Kareena Kapoor is undoutedly one of the most beautiful divas in Bollywood today. For this gorgeous actress, it’s important to look natural both on and off the screen. Be it her iconic roles as Dolly in Omkara and Geet in Jab We Met or more recent hit films like last year’s Singham Returns, she has kept the makeup minimal. Talking to Femina she said that she feels most beautiful “when I’m not dolled up”. She attributes her flawless skin and lustrous hair to her mum Babita’s British ancestry but equally believes that being in a happy state of mind contributes to looking good. Drinking “gallons of natural spring water”, applying almond oil to her skin and hair, and practising yoga for an hour are some of the secrets to her beauty and fitness. Part of what makes her the most beautiful is Kareena’s loving acceptance of herself. She doesn’t see ageing as a threat, but simply as a natural process, and she has embraced it gracefully. Edited excerpts from the interview:
When do you feel the most beautiful?
I look my best when I dress down. I feel beautiful when I’m in just jeans and a sweatshirt.
When does Saif think you look your best?
He likes me the most in my glamorous avatar, especially when I wear saris.
What does he compliment you on most often?
He compliments me most on the person that I am. He admires the fact that I’m grounded and in touch with reality. He feels I have had a calming effect on him—and grounded someone as volatile as him.
In your line of work, you tend to travel a lot and work round the clock. Have you learnt any beauty tips on how to look amazing even when you’re tired or jet-lagged?
There is nothing that comes even close to drinking four to six bottles of natural spring water. I call it a miracle drug, and it helps me keep my hair and skin hydrated, even when I’m tired from all my travels.
What are the other natural remedies that you swear by?
I apply almond oil to my skin and hair every day. My mum and grandmother have also used it for decades now. Sometimes I also wear a face mask made of curd and almond oil, which has again been handed down to me by the women in my family.
In an earlier interview you had said that Karisma taught you the correct way of
washing your face. Do you still take beauty tips from her?
Absolutely! Karisma is the epitome of ultimate beauty and fitness, and these days we have very similar beauty routines. You will not believe me but we’re not into expensive anti-ageing creams, serums and other chemical-laden treatments. We have a very traditional approach to beauty, and only use natural products. My beauty tool kit comprises a Lakme kajal pencil, a lipbalm and Cetaphil moisturising lotion.
Who is more beautiful, Karisma or your niece Samaira?
For me, Karisma is the most beautiful person in Bollywood today. And I do hope my niece takes after her mother and evolves into a beautiful and glowing young lady.
What’s your quick fix for bad hair days?
I have my hair tied up in a top knot. It looks sexier than a pretentious blow-dry [laughs].
Are there any beauty treatments that you like to do for yourself?
I crave massages all the time. I like to soak myself in almond oil and then get a massage.
How different is your basic beauty routine today from the one in your 20s?
I wash my face twice a day. It’s just that I moisturise it more frequently now. When I’m vacationing in Europe in winter, I do it at least twice a day.
Do you worry about ageing?
I think I’m the biggest advocate of ageing gracefully. I love the lines on a face, as they describe the life you have lived. And grey hair makes you look very elegant. I’m happy to grow old naturally. Botox is just not for me.
How do you see yourself growing old?
I have been lucky to experience professional success and a fulfilling personal life at the same time. So hopefully I would be having a family of my own. Saif and I would continue to live in India, but see the world with our children. When I turn 70, i should be sitting in a large dining room with my family and just laughing, eating and drinking.