Urmila Matondkar turns 52: When birthday girl warned youngsters 'not go on starvation diet and spoil their health'

Published on: Feb 4, 2026, 10:49:06 IST

By Sanya Panwar

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Happy birthday Urmila Matondkar: As she rings in another year, Urmila continues to inspire a generation to trade starvation for sustainable weight loss.

On Urmila Matondkar's birthday, let us revisit her advice to young Indians – eat healthy and exercise to stay fit – that rings true even after all these years.

As Urmila Matondkar celebrated her 52nd birthday on February 4, fans were once again marvelling at her age-defying beauty. While the actor and politician has been a fitness inspiration for decades, her approach to health has always been rooted in common sense rather than chasing fleeting trends. Also read | Twinkle Khanna's ‘old-fashioned’ fitness secrets are more than just dieting or exercising, they are actually very simple

Rejecting the size-zero craze

Back in 2008, when the 'size-zero' phenomenon was sweeping through the fashion and film industries, Urmila stood as a voice of reason. During an event in Pune, she addressed the growing obsession among young girls to achieve extreme thinness at any cost. Rather than endorsing shortcuts, Urmila shared that her toned physique was the result of a disciplined lifestyle, not deprivation.

Urmila Matondkar's message remains more relevant than ever in the age of social media filters and crash diets. Here is what she said, “More than staying slim, I aim for a healthy body, I am also thankful to god for good genes. I would advice youngsters not go on starvation diet and spoil their health. They should rather eat healthy and exercise.”

Urmila's secret? Home-cooked Maharashtrian meals

While many celebrities often credit exotic superfoods for their fitness, Urmila remained a staunch advocate for traditional Indian cuisine. She attributed her metabolism and stamina to her roots, specifically her traditional Maharashtrian diet.

According to the actor, her secret to staying in shape was wholesome nutrition and sticking to simple, home-cooked meals: “Thankfully, our (Maharashtrian) diet is not very greasy or heavy. At the same time, it is wholesome, perhaps I am able to maintain because I stick to home-cooked food.”

Click here to know 5 cardiologist-approved reasons to eat more home-cooked meals instead of ordering food online.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sanya Panwar
With a keen eye for detail and a heart for storytelling, Sanya is a seasoned lifestyle journalist who has spent over a decade documenting the intersection of aesthetics and substance. Since stepping into the media world in 2012, she has cultivated a career defined by versatility, curiosity, and an unwavering passion for what makes life both beautiful and meaningful. Over the last many years, she has navigated the fast-paced realms of health, wellness, fitness and fashion while pivoting seamlessly into the nuances of decor and travel. Her work often explores the deeper layers of modern living, delving into art and decor trends that transform spaces, insightful perspectives on gender, parenting, and mental health, immersive travel narratives that capture the essence of a destination. A self-proclaimed aesthetics enthusiast, Sanya doesn't just report on trends — she analyses them. Whether she’s identifying the next shift in fitness or discovering a breakthrough in design, she uses her platform to spark meaningful conversations that resonate with a contemporary audience. Sanya is an alumna of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, and the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, where she honed the investigative rigour she brings to her lifestyle reporting today. When she isn't chasing deadlines or conducting interviews, Sanya practices what she preaches. You’ll likely find her sipping matcha, practicing yoga, or scouting the newest cafes. Above all, she finds her balance in nature — whether it's a quiet hike or a moment of reflection in the outdoors, she remains constantly inspired by the tranquillity of the natural world.Read More

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