Born in the family of legendary classical dancers Lalitha, Padmini and Ragini known as Travancore Sisters, Shobana followed in their footsteps quite early in the life with training in Bharatanatyam. A famous classical dancer and also a national award winning actress, she has performed in several music and dance festivals in India and abroad. In an interview with Future Medicine, Shobana expresses her views on health and beauty and says how these are related
By Sumithra Sathyan
Beauty and health- In your opinion, how are these two related?
Both have own measurements. If we give more importance to beauty, it will affect our health because we don’t know what will happen to us in the next moment. So if something happen wrong and affect our beauty, we will be mentally upset and depressed. On the other hand, if we maintain our health, beauty will come naturally.
What is your perception of real beauty of a woman?Real beauty is only a concept. It is different from person to person. It is something related to our attitude, culture, vision and all. It is a total state of harmony. Beauty also comes with positive thinking. So, people with positive thinking look more beautiful. Some people like classical beauty while others like very modern. It all depends on them. We can’t say they are wrong. In my opinion, ultimate beauty or real beauty is only a concept.
How do you maintain your beauty and health?
I eat vegetables and fruits more than oily foods. Try to avoid unhealthy habits. Ensure timely food in necessary quantities. The rest will come naturally.
Do you think women have become more beauty conscious than before?
Now it’s part of life because the world is going that way. I can’t say that’s correct and this is wrong. It is a fact that not only women but men also have become more conscious about their health, beauty and looks. They are doing so many things to achieve the goal, not knowing which is right and wrong. What they achieve is not lasting and hence not beautiful. Achieve a thing that is beautiful forever.In the corporate world, beauty has also a big role. What is your view?
Of course, it has. It is not just the beauty of the skin. Beauty means something other than visual attraction. It is the total performance of an individual. It has to sustain credibility and identity. And also, it has to reflect throughout his/her personality.
Has your dance practice helped to maintain health and beauty?
Of course, dance is my life and is my profession. Suppose you are going to the office by walking. That’s not for health but a passion only. So, do something with passion that is another world of life. I’m doing my dance for my mental and physical harmony and pleasure. It gives energy to my whole world. I’m sure that dancing is a good exercise for health and positive mind.
About costumes ?
I am my own designer. You will never see me in odd outfits. I am very particular about what I wear — both on stage and in films. At times, it can get ridiculous on the sets. I was once given just ribbons to drape myself with. I refused. In another occassion , I had to do a wet scene and I stitched a plastic sheet inside the top. Nobody except the actor noticed and the shot came out fine.
How do you reflect your personality ?
Once in a while I just reflect. I go crazy if I don’t do it. All the time I am giving. Now I am suddenly going through a phase when I feel I haven’t had enough of myself and haven’t contributed enough to my own mind.Now and then i withdraw and come out with my own ideas with a little bit of pholosophy.
Latest film? Any Malayalam movie?
Thira, Kochadiyan. If I get call from Malayalam, surely I will agree to do.
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