The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - The Tribune Lifestyle

Power to art
A group of Chandigarh artists now want Jai Kalakar to be added to the slogan Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan…
Amarjot Kaur

Inked in the hues of revolution the minds that hold the capacity to create, now holds the baton of protest instead of a paintbrush, while the figures on their canvas bleed the hurt of dejection. Anguished by the state of art in the region, few senior artists of Chandigarh have shouldered a concern that speaks volumes about their campaign, Jai Kalakar, and hope for it to translate into a mass movement. While the first of their concerns is to include Jai Kalakar in the slogan, Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, it is followed by a long list of grievances and requests which they directly extend to the government and the Prime Minister. Initiated by Prof DS Kapoor, the group has the likes of Savita Bhatti, Malki Singh, Jodh Singh, GS Channi, Shiv Singh and Balwinder Singh.

"I believe that an artist has the capacity to influence the masses by his thoughts and expression. So, I would like to request the Prime Minister of the country, who is also fond of art, to take an initiative and promote it by adding the phrase Jai Kalakar in the existing Jai Jawan, Jai Kisaan slogan," says Kapoor. Meanwhile, GS Channi, who partly agrees with the concerns of Kapoor, objects to take any favours, in terms of facility, from the government. "I think an artist would consider it an insult to live in a house offered by the government, for artists have always been advocating against the system. However, I would like the government to promote art," he says.

Also, Savita Bhatti, who advocated the concerns her late husband Jaspal Bhatti, shares that her main aim behind associating with the campaign is to see art as a serious subject. "Earlier, art and acting were considered as the last resort for the students, who could not do well in academics. I see a change and I would like to push that change further," she says.

Balwinder Singh and Malkit Singh, senior artists from the region, second the concerns of Savita. "I have taken a look at the budget and the government has not even reserved a penny for art and artists," says Malkit Singh. Meanwhile, Prof Jodh Singh adds to his statement as she shares, "MS Randhawa had made so many galleries and promoted art and artists, but ever since he left the office, nothing has been done for art. Even the government galleries charge artists for putting up the exhibition."

"Also, there is a 12 per cent tax on handicrafts and about 25 per cent tax on paintings. I want the government to exempt artists from this tax too," Kapoor signs off while requesting the government to open more art education institutions.

amarjot@tribunemail.com

What’s cooking?
The Foodologists Society of Ludhiana has a lot on its platter—different cuisines, restaurant ratings and a publication on food
Gurvinder Singh

The members of Foodologist Society

They are passionate about food. Like many foodies, they go hunting for exotic and scrumptious food to introduce their taste-buds to the new flavours.

The group called Foodies Group started with a few food-loving businessmen and restaurateurs to celebrate the sense of taste, not only by enjoying good food, but also trying their hands on cooking. In the past couple of years, they have made food and held their own foodie fests with themes like Mediterranean, Barbeque, Arabian Food with Sufi Music, Halloween, English Breakfast, World Street Food and South Asian Food.

Once the group even organised a grape-stomping session, that rarely happens in this part of the world. "It was a great experience and one of the most interesting one," says Pavneet Chawla, a member of the group.

"We have never repeated any food theme," says Preet Chandhoke, another member. "The lists of food we make for each fest is extensive and all cooked by us, as each member chooses to make a couple of dishes for the group for the pot luck," he says.

Cooking those dishes not only makes them appreciate the cuisines more, but also gives them a sense of accomplishment. "Making the international dishes is not easy, but still it is the passion for food that drives us to do that," he says.

"During our last meet, one of the dishes took about 16 hours to cook, but it was done," he says. They have even started the best dish award for the pot luck meets," he says. So, the meets comprise all, from preparing the food, to plating and tasting, and everything is done in a professional way.

They even check out different restaurants and give their own rating to the food. "We check out food, the ambience of the place, and give our opinion and rating," says Pavneet.

As all the members are passionate about food, and many of them have travelled to different parts of the world, and had the local cuisnes, they are food experts and 'connoisseurs' in their own right.

From Foodies Group that came into existence about two-and-a-half-years ago, they have come a long way. The group is now known as Foodologists Society, with members exceeding over a hundred. "What we do is very different and people outside also appreciate us. We have made and presented dishes that Ludhiana had never seen earlier," says Chandhoke. They are even going to bring out a publication that would be all about food.

Weight watch
Detox, don’t starve
A detox plan is extremely important for a fitter body
Renupreet Kaur

Toxins in the body generally lead to obesity and other health issues. Mostly the toxins build up in the fat cells of our body, thus leading to obesity. A well planned detox diet can help combat such issues. A human body replaces all of its cells on a regular basis. New cells are created from the food we eat. A well-balanced diet plays a very important role in the formation of new cells. Toxins are anything that can potentially harm the body tissues. These include waste products that result from normal cell activity such as ammonia, lactic acid and homocysteine. Besides, there are some human-made toxins that we are exposed to in our environment.

Natural care

Our body mechanism can naturally remove these harmful toxins from our body in the formof sweat, urine and faeces. Body organs like liver, intestines, kidneys, lungs, skin, blood and lymphatic system, all work together to ensure that toxins are excreted from the body.

Fit & fine

In today's world, due to hectic lifestyles, wrong eating habits and stress, we are not only exposed to a large number of toxins on a daily basis but also to obesity and other health issues. Therefore, detoxification measures ensure that your body does not suffer. Further, detox helps in improving blood circulation and stimulate the liver to eliminate the toxins from the body.

Symptoms of toxicity

Toxicity symptoms might include skin acne, bloating, body aches, fatigue, low energy, headache, irritability; extreme cravings for sweet, salty or other unhealthy foods, constipation and diarrhoea. Sometimes some of the simple substances like wheat or milk may upset your digestive system; in such cases detoxification of your system becomes important.

Benefits of detoxification

To get rid of harmful toxins and cellulite deposits in the body, thus treating obesity.

Makes you feel more energetic and fitter than before.

Strengthens your immune system.

Helps your body function better.

Increases concentration.

Improves skin tone and hair health.

Improves blood circulation.

Leads to sound sleep.

Improves digestion.

Brings about lifestyle changes

Clean up

There is a fine line between detoxing your body and starving it. Detoxification means cleaning the blood, but fasting or dieting is only a temporary method of cleansing the body of waste products. It is not wise to fast just to reduce your weight and to binge at the end of the day. A wise detox not only gives a rest day to your organs, but also revitalises you.

Food corner

Many detox diets include high fibre diets, colon cleansing diets, fast diets and liquid diets. While choosing detox diets, one should know that many detox diets are low-calorie diets. Most of the detox diets create a nutrient and protein deficiency in your body. Such diets mainly focus on cleaning your system by removing toxins like accumulated heavy metals and deposited fats, thus treating obesity. Water-based liquid diets based on fruit juices, vegetable juices and soups not only hydrate your body, but also help flush out dangerous toxins to keep you fit and fine.

Wise selection

These days, a number of detox diet programmes are being used by people to achieve rapid weight loss. They are actually not removing toxins from the body. It is only the water loss that shows up some results of the weight loss. So people regain weight when they return to their normal diet. Therefore, a careful selection under proper supervision of professionals is required.

(Renupreet Kaur is diet therapist and obesity expert)

Master Chef
Grill and thrill
Ranjan Dibya

In this hot and humid weather we all look for food which is crisp yet not fried, especially when it comes to non-veg variety. So, we thought of giving you a grilled chicken cooked in its own flavour and spiced up with the right ingredients.

Oriental banana leaf grilled chicken

Ingredients

250 gm chicken (boneless leg)

5 pieces banana leaves, cut into 8 x 8 inches

5 tooth picks

For marination

2 tsp red chilli paste
2 tbsp coriander
1 tbsp garlic paste
½ tsp white pepper powder
1tsp oyster sauce
1tbsp light soya
½ tsp dark soya
1tsp rice wine
1tbsp oil

Method

In a bowl mix the marination ingredients.
Marinate the chicken pieces and keep it aside for at least 4-5 hours. Wrap in a banana leaf and seal with toothpicks.
Grill for 15 minutes and serve hot with chilli sambal sauce.

Note

Steam the banana leaf for 1 minute before using. This will make the banana leaf soft and easy to fold.
While serving remove the tooth pick and serve hot.

Chilli Sambal Sauce

Ingredients

700 gm dry red chillies deseeded and boiled

200 gm fresh red chillies,

300 ml oil

50 gm chopped garlic

50 gm chopped ginger

100 ml tamarind juice

15 gm salt

15gm sugar

Method

In a blender, combine dry red chillies, fresh red chillies, garlic, ginger, tamarind juice and salt till finely minced. Cook the blended mixture in oil till fragrant. Add the sugar and salt to taste. Cool and store in a tight jar.

(Dibya is a senior executive chef)

— As told to Poonam Bindra

Coastal flavours

Celebrate the vibrant spirit of the coasts of India at Coastal Food Festival at Hotel Hometel, Chandigarh. This Coastal Food Festival presents authentic culinary delights from the coastal regions of Maharashtra, Kerala, Goa, Andhra Pardesh and Manglore, at its restaurant, Flavours.

The exotic range of seafood is sure to tantalise your taste-buds! On offer is an array of marine delights, including the absolute favourites like Iswana Sukke (fish curry), Erachi Pacha Mulaka (mutton with green chilli), Thalassery biryani (sea food and dry nuts), Mutta biryani (egg biryani), fish curry in Kottayam style, Koli Barthad (Coorg style chicken curry), Bhende Sukke (okra in coconut gravy), Chakko Channe Ghashi (jackfruit with chana), Padwal Dumbells (stuffed snake gourd),Vala Sangi Sukke (long beans with coconut), Flowera Nonche (pickled cauliflower), Chena Mezhukku Peratty (yam stir fried), Muga Dali Kadi (moong dal), Erachi Pidi (rice dumpling cooked in rich gravy) to name a few. These cuisines will be Hometel Hotel's Executive Chef Bidesh Biswas.

The festival is on till August 3 between 7.30 pm to 11.00 pm. The charge per person is Rs 650 + plus taxes. — TNS

pet passion
A Chill-ed out family
Poonam Bindra

Chill is what young businessman Kunal Jaitwani named his pet and that's what exactly this handsome St Bernard is doing for he is the stress buster for the whole family--be it Vijay, his father or Radhika, his mother, who is a busy social activist.

It was three years ago when Kunal got this cute little two-month-old pup from a friend and "I had no idea how tall he would grow and now he surprises me when he stands on his hind legs for he is even taller than me," remarks the six-feet-tall owner.

Actually when we saw Chill bouncing towards his master in affection, he nearly toppled him over. We hear that last time Kunal came back from some study tour after three months, he was so much smothered in love by Chill that his clothes all got torn. Such is the volume of affection of this four- legged friend. In an orderly and disciplined manner, Chill must go for his walk at six in the evening, so from five onwards he is busy running towards the gate and back to his leash and some family member. "It is actually a scene to see him going up and down," quips Radhika, who cannot handle him on her own and needs help for his activities.

On a somber and a proud note Kunal shares that Chill is a very well-behaved fellow for he never climbs on to the beds or sofas and never even looks towards the dining table even if non-veg food is being served. Even on the road he walks as if he owns it and not bothered about anybody. Little wonder he has often received this comment - 'what a royal dog'.

He is always looking for a good body rub and turns up his massive tummy up for Kunal to do the needful. Very fond of grooming himself, Chill never shies away from a bath and a session of combing and brushing. A happy twosome indeed--Kunal and the big handsome Chill.

star track
What makes Kick larger than life?

Scene from Kick

Kick is the biggest action film of Salman Khan's career and of this year. Sajid Nadiadwala has spared no expense for his directorial debut film, Kick. They have spent a major chunk on the death defying action sequences in the film.

Salman Khan's action stunts will be very different from what audiences have seen him do in his earlier films. To shoot these stunts about 57 cars, 13 buses and one helicopter were blown up. This is the first time that Salman Khan will be seen doing such high octane, dynamic and powerful action sequences.

It is also the first time any production team has arranged for the given number of vehicles to be exploded in a film like this. Shot with drones for the first time in a Bollywood film, the scale of action is humongous. Sajid said, "I like to make films which are larger than life. A particular sequence in the film sees Salman drive through the city, creating a ruckus. We first shot in London but couldn't complete it. Then we moved to Poland (in Warsaw). The quiet city had never seen anything of that sort before. Of course, Salman insisted on doing the stunts himself."

Salman said, "I've been lucky to get producers who are willing to spend money. We, as heroes, can only kick that high, or jump that much... That is when technology comes in, and safety comes in.”

Expensive outing

The tickets of Kick will cost 15 to 20 per cent more than usual because it is a big film and an Eid release. Some multiplexes will charge what they did for Dhoom 3 while some are going to charge the same ticket fares.

Tough competition

Believe it or not! Lai Bhaari which stars Riteish Deshmukh featuring Sajid Khan's story and Salman Khan's special appearance is giving tough competition to the release of Kick as the producers have refused to pull it out of cinemas where it is doing well.

Bigger & better

Step up: Rhea Chakraborty

Rhea Chakraborty has been announced as the female lead of Y-Films' Bank-Chor. She has a cracker of a role in the film where she will be seen with Riteish Deshmukh for the first time. Rhea started her career as MTV's youngest VJ, and then made her big screen debut in the sleeper hit of 2013, Mere Dad Ki Maruti. She was also seen opposite Ayushmann Khurrana in his single, O Heeriye.

She is all set to enter Bollywood with an exciting line-up of films. Up next is Rohan Sippy's Sonali Cable, in which she plays the lead role of Sonali. She will also be seen in UTV Spotboy's much awaited, Babbu Ki Jawani. There are a couple of big announcements around the corner, one from Yash Raj Films itself.

An excited Rhea added, "Bank Chor is a rollercoaster ride and I'm delighted to be on it. I've had a blast with the team on Mere Dad Ki Maruti and I'm sure this is only going to be bigger and better. Get ready for some LOLs!"

Ashish Patil, business & creative head, Youth Films at Yash Raj Films says, "We needed someone with spunk, who could be cute and hot at the same time besides speak 2000 words per minute for this part. Rhea speaks 8000 words per minute in real life! She hit the ball out of the park on the other fronts as well and with her outrageous sense of humour she's gonna kill it!"

Bank-Chor is a comic-caper that tells the story of three morons trying to rob a bank on the worst day possible. How everything goes wrong and how they're inadvertently caught in the crossfire of cops, industrialists and corrupt netas. Bank-Chor is directed by Bumpy and produced by Ashish Patil. More exciting announcements on the project in the pipeline, stay tuned!

Team effort

Shraddha Kapoor considers Haider a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity working with Vishal Bhardwaj and an ensemble cast comprising Shahid Kapoor, Tabu, Kay Kay, Irrfan and others. So she lapped it up.

Elaborate plans

Bipasha Basu has not announced a wedding date yet but she has said that she would like to dress up as a Bengali bride and have an elaborate wedding when she marries her beau Harman Baweja. They are dating since 2012. Meanwhile, she walked the ramp at the grand finale by Shree Raj Mahal Jewellers as a part of India Couture Week 2014.

Style mantra with Tamannah

Eat right: Tamannah Bhatia

Tamannah Bhatia is beautiful and dresses well. She is known for her milky skin, shapely figure and long hair. She talks about beauty, style and more.

Be you

An individual's style is something that reflects your personality and attitude. It defines 'you'. When I'm not working, I like to be myself - dressed comfortably. So, on my off days, you will find me in a pair of jeans and t shirt.

Get it right

I don't really dress up too much for parties. I make sure that I keep it simple. So, I opt for a fun dress or a nice top with trousers or a shirt. Basically, it all depends on the occasion. Whenever I go for a party I take my brother along.

Fashion cues

In Bollywood, Deepika Padukone is one of the well-dressed actresses. And among actors, it's got to be Shah Rukh Khan. In the West, no one can match up to the fashion sense of Jennifer Lawrence. She is a confident dresser.

Beauty secrets

I take care of myself by keeping my skin clean. I moisturise my skin regularly and keep it glowing by eating the right food and drinking lots of water. A good night's sleep also helps.

Gem and jewels

I have a penchant for simple, dainty jewellery. I also like various kinds of bracelets and earrings.

Shoot is on

The shooting of SNAFU, a thriller directed by Sethu Sriram has commenced in Pune. The film stars Abhay Deol and Puja Gupta in lead roles.

Alia Bhatt Wish fulfilment

Alia Bhatt, who was earlier quoted as saying that she wants to work with Ranbir Kapoor, finally has her wish fulfilled. She will share screen space with Ranbir Kapoor in Ayan Mukerji's next film.

Confirming the news, Karan Johar tweeted: "AYAN MUKERJI's next for Dharma productions is slated to begin mid next year and release December 23rd, 2016. RANBIR KAPOOR and ALIA BHATT."

After Wake Up Sid and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, this will be Ranbir and Ayan's third film together.

Star power: Alia Bhatt

Box office collections

Hate Story 2 has collected Rs 16 crore over the weekend while Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania has collected more than Rs 64 crore in ten days. Amit Sahni Ki List and Pizza 3D have been washouts.

Beauty lies…

Huma Qureshi is very happy with her curves and she receives compliments from guys all the time so she has no complaints. She is also happy with the way Bollywood is changing and embracing curves.

Aamir Khan to go nude?

If the latest rumours are anything to go by, Aamir Khan will go nude for Rajkumar Hirani's P.K. He will be posing nude for the first look and he will be holding a stereo system to cover his modesty.

According to sources, the nude scene will be shot somewhere in the jungles of Rajasthan. Aamir Khan will be playing an alien in the film who lands on the earth on his own choice. Directed by Rajkumar Hirani, the movie is a political satire and it is also said that Aamir Khan will appear bare in the opening scene of the film.

In P.K., he is playing an alien and going by the fact he will be seen in bare dare mode just like a real aliens. As we all know aliens hardly know anything about clothes and here too Aamir will be purely ignorant about clothes. He will be coming from different planet and he too doesn't have any sense of clothes. Hence, he is seen sporting a bizarre outfit skirt with dupatta.

The film also stars Anushka Sharma and Sushant Singh Rajput.

chatter box
Shaking a leg with Sallu

All to tango: ACP Pradyuman and the team of CID with Salman Khan

In Sony TV's popular crime series, CID, ACP Pradyuman will be seen dancing to the tunes of a Bollywood number with Salman Khan, who will also be teaching him the tricks of the trade in the up and coming episode of the show. Salman Khan will be seen in CID for the promotion his movie, Kick.

Salman, along with ACP Pradyuman, Daya and Abhijeet danced to the latest chartbuster Jumme Ki Raat. He also taught the trio the signature step of his song. Talking about the experience of dancing with Salman Khan, ACP Pradyuman, played by Shivaji Satam said, "It's always fun when Salman Khan is around. The audience will surely enjoy the episode." Sharing his experience on coming back on the sets of CID, Salman Khan said, "It's really amazing to be back! Earlier, I had come for the promotions of Wanted and now I am here for Kick. I feel CID is the best platform to promote my movie as it is one of the most loved show on television. It was great fun to dance with Shivaji sir. The entire team is really sweet." This special episode will be directed by the producer of the show, BP Singh. Watch Salman Khan shake a leg with ACP Pradyuman on CID this Friday to Sunday at 10pm only on Sony Entertainment Television.

Battling the evil forces

Baal Veer is a fantasy-fiction TV show, wherein superhero, Baal Veer takes the audience on an adventurous trip to Parilok. While Baal Veer is the savior of Parilok and protects the children from the evil intentions of Bhayankar Pari, the champion is all set to go against another powerful entity, Mahabhasma Pari. Shweta Tiwari is all set to capture the audience's attention as Mahabhasma Pari, who will rise to destroy the world with her evil powers. Shweta Tiwari, who plays the role of Mahabhasma Pari said, "I am truly excited to play Mahabhasma Pari as this is the first time that I will be seen in a negative role. I like to experiment with different roles and the character of Mahabhasma Pari seems interesting. She has a unique set of evil powers, which can influence the minds of a person and force him/her to do her bidding. Also, her attire and dressing style gives the character an edge. It's a challenging role and I am enjoying every moment of it."

Watch how Baal Veer and the fairies take on one of the most powerful evil forces in the universe to protect Parilok and their denizens.

With love, from Pakistan

Show time: Samina Peerzada of Zindagi Gulzaar Hai

Zindagi, a channel that airs popular shows from Pakistan, will treat its audiences to new shows every month. The channel is already gearing to launch two new shows after the success of Aunn Zara and Zindagi Gulzar Hai which will now be replaced by Maat and Noorpur Ki Rani this month.

Noorpur Ki Rani is a story of paradoxes brought out by contrasting characters of Noorie and Princess Rania. Orphaned at a young age, Noorie comes from an impoverished background and goes through turbulent times before her life takes a magical turn and she finds a new life in the palace. On the other hand, Princess Rania, the owner of the palace, is brought by fate to circumstances she never imagined possible. While Sanam Baloch will enact the character of Noorie, the show will also feature veteran actor, Naumaan Ijaz .

Meanwhile, Maat is the story of two sisters, Aiman and Saman, who are poles apart. While Saman plays the role of a mean sister, who tries to snatch whatever her sister, Aiman, has, the story takes a turn when Saman claims her right on Aiman’s love, giving rise to interesting twists and turns.

With viewers raving about the natural talent and irresistible good looks of Fawad Khan, Sanam Saeed, Osman Khalid Butt and Maya Ali, the new show, Maat will bring to Indian Television, two of Pakistan's most talented actresses- the beautiful Aminah Sheikh and the vivacious Sabah Qamar.

Finding work on Facebook

Sahil Phull, who will essay the role of Ashfaque in Uttaran, is glad about bagging the role. The young actor talks about his journey in industry and more...

How did you get the show Uttaran?

I got a friend request on Facebook from a channel representative and we chatted about the role. Later, the production house called me for a screen test and I was finalised for the show within three days.

How did you get into acting?

My parents wanted me to complete my degree in engineering but i always wanted to become an actor and in first year of my engineering, I fell sick and was bedridden for eight months, due to which, I had to drop out. Then I joined Rajan Shahi and Romesh Kalra as an assistant director for Betiyaan and Maayka. In 2013, I joined Miraj Kabi for acting and auditioned for international show Moti Gori.

Tell us about your English television series titled Moti Gori.

I did four to five episodes of the show, but it has not been aired yet. Moti Gori was shot in India, but it is a television series for an Australian channel.

You have also been a part of an Australian short film, Shabd. Tell us something about it.

The Australian short film, Shabd is set to be a part of Trop fest Film Festival this year. Shabd centres around a 20- year-old Indian man, who is my namesake and is living and working in Melbourne. The story provides a glimpse into his life as he tries to balance two very different cultures.

Third time lucky

Television actor, Karan Tacker, will now have a third choreographer on the show, Jhalak Dikhlaa Ja. He was first seen with choreographer Bhawna Khanduja, and later with Elena Samodanova on the show. Apparently Elena is a foreigner so she is not very well versed with Bollywood dance and was therefore not much help to Karan.

When real gets entangled with reel…

What if you believe that real life and reel life are not that different and believe in what you see on TV? In order to break this myth, wise Nanjii of Big Magic's comic caper Azab Gazab Ghar Jamai will make an attempt with an ingenious plan. Playing a pivotal role in the plan, Naniji invites television's popular actress Sreejita Jha, better known as Mukta, to successfully implement her plan on July 25 at 9.30pm.

As the story unfolds, innocent Dolly is seen fantasising about television serials. Throughout the day all she does is talk and gossip about her favourite TV shows or actors assuming them to be real in nature. Anxious and worried about her granddaughter, Naniji decides to put an end to the drama. To showcase the difference between the real and reel world Naniji invites the television beti Mukta.

Will it be an eye opener for Dolly or will she continue to drool over her favourite television serials?

Astro turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: The day can be somewhat tricky for relationships, so avoid getting into confrontations. Business people should plan meetings and important deals post lunch. Handle your finances carefully. Tarot message: Time will heal all pains and wounds. Lucky colour: pomegranate red Magic Number: 41

TAURUS: There would be some changes on the work front and this will have positive consequences on your career. Some of you may have to make yourself available for an elderly relative, friend, or a colleague. Tarot message: Lack of persistence can be disastrous in business matters. Lucky colour: Cream Magic Number: 53

GEMINI: The stress of work and relationships may force you to consciously stop expressing your emotions. Being candid and tactful would help you to talk with the right person at the right time. Tarot message: Avoid being rash or impulsive. Lucky colour: Sea green Magic Number: 27

CANCER: Your thoughts will be dominated by your past, especially, your relationship with family. You may feel drained by the demands on your time and energy. Relationship issues will be resolved by the end of the day. Tarot message: Keep your eyes on the future and your goals. Lucky colour: White Magic Number: 30

LEO: Assignments at work will be more interesting than usual. However, some ambiguity could lead to delays. Go through your financial records carefully and ensure that everything is in apple-pie order. 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, form opinions, or react to situations. Even in personal relationships, let go off grudges and move on. Socially, you would remain quite popular. Tarot message: Time will heal all pains and wounds. Lucky colour: Turquoise Magic Number: 32

LIBRA: Remain calm and balanced, since future growth would depend on your attitude. There may be some confusion at work. Change would be the keyword of this day. Tarot message: You can make things happen out of the most unlikely circumstances. Lucky colour: Lotus pink Magic Number: 26

SCORPIO: Relationships with loved ones would demand a lot out of you. You may have to work hard at balancing home and professional lives. At work, you would receive the appreciation of your co-workers. 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 make peace with your life. Meeting old friends and loved ones would heighten this feeling. Money matters would be stable. Tarot message: Spend time meeting experienced people. Lucky colour: Saffron Magic Number: 57

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

AQUARIUS: You would be domineering, reckless, and strong-willed at work and home. This may lead to some difficulties in relationships and achieving goals. 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. The festivity would bring out the shopper in most of you. Tarot message: Capitalise on your strength and do not trust others. Lucky colour: Black Magic Number: 41

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is July 24...

Born on the 24th, you have a greater capacity to shoulder responsibility and helping others. Devoted to family and friends, you tend to manage and protect. You are emotional and sensitive. Also, affections are important to you, both in giving and in receiving. Venus has decided to put some harmony into your work environment. You will be able to reap the benefits of an operation, which you managed and set up long ago and will also be pleased with the results. Avoid being too arrogant as this could be a burden on your relationship leading to misunderstandings and problems.

Positive colours: White, sea green, burly wood, and aquamarine

Select days: Friday, Thursday and Tuesday

Favourable numbers: 5 and 6

Gems recommended: Diamond and Emerald

Charity on birthday: Donate sweet yellow rice to the needy.

You share your birthday with Manoj Kumar [original name Harikrishna Giri Goswami, July 24,1937, Abbottabad]. Famous for patriotic themes, he has been given the nickname of ‘Bharat’ and was honoured with the Padma Shri. He is ruled by Number 6, which denotes Venus. He will continue with his public appearances.