“I was studying to be an architect, I wasn’t plotting to join the movies. Films were just another career option. I took acting up with the same schoolgirl enthusiasm I had for examinations. Acting is a job and I take it very seriously.”

I was more excited than scared, at the opportunity to work in an English movie.

I always knew I would be successful. So there was no element of surprise.

I have always been a person who is extremely comfortable in my skin. I have always just been myself in all these years on the public platform.

Comedy is difficult for an actor. But I think I have a good sense of humor and manage to make people laugh and make them happy.

The larger the audience the better. The more pockets in the world, the more interesting and exciting because it just makes it that much more liberating. This makes it that much more liberating for the various facets of creativity to be explored.

Beauty is transient and changes with time.

Even prior to marriage and motherhood, it’s always been about prioritising and focusing on what you can commit to. That’s been my approach to every aspect of my life, be it my relationships or my professional commitments.

Life will take its toll on all of us. We get injured, we get old. It’s really sad to try to run away from these harsh realities of life. Looks are not everything. I am not going to look beautiful all the time.

I have a great story to tell and I tell it well. No holds barred.

I’m just an average woman with average concerns.

For me, it’s not about breaking big in Hollywood, but having interesting experiences.

Right now, I’m following the Buddhist principle: Smile as abuse is hurled your way and this too shall pass.

Sexy in India is not considered positive. But, with today’s crop of fresh faces in the modelling arena, being sexy is an asset.

My biggest concern is always the students who are working toward a certain career – when they limit themselves to just that one option. They need to know that the world is huge – it’s an ocean, and there are so many options. It’s not the end of the world if they don’t get to pursue an apparent childhood dream.

I know for a fact that if there’s a role which I am suited for, I’ll be signed on. I’ll never go begging.

Strangely, nothing makes me feel tired, fatigued, at all. I’ve gone days and nights without sleep, and still the mind is in such a positive space it just doesn’t make you feel fatigued.

Early in my career, I struggled with consistency, but I couldn’t get more consistent than this year.

Journalism is to politician as dog is to lamp-post.

Early in my career, I had no consistency. Now I’m the most consistent player on the tour. It feels pretty good.

I’ve worked on the urban agenda all my life. All. My. Life.

I don’t want to end my career and then start something. I like to do something while my career is still hot and I’ve always enjoyed designing.

This is my career highlight. Getting to the fourth round in the U.S. Open in my first year in the U.S. Open and first year on the tour.

One of the most rewarding moments of my career is when I’m speaking to a child who tells me they have the same speech impediment that I had to overcome and that they’re going to keep writing or sharing their voice after hearing my story.

This is my career highlight. Getting to the fourth round in the U.S. Open in my first year in the U.S. Open and first year on the tour.