I can't tell, honestly. I read a script, and go out there and try my best. I still feel I'm lazy.

Lazy? Didn't show when you picked up a perfect Tamil inflection and tonality for Mr & Mrs Iyer. How long did you take for that?

Thanks! It actually took me about three weeks, that I spent with a lady, a Tamil Brahmin. She really helped me get a feel of the accent.

Three weeks? Wow! That sounds pretty professional. Do you have specific techniques as an actress?

No, I don't quite believe in technique. I try to be as instinctive as possible.

Which brings me to the fact that you've been juggling careers for a while now...

Yeah, that's true. It was journalism, then advertising... I graduated college with English honours. And now it's acting.

Will this bug be as shortlived as the others?

Well, maybe. It's acting -- for some time. I can't plan!

I'm sure all of us hope you stick around. This is your second film with your mother [Aparna Sen]. How is it working with her?

Oh, it's great. I love working with her. She is an absolute perfectionist. And I don't get any advantages being her daughter; she is a very tough taskmaster.