A well-known face in Indian cinema, Das is known for taking on strong character roles. But she is also involved with human rights groups, and speaks at workshops on religious harmony, ethnic violence and abuse against women.

"I just want to do more than just being an actress," Das told an English daily. "I do this for myself, so I can interact with more people, it keeps me rooted." She has acted in some 28 movies.

In her last movie 'Provoked: A True Story' she starred alongside Bollywood beauty, Aishwarya Rai, and played an aid worker who helps rally support for a woman who kills her husband after being violently beaten for 10 years.

"I also work with children. There's a lot to discover, which I wouldn't if I was just acting," said Das.

"I feel bad that I can't always do follow-ups. I do what I can, I can't change the world," she said.

The actress said she also reaches out to youth by interacting with them in colleges. "Young people want direction, they don't have to become celebrities, they can flower in their own way."