Dance like a man
Two independent thinkers from two different continents. What connects them is how they make a statement using powerful dance vocabulary
Manpriya Singh

There is so much that dance can be-a non-verbal body language, dynamic medium for social change, an alternative idiom of movement. Unfortunately, the pool of infinity that contemporary dance as a genre encapsulates has often been wrongly mistaken for abstraction. Haven't we just known it to be as spirited foot-tapping?

Contemporary dance is, "not an isolated work, it is a movement, it is a vehicle for social change and I have been courageous enough to have started thinking on the power of dance narratives," Sudarshan Chakravorty, artistic director, from Kolkata-based Sapphire Creations Dance Company, gets started on all things that dance can be and has not been. Not since the nineties, when he started the experimental dance company striving to not just define contemporary dance but also create an audience for the dance form. Based out of India, it hasn't been an easy run so far, "since it is not bounded by tradition, it is not classical dance…Initially people hated me and even the dancers hated me," he shares, while in Chandigarh, for his first ever performance, as a part of the 6th Chandigarh Arts and Heritage Festival.

The performance in question, titled Parivahitam-Perspectives in Motion, is conceived as a cross journey between an ordered, disciplined and beautiful past and a chaotic, atomized and unhinged present. It is a contemporary take on the discomfort and nostaligia that brings solace but not a solution. Simply, this is a contemporary dance vocabulary that would convey multiple and modern meanings of unison, energy and motion to the audience.

It has been years dedicated to taking up contemporary themes and social causes. "Classical dances are more like religious narratives. We have been experimental enough to have taken up modern life, social issues like child abuse, rape, homosexuality."

Coming up is the subject global warming, "It is called Econama and it should roll sometime in 2015, since I normally take a year to a year and a half." There is once again, a multifaceted process of, "silent choreography while music comes in later."

Connecting thread

Robert Moses

Joining him is artistic director Robert Moses with his repertory of works of varying styles and genres. While their performances are separate, the ideologies are quite similar. Contemporary dance is, "about individual expressions and not trends. Trends are liars, they don't mean anything. This form is alive and vibrant way in which I can have a conversation with you."

However, for Robert, pursuing contemporary dance in San Francisco came much easier. "This is my first trip to India and first performance after Delhi… We met in 2002 over web and had a video conference. However, things materialised in 2014." Dance has been a way of life, ever since childhood, whereas, "I started my company in 95."

He brings to the city, "a thirty minute performance that will be exploring topics ranging from oral traditions in African American culture, dark side of contemporary urban culture, among others."

Just because certain things can be conveniently bracketed as abstract, it does not mean they fail to connect. "As an artiste we are here to build connections with the audience, once the connection builds up the abstraction moves away. We obviously want them to come and see us again." He adds, "Moreover, what is abstraction? What is it to you may not be to me. It is not necessary to have similar preconceived notions and experiences." That's food for thought.

manpriya@tribunemail.com 

Evolution theory

Still high on the Delhi experience, 'where performing was both fantastic and nerve racking', it'll be a while before the action shifts back to Kolkata.

"Where we have performances and several workshops," shares Robert. "We could not get certain members of the troupe and we thought there were so many things we could not do without them…Eventually it turned out, that there were so many things we could not have done while with them. It is all about evolution."

Well, that makes sense! 

No moral policing please!
Actor-comedian-Parliamentarian Bhagwant Maan has worn the khaki uniform more than a policewalla in his acting career. Once again he is ready to don it for comedy film Police in Pollywood Balle Balle
Mona

Comedy is a very serious business…and, we know its significance when we have seasoned satirist Bhagwant Maan saying the line. In Chandigarh, on Wednesday, at the launch of trailer of the film, Police in Pollywood Balle Balle, we got to know the comedian and politician a wee bit better and came out with full admiration.

The film's plot itself is hilarious, add to it Bhawant Maan playing a significant role. Having lost a substantial amount of jewellery and cash to two young thieves, Punjab Police must do something to meet the loss and they come up with the trend we see in Punjab — to make a movie. Now, expect Punjab Police to do things their way, don't blame them if they pick up a director sans a story or actors. Eventually, a runaway couple becomes their lead and the writer picked up from his shadi, gets ready to deliver the script in no time (you would too if your demand for cool place to write at peace ends up in a mortuary).

"I guess I have worn the uniform more than a policewalla in my acts," Bhagwant Maan opens the dialogue. And he does look convincing as a conniving DSP all set on the road to Pollywood. "The film is a fun family watch and we have taken pains that not even a single dialogue is out of the line." It's after a long time that he will be seen on screen and even making time for this didn't come easy.

"The second schedule of the film clashed with campaigning and I did shootings in mornings and rallies in evening."

Switching between the two roles wasn't that difficult for much of his satire is pro people. "I have always been the voice of the common man and in both my roles I have used my poetry and satire, for both are way more effective than lengthy written speeches."

Ask him on his first Parliament stint and he is full on stories. As a people's representative it falls on his shoulders to represent causes which he take seriously and is also amused at the same time on how some of the leaders either remain mum or bring written speeches and beg for half a minute more to finish them. Sans Lalu in the well, he has taken on himself to be the entertainer of the pack and is happy at the adoration received. "With social media ruling the roost, audio-visual section of Parliament is a busy place as leaders want their clips, when they go back to their constituencies people ask if and how they have raised the issues."

And in Parliament he does find a winning team already to make a film, "We do have Rahul Gandhi to play reticent hero, there is Munmun Sen to play the mother, Vinod Khanna Ji will do good opposite her, and we have Babul Suprio and Manoj Tewari for music and yes Pappu Yadav is there too to seal the cast.

He would continue to play both the roles with utmost sincerity and promises with the backing of PVR and Zee Music the Police in Pollywood Balle Balle sure will regale the audience.

mona@tribunemail.com

The poster of Police in Pollywood Balle Balle Calling the shots

The trailer looks promising for sure and one can't have it otherwise when you have seasoned theatre person and actor helming the project. Sunita Dhir debuts as a film director with Police in Pollywood Balle Balle and admits her new job is not a bed of roses. "As an actor you are the king, everything is set for you but as a director you have to manage every minute detail. It was accommodating producers and actors that made the feat easy," she admits calling Bhagwant Maan the soul of the film. 

STAR TRACK
Figure it out with Jacqueline

Jacqueline Fernandez Jacqueline Fernandez is known for her svelte figure. She had gained some extra weight after Murder 2 but she managed to lose it soon. She talks about how she lost the excess weight, her fitness regime and diet.

Just do it

After Murder 2, I had somehow become unfit. I became lazy. I wasn't working out much. But when I signed Race 2, they wanted me to do fencing. I was keen to be super fit for Race 2.

Nothing extreme

Today, I am on a routine that is natural and easy for my body. I like doing alternate things. I'm not on an extreme diet neither on an extreme workout. Fitness is your strength and so regular exercise is a must. I wake up at 7 am. After a cup of tea and reading the newspapers I work out for an hour at home. On days when I'm energetic, I work out even twice a day. I do it on a mat with great music-rock, pop and even EDM (electronic dance music). When I go to the gym, I prefer light weights. I go a bit heavier on the legs as they are strong. My friends Mishali Singhani and her husband Suren Joshi run a gym in Bandra. Suren keeps reminding me how fat I am. He says, "Go workout!"

Yoga & dance

I also attend yoga and dance classes. My yoga is not just about Suryanamskar. I keep trying new things. It's amazing that Shilpa Shetty and Bipasha Basu have released their own DVDs. I have been training with yoga instructor Deepika Mehta. I enjoy dancing too because it's not only an exercise but also enables you to learn the form, something which Madhuri Dixit endorses.

Smart diet

I have a protein shake after my workout. I divide my meals into three portions—carbohydrates, protein and vegetables—a mix of rice, beans or protein and salad or stir-fried vegetables. Also, I make these 'nutri-balls' at home. I combine dry fruits, nuts and seeds together and form them into balls. When I feel hungry while travelling, I have them.

Cheat code

Generally, I'm not too strict with my diet. If I want to eat a chocolate or a pizza, I go ahead. Even when I cheat, I keep it healthy. Like if I want to have a pizza, I'll go to a good restaurant like where you can ask for your choice of vegetables with a thin wheat crust. At times, I enjoy a bit of cake or some dessert. It's not like it will kill you. Also, when I am out travelling, I make it a point to walk. I don't get into a car or cab easily. So, there are smart ways to stay fit.

Second time lucky?

After a sensational debut in Nasha (2013), starlet Poonam Pandey is all set to begin shooting for her next. Interestingly, sources have it that Poonam wanted to be very careful whom she chose to associate with as producers and had no qualms waiting. Poonam wanted the right script and the right people backing the film.

Poonam says, "Yes, I have finally signed a film that is being backed by The World Networks. The film is the production's house first venture. I have made a special note that the producers have enough money to promote the film and not like Nasha."

Kumar MG, The Managing Director, The World Networks, said that Poonam continued to rule the internet and thus were instigated to ink a three film deal with the actress. "Apparently we will be releasing five films in the coming two years. Earlier, we invested in many films but now it's our debut film as a solo producer with Poonam. Her movie Nasha did well at the box office but it was not promoted well by the producers. We will see that this film of us with Poonam is promoted well as she is talented. With the right script and right promotions, she can definitely break box office records and takes her into a ~100 crore club," Kumar said.

Finding Miss Right

Arjun Kapoor will be seen this week in Finding Fanny alongside Deepika Padukone and other veteran actors. He talks about love and women.

The ideal girl

Every time you have a prototype in your head, it breaks. If you expect I want such a girl, an entire lifetime will pass by but you won't get her. Unfortunately, this profession demands a lot of your time. So, the girl should understand the demands of the profession. That's why we end up being with girls who are co-stars because they understand the stress. You travel extensively; you're away for days. While promoting a film you reach home at midnight and start your day at 6 am. You can't do the normal things. There are constraints in a relationship. If the girl understands that then you can fly in a relationship. Then I can be a pretty decent boyfriend. But I can never call up a producer and say I'll come 10 minutes late because my girlfriend is angry. That would be unprofessional. I'd need her to understand that if I have to attend an event at 8 pm, I'll only be able to meet her for dinner once I'm done, say by 11pm.

Turn off

All looks and no talk. If you're just a good looker and you can't sustain a conversation beyond three minutes then that's a big turn off for me. Also, the ugly truth about men is that sex is more important than love.

Under spotlight

I'm flattered to have become worthy of a woman's pass and attention. Earlier, women didn't do that. I take it as a huge compliment. 

In awe of Mary Kom

Shraddha Kapoor watched Mary Kom and she was in complete awe of Priyanka Chopra. Here is what she tweeted: "Saw #MaryKom last night & got to experience her legendary journey through @priyankachopra who has shattered any bench mark there ever was!" Priyanka is getting well-deserved praise from all quarters.

Going slow

Vinay Pathak is a superbly talented actor but he is taking it slow with his movies. He will be seen in Badlapur next and is currently hosting a talk show on television. So watch out for him!

Shandaar entry

The shooting for Vikas Bahl's Shandaar has begun in London with Shahid Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. The film also stars Pankaj Kapur and it is his daughter Sana Kapur's debut film.

A tribute to common man

The cast of Ekkees Toppon Ki Salaami recently paid a tribute to R. K. Laxman's Common Man Statue which has been installed at the Worli Sea Face. Directed by Ravindra Gautam, the film releases on September 19.

The cast and crew of Ekkees Toppon Ki Salaami

Spooky smell

Rannnvijay Singh shot for 20 days in the dead of the night for 3 AM, a horror flick. He experienced a strange smell at the Great Eastern Mills in Mumbai. Even a few crew members did. The place had a strange vibe that drained the cast and crew emotionally, mentally, and physically.

Beyond dimensions
Art can never fail to surprise. An installation that serves as a 3D portrait of Beethoven, Shakespeare and Michelangelo, at the Elante Mall, Chandigarh, surprises as much as it fascinates
Amarjot Kaur

Although the battle between art and science may have added several arguments to the colossal debate associated with contrasts, the unison of these two leaves many jaws dropped at the Elante Mall in Chandigarh. As you enter through a rather typical vestibule of the mall, anticipating an artistically aesthetic visual treat, you are, interestingly, greeted with an installation guarded by steal stands.

While at first you may go around in circles to make whatever you can of the installation that looks quite like a beehive flattened out from the top, with a little more concentration the results are startling. The installation serves as a 3D portrait of Beethoven, Shakespeare and Michelangelo — masters of music, literature and art, respectively. The artists have much more to share.

Widely travelled

Artist Limnesh Augustine, who is from Kerala, is accompanied by four other artists — two from Mexico, one from the US and another from Ireland. As we catch up with Limnesh, Vero Gongalez and Angel Aguilar, from Mexico, share scary details of their close escape from the floods in Kashmir. An IT professional based out of Bahrain, Limnesh begins to elaborate on the idea behind the exhibition, "This exhibition is a part of our art travelling endeavour, through which we aim to exhibit the 3D art paintings across the country, covering at least 19 cities, starting from Kashmir to Kanyakumari via Delhi, Pune, Jaipur, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Ahmedabad." The artists have already exhibited their paintings in Kashmir, Ludhiana and Amritsar. The artists aim to spread the knowledge of 3D painting techniques throughout the country by organising several workshops.

Care to share

While talking about the idea that prompted these artists to take up a journey of this sort, Limnesh shares, "Vero, Angel and I met at several street painting festivals abroad and formed our own group called Dbranes, which essentially means dimensional brain in Physics. It refers to the string brain with which you can define all objects in the universe."

"The sole purpose of undertaking this journey, which is sponsored by Cox & Kings, was to spread the awareness of 3D art and its techniques along with introducing local artists to several international platforms that promote art as well as artists," adds Limnesh. While listing out a series of art festivals held across the globe, Vero tells us that these festivals sponsor local artists on an international platform. "Festivals like Sarasota Fest in Florida, William Sheaven in Germany, Bella Via in Mexico and Grazias in Italy sponsor local artists, their travel, food and stay; it's a good opportunity for them," she says.

Engineered with creativity

An IT professional, a government employee at Bahrain, an artist and an engineer, Limnesh also holds two world records, one for making a portrait of Sachin Tendulkar with coffee cups and the other for making 3D anamorphic projection over 24,000 square feet, which is of the size of a football field! Besides, he is also associated with United Nation's Save the Food campaign, for which he is the official partner. "I work for the government, so I have much time at hand," he laughs. "However, I love creating projections, which are also 3D images of the object. For this technique, I learnt fibreglass moulding; lead moulding and even gypsum moulding. The medium used in this 3D installation is acrylic on fibreglass," he shares. Limnesh, with his set of artists, will be making his next stop in Delhi.

(On till September 12)

amarjot@tribunemail.com

True Oriental experience
Treat your taste-buds to the best pan-Asian food at the Hyatt Regency in Ludhiana
Poonam Bindra

Imagine a gastronomical tour of the pan-Asian countries without moving out any where! At the Hyatt Regency's 'Kitchen at 95', the Pan-Asian Food Festival brings all the authentic flavours from that region for the Ludhianvis to savour. Besides well-made Sushis from Japan, one can enjoy the Khao suey soup from Mynamar or the famous Singapore chicken or the Balinese grilled fish.

Sous chef Mukesh Kumar, who is quite happy with the response of people, says, "Since the pan-Asian cuisine is so comprehensive, we prepare and serve four types of rotating menus with specialties from each region every day." The widely travelled folks of Ludhiana give their thumbs-up too. "The tastes are genuine and not modified the Punjabi way," says Neena Khosla, a visitor, while savouring Cantonese Fish Salad and Japanese Miso Soup with spring onions with her family. A live counter has dishes from the wok and the Mongolian Chicken, fish and Asian vegetables are quite a hit. Among the sauces, the spicy Schezwan, hot garlic and Wasabi sauce seem to find favour with people.

"I had enjoyed Soup of Wakame leaves and rice noodle salad in Japan; now getting it here is really amazing," says Dr Deepika, another visitor.

There are delicacies from Singapore, Burma, Indonesia, Japan, China, Thailand and Korea to delight the foodie in you. Echo NRI guests Tina and Diana, "It seems we are travelling all over Asia. They have the Fish Tempura from Japan and Lamb Redang from Indonesia."

"When we came here, we could never imagine that folks of this town would like the Asian cuisine so much. We will be repeat it soon," says Glenn Peat, the manager, as he guides the guests to the dessert counter, where Thai pancake with coconut and banana, baked honey yogurt and more await attention!

(On till September 14 at Kitchen at 95, Hyatt Regency)

get physical
Hip hop!
Toned hip and thigh muscles make your legs appear more shapely 
Vishal Thukral

For many people, particularly women, hips and thighs are the trouble spots. Dedication to exercise, combined with good nutrition, will trim fat throughout the body and help you tone all over, including thighs. The foremost benefit of training for hips and thighs will make legs look as well as feel shapely. Give your legs a firm push in the right direction with these effective exercises. For best results, do them after a cardio session or work them into existing strength routine three or four times a week.

Squats: Keeping your feet shoulder width apart, bend the knees to a 90-degree angle. Make sure to do this against a wall, keeping the shoulder blades and lower back pressed up against the wall. Stay in this position for 30 seconds to one minute; take a 30 second break and repeat 10 times.

Leg-lifts: Lie on the ground on the back. Slowly raise your legs until the body forms a 90-degree angle and then slowly lower them. Make sure the hands are not used to help and only legs are doing the work; repeat 10 times.

Side leg-lifts: The side leg raises strengthens the muscles on the sides of the hips and thigh. Stand up straight, directly behind a table or chair with the feet slightly apart. Hold onto the table for balance. Lift the leg 6 to 12 inches out to the side. Keep back and both legs straight (hold your abdomen in and do not arch back). Don't point the toes outwards; keep them facing forward. Hold the position for 3 to 5 seconds; slowly lower the leg back to the starting position, repeat 10 times and then switch the legs.

Single leg dead-lift: Stand with feet together and hands just in front of thighs. Lift the leg slightly, so that the foot is just off floor. Lower the torso forward and downwards. Keep back straight and knee of supporting leg slightly bent. Keep the hip and knee of lifted leg extended throughout the movement. Once stretch is felt, return to original position by raising the torso while lowering lifted leg. Straighten the knee of the supporting leg, as the torso becomes upright. Switch legs and repeat 10 times.

Hip extension: Start on the hands and knees, with shoulders directly over hands and hips over the knees. Tighten the abdominals and keep them engaged throughout the set. Lift leg into the air until the sole of the shoe is facing the ceiling and thigh is parallel to the floor. Slowly lower the knee until it's hovering just above the floor, then lift and lower 10 times. Switch legs and repeat.

(Thukral is an aerobics fitness trainer)

A wide canvas

The canvas of artists is always wide. Archana, who recently released her book Water Colour Landscapes, is no different. The book is a collection of water colour paintings by her that show different hues of nature. 

"In water colour medium, we need full control. Once they come out well, the sky is the limit. I learnt under the guidance of Ram Kumar Sharma and Mukesh Minj. I hope to continue with my learning process in the future and come up with more books," says the artist. — TNS

Master Chef
Prawn pleasure
Ranjan Dibya

Prawns are the 'naughty ones' among non-vegetarian food items for they have to be bought carefully and then cooked just to the right softness to be relished. Even while eating, prawns have to be savoured slowly to enjoy the most. With the right condiments, they make a dish to be remembered.

Thai Garlic Pepper Prawns

Ingredients

n 6 pieces Tiger Prawns, 30 count, batter fried

n 10 ml oil

n 5 gm garlic, finely chopped

n gm coriander Root Paste

n 10 ml oyster sauce

n 3 gm sugar

n 5 ml light soya sauce

n 3 gm crushed black pepper

n 3 gm white pepper powder

n 15 gm bell pepper, diced

n 5 gm spring onion

n 15 gm garlic flakes

Batter for prawns

n 30 gm refined flour

n 20 gm corn flour

n 50 ml cold water

n Salt

n White pepper

Method

n Batter fry the prawns till crispy.

n Heat oil in a wok, add chopped garlic and coriander root paste; sauté for a minute then add oyster sauce, light soya, sugar, white pepper and crushed black pepper.

n Add crispy prawns and bell pepper.

n Toss well. Remove from heat.

Serve hot garnished with spring onion and garlic flakes.

(Dibya is an executive chef)

— As told to Poonam Bindra

tweetie pie

Sonakshi Sinha
@sonakshisinha

4 years since Dabangg!! How time flies, feels like yesterday :) thanks @arbaazSkhan @BeingSalmanKhan Abhinav and team for changing my life!

— Don't be so overwhelmed, Sonakshi. Just look at your pictures from four years ago!

Shilpa Shetty
@The ShilpaShetty

What an honor to kno Mary Kom personaly,wht a struggle,wht a success wht a story and wht a legend:)deserves so much more.Mary u r my hero

— Come to think of it, they do have something in common - their noses, cheekbones and jaws have been through a lot.

Uday Chopra
@udaychopra

OK guys Im here - lets talk a bit about my new movie #TheLongestWeek - ask away but be warned I only have 140 words to answer in

— Uday, there's a difference between 'words' and characters. Look it up. Also, are you giving us a sneak peek into the longest two hours of our lives?

Virr Das
@thevirdas

Putting final touches on the Mo Dee Sur Car song. This might be our last Alien Chutney gig :-)

— Though we couldn't agree more, Vir, the responses you received on Twitter are a fine example of irony being lost on some.

Sonam Kapoor
@sonamkapoor

Hi jaipur!!!! So excited to be here!! First stop jaipur national university!! Party shuru hone walli hain!!

— How does it feel entering an educational institute, Sonam? Did you Prada cringe after the 'party'?

(Complied by Somya Abrol)

CHATTER BOX
A long innings

Roopal Tyagi Actress Roopal Tyagi, who is currently seen as Gunjan in Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke, talks about her role and more.

What is the current track in Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke about?

Gunjan has started working now and she is independent. But there are misunderstandings between with her husband, as she has become a working woman now.

Aren't you bored of playing Gunjan for so long?

I have been playing the role of Gunjan since the past three years now and I am not at all bored of it, as I have played different shades of roles in one show. I feel I am privileged to play the role.

Are you seeing someone?

No, I am enjoying being single. As I work 14 to 15 hours a day, it's very difficult to give time to your partner. Now that I am single, I am getting my own space and spending my own sweet time. I am able to give time to my family and friends.

Ankita Bhargav, Rishina Kandhari and you are a happy threesome. What are the things you girls do?

We three are very good friends, we party together. We all are pet-lovers. We go for lunch, dinner and swims together too.

Which Khan in Bollywood is your favourite and why?

Aamir Khan; because I love the way he gets into his character. He doesn't let his stardom get in his way. — HRM

Bidding adieu to Ek Mutthi Aasman!

Shilpa Shirodkar When Zee TV launched Ek Mutthi Aasmaan in August 2013, the show promised to give viewers a reality check and an insider's look into the world of Mumbai's unsung heroes … the domestic help! Produced by DJ's A Creative Unit, Ek Muthi Aasman beautifully captured the hopes and aspirations of a domestic worker alongside the trials of her daily life. It showcased how domestic workers throw themselves in to a life of tremendous toil, so that their children can grow up enjoying the fruits of education and amenities they could only dream of.

The show saw the return of a very popular face as its central protagonist. Actor Shilpa Shirodkar, who had made waves on the big screen in the 90s with hit films like Mrityudand, Khuda Gawah, Hum, Aankhen and Gopi Kishan, bid adieu to stardom and walked to the altar with UK-based merchant banker in 2000. Having played wife and mom for over a decade, Shilpa returned to her first love —acting — with this show.

"Working on Ek Mutthi Aasman's been a gratifying experience to say the least. With shorter attention spans in today's day and age, I wasn't sure if the audience would remember where I'd left off, so it was practically like making a new beginning," said Shilpa.

Ek Mutthi Aasman will be replaced by the new show, Bandhan… Saari Umar Humein Sang Rehna Hai from September 16 at 7 pm, every Monday to Friday on Zee TV. Do not miss the final episode of Ek Mutthi Aasman on September 14 at 7 pm only on Zee TV!

Love knows no bounds

An elephant from Jaipur will play the lead in upcoming TV show Bandhan...Saari Umar Humein Sang Rehna Hai on Zee, which will go on air from September 15. The show revolves around the bond between a little girl and an elephant. 

Producer Siddarth Kumar Tewary says, "This is the first show which revolves around the bond between an animal and a human being. The message is not to ill-treat animals. It took us almost a year to get the formalities and approvals in place. Since it is a baby elephant that we had on the show, we also had to get the mother elephant along with him." The show has Ananya Agarwal playing a six-year-old who "finds a brother" in an elephant. Aditya Redij and Shweta Munshi essay the role of her parents.

A lesson to learn

Actress Kajol feels that Indian serials have a lot to learn from Pakistani shows. She loves to watch them with her mother-in-law, who follows them religiously. She feels that the Pakistani shows are much shorter and crisper in comparison, as they finish one story in 15 episodes, making it very interesting to watch.

Company of friends
Owing to their hectic schedules, most actors don't get time to catch up with each other. However, actor Aniruddh Dave, Nandish Sandhu, Vishal Singh, Pooja Gaur, Aditi Gupta, Ajay Chaudhary, Vrushika, Nia Sharma, Surbhi Jyoti, Anita Hasnandani and husband Rohit Reddy recently took out time and visited Jordan. On the way from Amman to Aqaba, the journey was a few hours so they had loads of fun. Aniruddh Dave says, "It was great to play Dumsherad. The company of friends rejuvenates you."

Take two
The Adventures of Hatim has made way for Akshay Kumar's reality show Dare To Dance. Rumour has it that the show will return with season two after Dare To Dance has wrapped up.

Promotional venture
Arjun Kapoor and Deepika Padukone recently visited the sets of reality show India's Raw Star to promote their film Finding Fanny. The two also danced on the stage with rapper Honey Singh, who is judging the show.

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is September 11...

Number 11 makes you romantic in the idealistic sense of the word. You want to see good in people. Elevens are the least selfish lovers and they are extremely considerate. They won't push you to do anything. They hold onto their partners and their friends; they are the masters of compromise. Elevens are tolerant and accepting. With an acute attention to detail, Virgo is the sign in the zodiac most dedicated to serving. Their deep sense of the 'humane' leads them to care-giving like no other, while their methodical approach to life ensures that nothing is missed. The Virgo is often gentle and delicate.

Positive colours: White, Pink.

Select days: Sunday, Monday.

Favourable numbers: 1,4,2,7.

Gems recommended: Pearl, White Sapphire.

Charity on birthday: Donate cooked rice to the poor people.

Tulip Joshi You share your birthday with Tulip Joshi (September 11, Mumbai), who entered the Femina Miss India Contest in 2000. Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai was her first Bollywood movie. In 2005, she made a comeback with Matrubhoomi. Her career will take off in 2020.

Astro Turf
P Khurrana

ARIES: 'The Prince of Pentacles' infuses financial stability. You will find appreciation and applause for your culinary talents. Delays can be expected today.

Tarot message: Don't do anything at the cost of health.

Lucky colour: Red.

Magic number: 43.

TAURUS: Like the 'The Knight of Cups', you are emotional in personal relationship and graceful on social occasions. You are likely to find an ideal partner.

Tarot message: Lack of persistence can be disastrous in business matters.

Lucky colour: White.

Magic number: 47.

GEMINI: Plan a fun trip with friends and loved ones; leave the stress of the city behind. 'The Magus' brings change and travel. A brief business- cum-pleasure trip is on the cards.

Tarot message: Don't waste an opportunity by being rash or impulsive. Lucky colour: Turquoise.

Magic number: 44.

CANCER: 'Ace of Swords' pulls you in opposite direction when making a decision. A yearning for overseas travel and adventure can encourage a career of your choice. Be focused.

Tarot message: Keep your eyes on the future.

Lucky colour: Red.

Magic number: 28.

LEO: Some very interesting and unusual people come into your sphere of business. Avoid new debt or excess spending. Loved ones will not fully understand your daily needs.

Tarot message: Time will heal all pains and wounds

Lucky colour: Pink.

Magic number: 33.

VIRGO: 'The Prince of Cups' brings you to your true hopes and desires, which you mask under a calm surface. You are good at getting people to express their opinions and keeping your own hidden.

Tarot message: Be positive.

Lucky colour: Blue.

Magic number: 36.

LIBRA: 'The Lovers' facilitate you to be open and inspired by new ideas. A surprise phone call can put you back in touch with a friend you have not seen for a long time.

Tarot message: Do not be in the rush to spend extravagantly.

Be Lucky colour: Grey.

Magic number: 54.

SCORPIO: 'The Priestess' infuses promise and commitment in personal relationships. Bring up the sensitive issues that everybody is skirling around, which will encourage some open discussion.

Tarot message: Spend time meeting experienced people.

Lucky colour: Crimson.

Magic number: 37.

SAGITTARIUS: 'The Prince of Wands' promises power and energy. Lots of secrets and undercover scenarios can make for an interesting day.

Tarot message: You can make things happen out of the most unlikely circumstances.

Lucky colour: Brown.

Magic number: 56.

CAPRICORN: 'The Fool' infuses you with courage. A neighbour has some gossip to divulge to you. Make sure you really want to hear secrets or rumours about someone.

Tarot message: Don't try to end all the deadlocks at one go.

Lucky colour: Ebony.

Magic number: 25.

AQUARIUS: 'Ten of Pentacles' bodes extremely well for relationship and romance. Today you will be able to enjoy interaction with people who share your views and thoughts.

Tarot message: Do not let trivial problems haunt you.

Lucky colour: Red.

Magic number: 28.

PISCES: The karmic 'wheel of fortune' turns in your favour. Today loved ones will be more demanding. Trust your intuition. Beware of strangers in the evening.

Tarot message: Capitalise on your strength and do not trust others.

Lucky colour: Forest-green.

Magic number: 32.





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