Karan Johar, Twinkle Khanna, Ananya Panday, and Sara Tendulkar on true beauty and authentic brilliance

You can copy the sparkle, but never the soul. Natural diamonds aren’t made, they’re born. Because real shine takes billions of years, not a shortcut in a lab or a factory. The difference? One’s priceless, the other’s just pretending. Just ask Karan Johar, Twinkle Khanna, Ananya Panday, and Sara Tendulkar because when it’s real, it doesn’t just shine, it owns the spotlight. Here are their thoughts from the recent event held at the Frieze Masters, London, hosted by De Beers.

Why do you value what’s real and rare?

Ananya Panday (AP): It’s extremely important for me to stay real and authentic—both as a person and in the choices I make. I’m drawn to things that have originality. That’s why I connect with natural diamonds—they’re rare, real, and beautifully unique.

Do you think true beauty lies in imperfections?

AP: Definitely. We all have imperfections, but that’s what makes all of us unique & truly special. Even diamonds, nature’s treasures, have natural inclusions which make each one rare. It’s the little differences that make it valuable, like art created by nature.

Do diamonds shaped over billions of years change how you see beauty?

Karan Johar (KJo): Billions of years ago, even before humanity existed, there were diamonds, and that’s such a powerful reminder of nature’s artistry. It reminds me that perfection is a myth. When nature is the artist, every subject, whether people or diamonds, stands out in its own way.

Every natural diamond is one of a kind. Do you think individuality enhances beauty?

KJo: Absolutely. I’ve always believed that what makes something truly beautiful is its individuality. The little quirks and imperfections in art, culture or people are what make them stand out. Perfection is overrated; uniqueness is what draws you in.

In a world of trends, how do you define what’s truly precious?

Sara Tendulkar (ST): For me, something truly precious is anything I share an emotional connection with my family, friends, art and even diamonds. It’s that personal connection that makes them meaningful.

Synthetic diamonds can copy the look, but not the journey. Do you think it’s the journey that gives true brilliance?

ST: I believe it’s the journey that truly shapes something, it gives depth, character and meaning. No two journeys are the same; this uniqueness is what makes something, or someone, truly brilliant. It’s the experiences along the way that add authenticity, making the outcome much more special. 

Do you think rarity is still celebrated today?

Twinkle Khanna (TK): I believe we are valuing rarity and craftsmanship more than ever. In a world of copies, there’s growing admiration for things that take time, a crafted artwork or a diamond formed over billions of years. They can’t be rushed, and that’s what makes them meaningful.

They say synthetic diamonds shine bright but lack a story. How much does the story behind something add to its beauty for you?

TK: For me, anything with a story behind it holds much more beauty and meaning. A natural diamond, for instance, isn’t just about how it sparkles; it’s about the time, history, and emotions it carries within it.

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All images: De Beers Group