Butterfly effect

Contrary to popular belief, Sara Tendulkar isn't eyeing a career in Bollywood. In a conversation with SONAKSHI SHARMA, she opens up about her PCOS journey with her mum and her philanthropic pursuits with her dad. Photographed by SUSHANT CHHABRIA.

- Styled by DIVYA BALAKRISHNAN

My bedtime stories were case studies of skin diseases, burns and convulsions my mum had handled that day at work,” says Sara Tendulkar. Between her cricket legend dad, Sachin, and paediatrician mum, Anjali, she was raised in a household that valued both academics and athletics, with a childhood spent visiting both hospitals and cricket stadiums.

Her mother calls her the Belle of the ball—sporty, bubbly, and energetic. “She loved being the centre of attention,” laughs Anjali. “At two years old, she would offer pedicures to my friends after being inspired by the salon didi’s home visits.” In school, despite a packed schedule that included art, tennis, chess and Bharatanatyam classes, Sara knew science was her calling, going on to become a biomedical scientist and certified nutritionist, a rarity in a generation of young actors and influencers who defer education for short-term pursuits.

Vogue India caught up with Sara and her protective mum to dive deeper into their struggles with PCOS, finding purpose and embracing the limelight on their own terms.

Vogue India: How did your childhood shape your idea of beauty?

Sara Tendulkar: My mother was strict about having a minimal beauty routine. She never allowed me to use a foundation or concealer, even though sometimes I really wanted to, as I suffered from hormonal acne due to PCOS. She'd stress the importance of using sunscreen and a moisturiser.

Anjali Tendulkar: She would cry and throw a tantrum, asking for makeup to cover up her acne. The answer was always no, but sometimes, if she cried a lot, I'd give her my compact powder.

VI: Did battling PCOS affect your self-confidence?