As she arrives for the cover shoot of our 7th anniversary special issue, at the Quan Spa, Marriott Pune, the first thing that you notice about her is the calmness on her face... Sridevi is glowing and looking more beautiful than ever before. Being a proud mother of two lovely daughters and that certain peacefulness that comes with being a content woman... is all showing! She is effortlessly beautiful and her enigmatic aura enchants you.
Her humility exudes her commanding stardom. There’s humbleness and there’s no attitude, and there’s that unmistakable twinkle in her eyes that is so very Sridevi! As she gets ready for shots after shots, she exudes a professionalism that can only be attributed to her long years of experience.
She has ruled the Indian film industry and was also titled the ‘Lady Amitabh Bachchan’ of her time. She has innumerable mega-blockbusters to her credit where her stellar performances amazed the fans and critics likewise.
In a candid conversation, Sridevi talks about living a life marked by wellness, her decision to give career a backseat for bringing up her daughters, her secret passion for painting, indulgence in spas, comeback plans, and the secret to her beautiful skin and perfect body.
On Health, Beauty and Fitness...
What is your idea of wellness?
Being in a positive and happy frame of mind.
What does true beauty mean to you?
When you are glowing with happiness.
What are the essential beauty rituals that you follow regularly?
I believe in eating the right food and at the right time, doing yoga and having lots of water; and I follow this regularly.
A beauty tip that you would give to all women?
Go on and pamper yourselves. We deserve it!
What would be the ultimate beauty faux pas?
Sleeping with make-up on. And using too many products on your skin – it’s very harsh for the skin.
Going down the memory lane, what’s the first beauty product you remember using?
I remember mixing glycerine and rose water and using it on my face.
What does your fitness regime entail?
I play outdoor games with my children like tennis, and I try to be regular with my power yoga. I also make it a point to go jogging with my daughter.
You are so fit and well-toned; do you exercise rigorously to keep yourself toned?
I try to, but I don’t think I’m very regular because we travel very often.
What is truly your relationship with time, are you afraid of ageing?
I believe in aging gracefully.
To confront ageing, did you decide to change, at a certain time in your life, your looks, lifestyle or habits?
Not that I know of, I’m just going with the flow.
What according to you is the best way to de-stress after a long day at work?
Enjoying a movie with my husband and my kids.
What are your favourite places for a spa experience?
In France, the Four Seasons Spa at Provence, and Banyan Tree in Phuket.
What has been your most indulgent spa experience?
The most recent one, in Pune at the Marriott. I went for the honey scrub, massage and a special fruit facial – it was my first. I really enjoyed it, and I look forward to doing it again. It was blissful!
Do you follow a diet plan?
Yes, I do. I make it a point to start my day with 2 glasses of warm water with a squeezed lemon and herbal tea. Then I have some mixed vegetable juice followed by a heavy breakfast like oat meal or muesli with lots of dry fruits, honey and made in skim milk – that gives me the energy till 3 in the afternoon, that’s when I have lunch with my kids. Lunch for me usually consists of lots of salad and sometimes smoked or grilled salmon, tofu or feta cheese. I make sure to add a lot of greens to my salad. I accompany this with some dal. My dinner is usually lighter then my lunch, so I stick to soups, but unlike many others I prefer to have a roti and some vegetable curry so that I sleep well. I snack on sautéed peanuts, a whole fruit, lots of cheese especially goats cheese with multigrain crackers and dark chocolate are my weakness. I make it a point to eat every 2 hours.
What is the essential nutrition to ensure a glowing skin?
Have lots of water and liquids in general. Include ample fruits and vegetables in your diet and no fried or oily food.
Perfect makeup is nothing less than a fine art. Please share some thoughts on it.
I try keeping it as natural and minimal as possible.
Your essential makeup & beauty kit would have?
The La Prairie Platinum cream, some eyeliner and lip gloss – that’s all I need.
How do you take care of your beautiful long tress?
By oiling it regularly and not using any harsh chemicals.
If you could share with our readers some home remedies for skin and hair care?
I would suggest everyone to use fruit packs. Oil your hair and take a head massage as often as possible, for better blood circulation.
The most precious memory and cherished experience in life?
Amongst the several cherished moments that I have spent with my husband, I especially remember this one incident where I felt his deep concern for me. It was on the day of the first Mumbai bomb blast, when I was staying at the Sea Rock Hotel in Mumbai. When he got to know of the blast, he rushed to the hotel and got to know that I was shooting at the Natraj Studios. He then rushed there and on seeing me fine, the relief on his face was evident. He immediately insisted upon me moving into his house. I was touched, later shocked and naturally reluctant. After several efforts of persistence from his side, he convinced my mother and made sure that I shifted to his house with my aunt, who used to accompany me for all my shoots.
On Movies...
Starting as a child star at the age of 4, how did your journey with the movies begin?
It’s a long story! I got spotted by a lyricist, Late Sri Kanadasan who asked Chinapadevar to cast me as BalaMurga (Lord Murga) – and that’s how my journey began.
What is the most challenging role you’ve done till date?
I think it would be the movie Sadma.
A dream role that you’ve always wanted to play?
Whitney Housten in Body Guard.
Any of the new-age actors whose performance has really impressed you?
Anushka Sharma and Ranveer Singh in Band Baja Baarat, and Kangana Ranaut and Madavan in Tanu Weds Manu.
Being a part of the industry for years, you’ve seen a lot of changes around you. How has the industry changed?
It has definitely changed for the better. Things are more organized and professional, and technically at par with the best in the world.
At the peak of your career you went on a sabbatical to raise your kids; was it a difficult decision?
It came naturally to me, and my children and family became my priority.
There is a buzz about you making a comeback with director Balki (Paa fame), in his next venture? Please tell us about the project?
Yes, I am very excited about the subject, which has been written and would be directed by Gauri Shinde, and produced by her husband, R. Balki. In this movie, I play a housewife, who sets out to find her own identity.
Tell us about your passion for painting? And all the appreciation that your works have received.
I have been painting ever since my early days, and it took a break after my marriage. But now I’m back to it, thanks to the encouragement and support from my husband and my children. It was all the more overwhelming to receive all the positive feedback that I got from my relatives and friends, especially, the renowned painter Subhash Awchat. Painting is my passion, and a way for me to de-stress. Most of the time I do figures, portraits and some modern art.
Your kind of music?
Anything soulful and soothing.
What is an instant mood-lifter for you?
Seeing my children happy.
Something that you like to collect?
Old photographs of my family.
Your most precious possession?
A letter from my mother, which she sent to me while I was shooting for ‘Khuda Gawah’ in Jomsom, Nepal. She had written this letter to me expressing how much she is missing me, and enquiring if I was getting proper food and care – because the weather there was extremely cold and windy, we could only shoot from 6 in the morning to 12 noon. I have framed that letter and it remains by my bedside.
One thing that your hand-bag would always have?
Green tea bags.
As told to asiaSpa India Magazine.
