Tara Sutaria Hoards Candles, Listens to ’50s Music, and Cries When She’s Happy

The actor, singer, and brand ambassador of Bobbi Brown India on life and top beauty tips.

Tara Sutaria, Actor, Singer, and Bobbi Brown India Brand Ambassador
[Image Courtesy: Instagram]

The Word.: Tara, tell us what’s the one thing the film industry has taught you over the years?
Tara Sutaria: “The film industry has taught me so much. One of the biggest learnings has been to remember who I am throughout the journey. It’s very easy to get swayed and caught up in the things people talk about or the gossip that seems to surround our line of work—I’ve learned to stay away from that. It’s been a conscious effort but I’ve come to realise that I am here to work and this doesn’t define who I am. 

My biggest learning has been to separate all the noise around the business and focus on the job while enjoying myself in the process. Also, to remember that all of this will eventually fade away and the only thing we are truly left with is the good work we’ve done. A great learning for me has been to focus on different facets of my life while still being a part of this industry—to focus on my music, on the person I’m becoming while being a public figure and an actor, and to never take anything for granted. It’s also crucial for me to remember who I was before I became an actor and to stay grounded through all the ups and downs of this career.”

 TW.: Tell us more about Bobbi Brown’s #InMySkin campaign, and how it resonates with you.
TS: “I’m thrilled to be part of this global campaign, specially since Bobbi Brown was the first ever make-up brand I used. As someone who is passionate about beauty and self-expression, the campaign’s focus on embracing your true self and feeling confident in your skin really resonates with me. It’s about loving every part of yourself, flaws and everything!”

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TW.: Tell us about your favourite Bobbi Brown products, and why you love them.
TS: “What I love most about Bobbi Brown products is their ‘skin-first’ approach and their versatility. My all-time favourite is the Vitamin Enriched Face Base, a two-in-one primer and moisturiser. The rich, nourishing formula is perfect for my skin and it is an essential in my make-up kit no matter where I go. I’m currently obsessed with the new Weightless Skin Foundation—the first time I tried it during the campaign shoot in New York, I was amazed by how light it felt on my skin and how it looked like second skin! I couldn’t wait for everyone back home to experience it. Lastly, I never leave the house without my Crushed Liquid Lip in the shade ‘Juicy Date’.”

Bobbi Brown Weightless Skin Foundation SPF 15, ₹4,950

TW.: Do you have a self-care ritual?
TS: “I think we all have very individualistic self-care rituals. For me, it’s often just being at home in my safe space, spending time with the people who remind me of who I am—like my close friends, my sister, and my parents… I find a lot of comfort in my people. If I’m having a tough day or just want some alone time, I often find that just sitting with myself is the best form of self-care. It gives me time to think about what’s important and about what makes me happy. I also enjoy listening to music from the ’50s and ’60s, lighting a candle and cooking something delicious. So for me, this is my idea of self-care!”

TW.: What’s the one thing you’ve stopped caring about?

TS: “The one thing I’ve learned to stop caring about is what people think. It used to really bother me people would make up rumours about me or those close to me.

But then I realised that’s on them and not something I can change. So, I’ve stopped caring about it, and it has made me more peaceful.”

TW: When was the last time you cried, and why?
TS: “Anyone close to me knows that I’m quite a crier. I cry when I’m happy and I cry when I’m sad. I’m a very emotional and sensitive person, and it’s something I’ve come to embrace about myself.”

TW.: What is your biggest fear?
TS: “My biggest fear is losing people who are close to me.”

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TW.: We’ve heard you’re quite the wizard in the kitchen…can you teach us a recipe in 50 words?
TS.: “I can teach you how to make Moroccan Chicken—one of my favourites, by the way—in 50 words.

All you need to do is blend yoghurt, olive oil, mint, coriander, pepper, salt, and green chillies till it turns into a smooth, light green paste. Rub this onto your chicken and you can cook it on a slow flame or how you usually cook your chicken. You can add spice and chilli powder if you like. I prefer to have it with a crispy naan or Malabar Parota but you can have with rice as well.”

TW.: Are you into junk food? 
TS: “I love junk food…it’s a bad habit, but I am obsessed with it. I love a good burger and Italian cuisine, so I love eating pastas and pizzas.”

TW.: What’s the one thing you own too much of?
TS: “I have a huge candle collection because I’m obsessed with candles and I light them every single day at home even if there are no guests. I also own many mini bags from the ’90s!”

TW.: Are you a good flirt? If yes, what’s your go-to move?
TS: “Am I a good flirt? I don’t think I have good flirting skills in the conventional sense, although I am very good at conversation and genuinely interested in what the other person has to say. I would like to believe I’m good with banter and silly humour.”

TW.: Do you sing in the shower?
TS: “Yes! I have been a singer all my life and I inevitably sing in the shower. I’m always humming, not just in the shower but even when I’m prepping for a shoot or getting ready. We’re a family of musicians and lovers of music, so we’re always humming and singing!”

A young Tara Sutaria captured singing ‘All That Jazz’ from ‘Chicago’ [via Tara's Instagram]

TW.: Lastly, are there any causes you are passionate about?
TS: “There are several causes I’ve been passionate about and have supported since I was quite young because my parents always believed that my sister and I should give back to society in whatever capacity we could and still can.

As kids, we used to sing for people in homes for the aged and terminally ill, among other causes. We’ve been doing this for years… It makes me very emotional and grateful to be able to contribute, whether it’s through singing, donating clothes, providing medical care or anything else I can possibly do.

Supporting animal welfare is also very important to me. I visit shelters and try to spread the word on social media about adopting pets and caring for animals in need that require attention and care, including the injured or from the streets. All these causes mean a great deal to me and I’m doing my best to make a positive change in any small way I can.”

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