I have no connections with any political event.

At one point of time, most of my films were successful, so I could have launched a production house. But had I done that, I would not have grown as an actor.

For me, 'Shanghai' is beyond language. For me, it's good cinema. The language is incidental.

I was born to be an actor and I haven't exhausted myself in this particular field.

My final ambition is to turn director.

The Prosenjit-Rituparna jodi is a huge contribution to Bengali cinema as we have delivered several hits.

When it comes to my industry, I will always be there to voice our concerns.

I don't understand politics at all.

I am not cut out for politics. I don't even dream of joining politics.

Working out, for me, is like brushing my teeth. So, I can't cheat on that.

I used to sit on the editing table to see where I may have gone wrong because after editing, only the good parts go on screen.

I take eight meals a day.

I have not planned my Bollywood career the way I have planned my career in Bengali films.

I was never serious about Bollywood films, but when I was offered a film like 'Shanghai,' I took it because it is a good film.

In my Bengali films, I am involved with all the promotional activities, release date posters etc.

I love to prepare for my roles.

The memories of shooting in Iceland are amazing.

For me, it was more challenging to become Netaji, as I don't have the same physical built or look like him.

When I was young, we didn't celebrate February 14. For us, Valentine's Day meant Saraswati Puja. And just a single day in a year can't be Valentine's Day.

We should celebrate love on all the 365 days.

Comedy is something I enjoy doing.

I see a lot of similarity between Bengali and Malayalam films regarding the basic emotions, the craftsmanship, art and performance. I also feel both the industries are very true to their art and culture.

Politics is a big no-no for me. I'm not a person who can go through that journey in life.

I believe my biggest critic is me only.

It's not that I won't do any horror movie. The script has to be good and also the execution has to be perfect to attract the viewers.

I have been to Goa before on innumerable occasions. I have shot at Fort Aguada in Goa too.

For an actor, who has done so many commercial movies, who has a large chunk of his fan following addressing him as 'guru,' it's not easy to opt for roles that strip one of the stardom.

When you are on the host's seat you have to synchronize with so many things.

It is challenging when you are dealing with people's emotions.

When I need to go to my bank, I'll do television.

I've learnt so much from Mithunda.

Mithunda is a great actor. He has done all kinds of roles simultaneously and that's no mean feat.

As an actor, I understand how difficult it is to simultaneously do diverse roles like Mithunda has done in 'Guru' and 'MLA Fatakeshto.' That's how much respect I have for him.

Atanu is one of my favourite directors. His script, style of storytelling and characterisation are always very different.

Working with Atanu again after 'Mayurakshi' is quite a challenge for me.

Every year, I have at least one Puja release, but 'Gumnaami' is really special for me. I have come out of my comfort zone for this film. I feel really fortunate to be a part of it.

I want to act in films such as 'My Left Foot' and 'A Beautiful Mind.'

Nothing beats that sloppy kiss of a six-month-old grandchild.

I don't like Johannesburg, where I grew up. Everybody lives in 'gated' buildings, is paranoid about crime and is always talking about being mugged. It's not a very joyful place.

Bake Off' has been a renaissance for me. I turn up, taste something and get paid rather well. What could be nicer?

I think the BBC likes to have Mary Berry and me around to rebut the charge of ageism.

It was hugely helpful to me, being South African. I have never felt uncomfortable in posh society because I don't see what it is that I'm meant to be bowing the knee about.

I probably eat yogurt more than anything else.

I think Paul Hollywood was quite perfectly within his rights to stay with Love Productions. They'd made him famous, he was getting a decent salary and he was enjoying it. Why shouldn't he stay with them?

People don't always behave the same way on different programmes. If you go to church you don't behave the same way you do at a party in the middle of the night.

Why don't women say what they want, why wait to be asked? Do women intuit that it is unacceptable to appear ambitious?

I grew up in a very white, privileged, old-fashioned society in South Africa and went to a boarding school run by nuns.

I'm nicknamed the 'food tsar' by the press. I'm always giving my opinion on things like; 'Don't nanny children,' although children sometimes do need a nanny. Being a judge on 'Great British Menu' reinforces this image of me.

I think women write more fully and honestly than men about heart and home.

The really nice thing about the town of Hua Hin - and Thailand generally - is that it's so safe. You can walk around the night market, for example, with complete confidence.