Iconic Bollywood actress Madhuri Dixit blends aristocratic poise with a contemporary flair, embodying a noble queen stepping out of the pages of a medieval courtly romance.
FL: What does fashion mean to you?
MD: I believe that fashion is a form of self-expression, a canvas where we paint with our individuality and confidence. It’s not about adhering to trends but wearing what truly makes you feel beautiful and empowered. Don’t be afraid to be a little experimental; create your own unique combinations that capture your essence and true self.
Fashion is also about the way you carry yourself, the confidence you exude, the positive energy you radiate. Even a beautiful smile can make you look beautiful, and when you carry yourself with confidence, anything will look good on you. You definitely don’t need to be of a particular size-embrace your curves, celebrate your features, and highlight your strengths. Personal fashion choices should be a celebration of your unique journey. You are the star of your fashion story, just like we are stars of films.
Sherwani – Seema Gujral Men,
Embroidered Sharara Set – Tamanna Punjabi Kapoor,
Madhuri Dixit – Banarasi Silk Saree Set – Jayanti Reddy,
Silk Embroidered Sherwani – Sahil Kochhar
FL: How does Bollywood influence fashion trends?
MD: Bollywood has always influenced generations of movie goers-outfits from a popular song or an iconic scene become popular with fans or people who aspire to be like their favourite actor. I remember after Hum Aapke Hain Koun ..! , I used to walk into a wedding and there used to be little kids or even older women dressed up in the purple saree or the green lehenga.
People imitated the Dil To Pagal Hai chiffon salwar kameezes and the transparency of them. So, people do get influenced by what they watch on screen because someone they love is wearing it and they want to imitate that.
FL: What do you think of the emerging Indian presence at Paris Fashion Week?
MD: Gaurav Gupta, Rahul Mishra and all the others who were at Couture Week or Paris Fashion Week have showcased our extraordinary talent to the global fashion community with their ability to embrace the essence of Indian culture while captivating the global fashion audience. From the vibrant textiles of Rajasthan to the delicate weaves of Banaras, they weave stories of heritage, authenticity and timeless beauty. Their collections are a beautiful fusion of ancient traditions and modern aesthetics, and I think that’s what worked with the international community.
FL: Who are your favourite Indian designers?
MD: Tarun Tahiliani, Gaurav Gupta, JJ Valaya, Anita Dongre, Anushree Reddy, Manish Malhotra, Anamika Khanna, Sabyasachi-there are so many of them. Their work has sure elegance and opulence, and they artfully blend traditional Indian craftsmanship-like hand embroidery, intricate threadwork and exquisite beading-with global design sensibilities. Take the saree for example. They have created saree gowns, belted sarees, Indo-western looks, sarees with long jackets, etc. They have created stunning silhouettes that enhance the beauty of anyone who wears them, so that’s why they are my favourites.
FL: Give us a peek behind the glamour curtain of Bollywood.
MD: It takes a village to raise a child they say. Similarly, it takes a team to create a star. We have people working non-stop with us to make sure that we are always well-dressed, with great hair, fabulous makeup and perfect lighting. I assure you we do not wake up looking the way we are in the pictures! But I really believe that true beauty lies in one’s talent, confidence and the ability to touch people’s hearts with authenticity. It is also about embracing individuality and appreciating the diversity of beauty that exists in this world.
FL: What is your personal notion of beauty?
MD: My personal notion of beauty is about radiating positivity and self-acceptance. When we take care of ourselves, honour our physical, mental and emotional well-being, our beauty blossoms naturally. It does not know the boundaries of age, shape or colours. It is about embracing our culture, roots and diversity.
Beauty is not merely physical-it is our inner light, our unique qualities and imperfections, and the love we cultivate for others and for ourselves. It is the genuine smile that lights up our face, the kindness we extend to others and the compassion in our hearts. According to me beauty is not something we chase, but what we embody.
FL: How do you take care of your radiant skin?
MD: I look at skincare as a journey of self-love and expression. Every skin is different and will need a different kind of care because there are so many different kinds of skin-from oily to combination to dry skin. So, it’s a very specific and a very personal thing. It also requires a lot of discipline and dedication because you have to be consistent and mindful.
The most important thing is sunscreen because SPF is like an armor. It safeguards your skin from damage, protects it from harmful UV rays, preserving your youthful glow and reducing the risk of sun related problems, so you should use it every day. I do a combination some natural products as well as moisturisers made by some very good companies. You can look up my skincare video on YouTube where I’ve shared details of all the steps of my regimen.
FL: What is your philosophy when it comes to health and fitness?
MD: I believe in nurturing both the body and the mind through balanced choices. I do not believe in extreme workouts or diets. You have to embrace variety in your diet-fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, wholegrains-because it provides the essential nutrients that our bodies crave for.
And just like dance brings joy to my life, exercise is a celebration of what your body can achieve. The key is finding activities that you’re passionate about because it has to be consistent. Exercise not only strengthens your muscles and improves your physical endurance, but it also releases these endorphins which elevate your mood, reduce your stress, and make you feel happy. It’s a very powerful tool for overall well-being. You should set your goal as to what you want to achieve, and then go on that journey because when you work towards a goal and achieve it, then you feel happy and proud about yourself.
FL: How do you like to relax and switch off from the frenetic demands of stardom?
MD: In my free time, I like to spend time with my family whether it’s engaging in conversation, sharing laughter, or simply enjoying each other’s company and talking about nothing. I love to dance whether it’s rehearsing for a performance, doing my Kathak riyaaz or exploring a new choreography.
I find inner peace as also another way to express myself. I love picking up a book sometimes because when you’re reading you kind of escape into a different world, or you can learn about new things and get to know what’s happening in the world around you. I also like to do yoga, workouts and meditation. I love music because it’s very uplifting and soothing for the soul.