Koena Mitra created a frenzy in Bollywood with racy, foot-tapping numbers like "Ishq hai jhoota", "Khullam khulla" and "O saki saki re".

Unlike other actresses, who made it big with item songs, Koena doesn't like to be labelled as an item girl and is looking for meatier roles.

She was seen as a solo heroine in "Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena" with Fardeen Khan. The film sank without a trace and she is now keeping her fingers crossed for Subhash Ghai's "Apna Sapna Money Money".

In this interview, she discusses her take on issues like beauty, spirituality and fitness.

Excerpts:

Q: What do you prefer - beauty or brains?
A: I'd choose both. Half the people who choose the latter only try to show how cool they are, but the fact is beauty and brains both matter a lot.

Q: If you could change one thing about India, what would it be and why?
A: Traffic, I think it should move faster so that people can spend more time at work and with family of course.

Q: What is sense of humour to you?
A: It's very, very important considering today's hectic lifestyle and crazy on-the-run schedules.

Q: One thing you can't live without?
A: I am a gizmo person so I can't imagine life without gizmos and gadgets. Also I am very passionate about music.

Q: Craziest or weirdest thing that you have ever done?
A: Well, I don't think this is weird or crazy but I have been to the gym at four in the morning. Like when I am busy shooting and I feel the need to look toned, I just can't stop exercising.

Q: Spirituality...
A: Spirituality is a very relative term. It is more of a personal belief. I believe in Ma Kali and Durga.

If I am in Mumbai I visit the temple every Saturday. It is like a feel good factor. Having said that, I don't think people who go to temples are more religious or something.

Q: Last time you took a cab?
A: Last year in Mumbai on July 26.

Q: Most prized possession?
A: My perfume collection.

Q: What are your strengths?
A: My confidence, willpower, my 'never say die' attitude and family.

Q: Your weakness?
A: My friends mean a lot to me, so if any of my close pals backstab me it really hurts. I give my 100 percent and it is human to expect (gratitude) so I guess that's my weakness.

Q: Favourite food?
A: I drool over Bengali food, my favourite being mustard prawn curry.

Q: Would you ever join politics?
A: No, I think I won't be good at it.

Q: Your dream destination?
A: Anywhere but not hill stations as I start feeling dizzy.

Q: One thing you like about Mumbai?
A: Mumbai is hyperactive and people are truly workaholic. That's what I love about Mumbai.

Q: Do you believe in rebirth?
A: No.

Q: What is your take on pollution?
A: I think pollution exists everywhere. Be it Kolkata or Mumbai, so you can't do much about it.

Q: Most cherished moments of your childhood days?
A: Most definitely when my younger sister was born.