In town for the launch of the Forevermark Boutique store in South City Mall on May 27, Karisma Kapoor, looking gorgeous in an Amit Aggarwal peplum gown, a three-line diamond neckpiece around her neck and a pair of solitaire studs, sat down for a quick interaction with t2 in her room at JW Mariott Kolkata. Before starting the chat, she pointed at the table laden with mishti doi and rosogollas in front of her. “I can’t wait to dig into them,” she admitted. We promised her we’d keep it short... 

They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend. What do you think?

I definitely agree that diamonds are a girl’s best friend and diamonds are forever, which is Forevermark’s tagline. It’s such a special thing for every woman of every age. And I think what’s beautiful about Forevermark is that they’re beautiful, rare and each stone is very responsibly selected. Each stone also has an inscription on it, which makes it unique and assures people that they are getting something authentic. 

What was the first piece of diamond you were gifted?

Oh my god, I don’t even remember (laughs)! I think on my 16th birthday I got little hearts from my parents. 

When did you buy your first diamond?

Maybe on my 21st birthday... I bought myself a solitaire with my own money. 

Any fave piece of jewellery handed down by your mother?

I think I have a lot of pieces from her wedding jewellery... things she was gifted and very graciously has divided them between me and Kareena. She has given me this wonderful neckpiece that she had worn at her wedding reception, which has aquamarine stones and diamonds and she says the colour matches my eyes. 

Any piece you and Bebo fight over?

Oh, lots of stuff! But we share a lot of our jewellery too. It’s always good to have a sister.

Have you started keeping things for your children?

I think like every Indian lady, I have started collecting things. So like my mum passed on to me, I would pass on to my children as well. 

Are you a big rock person or a minimal jewellery person?

Though we all like to own a nice big rock, at the end of the day my personal style would be minimal. I think we don’t get time to wear such big pieces. Just solitaires are my way.

Rings, earrings and necklaces — your favourite way to flaunt diamonds?

I think the classic solitaire earrings look the best.

What do you love most about Calcutta?

I have been coming to Calcutta for so many years now and, like you can see, I have so many plates of dessert lying here. Coming to Calcutta and eating yummy mustard fish and mishti doi are important and I have a sweet tooth.

So you really have dessert?!

I am a person who has always endorsed a healthy lifestyle. Like you can see, I will have dessert now. So I think one must do everything in moderation and eat healthy, eat well. Don’t starve yourself. A little bit of exercise goes a long way — if you want to go to the gym or do some yoga or even take a walk in your backyard or a building compound. You should follow a regimen that is part of your lifestyle and I think that’s what is important.

Anannya Sarkar