'The hardest thing was dyeing my hair red

'Harman and I have been close friends for some time'

Harman was one of the first people I met in this industry, almost five years ago. So we've been close friends for some time. It was great to be his first [co-star], just as someone was mine. It wasn't hard to work together; we had a great time. But now, we're just nervous. It's almost like the Judgement Day, as release day approaches. We've put in a lot of emotion and energy; nobody thought we'd be able to pull off a film with such a big budget, that was so ambitious. So now, we're just waiting!

But the media hasn't hesitated to link you two. How does that make you feel, that people take liberties when writing about your personal life?

It's an occupational hazard. When you reach a highly visible, public status, there are some things you must sacrifice. One of those things is part of your privacy. It can bother you, or embarrass you, but you have to learn to live with it.

I love this life and I'm thankful for every one of my fans. So it's a small price to pay.

Have you changed your tone with the media? Are you more reserved now? Were you a little naive when you first started?

I've definitely become more careful now with the media. It's their job, to report what you say and do. I do think I was a little naive when I got here. I'm from a small city, my family is very middle class. My family and I used to watch a film every now and then, some of these families make films every now and then! But I enjoy interacting with my fans and the media. I've just learned to be a little reserved. For example, I do not discuss my personal life. Ever.

You're a self-admitted small-town girl. How have you adjusted to the lifestyle? To the big city, in Mumbai? Are you a party-girl? Or do you stay at home?

I'm from a small-town, yes, but my father's career required us to move around all the time. And I was in Boston, United States. So I'm comfortable with packing up my bags and moving. Actually, I've lived [in Mumbai] longer than any other one place, because I shifted so frequently when I was young.

I love my home! It's my favourite! I'm definitely not a party-girl. While I do go for a lot of social do's, I'm not a huge fan of them. I'd rather curl up in my bed with a good movie or a good book. That's how I relax.

When I do go out, it's with my close friends. It's those times I can really let my hair out. Also, when I'm out of the country, I have more of a chance to go out without being noticed. When we were in Miami [filming Karan Johar's Dostana], I had a great time.

You really seem to be enjoying yourself, but you weren't always on the road to Bollywood. How did this get started? Did you ever imagine anything like this would happen when you were young?

It all started when my mom sent in these photos of me for Miss India. They were just random photos, I can't believe I got selected! One of them was from my application to a school in Australia, where I'm wearing a suit and trying to look studious and professional (laughs). I didn't even know she'd done it until they called back and invited me to the contest! Then, with Miss India, when I won, that's when this whole world just opened up to me. Of course, when you win [Miss Indian and Miss World], you'll get lots of offers initially, but you have to show that you merit the attention, you have to prove yourself. Else everyone will quickly move on to the next big thing.

I wasn't sure if I would like films, but it's become my entire life. I love what I do, I would not want to do anything else. I love the whole process. Just the joy of making films is enough for me. I honestly believe that someone up there (turns eyes to ceiling), helped me find my vocation. I'm destiny's child.

'I wouldn't do anything I couldn't watch with my family' How long will you do this? Will you ever get involved with other aspects of the industry, like writing or directing? Do you hope to return to engineering some day? Do you ever miss the classroom? Did you like to study? I could do this forever (laughs). Maybe one day I will try my hand at something different, like writing. But for now, I'm focused on becoming the best actress I can be, and that takes up a lot of time! Still, it's an interesting thought. While I don't know if I'll ever return to Engineering, it is true that I miss the classroom. It's hard for me to not be in school, because I give so much importance to education. So, while I believe that experience is the best teacher, and gives you the most wisdom and knowledge, there's still something to be said for a degree too. I think I'll one day go back to school, if only for myself. I really enjoyed studying in Boston. It was a great experience. What I appreciated the most was the non-resident Indians there, because they're so Indian! They're more Indian than Indians here! They've been really supportive, and through my fan-mail, they give me a lot of encouragement. It's humbling to think you have fans in all these countries. Given this fan-mail, the media attention, and the upcoming releases, it's safe to say you've become very visible. But remember back when you won Miss World and Lara Dutt won Miss Universe, no one was sure who would be the big star. Why do you think you've been offered so many lead roles? I believe every actor has his own destiny. Part of that destiny is what roles you accept, how you perform, and how you handle yourself. The most important thing to me, when reviewing a part, is the production house. So I'm careful to choose my parts wisely, based on a lot of considerations. But I never planned for any of this to happen, I've never planned anything. Like I said, I really feel like a child of destiny. Are you religious? I'm wouldn't say I'm religious, I'm very spiritual. I do believe there's a supreme God that influences our lives and our world. What about artsy roles? Would you like to try your hand at something alternative? I have no problem doing a different or off-beat role if I think the film can be a big success. But I'm not one of those people who think that de-glamorised roles require more talent. Why, just because you're not wearing make-up? It's still acting, portraying someone different from your personality. They both take a lot of work. On the other end of the spectrum, would you be willing to push boundaries? How much would you dare to bare? I have a simple rule: I wouldn't do anything I couldn't watch with my family. Photograph: TAG Heuer India shot by Atul Kasbekar.