‘A Lotus in the Mud’ magazine brings to readers three stories that offer a cross-cultural perspective on the shift from external success to inner fulfillment.
Movie actresses are not necessarily bimbos chasing fickle fame. ‘A Lotus Grows in the Mud’ has interviewed two Bollywood heroines in recent weeks, and wrote about one Hollywood icon who all defy the stereotypes.
First Goldie Hawn. The octogenarian once charmed the moviegoers as a comedienne in films like ‘Private Benjamin’ and her Oscar-winning ‘Cactus Flower’. She has long moved beyond the screen, channeling her experiences into advocacy for mental health, mindfulness, and resilience—causes rooted in her own life journey, and an enduring search for meaning. Coincidentally, her 2005 autobiography is titled ‘A Lotus Grows in the Mud’!
After setting up MindUp, which blends neuroscience, positive psychology, and social-emotional learning to build emotional literacy and resilience among students, educators, and families, Goldie has released her first children’s book this month, ‘The After-School Kindness Crew: Pooch on the Loose #1’.
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Goldie Hawn and Lin Oliver’s children’s book was released on May 5. (Photo courtesy: Penguin Kids)
From Bollywood, two actresses who debuted a decade apart eventually realized that the arc lights were not their true calling. Miss World 1999 Yukta Mookhey stepped away to embrace spiritual life, while Sheeba—who debuted in Sunil Dutt’s 1991 film ‘Yeh Aag Kab Bujhegi’—is now a yoga instructor.
As holistic wellness is being embraced globally, Sheeba and Yukta opened up what comes after fame in exclusive interviews with A Lotus in the Mud, highlighting their transition from the entertainment industry to lives rooted in spirituality, yoga, and mindfulness.
Life after the limelight
Sheeba starred opposite top heroes in the 1990s, including Salman Khan (‘Suryavanshi’), Akshay Kumar (‘Mr Bond’), and Rajinikant (Tamil film ‘Athisaya Piravi’).
While taking care of her wellness, comely actress Sheeba Sabir has successfully balanced her family life and film career. (Photo courtesy: Sheeba via A Lotus In The Mud)
Speaking to Lotus, Sheeba reflected on her personal evolution that led her away from the film industry’s fast and furious lifestyle. "My journey with yoga has guided me and made my fitness journey actually more complete. I am flexible and centered not only in body but also in mind. Thus, yoga covers all aspects of mind, body, and soul," she said.
Today, her focus is on wellness practices, mindful parenting, and cultivating emotional resilience—priorities she says were shaped by both her professional highs and personal introspection.
Yukta Mookhey has navigated public life - her filmography includes films like ‘Pyaasa’ (2002), ‘KatPuttli’ (2006), and ‘Memsahab’ (2008) - personal challenges, and motherhood. To Lotus, she spoke about dharma and integrating spiritual practices into everyday living for inner peace. Yukta has been guided by Gurumayi Chidvilasananda, a master in the Siddha Yoga tradition.
Miss World 1999 Yukta Mookhey says she has always had a spiritual heart. (Photo courtesy: Yukta Mookhey via A Lotus In The Mud)
"I have always had a spiritual heart. What truly matters to me is interconnectedness with people and commitment to humanitarian causes. So, I do not see myself leaving glitz and glamor. Rather, I see myself returning to my roots and anchoring in my truth from that core foundation where true greatness can radiate," she said.
At a time when holistic health has become a priority, these stories offer a cross-cultural perspective on the shift from external success to inner fulfillment.
About A Lotus in the Mud
‘A Lotus in the Mud’ is a digital editorial platform focused on spirituality and wellness. Through interviews with thought leaders, artists, and practitioners, it explores how ancient wisdom translates into modern living.
By bringing these narratives to a wider audience, New York-based ‘A Lotus in the Mud’ often finds itself at the intersection of culture, celebrity, and conscious living—offering stories that resonate with a generation seeking meaning beyond the hurly-burly of life.
