Everything big-budget or stereotypical I was offered after 'Slumdog Millionaire' was a huge no-no.

There's one disturbing notion throughout India that light skin is more attractive than dark.

Awareness is very, very important because we're living in a world which is literally shrinking by the day. We are global citizens. So, for us not to be aware of what's happening to our neighbor is almost sad. Once you're aware, then you can decide what cause you want to dedicate your time to.

I don't think Bollywood is only mindless cinema, but a lot of films they churn out are not films that I completely enjoy watching.

I like working on big budget films.

All people - African, European, American - worry about being different. But I've learned that the traits we'd rush to get rid of are the very ones that others desire. People always covet what they don't have. That's why we should look at ourselves every now and then and say, 'I'm proud of myself. I like the way I'm made.'

It's not that difficult to say no when you don't want to do something.