The very graceful Sharmila Tagore shares her beauty secrets – Times of India

Sharmila Tagore is widely regarded as a timeless beauty in Indian cinema. Tagore’s distinct beauty is a combination of her sharp features, including her piercing eyes and high cheekbones, and her graceful and confident demeanor. Her style was often understated yet sophisticated, and she has always been known for her signature winged eyeliner.
Despite being in the limelight for over five decades, Sharmila Tagore has aged gracefully and continues to inspire generations with her beauty and charm. She remains an icon of Indian cinema and a true testament to the adage that true beauty is timeless. We got in touch with the iconic actress who continues to astound us with her antics and eternal beauty, and she spilled the beans on her beauty secrets and more.
Q. You are considered a timeless beauty in India. Over the years, what have been some of your secrets to achieve this beauty?
Sharmila: I have always believed in the concept of traditional beauty practices. To achieve healthy and glowing skin, one must understand that it cannot be achieved overnight. Consistent efforts and a proper skincare routine have to be followed in order to get supple and healthy skin.
Being grown in a joint family and hearing about skincare advice from my elders, I only use to rely upon the raw form of flowers, herbs and extract oils like Nargis and Kumkumadi Oil, Nagamotha and Bahumanjari Oil, Chandan and Badamam Oil for my skin. These ancient beauty essentials have helped me from back in the day till now for radiant and naturally glowing skin.

Q. What are some of the family beauty secrets passed down to you by your mother/grandmother, and that you have passed down to your daughter & granddaughter?
Sharmila: Beauty rituals transform every half decade and the trends are hard to keep up with. I was extremely close to my grandmother and used to be so mesmerized and fascinated by her radiant skin, most of my childhood. Her secret to beauty was using the right combinations in her beauty regimen. For radiant-looking skin, she used a combination of Chandan and Badamam 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 regimes for crystal-clear skin.
Inspired by my grandmother, the same was replicated by my mother and me and now has trickled down to my own children as well. It’s rightly said, ancient beauty is truly timeless, and the authenticity of these everyday ingredients still holds its relevance in today’s modern beauty methods.
Q: In the era where today daily beauty rituals consist of endless regimes and steps, what would be your advice to young people looking to do the best by their skin?
In today’s time, the younger generation dabbles and explores life very differently. I’ve always preferred living in the present moment, experiencing all life has to offer. The generation’s fascination with new beauty treatments is admirable, but in this tremendously fast-paced environment, self-care must be prioritized. It is essential to follow a skincare routine to pamper oneself. Sometimes great care is available in the simplest of things like some soaps that are inspired by ancient beauty secrets that offer consumers a choice of the best ingredients that have been known for skincare and beauty properties for generations.

Q. Tell us more about your association with a beauty brand for the first time? How is it relatable to your beauty regime?
Sharmila: In today’s day and age where beauty routines are much more than just cleansing, the ITC Vivel VedVidya soaps offer the benefits of simple yet beneficial ingredients that take us back to our roots. The brand has long promised to provide skin nutrition. 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 a part of this innovative product and to be able to impart beauty secrets that have been passed down to me by my mother and grandmother. I truly resonate with the brand’s commitment to offering seamless skincare solutions.
Q. Whom do you consider your ideal and inspiring source?
Sharmila: I definitely look up to my mother as a strong role model and the fact that she had always been my inspiration is not hidden. Her advice was to do whatever I wanted but with confidence.
Q. What is me time for you? What would you suggest other women?
Sharmila: I enjoy reading about Indian beauty and its history. Aside from that, I make time for my family, especially my grandchildren, who are dear to me. With decades of experience, my advice to other women is to be independent while still establishing a balance in their personal lives, and take care of their own skin and health, as they would for others.
Q. What is the secret to your timeless and radiant beauty?
Sharmila: Self-discipline, balanced food, healthy thinking, and a regular sleep cycle all contribute to bright skin. I’ve always used natural skin care products like fresh flowers, Kumkumadi oil, and Tulsi as I believe that natural products are simple yet effective in nature.
Q. Your favourite natural ingredients that you incorporate in your daily beauty/wellness routine.
Sharmila: As an actor, the right skincare technique is significant for us and I believe these old time tested recipes are evergreen such as a mix of flower extracts, saffron, herbs and Tulsi. For me, the three favourite natural ingredients are: Nargis flowers, Kumkumadi oil and Chandan.
Q. Why should people rely on ancient beauty secrets/ingredients?
Sharmila: These rituals were once the key to the ageless beauty of kings and queens. Such practices have been blended with contemporary techniques throughout time. Therefore, it is advised that individuals go back in time and discover the beauty recipes from that era. I am sure today’s generation can revive ancient experiences, thereby, giving skin the soft nourishing experience, it deserves.