dont know if Ill ever get married: Nargis Fakhri

How do you manage in India all by yourself, without any family members nearby?
After coming to India, I have felt the loneliest I have ever been in my life. I don't have a support system here. I miss having my mom and close friends around. Thank God for Skype and Face-Time, which keep me connected... but interacting digitally can't come close to the feeling of being hugged by my mom or getting together for a meal with my friends on the same table. My manager helps me with everything over here, and I consider her a friend.

What's your defense mechanism to cope with criticism?
I read about human psychology, practise balance and accept that everything and everyone in our lives is transient. One day, people will criticise you and the next day, they will praise you. My motto is never to hold on to anything. I accept, and then let go; not just the negatives but the praise too. Or it'll get to my head.

Are there any downsides to being a part of the glamour industry?
My job is not as glamorous as it seems. There is a lot that I have gained but there's also a lot that I have lost. I love acting; it is a beautiful craft and a very interesting life experience, but there are side effects to it. It's a tricky space for me to live in and adjust to. So, there's still a constant battle in my head about what I really want out of life.

You almost married someone you had met at a nightclub...
If you are referring to my ex-boyfriend, we met at a nightclub and fell in love after six months of dating. We moved in together for four years, had a house, a dog, cars... it was absolutely picture perfect. He told my mom that he wanted to propose to me. But I wasn't ready. I felt like I had more to do in life. I needed to keep travelling; I wanted more than a picture-perfect life. I wanted adventure, uncertainty and excitement. So I packed my bags and left. That was eight years ago, and I don't regret it one bit. See what happens if you take a chance - you become a Bollywood star!

You've lived in many countries. Are you a nomad at heart?
I've always been very independent. I have been travelling for the last eight years. My home is me; I can live anywhere and everywhere. I get a thrill out of moving to different countries. This is the first time that I have stayed in one place for so long. I still get itchy feet, and constantly daydream and make plans for where I will run off to next... Right now, I'm thinking of backpacking through South America for a year!

You recently said you may never get married...
This line of work doesn't allow you enough time to get to know someone well. Plus, I am a very independent woman. I make my own money, have an education. I'm well travelled and cultured. I don't feel marriage is a necessity. I have seen way too many unhappy married couples in my life. I've never encountered a single marriage that has made me want to buy into the institution. I'm not saying I don't need love. I do, but I'd rather focus on my career and myself right now. I won't compromise, so I don't know if I would ever marry.

The rumours about you dating Uday Chopra haven't stopped yet...
There is nothing to say to that. When people ask me questions about him, I just ask them, 'do you think it's appropriate for me to ask you what colour underwear you are wearing?'