Happily ever after…
Should it be a lehenga or a sharara? Stick to perennial reds or experiment with blues? Nailing the right dress for the big day can be a nerve-racking experiment for a bride-to-be. Here comes some respite from the experts…
Manpriya Singh

It doesn't take long; rather it takes a lot to turn a bride into bridezilla. A lot of alternatives and infinite options! What to wear and where to begin are the perennial problems that all brides go through, each generation and every wedding season.

The reality that it is going to be one wedding with zero likelihood of making up for faux pas makes it worse. There will be countless pictures reminding generations to come, to tell whether you went wrong or got it bang on. A cursory glance at some of the new Chandigarh-based designers and what they have to offer should help lessen the mayhem…

Collector's item: Plumtin

Samarjeet Gurm
Samarjeet Gurm

While Plumtin might have workshop at other places in the region, it is retailing exclusively out of SAS Nagar since a year-and-a-half. The whole idea behind the venture was to make collectibles. "The name itself takes inspiration from the tin boxes, chests and trunks we used to have in the olden days," shares Samarjeet Gurm, the owner. The design sensibilities of the brand go way beyond blindly following the trends.

USP: Making pieces that form collectibles. "I believe in telling a story through embroidery. The cuts and styles comply with the present but the work and embroideries should be forever."

Replicas: It is a polite no.

For the brides: "We thought that the length would shorten but that does not seem to happen this time around…Shararas and the like it is with long jackets. We are also teaming up very short kurtas with ghararas. Then lehengas, of course, for women not very slim…For the colour palette, I love doing pastels."

Price: Bridal lehengas start at Rs 7,5000 while prêt starts at Rs 5,600 onwards.

Regal bonding: Patyala Royal Couture

If fashion stopped evolving, may be someday we would all catch up. Since it doesn't, it only makes sense to ditch the contemporary in favour of the classic. Patyala Royal Couture promises and aims at heirloom pieces. The classic that will become vintage by the next generation. "We are majorly into traditional wear, heavy embroideries and fabrics like velvets and crepes. We generally cater only to the bride and her immediate family," emphasises Saurab Aggarwal, managing director. Spell heritage and he adds, "Despite the recent fixation with phulkari, it is not half as much in vogue as I would like to bring the attention to this traditional embroidery."

USP: Want to put a certain colour, a certain embroidery and a couple of other things together. Well, "Our USP is customisation to very high degree. We also offer matching handbags, clutches and shoes with the outfit."

Replicas: Avoided at all costs. "Unless it is just an inspiration borrowed from a particular outfit. If copying is a part of customisation then it is a different matter but we avoid replication."

For the brides: Apart from the standard auspicious colours, there are a lot of "aqua marines coupled with greys, lilacs and more of tone on tone colours that we have worked upon this season." He adds, "One can look forward to a lot of inspiration from Pakistani silhouettes like long jackets with shararas and ghararas."

Price: For a bridal outfit Rs 50,000 onwards and for a non-bridal outfit Rs 15,000.

Designer's den: Shweta Ahluwalia

Shweta Ahluwalia
Shweta Ahluwalia

She's been there, done that and even toured the virtual world at the time it was unheard of. Before starting the label, Couture Carnival, two years ago, Shweta Ahluwalia used to sell online a decade ago. "That fetched me a lot of overseas clients," she shares. "I started this at the age of 18, out of a garage.”

She adds, "I emphasise on only hand embroideries because they are forever."

USP: Authentic hand embroidery.

Replicas: If replication is a part of customisation.

For the brides: There is a shift in the next big colour. "Apart from the reds and magentas and all shades of peach, a lot of blues will mark their presence at the coming wedding season."

Price: For machine work 'that is discouraged', the price starts at Rs 6, 500 and for hand embroidery, the price range begins at Rs 25,000.

Western palette: Firozi

Twinkle Dhanoa and Simran Dhillon
Twinkle Dhanoa and Simran Dhillon

A master's in English and an engineering degree weren't quite cutting it for the childhood friends-duo. The first love lay in colours, fabrics and fashion. "We opened Firozi a-year-and-a-half back and we are all about Indian collections that cater to the young. Out embroideries are not conventional and we take a lot of inspiration from western silhouettes," shares Simran Dhillon, while co-partner Twinkle Dhanoa, nods.

"For example we've infused cropped tops into formal wear."

USP: "We have a different sense of style and we infuse a lot of youth into our collections."

Replicas: Customisation is a yes but replication is a big no. "We might take up a concept and play upon it but there is no blatant replication."

For the brides: The bridal trends change each season. Seems like it is a no for the typical lehengas. "There will be a lot of shararas, ghararas and palazzo pants this season. There will be only a touch of neon."

Price: For a casual outfit the price range starts at Rs 5,000 while in the semi-formal category the prices start at Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000.

manpriya@tribunemail.com

Mane point
Scarves, floral tiaras, bobbles—let your hair down this season. Hair accessories can change the way you look
Amarjot Kaur

If what's 'in' the head holds more relevance to you than what's 'on' the head, then you may suit yourself with a thinking hat, but for those who like to let their hair down, you may dance attendance to a list of hair trends that may interest you. This season tame your mane with some cute goodies that are neither as traditional as tikkas or passas, nor as standoffish as the overdramatic head gears that have been doing the rounds on the ramp for a long time.

It's time for arty bohemian hair chains, floral tiaras, tribal scarf bands and dainty clips. Here's how you may want to experiment with some of these hair accessories.

Go by the scarf

This one is from the likes of Alia Bhatt in the film Highway and Sarah Jessica Parker from the Sex and the City series! A scarf is one of the most popular styles for this season, as it can change the way you look in seconds. "Wear a scarf like a headband over open hair, wrap it the bandana way, or just tie up your ponytail with it. The scarf can accessorise your hair in the cutest possible way," says Harmeet Kaur, a Chandigarh-based fashion designer. "Also, it does a double job too, protecting your hair from the heat, dust, and pollution," she adds.

"You can also fold the scarf to make a narrow or broad headband depending on your look, finally tying it under open cascading hair or hair tied into ponytail. You can try the bandana style, a style many women follow for the unwashed hair days," shares Sonal Manik, a city-based fashion designer. You may also accessorise your outfit with bohemian necklaces, bright looking bracelets and dangling earrings and bring out the cute side of you.

Band it babe

They have been lying unused in your closet for quite some time now, and thankfully, the style has made a comeback. You will be surprised to know that the traditional way is not the only style you can wear a hair band. "Wear a band across your forehead and look like a Greek goddess or wear it over backcombed hair and bring back the retro look and to create a bouffant look, backcomb your hair and anchor it tightly with the help of a headband," says Hina Bhatia, a city-based accessory designer. "Also, stretch hair bands and floral tiaras are quite a fad these days and they look really good when coupled with a bun," she adds.

That 70's look

Barrettes are back to adorn your lovely hair and bring back the retro look. This beautiful piece of hair jewellery can be used in more ways than you can imagine. "Use it to anchor your short bangs, add glitz to your appearance or to decorate your plain looking ponytail; this style will add life to your hairstyle. Also, I really liked the way Sabyasachi came up with its gold embellished hair band which looks absolutely amazing," says Mrinalini Chandra, a Mumbai-based jewellery designer.

She also advocates hair chains while saying that they add to the perfect vintage look. "Hair chains are a very good way to decorate your hair. You may use your mother's old paayal or kardhani as a hair chain," she adds.

Bobble the trouble

Hair bobbles can work with ponytails, buns, braids, half up-dos and they come in various shapes, sizes, colours, and themes and are simple to wear and easy to pull off. "You need to stretch the bobble between your two fingers and wrap it around the ponytail or whatever you wish to adorn from the underside and anchor one bobble over the other," shares Svati Shrivastava

If you start looking for such accessories in your closet, you are bound to find more such articles lying unused. Time to start using them and recycling the way your hair looks. Turn heads around with the new way your hair looks, all just by looking into your closet.

amarjot@tribunemail.com

Sketch of an artist
Ruchi Singhal started her artistic journey with a sketch book. In Chandigarh for an exhibition, Magic of Elements, she shares how she loves working on several canvases at one go
Mona

Ruchi Singhal
CREATIVE LINE: Ruchi Singhal

This artist is seeking from nature, its elements; seeking the joy and peace that only God's creations can bestow. A doctor by profession and painter by passion, Ruchi Singhal has always had a sketch book handy wherever she has gone since her childhood. Although never trained in art, Ruchi always won prizes and appreciation for doodles, paintings and sketches. It was only five years back when she lost her mother that she got back to painting with a vengeance; she has never looked back since. Early mornings or late evenings, whenever she is away from hospital she is devoted to her passion.

Ruchi is in Chandigarh with Magic of Elements, some of her 20-plus paintings, two series that she has been working on - Elements and Foliage. If you will find nature in her work, so will you a trace of her; as a human figure or a bird or as a flower. Her works, displayed at Cafe Nomad-7, borrows liberally from nature. "I see myself there, completely one with nature," says Ruchi. While Foliage presents green abstract hues, Elements has fire, earth, air, water and space. Most of Ruchi's work is multi-media and heavily textured. She explains, "I love to have layers. I always work on few canvases at the same time. While I paint some, others are left to be dried for another layer. Her Feather Frolic has a woman playing with a pigeon done in layers of gold and silver. "Through paintings I talk to nature."

Having already had group and solo shows in Delhi (her hometown), Mumbai and Hyderabad, it's her first exhibition in Chandigarh. "On my first visit to the city, I saw such greenery; well-manicured lawns and extensive gardens... there is a sure connect between my work and the city." Ruchi has been doing commissioned work and happy to pass on her creativity to others. She aims to hold her exhibitions outside the country very soon. "I got to painting to keep emptiness at bay, only to realise how much I enjoy it. In the mornings I paint, so there is a positivity that I pass on to all I meet during the day, including my patients," she signs off.

(On at Café Nomad-7, till July 30)

mona@tribunemail.com

Future Shock
NET gain
Wi- Fi
3G vs 4G: What should be your choice?
Nishtha Shukla Anand

When it comes to technological terms, the first golden rule is to not be intimidated. G only stands for 'generation' and the higher the number, the better the technology. That's all you need to know about the difference between 3G and 4G!

Now that Chandigarh has 4G, it's a point of great interest whether one should pick up a 4G plan or stick to the 3G, which we have been happy with so far. It's important to know that 4G is still in its nascent stage in India. Airtel is the only provider to have started 4G services in four cities of India. Vodafone will also be launching their 4G services soon.

The upside to a 4G network is that it multiples data transfer and internet speed manifold. Just as 3G was a vast enhancement over 1G and 2G, which sounds like history today, 4G is an advancement over 3G. However, it might not be the absolute essential you need. Airtel offers 4G via a dongle or Wi-Fi gateway. Both of these cost upwards of Rs 7,000. This makes the decision of picking up a 4G critical. The good news is that rentals are not high. They are competitive compared to 3G and therefore enticing.

If you are considering switching from 3G to 4G, ask yourself these two questions:

  • Is there a lot of downloading involved?
  • Do you watch a lot of movies online or listen to music online?
  • Do you use a lot of data-heavy applications like heavy emailing, photos and more?

If the answer to any of the questions above is yes, then a 4G connection would work well for you. It offers super-fast internet speed and makes surfing an absolute pleasure. However, if you don't engage in either of the above, you might want to delay that decision a little because costs could come down once the technology gets popular.

(Anand is a Chandigarh-based technology expert)

Doc Talk
Monsoon-proof your skin
Taking care of your skin is very important during the rainy season
Dr Alka Dogra

Skincare is very important all the year around, but each season has its do's and don'ts for maintaining a healthy and fresh-looking skin. Here we list some of the points that should be taken care of this monsoon.

There are more fungal infections in body folds like underarm, private parts, behind the ear and in between the toes. Initially, a whitish fungus grows and when it becomes severe it develops redness that can cause severe fissures, which are painful. For preventing this, keep body folds dry and put antifungal dusting powder.

Boils and furuncles are very common in summer and rainy season. They are painful hard lumps full of pus, which can cause fever. When deep, visit to a dermatologist is a must. To keep them in check put cotton clothing, reduce body weight and control diabetes.

Pimples pop up on the face. The sebaceous gland gets hydrated and acne comes out. For this, regular face wash twice a day with agent likes 1-2% salicylic acid or glycolic acid is a must.

Use sunscreens, which are light and gel-based, on the face and exposed parts.

There is a lot of bad odour in the feet; so KMnO4 soaks for feet, putting on antifungal dusting powder and wearing open footwear helps.

There are also a lot of cases of irritant effects of sweat, which causes irritant dermatitis in people. A lot of burning occurs in this case. To prevent this, use light colour clothing t-shirts and avoid heavy gymming in conditions where ACs are not working. Avoid power yoga or heavy exercise during this weather. Stick to light exercise like walking and swimming.

Malaria-like rashes occurs in hot weather, especially in people wearing synthetic or double-layered clothes. Take a cold shower twice a day and do not put heavy occlusive clothing. Oral vitamin C and application of local calamine lotion also helps.

(Dr Dogra is a Ludhiana-based dermatologist)

green thumb
Basket full
Growing plants in baskets is a handy exercise
Satish Narula

Garden management during monsoon is very important. This is the time when most of the garden operations are carried out. This is the time when plants are multiplied. This is also the time for planting, making baskets and also preparing pots. Let us today discuss baskets and other above-ground containers.

The biggest advantage with growing plants in the baskets is that they make the continuity of the ground garden with sky as sky garden. Baskets come very handy when there is space constraint and thus provide an opportunity to include more number of species to the collection. They do not also interfere with the movement in the garden. Baskets can be hung on walls using angle irons. Also available now are baskets that stick to the wall. This concept has come in after the availability and use of water-proof paints that protect the wall against moisture as well as seepage. Many fancy type baskets are now available in the market. These are either made with iron strips or with wires. This is done to keep the basket light.

When you bring the basket from the market, you will find big gaps in wires or stripes. These gaps are covered using materials like coconut shavings, shade net, polythene or plastic. After this, the basket is filled with growing medium that is soil-sand-manure mixture, the same as used in pots. However, in this case the quantity of soil used is a bit less to keep the mixture light. You can also add shreds of wood shaving or moss grass as ingredient. Such additions conserve moisture for a longer period and reduce the frequency of watering.

The baskets are used to grow hardy plants. It is better to grow those plants that are weak stemmed and hang out. Such plants include the likes of spider plant, Tradescantia discolor, zebrena, asparagus, trailing begonia, trailing geranium, pilea and most of the sedums. Baskets are also used to grow short-statured seasonal flowers like nasturtium, sweet allysum, daisy, petunia, portulaca, pansy etc. One could also try a hand at growing podina, dhania, oregano, lemon balm and thyme. I have seen people growing cherry tomato too, which hang down as a string of deep red small fruits.

The advantages of using baskets have been discussed earlier. However, there are certain grey areas too and one must keep these in mind. Those using upper stories in housing societies normally hang baskets at the end of the balcony with the result that the water drips down. It may spoil the clothes drying in the lower flats, creating avoidable tension. Remember, gardening is a pleasure and one enjoys it more when appreciated by others. None of your actions should irritate the neighbours! The watering in such cases has to be very restricted and this is possible only when very hardy species of plants are used.

(Narula is a Chandigarh-based senior PAU horticulturist and landscapist)

Sporty star

Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), leading manufacturer of premium cars in the country, on Thursday announced its entry into the MPV segment with the launch of its mid-size stylish 7-seater, Honda Mobilio. The car marks an evolution in the MPV segment by offering a unique combination of sporty exterior styling along with space, comfort and utility in just the right size to suit the needs of Indian families.

The Mobilio, with its strong desirable values, is set to expand the MPV segment and will appeal to diverse customer profiles from many vehicle segments. Honda Mobilio has been developed at Honda R&D Asia Pacific Co Ltd, located in Bangkok, Thailand, following extensive market surveys in India on people's driving needs and lifestyles. The Mobilio's outstanding performance is achieved by 1.5L i-DTEC diesel and 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engines, renowned for their best balance of exhilarating power and best in class mileage." — TNS

star track
Nothing filmy about their friendship

Friendship in Bollywood is known to be fragile. However, GenNext comprising Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, Ranveer Singh and others are all loving and encouraging each other. From praising each other on social media to giving tips, these Bollywood stars have sure formed a mutual admiration club. Let's see how long it lasts, but till then we take a look at those who are currently enjoying the sweet gestures

Shraddha Kapoor
Shraddha Kapoor

Parineeti Chopra
Parineeti Chopra

Professional bonding
Shraddha Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra:
Shraddha recently took to Twitter to praise the promo of Daawat-e-Ishq and is totally cool with her alleged beau's co-star. She is even friends with Alia Bhatt and the two hung out at the success party of Ek Villain. Both their songs (Galliyan and Samjhawan) have become huge hits.

Alia Bhatt
Alia Bhatt

Forgiven past
Alia Bhatt and Parineeti Chopra:
They are supposed to be rivals but actually they are pretty friendly in a typical girly way. Alia is proud of Parineeti's fashion transformation and openly praises her. Remember how she talked about Parineeti on Koffee With Karan? Well, not anymore! They also write about each other's movies and talk on the phone.

Fashionably yours
Jacqueline Fernandez and Sonam Kapoor:
They are best friends and even go for each other's birthday parties. They openly praise each other on Twitter and even give each other fashion advice. This one looks like a genuine friendship.

Blooming bromance
Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor:
There is a talk of rivalry between them but they are quite friendly with each other and have a bromance going on between them. They regularly post pictures of each other. Ranveer is working with Anil Kapoor, Arjun's uncle and Arjun is working with Deepika Padukone, Ranveer's sweetheart.

College friends
Varun Dhawan and Siddharth Malhotra:
They debuted together in Karan Johar's Student Of The Year and they are still friends. They often tweet about each other's movies. They also hang out together at parties and there is no animosity between them.

High on action!

Hrithik Roshan in Bang Bang
Hrithik Roshan in Bang Bang

The much anticipated teaser of the Hrithik Roshan and Katrina Kaif-starrer Bang Bang was recently released. Touted to be the biggest action-romance of the year, the high octane film has been shot in Prague, Phuket, Greece, US and our very own Shimla, Manali, Delhi and Mumbai.

The film, that releases on October 2, has two of the hottest superstars of the country. Their sizzling chemistry in the film was visible even in the poster that was released few weeks back.

Siddharth Anand says, "Hrithik and Katrina are two of the most gorgeous people in the film industry and in this film they have simply outdone themselves. This film has action that you have never seen before. This is Hrithik's biggest action film that he has done to date and they simply look awesome with each other." The hugely awaited teaser has lived up to its anticipation as it dishes out some of the most breath-taking, death-defying action stunts, performed by both Hrithik and Katrina, that Bollywood has ever seen. Directed by Siddharth Anand, Bang Bang is produced by Fox Star Studios.

Sonam learns physiotherapy

The trailer of Khoobsurat is out and Sonam Kapoor who essays a role of a physiotherapist in Disney's Khoobsurat went all out to get under the skin of her character.

A source informs, "She trained under a local physiotherapist to better understand the practice to make the movements on screen more authentic as she is seen tending to her patients."

If that wasn't all, Sonam also spent her free time reading up on the health care practice via the manual of the Indian Association of Physiotherapists, adds the source. The film is a remake of Hrishikesh Mukherjee's 1980 cult comedy Khubsoorat. It also stars Fawad Khan, Kirron Kher, Ratna Pathak, Aamir Raza Hussein, Simran Jehani and Kaizad Kotwal

Loo & behold

Rani Mukerji wants to provide basic facilities like separate loo for female officers in police stations and offices and she is talking to branch managers for the same. She visited police stations to absorb the atmosphere of the place and working style.

Aditya to keep roza

Aditya Roy Kapur will keep the last roza of the Ramazan period because it is considered to be an important one. He plays a Lucknowi Muslim chef in Daawat-e-Ishq. He says that it might be difficult as he is doing it for the first time.

Celebration time

After celebrating her birthday with beau Ranbir Kapoor in France, Katrina Kaif flew to London to celebrate with her family. She is also over there for 10 days shooting for Phantom so it fit well with her plans.

Cruising along

The gorgeous teaser poster of Dil Dhadakne Do which features the silhouettes of the star cast aboard a cruise ship. The film releases next year.

On the trail

The teaser trailer of Bang Bang is now online and it is gathering a superb buzz. Meanwhile, an Indie flick titled Katiyabaaz's trailer was also launched by Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane with the directors of the movie.

Say it Sallu style

Salman Khan's dialogue from Kick, 'Mein dil main aata hu, samajh mein nahi' has now become a caption on t-shirts sported by his fans. It comes in interesting fonts and colours.

Bigg buck

Salman Khan has apparently agreed to host the eighth season of Bigg Boss for a whopping Rs 5-6 crore per week. The show will be aired at a different time slot and his dates will no longer be a problem.

chatter box
Beyond boundaries

British Pakistani actor-model Sanam Saeed has played many characters that have been critically acclaimed, including her role in Zindagi Gulzar Hai and Mera Naseeb. Her character of Kashaf Murtaza in the show Zindagi Gulzar Hai (ZGH), which aired on Zindagi channel, became extremely popular. We catch up with her.

Sanam Saeed
indian Love: Sanam Saeed

How does it feel to be associated with Zindagi Gulzar Hai?

I am privileged to have been a part of Zindagi Gulzar Hai. The kind of response that we have got from the viewers is overwhelming. It feels great that the Indian audiences absolutely loved the show and were able to relate to it. This is the first drama that Zindagi launched with and it has broken the ice between India and Pakistan. I'm excited to see how the audience will react to other dramas as well.

What pulled you towards the story?

The script of the show is so compelling that I couldn't help accepting the offer readily and I am glad that I accepted it. The beauty of the story lies in the script and in the flow of the dialogues. The challenging part for me was getting familiar with Indian vocabulary because I am not very well-versed with the colloquial language, which remains something I am working on.

How was your experience on the sets of your serial Zindagi Gulzar Hai?

All the shows were shot in real locations to give it a realistic feel. Restaurants, parks and even malls were chosen instead of artificial sets.

Do you have any Bollywood plans in the future?

I would love to work for the Indian film fraternity if the role offered suits my sensibilities. I think actors like Nandita Das, Tabu and Vidya Balan are great, and I appreciate the kind of work they do. However, I choose to be selective about the roles I pick and would only be keen to do roles that have a strong character. I want to work on a project that delivers a social message. — HRM

Armaan’s gift-giving skills

Recently, Sangram Singh celebrated his birthday, and his Bigg Boss friend Armaan Kohli gave him a different and unexpected gift. He got Sangram 10 kg pure ghee and Chyawanprash. The gift was talked about at the birthday party.

Playing a witch

Actress Manini Misra will now be seen playing a witch in Nikhil Sinha's Hatim on Life OK. About her character, she says, "I am playing Tiktiki. It's quite a challenge to portray a witch. The look takes about three hours and the costume is designed by Neerusha Nikhat with a lot of detailing. After getting ready when I looked into the mirror, it scared me too."

Neha is miffed with rumours

Neha Marda, aka Urmi of Doli Armaanon Ki, is irked by rumours of her being replaced in the show. She says she knows people who are spreading such rumours, but also called producer Pearl Grey to confirm. Neha is happy with the show and continuing with it.

Once bitten...

Chahatt Khanna Mirza, aka Nida of Qubool Hai, has been bitten by a stray cat and has to rest at home. The animal bit her hand and she had to be rushed to the doctor. She suffered from fever and vomiting and couldn't shoot for a few days.

Karan’s hard to please

Rumour has it that Karan Mehra aka Naren of Zee TV's Pavitra Rishta threw a tantrum when he was supposed to go for a press conference with Ankita Lokhande to Nagpur. Apparently, he didn't approve of the flight and hotel arrangements. Karan refutes the rumours.

new release
Kick

Producer: Sajid Nadiadwala
Director: Sajid Nadiadwala

Producer-director Sajid Nadiadwala's film Kick starring Salman Khan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Randeep Hooda and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, is the most-awaited film of Salman Khan after Jai Ho, which turned out to be a dud at the Box-office. Releasing this Friday, Kick promises to be a complete entertainer with an engaging plot. The buzz is that the actor is at his best as an action hero and a passionate lover. Kick has been shot at picturesque locations in studios in Mumbai, real locations in Delhi and beautiful locations in Poland. Kick is an official remake of a Telugu superhit film by the same name. Nargis Fakhri does a special dance number for Kick, in which producer Sajid Nadiadwala takes up the camera in his hand and turns director for this film! Salman Khan turns singer for three tracks - Hangover…, Jumme Ki Raat… and romantic Tu hi tu… in Kick. — Dharam Pal

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. The highlight of the day would be handling your finances. Tarot message: Give health priority. Lucky colour: Pomegranate red Magic number: 41

TAURUS: There would be changes at the work scene and these could have positive effects on your career. Some of you may need to help out at home and make yourself available. Tarot message: Lack of persistence can be disastrous. Lucky colour: Cream Magic number: 53

GEMINI: The stress and strain of work and relationships would catch up with you and you may have to consciously stop expressing your emotions in the wrong direction. Tarot message: Don't waste an opportunity. Lucky colour: Sea green Magic number: 27

CANCER: Today, you would be dominated by your past, especially your relationships with family or a situation at home. You may feel drained by the demands on your time and energy. Tarot message: Keep your eyes on the future. Lucky colour: White Magic number: 30

LEO: The assignments at work may be more interesting than usual. However, there may be some ambiguity about certain projects. Ensure that you understand everything before commencing work. 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 and react to situations. Even in personal relationships, let go of grudges and move forward. Socially, you would remain quite popular and busy. Tarot message: Time will heal all pains. Lucky colour: Turquoise Magic number: 32

LIBRA: It is important that you remain calm and balanced, since future growth would depend on your attitude. There may be some confusion at work. Change would be the keyword for this day and you may have to be flexible. Tarot message: Be positive. Lucky colour: Lotus pink Magic number: 26

SCORPIO: Relationships with loved ones would demand a lot out of you today, so, you may have to work hard at balancing home and professional lives. At work, you would receive appreciation. Tarot message: Do not be in the rush to spend extravagantly. Lucky colour: Purple Magic Number: 43

SAGITTARIUS: Many of you would connect with your inner self and be calm and content with 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 today, and as a result, you would be able to shine brilliantly in everything you do. You would be able to influence people at work. Tarot message: Don't try to end all the deadlocks at once. Lucky colour: Peach Magic number: 65

AQUARIUS: Most of you would be domineering, reckless and strong-willed at work and at home. This may lead to some difficulties in relationships and in 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, you would be able to learn a great deal from it. Festivity would bring out the shopper in most of you. Financial commitments need to be reviewed. 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 25...

This year, the sum of 25, 7, and the seventh month plus the total of the year 2014 comes to be 7, again. So, a year of triple 7 modifies your life path by giving you some special interest in technical, scientific or other complex and often hard-to-understand subjects. You may become something of a perfectionist and a stickler for details. Your thinking is logical and intuitive, rational and responsible. Your feelings may run deep, but you are not very likely to let them show. This birthday makes you a more private person, more introspective and perhaps more inflexible. In friendships, you are very cautious and reserved. Investment made will enhance your prosperity and financial security. Do not rush after fantasies and try being more realistic. Spend some time with your friends; it will do a world of good.

Positive colors: White, sky blue, dark magenta, cornsilk

Select days: Monday and Sunday

Favourable numbers: 2 and 7

Gems recommended: Pearl, white coral, diamond

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

You share your birthday with Matt LeBlanc (July 25, 1967). American actor and producer, Matt is best remembered for his role as Joey on popular American sitcom, Friends, which was followed by his show, Joey. Presently, he's seen playing a fictional version of himself on TV show Episodes.





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