How long will you do this? Will you ever get involved with other aspects of the industry, like writing or directing? Do you hope to return to engineering some day? Do you ever miss the classroom? Did you like to study?
I could do this forever (laughs). Maybe one day I will try my hand at something different, like writing. But for now, I'm focused on becoming the best actress I can be, and that takes up a lot of time! Still, it's an interesting thought.
While I don't know if I'll ever return to Engineering, it is true that I miss the classroom. It's hard for me to not be in school, because I give so much importance to education. So, while I believe that experience is the best teacher, and gives you the most wisdom and knowledge, there's still something to be said for a degree too. I think I'll one day go back to school, if only for myself.
I really enjoyed studying in Boston. It was a great experience. What I appreciated the most was the non-resident Indians there, because they're so Indian! They're more Indian than Indians here! They've been really supportive, and through my fan-mail, they give me a lot of encouragement. It's humbling to think you have fans in all these countries.
Given this fan-mail, the media attention, and the upcoming releases, it's safe to say you've become very visible. But remember back when you won Miss World and Lara Dutt won Miss Universe, no one was sure who would be the big star. Why do you think you've been offered so many lead roles?
I believe every actor has his own destiny. Part of that destiny is what roles you accept, how you perform, and how you handle yourself. The most important thing to me, when reviewing a part, is the production house. So I'm careful to choose my parts wisely, based on a lot of considerations. But I never planned for any of this to happen, I've never planned anything. Like I said, I really feel like a child of destiny.
Are you religious?
I'm wouldn't say I'm religious, I'm very spiritual. I do believe there's a supreme God that influences our lives and our world.
What about artsy roles? Would you like to try your hand at something alternative?
I have no problem doing a different or off-beat role if I think the film can be a big success. But I'm not one of those people who think that de-glamorised roles require more talent. Why, just because you're not wearing make-up? It's still acting, portraying someone different from your personality. They both take a lot of work.
On the other end of the spectrum, would you be willing to push boundaries? How much would you dare to bare?
I have a simple rule: I wouldn't do anything I couldn't watch with my family.
Photograph: TAG Heuer India shot by Atul Kasbekar.
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