“In terms of finding that first international recognition of my work, coming back to Cannes is such a milestone in my life because it began actually with ‘Devdas’.”

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

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 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.

The human mind prefers to be spoon-fed with the thoughts of others, but deprived of such nourishment it will, reluctantly, begin to think for itself – and such thinking, remember, is original thinking and may have valuable results.

My book came out; and people began to think that topsy-turvy Louisa would amount to something after all.

Aprils have never meant much to me, autumns seem that season of beginning, spring.

I believe no one can read the history of our country without realizing that the Good Book and the spirit of the Savior have from the beginning been our guiding geniuses.

In the City of God there will be a great thunder, Two brothers torn apart by Chaos, while the fortress endures, the great leader will succumb, The third big war will begin when the big city is burning.

The beginning of wisdom is the knowledge of folly.

If distance kills a relationship; it wasn’t love to begin with.

I believe in God. When everything collapses, we grip the last hold, we look from the secure haven how the godless society of the old, holy Europe falls apart. May the game begin.