Indrani Dasgupta's beauty secret

A rapid-fire round with one of India's most successful and stunning models.

Her face has launched a thousand potions. Indrani Dasgupta, the gorgeous 'Lakmé girl' who convinced millions of young Indian women that we wanted what she had-that peachy moisturiser and fragrant face wash-is one of India's most successful models. Her decade-long association with the cosmetic giant survived the glamour industry's evolution into a behemoth with an insatiable appetite for the newest and latest.

When she arrives for the cover shoot, her face glows with health, and she instantly transmits her energy to the team. How, despite all these years of erratic work schedules, does she manage that, we wonder aloud. Being curious creatures, we begin doing some human computing but Indrani serves the age question right back with a chirpy , "Um… right now I feel 17 because I'm just back from the gym.

Her love for sports as a child has now metamorphosed into a more focussed passion for fitness. As Indrani admits, she's now on a journey of discovery-figuring out her body, what it demands, how it reacts. There are new lessons to be learnt each day. Here are some for you.
1. Beauty is… what beauty does. I know it is such a cliche, but it is the truth. How you look is a reflection of who you are.

2. Being the face of a major beauty brand has meant… Great exposure. It's been a flattering experience. The brand has a national footprint and great recall value. It was also the beginning of my modeling career, and it couldn't have gotten better. I worked with a lovely team and learnt a great deal about all aspects of the industry.
3. Your best DIY beauty trick…
Drinking a litre of water when I wake up, and half a litre before hitting the bed. Another would be using an eyelash curler and loads of mascara. I never go without the curler. There's no better way of opening up your eyes.
4. A healthy habit you are most proud of…
Drinking plenty of water. And exercise. Earlier I was not so regular with my workouts, but now I'm committed to my hour of fitness. I'm beginning to understand my body better and I love challenging it. It has helped me discover smarter ways of working out. Of course, there are experts to guide you along the way, but the personal journey of self-discovery is amazing.
5. Your favourite fitness regime...
Running on the treadmill. The high point of which is a three-minute segment when I'm running at a speed of
14-15 kmph, my veins are pumping blood and my body is screaming, but the runner's high is exhilarating!
6. 5 foods you have every day...
Milk, two teaspoons of honey every morning, nuts through the day, potatoes-my weakness, and a little bit of dark chocolate. I'm not too fussy about my diet, but I make healthy choices. What I don't enjoy is aerated drinks, deep-fried food and candy.
7. Good genes can be undone by…
Bad habits and bad lifestyle. I'm lucky to have inherited good genes, but along the way, I've realised what works for me, and what does not. It's part of the learning curve.
8. We'd never catch you …
Singing in public, though I did it once, but I would never again (laughs). Yes, and bungee jumping. I would jump off a plane, but not from a cliff, that is crazy.
9. A habit you find most difficult to ditch...
Removing my make-up before hitting the bed. I'm just too lazy and convince myself it can wait till the next morning.
10. Lessons from the glamour industry …
Discipline, patience, what it means to be independent and self-reliant.