I know I'm flawed - but perfect is boring anyway! Flawed is good!

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.

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.

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 was very sure I did not want to be the stereotype of what Indian people are seen as, which is Bollywood, and henna. That’s all great! It’s what we are, and I love it. I love saris; I love music; I love henna; I love dancing, but that’s not all we are.

I don't ever want to do the same character twice. Variety excites me.

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.