Get…set…show
A floral pathway, a railway carriage or a street of Paris — more and more designers have started using thematic ramps and props as a prelude to their collections 
Manpriya Singh

Monisha Jaisingh’s show at India Couture Week 2014; Neeta Bhargavaze used props at India Fashion Week 2015
Monisha Jaisingh’s show at India Couture Week 2014; Neeta Bhargavaze used props at India Fashion Week 2015

Before the clothes get off the ramp and maketh a man, they certainly maketh a designer's collection…followed by the show that exhibits it.

Fashion show warrants as much of a creative stimulation as a fair share of drama. So, when Aneeth Arora pictured a girl who wanted flowers on her hair rather than diamonds around her neck, she took to replicating the runway with grass like green carpet replete with flowers. No wonder, the recently concluded India Fashion Week spring summer 2015 opened to a floral fantasy just the way the designer had pictured it.

Likewise for Sabyasachi, at the India Couture Week 2014, the collection titled Ferozabad was presented amidst models walking through the insides of a vintage Indian railway compartment with luggage, trunks et al. Here's taking stock of the ramps that we have seen in the recent past.

Rohit Bal used flower pendant lamps to present his collection at the India Bridal Fashion Week 2013
Rohit Bal used flower pendant lamps to present his collection at the India Bridal Fashion Week 2013

Flower power

For Rohit Bal's collection The Mulmul Masquerade at India Bridal Fashion Week 2013, even before the audience could see his collection, they could see the set. The lotus flower pendant lamps of varied sizes, seen hanging down the ceiling, were perhaps among the best done runways in the recent past. Whether the beautiful set-up competed with the equally beautiful collection or complemented it is a matter of personal opinion.

Designers Rimple and Harpreet Narula help draw the right line. "The trend of elaborate sets for fashion shows is fast catching up. However, we personally feel that one should stay away from the usual done thing like recreating palaces and old havelis, as clothes should be the hero of the presentation and nothing should take away from it. A clean and slick presentation with some key elements from the theme used to create mood is more than enough."

Exactly what they did to present their collection titled The Eternal Wanderlust at India Couture Week 2014. To present the collection inspired by Islamic art and its intricate motifs, the ramp borrowed colours like ivory, beige and splashes of classic black and gold. However, while there's no dearth of subtle set ups, on the extreme side they recall the show for Alexander Mcqueen. "Nothing pushed the envelope more than the late Alexander Mcqueen. Be it his spring summer 2001 show, which featured a huge mirrored glass box centerpiece filled with moths and a naked woman (writer Michelle Olley) breathing through a gas mask. A sinister take on the effects of global warming or a beautiful but haunting holographic image of Kate Moss called Pepper's Ghost appearing out of thin air for his autumn/winter 2006-7 collection."

Unfolding the drama on the runways has been a borrowed concept, resorted to in the past and increasingly so in the recent past.

Sabyasachi recreated a railway coach at India Couture Week ‘14
Sabyasachi recreated a railway coach at India Couture Week ‘14

On the street

Flowers sound like the toast of the runway with yet another designer duo Shyamal and Bhumika presenting a floral bridal fantasy, A Mystical Garden, at the Lakme Fashion Week Summer Resort 2014. To put forth the essence of the collection, the hotel ballroom was turned into a garden with a backdrop of flower bouquets and rows of blossoms on either side of the ramp.

Carrying on Monisha Jaising let her World Bride do the walking at India Couture Week 2014 where the ramp looked like a street of Paris. While the collection's inspiration was a fusion of Indian, European and Mughal architecture, the ramp had a global twist to it with an outdoor café set up and artists sketching in the backdrop. Designer Neeta Bhargava, while showcasing at India Fashion Spring Summer 2015, decided to take the focus from the ramp and put it on the props. It was yet another attempt at giving context to the collections. The models were made to carry in a cage the miniature pieces of the garment each one was wearing. She shares, "Usually designers work with a theme or inspiration for a collection. A set helps a lot to show the audience what your inspiration and concept are. For me, it did a lot to my collection Unmaze the Haze, which was inspired by a pollution-free planet. I had a strong audio-visual in the beginning followed by strong lighting effects, music and miniatures of the outfits that each model was wearing."

A visual experience

Fashion has always been all about treating the eyes. Nothing is too much. Opines Neha Arora, a pass-out from University Institute of Fashion Technology, "Sets and props are a part of the design curriculum. Just as we need to have clear sketches to communicate to the workers, we need to have a well laid out ramp that borrows from the theme and the inspiration. It is all a part of communicating the designer's vision to the audience."

Just like the showstoppers, it's a question on the school of thought. While nothing should take away from the clothes but doing justice to the collection is just as important. Share Rimple and Harpreet Narula, "It is all about creating an experience that makes the audience think and carry back, the set up, the music, the light. They should all cohesively work together to bring out the designer's vision and do justice to his creations on the ramp." That sums it up.

manpriya@tribunemail.com 

Dancing away to glory
Writer- actor- director Saahil Prem, who debuted with Mad About Dance, feels things are looking up for dance and dance-related subjects in Bollywood 
Somya Abrol

While most of Bollywood tries desperately to rake in money with double meaning jokes and show of skin, Saahil Prem prefers chronicling his life story on celluloid. Having spent a few years at Sheffield University, UK, Mumbai-born writer, director and actor Saahil Prem has brought to Bollywood a very 'unbollywoodised' version of his maiden dance film, Mad About Dance.

He commences the dialogue with, "It's a film about a young guy from India, a dancer, who has a dance idol in the UK. Following his dreams, he reaches the UK in search of his idol, who does not turn out to be the kind of person he'd expected. As a result, he decides to form a crew and challenge his idol in a dance-off, a battle, if you may. The film features a lot of young Indian and Pakistani youngsters and their struggles in a foreign country."

Do we see shades of personal experience here? "Yes, I wanted to tell this story because I've been through it myself; that's how I ended up writing the movie too. In fact, when I was studying in Sheffield, I never thought I'd be making a movie on it," he adds.

A still from the film Mad About Dance
A still from the film Mad About Dance

Saahil did not plan on directing the movie either. "I was in Sheffield, researching for the film, when the director for the film backed out, last minute. So, I took on the onus of directing it."

And does the film fall in the league of ABCD (Any Body Can Dance)? "No. You can't compare Krrish with Superman. Just because it's an Indian dance film, doesn't mean they have to be similar."

In a country like India though, does he see dance as a bright career prospect for youngsters? "The situation is far better now, compared to the exposure people had towards the various forms of dance a decade ago. I would like to give the credit for the same to all these reality shows on TV these days. We cannot deny the fact that dance has been a part of our culture for centuries. And since the masses are opening up to art forms in India now, things are only looking up!"

Mad About Dance also marked model Amrit Maghera's Bollywood debut. The movie premiered on October 23.

somya@tribunemail.com

Autobiographical note

Through Mad About Dance I wanted to tell the story of those youngsters who face struggles in foreign countries, because I've been through it myself; that's how I ended up writing the movie too. In fact, when I was studying in Sheffield, I never thought I'd be making a movie on the subject.
— Saahil Prem

Punjabi Tadka
Wordsmith’s world
Jasmine Singh

Harf Cheema
Harf Cheema

His closest friends have been words — words he has pulled out from under the blank sky of his village, Cheema (Sangrur district), words he has splashed on white-blank pages, words he has rolled out in moonlit nights. For singer Harvinder Singh, better known in the music industry as Harf Cheema, words have and continue to define him. Having created poetry for almost a decade, Harf stepped into the professional arena almost two years ago. Now, he is ready to roll out a full-fledged album, Stand Jatt Da. This handsome singer can switch from being an introvert to an extrovert in the right company. Over to the man, an engineer, by the way, staying in a castle made of words and thoughts.

As of now

I am eagerly waiting for the release of my album, Stand Jatt Da, which releases this week. It has a total of eight songs; all of them have been written by me. If you are looking for different elements in this album, all the songs are based on reality, something that happens to us in real life. The album has the right mix of songs from a touch of desi, romance to a peppy number as well.

Here I am… a singer

I finished my BTech in 2011 from CEC Ladran, which means had I not been a singer, I would have been an engineer. But, I have been writing poetry for many years, so singing was likely to happen.

Training first

I believe that singing, like any other art form, is a gift from god. At the same time, I feel it is important to prepare oneself for any task ahead, even passion. So, for almost two years, prior to getting into singing, I trained for it.

If I were to collaborate…

It has to be with Gurdas Maan; I have grown up with his music. He is a singer who can melt hearts.

Live wire

Last year, I performed at my own college, and it turned out to be the best stage performance of my career. It was like home coming and it felt like I was giving back to the place that fine tuned me as a person. Students' cheering and hooting still resounds in my ears…

Inspiration comes calling

From singers like Gurdas Maan, he breathes life into his songs that can inspire any singer.

Track favourite

I love the track Punjabiaye Zubaaney

Acting can wait

As of now, I am only concentrating on singing, my heart lies in this part of the world.

jasmine@tribunemail.com

TROUBLE SHOOTER
Develop a healthy self image
All of us tend to compare ourselves to others, but it's how we look at our qualities that really matters
Simmi Waraich

I am too old to get married, but I want to have a companion. I am 40 years old and fear getting married. I am working and earn well, but I fear that my marriage may not work. My fiancé had passed away, and after that somehow, I did not find anyone.

Neelam, 40, Mohali

I just have one thing to say — in today's world, everything is alright. Many people have felt odd not being married at 40, but these days, a lot of couples get divorced at 40 years and are looking to get married a second time. So, if you want to get married, it's okay. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise; it's your life. Meet people your age, ask them out to lunch or coffee, talk, tell them you would like to know each other better, discuss finances, future plans, how you like to holiday etc. But remember, everyone has different opinions. So, if one person is conservative and the other more liberal, it's fine; accept your differences. Opt for counseling, discuss fears regarding communication, sexual anxiety etc. All the best to you!

I'm always trying hard to please others just to get their approval. I feel other people are better than me and I feel like I'm not good enough. I suffer from low self-worth and am habitually putting myself down. I underestimate myself and have a negative self image.

Seema, 28, Ambala

Many people may have a low self image and self esteem. For instance, we know Kareena Kapoor is good looking and that Abdul Kalaam is very intelligent, but we don't compare ourselves to them. We may, however, compare ourselves to a class fellow or a colleague who we may think has a better life than ours. How do you expect to feel good about yourself if you do that? So, first, ask yourself: who do you compare yourself to? Why? You think you are not as intelligent or good looking as them? Okay, maybe not. But, what are you good at? Are you a kind person? Are you trustworthy, honest, kind to animals, quick to help others? So, the next time you compare yourself to someone, tell yourself you are a good person, though you may not be perfect. Write down, for instance, I am a good cook and I try to help my mom when I can. Second, tell yourself that no one has a perfect life and many people may be worse off than you. Identify who you can help in your neighbourhood and try to do one good deed daily - it could be as simple as sitting with your grandparents for 15 minutes. Third, look at yourself in the mirror and accept yourself as you are; tell yourself that you accept yourself wholly. If you've had a tough childhood, thank yourself for small things now, like having a loving parent or sister. Fourth, think of when you felt low, what did you say to yourself? For instance, "I am fat and unlovable. My boyfriend will leave me." Change it to something more rational: "I am a kind person; if he was overweight, I wouldn't leave him; nor should he. If he does, he probably would leave me anyway." Five, learn to say 'no' to people sometimes. Set goals for yourself. And when you see yourself start to nag yourself, change it, tell yourself, "I appreciate myself. I have done a lot of things before; I can get through this too."

(Waraich is a city-based consultant psychiatrist)

Par Excellence
The fundamentals of putting
Jesse Grewal

Putting is a complex part of the game and is made of a number of building blocks. Reading a green and experience are important as well as being able to visualise and having a positive mind set. Good putters seem to have more of these aspects and not necessarily a technically sound or superior putting stroke.

The first step to understanding a green and the speed required is to have the ability to throw or roll a golf ball to a hole on the green. This is not as easy as it sounds. Take a ball and throw it underhand, as if you are at a bowling alley. If the throwing action is with the small muscles in the forearms and hands, it will never be accurate and will not have the correct speed. The only way to achieve this is to leave the arms loose and let the shoulder do the work. This is what is required during the putting stroke too. Throwing a ball also gives a good idea of the 'break' on the green and helps in 'reading the line'.

The second step is to be able to aim the putter at the intended spot, which could be the hole if the putt is a straight one or a point on the green where the ball must start to finish at the hole. Choose a putter that helps you in getting this correct. Through research using the Sam putt lab it has been found that very few golfers including professionals get the aim correct and have compensations during the stroke as a correction for an incorrectly aimed putter. Dave Pelz, a specialised teacher of the short game and putting came to the conclusion that on an average a golfer has his/her putter aimed three times more left or right of the point which they say they are aiming at. For example, if a golfer says the line is three inches left of the hole, they would actually be standing or aiming to a point nine inches left! This is called sub-conscious correction.

The next step is to be able to control the speed of the ball. Most three putts occur due to incorrect speed rather than an incorrect line. Speed is a combination of the length of the backswing and the rhythm or uniform acceleration of the putter. As we learn to vary the backswing to different distances and also green speeds, we must use the bigger muscles of the shoulders and arms to create a smooth and repeatable putting stroke.

(Grewal has coached several national champions and professionals apart from being coach of the Indian golf team for the Eisenhower Cup (World Cup) in 2008. He is currently the Director of National Golf Academy of India and CGA Hero Honda Golf Academy. If you have any queries, get in touch with him at parexcellence@tribunemail.com)

For a hot cuppa

The CBTL store launch in Ludhiana One of the oldest American chains of specialty coffee and tea stores, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (CBTL), is now in Ludhiana. With more than 1,000 stores across the globe — in markets such as California, Arizona, Nevada, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Brunei, Indonesia, UAE etc — CBTL claims to have its USP in sourcing coffee beans and tea leaves from the best plantations in the world. The brand entered India in 2008 and presently operates over 30 cafés across 10 Indian cities.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at Pavilion, Ludhiana, is the second store by Vision Hospitality, established on the franchise model following a successful stint at Elante mall, Chandigarh.

Ankit Ahuja, co-partner, Vision Hospitality, says, "In addition to international offerings of coffees and teas, the menu boasts of gourmet food offerings ranging from all-day breakfast selections, freshly made sandwiches, pastas, salads and a wide range of desserts including internationally famed cheesecakes."

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf India won the Best Café Award - Gold at the India International Coffee Festival, 2012. — TNS

Entries for Annual Art Exhibition

Keeping with its yearly tradition, the Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi has invited entries for the Annual Art Exhibition 2014 again, only for artists residing in Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali.

This time, the professional category has three awards of Rs 50,000 each and the student category has five awards of Rs 25,000 each. Artists can choose to participate in the competition, the categories for which are: Painting, Sculpture, Graphics (print-making), Photography, Drawing, Mix-Media, Installation Art and Multi-Media. If you are one of the creative ones, forms are available at the Akademi office and with Ravinder Sharma at Government College of Art, Sector 10, Chandigarh; Bheem Malhotra at the Chandigarh College of Architecture,

Sector 12; Madan Lal, NIFT, Mohali. An easier way out though could be to download these forms from the Akademi website: www.lalitkalachandigarh.com.

Submission of entries for students is from November 26 to December 4, 2014, from 10.15 am to 3 pm. Submission of entries for professionals is from November 26 to December 5, 2014, from 10.15 am to 3 pm. The entries have to be submitted at the Akademi office (Saturday and Sunday closed) - Chandigarh Lalit Kala Akademi, State Library, first floor, Sector 34 A. Incomplete forms, however, will lead to rejection. — TNS

Tweetie pie

Tushar Kapoor
@TusshKapoor

Happy Diwali to everyone, like always let's rise above petty issues, illuminate our spirits & take it easy!

— Thanks, Tusshi! We pledged to rise above your movies a while ago.

Nargis
@NargisFakhri

Odd name for a sweet treat!? I'm curious and wana try some! DUMP CAKES ! Yesss pls!

— Mmmm, Nargis, could they be in relation to a Chopra we know of?

Richa Chadda
@RichaChadda

Everybody wants money

— We're sure your beliefs have been reiterated after Tamanchey :)

Farah Khan
@The ShilpaShetty
@iamsrk SHAH feeling 
so much love for you I can cry

— Farah, we watched Happy New Year. Karma is a b***h. Cry all you may. Janta maaf nahi karegi!

Compiled by Somya Abrol

star track
Hail and hearty

For the first time ever there is a hail sequence in a Bollywood film. Shaad Ali, the director of the Kill Dil, wanted to have a rain sequence in the film but Ranveer Singh suggested a hail sequence instead.

Ranveer felt it would be a better idea to showcase a hail sequence in the film as it fits the scene well and also because audiences have not really seen it in Bollywood films.

A source informs, "Shaad Ali loved the hail idea and so the R&D team took 20 days to create a fake hail.

During the sequence it was very difficult to say the dialogues because the blobs of the hail stones kept falling on Ranveer's head, breaking the moment and making it difficult for him to speak."

"Although it was a comparatively difficult shot they managed to complete it and all those who have seen it feel it looks really good and all the efforts were worth it," adds the source.

Kill Dil, which also stars Ali Zafar, Parineeti Chopra, and Govinda, will release on November 14.

Ranveer Singh in Kill Dil

Superhero material

Tiger Shroff has been quite a buzz boy since his debut film Heropanti was such a big success. He has always been a fitness enthusiast but now we hear his fans want him to play a superhero. Tiger has been receiving a lot of mails from his fans expressing their wish to see him play the role of a superhero.

His fans want to see him in superhero action films as they feel he has the perfect body and the personality to play the role of a superhero. They feel he will be the best choice to play the role.

Tiger was highly appreciated for the hardcore action scenes which he performed with ease. The young actor has all the qualities required for a superhero role as he has a tough body and warm personality. He has earlier performed high intensity action scenes with ease.

We have seen only Hrithik pull off some super hero roles in the past. We guess there is space for another in the younger lot, Tiger who doesn't only have a strong youth connect but is also loved by the kids.

When contacted Tiger he says, "I have been receiving a lot of mails from people talking about my work. They have been very warm and supportive."

Rekha returns

Rekha Veteran actress Rekha, who will be seen next in Indra Kumar and Ashok Thakeria's Super Nani, is all set to take her fans and movie lovers by surprise. In a quick chat, she talks about the film and more.

Touching story

It's a journey of Rekha aka Bharti Bhatia and her grandson played by Sharman Joshi and is definitely one to be experienced, as the fun, laughter, tickles and tears of happiness will leave you with a light heart and a changed mind.

Women power

Baa, maa, mummy, ammi, aai, maata, mother - various names of the same woman. She is the one who brings us to this world, the one who brings us up, the one who feeds us, and the one who teaches us to live life. But as we grow up, we are the ones who start teaching her the ways of life. Super Nani gives a strong message to all the women that their power lies within themselves; all they need to do is discover and use it.

Classic act

I will be seen dancing to some old classics dressed as iconic actresses such as Madhubala, Waheeda Rehmaan from their famous movies such as Mughal-e-Azam and Howrah Bridge as part of the storyline. I have danced to the iconic Pyaar Kiya Toh Darna Kya of Madhubala's Mughal-e-Azam as a part of a fun makeover sequence in Super Nani. It has been choreographed by Shabina Khan.

Take and re-take

The delay happened because it took really long to make this film. We had to re-shoot certain portions of the film as director Indra Kumar was not happy with it.

Release date

Fox Star Studios and Vishesh Films is set to carry on their glorious association forward in 2015. The first film to release will be Khamoshiyaan, an erotic horror, on January 23 which will see the debut of TV star Gurmeet Choudhary alongside Sapna Pubby and Ali Fazal. Emraan Hashmi's Mr X, directed by Vikram Bhatt, will release on April 17 and Mohit Suri's directorial venture Hamari Adhuri Kahaani which will re-unite the successful jodi of Emraan Hashmi and Vidya Balan on screen will release on June 12.

Protected identity

As Sanjay Leela Bhansali's magnum opus Bajirao Mastani recently went on the floors, the makers are making every effort to conceal lead Ranveer Singh's look in the film. Sources reveal that the production team has decided to house Ranveer Singh on the last floor of a Goregaon high-rise building near Filmcity so that no time is lost travelling to the sets.

Ranveer will shift into the apartment soon and will be living here for the next five weeks, until the schedule at Filmcity is wrapped. The actor also has a gym set-up in his apartment as he cannot workout in a public gym.

Bhansali's Bajirao Mastani starring Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra is scheduled to release next year.

Sohum goes underground

Sohum Shah Actor and producer Sohum Shah, who won a lot of accolades for the critically acclaimed film, Ship of Theseus, is keeping a low key.

The actor, who will next be seen in Tumbad, is keeping his look under wraps as his look is transformational.

A source informs, "The film is a dark period thriller set against the backdrop of colonial India and infused with elements of fantasy. For the same, Sohum completely changed his physical appearance and is looking more bulky. He is also keeping away from events, parties and other social gatherings in order to hide his look."

The actor underwent various look tests before finalising this one. Sohum is completely immersed in the making of this film as it is very special to him. He is excited about his role, adds the source. There is a lot of mystery surrounding Tumbad and Sohum wishes to maintain it.

Lisa got dengue

Actress Lisa Haydon has been infected with dengue and this has spoiled her plans for the entire month. Lisa was all excited and upbeat about the promotions of her next film The Shaukeens, but on her recent trip to Delhi the actress fell ill. She is now resting at home.

Bed rest: Lisa Haydon

Arbaaz turns a villain

Arbaaz Khan is all set to return to acting with Abbas Mustan's next film. He will be playing a negative role in the rom-com. The film will mark the big screen debut of TV's stand-up comedian Kapil Sharma.

Salman takes the broom

Salman Khan is the latest celebrity to come forward in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat initiative. He was recently spotted sweeping the road in Kajrat where he's shooting for his next film Prem Ratan Dhayo. He took to Twitter to urge his fans to come forward in support. 'I once again thank @narendramodi for taking up the Swachh Bharat initiative and nominating me. First, I nominate my fans on Facebook and followers on Twitter. Each one of us can make a difference. And I nominate Aamir Khan, Azim Premji, Chanda Kochhar, Omar Abdullah, Pradeep Dhoot, Rajat Sharma, Rajinikanth & Vineet Jain," he tweeted.

Bollywood Baddie turns good

Actor Gulshan Grover, who is often regarded as the original bad boy of Bollywood, will play a good cop in Sanjay Gupta's upcoming film Mumbai Saga starring John Abraham.

He will play the role of an honest cop who would do anything to live up to his duty as an officer. 

Awards matter to me: Deepika

Actress Deepika Padukone, who has lifted several awards last year for her performances in Chennai Express and Goliyon Ki Raasleela—Ram Leela, says that awards are important as it is sign of appreciation and hard work.

"Awards matter to me. I would have been very disappointed if was not given any award last year. No matter what we say but at the end of the day, the person who goes there and wins the award feels good about it," the 28-year-old said.—IANS

SRK’s daughter to move out

After Shah Rukh's elder son Aryan Khan, his little daughter Suhana too is all set to move to London next year for further studies. This decision has been taken as the couple wants to avoid the attention their children constantly get in India.

chatter box
New innings

The show, Chidiya Ghar on Sab TV that features beautiful moments of joy and togetherness in a traditional family, every member of which has a unique nature, adds a different flavour to the series. Now the buzz is that beautiful actors, Aditi Sajwan and Shafaq Naaz, are all set to join the cast of Chidiya Ghar as Koyal and Mayuri. They shall bring a different edge to the roles. Aditi and Shafaq have been in the television space for a few years and have made their mark in the comedy genre. 

Hail the new bond between Khans!

Would it not be a kind of visual jamboree to see Aamir Khan and Salman Khan share the stage! Well, it recently happened on Star Plus' chat show titled Satyamev Jayate. As per the latest promo released, Aamir is seen welcoming his priya mitra Salman to join him on the stage and they later get into a friendly banter in front of a fan. 

Troubled by spicy food

Natasa Stankovic Serbian model-cum-actress, Natasa Stankovic, who was recently eliminated from the TV reality show Bigg Boss 8, talks about the show and more.

Did you expect to be eliminated from the show so soon?

Honestly speaking, I did not want to come out of the Bigg Boss's house so soon. Still, it was a wonderful experience to be on the show. However, I don't know why I have been evicted.

Why do you think you got evicted from the show?

I have no idea. I was trying to be myself. I did not have any strategy as such. However, I realised how mentally strong I can be inside the house, especially at the time when I faced many challenges.

You were quiet on the show. Was it because of the language barrier?

Well, I was not at all quiet on the show. I am a very positive person and do not like to fight in real life too. I love to dance and sing and I was doing that in the Bigg Boss house. I would try to speak in Hindi, but it was difficult to understand and reply when the housemates spoke fast.

What were the problems you faced inside the Bigg Boss' house?

I had a problem eating spicy food in the house. However, after a couple of weeks, I realised that not everyone in the house can go along with me; I have to go along with them. So I made up my mind and had spicy food. Nevertheless, it was really painful and it would burn my lips and tongue.

Are you learning Hindi?

Yes, I am learning Hindi. I want to stay here and join the Hindi film industry. I hope the show will help me get into films and not just in the songs, but good roles in the movie.

What's next?

I am just going to relax and see what comes my way. If given a chance, I would like to go back to the house. 

Deepika reveals her true colours

 Deepika in Look Who's Talking with Niranjan A shy silent observer, Deepika Padukone can easily camouflage into any environment except if you can take your eyes off her. Always observing people from a distance and imagining stories in her head, one wonders if the leggy lass has always been like this or if is this due to a drastic lifestyle change. This week on the season finale of Look Who's Talking with Niranjan Iyenger, watch Deepika Padukone talk about fate, failure, films, and friendship!

She says, "I don't have an outside perspective of what it is like, to be me. It does not come from being a celebrity. It rather stems from being a very reserved person." Acting is something Deepika always knew would happen to her. She states, how the rather famous dialogue from Om Shanti Om about 'if you really want something with all your heart, the universe helps you make it happen'- is quite true in her case. Deepika believes that failures have made her a better person. She believes that flaws and weaknesses make you who you are while also helping you to accept who you are. 

Astro turf
P. Khurrana

ARIES: You can bring dreams back into focus with your wisdom. You will be in the mood to meet people from different lifestyles. Overseas visitor may be relying on you in some way. Tarot message: Take timely action. Lucky colour: Fuchsia Magic number: 46

TAURUS: Avoid indulging in an idle talk and gossip with the neighbours. Students should focus on their studies. You may feel a bit scruffy and careless in the evening. Tarot message: Do not be in the rush to spend extravagantly Lucky colour: Crimson Magic number: 58

GEMINI: Beware! Someone may backstab you. This is a good time to meet government officials. Health needs attention. Focus your energy on achieving the goals. Tarot message: Do not reveal your plans to your competitors. Lucky colour: Metallic grey Magic number: 31

CANCER: Do not become easily ruffled. Your personal & public life is likely to clash in the evening. Do not argue over silly matters. Visit an art gallery to quench your thirst for creativity. Tarot message: Prepare yourself for a mental battle. Lucky colour: Bottle green Magic number: 63

LEO: You must achieve your short-term objectives today. Business associates will be helpful. You will find the atmosphere at work congenial to make good progress. Eat wisely. Tarot message: You may encounter some difficulty regarding finances. Lucky colour: Yellow Magic number: 27

VIRGO: Your resources can be boosted. It is a good time to look at real estate. Whatever you set your mind to you can achieve now. So, get up and get going. Health problem is not a worry. Tarot message: Avoid being overanxious. Lucky colour: Ebony Magic number: 36

LIBRA: Your card "Two of Pentacles" shines on love, money, and sports. Stick to your schedule. Your conscience is likely to be pricked. Don't be close-minded about anything. Tarot message: Never fall for  rash promises. Lucky colour: Orange Magic number: 44

SCORPIO: There is a promise of better things in the offing. It is simply up to you to take hold of opportunities and make them yours. Be alert, an excellent time is ahead. Tarot message: Stay positive and be calm. Lucky colour: Sea green Magic number: 51

SAGITTARIUS: Your emotions can override your good judgement in some situations. You could be misreading the actions of loved ones. Your diet needs more attention. Tarot message: Take things one at a time. Lucky colour: Deep red Magic number: 65

CAPRICORN: This is not a favourable day to be setting out on a long journey, as there could be delays. Old patients: take complete rest. You may have some worries that are causing restlessness. Tarot message: Be articulate. Lucky colour: Purple Magic number: 52

AQUARIUS: A new love affair might be dominating you every moment. Women: focus on balanced diet. A pet animal need attention. A Libra friend will be supportive. Tarot message: Dare to accomplish those tasks, which normally take up a lot of time. Lucky colour: Peach Magic number: 32

PISCES: This is not the right day to engage in property deals. Get your priorities right. An offer to move up the corporate ladder may be within your grasp. A long journey is on the cards. Tarot message: Avoid situations that may turn nasty. Lucky colour: Saffron Magic number: 28

The year ahead
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is on October 26...

People born on this day are practical and realistic. You have the skills to work very well with others. There is a marked increase in organisational, managerial, and administrative abilities. You are efficient and handle money very well. You are ambitious and energetic, while being cooperative and adaptable too. At this point, you are ready to land somewhere safe and sound, preferably in the arms of a solid and loving partner! With Jupiter working some serious magic in your career zone, you are a fortress of money-generating power. Also, you are more determined to stay on top than ever before, even if that means working yourself to the bone. You have the gift of maximizing your resources and connections with powerful people and marvelling at how quickly your good fortune expands. Keep your heart and arms wide open and graciously receive. Your imagination is getting fired up with Mars spending the entire first half of the year in your dream zone. Pay close attention to the messages, symbols, and images that show up in both your waking and dream state.

Positive colours: Black and chocolate

Select days: Sunday, and Tuesday

Favourable numbers: 1, 4, and 8

Gems recommended: Blue Sapphire, diamond & emerald

Charity on birthday: Donate halwa to the poor.

You share your birthday with Raveena Tandon (October 26,1974, Mumbai) who started her Bollywood career with the film, Patthar Ke Phool. Due to her Rahu Dasha Raveena's career will slow down in time to come, like descending from films to anchor. 





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