Date:10/02/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/02/10/stories/2007021021490200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Make time for yourself, women told

Staff Reporter

AT EASE: Actor Shabana Azmi (left) and VLCC founder Vandana Luthra at a function in Bangalore on Friday. — Photo: K. Murali Kumar

Bangalore: Talk about feminism or fundamentalism or advising people on saving buckets of water by using a particular detergent or swearing by slimming and beauty clinics. Well, all these have nothing much in common but award-winning actor Shabana Azmi seems to be doing both with equal ease.

The formidable Ms. Azmi was in the city on Friday to be part of a function organised by VLCC, slimming and beauty centre, to recognise its "Way of Life" loyalty card members. Resplendent in a silk sari and dispensing charming smiles to the winners of the rewards programme, she said how she had tried to fend off VLCC founder Vandana Luthra's invitation saying she did not have the time. But clearly, Ms. Luthra seems to have finally prevailed.

"Indian woman dedicate all their time to their husbands, children, in-laws and friends, but do not have any time for themselves. They should make time to take care of themselves," said Ms. Azmi, who at one time redefined Bollywood hackneyed notion of the Indian woman.

The actor, who is VLCC's brand ambassador, said: "All of us are concerned about how we look but we do not give much thought to the concept of wellness. A cohesive and holistic approach to health and beauty will make you feel well and happy." The audience, comprising mostly women in shimmering saris and streaked hair, looked on adoringly.

Ms. Azmi's endorsing a detergent brand some time ago telling people how they could save a few buckets of water every day raised eyebrows. Just as it did when she switched from the so-called parallel cinema to mainstream Bollywood. But then, the lady has always picked her roles with care, in real life as well as reel life.