I like to repeat my clothes: Riya Sen

The actor feels, at times, there’s no harm in dressing down

When you think of actormodel Riya Sen, Falguni Pathak’s music video Yaad Piya Ki Aane Lagi still pops into one’s mind. When we spoke to the granddaughter of the noted movie iconic Suchitra Sen, she was in her vanity van, applying a bright-hued lip colour, fixing her dress and ready to walk onto the set. As a person who loves fashion and is waiting to start her new label, small details matter to her immensely.

A fan of traditional saris and gymwear — an all-new genre of dressing — the Jhankaar Beats (2003) actor usually likes to keep it simple and minimal, unlike her recent role in a web series. A firm believer in the concept of sustainable fashion, she urges everyone to repeat their clothes (wear it more than once) and not follow trends blindly. “People can write and say all that they want to. [But] I repeat my clothes all the time and find nothing wrong with it. Though sustainable fashion hasn’t seen a boom in India, I want it to be more user-friendly. This is just a start,” says a confident Sen. She talks more and about the things she loves. Excerpts from a fun chit-chat:

Jeans! I’m addicted to jeans. They are quite comfortable and fit one’s skin very well. You can wear it with a sleeveless top, a shirt or a basic tee. One can never go wrong.

On a casual day, what will you be seen wearing?

You will either see me in a cotton kurta, palazzos with a sleeveless top or gym clothes. I wear gunjis in solid colours with track pants for a monotone look. Printed track pants with plain tops are also something I wear on and off.

Wearing gymwear is a new trend. Do you think there’s a pressure of being papped?

I like to keep it simple. My mother keeps telling me to dress properly all the time, however, I don’t think there is any harm in dressing down at times or repeating clothes — people are judged based on what they wear, but I don’t mind.

A fashion piece you have stolen from your mother’s (actorturned-politican Moon Moon Sen) closet?

Oh! Lots of them! I usually take her saris. I’m addicted to saris, handwoven, pure saris. When it comes to draping, I love the traditional method.

What’s your fitness mantra?

I drink warm water with lemon in the morning as well as throughout the day. It keeps me hydrated and helps keep toxins at bay. Yoga is another very important part of my life. Though I don’t practise it every day, it still keeps me positive and going. I do Yin with the supported fish pose, which is a master counterpose to the folding poses of Yin yoga. It provides a deep stretch for the intercostal muscles between the ribs. It opens up our anahata (heart chakra) for unlimited love and our vishuddhi chakra for mindful communication. I also do Yin yoga’s supported child’s pose, in which a tennis ball is placed under one’s forehead between the eyebrows. It gently stretches the spine and is a fantastic counterpose for backbends. It creates gentle compression of the stomach and chest that benefits the digestive organs. It relieves back and neck pain when the head is supported by a cushion or a bolster. The ball massages the pineal gland activating your ajna chakra helping your intuitive powers and more.

What about beauty/skincare...

In terms of skincare, I only use natural products that are paraben and sulphate-free.