One of my philosophies is that citizens are the mayor... so we have citizens play an integral role in making policies and implementing them.

Predicting and responding to the global economy will be the biggest challenge.

Korea remains in a very difficult position, politically, diplomatically and economically. Thus, it is very important to strike a balance with global powers. How well balanced Korea will be will determine what kind of roles we could play in the future.

In the past, we had several dog butcher shops in Cheongnyangni, but I closed almost all of them down through various measures.

I believe in building a peaceful world that is also a safe place for animals.

With the Korean economy faltering, Seoul City will do its best to address problems regarding people's economic livelihoods - the most important part of this effort being public housing.

As do most Koreans, Seoul residents consider the uncertainty related to housing to be the biggest threat to their livelihoods.

There is a tendency to attack some particular group of people and scapegoat them, but this is not the right attitude to cope with epidemics.

I want to start with small but definitive change; the big picture is too abstract.

The answer is always at the site of the problem.

I'm always trying to invite citizens to participate in the process of public decision-making.

I never intended to become an opposition political leader. Perhaps the government wants to raise me up into one.

Korea has a long way to go before ending corruption. But Mayor Goh has certainly taken an important step toward it.

Politicians have been the primary hurdle to reforms, and corruption is the center of the problem.

There is such insecurity in loving that we see all the pros and cons and then decide how much we want to invest in relationships.

Unfairness is everywhere.

I believe that cinema is not only an artistic industry, but there is also a political activity.

For me, talking about the casting couch in the Malayalam film industry was like calling the sky blue. There is nothing new about calling a spade a spade. My intention was not to create an effect; I just wanted to pluck a few weeds in the system and throw them out.

My humble request to journalists - It only takes one phone call or an email to check facts.

The lack of exposure to right perspective has caused me to be in abusive relationships. When a boy stubbed cigarette on my leg, I thought it was out of love. You know why? Because our films taught us slapping in the face was a way of expressing love.

I think cyberbullying someone who states their opinion, especially a woman, is sadly a norm these days, and it happens daily to not just stars/actors. We have to consistently condemn and shun it so that it never gets the power it doesn't deserve to have over the society.

Everybody has a priority. Mine is simple and clean acting, and my work, irrespective of the industry I am in, will not cater to anything else.

Working with any senior actor is a learning experience, so getting to work with a thespian like Kamal Hassan was a memorable one.

I want to do only those films which come from a real place.

I grew up watching films that presented male perspectives of women.

Yes, I am happy that my work is recognised, and it is wonderful to be acknowledged.

When I look back, there isn't a single film that I would disown becaus,e with every film, I've learnt a lot.

My talent is universal, and acting is a craft that can be used anywhere, unless ethnicity comes into play, and then, looks matter.

I only do few films, so when one comes out, it is a big deal for me.

Awards are like a pat of appreciation from the jury and viewers. It is almost like them saying, 'So, you have done well; we expect you to carry on doing good work.'

The 'Qarib' team was energetic with an intimate way of working.

In the 11 years I've worked in films, I've realised that no one is indispensable, and that has actually been very comforting to know.

We need storytelling from all angles. We need men, women, and trans people participating in all aspects of filmmaking; this is the only way we can depolarise the age-old standard of singular perspective.

As an artist, I feel you can have a debut just once.

I'm not saying I'm perfect. But I'm someone who analyses and reflects on what I do, whether it's in keeping with the ethics that I talk about in public. That's how I've been all my life.

Women haven't stood together enough because women have been pitted against one another.

Acting is very anthropological for me. It makes me less judgmental.

Survival is not just a physical thing. It's a constant mental affair. So, I kind of really draw a lot of power from that word.

If I have to change for a character, I need really logical reasons to look a certain way. Otherwise, I have finally cracked the code in being comfortable in my own skin regardless of what's fed to you of how you must look.

I believe that women have the right to wear any attire that suits their comfort. And above all, every individual has the right to wear an attire of their choice, and no one can deny that.

Yes, I started out as an anchor on television, but that was just 'me being me,' trying to make some pocket money.

My mother learnt Mohiniyattam as a child, and my father loved singing.

My career strategy has never been the most important thing; my conscience is.

I did one print ad and thoroughly disliked the experience.

I have nothing but immense respect for my peers.

I believe we need to learn from our past.

The commercial success that came with Anjali Menon's 'Bangalore Days' helped me in getting my work noticed.

As an actor, my body is my tool to flesh out the roles I play.

It is important to set an example.

As an artist, my only relationship to my audience is through my work. That relationship is sacred to me.