For an astrologer, Ashok Motiani cuts quite a humble figure; before you even say anything he’s quick to note that he’s not ‘always’ right.

“But my predictions are getting more accurate; earlier it used to 80 percent right and now it’s closer to around 90 percent. But no astrologer is always correct; I guess that keeps our breed from playing God,” he laughs.

Currently in town for the launch of restaurant Out of the Blue’s website - where he’ll be answering queries for free - this New York-based astrologer has certainly come a long way. 

“I think filmmaker Vijay Anand has a lot to do with my turning to astrology. While I myself was very interested in the subject, he was the one who egged me on to pursue it,” reveals Ashok, who along with Vijay Anand was a member of Otter’s Club.

In fact, that’s where he first met veteran actor Dilip Kumar. “He too believes in astrology though I haven’t met him since I moved base to the US,” he says matter-of-factly. That’s not all, for Dimple Kapadia and Jackie Shroff have also consulted him.

Another interesting anecdote would be his prediction about actor couple Sarika and Kamal Hasan’s marriage. “This was in the 90’s and I was actually part of an astrology show where many astrologers had participated and we had to read a veiled person’s horoscope.

Based on what I saw, I predicted that this person’s marriage wouldn’t work. But little did I know that this person was in fact, actor Sarika!” he reminisces. 

Given that his first ever prediction about the stock market crashing post April 28, 1992 came true, he has a soft corner for queries regarding the stock market happenings.

He even predicts that post the month of May next year, the market will decline due to what he thinks will be the ‘biggest financial disaster cover-up ever’.

Despite his predilection for financial astrology, he does delve into topics like family, love and marriage. “Perhaps it’s because they are the most frequently asked about areas,” he replies, adding that he had even predicted the rough patch that Hollywood couple Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn would undergo. Then there’s the ‘really nice’ Gwyneth Paltrow and ofcourse, Uma Thurman; the latter having consulted him before naming her daughter.  

Has he met someone who didn’t believe in astrology at all? “Oh yes, I once met Bill Gates briefly at a party some years back in NY. When he got to know that I’m an astrologer, all he said was, ‘I don’t believe in astrology’. And I just replied, “I don’t think you need to,” he ends with the smile.