Tamannaah Bhatia gives a peek into her self-care routine

With a career spanning nearly two decades, she has made her mark in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi cinema, as well as on OTT platforms. In an exclusive interview with Indian Express, Tamannaah opens up about the stories that inspire her, her evolving relationship with self-care, and what lies ahead.

Edited excerpts below:

Q1: Having made a mark in South Indian cinema and Bollywood, what drew you to bold narratives in your recent projects? How have your diverse experiences shaped your artistic vision and role choices?

Tamannaah Bhatia: We have so many local, even rural, stories unique to us as a culture. Whenever I get the opportunity, I try to tap into those characters and narratives, including folklore. Our country is rich in folklore, and it makes for great storytelling. Whether it’s the North or the South, I’m always drawn to stories that are intrinsically Indian and emotionally resonant.

Q2: As an advocate of body positivity, and with fashion being your tool for self-expression, how do you ensure your style reflects your personality over fleeting trends?

“Fashion has almost become a way for me to express my deepest feelings,” Tamannaah said. (Source: @tamannaahspeaks/Instagram)

Tamannaah Bhatia: I think all of us are self-critical to some extent. I’m sure anybody who’s in the media glare or on social media today is conscious about how they’re presenting themselves. In today’s digital age, we often feel safer conforming to what’s considered acceptable. But if you truly want to make an impact, you need to lean into what sets you apart. You can either be defined by others’ standards of beauty and style, or you can embrace your individuality. For me, accepting the best version of myself—however that looks—is key. I know I look different from others, and I’ve come to see that as my strength.

Q3: Despite the industry’s ongoing focus on appearance, how do you approach fitness and skincare while promoting a healthier self-image?

Tamannaah Bhatia: For someone who’s been working out for a while, I’ve learned that sustainability comes from intuition. Whether it’s food, fitness, or even leisure, I follow an intuitive approach. Every day is different, and the only constant is staying aware of myself. While I do love routine, I check in with myself daily—what do I really need today? If I haven’t slept well, I skip the gym and prioritise rest. My lifestyle is guided by well-being, and that reflects in everything—from my workouts to my diet.

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For self-care, I disconnect completely. I cut off light and tech sources and just vegetate—it’s incredibly recharging. I also love meditating, spending time in my temple room, and practising sadhana. It grounds me. I think taking time to acknowledge what you’ve achieved brings a sense of fulfilment. It’s easy to fall into a rut of constantly doing without absorbing anything. I consciously create space to reflect and reset.

Q4: What’s the most profound lesson you’ve learnt about fame, and how do you balance privacy with public interest in your life?

Tamannaah Bhatia: Fame has two sides. If something lifts you up, it also has the potential to bring you down. You can’t own one and disown the other, they come as a package. It’s important not to identify too closely with either. If one thinks they want to be famous, they must take both sides with a pinch of salt or just not identify with either.

Q5: Lastly, what are you looking forward to accomplishing this year—personally and professionally?

On a personal level, I really want to learn how to cook this year. Professionally, I’ll soon be announcing two amazing films. I also have a few releases coming up, but I’m especially excited about something I’m developing independently. I’m definitely going to push the envelope for myself and put my creativity out in more ways than what’s already out there.