Nargis Fakhri

“I have this board in my house that lists out all the things that I love about myself. It's a board of affirmations, and it serves me well.”

“Uday Chopra is a person who will be a part of my life for the rest of my life. He is the most amazing human being who I have ever met in my entire life - not just in India, but around the world. If anyone is his friend, that person is lucky to have him in his life.”

“With Pakistan being in my blood, I would certainly look at opportunities to travel there.”

“No matter where I travel, I make sure to carry a Vaseline body lotion with me to keep my skin well moisturised all the time.”

“People will still give me attention: even when my teeth are gone, I'll have some good stories to tell.”

“It's something I am confident about. It gives me an adrenaline rush - who wouldn't want want to wear beautiful clothes and jewellery and look wonderful - it's a dream job for many.”

“Hard work and dedication is important to success, and I have those qualities.”

“I have worked with the biggest actors from the beginning. I am hoping God will bless me to work with other big actors.”

“One day, I will tell my story... where I came from and where I am now and how I remained positive.”

“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.”

“I don't want to be known as an item dancer. I want to be known as an actress only.”

“I don't have to be a size zero anymore. But I still want to feel and look good.”

“As a child, I did watch some Hindi movies at home with Dad, but I didn't know who anyone was. I wasn't interested, honestly.”

“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.”

“In Bollywood, they like to put us in short clothes. And I am very shy; I don't like wearing revealing stuff, though my image is such. Unfortunately, it's a body-obsessed industry.”

“I would like to be more fit, but I don't think I will put on fat or gain weight for movie roles. I am not going to do that.”

“I think being directed and mentored by someone as inspirational as Paul Feig not only improves my performance but, as a whole, makes it what it is.”

“Even though my parents separated, my mother was in love with my father and never re-married.”

“It has been a tumultuous journey, no doubt. But I feel blessed to have got work.”