In a recent candid conversation, Tina Ahuja, the daughter of Bollywood icon Govinda and Sunita Ahuja, opened up about a fundamental life lesson instilled in her by her parents: the power and importance of self-presentation, no matter the occasion. The interview, conducted with Curly Tales and featuring her mother, offered a glimpse into the family's values and their impact on Tina's daily habits.
The Family Ethos: Always Present Your Best Self
Tina described the dynamic between her famous parents as more friendly than overtly romantic, a relationship she observed from a unique vantage point. However, one consistent trait stood out for her. She fondly recalled how her father, Govinda, would make an effort to look his absolute best when meeting Sunita, arriving "all decked up" with a styled beard and goggles, embodying a heroic presence.
This commitment to looking put-together, she emphasized, is a shared family value. "You will never see her (Sunita) in a jhalla (shabby) state," Tina stated about her mother. This conscious effort to dress well, regardless of the destination, is a quality Tina has consciously imbibed. "Ghar se agar main mandir bhi jaa rahi hu, gurdwara bhi jaa rahi hu toh I'll see to it ki main acha pony baandh ke I should look good," she explained, highlighting that even a quick trip to a temple warrants a neat ponytail and a presentable appearance.
Sunita Ahuja Credits Her Mother-in-Law's Wisdom
The origin of this philosophy, as revealed by Sunita Ahuja herself, traces back to Tina's grandmother. Sunita shared a poignant piece of advice she received from her mother-in-law: "Sunita, jab bhi ghar ki Lakshmi ready ho na, Lakshmi jaisi dikhni chahiye." This metaphor, equating the woman of the house to the goddess of wealth and prosperity, Lakshmi, underscores a deep-seated belief that self-care and a dignified appearance are forms of self-respect that radiate outward.
The Psychology Behind Dressing Up: More Than Just Clothes
Counselling psychologist Athul Raj, speaking to indianexpress.com, elaborated on the significant emotional and psychological benefits of this practice. He framed dressing up for everyday tasks as a "small act of emotional grounding" and a powerful message to oneself: 'I matter.'
Raj explained that on days when individuals feel low or lack direction, the simple acts of brushing hair or putting on clean, intentional clothing can create a subtle but crucial shift in energy. "It gives the day a starting point," he noted, adding that such rituals help regulate emotional states by fostering a sense of readiness and personal dignity. In an uncertain world, these consistent practices provide much-needed structure and affirm that everyday life is worth showing up for fully.
Balancing Comfort with Intentionality
Addressing the common dilemma between being comfortable and looking presentable, Raj advised redefining what 'presentable' means on a personal level. The key is to find clothing that allows ease while also enabling confidence and reflecting one's personality. "Comfort and care do not need to be opposites," he stated, suggesting that a clean kurta, a soft cotton sari, or a fresh T-shirt, when chosen with intention, can be perfectly adequate.
The psychologist stressed that the effort should feel authentic rather than forced. "When it comes from within, it feels natural, not pressured. There is quiet power in choosing what suits your state of mind that day," Raj concluded.
Generational Lessons in Self-Respect
These values, as Tina Ahuja's story illustrates, are often passed down through generations not by explicit instruction but by quiet observation. The consistent habits of family members—a mother wearing bangles before leaving home, a father with an always-ironed shirt, a grandmother applying perfume each morning—leave a lasting imprint.
Raj summarized this generational transfer, stating, "They teach us that self-care is not always loud or indulgent. It can be quiet, consistent, and rooted in routine." For many families, including the Ahujas, dressing well is less about vanity and more about meeting the world with a sense of pride and self-respect, a lesson Tina Ahuja carries forward from her parents, Govinda and Sunita.
