I owe 90 per cent of my life to people because I am a public figure, but 10 per cent is private to me. And I am not saying it in a defensive way. I feel my life has been made into a TV serial.

I used to get upset with the word Bollywood, and what it means in the West. The stereotype of us being dancing, singing, puppet showgirls. Indians are nearly one fifth of the world's population; we have one of the most prolific film industries in the world. When people used to ask me about it, or replicate what they think is Bollywood dancing, thinking that they're being funny, I used to get offended. But now I show them the stuff we do.

I seek out parts which are strong women. It's not the quantity of a role; it's the quality of a role.

I do hope having done what I did, and America having accepted me the way they did, opens the door for more global talent, which should have representation in global entertainment.

We're extremely young and have the potential to be anything that we want to be.

Every character that I play, even if it's a homemaker, there is an inherent, innate strength in her - you can find strength in every facet of a female personality. It doesn't just come from the physical strength of a woman.

I have a very eclectic taste when it comes to music.