/> Who made the greatest impression on you growing up, as a mentor?
There are several influences. Of course, the first and the most important influences in any child's upbringing are the parents and what they do. I grew up hearing stories of my mother's childhood.

There were these slum children around her where she lived and her sisters would tell me stories about the dirty little babies my mother would be carrying in her arms calling her a mad woman.

I'd be like: 'That's so wonderful'. So you grow up hearing stories about what your parents have done and how effortlessly and selflessly they've done it and never made an issue out of it. Sunny Pillai, my dad's very good friend always said, 'Your life has deeper purpose than what you understand.

There are two ways of living life. Either you just live day to day and let it unfold and discover it as it does or you believe that your existence has a deeper meaning than what appears to be and you make that meaning out of everything you do.' I think I absorbed that part better. I feel that human beings have a greater purpose on this planet.

You're right. But the same human beings do crib about many things.
I really am amazed with some people of my generation who crib about the bad internet connections. I mean, aren't they just happy with the invention in the first place?

You are sitting on an aircraft and complaining about the turbulence. There are so many wonderful things we are surrounded by in our everyday life that we should be filled with wonderment about it, respect and appreciate it.

A celebrity, a socialite, a multi-tasker and with looks people don't want to blink an eye for. Why don't you start your own talk show which is social in nature? More like an Oprah Winfrey one?
Oh, I love Oprah. I have this huge and an incredible amount of respect for her. Simply because she is one of the single most committed people on this planet.

The kind of compassion that woman has, the kind of heart she has and the kind of effort she puts into everything she does is incomparable. I don't know whether I would be able to find the kind of backing and support that she has found.

But you never know, twenty years from now, you might just see me host one of such shows. It'll take me a good twenty years to garner the strength I need in the first place.

Were you a prodigy as a speaker?
I don't know. I was very very shy when I was young. As I grew older, I became confident of myself. I think being a prodigy as a speaker, it's got a lot to do with the kind of school you go to and the kind of influence the teachers have on you.

I read a lot and I was encouraged to speak because I made a lot of sense back then. Ever since I was twelve years old, I've always been told that I sound years ahead my age. I reckon it's a gift.

What makes a busy woman like you juggle the time?
There's always time. For good things there is always time.

Anything in particular you dream of doing to support a cause?
I love children and one of the greatest and the most innocent victims of our society today are children. Whether it is lack of education, malnutrition, diseases, etc. There are several problems children face in India. I want to be in a place one day where I can take care of many of them.

Do you look up to Angelina Jolie then?
Not just Angelina Jolie. There are people like Bono, Brad Pitt. Actually, we Indian actors have really done nothing in comparison to what celebrities the world over do. And I'm talking about them spending millions of dollars a year on charitable causes. I really disagree when people say - Our actors don't make as much.

Fine, we may not make as much money as them but there are quite a few who are on par with few of the actors abroad. But it all boils down to one thing - personal choice. You don't have to do social work just because you're a celebrity.

But when God has given you so much money, power and leadership, you should be able to use it for the well being of all. If I was making as much money as them, I swear, I'd be doing a lot more than what I'm doing now.

You aren't controversy's favourite child. Touchwood. But what's the balance between being confidently assertive and overly aggressive?
I think it's very important to be confidently assertive. I have nothing to hide and my life is an open book. I am what I am. I've never been ashamed or embarrassed to admit if I've done something wrong.

Not because as a public figure I owe people an explanation or where everybody needs to know everything about me. No. But if you ask me a breaking question, I'll give you a forthright answer. I will assert my right.

Any difficult aspects of your success, now that you've tasted the mud?
I think it can make you a bit precarious. I am a very given person. I do not hesitate to trust people and give in very easily. But sometimes you do that and you get smacked on your face.

Honestly, with all the lessons I've learnt and have gone through, I don't think there is anything about myself or my life that has changed drastically, except for maybe, a few friends who I've lost along the way to this mad world and not being able to give enough time for my extended family. These are small prices you pay for your success.

Talk us through Johnny Mastana.
I have great respect for Shoojit Sircar. I was actually jumping in joy when I got a call from UTV saying that Shoojit wanted to meet me regarding the film. It's actually Mr. Bachchan's journey and how every character who comes in his journey becomes an integral part of it.

I play a girl called Manya in Johnny Mastana. It's a very beautifully scripted film and Mohanan is the DOP of the film. The film's canvas, the way it looks, is like a poetry in motion. The film is in post production stage and it's a romantic drama.

You're a very good painter too, we heard.
Kind of yes. I use a medium called 'Gouch', a french name. Unfortunately in Mumbai, oil paintings don't dry properly because of the humidity level in the air. A lot of artists in Mumbai either use acrylic or water. I use Gouch because it gives you the result of oil and water. It's a magic paint.