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Sridevi

Her beauty is intimidating. Even without a touch of concealer, eyeliner or gloss. Having agreed to do the t2 interview within an hour of checking into her Taj Palace suite, Sridevi sat cross-legged on the couch, in white jeans and a knit top. Her dinner had just arrived (some soup, of course — stars and their soups!). The butler was tongue-tied. She told him she would call him after the chat for the soup. He left. Though one couldn’t see him break into a little jig outside her room, pretty sure it did happen! Over to the Bollywood beauty on fashion, films, family, food and face packs...

How does it feel to be an icon for so many of us?

(Blushes more than usual) I don’t know. I don’t really think about it. Only when someone like you says something, it reminds me!

Do you have any magic foods as part of your diet?

(Laughs) No, no magic foods! But I prefer vegetarian food. I don’t like fried foods, colas or junk food. I like less oil in my food. I prefer a healthy soup instead.

But there has to be a secret to you looking like this!

No secrets! It’s all natural. I exercise and walk. I also believe in being with happy, positive people because they give you good energy.

Any special tips to get our skin as glowing as yours?

You should keep your face clean. Moisturising is very important. House packs and home remedies work well.

What is your favourite kitchen ingredient?

I love strawberries. They make great face packs and when it is not strawberry season, I really miss it!

Can you cook?

No, but my younger one can cook very well. She bakes very well, so all of us — from me to our dog — get birthday cakes baked by Khushi. She’s a really good cook, not like an 11-year-old, but a proper cook!

Your wardrobe is so versatile, from bodycon minis to traditional saris…. How would you describe your signature style?

I don’t have a particular style, it depends on how I am feeling at the moment. For a puja, I like to wear a Kanjeevaram and even my children wear Pattupavadas. Nowadays I wear a lot that my elder daughter Jhanvi chooses, so the tables have turned!

Is your younger daughter also into fashion?

Jhanvi is more into it but Khushi is also interested these days! She likes to be a part of the conversation and, like all girls, likes to talk about shoes, bags and dresses!

Saris are clearly a favourite with you…

I love saris. For traditional functions, I like to wear it the traditional way, but for parties I go for sequins and an interesting blouse....

What kind of a shopper are you — impulsive or planned?

I am a very planned shopper! One day I will go for trials. I will see all the shops. Second day I will visit some more boutiques and on the third day, I will finally go and buy! I am a researched shopper!

How long does it take you to get ready?

About 20 minutes maximum. I don’t like too much make-up. I think too many layers of products spoil the skin, it looks chalky and caked. It’s important to let your skin breathe and less is always more.

“Less is more” also describes your look in English Vinglish

It was created by my director Gauri (Shinde) and designer Sabyasachi (Mukherjee). They came up with all the details — from my bindi to the choti. I totally surrendered myself to them!

How was it working with Sabyasachi?

It was a great experience working with him. I love his work, specially his colour combinations. His saris are so intricate and beautiful. He is such a simple person and so down to earth and doesn’t talk much.

What do you think about this style blog boom and the pressure to be dressed ‘up’ 24x7?

I still don’t care! Though my daughters tell me not to come and pick them up in track pants, I don’t listen. I am too lazy to get ready!

There is a buzz about Jhanvi joining films ever since she accompanied you to Lakme Fashion Week last season...

No, it’s not true. She’s like my friend now and that’s why she came with me. She is studying right now and it’s too early to talk about her.

SRI’S FAVE FILM LOOKS

1) Chandni. The salwar kameezes had become such a fashion statement. It was major. Major.

2) Hawa HawAi. The looks of this song from Mr India had become a part of every fancy dress competition!

3) Kabhi main kahoon from Lamhe. I love my look in this song — the hair, the dress…

4) Sadma. It was a very simple, real look and went with the character so well (in picture).

5) Khuda Gawah. The styling was very rustic. It had bronze, leopard prints... it looked so different and dramatic.

6) Judaai. Manish Malhotra gave me a great look in this movie.

 
 
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