from CaratLane.com has been inspired by the enamel work on the Rajasthan monuments. Taking inspirations from the famous enameling done in Rajasthan during the Mughal period, this collection has been handcrafted to perfection for a modern day princess with the popular Indian motifs which consist of vines, flowers, and birds, paisley etc. It showcases a variety of jhumkis, bangles, pendants and earrings, set in 18kt yellow gold with a combination of traditional meenakari work with modern colours like purple, turquoise, pinks, sky blue, yellow etc. The diamonds and pearls used in the collection enhances the look of the jewellery. These creations by CaratLane.com fits any occasion and their unique designs make this ornate collection an exquisite work of art to be treasured for generations.

The collection offers an exclusive range of enamel jewellery starting from ~22,811 up to Rs 80,018. — TNS

It’s Rocking
Saturday night fever

Possibility is that you have heard it before if you are a Punjabi! The latest offering from Bollywood, that's making waves, is the groovy and young tune, Satuday Saturday from the film Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania. The song stars Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan. Saturday Saturday was recreated by music composer-duo Sharib and Toshi while singers Akriti Kakkar, Indeep Bakshi and rapper Badshah have lent their voice to the track. Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt and Siddharth Shukla launched the first song Satuday-Saturday from their film Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania on June 7 in the opening episode of the television show, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 7. Here's what Chandigarh folks have to say about the song!

Party anthem

It is a damn good song and I am anticipating that it will be the next party anthem. Though I had heard the original song two years ago, when it was released here in Punjab, it's fun to see the Bollywood taking to it!

Jasjeet Singh, student, Punjab University

Great music

I love the song. The music is great. It is peppy, groovy and young. Also, the video of the song is great. I think it will be the next best party song now!

Aman Singh, musician

Peppy note

I love the song, especially because it is one of those few original Punjabi songs that have been picked up by the Bollywood industry to fit them into a film, which speaks volumes about the quality of music of this song. Each time I hear this song, it makes me want to put on my dancing shoes and dance!

Eshita Gurung, student, MCM DAV College

(As told to Amarjot Kaur)

Master Chef
Fruitful effort
Manju Dewan

This is the season for mango, and this certainly calls for experimentation with this wondrous fruit. This mango pastry promises to be a winner all the way and easy to make too.

Mango pastry

Ingredients

  • 8 bread slices
  • 1 mango (pureed)
  • 1 cup cream
  • 2 tbsp sugar (powdered)
  • 1 cup chocolate sauce
  • 1 packet Marie biscuits
  • 1 mango, thinly sliced

Method

  • Cut the sides of the bread.
  • Keep two slices of bread on a tray. Spread chocolate sauce over it.
  • Cover the two bread slices. Spread the mango puree on it.
  • Cover with another 2 bread slices.
  • Mix together the cream and sugar and spread it over the bread slices.
  • Cover with the remaining bread slices.
  • Roughly crush the Marie biscuits and mix it with remaining chocolate sauce.
  • Coat the entire bread with the biscuit and chocolate sauce mixture.
  • Garnish with mango slices.
  • Serve it chilled.

(Dewan is a Ludhiana-based culinary expert)

— As told to Poonam Bindra

Doc Talk
Youth formula
Dr Alka Dogra

Do we need expensive anti-aging creams or techniques to look youthful? A beauty regime if followed regularly can bring out the 'much wanted' glow. However, this beauty regime must be set according to the climate and the skin type. The stress to look young itself causes tension which shows on the face. So, a healthy outlook combined with a few precautions and tips given below can get you the admiring looks all your life.

1.Use a proper cleanser depending upon your skin type-normal, oily, dry or a combination. Most of the people have combination skin, central oily T-zone and rest mildly dry.

2.Use oil-free moisturiser especially in the winter. In the summer, one should use it sparingly.

3.Apply a scrub and Vitamin C mask twice a week.

4.Use a sunscreen half an hour before you go out, usually with high SPF sunscreen protection is granted for 3-4 hours. Usually a combination of physical and chemical sunscreen with adequate protection against UVA and UVB is good.

They are available in spray, gel and lotion forms.

5.If you are above 40 than at night you must use an ant-ageing cream. Selection of shampoo has to be proper as it also sometimes affects facial dermatomes. For dandruff use an anti-dandruff shampoo, otherwise natural shampoos depending on skin types.

6.For rejuvenation certain peels are available--glycolic acid peel (for pigmentation, acne scars),

Mandela acid peel (comedonal acne, acne scars) and TCA peel (20/30 per cent) for body.

Combination peels are also helpful. Some doctors combine skin polishing plus chemical peels together for good results.

7.Under-eye creams: They help in reducing pigmentation and taking care of dry and lifeless skin , but sometimes results are not hundred per cent. This is because prolonged application is required and since the area is near eye, we have to be careful that no ointment permeates into the mucosa.

8.Every one wants 'instant glow'. But everyone has to understand that for glow one requires nutritious diet, exercise, plenty of water, mental and emotional stability and a balanced lifestyle.

(Dr Dogra is a Ludhiana-based dermatologist)

— As told to Poonam Bindra

TRENDSETTER
Branded look

Look at the young entrepreneurs of today, who besides working hard like to follow the fashion quotient too. This makes the total scenario a 'chic' one. Mayank Jain, a young businessman, is all for dressing well.

Your sense of style

Style is all about exuding confidence, carrying off oneself suitably and choosing the right brands.

The latest addition to your treasure of clothing or accessories…

Black shoes from Diesel.

Brand crazy or street pick-up?

Brands are a safe bet.

Who is your style icon?

John Abraham fits the bill.

Who do you think is the worst dressed celebrity?

It has to be Rakhi Sawant.

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

Glam for sure.

One fashion trend that goes beyond your comprehension?

Any kind of ethnic wear does not gel with me.

Your take on accessories?

For occasions one can think of other things but for routine a classy belt and wallet would do.

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

None so far.

What gives you a high on the confidence level?

When I don my favourite brands and know that I have made the right choice, I feel confident.

— As told to Poonam Bindra

STAR TRACK
Never say die
Singer Jennifer Lopez has no plans of bidding adieu to music when she will grow old

Lopez, 44, said she won't be bowing to pressure to consider retirement as she grows older because she is determined to still entertain as her age advances, just like female superstars Cher, Aretha Franklin and Dolly Parton.

"All these people who came a generation before this one showed that you don't have to, as a young woman, have an expiration date. "You can go on and you can do what you want into your 60s and 70s, and you can be powerful and vulnerable and be human.

And I think we're just carrying that on. I'd like to think I'm part of the generation that's carrying that on," she said. — PTI

Hrithik adds zing

While Mika Singh performed at the recent IIFA awards, a 25,000+ audience witnessed an impromptu performance by Hrithik Roshan as he jumped into a spontaneous jig with Mika taking his performance to an all-new level. So touched was Mika with his gesture that he bought Hrithik a gift to thank him for all the appreciation he showed towards his performance at the IIFA Awards.

A glittering affair

Thursday night Villa 69 in Mumbai played host to Amit Sadh's starry birthday party with the glitterati showing their love for the prolific actor who was celebrating his belated birthday. Due to his busy shooting schedule, Amit could not celebrate his birthday on June 5. The man in question had a working birthday when he turned 31 as he was away for his shoot for Guddu Rangeela in Wai. The evening saw a gathering of Amit's fellow colleagues and close buddies from the film industry. The party witnessed the attendance of celebrities like Rajkumar Rao, Richa Chadha, Aditi Rao Hyadri, Arshad Warsi and his wife Maria Goretti, Mandira Bedi and her husband Raj Kaushal. Some other guests included brothers Rohit and Ronit Roy with their respective wives, Atul 
Kasbekar, Manasi Scott, Niharika Khan, Suchitra Pillai and Yudi.

I took Catherine for granted: Michael Douglas

Michael Douglas has revealed that he took his actress wife Catherine Zeta-Jones ‘for granted’.

The 69-year-old actor said he learnt from his past mistakes after temporarily splitting from his wife last year.

"When you are younger you care what other people think. And you take the person closest to you for granted. You waste a lot of energy on strangers to make a good impression. When you're older you focus that energy on the people closest to you, on your family. And you're courteous," he said.

Douglas also explained that he thinks mistakes are only bad if people fail to learn from them.

"First you have to admit that you made a mistake, then dealing with it is easy. Of course, it's important to make mistakes, as long as you grow from them," he said. — PTI

Ashton plays protective

Actor Ashton Kutcher is reportedly being extra protective of his pregnant fiancée Mila Kunis.

The A Lot Like Love star has been warning people not to stress out his future wife, who is expecting her first child in October, because he is worried that their unborn baby could be affected by added tensions.

"Ashton is tense and always yelling, not only at photographers who get near Mila, but even at their friends who visit, telling them they're making too much noise.

"Mila keeps assuring him she's fine and doesn't need special treatment or peace and quiet, but Ashton acts like he's already pacing the maternity ward floors, even though she's not due for many weeks," a source said. — PTI

Back to the past

X-Men: Apocalypse, the next film in the mutant franchise, will be set in 1983.

The film's screenwriter and producer Simon Kinberg said "the next movie takes place in 1983" or 10 years after X-Men: Days of Future Past.

Kinberg has already confirmed that the upcoming film would be more of first class sequel and would involve some of the original cast. Apocalypse would "present a new leader, the darkest leader in the movie franchise," he said. The film will bring back Hugh Jackman as Wolverine and Evan Peters as Quicksilver. — PTI

Robert adores Jennifer Lawrence

Twilight star Robert Pattinson admits that he is a big fan of Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence.

The 28-year-old actor is currently promoting his new movie, The Rover, while Lawrence completes shooting on the final Hunger Games instalment, Mockingjay - Part 2.

"She's amazing. She's absolutely incredible. But also we're different types of people. She seems like she's super-confident-and I don't have the kind of confidence.

"She glows. I think you can fit that into quite a few different areas. Whereas I've got a kind of sneak-through-the-cracks style," he said.

Pattinson also denied that he is making a conscious effort to change route following the end of the vampire series.

"I never even thought of all the Twilights as a single entity. They were all separate movies for me. I mean, I forget how to act in between every single movie!" — PTI

Serious side of Sidharth

Actor Sidharth Malhotra says there was a perception in the industry that he can only do lighter glitzy roles and not aggressive ones.

The 29-year-old actor made his acting debut with Karan Johar's Student of the Year and was seen next in Hasee Toh Phasee, both showed a lighter side of him.

Sidharth will be seen in a different character in his upcoming movie Ek Villain.

In real life, Sidharth admits he too has a dark side to his personality like everyone else. — PTI

Sienna Miller obsessed with Cara? 

Actress Sienna Miller is reportedly 'obsessed' with the English fashion model Cara Delevingne.

Miller, 32, has become inseparable with the 21-year-old model for some time now and has been pushing her friends away, including model Suki Waterhouse, to spend time with her.

"Sienna is relentless about wanting to spend time with Cara. She seems a bit obsessed," a source said.

Delevingne's intimate friendship with Miller, whom she was caught kissing last year, may have caused her split with actress Michelle Rodriguez.

"When Cara was dating Michelle Rodriguez, Sienna was always getting involved and it caused a problem. She was always kissing Cara, which Michelle wasn't keen on," the source said. — PTI 

World class party!

Leonardo DiCaprio reportedly invited 50 women to his World Cup party in Brazil. The 39-year-old actor hired out Pacha nightclub for his lady-filled bash after checking out Brazil's opening match against Croatia.

A source asserted that the The Wolf of Wall Street star had bottles of Dom Perignon champagne going around and he really had gone all out on it and spared no expense.

The source said that DiCaprio didn't really cozy up to any one girl in particular and he was really sociable and kept wandering from one woman to the next.

The source further said that at DiCaprio took some of the girls back to his borrowed 400 million dollars superyacht which was anchored nearby. — ANI

Jumping with joy

'22 Jump Street' has topped the weekend box office grossing $ 60 million marginally beating 'How to Train Your Dragon 2', which managed to make $ 50 million. The Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum starrer comedy sequel, which almost doubled the $ 36 million earned by the original film at its release, also marked the second biggest opening for an R-rated comedy in history after 'The Hangover Part II's $ 85.9 million.

Sony Pictures worldwide distribution president Rory Bruer said that directors Phil Lord and Christopher Miller executed the film beautifully, adding that the use of four-letter words and innuendo in R-rated comedies appeal to people and makes them laugh. — ANI

chatter box
Limits of fun
The new trend on television seems to be the rise of ‘finite’ shows. As many as five new shows, which will be aired soon, will see many Bollywood stars making their way to television. Check out what’s in store

Local touch
Hospital

Endemol is apparently working on the desi adaptation of the Shonda Rhimes' hit series Grey's Anatomy starring Ellen Pompeo, Sandra Oh and Patrick Dempsey. This one will be called Hospital and is scheduled to air on Star Plus.

On air
Airlines

Tulip Joshi and VJ Yudhishtir will star in a show that will showcase the airline industry. The show will air on Star Plus and will show the struggle of a woman who has established herself.

Big show
Yudh

Amitabh Bachchan's debut on TV in a fictional role has garnered a lot of buzz. The show, which will launch in July, has Bachchan playing a corporate magnet who suffers from a terminal disease. Apparently, Big B has gone without make-up for the role of an aging, dying man.

High five
Everest

Ashutosh Gowariker's ambitious project Everest is the story of a young girl who accomplishes her dream of climbing the Everest. The show will air on Star Plus soon and will have newcomers as lead.

High octane
24 Season 2

Anil Kapoor proved that a finite series with good production value works. And soon he will be back on TV with the season of the high octane thriller of the desi adaptation of the hit US show 24.

Big applause!

Buddha, the serial which was BK Modi's dream, went on air in September on Zee. It traces the complete journey of Buddha from being King Siddhartha to becoming Lord Gautam Buddha. The show has been talked about for its unique subject, the performances and costumes.

Buddha has been a source of inspiration for millions of people across the globe. Himanshu Soni, who is playing the title role of Buddha, recently got Bharat Ratna Dr Ambedkar Award-2014 in Mumbai. Creative producer Ridhwana says, "We are proud of our content and the appreciation we are getting is great." Himanshu Soni adds, "The response has been phenomenal. Buddha has been loved by everyone. It has changed my life forever. It has brought transformation in me as an individual too.

Woman power

In a little over two months since the new serial Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon (I, a woman, can achieve anything) has been on air on Doordarshan National, the tremendous response it has received from the viewers has been overwhelming. In view of this response, Doordarshan has started telecasting the serial on DD India, reaching out to over 50 countries across the globe.

Telecast on DD India every Tuesday and Wednesday at 10.30 am (IST), and on DD National every Saturday and Sunday at 7 pm, the success of Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon proves that woman power resonates strongly with India!

Main Kuch Bhi Kar Sakti Hoon, Population Foundation of India's (PFI) production, focuses on prevention of early marriage, domestic violence, women's reproductive health and male sensitisation. Aimed at bringing about a change in the attitudes and behaviours of the target audience, the serial has been endorsed by Sharmila Tagore and Soha Ali Khan. Poonam Muttreja, Executive Director, PFI, said, "We are delighted by the response. In addition to television and radio, the serial is being disseminated through multiple media, including the Internet and mobile phones. People are appreciating the story of a strong female protagonist in Dr Sneha and discussing the messages we are giving."

Feroz Abbas Khan, eminent director and the creative force behind the serial, said, "I have directed this serial with great passion as the cause is close to my heart and it is fantastic to see the serial being viewed by people across the globe. My team has gone all out to ensure that the serial strikes a chord with people."

Astro turf
P. Khurrana

ARIES: The card 'Nine of Wards' can make this a day of enjoyment and opportunity. Personal plans are likely to receive a severe setback. Serious quarrels are likely at home. Tarot message: Don't accept situations you dislike. Lucky colour: Royal-blue. Magic number: 41.

TAURUS: You will have no problem getting along with members of the family. Romance is under thoughtful stars. Routine attendance at groups or meetings can be re-scheduled. Tarot message: Take limited risks. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 62.

GEMINI: Watch out for the unexpected. Business matters will not turn out to be as traightforward as they first appear. Discuss important moves that you wish to make with influential people. Tarot message: Balance and perspective will lead you out of a problematic situation. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 57.

CANCER: 'The King of Swords' suggests that you make a real effort on the job because laziness, incompetence and inadequate performances won't be tolerated by bosses, clients or customers. Tarot message: Plan your life better. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 26.

LEO: 'Ace of Cups' will set your mood for getting nagging chores out of the way. Thoroughly check to-do list and clear as many items as possible. You will be surprised how good you feel once a day's work is under your belt. Tarot message: Make a deciding choice. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 63.

VIRGO: Love affairs will blossom, but do not go on face value. Success comes only with hardwork. Postpone decisions on major deals. Be cautions and discriminating in your dealings with people. Tarot message: Focus on professional changes. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 27.

LIBRA: The support and tips of an expert will help you master whatever subject you are committed to learning. Health-wise - cut down salt and increase liquid intake. Tarot message: Cut away the frills and concentrate on what is truly important. Lucky colour: Sea-green. Magic number: 28.

SCORPIO: Personal plans will have to be put aside again. Try your luck and reap the rewards. This evening is ideal for serious discussion or a hear-to-heart with your partner. Tarot message: Do not refuse offers without seeking the advice of someone else. Lucky colour: Metallic-grey. Magic number: 30.

SAGITTARIUS: Travel arrangements can be difficult to make. So wait somewhere cozy instead. It is a better day for dealing with accounts than trying to start anything important. Tarot message: Try not to get carried away by your initial success. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 43.

CAPRICORN: Socially, a hectic evening lies ahead. Sign new documents after lunch. Health gives no tension at all. Watch out for potential arguments. You are sure to cooperate with most people. Tarot message: Be articulate. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 55.

AQUARIUS: After a busy period of seasonal celebration, you will be glad to kick back and take it easy. Frank discussion can clear the air. Go along with the wishes of your spouse. Tarot message: Do not let opposition faze you. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 57.

PISCES: Your overall situation will improve. Students will get much job satisfaction from creative work. Superiors will be co-operative, offering you moral as well as financial backing. Tarot message: Avoid being hurried and over-anxious. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 37.

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is June 17...

Your birth on the 17th day of June suggests that you are very fortunate financially. Being number 8 you are strong, self reliant, aggressive, intelligent, clever and tasteful. The number 8 has no in-betweens. If above 60, updating of old ideas is the key to success. August is the lucky month. Do not be fooled by false compliments. Beware of people trying to take advantage of your nature. Stand up for your rights at any cost. Just be careful in sports activities as you are 'accident' prone.

Positive colours: Black, Chocolate.

Select days: Sunday, Tuesday.

Favourable numbers: 1, 4, 8.

Gems recommended: Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald.

Charity on birthday: Donate blood if you are accident prone.

You share your birthday with Leander Adrian Paes (June 17, 1973), who is an Indian professional tennis player. He is the recipient of India's highest sporting honour, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award in 1996-1997; the Arjuna Award in 1990 and the Padma Shri in 2001 for his outstanding contribution to tennis in India. 





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