What's been easier, winning the Miss Universe title (in 2000) or navigating Bollywood?
Ah, winning the Ms Universe title was easier. I came from the glamour industry. I was already a model and it wasn't very difficult to go out there, be articulate, present yourself well, look good -- it's a lot more my cup of tea (laughs). I think with Bollywood, I am really happy that I am here. I guess you navigate yourself through a little bit of ups and downs.
But I have wondered, you have come in with all the right potential -- Ms Universe title, a trained Bharatnatyam dancer, you speak great Hindi -- so what's stopping you from being No 1?
I think the Indian film industry wants to compartmentalise you. They love doing that. You have to find that perfect image, and you have to fit. Unfortunately for me, I haven't quite found that perfect image: 'This is Lara, this is what she is good at, this is how we want to see her for the rest of her career.'
The first time we met, Kelly (boyfriend Kelly Dorjee) was with you. I remember you were telling me how much he was helping, taking you for training at 5.30 in the morning for Ms Universe. I was sure you were going to win the title, absolutely sure, but I also thought that if you win Kelly will lose you? How did you manage to stay together?
Ahh! Honestly, I wish I had the perfect answer to this -- you know, something to say to the viewers, 'this is how it works and this is the magic and the miracle,' but all I can say is that there is a force, there is a power greater that the two of us that keeps us together, no matter what.
It's greater than the love we have for each other, it's greater than the relationship we will ever have, it is this power that keeps us and our relationship together. There are a lot of things that changed -- I won Ms Universe, went away to New York for two years -- and there were these unbelievable experiences that I went through. And this person stuck through and through, and understood that. And that's very difficult, especially for a man.
Lara, you were one of the few girls coming into this industry with a boyfriend attached. Does it work against or for you in Bollywood?
Well, Kelly and I have had this conversation many times. He's always said, 'Were we to break-up tomorrow you'd get much more work, and there would be more people running after you.' But I think Simi, the day and age has really gone when you hide that you have a boyfriend. I have never felt the lack of work because I am in a relationship, never.
But I am curious. If you meet someone you are attracted to, what would you do about it?
I honestly believe that what is meant to come to you in life will come to you, and you have two choices. Invariably the choices we pick are the ones bringing us momentary happiness and pleasure, invariably, and if you are willing to pick the one that may be a little difficult but in the longer haul, is the one that gives maximum happiness in your life... It really does not give you any grief and guilt, then that's one you should go for. You make your life based on the choices you pick.
Catch the rest on Rendezvous with Simi Garewal on Sunday, September 10 at 9:30 pm on Star World.