The real world before her
Vandana Shukla

Filmmaker Nisha Pahuja’s acclaimed documentary, The World Before Her, throws light on the deceptive ideas of women’s emancipation through two extremes — Hindutva-driven Durga Bahini and market-driven beauty pageants

We have known, ours is a land of contradictions. Filmmaker Nisha Pahuja has picked two opposite streams modern India straddles on, for her documentary The World Before Her, to be released on Friday, July 18, at Elante Mall PVR Cinema, Chandigarh.

What makes these contradictions self-revealingly engaging in this documentary is her skill to juxtapose the two; a training camp of Durga Vahini, the women's wing of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, committed to revive the lost glory of Hindu rashtra, and the business of beauty pageants controlled by the new-age market economy that turns women into 'products'. The construct of the film de-constructs the two worlds, layer-by-layer exposing the hidden vulnerabilities of its protagonists-women.

The two worlds stand on the deceptive ideas of women's emancipation. The production units of these so-called tools of empowerment manufacture women by constructing an image of the perfect woman. One of the trainers of the beauty pageant comments without batting an eye-lid, this is a unit for the supply-line of the finished good. The finished-good, a participant for Miss India pageant truly believes, "this is the only career that can give me financial equality with men."

Beauty-construction of painful procedures is fed on self-deprecation. In the process of becoming beauty queens the girls experience deep-seated envy, hypocrisy, insecurity and a compromise on their dignity for the 'gains.' The aspirants are the girls from small town India; of strong dreams and weak foundations.

The women of Durga Vahini training camp, committed to challenge all 'western' influences are trained to become ideal wives with impeccable 'character'. They are trained in martial arts too, in case the enemy "from Islam, Christianity etc" had to be confronted. Prachi Trivedi, one of the trainers at Durga Vahini camp, does not offer oozing-with-confidence sound bites as the trained pageant queens do. She has her strong beliefs in the higher values of Hindutva, but, it has grey areas too. For example, she doesn't mind her father's 'correctional beatings' which includes scarring her leg with a burning coal, because he let her live despite her being born a girl! Beauty queen Pooja Chawla wouldn't have been living, had it not been for her mother who left her father's home when his family suggested the second daughter, Pooja, should be killed.

To have the rare privilege of getting inside a training camp of Durga Vahini, near Aurangabad, was not the original plan. "Initially the film was going to be a very simple story about three young women who want to become Miss India. Once I began to delve more deeply into the research I learned about the opposition to beauty pageants especially from Hindutva groups. At that point I felt I had to incorporate that perspective," says Pahuja. The film captures several attacks orchestrated by the right-wing Hindu groups on 'westernised' women. Did she ever face threats for showing their world, and for releasing the film in theatres?

Surprisingly, she didn't, although they did threaten to shut the film down on June 6, the day the film was first released in cinemas.

"I was terrified we'd have to pull the film. Somehow we managed to convince them to first watch the film and then react. Fortunately they did. Ironically they really, really like the film--and that surprised me immensely."

Pahuja plans to take the film beyond its reel version, into the real world. She is working with NGOs and women rights activists to take the film across India, focusing on colleges and universities and areas where the rate of female foeticide is high and infanticide is still practised. "We will also travel with some of the women in the film to these areas and when possible, Neeru Bajwa will also accompany us. Our hope is that through face- to- face interactions and engaging with people in a non-judgmental and open way we can try to create some kind of shift in perspective."

"The World Before Her is the highest grossing Indian documentary and it's been one of the most successful PVR Director's Rare releases so far," says Shiladitya Bora of PVR. The film has already been shown in theatres at Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Kolkata, Surat, Kochi and Ahmedabad, and PVR has made money from a documentary release for the first time, paving way for other documentary makers to aspire for a commercial release of documentaries.

The film has received 18 international awards, including World Documentary Competition Award, 2012 Tribeca Film Festival. Yesterday it was nominated for EMMY.

The film will be screened at 8.55 pm at Elante Mall, from Friday, July 18

In letter and spirit!
Sanjam Preet Singh

Have you ever come across udda, edda, iddi… dancing? Well, one look at calligrapher Kamaljeet Kaur's latest work and one is sure to believe that the letters can be made to follow a rhythm.

Each Punjabi letter, 40 in all including the last five letters with bindi, is drawn on a 4x4-inch canvass with the delightful play of gold leaf and orange colour (or kesari, a colour revered by Sikhs) in the background. These 40 canvasses put together in a frame makes one wonder—how about unlearning the alphabet and starting fresh?

Kamaljeet exhibited her works titled The Treasure (Painti Akhri) at a three-day exhibition, Opulence, in Gurgaon recently. "Since I was exhibiting my work outside Punjab for the first time, my family and friends suggested me not to showcase the creations of Gurmukhi calligraphy. But, I went ahead with four of my Gurmukhi calligraphy works and, as expected, people loved them," says the Ludhiana-based artist. Instead of selling her latest work, she plans to donate The Treasure to a museum so that it remains in public domain and people feel the urge to learn the language.

Kamaljeet says that as a Sikh, she feels it is her responsibility to serve the Gurmukhi script. And her work speaks for herself. She has written several verses from the Guru Granth Sahib in calligraphy and, these days, she is writing mool mantar (the opening verses of Guru Granth Sahib) in unbroken words, the way Punjabi was written in old times.

All this appears simple now, but it was not the case a few years ago. These Punjabi letters that she draws with ease today were all Greek to her. For a girl born and brought up in Meerut, Punjabi was a language of some distant land until she was married in Punjab. Since then, she has been on a journey to connect to her roots. And her latest work is in continuation of that.

Stage of change
Somya Abrol

Creatively sensitising children has been his life's aim for the past two years. This weekend, Zubin Mehta, director of Wings Theatre Academy at St Kabir School, is bringing forth his annual production, an adaptation of Death of a Salesman, playwright Arthur Miller's 1949 production.

While Zubin has been training students as young as six years of age, it is the senior most group of his repertoire (ages 16 to 24) that is adapting Miller's prize-winning play. "In the play, Miller has tackled the social question of the effect of the capitalistic American Dream myth on an ordinary family. The play is being performed by 15 youngsters from different schools and colleges of the city," says Zubin.

Ask him about the importance of theatre in a child's growth and he says, "I believe theatre should be made a compulsory subject in all schools. Not with the intention of making grand performers out of children, but to make them creatively more conscious. It is as essential to learn backstage operations as it is to learn acting." The 29-year-old, however, believes there's still a long way to go. "I believe I've only been able to achieve the first phase — introducing the concept of children's theatre in the city. We still have a long way to go."

The group staging Death of a Salesman this year is the same one that performed Ayn Rand's Night of January 16th last year, adds Zubin. With each group having a maximum of 35 students, Zubin now has 80 young students under his wing. The youngest group of them all - aged 6 to 10 — staged Beauty and the Beast last year and is gearing up for their annual production, Tinderbox, for December 2014.

somya@tribunemail.com

Chatter box
Up, close & personal

Mrunal Jain, who is currently seen as Akash in Uttaran, talks about his likes and dislikes.

What turns you on and puts you off as well?

Fancy cars turn me on. Mercedes and Jaguar are my favourites. Girls who are over the top and put a lot of make-up turn me off.

What attracts you in a female?

Sense of humour and beautiful eyes.

What's your alpha quality? And a girly one?

My physique is my alpha quality. It makes me feel like a tiger. Waxing; now I know what women go through for that perfect skin.

What is your take on live-in relationships?

To each his own! Personally speaking, she would have to cook better food than my mother. So I guess for me it's a no-no!

Do you have any fetish?

I have a fetish for shoes. I just can't manage to survive in one pair a day.

Who was your first crush?

A girl in my coaching class in the first year of college, but by the time I gathered the courage to tell her college and the classes were over!

The human touch

Chidiya Ghar is a unique family comedy show, based on the premise that all humans have some or the other animal trait and its humanity that separates us from animals! The show depicts basic human values like love, respect for others, patience and the true meaning of a family.

In the upcoming track, family members of Chidiya Ghar are seen gearing up for the grand wedding of Mr Chopra's daughter. As the preparations take over the entire house, both the Chopra and Narayan family plan to leave no stone unturned as they organise a splendid wedding complete of all the traditional ceremonies such as Sangeet and Haldi. Shilpa Shinde, who plays the part of Koyal, said, "The entire set is abuzz with wedding preparations, which has made all of us feel that we are a part of a real wedding. The set looks exquisite and resembles the venue of a big fat Indian wedding. The entire team has put in a lot of effort for this particular sequence and I am sure that all our viewers will love it."

Girls have all the fun!

We often believe that leading ladies of TV shows are jealous of each other, but looks like these women are different. Going by the recently uploaded picture by Divyanka Tripathi aka Ishita from the show, the leading ladies of Star Plus' Ye Hai Mohabbatein are having a gala time together.

You can see in the picture that the onscreen rivals Shagun, played by beautiful Anita Hasnandani, Ishita's another enemy Simmi aka Shireen Mirza and Ishita's sister Mihika, played by Mihika Verma, are having so much fun! According to the sources, the team of YHM is closely bound together.

Zindagi keeps rocking!

Zindagi, which launched with shows from Pakistan in the first phase, will treat audiences to new shows every month. The channel is merely three weeks old and is already gearing up to launch two new shows, as its hugely acclaimed shows Aunn Zara and Zindagi Gulzar come to an end. Keeping its promise to offer fresh programmes every month, Zindagi has launched two new shows — Maat and Noorpur Ki Rani.

Salman’s little fan

Nine-year-old Akshat Singh, who has been showing his talent on dance reality show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, was thrilled to meet his favourite star Salman Khan. Akshat shot with Salman for a promo of the show recently and was thrilled to meet the star. He clicked pictures and chatted with him too.

Yo-Yo on the go

Rap star Yo Yo Honey Singh was recently spotted shooting for the promo of his upcoming music reality show India's Raw Star in Filmcity. He shot in heavy rains and was also spotted in various moods during the shoot. Honey Singh will be travelling to various cities to hand-pick the shortlisted contestants.

GET PHYSICAL
A leggy affair
Vishal Thukral

Squats predominantly occupy the centrestage of all exercises and should be added to any kind of fitness regimen. It is not only a vital component of weight training exercises, but also an important part of interval training and core strengthening workout programme. Squats work on the lower back as well as the legs, including the buttocks.

How to perform a squat?

Stand with the feet slightly greater than shoulder width apart and toes pointing ahead. Keep back in neutral position and abdominal muscles tight. Slowly descend, bending through the hips, knees and ankles. Stop when knees reach 90 degree angle. Make sure knees don't extend beyond toes. Use arms for balance and support. Movement is smooth and controlled.

Who can do a squat?

Squats can be done by anyone, anytime, anywhere and are considered as one of the best lower body exercises a person can do. While increasing endurance, squats build great strength in the legs as they engage the core muscles of the body.

The misconceptions

According to some people, the practice of full squats is an almost certain road to destruction of the knee tendons. Squat movements are required to maintain the normal functioning of joints as a joint may become permanently incapable of movement if held in only one position for several days. Knee injuries are more common when squatting is never practiced rather than when squatting is done as a routine.

Take care

If you have a pre-existing knee or back injury, doing squats freely is prohibited to a certain extent. Yet, even in these cases, squats can gently be incorporated into routines safely and effectively with the right instructions.

Injury scare

Doing too much too often can and does lead to injury. The tendons and ligaments in the knees are very susceptible to overuse injuries. Doing squats more than twice a week is not recommended. Dropping too quickly, going too far down and bouncing at the bottom can cause injury. Failure to warm up properly is another reason for injury. To sum up, disregarding the squats because of a few misguided beliefs is a mistake. Done properly, squats can put anyone on the fast track to success.

Correct manner

Squats must be done smoothly and under full control, which means carry them to the lowest safe position and stop at the bottom of muscular action. Common mistakes like losing posture or lifting heels must be avoided. At the same time, on going lower keep an eye not to let go knees fall laterally or travel forward past the toes.

(Thukral is a Chandigarh-based aerobics fitness trainer)

Dhaba delight in plush ambience
Poonam Bindra

Savour the original flavours of various delicacies from dhabas across the region at the Radisson Blu

The mouth-watering dishes at the Radisson Blu. Photo: himanshu Mahajan

The quintessential Punjabi is known for liking 'dhaba' food available at all nooks and crannies of the state and the neighbouring states as well. And to find these delicacies inside a five-star ambience is indeed a welcome surprise! ‘Made in India’ at the Radisson Blu is giving Ludhianvis a special treat and now we can comfortably taste a 'chicken curry Puran Singh Ambala wala style' with a Pehelwan ka Parantha inside the five-star.

The journey started from Murthal to Amritsar with delicious stops in between. It is the brainchild of the Master Chef Jot Singh Rana, who shares, "Being an Indian cuisine chef, I used to travel to different parts of India like Cochin, Kolkata, Jaipur, Agra, Shimla and Delhi. A few months back, I travelled to the Golden Temple in Amritsar and watching people relishing 'dhaba' food, right from breakfast to dinner, I thought why not give them all this fare under one roof here."

Although he had to taste and re-taste to get the authentic flavours, the efforts were worth it. So, the Amritsari Macchi, Keema Champ, Baingan ka Bharta and Zeera Aloo were all a delight for the palate. The Walnut pudina tikki from Batala; 'Bhutte ke seekh' and 'Jalandhari Tikka' are a huge hit as starters while Gyani ka Kukad and Keema kaleji are being preferred for the main course. "It seems the chef has done his homework very well for the 'Chajju da Bhuna meat and Belli ram meat are just perfect,"share Sarvesh and his friend Rakesh, who quite seemed like experts in the food line!

Rakesh Rawat, the general manager, feels that the onset of monsoon and 'dhaba food' are quite in sync. "Now I know how adventurous the foodies in Ludhiana are; right from international delicacies to familiar food from the region, they relish it all!"

As for the desserts, there are 'rabdi kheer' and the 'kesar phirni'.

Price Points: A meal for two costs Rs 2,000 plus taxes

(On till July 31 at ‘Made in India’, Radisson Blu)

Tea, on the move!

Take your favourite pick of the ice tea at The Bubble Tea Cafe, Elante Mall. Photo: Manoj Mahajan

Somehow, the beverage for the takeaway has always been cold coffee. Even iced teas don't quite sound like 'grab and go' drinks. With a newly opened counter at the Elante Mall, The Bubble Tea Cafe aims to promote and associate the 'drink on the move' image with tea.

As they like to put it, "Bubble tea is a cold frothy smoothie made with iced tea flavours poured over chewy tapioca pearls and fruit jellies." To cut the long story short, it is a smoothie meets iced tea, with a couple of toppings thrown in. With a master franchisee operational in Delhi for the two years, Ludhiana it is next month, after Chandigarh. Shares Neeraj Sharma, MD, "Bubble tea is neither a mocktail nor a smoothie…This was a concept that was originally created as a tea-based drink. It was invented in 1980s in tea shops in Taichung, Taiwan... very soon we will be introducing boba fries also, which will be available in different flavours."

To begin with, there are about thirteen classic flavours and six fusion flavours. Choose from among a long list of fruits, namely vanilla, mango, strawberry, taro, grape, papaya, lychee, peach, green honeydew, almond, coffee, coconut and chocolate in classic flavours. While they might sound more like ice-cream variants, the tea remains the base of any drink. However, the Caribbean Cappuccino, comes with strong and overpowering flavours of coconut and especially coffee. As a result, the tea remains only slightly perceptible as you sip. Over to fusion flavours; there's the choc vanilla, Caribbean cappuccino, peachy mango, chai latte, mango berry and nutty coffee. Those who like to be able to chew their drinks, there are tapioca pearls and mixed fruit jelly to choose from.

— Manpriya Singh

Star track
Vir’s list of achievements

Talking out: Vir Das

Actor, stand-up comedian Vir Das essays the character of a guy in quest of a perfect match in his latest film Amit Sahni Ki List. He talks to us about the film and more.

Tell us about your character.

I play a quirky character of a 28-year-old investment banker who is hunting for the girl of his dreams. He is so driven to find her that he pens down all the qualities he wants in a girl. So, in the pursuit of finding the perfect girl, you will see him with a different girl all the time. He's like a serial dater. It was a fun character to play.

How was the experience of shooting for the film?

It was absolutely fun since I got to do all the things I hadn't done before. Like jumping off Tiger Point in Lonavala (for a scene) to sky diving. I'm a big adrenaline junkie and this is the kind of stuff I wanted to do. I am always on the lookout for different and new experience. So, it was fun. Everybody on the sets was cool. We had a great time working together.

You also do stage shows. How do you manage the time for both films and shows?

Honestly speaking, 90 per cent of my time goes to film. But I am planning to change that. In the contract of all my upcoming films, I am going to put a clause that I won't work post 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Hopefully that should take care of it.

Last year you had two releases. This is your third release this year and there are more to come. Are you happy with the way your career has shaped up?

I have no complaints. I started with some small roles and got supporting roles. Soon after Delhi Belly, I started to get lead roles. So, there has been no looking back. For past few years, I have constantly been working. I shot for as many as eight films and now this is the time when they are all releasing. So I'm enjoying it.

You've also signed a film opposite Soha Ali Khan.

Yes, she plays my wife in a film based on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. I play a Punjabi guy. It is going to be a thriller and we have completed half of the shooting.

Are you still single?

No, I am not. I am in a perfectly normal relationship.

How do you stay fit?

I do not go to gym as I have no time for it. I go for midnight runs. They work the best for me.

What's next for you?

After this, I've two more films to release this year —Saxx Ki Dukaan and Santa Banta. I am currently shooting for a couple of films and currently in talks for three more.

Salman to star in Shhuddhi

After months of speculation over the cast of Karan Johar's upcoming Shhuddhi, things are finally moving forward. KJo has confirmed that Salman Khan will play the lead in the long-gestating project.

Confirm the news, Karan tweeted: "Shhuddhi will star Salman Khan and will release Diwali 2016."

The leading lady of the film is yet to be announced. Hrithik Roshan and Kareena Kapoor were initially slated to do the movie, to be directed by Agneepath director Karan Malhotra but the project kept getting delayed. Roshan finally decided to quit the project due to health issues and Kareena too opted out. Salman is currently busy with Kick promotions and will start shooting Sooraj Barjatya's film next.

It is for the second time that Johar has teamed up with Salman after his 1998 debut Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Salman had a special appearance in the SRK-Kajol starrer.

Sajid chooses Kick over Tamasha?

Producer-turned-director Sajid Nadiadwala, who is extremely busy with the post production of his directorial debut Kick, had to miss the mahurat of his next film starring Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, Tamasha. It is learnt that the filmmaker was unable to attend the mahurat of his new film Tamasha helmed by director Imtiaz Ali as he has been spending most of his time in the editing room these days. A source from the production house asserts, "Sajid sir has spent more than 72 hours at a stretch inside the editing room. He is so caught up with Kick that he decided to skip flying to France."

Imtiaz and Ranbir were extremely keen to have Sajid present. Since he wasn't, both called him as soon as the muharat shoot was taken. Tamasha starring the most celebrated couple in B'town, Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone had its mahurat on July 11. The film will release this Eid.

Dipannita gets exotic!

Former beauty queen and actress Dipannita Sharma, who is seen in the latest horror flick Pizza 3D, recently shot for an ad for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

For the ad, she wore a bodysuit that resembled a snakeskin and was lying on a tree trunk in a jungle setting. The ad's caption read as 'Exotic animals belong in the wild, not in your wardrobe'.

While the ad was shot by photographer Colston Julian, the bodysuit was by Chandni Bahri with Nikhil Thampi.

Speaking about the ad, Dipannita said, "I have never ever used exotic skin in my life. I have never understood the style quotient of carrying a clutch for which an animal had to go through so much torture. I don't think it takes away from my fashion quotient or style quotient because I am carrying faux leather and something for which an animal has not gone through torture."

Goodbye Chitrangda

After Chitrangda Singh and Sudhir Mishra had a fall-out, the director will not cast her in his next movie and is looking for a younger actress.

The director denies any allegations of an affair and subsequent fall-out between them. 

Spilling the beans

Ranveer Singh has spilled the beans on Dil Dhadakne Do. He plays a corporate heir who actually wants to become a pilot and Anushka Sharma plays a dancer who runs away from home. The film is about a dysfunctional family aboard a cruise.

Too scared to watch

Bipasha Basu is known for her horror films but she is scared of watching them herself. She has not yet seen the rough cut of Vikram Bhatt's Creature which she stars in.

Language of friendship

Aditya Roy Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra have a great rapport and have a unique Hindi-English vocabulary of their own which only they understand and it leaves others puzzled.

New releases
Hate Story 2

Producer: Vikram Bhatt, Bhushan Kumar

Director: Vishal Pandya

Jay Bhanushali and Surveen Chawla make a debut in Bollywood with Hate Story 2, produced by Bhushan Kumar and Vikram Bhatt. Taking the Hate Story franchise forwarded, director Vishal Pandya's movie also stars Sushant Singh and Siddharth Kher. The movie is a revenge thriller with Surveen Chawla playing the protagonist in a complete bold, sexy avatar. It goes further into the murky world of Mumbai's dirty politics. The much anticipated movie has an item song Pink lips… picturised on Sunny Leone and also Aaj Phir Tum Pe Pyaar Aaya Hai…, which is already a huge hit on YouTube with 4 million hits.

Amit Sahni Ki List

Producer: Pysix Pictures

Director: Ajay Bhuyan

Amit Sahni Ki List, a romantic comedy starring Vir Das (toyboy of Revolver Rani), Vega Tamotia, Anindita Nayar and Kavi Shastri, revolves around a young quirky investment banker played by Vir Das. The film has very interesting twists and turns. Oscar-winner Resul Pookutty is the sound designer and the music has been composed by Raghu Dixit, Palash Mucchal and Alien Chutney.

Pizza

Producer: Bejoy Nambiar

Director: Akshay Akkineni

Produced by Bejoy Nambiar, Pizza is a Hindi remake of South-Indian super-hit film horror movie Pizza. This horror film is about a pizza delivery boy who stumbles upon a murder. The film has been co-produced by UTV.

— Dharam Pal

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: A hazardous day. Keep your mind on the job throughout the day. Do not be tempted to day dream of what lies ahead.

Be sure to get to the bank before it closes. Tarot message: Health of an elderly member will need attention.

Lucky colour: Peach.

Magic number: 32

TAURUS: Old acquaintances are likely to pop up and you will be intrigued to exchange stories. No need to make any important move today. In the office, more efforts will be expected from you.

Tarot message: Prepare yourself for a mental battle.

Lucky colour: Orange.

Magic number: 28

GEMINI: A call or a visit from a relative you have not seen for ages brings an opportunity to remember the past and catch up on more recent family happenings. Tarot message: You may encounter some difficulties regarding finances.

Lucky colour: Pink.

Magic number: 30

CANCER: This is a fantastic time to contact and visit other folks and to keep abreast of their news and gossip. Complete errands, socialise and catch up on outstanding paper-work and correspondence. Tarot message: This is not a bad time to open up new doors. Lucky colour: Yellow.

Magic number: 31

LEO: The card 'King of Wands' reveals best moments to relax and socialise with friends and loved ones. This is a good day for household repairs. You should be lucky in your choice of entertainment. Tarot message: Avoid gossip session at work place.

Lucky colour: Fuchsia.

Magic number: 64

VIRGO: Discussion and chit-chat with those in close proximity increase, but you will instinctively know when to talk and when to put your head down and work. Defer making fresh investments.

Tarot message: Make property investments to stabilise financial situation. Lucky colour: Burgundy.

Magic number: 42

LIBRA: Catching up on jobs you have been putting off for a while seems wise. Time to check out meditation and yoga.

You will shine in surroundings that are unfamiliar to you.

Tarot message: Over optimism could lead to mistakes.

Lucky colour: Beige.

Magic number: 59

SCORPIO: Do not miss the opportunity to unload all that unfinished business that seems to be weighing on your mind and spirit. You will be amazed how much lighter you will feel.

Tarot message: Do not overspend just to impress others.

Lucky colour: Peach.

Magic number: 60

SAGITTARIUS: Use your status of communication boldly with a creative expression. Patronage from powerful individuals can validate your efforts. Share problems with loved ones. Tarot message: Leave things open-ended for best results.

Lucky colour: Deep red.

Magic number: 40

CAPRICORN: Be positive in your approach. You will be better able to cope with jobs that require team efforts. Home entertainment should go off rather well.

Women: keep your stakes low while playing cards. Tarot message: You will get the help you need. Lucky colour: Purple.

Magic number: 57

AQUARIUS: Where you go and whatever you do, the focus of everyone's attention is likely to be firmly on you. Check your car before you set out. Relatives will be sensitive and difficult to get along with. Tarot message: Everything will get sorted out on its own. Lucky colour: Forest green.

Magic number: 52

PISCES: Do not get involved in any land deal. A secret love affair will bring you some added pleasure. Accepting accolades is a healthy experience that promotes self-confidence. Tarot message: Be creative if you want to retain your grip over your business.

Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 63

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is July 18...

You'll meet people who will stimulate your creative nature and desire to show others how lively you are. You'll be an extrovert in this period and others will find your happy-go-lucky ways contagious. You'll have no inhibitions in saying what you think. The number '9' denotes mastery over all the challenges faced by the numbers preceding it. The number-9 people have an aura made up of all colours. Do not allow the feeling of frustration overtake you. Those born before 1970 know that the stars will push them to abandon usual things to widen their horizons. Opportunities will be attractive. Be more considerate of the feelings of others if you try it again! If you take blessings of elders, it shall benefit you in the job. Money issues are sure to be a cause of concern.

Positive colours: Golden, red, white, yellow and cream.

Select days: Tuesday, Friday and Thursday.

Favourable numbers: 3, 6, 9.

Gems recommended: Red coral and yellow sapphire.

Charity on birthday: Donate white sweets or fruits to the needy or at any school or religious place.

You share your birthday with Priyanka Chopra (July 18, 1982), actress, singer-songwriter and model, who gained fame after winning the Miss World title in 2000. Priyanka's stars indicate a multifaceted personality and she would continue to shine.