The long and short of it
Anil Kapoor’s 24 hailed a new trend and the new channel Zindagi took it one step further. Welcome short and crispy serials that come with an expiry date. Is it the beginning of an end for never-ending soaps?
Mona

Amitabh Bachchan in Yudh
high pace: Amitabh Bachchan in Yudh

Anil Kapooor in 24.
new trend: Anil Kapooor in 24.

Gulki Joshi
good job: Gulki Joshi 

Anooj Kapoor
reality bite: Anooj Kapoor

Priyanka Datta
popularity chart: Priyanka Datta

A confrontation scene stretching up to a week in an unending saga vs a story that moves ahead with every episode and gets over in a few-there are takers for everything that's dished out on telly. While Anil Kapoor's 24 got tremendous response for its first outing on Indian telly, finite show series on Zindagi are being lapped up by viewers too. Amitabh Bachchan's much talked about debut in a fictional show on TV, Yudh, is coming with an expiry date. The debate is it an end to soaps running for years celebrating kitchen politics?

Good ol' DD

There was a time when everyone was hooked onto good, old DD. The channel aired selective yet meaningful content. With the mushrooming of channels viewers now have the world of options but one still misses the substance. Shows on DD had an edge over run-of-the-mill stuff as almost all shows had a start and end date in those good old days. Even epics like Ramayana and Mahabharat were shown in 79 and 94 episodes. While the channel has now lost its sheen, one still yearns for Tamas or Byomkesh Bakshi.

Gripping tale

Zindagi has pleasantly taken the viewers by storm and one of the things the viewers have appreciated is the fast pace of the shows. No more weeks-long celebrations of some festival or a flashback that runs more than a month. Now, shows are more of a page turner as in case of a good book. Even tele films that air under Kitni Girhain Baqi Hain have found a following. One story a day leaving the viewer content!

Priyanka Datta, business head, Zindagi, is happy at the response; "We are getting all kind of feedbacks, mostly positive. People are happy for the short length of the serials and many people are asking us for the remaining show DVDs on payment. We tell them 'that's all that is to the story. But yes, we promise that the characters will return in fresh serials'.

Weekend format

Shows with finite number of episodes are a staple when it comes to the West. Most popular series are finite and have multiple seasons, like Friends, Dexter, Suits, Two and a Half Men. Indian television too has aired serials with limited episodes. There's been Budha and Bh Se Bhade on Zee, Wah! Wah! Kya Baat Hai! and Sab Khelo Sab Jeeto on SAB TV, 24 on Colours and most reality shows. But largely limited series are weekend shows. Anooj Kapoor, senior EVP and Business Head-SAB TV, shares his take, "We were the first ones to give linear comedy series that have enjoyed unprecedented support. Due to this USP, we can inject content to the series which is relevant and relatable. We have enjoyed 1,700 shows of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, 1,500 of Lapataganj and 1,300 of F.I.R. But many of our weekend shows are finite and that trend continues."

The plus point of soaps is that the characters have time to develop, bond with people which sometimes go missing from short shows.

Variety's the spice

Though long duration gives the characters a chance to connect with the audience, however, the actors get caught in the same mould for years. Gulki Joshi, who is being seen Life OK's Nadaan Parinde, says, "Finite shows give more opportunity to grow as an actor. In TV, no one can be sure what will work and what not but if limited shows catch up with the audience, it would be great for actors, unit, producers and also audience as they get a variety to watch."

But she is doubtful of the same, "Let's be open, telly viewers are mostly women or aged, working or young people are not that much into TV. Soaps remain a favourite with telly's target audience. But as an actor I would want limited shows to catch up."

Short take

Pankaj Saraswat, producer, director with TV for more than 20 years is more positive, "Limited-episode shows should be the future going by the market watch. Some of the shows like 24, Zindagi Gulzaar Hai have done well. I can't say if it's due to just finiteness or meaty content or effort that has gone into it all but yes its won praise left, right and centre."

Pankaj, who has given innumerable finite comedy shows to telly, is all for a stop somewhere, "With a beginning and an end, one can do a better job for sure. Even Kapil's show was supposedly limited in number of episodes but has been dragged on demand. I feel a break and then coming back with fresher content would be so much better."

Poorva Sharma, an avid TV viewer, feels it's time we opted for stories that had limited life span. "I have lived and died with Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi and the likes. But with time, like everyone else, my attention span too is drastically reduced. I am not in a mood to get attached to characters and devote years but yes I am game for short stories; finite shows just fit the bill very well."

mona@tribunemail.com

gyan zone
Beer hug
On International Beer Day, we bring you all you need to know about the golden liquid
Somya Abrol

Someone very wise once said, "Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." Ok. The quote has been 'associated' with a very wise man. That wise man is one of the founding fathers of America, Benjamin Franklin. But, that doesn't change the emotion. The fountain of life, a man's (and woman's) best friend, the quencher of your soul's thirst, the torchbearer of beverages, the Marilyn Monroe of alcohol, the all-pervasive beer is probably the oldest prepared beverage - research supports its existence in the Mesopotamian era (5th millennium BC). Since the wild yeasts in the air have the capability to ferment almost any cereal that contains sugar, it is widely believed that beer was independently developed by many tribes as soon as the tribe or culture domesticated cereal. The earliest evidence of the existence of beer dates back to 3500-3100 BC in western Iran, where fragments of a jug, at least 5,000 years old, was found to be coated with beerstone (a by-product of the brewing process).

What’s brewing?

Brewing, as a concept, is not unfamiliar to our part of the country. The purpose of brewing is to convert the starch source into a sugary liquid called wort and to convert the wort into the alcoholic beverage we call beer. This process is affected by yeast, naturally or unnaturally. The basic ingredients of a beer are water, a starch source (malted barley) that can be converted to sugar and then fermented, a brewer's yeast and a flavouring agent, which is most commonly hops. The fermentation takes place in large vessels, traditionally earthenware or copper, for days at a stretch (depending on quantity).

Beer dictionary

Here's your guide to the most commonly available beers in India:

Ale: Brewed from malted barley, the ale is sweeter, fuller-bodied and fruitier in taste than lager beer. Most ales contain hops, which imparts a bitterness of herbs to counter the sweetness of the malts.

Chhaang: This Himalayan beer is an intriguing drink. Known more commonly as Nepali beer, chhaang is a fermented rice beverage, similar to the Japanese Sake. Though the first impression of the beer is sweet and fruity, chhaang is quick to turn tarte.

Draught Beer: Also spelt as 'draft', this beer is served straight from the keg or cask, which is why it's smoother and less bitter than its canned or bottled version.

Lager: This beer is fermented and conditioned at low temperatures. Pale lager is the most commonly commercially available beer. Bock, Pilsner and Marzen are types of lager. Types of dark lager are Dunkel and Schwarzbier.

Malt Beer: Sometimes called 'malta' or 'wheat soda', this is a sweet, low-alcohol beer (0-2.5% alcohol content), which is low on fermentation.

Millet Beer: Made from malted millet, millet beer also goes by the name of Bantu beer, Malwa beer, Kaffir beer and Opaque beer and tastes very similar to the lager.

Lighter side

  • Cenosillicaphobia is a fear of an empty glass. Seriously.
  • Light makes beer go bad.
  • Egyptian pyramid workers were paid with beer. 1 Gallon per day.
  • The world's longest hangover lasted 4 weeks, after a Scotsman consumed 60 pints of beer.
  • The strongest beer in the world has 67.5% alcohol content.
  • The foamy head of beer in your glass is a mark of quality of the drink. The thicker the head, the better the beer.

somya@tribunemail.com

Chandigarh celebrates

Micro-brewery Hops n Grains is offering two new flavours of beer on the occasion -Corn Beer (4.7-5.2%) and Green Apple Beer (5%). The Corn Beer is pale and slightly milky in appearance, and has a sour aftertaste. The Green Apple Beer is a lager style wheat beer that has been matured with fresh green apple. You can also try some of their beer snacks like Beer Batter Prawns, Beery Fish Fingers, et al. (Source: Wikipedia.com)

In the service of art
Artist Alka Kalra, at the launch of her art studio-cum-training centre AK Studio at Mohali, promises affordable artworks
Manpriya Singh

CREATIVE STREAK: Alka Kalra Art that stays restricted to galleries is only exhibits. Unless it leaves the public spaces and moves onto people's homes, it is only a slice of history. While there is no need to go on an overdrive recreating master prints, one must find ways to make art a way of life. "I have been painting from home since 2006; it is only recently that I decided to move onto commercial space with twin objectives. One was to ensure that there is a place to acquire affordable art and second is to provide a platform to people who would like to train in art," shares Alka Kalra, at the launch of her art studio-cum-training centre AK Studio at Mohali on Thursday. "What makes this art studio stand apart is that everything here is hand-painted, right from dress ensembles, pottery to artifacts."

With several knick knacks, pots, miniature paintings, pen stands et al, there is an intention to bride the gap between the exclusive and affordable.

The characteristic Dhaba series finds space all over the studio — from a vendor frying samosas to the beauty of pans and kettles. There are ubiquitous landscapes and several other. "A couple of landscapes are from my travels to Sikkim and other places by the sea. In one of the pictures taken by the beach, I have tried to depict the serenity of water."

There's a fabric section trying to promote the concept of art that one can wear. "In the fabric section, one can find hand-painted duppatas on Krishna series, with Rajasthani touch, on African tribal art and on flora and fauna. They are priced as reasonably as between Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,500, so that whosoever walks in should end up buying something."

While it is an absolute no to replication of any of the classics or well-known works by renowned artists, customization is welcome. "We can always custom-make paintings and landscapes. If somebody comes to us saying that they would like something like a farm scene for a certain size of wall that can always be done."

manpriya@tribunemail.com

The natural click
Students of Dikshant International School, Zirakpur, have put on display an exhibition that is inspired from nature
Mona

Students of Dikshant International School
right frame: Students of Dikshant International School. Photo: Parvesh Chauhan

Snowcapped mountains, clouds over the hills, animals lazing around in the meadows and more…are what 22 students of Dikshant International School, Zirakpur, have put up for display at Punjab Kala Bhawan-16.

The students took a three-day camp with T Narayan and Sanjay Sharma, both known photographers, at Hatu Peak near Narkanada. Beautiful landscape made it a preferred choice for the mentors; children loved their photography mixed with adventure.

"We learnt the nuances of photography and also went trekking," share the excited bunch of students at the exhibition that was inaugurated by filmmaker Raj Kumar Gupta.

The frames captured by students have a beautiful play of light at the sunrise and sunset. Although they went to same place, their frames have different stories to tell. While one has captured two birds up in the sky, and clouds and greenery beneath; another has found a picture perfect rock. Right from a bee to trees to hills form the subjects of this exhibition.

The students loved doing the portraits and managing lights for that. Their mentors share a kind word about them, "The students worked with non-professional cameras and yet could do marvellous clicks."

(On till Friday)

mona@tribunemail.com

Time for a feast
Mocha at Elante mall launches its special monsoon menu
Mona

Rain or no rain, we have to celebrate life! Mocha has brought in the fervour of season with the launch of their monsoon menu. Chicken fingers, dragon spring roles, tempuras, falafel and BBQ chicken pita pockets to deconstructed samosas served with peas and chutney — it's all full on taste and also calories!

The crisp tempuras are filled with goodness of vegetables; dragon rolls served with salads make for a perfect snack. Mocha in Elante Courtyard has a fine seating, the décor fills in the rain mood with umbrellas and confetti. The menu, which is extensive, has it all right from salads, sizzlers, burgers, pastas, panini, pizzas and coffees from around the world. Their most ordered dishes include, Tex Mex chicken sizzler and Cottage cheese medallions with barbeque sauce; farm fresh and BBQ smoked chicken pizza and blueberry brain freezer shake. Along with a range of starters and main course, they boast of a strong beverage menu too - both alcoholic and non alcoholic. Going with the quirky décor, lemonades and iced teas are served in jam bottles. The extensive shakes section has many takers too. On alcoholic beverages, you can enjoy one-on-one free offer that's open for beer, whiskey, vodka and cocktails, almost all except wine.

What we like most about the place is that there is an equal number if not more options for non-meat-eaters. Weekends offer live music, there is wi-fi and foosball free for you.

(A meal for two costs around ~900)

star track
No charge for Finding Fanny!

Free flowing: Ranveer Singh Everyone is talking about Ranveer Singh's cameo in Finding Fanny. But no one really knows that Ranveer did it for free!

Homi confirms, "Ya! Ranveer is a friend man, so he did it for a laugh! We were sitting around and I was telling him the story of Finding Fanny and he said I'll play the character Gabo (Deepika Padukone's dead husband)—he was laughing but was dead serious. I told him that I'd need him in Goa for half a day of shoot but we all had so much fun that he ended up staying for over a week after he was done. Ranveer's energy is infectious and when the material is right I know we'll be able to create some magic in a film someday."

Homi is crediting Ranveer's cameo as a short-lived appearance in Finding Fanny that releases on September 12. The film is a comical story about five persons who venture out to find Stefanie Fernandes (Fanny). In the process, they discover a strange sense of solace and love among each other, and end up seeing a point to their previously pointless lives.

Commercial break

Nawazuddin Siddiqui Nawazuddin Siddiqui's villainous outing in Kick has impressed one and all giving him his first big commercial hit. He talks about the film and more...

Final outcome

Honestly, I never expected such an overwhelming response. Sajid Nadiadwala is the one who conceived this character and it is a quirky one. I remember telling Sajid bhai that if it didn't work he should shoulder the responsibility for the same. I wasn't very confident about the character, so I just went with what Sajid bhai told me. I told him I will do whatever you want me to but if this doesn't work please don't blame me.

Truly Salman

He is not an insecure actor. I will rate him way ahead of all other actors I have worked with. He is a really honest actor. There is nothing pretentious about him.

Life’s lessons

I never had any dream of becoming a star. All I knew was how to act and my aim was to find work and do it honestly. I have faced so many ups and downs in my life that I had lost hope. I used to be happy with the small work that I used to get. I had lost all expectations of doing something big ever. So, whatever has been happening is quite unexpected.

Dream roles

I would like to do an out and out romantic movie. As an actor, I want to explore all genres. I don't want to stick to one genre. I hope my upcoming small films are benefited. The way my performance has been appreciated in this massy film, I hope the audiences come and see my small films and appreciate me in those films as well if they like my work. I want my small films to be promoted well. The masses who love such commercial films, I want them to watch my small films too.

Manjot gets going

 Manjot Singh Delhi boy Manjot Singh of Fukrey fame will be seen in the parallel lead role in SNAFU alongside Abhay Deol. He is stationed in Pune for 40 days and will play a meek and submissive slum dweller in the film.

New pair

Imran Khan will be seen with Kangna Ranaut in Nikhil Advani's Katti-Batti for the first time. Kangna will play an eccentric and confused college student.

Akshay to perform at World Kabaddi League

The action king of Bollywood, Akshay Kumar, is set to take the entertainment quotient a notch higher with his dazzling performance on the inaugural day of the Wave World Kabaddi League (WWKL) at London.

Kumar will dance on popular title tracks of his recent movies as part of the inaugural programme planned to kick start the matches of WWKL. A known sports enthusiast, Kumar has been closely associated with sports and is also the co-owner of Khalsa Warrior.

"I am quite excited about WWKL. My performance will be dedicated to all the Kabaddi fans who come together to cheer the teams. The League is a step to promote the Indian contemporary sport and bring it closer to the fans of the sport spread across the world," Kumar said in a statement.

Top players from across the world will be participating in the League which will commence from the O2 Arena. With a capacity of over 20,000 seats, O2 will surely see some high performance trailblazing entertainment in the form of dance and sport.

Glam up: Akshay Kumar

Bhojpuri accent

We all know how Aamir Khan likes to get into the skin of his characters, even during promotion mode. He spoke in Bhojpuri during the making of P.K, he continues to do so. The last schedule of the film is yet to be canned.

After speaking Bhojpuri for his upcoming film with Raj Kumar Hirani, P.K., Aamir is now heard speaking in Bhojpuri to people around him. Instead of greeting people in English or Hindi, Aamir has switched to a Bhojpuri lingo.

After learning the Bhojpuri lines and rattling them off for his Christmas release, P.K., the actor has been fluently conversing in the newly learnt language with everyone. Aamir converses in Bhojpuri with his staff, kids, colleagues, friends and in fact, anyone who drops by to meet him. "He will order tea in Bhojpuri, suddenly break into the language in the middle of a conversation and sees you off with a 'Phir milab'." The actor learnt Bhojpuri properly for his film and he wants to continue speaking the language so that he can speak it as fluently as English or Hindi. Aamir had earlier learnt Marathi and swimming for one of his earlier films as well.

Meanwhile, after marathon meetings with Aamir Khan and others, Rajkumar Hirani has been busy with the post production of P.K. However, the ace director yet has a chunk of shoot to complete.

Source close to the production shares "P.K. still has some portions that haven't been shot, including a song that will be filmed across India." The source further shares, "Aamir has to lose weight for the shoot and get a toned body. The shoot will most likely happen in August or September."

Rajkumar Hirani is keeping things ready and once the remaining part is finished, the final post-production will start.

P.K. is one of the most anticipated films of the year. It will mark the return of Rajkumar Hirani and Aamir Khan after 3 Idiots. The film is slated to release on December 19.

Adult story

Rani Mukerji in Mardaani Mardaani is likely to be Rani Mukerji's last film as she will take a long break due to her impending motherhood. She is pregnant at the moment and trying to hide it. Mardaani is the first YRF film that will get an 'A' certificate. It is about human trafficking.

Action time

Ajay Devgn has shot some action sequences of his upcoming film Action Jackson, directed by Prabhu Dheva, at the Metro yard in Mumbai with the Metro rakes in Andheri, suburban Mumbai.

chatter box
Ready for a dive!

Yashashri Masurkar, who is currently seen in Do Dil Bandhe Ek Dori Se, has always loved water. But now we hear that the actress could never enjoy water-sports as she didn't know how to swim! In order to change that, she has taken up swimming lessons and the next stage is to learn water-surfing.

Ask Yashashri and she says, "I've always been attracted to water and hence I took up lessons. Whenever my friends and I would go out, they would be swimming in the pool and enjoying themselves while I would be sitting on the side. 

Hence I decided I had to overcome this and learn how to swim. I am also soon going to be learning water surfing as I find that to be the most exciting water-sport."

"Next month I am planning to go down to Kerala or some place with beautiful beaches, so that I can practice my swimming as well as enjoy some water-sports," she adds.




Disneyland delight!

After entertaining the audience with Gokuldham Premiere League 3 and a nail-biting thriller sequence with adept C.I.D officers, Asit Kumarr Modi's successful comedy series Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah has now integrated with Disney India to take the entertainment quotient to the next level.

In its upcoming episodes, the cast of Taarak Mehta ka Ooltah Chashmah will be seen enjoying at the Hong Kong Disneyland. The story begins with Tappu Sena entering a Disney contest through which they win an all-paid trip to Hong Kong Disneyland. Tappu Sena along with their families —Bapu ji, Jethalal, Daya, Babita, Tappu Sena, Bhide, Dr. Haathi, Komal, Sodhi & Roshan and even Asit Kumarr Modi will be seen enjoying the rides and interacting with their all-time favorite Disney characters - Mickey Mouse & Minnie.

While everyone is excited about their trip, Aiyyer gets left behind as he misses his flight, which makes Jetha happy. Jetha also takes on the responsibility to be the group leader. Some highlights of the trip include Gada family getting selected to be a part of the popular gate opening ceremony at Hong Kong Disneyland, Sonu getting to live her dream by dressing up like her favourite Disney princess Cinderella and much more.

Dilip Joshi aka Jethalal Gada said, "We had an amazing time in Hong Kong Disneyland, while enjoying the different rides and attractions of the park. We even got to witness the stunningly beautiful fireworks' display and also be a part of the famous parade! Altogether we had a great experience and have come back with some fond memories."

Nausheen in Bigg Boss?

Nausheen Ali Sardar Apparently, Nausheen Ali Sardar has been approached for Bigg Boss Season 8. Sources claim she has also got an offer from Ekta Kapoor for a TV show and is pondering over which one to take up. Nausheen earlier worked with Ekta in Kkusum.

Abhay to play host

Buzz is that TV show Gumraah might get a new host. Apparently, Karan Kundra who was hosting it since inception, will be out and Abhay Deol might be roped in. Vikas Gupta, who was at the helm co-producing it with Balaji, is heading to MTV, hence the change.

Shoot re-scheduled

Ajay Devgn was supposed to shoot an episode with Kapil Sharma for his comedy show promoting Singham Returns, but as he was unwell the shoot got cancelled. Ajay had high fever and will reschedule soon.

Comical chaos

Chidiya Ghar is the story of a fun-loving family comprising different members with their own uncanny mannerisms. According to their different names, all the members exhibit one unique trait that defines their personality and behaviour. In the upcoming sequence, the members of Chidiya Ghar will find themselves in a conundrum due to the crazy and humorous situations created by Gadha Prasad (Jitu Shivhare) and Babuji (Rajendra Gupta). Both of them accidentally eat something, which has an unexpected effect and alters their mannerisms.

Comical chaos ensues in Chidiya Ghar owing to the antics of both the family members. Jitu Shivhare aka Gadha Prasad said, "I wanted to give an edge to the character of Gadha Prasad while shooting this sequence. It was a bit of a challenge as my character is very unique and with such an interesting twist I had to put in a lot of effort to bring authenticity to my role. It was an amazing experience in itself to move out of my comfort zone." Watch Gadha Prasad and Babuji entertain the audience with their hilarious antics.

New Releases

Hercules

Producer: Bean Flynn, Brett Ratner, Barry Levine

Director: Brett Ratner

Based on Radical comic's character Hercules, action-adventure Brett Ratner film Hercules will release this Friday. The movie has an ensemble star cast comprising Dwayne Johnson, John Hurt, Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell, Joseph Finnes and Irina Shyayk. 'Hercules' is a revisionist take on the classic myth Hercules. This epic action film has Golden Globe winner Ian McShane in an important role. With Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson in the title role, viewers will see fast-paced, funny and eye-popping action.

22 Jump Street

Producer: Jonah Hill, Near H. Mortiz, Channing Tatum

Director: Christopher Miller, Phil Lord

The sequel to 2012 Hollywood film 21 Jump Street, 22 Jump Street is an action comedy starring Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Peter Stormare and Ice Cube. This one is based on the widely appreciated television series by the same name. — Dharam Pal

Astro Turf
P. Khurrana

ARIES: You start the day on a philosophical note. Do not jump to conclusions in haste. It is not a good day for forming partnership. Ventures may fail when associates withdraw support. Tarot message: Learn to accept responsibility for yourself and others. Lucky colour: Mauve. Magic number: 25.

TAURUS: Kids keep you busy. A few people can be making waves today. You will not be able to have things your own way. Marital difficulties can be eased through a mutual friend. Tarot message: Your determination to succeed will pay dividends. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 44.

GEMINI: Do what you can to improve your relationship with your spouse. It is a sensitive day for joint financial affairs. A personal project will have to be put aside for the sake of a social commitment. Tarot message: Use your instinct to get in to the top circle of power. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 30.

CANCER: Money problem will continue today. Keep calm even if people around you losing their heads. Your parents need extra care as far as health is concerned. Tackle children gently. Tarot message: Do not transact in uncertain matters. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 47.

LEO: Students suffer from lack of activities. An unsatisfactory relationship can come to an end bringing all the heartache of separating the property and perhaps the kids. Try not to lay any blames. Tarot message: Emphasise on spiritual needs. Lucky colour: Yellow. Magic number: 51.

VIRGO: The card "The Lovers" signifies that a friendly and helpful atmosphere surrounds you. People are likely to be drawn to you now, so dress to impress. Go shopping for new clothes to accentuate your looks. Tarot message: You gain by being practical; don't be emotional. Lucky colour: Black. Magic number: 63.

LIBRA: A chance to get in with the movers and shakers can come your way. Your ambitions can be realised if you use your connections. Don't make a secret of your aims and they will manifest. Be practical. Tarot message: Retain the fruits of your hardwork. Lucky colour: Grey. Magic number: 52.

SCORPIO: Keep a clear mind, as you are likely to face too issues today. If confusion sets in, nothing will work. You are in danger of blowing your budget if you don't practice restraint. Tarot message: Don't waste an opportunity by not exploiting a contact. Lucky colour: Red. Magic number: 50.

SAGITTARIUS: Pay attention to little jobs today. Taxation matters can be adjourned. Check all information regarding legal matters. Watch your thinking as it can spin you into a depression. Tarot message: Consolidate your gains instead of throwing security to the winds. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 56.

CAPRICORN: Gossip will bring you down and you might hear something you would rather not know. Your creative juices are flowing. A leadership position can be offered to you. Tarot message: Frankness and ability to state the truth are your strong points. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 33.

AQUARIUS: Unstable influences suggest uncertainty. Be compassionate and try not to judge harshly. You will bow out of a social event to spend more time with your loved ones. Tarot message: Avoid frictions with business partners. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 41.

PISCES: Any change made at work or in your job bring favourable results. Domestic wrangles are sorted out. Do not take people on face value. Powerful emotions can ruffle your calm. Tarot message: Your own aims, ideas and opinions matter. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 30.

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is August 1

Ruled by the Sun, one is the leader; indicates the ability to stand alone, and has a strong vibration. You will be independent, creative, original, ambitious, determined and self-assured. If expressed negatively: arrogant, stubborn, impatient and self-centered. This year your birthday falls on 'Naag Panchmi'. You should visit a religious place and worship Lord Shiva. A golden period at work is around the corner for you.

Positive colours: Golden, Red.
Select days: Sunday, Monday.
Favourable numbers: 1, 4, 2, 7.
Gems Recommended: Yellow Sapphire, Ruby.
Charity on Birthday: Donate milk to the needy

You share your birthday with Dhani Harrison (August 1, 1978), who is an English musician. In March 2006, Harrison made a guest appearance on Liam Lynch's Podcast Video Variety Show. Lynchland Dhani is credited on two unreleased Traveling Wilburys tracks. 





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