Karisma Kapoor bares it all

A troubled marriage and the heart wrenching consequences have been hovering around actor Karisma Kapoor for long. Her impending divorce from estranged husband Sanjay Kapur has created quite a furore in the media. Recently, the actor withdrew her consent from the divorce petition citing Sanjay’s inability to meet financial commitment as the reason. What is commendable is the dignity with which she has handled the situation and kept her kids away from the media glare and the difficult proceedings.

Sanjay and Karisma tied the knot in 2003.Pretty soon the grapevine went into an overdrive speculating trouble in the marriage. The birth of their first child Samaira squashed all rumours for a while. There was news about the two trying to sort things out. The birth of their son Kiaan couldn’t save the relationship and in 2010, Karisma shifted in with her mother.

In the capital to promote McCain, a brand that she endorses, Karisma looked divaesque and had her trademark calm composure in place. Her demeanour did not reveal any conflicts whatsoever in her mind. The doting mother of two amiably got talking about life, drawing a balance between work and raising kids and what keeps her looking radiant and superbly fit at 41.

In India, there are many women trapped in unhappy marriages but not everyone has the financial backing or the courage to walk out. Karisma emphasizes the need for these women to take a tougher stand and stop being too dependent on their husbands. “It’s important for women to be strong and financially independent,” she says.

Despite being a single mother, Karisma has managed to strike the right balance between her professional career and being around for her children. The key she says is “prioritising”. “Once you have your priorities sorted, you can schedule other things around it. My work days are planned according to my children’s schedule. I always check if they have tests, assignments and try to plan my day accordingly,” she says.

Has multitasking helped her stay in shape even at 41? She smiles and says, “I have never resorted to any extreme measures like crash dieting. I love my food and enjoy it in moderation. My fitness regime is a blend of eating healthy and working out. I am also not a gym person. I avoid weights and use my own body weight to do exercises. I also do a lot of yoga and that makes me stronger both from inside and outside.”

One of the frontrunners of the yummy mummy brigade, Karisma urges young mothers to not neglect themselves. “Even if your whole day is spent looking after the kids, take out at least 30 minutes in a day to do something that makes you happy. Read a book, cook a yummy dish or take a walk, do things that destress you,” she advises.

Before signing off she gives away a style tip that will help you all sail through the party season. “Be yourself, wear what you are comfortable in. Don’t follow trends. Be you and be stylish,” says Karisma.