I might be an actor professionally, but as a person I should know what our rituals, religion or our history is. Kumbh Mela really helps you in this.

People told me that I was the best-looking girl in my college. But it was only after I won a beauty pageant in 2002 that I became confident.

I am happy that I got an international offer by a French director but I won't be able to take part in his film as he wanted me exclusively for two years. As I am getting many offers from Bollywood and the television industry, I won't be able to do it.

In future I will surely look forward to doing Hollywood projects.

I was doing well for myself and wanted to play different roles and not just be happy portraying glamorous characters.

Dibakar Banerjee comes across as an intellectual filmmaker. That is a deception.

How long can you bank on your body and your face to help you get roles in films? At the end of the day, anyone who wants to be known as an actor wants to be appreciated for his/her work.

In films, maybe I was lost or typecast.

In 'Bigg Boss,' there were so many things that I didn't say and as a result, people thought I was a fake. I have not let it happen in 'Survivor.'

I'm going through this phase where I don't make an effort to make friends with anyone. This is primarily because I know that people try to make friends only till the time the camera is on. I'm not comfortable with such friendships and I didn't resort to it in 'Bigg Boss' either.

I didn't want to get typecast doing an item number in 'Corporate,' so I didn't do it then.

Frieda Pinto has definitely opened Hollywood doors for Indian actresses.

It was very cold in jail. But inmates were good. They shared their stories with me.

The role of Kaya, which I played in 'Dil Kabaddi,' is very close to my heart as I am also a fitness freak.

In a film where I am acting, do you seriously think I would have the time to keep track of the number of times I kiss my co-star?

I realized that good looks is not enough to be an actress for a long time.

I have always loved coming to Indore, especially because of the hospitality of the people of M.P. They are so warm and welcoming that they instantly make you feel at home.

It's been eight years now that I have been working in Bollywood and have done everything - from item songs to character roles to reality shows.

I fail to understand why the #MeToo campaign in India didn't gain momentum when Malayalam actor Dileep was arrested after an actress was abducted and assaulted or when Telugu actress Sri Reddy was banned for talking about sexual harassment. These instances were more deserving of the #MeToo movement than anything else.

No matter what their profession, there's a certain category of men who let passion overcome reason as soon as a girl offers them her company. More often than not, they turn out to be losers.

I want filmmakers to notice me, not just as a glam doll but as a human being with all facets of emotions.

Television is a huge medium and the best way to popularize yourself.

I would love to work with Shah Rukh Khan, Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Abishek Bachchan and a lot more... even Imran Khan, Hrithik Roshan and Ranbir Kapoor are damn good with their acting.

When you surrender to God, He makes things happen.

My first reality show, 'Bigg Boss 2,' was a good experience, as I learned a lot of things inside the house.

My oomph factor helped me enter B-town. I have a naturally gifted body.

I had been contemplating working on fiction show for some time and 'Humsafars' seemed like the perfect choice.

I guess God has His own plans for all of us. And I trust His decision. He always does what's best for me.

Sangram is my best friend. He loves me more than himself and his absence in my life has brought a vacuum in my life.

Salman Khan's association with 'Bigg Boss' has taken the show to another level. Because of his presence, the show has gained immense popularity and the reach of the show is tremendous. It has become a household name.

I know the audience wants to see me without clothes in my coming films. At the risk of disappointing them, let me say that it's simply not going to happen. I will not do any such film.

I won't say that I dream of playing etched characters like Meena Kumari's in 'Pakeezah.' Though I have seen the film 20 times but you can't compete with something as classic as that.

I have always been known for my glamour but I wanted to do something strong and substantial on TV, which is a woman dominated medium.

Just because of the #MeToo movement in Hollywood, after Oscar-winning actresses including Angelina Jolie came out and spoke against Harvey Weinstein, we also want to talk about something that has been happening in Bollywood for long; like several years ago, Mamta Kulkarni had spoken against filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi.

'Bigg Boss' was not a house, it was a house-like situation and being an actor, I had to take care of the way I looked on screen.

Ever since I met Sangram Singh, I am at peace with myself.

Men get intimidated by me. They feel I am very high-handed and snobbish.

An award recognizing your talent is an honor. That matters a lot to me.

'Dhol' has me in the second lead. But I wish to upgrade to playing lead roles and want to be in the league of respected actresses of the industry.

Look, let's be honest. No one is interested in seeing me act. My bare arms, legs, front and back grab more attention than how I perform on screen.

At one point of time, I would like to shoulder a film on myself.

If today I have been able to sell myself, it's because I agreed to shed my clothes and my inhibitions. And the more clothes I take off, the greater the number of people who come to see my films.

My role in 'Humsafars' is very interesting and unlike any role I have done in the past. Anam is a strong character with a few shades of grey.

I was whisked away by the Rajasthan police from Ahmedabad as soon as they realised I had applied for bail. They first put me in a filthy cell in the police station, then took me to jail where I was locked up with five hardcore criminals. It was a nightmare. We had to sleep on the cold floor. That's where one sleeps in jail.

I will obviously exercise my freedom of speech because I live in India, not in Saudi Arabia and Iran; freedom of speech is an integral part of the Constitution of India and I believe in respecting in whatever is lawful in India.

The concept of marriage does not matter to me.

I am a proud Hindu, but that doesn't I mean I disrespect others' religion.

I never make plans, because whenever I do I find out God has other plans.

It's wrong to say in India that a certain community is targeted while Hindus are allowed to flourish. This is wrong. Every community is allowed to flourish.

I have a lot of Muslim friends in the entertainment industry.