When I hear senior actors discuss their experiences, I can relate to them.

I took up acting upon the insistence of my filmmaker father, Kasthuri Raja. But I am glad for it: sometimes one identifies one's calling; sometimes it singles one out.

I wanted to master the art of cooking. Maybe, when I slow down and do one or two films a year, I will learn how to cook and pursue it as my hobby.

Many people find their calling very early in their lives. These are the kind of people we read about in school books and newspapers. Then there are some who don't have a clue of what they want to do in their lives; I am belong to the latter category.

I never wanted to be a part of the industry, as I had no knowledge about it. I am one of those rare and really lucky people for whom the calling identified me and not the other way around.

Wherever I went, I became a son-in-law. It was a terrible phase for me. I had to work double hard to get back my identity. Whenever I gave an interview, the first question would invariably be, 'What is it like to be his son-in-law?' Now that question comes somewhere in the middle of the interview. Hopefully, soon, it won't be asked at all.

To be honest, more than what I prepare, it's the directors who do the bulk of the work, researching, collecting data and all that. I like to see myself as a processor: they feed me with the data, I give the output.

I haven't experienced college life. It's the phase that my character in 'Raanjhana' is set in. But it isn't that bad, either. I have nearly 30 films behind me and a National Award to boot.

I've always known that I'm very, very ordinary looking. But I'm not alien looking. I am an artist here to play characters.

Revathi madam is a legend, and I have seen young actresses set her performance as a benchmark.

If I was not an actor, I would have been working in a five star hotel as a chef.

I have played so many romantic roles that I don't know if I am really a romantic in real life. I get confused about the real me.

If there is no music, I will perish. While I have not learnt music, I can play the tune that comes into my head on the keyboard.

I made shorts films, learning the dos and don'ts. Most importantly, I've been editing all these short films. Nothing can teach you filmmaking like editing can.

I've seen poverty up close until I was four or five.

When I joined films in 2002, there were all kinds of rash and unkind comments that were made about my looks in the reviews.

In life, there is good, evil, love, and hatred. What we desire, choose, and need to pursue is in our hands.

'Power Paandi' is about the outcome of embracing love, peacefulness, and positivity around us.

Since childhood, I have been watching the Filmfare Awards, and it has always been very special to anyone who works in the film industry.

'Ranjhana' and 'Shamitabh' really gave me a wider exposure to Hindi-speaking audience.

Few years ago, it was completely different. Now you go to any country, city, or continent and just say 'Bollywood,' and they will know. So, it means everybody is watching everything.

The world is shrinking, and everyone is majorly interested in Indian films now.

Both Aishwaryaa and Soundarya are talented and ambitious. They are both daughters of the Superstar and have great command over their craft.

After a few years, I understood that this is what I was meant to do.

Working with Kajol was a delight, as we complemented each other. She is a seasoned actor, and there is so much to learn from her.

I learned so much, and I feel I have grown as an actor and as a person.

I would love to act, but I seriously do not know anything about it.

It is critical for us to cultivate consciousness and compassion towards our environment, create awareness, galvanize people, and build sustainable innovations for sustainable development.

Don't hold back from being an 'empath.' Don't be afraid of shedding your tears. Feel it. Feel the full extent of everything. It gives us strength.

Fortunately, I have never been a victim of sexual harassment. But there have been instances where I have lost out on work or people have shown disinterest in working with me because I was unwilling to succumb to this unspoken understanding of patriarchy.

I believe in the power of one and that we are all bound by the thread of oneness and humanity.

It's important to be a witness to reality as this world can consume you.

What gives you strength at any circumstance is your understanding of yourself.

My father was a German architect and graphic designer, who travelled all over the world, teaching teachers on how to teach. On one such visit to the Max Mueller Bhavan in Delhi, he met my mother.

I have discovered the virtue of patience and I don't quite believe that taking a break for good reason can be a risk.

I have always believed that an artiste needs to respond to a story first. One has to feel it in order to live it.

I think good work, sincerity and discipline speak for themselves.

I did not set up Born Free because I wanted to see myself in films... I want to take my aspirations to another level.

I've been meditating since 14 years and my mornings are spent in the building garden.

I happened to be spotted by a modeling agent who offered me a part-time job at 16. Everything happened very quickly after that - advertising campaigns, fashion shows, editorial shoots.

I'm a minimalist: For a day look, I like earth tones,and at night I go with kohl and a smudgy black eye.

People worship and revere Ganga as a mother, and then throw away flowers in a plastic bag into the same river.

I don't give in and I don't believe in giving up. This comes naturally to me, I know no other way.

While growing up, I saw how finances can play havoc in anybody's life. While we were comfortable, money didn't come easy.

It is impossible to teach people to conserve nature if they don't learn to love nature.

One thing led to another and I was selected from Hyderabad for the Miss India pageant. I remember my mother being really surprised that I wanted to take part!

I always wanted to play a bigger part in the process of cinema, so production felt like a very natural progression and calling.

I think every opportunity, every disappointment, every rejection, every accolade... everything has contributed in shaping my character and my choices and who I have become.

Children are my favorite people, because they inspire me with their optimism and spirit.

There are many women who are getting the opportunity to play fantastic parts on the web like Huma Qureshi in 'Leila,' Shefali Shah in 'Delhi Crime' and so many others. It gives opportunity to those who are not getting the work that they desire to do because of their age. So web is doing a social service.