I am never embarrassed to relax. I am not part of any rat race. I am very happy to be by myself.
Tabu
Since I am originally from Hyderabad, I speak Telugu fluently.
The first film I worked in was Dev Anand's 'Hum Naujawan.'Then I went back to school and college.
I laugh, cry, go for movies, eat popcorn. All these things are pretty relaxing for me.
There is always something that you will take away from each project. There definitely has to be something that you have said yes to in the first place. In some projects, it's the freedom to express yourself more; in some, it's a bigger sense of camaraderie, and somewhere, it's the money that is great.
I try not to get typecast in any role, any image. I feel I can do justice to every kind of role, so why not make the best of it? See, commercial films alone can get you only so far. If you want to last as an actress, then you have to put in that extra bit of investment by doing off-beat films, too.
Coming from a middle-class family in Hyderabad, I was an introvert. I chose to be the way I am.
I've crossed many cultural and gender barriers as a woman.
I wanted to be an air hostess because I wanted to see the world.
I like to spend time with family and friends and share my experiences with them.
I am keen on doing the regular Hindi film, but I want strong, meaningful roles in my repertoire, which I get down South. I can devote equal time and attention to both, so I don't see the clash.
I am the last person who has any judgement about any kind of cinema, least of all commercial cinema because I am a product of commercial cinema.
I don't disown feminism, but I don't believe in such labels.
I have never done films to prove a point to anyone; I have done them for myself.
I am proud of my height.
I never thought I was doing any great work. I never thought I would last. In the beginning, I was terrible. I never used to speak to people. I used to start crying. I was extra sensitive. I would run away home and feel miserable. I didn't know how to behave then. I was touchy. People interpreted it as arrogance.
Promotions create awareness, but if there is no merit to the film, what will promotions do anyway?
All over the world, actors and actresses are chosen for their performing skills. Not how they look or what they wear. It is all about how they act, how they emote.
As far as TV shows are concerned, I would love to do a travel show.
I don't find a reason to be on Twitter or Facebook. This is my temperament, and I can't put myself out 24/7 out there. However, I am not judgmental about others being there.
I am not closed to any new ideas. But films are my first love.
I have not done any film where my role didn't make sense.
I did 'Hawa' to understand what ghosts and the supernatural are all about. I don't believe in them and wondered how I could essay a part in a project I don't necessarily understand.
What has helped me is my success in commercial cinema. It has given me a platform for others to cast me in their films. If I did not have the commercial success, then I wouldn't be able to do the smaller films.
I never want to stick to one genre of movies and was opened to do everything.
I have worked with good directors, and I consider myself very lucky because I think that it is very important.
You cannot analyse your personality. It is like trying to understand the essential characteristics of a person.
I had attraction to work with Ang Lee. I wanted to work with him.
If I am comfortable doing work in a certain way, then I will do it my way with conviction.
I have such a temperament that I cannot do anything in excess.
I am happy and content with my work and career.
I had a great time doing Bollywood and Telugu films, and it's been an interesting journey.
I come from a generation that had no monitors on the sets. You had to go with the director's conviction and be happy with it. I still work like that.
I was really excited when films like 'Kaala Paani,' 'Maachis,' 'Chandni Bar' and others came my way. The sheer fact that I would get to portray various emotions was thrilling.
I followed my own self and individuality so much that it automatically made me a game changer or set me apart from others. I did not think it was necessary to do things the way others are doing it.
I do whatever appeals to me. I have always made my own choices.
Personally, as an artiste, I never do any discrimination. If I am offered a 'Golmaal 4,' I'll run and do it.
For me, every character takes the same amount of immersion.
Most stabilizing part of my career is that I have done all genres. I hate classification.
I did not want to do things the way they are usually done in Hindi cinema.
I don't like to talk about my work. People should see my work and form their opinion based on that, not because of something I said.
I don't have any special approach for playing dark characters. That's because I never looked at them as dark characters per se. For me, they were real people.
I really miss doing masala films.
I've always gone with the flow.
As a viewer, I will go and watch only commercial films.
I only do work that suits my temperament.
Cinema will always remember 'Life Of Pi.'
I cannot say yes to too many things. I am better off giving attention to one thing at a time.
Every film has been a personal milestone for me.
I write about different things. Anything that has affected me. Anything that I have liked. Anything that I feel strongly about. Any experience.
