Tena Desae

“Everyone goes on about how Bombay is so similar to New York, so I had see what the big deal was. The bustling crowds are the same, but it's a lot quieter, it's a lot cleaner, and it's not humid. I think the energy is very similar to Bombay.”

“Listening to your instincts, while being the easiest, can also be the hardest thing to do.”

“My parents are really quite strict, so I have to be home at a certain time - even now, at the age of 25.”

“Major differences in projects happen due to budget, director's styles, and genre of script, not industry.”

“I work out for an hour and a half every day, alternating between cardio and weights. I also do yoga for an hour every alternate day and swim every other day.”

“I think 'Slumdog' was probably the first big film that happened in India, but even that seemed like a one-off thing.”

“'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' is a British comedy-drama directed by John Madden. The film is based on the 2004 novel, 'These Foolish Things', by Deborah Moggach.”

“When accessorizing with chunky jewellery, choose bright colours that will stand out and bring alive your look. Statement pieces in bold colours can take your look to a different level and could even become a point of discussion.”

“Don't be surprised if you all see me in different kinds of cinema.”

“Judi Dench is incredible. She takes acting to another level. She is a thorough professional. She is always smiling and cheerful. She painstakingly rehearses with co-stars and allows you to be natural.”

“I want to work in a bank, definitely. Hopefully, my acting career will go well. But if it doesn't, I go to a bank. If it does, then even at the age of 40, I will still go to a bank, but I have to work in a bank, because I'm really fond of taxation and accounts and investments and all of that. So I will do it. At some point, I will, yes.”

“I love Victoria Secret!”

“Most of what I've learnt is too personal or controversial to share, but nevertheless, experiences have helped me understand things better and have been necessary for what my journey in future will be.”

“Layering is always a great way to look different and to keep your look younger. Basic tees, vest tops, jackets, leggings, shrugs, etc, can be mixed up to add spunk, variety and colour to your look. A good sense of mix 'n' match is required to make this look work.”

“I don't plan, because everything goes against my plans anyways. There's absolutely no point in planning anything. I'm just enjoying the moment. I'm meeting with a whole lot of people - casting directors, directors, agents. I have things going on everywhere, but I have no solid plans.”

“I am greedy for both Hollywood and Bollywood. For me, Bollywood is not new, as it is something that I grow up on... I know the plot... stories and characters that are written and made. I haven't got the right opportunity to show my work in Bollywood.”

“I keep my beauty regimen as natural as possible. I wash my face four times a day. In the beginning of the day, I use an exfoliating cleanser made of besan, turmeric and sandalwood. I drink lots of water and avoid oily food. I use only The Body Shop products on my face, as they use the least amount of chemicals.”

“Stay positive and happy. Work hard and don't give up hope. Be open to criticism and keep learning. Surround yourself with happy, warm and genuine people.”

“Depending on your figure, you may use clothes and colours to highlight your assets or otherwise. Darker shades always make you look slimmer while bright colours or prints can highlight your figure. Using colours to enhance your look is the easiest and smartest way to play with your figure.”

“My role models are Madhuri Dixit and Kajol. Both actresses have done a wide variety of roles. That is something I wish to do. On the other hand, I also want to be like a Hugh Jackman or an Angelina Jolie because of the lives they have outside movies. Because of the kind of balance they strike between their work and life outside of it.”