Newcomer Kangana Ranaut, who has taken Bollywood by storm with her performance in "Gangster - A Love Story", says she never projected herself as a great performer.

"I never claimed that I knew acting. I have always maintained that I don't know how to act. But I guess I have learnt a lot from my very first film and I will cherish each and every moment of this film," said the 19-year-old actress who doesn't regret her decision of quitting studies.

"I was always interested in theatre and modelling. I had even enrolled at the Elite school of modelling and I gradually figured out where my interest lied."

Though Vishesh Films is repeating her in "Woh Lamhe", which is based on the brief romance of director Mahesh Bhatt and Parveen Babi, Kangana is keen to work with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Yash Chopra.

Excerpts:

Q: you are a science student, what prompted you act in films?
A: Honestly speaking medicine and engineering didn't interest me. I was always interested in theatre and modelling. I had even enrolled myself at the Elite school of Modelling and gradually I figured out where my interest lied.

Q: You are 19 and already a film old. How does it feel?
A: Initially I was scared when I quit my studies. But today when I look back I don't repent my decision. This is such a wonderful feeling... I mean the very fact that I am self-dependent and earn my own bread and butter makes me feel on seventh heaven. I am happy the way my career is going.

Q: People must have come up with lots of unsolicited advices...
A: Advices come free of cost but I ultimately do what I feel like and shall continue to do things that please me.

Q: It is a fad to change your name in Bollywood. Would you also be a part of this name game?
A: Well, I have never really thought about it. Having said that I'd like to declare that I don't wish to change anything about myself.

I am happy the way I am and don't see a reason to change anything concerning me but as far as films are concerned I am open to changes.

Anurag Basu feels I look western in some ways so I had to don two different looks in "Gangster". If a character demands changes then it is totally acceptable to me.

Q: Considering the fact that you come from a non-film family, how difficult was it for you to act?
A: See, I never claimed that I knew acting. I have always maintained that I don't know to act. But I guess I have learnt a lot from my first film and I will cherish each and every moment of the film.

Anurag and the entire Bhatt camp have been very sweet to me and they seem to like everything about me. They all have been very supportive and patient with me. Not only that, they also had complete faith and I don't think I can ever repay them.

Q: Mukesh Bhatt referred to you as the next Madhuri Dixit of Bollywood. So how do feel about that?
A: It definitely feels wonderful.

Q: Are you injury prone?
A: Well, I have hurt myself many times but that doesn't matter. I believe all these things are a part and parcel of an actor's life. We have to be like soldiers, very mighty and strong and take everything in our stride.

There are times when one has to shoot in skimpiest clothes in extreme conditions but I am okay with all that.

Q: Tell me something about your forthcoming films?
A: I am doing Mahesh Bhatt's "Woh Lamhe" opposite Shiney Ahuja where I play Parveen Babi. I can't disclose anything else at this point.

Q: How do you react to rumours?
A: Oh I don't really care. I don't pay attention to such things and prefer not to react so they never upset me. I choose to ignore them and don't let it affect my work.

Q: Lastly, tell me something about yourself that people don't know?
A: I am a classical Kathak dancer and I'd love to work with Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Yash Chopra.