Sharmila Tagore: ‘Sara often takes tips from me on various things, be it acting or life’

Read the edited excerpts below:

Your beauty and grace remain unmatched on the timelessness scale. What is the secret to the same?

I have always followed and believed in traditional beauty methods and ingredients. For healthy and glowing skin, one must understand that it cannot be achieved overnight. Constant maintenance and a proper skincare routine must be followed in order to get supple and healthy skin. There is no true secret for the same. However, I’ve always tried to use natural products found in many ancient beauty tales and Ayurveda writings. Keeping things simple over the years, my Bengali genes have also contributed to my enhanced skin texture making it look natural and radiant.

Being in front of the camera may have required you to apply many products on your skin over the years. How have you managed to take care of it? Is there a strict routine you have followed over the years?

I try my best to take good care of my skin, and I have always chosen natural skincare ingredients and products. I do follow a disciplined routine that includes- intaking a balanced diet, healthy thinking, maintaining a regular sleep cycle, keeping myself hydrated at all times etc. all of which have contributed to my skin health over the years. Before coming on camera, I make sure that my skin feels hydrated and that the products that I use to prep my skin are natural and deliver nourishment.

Are you someone who swears by only natural ingredients/DIY hair and skincare remedies? 

As I previously mentioned, I come from an era where the norm was using natural ingredients to achieve soft and glowing skin, therefore I have been using these ancient beauty essentials even over the years. In today’s age where beauty routines are complicated with step-wise regimes, ITC Vivel VedVidya soaps offer the benefits of simple yet beneficial ingredients that take us back to our roots. Their newly introduced line of soaps inspired by ancient beauty secrets provides a diverse range of ingredients with sensory and functional benefits. I am delighted to be able to impart beauty secrets that have been passed down to me by my mother and grandmother.

If you were to list 5 things you do for your glowing skin, what would you say?

The top 5 things that are a part of my routine for glowing skin are-

*I make sure to prioritise myself and my needs. This is a simple key to achieving a healthy mind and body.
*Adopting healthy eating habits is a must
*Keeping myself hydrated
*Use natural ingredients for my skincare
*Also focus on wellness and fitness exercises, yoga etc.

Do you also share any skincare secrets with your daughters, daughter-in-law, and probably your granddaughters one day? Any family beauty secrets that have been followed for generations?

Every half-decade, beauty routines change and it can be challenging to keep up with the trends. My grandmother and I were quite close, and during much of my youth, I used to be fascinated and amazed by her radiant skin. Her secret to beauty was using the right combinations in her beauty regimen. For radiant-looking skin, she used a combination of chandan and badam oil. Her magical skincare remedy was extracts of natural Nargis flower and kumkumadi oil.

This herbal mixture not only helped to cure skin concerns but was also one of the go-to skincare regimens for crystal-clear skin. My mother and I followed my grandmother’s skincare routine, and it has since trickled down to my own kids. It’s rightly said, ancient beauty is truly timeless, and the purity of these everyday ingredients still holds its relevance in today’s modern beauty methods.

You seem to be equally particular about your fitness — we have seen glimpses of it on Instagram. What does your daily diet and fitness routine entail?

I love waking up early and practising yoga. It has helped cleanse my body internally and makes me feel fresh all day. In terms of my diet, I consume a lot of green leafy vegetables, dry fruits, seasonal fruits etc. while keeping a check on my portions. Maintaining a strict diet and exercising helps curb many of the problems, especially at this age.

We also need to ask you about your style — which is all about elegance. How would you describe it?

For me, my inspiration has always been my mother, who has always taught and guided the best for everything especially with respect to my skin, as I’m the most concerned about that. I believe in the concept of simplicity and that has been imbibed in me since my childhood.

Being an actor today comes with immense pressure — both physical and mental. How different was it in your time? How did/do you prioritise mental health, and keep stress at bay?

Any field of life you choose doesn’t come easy. There are both pros and cons in whatever field we choose for ourselves, and one must go through both physical and mental ups and downs to experience life and learn from it. Like everyone, I have also experienced both good and bad days that have been part and parcel of my journey. For me, the most important part of my schedule is the time I set aside to be with myself, and with my thoughts.

I also make sure to keep myself occupied — spending time with my grandchildren, reading up on new trends, etc. is something that gives me joy. I often also write journals that help keep my mind fresh and stress-free. My suggestion to other women will be to keep working hard for themselves and be independent. Also, love life and yourself to the fullest.

Do you miss being in front of the camera? What is the one thing you miss the most? And now when you face the camera after so many years, how different/same did it feel?

Shooting the Vivel campaign just felt wonderful! I got a flashback of those times back in the day and I felt my muscle memory just took over. During my shoot when I was in front of the camera, I felt that I had never left and the team also made sure that I was very comfortable. I have always enjoyed interacting with the camera and it was exciting being back on sets!

You are often seen enjoying the company of your grandchildren. What do you enjoy doing the most with them? Does Sara often take acting tips from you?

I have always loved spending time with my grandchildren. There’s so much to learn from them each day. As part of the family, I have to make sure that each member is well-tuned and that there’s understanding and immense love and respect amongst all of us. Sara (Ali Khan) often takes tips from me on various things, be it acting or life lessons. I make sure I share everything with her because I had the same curiosity as her when I was young — to discuss things with my grandmother and mother.

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