Looking beautiful isn't just about what you apply on your face.

In the eternal quest for beauty, many are deceived into believing that the essence of beauty is solely found in the surface—in the cosmetics we apply, the clothing we wear, or the fleeting fashions we follow. Yet, as Madhuri Dixit so wisely teaches us, "Looking beautiful isn't just about what you apply on your face. It's the little things you do that matter. A combination of a good diet, exercise, healthy habits, discipline, dancing etc. is what my beauty routine consists of. Also, I have no bad habits; I don't drink or smoke. All these contribute to me being fit and looking good." In these words, she speaks of a profound truth: that beauty is not a mere mask that we wear, but the result of the choices we make each day—the choices that nourish the body, mind, and spirit.

The ancient philosophers, too, understood this profound truth. In the writings of Socrates, we find a consistent message: that the beauty of the human being is not only in the outward appearance but in the soul and the way it interacts with the world. Socrates taught that the care of the body and the care of the soul are inseparable. In his time, the Greeks spoke of eudaimonia, or the flourishing life, a life where balance in diet, exercise, and habit would lead not only to physical health, but to moral beauty as well. Just as Madhuri Dixit shares with us, the foundation of true beauty is built upon a holistic approach to well-being, one that includes both the physical and the spiritual.

Consider, too, the noble Spartans, those fierce warriors who embodied the balance of mind and body. Their training was both rigorous and disciplined, built on the principles of moderation and resilience. Their strength was not derived from indulgence, but from a careful regimen of exercise, healthy habits, and unshakable discipline. The Spartan warrior did not seek beauty in the adornment of his body, but in the strength and vitality that came from his actions. In this, they understood the deeper wisdom that Dixit articulates: that beauty is the result of an ongoing, careful cultivation of the self, through actions that sustain and nourish, not just from the surface but from the core.

The Renaissance thinkers, too, were keenly aware of this connection between body, mind, and beauty. Leonardo da Vinci, the great polymath, saw the human form as a sacred and balanced creation—where physical fitness, mental clarity, and spiritual harmony all played a part in the perfection of the human being. His studies of the body were not only about anatomy, but about how to preserve and nourish the body through thoughtful actions—through exercise, proper diet, and maintaining balance in life. Just as Madhuri Dixit practices and embodies, Da Vinci saw that health and beauty come from a full, well-rounded approach to life, from nourishing the body with the right foods to ensuring the mind remains sharp and the soul fulfilled.

It is also important to recognize the wisdom found in the discipline of ancient Indian practices, such as yoga and ayurveda, which emphasize the balance between body, mind, and spirit. Madhuri Dixit, who hails from this tradition, understands that beauty is not merely skin deep. Yoga is a practice that seeks to align the body and the mind through breathing, movement, and meditation, and it is through these practices that one achieves not only health but a certain radiance—a beauty that shines from within. In this way, her beauty is not a result of fleeting trends, but a deep reflection of the choices she makes to care for her body and spirit every day.

Dixit's commitment to living a life free from bad habits, such as drinking or smoking, is another vital element in her holistic approach to beauty. The ancient sages and philosophers understood the importance of moderation—that indulgence in excess leads not to joy, but to decay. The Buddha, in his teachings, spoke of the middle path: a way of living that avoids both excess and deficiency, finding peace and contentment in the balance of life’s pleasures. Similarly, Dixit’s commitment to maintaining discipline in her habits ensures that she does not succumb to the forces that might rob her of her vitality. By choosing to avoid harmful substances, she aligns herself with the timeless wisdom of those who understood that true health and beauty come from living with balance and awareness.

And so, we come to a timeless lesson: that beauty is not found in superficial adornment but in the daily choices we make to nurture ourselves—physically, mentally, and spiritually. Madhuri Dixit teaches us that true beauty arises from discipline, from a healthy diet, from exercise, from positive habits, and, perhaps most importantly, from choosing to live a life of balance. It is a reflection of the ancient wisdom that the body is not merely a vessel to be adorned, but a temple that must be cared for, strengthened, and nourished.

Let this lesson guide you in your own life. Nourish your body with the foods that give it vitality, engage in movements that strengthen and stretch it, and cultivate habits that foster balance and peace within. Know that beauty is not a fleeting external condition, but a lifelong practice of caring for your whole being. Just as the great philosophers, warriors, and sages of old taught, true beauty comes from the inside—from the choices we make every day to live in harmony with ourselves and the world around us. Live with discipline, embrace healthy habits, and find beauty in the actions that sustain you, for this is the path to true radiance.