Host: Ananya Sharma
Guest: Swara Bhaskar
Intro
Ananya:
Hello, listeners! Welcome to another episode of Glow & Tell, where we uncover the beauty secrets and self-care rituals of some of India's most inspiring personalities. I'm your host, Ananya Sharma, and today, we have a guest who is not only a powerhouse performer but also a fearless voice in the industry. From Nil Battey Sannata to Veere Di Wedding, she's captivated us with her performances and her unapologetic authenticity. Please welcome the ever-radiant Swara Bhaskar!
Swara:
(Laughs) Thank you, Ananya! That's quite the introduction. I hope I can live up to it.
Ananya:
Oh, you always do! Swara, your skin is always glowing, whether you're on-screen or off. Fans are dying to know—what's your secret?
Swara:
Ah, the million-dollar question! Honestly, it's a mix of discipline, some indulgence, and a lot of love for my skin.
Segment 1: The Skincare Obsession
Ananya:
I've heard you're quite the skincare enthusiast. Is that true?
Swara:
Guilty as charged! (Laughs) I'm a huge product freak. I love skincare. This is one reason I never reach the airport before time. If I have any spare time, even five to ten minutes, I end up buying skincare products. Also, international airports are the worst because you don't get those brands in India, and I end up spending a lot of money on those products. (filmfare.com)
Ananya:
That sounds like a delightful problem to have! So, what's your daily skincare routine like?
Swara:
It's quite elaborate, I must admit. In the evenings, I have a ritual. I make it a me-time thing with a cup of tea. I sit in front of the mirror, play music, and then cleanse and remove my entire makeup. Then I use wipes followed by my rose water. These are random rituals I have devised for myself. Then I wash my face and moisturize. Finally, before I go to sleep, I apply a little bit of oil. It can be coconut, argan oil, lavender, pomegranate seed oil... whatever is available. Luckily, I'm single, so there's no man who has to feel all the grease on my face. If and when I have a boyfriend, I'll change my routine. (filmfare.com)
Ananya:
(Laughs) That's quite the commitment! And in the mornings?
Swara:
Mornings aren't as bad. I've hydrated myself, so it's the basic CTM—cleanse, tone, moisturize—and sunscreen. (filmfare.com)
Segment 2: Natural Remedies and Lifestyle Choices
Ananya:
You mentioned using oils like coconut and argan. Do you incorporate other natural remedies into your routine?
Swara:
Absolutely! I love natural things, so I keep mixing ingredients from my kitchen to make natural scrubs. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
Ananya:
That's wonderful. Speaking of natural choices, I read that you're turning vegan. How has that impacted your skin?
Swara:
Yes, these days, my trainer, Delton D'Souza, is helping me become a vegan because it is considered to be the best detox. It is also humane. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
Ananya:
That's commendable. Have you noticed any changes in your skin since making this shift?
Swara:
Definitely. A diet comprising fresh vegetables, fruits, and a lot of water and fluids, and which has the right balance of proteins, carbs, and good fats, results in healthy skin. This should be coupled with regular exercise and sleep that lasts for at least eight hours. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
Segment 3: Skincare Hacks and Tips
Ananya:
Do you have any skincare hacks you'd like to share with our listeners?
Swara:
Oh, absolutely! So, an actor told me this—it's not my original—but when you want to party and drink, you want to be careful about your skin, so I learned a trick. It's a drink called "Skinny Bitch." It's vodka or gin, with lots of lemon and ice. Just fill it up with water. Just drink as much as you can because you're drinking a lot of water, so the next morning you wake up, you may be trashed, but your skin is radiant. (filmfare.com)
Ananya:
(Laughs) That's a fun tip! Any other essentials you swear by?
Swara:
Never sleep with makeup on. Eat right. And the biggest thing that no one discusses is your bowel movement. You have to have good bowel movement every day. It's essential for good skin. (filmfare.com)
Segment 4: Balancing Skincare with a Busy Schedule
Ananya:
With your hectic schedule, how do you ensure you stick to your skincare routine?
Swara:
It's all about making time for yourself. Even on the busiest days, I ensure I remove my makeup and follow my routine. It's my way of unwinding and taking care of myself.
Ananya:
That's inspiring. Have there been moments when your skincare routine has been a source of comfort?
Swara:
Absolutely. On hard days, it's eat, sleep, music, shopping. (hindustantimes.com)
Segment 5: The Emotional Impact of Skincare
Ananya:
Beyond the physical benefits, has your skincare routine had an emotional impact on you?
Swara:
Yes, it has. We just spend too much time feeling ashamed or afraid, that we will be called names or looked at with contempt. Many have been raised to worry about what the neighbors will think, or what a 'decent girl' needs to do or say. I really think Indian women could do with a little less shame...and a little less guilt. We need to let go of this 'What will people say?' mindset. And we need to be a little more selfish. We are constantly told to compromise and adjust all the time...I'd like to tell women to start putting themselves first, even if only every once in a while. (cosmopolitan.in)
Ananya:
That's a powerful message. How has this mindset influenced your approach to beauty and self-care?
Swara:
It's made me more confident and unapologetic about my choices. I believe in taking care of myself, not just for appearances but for my overall well-being.
Segment 6: Skincare and Activism
Ananya:
You've been vocal about various social issues. Do you see a connection between your activism and your approach to self-care?
Swara:
Absolutely. Taking care of oneself is a form of resistance. In a world that constantly tells women to put others first, prioritizing oneself is revolutionary.
Ananya:
That's an interesting perspective. Has your outspokenness ever impacted your career?
Swara:
Yes, it has. I've been labeled as a controversial actor. Directors, producers, and distributors start speaking ill of you. You get pigeonholed into an image. (thestatesman.com)
Ananya:
That must be challenging. How do you navigate that?
Swara:
I don't want to portray myself as a victim. I consciously chose this path and decided to be vocal and express my opinions on various issues. I could have chosen to remain silent. (thestatesman.com)
Segment 7: Final Thoughts
Ananya:
Swara, this has been such an enlightening conversation. Before we wrap up, any final skincare advice for our listeners?
Swara:
Listen to your skin. It's unique, just like you. And remember, beauty is not just skin deep. It's about how you feel inside.
Ananya:
Beautifully said. Thank you so much for sharing your journey and insights with us.
Swara:
Thank you, Ananya. It's been a pleasure.
Ananya:
And to our listeners, remember to take time for yourself, embrace your uniqueness, and keep glowing. Until next time on Glow & Tell!
[End of Podcast]