Today, of course, the world's perception of India has changed tremendously. People understand its role in world affairs; they understand that India is not some backward nation. In fact, it is the fastest growing free-market democracy in the world today, and that says it all.

The Anglo-Saxon world saw India as an underdeveloped country. The land of snake charmers, the cows on the street, that "ex-colony-backward-nation" kind of viewpoint, very condescending. Europe on the other hand, saw India in a more romantic, mystical, spiritual way, as a place that's a fountain of wisdom.

I'm not the sort to wallow in nostalgia about the good old days.

I also said, men are like curling irons, they never get out of your hair. And they are like government bonds, they take so long to mature.

I love the stage, I love the process of acting in theatre, but unfortunately, it doesn't pay the bills.

The average Englishman has no idea of the dynamism in the music scene here.

I think the Indian model of respecting the uniqueness of each religion and, of every state is what makes the country great.