I don't want to be known as an item dancer. I want to be known as an actress only.

I did a B.A. with a major in fine arts and a minor in psychology. I wanted to become a teacher or do art therapy for the elderly. But then I realised I wanted to travel instead.

It has been a tumultuous journey, no doubt. But I feel blessed to have got work.

If you feel like snacking, stock up on almonds, walnuts and cranberries.

I don't eat white breads, and I'm off dairy due to an allergic reaction and because of what it does to the body. I've learnt a lot about different foods and how the body breaks it down and what happens when we eliminate or incorporate certain foods, and it's pretty fascinating!

Some critics have been very harsh. That's okay. I like honest criticism.

I knew that all South Indian language films were first made in Chennai and that Tamil Nadu is one of the biggest film-producing centres in the country. I wanted to be part of films here.

I got a lot of offers after 'Rockstar' but was totally dependent on the team managing my work, who did not want me to sign any of the films I was offered, even though I wanted to.

I'm tired of the speculation about my personal life.

I would like to be more fit, but I don't think I will put on fat or gain weight for movie roles. I am not going to do that.

I firmly believe that one of the best kept secrets to soft and glowing skin is moisturisation.

For me, fashion means dare. I don't mind wearing a bikini. I am okay with it.

I come from a culture where we wear white for weddings. In India, it's different. But I really feel that there should be no set notions, and a bride should only wear something when she's comfortable in it.

I'm intrigued by traditional Indian designs. They are so beautifully handcrafted, and the designs are so intricate and beautiful. I really prefer the Indian designs.

I like to wear jewellery, even though I like my look to be minimalist. When I go out for events, I like to have at least one statement piece. It always adds glamour.

Dance is something which I like to do, but acting is my passion. I would like to do good and meaty roles.

I have learned so much from India: for instance, the use of aloe vera, which I use, and I find it sad when I see certain arts of oiling slowly fading away.

I use coconut oil every single day. I apply coconut oil on my whole body for moisturising. The oil can also be used as make-up remover, as it is light-based and is not sticky.

I'm really excited about furthering my film career in Bollywood and Hollywood.

Health and well-being, as well as how we can live in harmony with our planet, is something I'm passionate about.

I think that, occasionally, fame and popularity can garner more attention for individuals or films. But as a person who believes in my craft, I like the romantic notion that skill and hard work is more important than notoriety.

I think I am feeling comfortable in Bollywood more than in Hollywood because I have spent more time here now and I am understanding a lot of things. I am feeling pretty good here. I really don't plan on running off anywhere.

I have worked with the biggest actors from the beginning. I am hoping God will bless me to work with other big actors.

With Pakistan being in my blood, I would certainly look at opportunities to travel there.

I believe that, as actors, we have a phenomenal platform to spread positivity and influence people in the same way.

In a time where there are divides between cultures and races, I would love to use my position to show that we are all the same inside and working together is the key to moving forward.

I am an independent, educated woman, I make my own money, take care of my mom, and I am single, so I can do whatever I want, taking no one's permission, and that is the best part.

I was tall and skinny, and at 15, I was approached to model. I figured that models got to travel, and it became my ticket to travel so much so that if an agency could not fly me to another country, I would fly on my cost so that I could see that country and also make some money.

Uday Chopra is a person who will be a part of my life for the rest of my life. He is the most amazing human being who I have ever met in my entire life - not just in India, but around the world. If anyone is his friend, that person is lucky to have him in his life.

I crack jokes all the time. Even when I have a fight, I will make a joke, and people will laugh.

I've learnt some important lessons: I never rely on the opinion of one doctor alone. I do my own research; I read up and am ready with questions I need answered.

I've experienced wrong diagnoses and been given antibiotics for things that could be cured naturally. We may not think much of it, but it destroys our immunity.

I have vowed never to take antibiotics again unless I really need them. I also learned to pay attention to my body, know the difference between indigestion, an allergic reaction to food, a parasitic infection or worms. It's incredible how well I know my body. I really love that.

My mother is happy with whatever I choose to do in life as long as I'm happy, healthy, and safe.

I don't really know what the prerequisites are for Bollywood, but I do believe I can be successful in anything I choose to do.

My priority is the script. Get me a good script, and I will sign the movie. I think I should leave the casting up to the experts!

In Bollywood, they like to put us in short clothes. And I am very shy; I don't like wearing revealing stuff, though my image is such. Unfortunately, it's a body-obsessed industry.

I had to struggle with the language. I can understand Hindi now, but I still can't communicate. And things get lost in translation; I feel rejected all the time.

I feel like an alien. I feel people don't like me. People behaved strangely after 'Rockstar.'

My mum was born in the former Czechoslovakia, and even though my grandparents weren't wealthy, they were aristocrats in their time.

I grew up in the projects in Queens, and we were really poor.

I shake hands on the first date.

If I can still have Hollywood and a piece of Bollywood, I will take it.

People will still give me attention: even when my teeth are gone, I'll have some good stories to tell.

It's so lovely to know that people who you would never think know about Bollywood, they know about Bollywood.

My life and my happiness is most important to me than any job or anything in the world.

For me, life is about experiencing many new things and working with good people, working on good projects, and in general, just having any kind of job.

As a child, I did watch some Hindi movies at home with Dad, but I didn't know who anyone was. I wasn't interested, honestly.

It took me just three months to pick up Hindi. I guess I'm a fast learner when it comes to languages.

Don't be surprised if you find me doing some charity work in another country.