“I don’t want to look 25 forever,” says Mallika Sherawat on embracing ageing

In a world obsessed with looking younger, Mallika Sherawat is asking a rather refreshing question: “Why should we look 25 forever?” Mallika, who has always been known for her striking appearance and strict fitness routines, is rejecting the idea of looking young and embracing a very different definition of ageing, one that puts health, happiness and authenticity ahead of turning back the clock.

“I don't want to look 25 forever. I simply want to be the healthiest and happiest version of myself every day.” With this statement, she is not only bringing the pressure of maintaining youth into the limelight but also pointing out that your appearance doesn't need Botox or fillers.

MALLIKA'S QUESTION: WHY SHOULD WOMEN BE AFRAID OF AGING? 

In an industry where youth is often treated as the ultimate beauty currency, ageing can feel like something women are expected to hide rather than embrace. Women in the entertainment field are expected to sustain their “prime era” even in their 50s. Mallika Sherawat points out exactly that: the phobia of ageing is engraved in the minds of young women when, in fact, it is a natural part of life.

From flawless skin to carefully curated social media images, the pressure to remain untouched by time is everywhere. Mallika, however, isn't interested in playing by those rules. For her, the bigger concern is why women are made to believe their natural faces aren't enough. “I don't understand why girls are getting convinced that their real faces are not enough,” she says.

Her approach extends to cosmetic procedures as well, with the actress saying she has never had Botox or fillers done. For her, the goal isn't to freeze time but to move through it gracefully. So, if she isn't relying on cosmetic tweaks to turn back the clock, what is Mallika doing to maintain the lifestyle she believes in?

THE MALLIKA METHOD, BEAUTY THROUGH DISCIPLINE 

Mallika’s beauty philosophy is very tightly tied to discipline. Over the years, she has spoken about the importance of a balanced lifestyle, one that prioritises health and well-being over quick fixes.

The one thing that is non-negotiable for her is her sleep schedule. For Mallika, beauty begins long before makeup and skincare. The actress has often spoken about the importance of quality sleep and maintaining a disciplined routine. By avoiding late nights, she prioritises rest as an essential part of her overall well-being, even joking that going to bed early can make you “look like a million bucks.”

(Also Read: 7 workouts that keep Jacqueline Fernandez moving)

Rather than viewing wellness through the lens of restrictions, Mallika approaches it as a matter of consistency. She shared that smoking, alcohol and late-night partying are not a part of her lifestyle, choosing instead to focus on habits that support her physical and mental health.

FINDING BALANCE THROUGH YOGA AND PRANAYAMA 

Yoga and pranayama form an important part of Mallika’s daily routine. More than just a fitness practice, they reflect her belief in nurturing both the body and mind. Her approach to wellness is centred on balance, mindfulness and feeling good within.

While beauty trends come and go, Mallika chooses consistency. The actress maintains an active lifestyle through regular workouts that combine both strength and endurance training. In workout videos on her social media, Mallika has been seen incorporating activities such as cycling, leg curls and rope pulls, reflecting a balanced approach to fitness rather than focusing on appearance. For Mallika, exercise is less about looking younger and more about staying strong, active and healthy at every stage of life.

THE VEGAN WAY 

For many, building strength means loading up on animal protein; however, Mallika has spent years showing that wellness can thrive on vegan plates. Being a long-time vegan, the actress avoids all animal products and dairy, choosing instead to fill her plate with fresh fruits, green salads and vegetable dishes.

The green curry made with coconut milk is her patent meal of the diet. Additionally, she has also shared that she avoids tea, coffee and even rotis, preferring simpler and lighter meals. To satisfy sweet cravings, the actress looks away from all the cakes and chocolates and dives right into the dates section. For her, diet isn't about restriction but nourishment, reflecting the same balanced and disciplined philosophy that defines the rest of her lifestyle.

The Mallika philosophy isn't about freezing time; it's about moving through it with confidence. Her beauty isn't built in a glass bottle, but it is cultivated from the inside out. She is proving to the industry that ageing, much like fine wine, can be a natural thing without any cosmetic tweaks. Perhaps, the new beauty standard isn't to look 25 forever but to feel like the best version of yourself at whatever age you are.

(Also Read: From Akshay Kumar to Suniel Shetty, Bollywood’s fittest men who swear by yoga)

Text by Iraa Verma 

Edited by Sabrina Mathews