She had a ''dream start'' to her career in films, making her debut in the much talked about 'Lagaan' opposite none other than Mr Perfectionist Aamir Khan and following it up with roles opposite Anil Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt and Ajay Devgan in blockbusters like 'Armaan', 'Munnabhai MBBS' and 'Gangaajal', the last two going on to become cult films.

Last few years may have seen her career ''on an ebb'', with her on screen appearances being few and far between and the few films in her kitty featuring her opposite lesser known stars, but Gracy is satisfied with the progress in her career.

''I am happy with the progress of my career in films. It was great being a part of films like 'Lagaan', 'Munnabhai MBBS' and 'Gangaajal'. It feels good when people still identify you with 'Lagaan' or 'Munnabhai MBBS'.

However, life has to move on. It has undergone a lot of change and I have been working in new projects with new filmmakers. All along my career, I have always wanted to do films that leave a mark and the ones that can be remembered, '' Gracy said in an interview.

Among the films Gracy will soon be seen in Kamaal Khan's 'Deshdrohi' which will have her don the avatar of an action heroine, a role far removed from the 'girl-next-door' portrayals she has been identified with till now.

''In 'Deshdrohi', my character is that of an independent girl who lives in the city and is capable of takig care of herself. She is a fearless girl who loves her motherland. I enjoyed doing the role, as it was for the first time I played such a character.''

Infact, doing it was a dream come true, as I had always wondered if I would ever get to play the 'He man' roles of the kind essayed by men. In this context, this role was a realisation of my dream since I got to do a lot of stunts, '' the actress said.

For the character, Gracy went through many rehearsals with the fight masters.

Talking about the flick, slated for release in August, the actress said ''the film has a patriotic feel. It has a total of 22 characters, all of which are important and integral to the story.''

Asked if she did not feel doing a film by a small banner was a sort of comedown for her, especially after having done films like 'Lagaan' and 'Munnabhai MBBS', she said ''I have all along attached greater importance to the story of a film and my role in it.

The fact whether it belongs to a big banner or has big actors has never been a factor in my career.''

In this context, she revealed that the characters she was playing in some of her forthcoming projects had helped her realise her acting potential.

''In the coming months, I am working with some of the most talented filmmakers who of late may not have many films, but have nevertheless proved their credentials, '' Gracy noted.

Among her coming films is 'Aseema' based on an award winning novel in Oriya.

''I play the title role in 'Aseema' which is about this girl's journey in life.

She is a girl who has been brought up in riches and comfort and, therefore, has been living in a cocooned world of her own. It is only after marriage that she comes to term with the real world.''

The film is about this woman's journey through life as she struggles to establish her own identity in the society and how she wins over all obstacles, '' the actress said.

The film has her cast opposite Aseem Merchant.