Often billed as a bimbo and an item girl, Payal Rohatgi is now working hard to change her image and says critics have helped her realise and overcome her mistakes.

Payal said people will see her in a new avatar in Priyadarshan's upcoming film "Dhol". She plays a cabaret singer in the movie but insisted that she is not using loud makeup or garish clothes.

"My character is very real as Priyadarshan sir's films are reality based. I am playing the second main lead in the film. Tanushree Dutta is the main lead. I think 'Dhol' is a good bet for me," Payal told.

Her take on criticism is quite positive.

"Situations are not in my hand. I can't avoid criticism. I was bound to make mistakes because I am not from the industry. I didn't have a proper guide who could groom me and propel me in the right direction. So I made mistakes and was criticised heavily for that.

"For instance, people appreciated my work in 'Corporate' but they criticised my look. They said that I looked very loud and hard in the film. I could have toned down my appearance.

"I'm learning from my mistakes. I am trying to break my image and my character in 'Dhol' is very sombre. This is what you call struggle and I'm struggling to be at the right place," said Payal.

She doesn't believe in repeating her mistakes and says criticism plays a major role in her decisions.

"When I was doing 'Corporate' I knew that people are going to talk about it because it was a Madhur Bhandarkar film. After 'Corporate' I was labelled as an item girl.

"Thanks to the critics, I didn't take on more item songs. Had they not came down heavily on me, I would have gone on signing item numbers. That's why I love both - critics and their criticisms. They make you understand where you stand," said the actress who is a qualified computer engineer.

She has got a new designer, Violet Monis, to take care of her wardrobe.

"I got Violet who is designing my clothes because there is a very thin line between sensuous and downmarket. I don't want to be downmarket. I want to establish myself as a good actress. And it is my dream therefore I will have to work hard to achieve it.

"I am working on my looks. I have realised that sporting a healthy look is more important. When I see Hollywood films, I see the actresses come with minimum makeup and sport healthy skin and hair. So, I am leaving no stones unturned to bring the same kind of glow to my skin.

"My makeup is decent in 'Dhol' and my hair also looking natural," said Payal, who has also started learning Kathak and Latin dancing.

Payal says she now understands the importance of working with big directors.

"After my experience in the industry I have realised that it is very important for me to work with big directors. To start with I'm working with Priyadarshan sir. He is a big and respectable name in the industry."

"My ultimate dream is to work in a Yash Raj movie as the main lead. I also want that producers and directors should show faith in me and my skills," she added.