“The rise of the women is the rise of the nation.”

I got scars from every film I’ve done, every TV show.

Guys are natural problem solvers – they like to have strategies.

We live in a world where people can ridicule you at the push of the button. They can question you at the push of a button.

Our lives depend on vote.

You think you can’t change the world? You can.

One of the first things I was taught as an actor was, ‘Don’t judge the character.’

Nobody has to give me permission to write.

They should probably have a James Brown aerobic tape. You would lose a lot of weight.

When you play characters, you shouldn’t just be putting on their characteristics – you should be finding it inside yourself.

You’re not free unless you can show the good and the bad, all sides of them. So to me, when I play a character, it’s important that I can show every aspect of them.

I was raised in a sort of village. I have a huge family, and I think there is strength in that. It helped me to deal with some of the complications of living in the South because I always felt like I belonged, no matter what.

I try to look at every role the same way, regardless of whether the character is real or the character is a fantasy. I always start from myself, because you have to know yourself first.

The projects that I end up doing, that I want to be involved with in any way, have always been projects that will be impactful, for the most part, to my people – to black people.

I’m an artist. Artists don’t need permission to work. Regardless of whether I’m acting or not, I write. I write when I’m tired in fact, because I believe your most pure thoughts surface.

I’m not afraid to work.

When it comes down to it, I’d rather have an action figure than a Golden Globe.

Dignity of labour has to be our national duty; it has to be a part of our nature.

Women sometimes go too far, it’s true. But it’s only when you go too far that others listen.

Let each one of us not waste electricity at home. By doing this, we will also light a lamp in the home of a poor.

I dream of a Digital India where knowledge is strength – and empowers the People.

I survived because I was tougher than anybody else.

What could be more beautiful than a dear old lady growing wise with age? Every age can be enchanting, provided you live within it.

My biggest role model right now is Beyonce, just ’cause she is a very, very strong, powerful woman, and that’s obviously the number one reason to be inspired by her. She is just killing every game there is to kill.

A woman has to live her life, or live to repent not having lived it.