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Vimla Patil was associated with Femina, India’s number one women’s magazine, published by the Times of India Group for 29 years. Femina is Vimla Patil's personal success story. Today, FEMINA is one of the strongest international brands with a vast readership in India and abroad. She initiated the Miss India contest in the mid-sixties for the journal and brought it to its present international stature. Vimla Patil promoted Indian textiles and fashion garments – especially handlooms – for decades by presenting over 4000 fashion shows in India and most countries of the world. After finishing her long stint with Femina, she built a brand new career for herself as a freelance multi-mediaperson with writing, events, public relations, shows and many more activities in her portfolio! Vimla Patil will be delighted to answer readers' questions. Please click on the comments page link at the bottom of the article to post your questions for her or to comment on her article.

Sushmita Sen

The first thing Sushmita Sen, one of the most beautiful women in Bollywood, advises is a peaceful mind which reflects in a glow on the face. “If your mind is under control and is tuned to positive thoughts, you are a winner in the beauty field,” she says, “I personally prefer Yoga and meditation every day to retain the freshness of my face and mind.” Of course, other than that, she works out every day to keep her body in shape. Strangely enough, though she herself has a colourful personality, she believes that pastels like light pink, cream and beige bring on a peaceful mood in the wearer. “Though I wear bright colours as per the requirements of the characters I play, in my personal life I wear light colours so that I look fresh and happy when I go to any function or party.” Sushmita, who has given a new look to the traditional Indian saree with her élan and elegance, also advises a balanced diet in the midst of heavy partying or a busy nightlife. “Young people party relentlessly and their eating habits become erratic and damaging to their systems,” she says. Sushmita herself avoids fried foods – especially fast food varieties which are so common today. Cereals with milk and a few almonds help her to start the day with a burst of energy. Fruit and juices also are beneficial according to her. The secret of her glowing face? She applies papaya and orange juice on her skin regularly! One last tip from Sushmita: She says that gracious and smiling behaviour with friends, family and even strangers, whom one meets in everyday life, is a major key to a shining personality.

Esha Deol’s new sparkling personality

Esha Deol

Among the younger stars, Esha Deol has acquired a new fitness personality after the mega success Dhoom. A sequel to this film is being made now. Esha dances away her stress, as she is a trained classical dancer. “I love beauty. So I choose a fusion of Indian tradition and international trends to design my own look,” she says, “I live a full life – just like my mother Hema Malini. She is an example to my sister and me. For Dhoom, I had to train and tone my body according to the role which was hard work. Today, actors have to be in a fit condition as per the requirements of the role which he or she is playing and that is a discipline which helps to control the body and the mind.” As is widely known, Esha was put under rigorous physical training to put her in a good shape for Dhoom, with an emphasis on a flat abdomen! She has maintained the golden looks and the perfect figure even after the movie has been a hit of the last year. Now she is working in her future films allowing for more exposure of her shapely body – even her conservative mother Hema Malini agrees that female stars have to agree to ‘show’ their bodies if they are to achieve success in Bollywood!

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