Living on a plane” and “living in the moment”. That’s how Sanak actress Rukmini Maitra summed up her life right now. In super shape and looking stunning, Rukmini squeezed in this special shoot for t2 in the middle of her hectic schedule, in festive ensembles Jade by Monica and Karishma and statement jewels by Raniwala 1881, at JW Marriott Kolkata. We love you, ‘Rukstar’!
The looks are royal. And, you are named after a queen yourself. Do you feel like a queen all the time?!
Am I not one?! (Laughs) Is that a trick question?!
You sure are! But tell us, who is a queen for you?
Anyone who gets to live life on their own terms, I think is a queen. As long as you can do that and have the courage to do that (you are a queen).
Any real-life princesses for you?
To begin with, my paternal grandmother is actually a princess. Other than that, someone who personifies the ‘queen’ factor for me would be Sushmita Sen. The elegance, personality and intelligence, the way she carries herself and conducts herself, the things she has to preach and also the fact that she practises them is also something worthy of being called nothing short of royalty. And, the class of course. She has so much grace.
The colours are unusual for a festive lookbook...
The fact that Chikky (Goenka; style curator) and I were collaborating after so long, called for something special. We wanted it to look like something people have not seen before. On Diwali we expect pop colours. We did something subdued. I love shades of red. So we have this burgundy. You can never go wrong with ivory. I like the icy powder blue as well. These are all my personal favourites.
The clothes were wearable and the best part was that they were so light and breezy. The accessories were statement. As a person, I am particular about what I put on. In my day-to-day life, I rarely wear jewellery, but when I am going out, I am particular about the kind of jewellery that I wear. I love emeralds. They really stand out.
The neckpieces look wow on your tall neck...
All my life I have been called a giraffe due to the same!
Whenever I do a shoot, I immediately send my pictures to my brother and mother. And the first thing he told me was: ‘Oho! Giraffe!’ (Laughs)
Now tell us about this stunning physique you have built. Give us some fitness tips!
Now, I have the capability to give fitness tips to people for a change! (Laughs) Not that anybody told me that you need to do this and that, but this is something I took to, post-Covid. All my life, people have asked me how I have maintained my body and people have assumed that I am very fit, but the fact is that I was never fit. I was just one of those genetically slim girls with high metabolism rate, touchwood, and I am still eating everything. Right before speaking to you, I was having Prawn Cheung Fun, Blue Butterfly Truffle Fried Rice and I am eating baklavas like crazy.
We had all heard of this post-Covid syndrome where you become terribly weak. That happened to me for three months. I had to get back on the sets of Sanak (Rukmini’s Bollywood debut) to do a proper action sequence where I was pinning Vidyut (Jammwal, her Sanak co-star) down and do my song and dance. My breathing was holding me back. I wanted to train my legs. I don’t understand half the fancy things they tell me. I am like, I know my body is hurting... so, something is happening (laughs). My body is designed in such a way that everything shows very fast. That is why in these two-months, this entire transition has happened. I have lost a bit of weight but I am focusing on gaining muscles and toning up. I can now take the stairs. I have always been a lazy kid. If someone could chew my food for me, I’d be glad! (Laughs) I told this to Vidyut too and he stared at me for two minutes. Telling this to one of the fittest men takes courage... so, yes, I am a queen! (Laughs) I am training at Endorphins.
The look: An trail top with skirt accessories: Uncut polki neckpiece with studs Hair and make-up: Sleek hair + strong eyes with smudged black eyeshadow + nude lips The mood: “Monotones, especially ivories are a big game changer this season. For someone who doesn’t want to go all out but doesn’t mind a little flamboyance, this is a perfect look, especially for Diwali cards parties, wedding after-parties and festive nights. This look for me, is very ‘Rukmini’. Understated glam,” said Chikky.
How much are you enjoying your new body?
I have never been someone who (is obsessed) about how my body is looking and what is my waistline. I am really enjoying my energy levels. I can work longer hours without feeling drained out and my presence of mind is a lot better. My focus is better. These are things people say but you never believe it, but it has happened. The circuits are tedious but I feel great post-workout and I want to go back the next day. Now, I haven’t been working out for two-and-a-half months. I cannot work out when I am shooting... I cannot multitask that way.
Once I have a break, it takes a lot to get back to the gym. I have to push myself mentally because I am not a gym fanatic or someone who really enjoys working out, but once I am there, I want to go back the next day. I have also become a lot calmer. Maybe it’s my ‘endorphins’!
Any tips from Vidyut Jammwal?
When he saw the ‘new me’, he was amazed! Everyone on the sets (of Sanak) was asking Bappa (assistant) as to ‘what is didi eating?’ My make-up artist was like she was eating peanut butter cups, chocolate cake, double cheese margherita pizzas!
You watch Vidyut on the sets... he is lightning fast... and you get inspired. I keep complaining that he doesn’t say anything!
And, what is Dev saying?
This is something he has been telling me for the longest time. Every year I manage to break a leg and I suffer from a weak knee condition. So rehabilitation was very important and the fact that I was doing it, he was like ‘thank god’. He said this is probably the best investment you have made in yourself.
Pictures: Pabitra Das
Outfits: Jade by Monica and Karishma
Jewellery: Raniwala 1881
Hair and make-up: Prasenjit Biswas
Style curator: Chikky Goenka
Location: JW Marriott Kolkata