The curious case of reverse ageing

A sneak peek at some celebs' diets to know what makes them so beautiful

What do vintage red wine and Rekha, Hema Malini and Madonna have in common? They seem to get better with age of course! These 40+ actresses are still drop dead gorgeous and can even today give 20 somethings a run for their money. We take a sneak peek into their diet and beauty schedules and try to discover what makes them look beautiful with each passing day.

Hema Malini

She is: 60

She looks: 50

This dream girl who has been the cynosure of all eyes since her debut in Raj Kapoor's Sapnon Ka Saudagar is an ethereal beauty. Even today, at the age of 60, she doesn't look a day older than 50, thanks to her dance and yoga regime.

Secret: Hema Malini religiously drinks 12 glasses of water every day. A pure vegetarian, curd is her secret potion. The actor and Member of Parliament has yoghurt in liberal doses and seldom eats out. She feasts on a lot of green vegetables and fasts twice a week.

Fitness regime: Fitness is very important for the Baghban star. Her daily fitness regime includes cycling for 15 minutes, pranayam for 45 minutes and stretching for 15 minutes. She also practices Bharat Natyam everyday.

Make-up tip: The danseuse usually applies a blend of aromatic oils, especially prepared by her beautician before applying make-up. Her make-up comprises of a light lipstick and kaajal.

Rekha

She is: 54

She looks: 45

The diva, who is known as much for being a recluse as for her looks, has been an enigma for many years. At the age of 54, she still oozes oomph.

Secret: The Silsila star considers her body as a temple of her existence. She drinks eight glasses of water and has dinner before 8 pm.
Fitness regime: She practices yoga religiously, has a balanced diet and has five small meals everyday.

Make-up tip: Even today, she does her own make-up before gracing any occasion in her trademark kanjeevaram saris and gold jewellery. She introduced the concept of oily make-up in Bollywood which gives a luminous glow to her complexion.

Madonna

She is: 47

She looks: 40
The Material girl has not only kept us entertained with her foot-tapping music but constantly re-invented herself for over two decades. Madonna, who has always been in the limelight, believes in living life queen size with her innovative music albums, stormy affairs and fashion statements.

Secret: This fit n fab lady is an exponent of Ashtanga yoga, a high-octane, aerobic form of 'power yoga'. She practices it religiously for two hours, six days a week. She also uses essential oils like bergamot, lemon and juniper to relax and rejuvenate her senses. The pop star loves ginger tea and yerba, a South American 'wonder-herb' which reportedly burns fat and boosts energy.

Fitness regime: After two sessions of Ashtanga Yoga and Pilates, the star also indulges in a third session of workout that usually comprises of karate, running, cycling or swimming. Madonna is also an ardent follower of Macrobiotic diet. Her daily diet consists of fish, some kind of grains, cooked vegetables and salads. She confesses that 'decadence' to her is toast with strawberry jam.

Make-up tip: Though she has been constantly experimenting with her make-up and has gone from the Goth look to the Saturday night live retro look, she simply loves the natural look. A bold eyeliner, pink gloss and luminous skin complete this look.