Top News

At a time when many actors are turning to cosmetic procedures to maintain a youthful appearance, Mallika Sherawat is choosing a different path. She says she has never had Botox or fillers and doesn’t intend to, adding that she would rather focus on being healthy than trying to look 25 forever. She shares, “I have chosen to remain natural. I have not relied on any plastic surgeon. I like the face that I have and I believe there is no shortcut for authenticity and discipline.”
Talking about ageing gracefully , she adds, “I don’t understand why girls are getting convinced that their real faces are not good enough. I don’t want an Instagram face. I want a life that’s worthy of putting on Instagram.”

Mallika shares, “No late nights, no smoking, no alcohol, sleeping early, yoga and pranayama... that’s what I follow. I don’t want to look 25 forever. I simply want to be the healthiest and happiest version of myself at every age.”
‘I don’t have to work for money’
On the work front, 13 years after The Bachelorette India: Mere Khayalon Ki Mallika, Mallika is making her reality show comeback with The Traitors. “Initially, I was apprehensive about taking it up. I didn’t want to do any reality shows, but my manager convinced me to do it.”
Mallika says she has been offered Bigg Boss, too, in the past, but it doesn’t excite her. “The format doesn’t appeal to me. I don’t think that as an actor I can bring any value to it. If there’s something I don’t want to do, I simply don’t do it. I’ve been very sensible with my money, and today I don’t have to work just to earn money,” she says.
‘I was ahead of my time’
Looking back at being labelled a sex symbol, Mallika believes perceptions have changed with time. “Every situation has two sides. Today, being called a sex symbol is considered exciting. I genuinely believe I was ahead of my time. Society wasn’t ready then, which is why people found my honesty, glamour and confidence unusual. Today, writers are creating characters like that. But I also don’t understand why people think glamour and depth cannot coexist, or that an outspoken woman cannot be thoughtful. Those are assumptions some people make,” says Mallika, who has been part of films like Murder, The Myth and Pyaar Ke Side Effects.
‘I’m grateful, not a victim’
Despite criticism and controversies throughout her career, Mallika says gratitude has always outweighed resentment. “This industry gave me financial independence, and that is the most important thing for a woman if she wants to live life on her own terms. I’m forever grateful to the industry and even to the women who spoke badly about me — they gave me free publicity and made me even more popular. I studied Philosophy early in life and it changed the way I think. I have so much to be grateful for. Coming from Haryana, meeting US President Barack Obama, walking the Cannes red carpet, working with Jackie Chan and so many incredible people — why would I play victim?” she says.


‘There is no emptiness in my life’
Ask Mallika, who is single, whether she is looking for love or feels the absence of a companion in her life, and she replies, “It’s not that I’m walking around with a torch looking for love. I don’t feel any emptiness or a void in my life. Why would I give up the admiration of so many men for one companion? I love the attention I get.” (smiles)