As a musician, I know that it'll take time for me to get to the ranks of an established artiste. Nevertheless, I'm very happy that people are appreciating my music.

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

Women are often told to have to be a certain way, to speak a certain way. The "norm" has been defined for many, many years, so it is very scary, especially for girls around the world who don't have the freedom and the opportunity to have a voice.

I learned very early in my career that when I don't arrive on set, production will shut down, which means people won't get paid; there's that much responsibility.

I was also told some years ago that I shouldn't 'waste my time' with female-centric films because the audience was not ready for it.

When somebody else calls you exotic, exotic is a box - it's the stereotype of snake charmers and face jewelry. You're just that stereotype. But I don't get offended anymore. I used to get offended by things that were said to me, or how I was seen. Now I educate. If I get pissed off, I'll educate in a sassy way. Other times I educate in a Gandhi-like way. You know - I have my moods.

Mary Kom is a woman who stood up alone in a male-dominated field and fought for her rights and what she believed in. Her story is an inspiration for every young person out there.