Aishwarya Rai is easily India`s most desired woman. And when she reveals what her ideal man must possess, a million hopefuls latch on to her every word. She revealed, `I like dignified people. It is rare and priceless in a world that`s so taken over by images and put-ons. So my ideal mate would be the one who can carry himself with dignity, someone whom the world can look up to and admire and be in awe of.`

But hold on. The lady is not all big talk. She is crystal clear about her views on love and the kind of person she`d want to love. `I like the idea of being in love. So my ideal mate will be the one who is in love with me. Madly in love with me actually, because I won`t have it any other way,` she says firmly.The actress who may seem a trifle detached and aloof confesses, `I am a total romantic at heart; so naturally, my ideal mate is also the one who is well versed in the art of romance. Not flirting, but romance. And there is quite a difference.` As for a one line summary of her Prince Charming, `Frankly, I want a friend, philosopher and guide, all rolled into one man.

A little bit of a father, a little of a friend and a little of a lover, perhaps.`One wonders how many hopefuls fit the bill.