Wedded to work
Too much work and too little time? You might just be getting caught in a rut called workaholism!
Mona

Rajat Sharma is a 24-year-old guy working with a private bank. A year of joining work and this 'once happy-go-lucky fellow from business school' has started carrying the persona of a busy man. In and out of meetings, Rajat is thinking about work 24/7.

Another victim of 'workaholicism', Rajat found it hard to adjust in the competitive marketing world to begin with; but near impossible targets and tremendous pressure have put Rajat on a point of no return!

"Where is the option but not be a workaholic," questions Rajat rushing from one high profile meeting to another. "I am still learning the ropes, so I have no option but to spend time in office and gain more and more experience."

Does he realise that if he falls in the 'all work, no play' rut, his efficiency will go down? "I do. So, I do try to have a Sunday for myself and keep away from the gadgets even if it amounts to upsetting my pushy boss."

Experience teaches all, technology has made us connected to our offices wherever, whatever you are doing. The pressure is almost always there. Rajiv Kaul, who runs Intelligaia, a software product development company in Panchkula, has been through this vicious circle and out. He does not agree that being a workaholic is negative connotation, but believes that it has certain advantages too. "I have experienced it myself and many in my team have too. I believe it's a good idea to live it through once. If all goes at a comfortable pace and suddenly you are under pressure to deliver, the team fumbles. Working in tight deadline makes you learn how you can maximize your efficiency too," says Rajiv.

For Rajiv his passion for work cannot be limited to the eight hour frame. "But I ensure to take short creative breaks now. If I have spent an evening doing something else, I am in my seat early next morning to make up for it."

Anuja Lath, who runs Red Alchemy, knows fully well the advantages of taking a break from work. Unlike many, her company that does five days a week, makes sure that her staff leaves on time. "We totally believe that it's important for professionals to give enough time to their families, to rejuvenate and reboot. I don't remember any instance where I had to pull up someone to finish work on time. Well, there are days when there is more work than usual but we love to ensure all leave on time."

Living by the 'work hard party harder' dictum, Anuja herself gets tired of weekends and by Sunday she looks forward to be back in her office on Monday.

Pancham Prashar, who along with friends set up CueBlocks almost a decade back, has encouraged to make the office environment a cool place to work in. The founders as well the staff are open to bringing their pets along (as long as they can handle it). While Chatur and Carlos (two beagles) are almost a permanent feature; their entertainment area with a pool table, table tennis, PS3 and lots of board game, enjoys good footfall in break hours. "It's important to give the mind and body rest periodically. Someone had shared with me his funda and now even I follow 10 minute break after every 45 minutes to play with my pets or walk around. It works like magic."

[email protected]

Telltale signs

  • No time for family and friends.
  • Rushing to meet deadlines all the time.
  • Taking work home, even on vacations.
  • Work is the only hobby you are left with.
  • Are generally irritable with no time for proper meals.

Maintain work life balance

  • Start breathing consciously for five minutes to begin with.
  • Sit down and enjoy your meal.
  • Talk to a friend at least once a week.
  • Take one minute to thank for your blessings at night.
  • Talk to a psychologist.

— Jitendra Mohan, Professor (Emeritus), Panjab University

Curry-ing forward a tradition
Master Chef Pankaj Bhadouria has her fingers in too many pies—a culinary academy, two cafes and three cook books
Manpriya Singh

Spice up: Pankaj Bhadouria
Spice up: Pankaj Bhadouria

She put a lot of passion into routine with just a little research into cooking and some thought into serving. Food has always been an important part of her life and now it is an indispensable one. Master Chef I winner Pankaj Bhadouria looks back to an interesting innings at the reality show, takes stock of her culinary academy, two cafes and three books.

Food is a serious business. "Both my parents were excellent cooks. I started cooking when I was 10 or 11 and like with most Indian families, I come from a family where the conversation would revolve around food," she shares, while at Mohali to craft a special menu for Barbeque Nation. "More difficult than crafting the menu, which would be available here for some days, was deciding on what dishes to bring to Chandigarh and Mohali." She adds, "For instance, I wanted to bring some Awadhi dishes here but Awadhi cuisine does not use tomatoes, while Punjabi curries are basically all about tomatoes." Nevertheless, she managed putting together a lot of things to ensure something for everyone. "There are 30 dishes in total, as a part of the festival menu. All I did was experiment a little and introduce fusion flavours or twist to usual things. For example instead of the kesar phirni, I introduced caramel and cinnamon phirni."

The experimentation comes from a desire to concoct things, while the confidence from a strong foundation of the basics. "I love reading and cooking. I read all the books of my friends at IHM. That knowledge helped me a lot."

Her journey

Any query on favourite chef invites a prompt reply from the Lucknow-based lady. However, any question on favourite dish just does not. "It is the chef Martin Yan who hosted the show Yan Can Cook. He makes Chinese cuisine look so simple, which is not." She adds, "I like Chinese and Italian but give me butter chicken, dal Makhni and Lucknawi biryani any day."

The journey to recognition began with the reality show. "I was already running my academy and was a great cook. Friends and family urged and it all started with a simple SMS, then auditions."

Having authored three books, including Masterchef Cook Book and Barbie-I am a chef kit, coming up is one more on healthy food menus. "The concept of healthy food is limited to soups and salads and sorry to say, we Indians cannot survive on soups and salads. The idea in my upcoming book is to revive the flavour of Indian cuisines while drastically cutting down on calories. For instance no oil pindi chana, butter chicken without butter,” shares the host of Zee TV's Kifayati Kitchen. "I am also working on this concept of molecular gastronomy. It is a fascinating concept on breaking up food and food regeneration."

The menu is available at Barbeque Nation outlets till May 4.

[email protected]

Spirit of Punjab
Manpriya Singh

Sound byte: Jasbir Jassi
Sound byte: Jasbir Jassi

It's a festival that denotes prosperity, cheer, spring and celebrations in full swing. Barring the folk songs and some hit classics, unfortunately Baisakhi hasn't been a much explored subject in the songs recently.

Singer Jasbir Jassi chips in with his bit by trying to fill in the huge void with meaningful lyrics and festive songs. "It's a beautiful single track that has been penned by Gurpreet Ghuggi. The lyrics are meaningful and we've shot the video keeping the spirit of the song in mind," he shares on the release of his latest single titled Punjab on the day of Baisakhi. "I happened to be driving around the outskirts of Chandigarh towards Punjab and thought it is such a beautiful time of the year when the countryside is fresh and green with a healthy tinge of yellow."

The conversation meanders to some childhood memories and the significance of the festival. "To me, it means a lot of things. First, being the historical fact that Guru Gobind Singh Ji established our community. Next is its significance for the farmers. This is the time when they get to reap the benefits of a good crop and ring in prosperity for everybody," he shares while at the House of Gobind as a part of the celebration initiative by Big FM. "I have several childhood memories of this festive day, while growing up at a village near Gurdaspur. Unfortunately, it is not the same any more, but there used to be this carnival where I would have loads of fun on the rides and the like."

To be rooted

He has just finished training on the nuances of acting and puts a full stop on joining in the bandwagon of run of the mill films. "I only want to do films that either depict Punjabi culture or have a strong message or theme to them." If possible, a couple of significant biographies could be on the way. "I was just discussing this idea the other day about a film on the singer Ray Charles. Come to think of it, we ourselves have had so many Ray Charles from Punjab. There is Shiv Kumar Batalvi and others." Time to glorify the cult artistes from the state. Coming up are a lot of bhangra songs in an album of which Punjab is one of the single. Watch out for more.

Happy to be here
Sumit Sandhu, a theatre artiste, cannot stop thanking his lucky stars for his break in Harry Baweja's Punjabi film Happy Go Lucky
Ashima Batish

From doing Shakespearean theatre to landing up with a Punjabi film is like taking an adventure ride, which is fun but makes you wary of what lies ahead. There are times, when Sumit Sandhu feels that his career is moving in the right direction, but then at times he fails to reassure himself.

"During anxious moments like these, I remind myself that the medium is not important, but art is. Love for acting was enough to help me get through the New York Film School and then bag a Punjabi film," says Sumit who will be seen playing one of the male leads in Harry Baweja's Happy Go Lucky.

And lucky he got, when Harry Baweja promised him a role in the film. "From the US, I went to Canada to attend the Punjabi International Film Festival, where I met him. I told him about my acting exploits on stage and he was impressed." In the film, Sumit shares screen space with Amrinder Gill and Harish Verma. Both being established actors of Pollywood, Sumit was a little concerned initially, but he says it all changed once the shooting for the film began. "Also, there are other seasoned actors like Gurpreet Ghuggi and Kuldeep Sharma in the film. I knew I have to give my best to match up to their acting skills and at the same time, I got a lot to learn from them."

Though one film hasn't led to more work in the industry for him yet, he hopes post the film's release, things will change for the better. "Pollywood is growing with each week, each film. Film-makers, producers and actors from Bollywood are turning to Pollywood because they know the future is bright here. There is work for everyone, who has talent and is willing to be part of the industry," Sumit says, positive about his career. But except for Harish Verma, only singer-actors have been successful in the industry. For Sumit, it's an uphill task to make a mark for himself, especially, with other popular names on board. Unfazed by the facts, he says, "I am a trained actor and in films, acting is what matters the most. In the film I am playing two different characters, very different from each other, which I believe will showcase my talent." And then even though he has spent 20 years in the US, his Punjabi is chaste and minus an accent, something that people don't forget to bring back from abroad.

[email protected]

green thumb
Shower it right
Keep the soil moist when fruit trees are in flowering
Satish Narula

Watering for fruit trees is well defined. Normally, gardeners are in a fix as when and how much to water. The confusion is mostly about flowering and fruiting stage. They fear the premature flower and fruit drop in case of stress or over watering. The problem is aggravated in case the floors are concretised all around the trees.

Fruit trees are mostly gardener friendly. The deep roots in most of the cases draw their quota from lower untapped zones and, therefore, their requirement is not that desperate or heavy. The fruit trees also provide shade under which many of shade loving plants are kept to reduce their water requirement. Plants like ber are more considerate and shed leaves during summer months to go dormant. This is minimum water requirement period. However, there are crucial stages in case of fruit trees, when they need water and any denial could spell doom.

Normally the myth is that do not give water when the fruit trees are about to come into flowering or during flowering. In this context, the gardeners unknowingly subject the trees to stress which is also detrimental. The fruit trees take at least three to four years to complete the juvenile stage. By this time the roots are well established to tap sub-surface water. However, one must keep the soil moist when these are in flowering. The fruiting in case of most of the fruit trees like peach, plum, pear, kinnow, sweet orange, lemon, mango, litchi etc. commences during the summer months. As the fruit starts growing, so does the temperature. The watering requirement in case of almost all the fruit plants increases with everyday rising temperature. Understand the nature of the trees and you will know how much to water.

Watering in case of lemon is very crucial. Any excess or stress may lead to complete flower or fruit drop. After fruit set in lemon, the tree needs to be watered every third day. The watering, however, should be light and frequent rather than heavy watering with gaps. In that case there is rupturing of fruits with the onset of rains. One should also add manure to the plant so much that it shows in soil. This acts as a measure to stop evaporation and loss of water.

Litchi on the other hand is a heavy drinker. It is more sensitive to watering needs. After the day the fruit is set, one could give water twice a week. In case it is not done, there is fruit splitting. There is more incidence of fruit cracking when the lower branches are pruned. Normally the hot air penetrates the trees from below and this also leads to splitting of the fruit. However, there could be a genetic reason too as Dehradun cultivar of litchi is more prone to fruit splitting when compared with Calcuttia. (To be concluded)

(Narula is Chandigarh based senior PAU horticulturist and landscapist)

Doc Talk
Still standing?
Continuous standing at one point for more than three hours a day is harmful for your skin
Dr Vikas Sharma

Do you know what prolonged standing can do to the skin of your legs and feet?

Standing for long hours is an essential part of some jobs. But it's very important to note that the prolonged standing results in certain health hazards which might necessitate a person to leave the same job. Continuous standing at one point for more than three hours per day for more than six months produces a high ambulatory venous pressure within the calf muscle pump which distends the vessel walls supplying the skin of the calf. The resultant pressure over the blood vessels supplying the skin of lower legs produces gaps in the endothelial cell junctions lining the walls of the vessels thus allowing fibrinogen molecules to escape from blood vessels to form a fibrin sheath around the capillaries. That decreases the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the skin which are essential for the vitality of skin.

The prolonged standing posture also results in venous stasis which then increases the concentration of various cellular metabolites, increased venous pressure, leakage of blood constituents into the surrounding tissues and activation of inflammatory cells and fibroblasts which is broadly responsible for the skin changes observed.

The skin changes through the following stages:

  • Pigmentation (reddish brown-black spots on feet, ankles and lower legs) from haemosiderin deposition.
  • Areas of inflammatory change and eczema.
  • Fibrosis and atrophic changes in the skin (lipodermatosclerosis or atrophie blanche).
  • Ulceration of the skin.

Previously such cases were more prevalent among people who were on long standing jobs. Thanks to the authorities, the school and college teachers are now also in the list of occupation related health disorders. But due to the latest instructions by the authorities, school teachers have to take classes in a standing mode. Housewives who are standing for long hours doing kitchen work also suffer from such disorders.

A very high number of persons who for various reasons are associated with prolonged standing develop skin problems like Schamberg's disease (pigmentation-reddish brown-black spots on feet, ankles and lower legs from haemosiderin deposition), other types of pigmented purpuric dermatoses, varicose veins, gravitational eczema, plantar fissures etc.

So you if you don't want skin problems on your legs and feet which might make you sick, you will have to bring in certain modifications to your daily routine. Such modifications should also be brought about by the employers to prevent health hazards to their employees.

Movement of legs especially lifting them for a few moments in between, walking a few steps, and finally sitting even for 10 minutes after three hours of continuous standing is helpful.

If the skin lesions have started then it's important to prevent further progression and complications by following these measures:

  • It's important that the underlying venous hypertension should be controlled by usage of well-fitted support stockings, or adequate firm bandages, and these must be worn regularly and indefinitely.
  • Slight elevation of legs by placing a pillow beneath the feet while sleeping every day is must.
  • Since prevention is better, so kindly please sit down for a while.

(Dr Sharma is a Chandigarh-based dermatologist)

Going live

Hibachi, as a restaurant, shares a special bond with its customers. "At Hotel Icon, we always have fine food on our mind. It drives us to connect with our guests with a bond of flavours and aromas, avers, Dilsher Sukhija as he shares Hibachi's cool offerings this summer.

The restaurant has been revamped and it wears a new look that is bound to make the regular visitor feel refreshed. The glass of wine that is served with the buffet adds more zing to the new experience and so does the 'easy on the pocket' buffet.

Sous chef Raminder Singh echoes the sentiment and adds, "It is time to pay you a compliment for the city's gourmet crowds' taste buds and their continued patronage." As summer is all set to replace spring, Hibachi is ready to lure the thirsty souls with its thirst quenching shikanjis topped with basil and jeera, crisp and healthy salads with culinary innovations.

It is a food-fest with continuity. The grills sizzle all day as teppanyaki chef has new tricks up his sleeve and he peppers your food with more flame and chatter.

The super excited chefs are keen to let Rangoon reign supreme as the cuisine has been popular. They will serve a delicious Burmese khao swey soup and Mongolian grill will add more dimension and appeal to the fresh vegetables and meats.

If Europe tugs at your heart, the live pasta counter offers you a romance with Rome. If you seek the divine richness of a Punjabi meal that covers Amritsar to Afghanistan with dal bukhara vying for attention with the succulent chicken off the grill.

The desserts section offers fresh fruit as well as tiramisu and tarts!

Buffet prices: Rs 350 for lunch and

Rs 500 for dinner. — TNS

From Bikaner to Chandigarh

The people of Chandigarh will now have the pleasure of enjoying the distinct touch of Bikanerwala. Bikanervala-North India's most popular brand of traditional Indian sweets, snacks and pan-Indian cuisine with 52 outlets spreading over India, Nepal, UAE, New Zealand and Singapore, has now arrived Chandigarh.

The family tradition of sweets and exotic cuisine from Bikanerwala goes back well over a century, to the era of royal houses of Rajasthan. Bikano is the company's brand of packaged products that is popular not only in India but is also exported around the globe.

According to Bikanervala director, Manish Aggarwal, "The company is focusing on promoting India and Indian heritage, culture and cuisine worldwide, the company has now customised Indian food for the global market. And with standardised daily operations, the company has successfully operating 52 outlets in India and abroad.” — TNS

Watch out
It has been a while since Yash Raj Films announced their line-up or distributed a calendar. There is no calendar yet but YRF is happy to renew its slate of forthcoming films for 2014 and 2015.

Female cop in lead
Mardaani
August 22, 2014

Shivani Shivaji Roy is an astute cop working in a Mumbai Crime Branch unit. Deft at picking up hidden clues and fearless in confronting hardened criminals, Shivani stumbles on a case that will change her life forever. Starring Rani Mukerji in the lead, playing the role of a cop for the first time, the raw and gritty film will be a distinct departure from Pradeep Sarkar's style of filmmaking. Directed by Pradeep Sarkar and produced by Aditya Chopra.

A delirious dish
Daawat-E-Ishq
September 5, 2014

A deliciously romantic coming together of Gulrez Gullu Qadir (Parineeti Chopra) a Hyderabadi shoe-sales girl disillusioned with love because of her encounters with dowry-seeking men; and Tariq Taru Haidar (Aditya Roy Kapoor) a Lucknawi cook who can charm anybody with the aroma and flavours of his biryani and kebabs. Starring Aditya Roy Kapoor and Parineeti Chopra, written and directed by Habib Faisal and produced by Aditya Chopra, music by Sajid-Wajid and lyrics by Kausar Munir.

Defiance, deception and love
Kill Dil
November 14, 2014

Once upon a time in North India, two killers — Dev (Ranveer Singh) and Tutu (Ali Zafar), roamed free. Abandoned when young and vulnerable, Bhaiyaji (Govinda) gave them shelter and… nurtured them to kill. Destiny throws free spirited Disha (Parineeti Chopra) into the mix.

Murder, intrigue and seduction
Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!
February 13, 2015

In a contemporary interpretation of war torn Calcutta during the 1940's, the film follows the first adventure of Byomkesh (Sushant Singh Rajput), fresh out of college, as he pits himself against an evil genius who is out to destroy the world. Directed and Produced by Dibakar Banerjee.

Aiming at the stars
Dum Laga Ke Haisha
April 24, 2015

From overcoming his fear of the English language to dealing with an overbearing father, Prem (Ayushmann Khurrana) discovers that his mismatched wife, Sandhya (Bhumi Pednekar) will actually lead him to something quite cool. Directed by Sharad Kataria.

Action-packed musical heist
Happy New Year
Diwali, 2014

Starring Deepika Padukone, Shah Rukh Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Boman Irani, Sonu Sood, Jackie Shroff and Vivaan Shah. Directed by Farah Khan and produced by Red Chillies Entertainments Pvt. Ltd. Music is by Vishal-Shekhar and lyrics by Irshad Kamil. It's distributed worldwide exclusively by YRF.

Story of dysfunctional dreams
Titli
To be decided

In the badlands of Delhi's dystopic underbelly, Titli, the youngest member of a violent car-jacking brotherhood plots a desperate bid to escape the 'family' business. His struggle to do so is countered at each stage by his indignant brothers, who finally try marrying him off to 'settle' him. Titli, finds an unlikely ally in his new wife, caught though she is in her own web of warped reality and dysfunctional dreams. They form a strange, beneficial partnership, only to confront their inability to escape the bindings of their family roots. But is escape, the same as freedom? Starring Ranveer Shorey, Amit Sial and introducing Shashank Arora.

The worst day possible
Bank-Chor
March 6, 2015

A comic-caper, that tells the story of three morons trying to rob a bank who pick the worst day possible when everything that can go wrong. Starring Kapil Sharma, directed by Bumpy and produced by Ashish Patil, a Y-Films Production.

Big dive

Sidharth Malhotra recently took a discovery course in Scuba diving while he was shooting for his upcoming film, Ek Villian in Mauritius. Sidharth had to undergo training before he indulged in the extreme sport and since the shooting was on a tight schedule Sidharth took the most elementary course for diver's.

However Sidharth loved the experience of being underwater. He loved to watch the marine life and corals so closely.

The entire aquatic experience intrigued him and he is keen to take a professional divers course and explore deep waters.

Sidharth has been enquiring about various scuba diving courses since then. He would ideally remove time to do the basic swimming pool training in the city itself and then go for dives abroad.

He has actively been talking to people on courses and also where should he go for the dive. Sidharth Malhotra says, "We shot underwater for a song in Ek Villian. It was a fantastic experience!! They were the best two days in the Mauritius schedule. I'm looking forward to be a certified scuba diver soon!"

Heropanti brings together two music giants

Tune in: Tiger Shroff with Kriti Sanon
Tune in: Tiger Shroff with Kriti Sanon

Given the music scenario in the industry, we see a surprising thing happening with the music of Tiger Shroff's debut film, Heropanti. We see two different music companies coming together with their music for the film.

The first song of Heropanti, Whistle Baja which was recently launched amidst flute sellers is owned by Sa Re Ga Ma music company for years now as it was Jackie Shroff's tune from his film Hero.

While all the other songs of the film are owned by T-series. This is an exceptional case we see in the industry for Tiger Shroff. Whistle Baja has a different version of his father's Hero tune which is a huge cult even today.

Sabbir Khan, the director, says, "It is unusual and I guess the first of its kind when two giant music companies like T. Series and Saregama have collaborated for one film... We have got great feedback about the music for Heropanti and it reaffirms our faith in the creative content."

Heropanti releases on May 23.

Taken for a ride, literally!

Shraddha Kapoor lost her balance while riding a bike during the shoot of Mohit Suri's Ek Villain. Her bike went out of control while filming an important sequence and slumped on the road.

A source says, "In the scene that was being shot, Shraddha was meant to overtake Sidharth (Malhotra) who was also on a bike. She accelerated too much and the bike sprawled. She was badly bruised on her elbows and knees but the helmet saved her." Shooting was delayed for an hour as doctors attended Shraddha but the professional that she is, she decided not to cancel the shoot, which is now complete.

Break ke baad…

Back again: Simone Singh Simone Singh will return to television with her new show, Ek Hasina Thi, where she will be seen essaying a grey role. The pretty lady returns to TV after a long break and talks about her role and more…

Tell us about your role in the show…

I play the role of Sakshi Goenka, who is strong and intimidating. She has many layers to her character, which will keep the audience guessing what she is all about. It is a very fascinating character and one of her finest traits is that she can make people do what she wants.

Why did you take such a long break?

I had been doing TV for a long time now and daily shows take up a lot of time. It is tough to maintain balance between home and work also, so it was best to take a break. Now, it is more organised, so I am finding it better to work.

How have you seen the television change ever since you went on a break?

I was doing chat shows and others on television but mostly on English news channels. There has been change in television programming and the content has improved a lot. The viewers have more variety than before, considering that a number of new channels have come up too.

What kept you occupied while you were on a break?

I travel and read a lot. Also, I spend a lot of time with my family. There were anchoring shows and events that kept me busy too.

You did some movies but not many. Why?

I enjoyed the work that came my way and I have no regrets about the roles I have done or the way my career has moved. I want to enjoy my work and feel satisfied with the kind of work I have. — HRM

CHATTER BOX

Shake a leg: Sharda and Sakshi of Ekk Nayi Pehchaan Saas-bahu who dance together, stay together

In the up and coming episode of the show, Ekk Nayi Pehchaan, the favourite saas-bahu Jodi of Sharda and Sakshi will be seen shaking a leg on a Bollywood track. Sharda and Sakshi, who have been together even in tuff times, will be seen having fun at the Modi house, where the family will be seen rejoicing and celebrating young Diya's birthday. For more, tune into Ekk Nayi Pehchaan Monday to Friday at 8:30 pm only on Sony TV.

Shake a leg: Sharda and Sakshi of Ekk Nayi Pehchaan

Hues of humour

In the ongoing track of the show, Jeannie & Juju, Vicky (Ali Asgar) is accidentally affected by a magic spell, which changes his appearance from normal to different shades of red, blue, green etc. Ironically, the change in colour also affects Vicky's mood patterns. While red shows anger, blue shows calm and green shows him as an envious person. Jeannie (Rubina Dilaik) shares that she was really impressed with Ali's acting skills. Rubina said, "Ali is a fabulous actor and he totally pulls off different acts in our show. The ongoing track consists of both physical and mental challenges, as Ali's look will change drastically according to his mood swings. Ali impressed everyone on the sets with his acting prowess. He even joked about it saying that he got to play Holi again."

When reel-life relations become real

Divyank Tripathi, who is currently seen in Ye Hai Mohabbatein, has no time to give attention to anybody as she seems to be extremely busy with her reel-life daughter, Ruhanika, who also plays Ruhi's character in the show. "Yes it's true, I love Ruhanika like my own daughter, and I spend all my free time either pampering her or making her study. She has stolen my heart and I just can't stay away from her." says Divyanka. "Ruhi loves Divyanka and is very comforted to have her around. She pampers her with little gifts and is really like her Ishi Maa." says Ruhi's mother. We guess, while some relations are made in heaven, others are made on the sets.

New innings

Nikhil Chaddha, who played Rachana's beau in Sapne Suhane Ladakpan Ke, is thrilled about his new show, Nadaan Parinde. He has been shooting non-stop in Chandigarh and enjoying not only the stunts but also the army-man look.

Burying the hatchet: Pratyusha Banerjee and Sara Khan Kamiya resolves the issue

Pratyusha Banerjee and Sara Khan were good friends until last year, when after a bitter fight they parted ways. Now, buzz is that Kamiya Punjabi has got them back together and the girls are bonding pretty well. They will soon go on a holiday together too.

Burying the hatchet: Pratyusha Banerjee and Sara Khan

What’s in the name?

Deepika Singh aka Sandhya of the show, Diya Aur Baati Hum, is getting married to the director of the show, Rohit Raj Goyal in May. Deepika says that she will address him as sir even after marriage and claims that he has been her teacher on the set and even after their wedding, she will be able to call him by his name.

Bleak future: Kareena Kapoor Pause button for Kareena

Kareena Kapoor Khan has turned down a variety of films and now she only has Singham 2 in her kitty. Many say that her film career is over.

Bleak future: Kareena Kapoor

Two hands full!

Veteran actress Sridevi will soon start working on two films; one is a Tamil film produced by Shebu & Selvaraj and the other is a Hindi film produced by Boney Kapoor.

Playing a little difficult

Buzz is that actress Alia Bhatt is going to be directed by her mother Soni Razdan in a film adapted from Manju Kapur's best selling novel Difficult Daughters. It is being speculated that the film will go on floors in 2015.

Jaya’s television debut

Jaya Bachchan's debut TV show, which was supposed to go on-air September this year, has been delayed due to some production issues. Reportedly, the hunt is still on for the actress who'll play the younger version of Mrs Bachchan.

Looking for a love nest

We hear that Katrina Kaif and Ranbir Kapoor are looking for a love nest in Bandra, suburban Mumbai. They will finalise the place soon but we hear that Kapoor already owns a floor in a building in Bandra so why don't they move in there?

ASTRO TURF
P Khurrana

ARIES: "Eight of Swords" bestows Saturine influence due to which, problems are bound to arise at home. A disagreement with your partner won't be resolved for a few days so don't try to push your point. Tarot message: Try to avoid serious discussions with loved ones. Lucky colour: Aqua blue Magic number: 39

TAURUS: Budget goes topsy-turvy. You may spend time to work in the hospitals or institutions and talk to those less fortunate than yourself. Start a class in yoga and nurture your well-being in a gentle and mindful way. Tarot message: Seek advice but don't feel you have to stick to it. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 48

GEMINI: You will not be able to get teamwork going. Short trips could cause minor annoyance. Personal plans will be opposed by friends and will be much harder to carry out. Tarot message: A shopping spree can set your budget aflutter, so beware. Lucky colour: Purple Magic number: 36

CANCER: You are on the crest of a lucky wave. The married will be able to see more of each other. Do not sign new agreements. A hectic day for businessmen. Tarot message: Make the best of a bad situation by being polite and understanding. Lucky colour: Deep red Magic number: 59

LEO: Use your own judgment while making important decisions. Do not demonstrate your anger to anybody. Enjoy evening with your friends. A restless attitude is likely to prevail. Tarot message: Spend time on fitness routines. Lucky colour: Yellow Magic number: 29

VIRGO: Make your choices wisely today. Family politics or the power struggles in shared living quarters can intensify. Talking about the issues with friends may be a distraction. Tarot message: Take your partner out to dinner and renew energy in the relationship. Lucky colour: Forest green Magic number: 47

LIBRA: "Ten of Wands" shows deception influence. You will feel irritated at work. A new deal may bring monetary gains. Women: control your diet, and focus on exercise. Good friends will be a source support. Tarot message: Adopt a diplomatic approach. Lucky colour: Orange Magic number: 61

SCORPIO: Youngsters may feel lethargic. New work may next prove lucrative. You can safely delegate responsibility of work to others. A chance encounter with a stranger may leave your heart beating wildly. Tarot message: Beware of making rash moves when angry or upset. Lucky colour: Saffron Magic number: 30

SAGITTARIUS: You are unlikely to have any difficulty on concentrating. There could be upset in store for you as the day progress. Diplomacy and tact are the key words for the day. Tarot message: Keep your eyes and ears open for new and exciting opportunities. Lucky colour: Peach Magic number: 42

CAPRICORN: Do not neglect your work. Keep business activities open and aboveboard. Parent's health needs attention. Spend the morning in bed reading the newspapers then go to your favorite café for breakfast. Tarot message: Be as charming as possible. Lucky colour: Mauve Magic number: 25

AQUARIUS: An influential person may acknowledge your work and encourage you to take your career further. Take notice of your food and drink intake if you want to feel better. Stock brokers: think before investing. Tarot message: See what you can do for others. Lucky colour: Silver grey Magic number: 40

PISCES: No matter what problems might arise, you will achieve success. The job seekers could have a couple of interviews and get both jobs. A business deal is likely to go through and give you a more secure income. Tarot message: Take the life the way it comes. Lucky colour: White Magic number: 52

THE YEAR AHEAD
Madan Gupta Spatu

If your birthday is April 17...

This birthday is an excellent day for you. It's a perfect day to reminisce about a shared past and enjoy your friend's company. Number 17 suggests that you are very fortune financially, because this date is very good for business interest and a solid business sense. Although you are very honest and ethical, number 17 enables you to be shrewd and successful in the world of business and commercial enterprise.

You have excellent organisational, managerial, and administrative capabilities enabling you to handle large projects and significant amounts of money with relative ease. The year, 2014 shows slow and steady progress. Get ready to stay focused on your goals and put in your maximum efforts. This year warrants a lot of effort and re-establishment of self-control.

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 21 copies of Hanuman Chalisa or bananas/papayas at a religious place.

You share your birthday with Bindu [April 17, 1951], who appeared with Anpadh in 1962. She has effortlessly played a vamp, a stern mother-in-law, a bold dancer, a singer, and a seductress. She gained much appreciation from the film, Do Raaste. Her career will fade due to Saturnian influence.





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