Sreejita De, the silent, but enthusiastic 'Chef' who wants to make it big in the Man's World is very optimistic about her role in Star One's Annu Ki Hogayee Wah Bhai Wah.

Here is a heart-heart conversation with the young girl, taken in the far flung suburbs of Powai.

Q-How did you manage to get this very coveted role?
A-I thank my stars that Razia, the Creative Director of the show called me for audition, as they were on a look-out for a newcomer for the title role in the serial. After going thro' a couple of auditions and look-tests, I was finalized for the role.

Q-To what extent is Sreejita able to identify with the title role that she is essaying in the serial as Annu?
A- In real life, I am an out and out extrovert; whereas the character of Annu that I am playing in the serial is an introvert. Also while Annu is not at all ambitious, I am quite an ambitious person. In real life, I am an optimist who believes in the policy of spreading love to all."

Q- Are you a good cook as Annu?
A-No, I am not at all a good cook. Over the contrary, my mom who is back in Kolkata is a great cook, and she helped me a lot in etching this character of Annu in the serial.

Q-Take us thro' your dreams and aspirations..
A- As Annu in the serial, I also live for my parents and my family, especially because I am the only child in the house. When I was doing my Bachelor's degree in Mass Media at the Ruia College in Kolkata, I never dreamt of taking to acting. I always wanted to be a journalist, but destiny has played its own part.

Q-Do you regret taking to acting now?
A-Not at all, now that I am an actress, I am enjoying the adulation that comes along with it, and want to focus on my acting and prove that I am second to no one as far as acting is concerned.

Q- Are you scared of the casting couch that is prevalent in the industry?
A-I am not at all scared of the casting couch, because I am of the belief that no one will pounce on me when I enter a room since with my body language itself, I make it a point to convey the message that if people approach me in a wrong way, I will not hesitate to shoo them and walk out, maintaining my dignity in tact.

Q- Talk us thro' the experience of working with the dashing Akshay Kumar.
A-I played a cameo role in the film 'Tashan' with none other than Akshay. Though it was a cameo, it had depth to it. I play a village girl called Parvati who tries to flirt with Akshay Kumar. It was great working in the film.

Q-How do you see your career in Bollywood?
A-I am ready to do music videos, ad films and family-oriented roles in films.

Q-Are you open to being a sexy item in films?
A-I am not at all interested in doing any sexy item numbers, like Raakhee Sawant does.

Though Rani Mukerjee is double of my age; I would like to follow her as far as her choice of in depth roles is concerned. Sporting a short skirt is fine like Priyanka Chopra, but I do not want to emulate a Mallika Sherawat or a Rakhi Sawant.

I cannot face my parents if I show my skin like them. I am open to a kissing scene, but not for smooching scenes.

Q-Have you got your Mr. Right?
A-I have really not come across some one who can care for me a lot. But I will not mind keeping my eyes and ears open to get my Mr. Right. By Jyothi Venkatesh