Soha Ali Khan opened up about how her mother, Sharmila Tagore, inspired her to embrace graceful ageing over artificial beauty.
Bollywood actress, Soha Ali Khan, daughter of the legendary Sharmila Tagore, has carved a unique niche in the industry, often dominated by beauty standards. Sharmila, a celebrated actress of her era, was admired for her captivating charm. Soha, who last appeared in the 2016 action drama, Ghayal Once Again, took a break from acting to focus on family and motherhood. Recently, the actress and author shared insights on her journey of self-acceptance, admiration for her mother, and how motherhood transformed her views on beauty.
Soha Ali Khan recently sat for an interview with the Hindustan Times, sharing insights into her career, and highlighting the challenges of maintaining an authentic self that can often be overwhelming. In the initial days of her career, Soha recalled facing the pressure to conform to industry standards. She never bowed to them and stuck to the mantra of staying true to herself. Soha shared:
“I’ve never felt the need to change my appearance or conform to external pressures. From the beginning, I’ve embraced my own identity and focused on staying authentic to myself. My mother, Sharmila Tagore, has been a guiding force in this. She always taught me that beauty is about embracing who you are, not about fitting into others' expectations… Over time, I realised that real beauty comes from accepting who you are and embracing your quirks.”
Sharmila Tagore, who recently turned 80, has been a beacon of self-acceptance for her daughter, Soha. Sharmila Tagore has aged like fine wine — even at the age of 80, she exudes a glow that defies her age and makes her the centre of attention whenever she steps her foot inside a room. Talking about Sharmila’s influence on Soha’s perspective on life, the actress shared:
“My mother has always been my role model for beauty. She has worked on herself consistently, practising yoga even today, maintaining her career in films, paying attention to her diet, and prioritising her health and skincare… However, what stands out most is her unwavering acceptance of herself. She has never sought to alter her appearance and has embraced ageing gracefully. This approach has been a profound source of inspiration for me.”
Soha further shared that her perspective on beauty completely transformed after she became a mother to Inaaya Naumi Khemu Khan. Talking about the same, Soha shared:
“Motherhood has completely shifted my perspective on beauty and self-care. Before becoming a mother, I often focused on quick fixes or external appearances, but after having children, I began to realise that true beauty comes from nurturing yourself holistically—mentally, emotionally, and physically. It's about feeling good in your own skin and prioritising your well-being… Being a mother has taught me that taking care of myself is essential, not just for me, but also for my family. Self-care is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity that allows me to show up as the best version of myself.”
Soha Ali Khan debuted in Bollywood in 2004 with Dil Maange More. After a long hiatus, Soha will reportedly return to the silver screen with the upcoming sequel to the horror film series, Chhori 2.
What do you think about Soha Ali Khan’s take on beauty and self-care?
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