I've worked with the likes of Ram Gopal Varma in 'Rakhta Charitra' and Mani Ratman in 'Raavan' - both these films released in Hindi as well. You need to have something substantial to make a mark in Bollywood and these movies gave me strong characters.

Nowadays, television has taken over big time and I'm really enjoying my stints there.

When I'm in Hyderabad I love going to the multiplexes to watch movies or party with friends, but that's after I've grown to love this city. When I first came here I thought 'Aiyyo why in the world did I land here!'

I often chill out with my brother and parents in Bangalore.

If a female actor is not comfortable with how a scene is shot and says no, it means no. They should not go ahead with the scene.

It would be interesting to explore an opportunity if Hindi filmmakers think I can fit into any character in a film.

I wanted people to know I could play a glamorous role too.

There is so much bloodshed and action packed into our films these days. Pretty women provide the much-needed respite to the masses from the melee of non-stop action.

I am keen to do quality films; it is not quantity that I am looking at.

Soon after 'Paruthiveeran' I was flooded with scripts that were almost the same as the award-winning film. I had offers from Malyalam, Telugu and Kannada filmmakers. But I had to be firm and in fact I realized that now I had to be more careful with my choice of films because I have raised the audience expectations.

I knew 'Rakta Charitra' would be a story between two men, Suriya and Vivek Oberoi. I had no problem when Ram Gopal Varma told me that I had only a small role as Suriya's wife who is supportive of his decisions.

Films with fresh themes and able directors are a pleasure to associate yourself with.

It is gut instinct that guides me when I say yes to a film.

I hope through 'The Family Man,' I get some good offers.

In South India, the audience is more traditional than the Bollywood cine-goers.

The audience simply don't find a heroine picking a fight with 10 guys as convincing as a hero. So the industry always sticks to psychological thrillers and ghost movies for heroine-oriented projects and this can sustain only for a short time.

Of course, Malayalam has a slightly different way of working because here at least if the movie is good, it gets some mileage by word of mouth even if you don't have big heroes.

I am delighted to have won a place in both Tamil and Telugu film industry.

The tag of a 'National Award winner' earned me a lot of respect from a lot of people. I like that in a way.

If something nice comes my way, I will take it up. It has to be something substantial. I am not saying that I have to do films like 'The Dirty Picture' or 'Kahaani.' It could be something commercial as well.

I have dubbed in all the three languages - Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.

Lack of access to basic sanitation facilities can be a traumatic experience for girls especially during menstruation period and have an adverse impact on their health.

I am lucky that I am part of a prestigious project like Raavan.

I studied Hindi in school and that's come in handy.

One doesn't necessarily have to be grey-haired to portray a mother.

I've worked with Jagapathi Babu in four films and the two of us are great friends.

Fans are always going out of their way and doing so much, be it my birthday or any festival or occasion or most of the time nothing at all and there couldn't be a better way than connecting with them personally and giving them access to my world.

Shah Rukh is sweet. The experience to dance with SRK was lovely.

I have acted in all four film industries in the South. I speak all four languages because of my upbringing in various cities.

I don't think a heroine-oriented film has the capacity to pull an audience like a hero-oriented film in any film industry.

Shah Rukh is a chilled-out person and down to earth.

You have to be careful with Vikram around otherwise he would eat you alive with his acting!

I believe in voicing out your opinions.

Acting opposite big heroes has worked well for my career. Hence, I have decided to do films that have top-notch actors as people take notice of my acting talent too.

It is always great working with friends.

I have been getting some offers of films. But more than films, I have been getting offers for serials which I have obviously declined.

I'm not finding fault or blaming the industry, but the heroes have always dominated the film industry.

I love dogs and cats.

I'm not into cliches like 'no time' for love. If I find the right person, I'll definitely find time.

I did some glamorous roles and even wore a bikini in the Telugu film 'Drona,' but the audience was aghast. Some said, 'Please don't ever wear a bikini again!'

The Malayalam industry is down to earth and instantly recognizes talent.

I think women have the natural ability to do multi-tasking.

I started down South, that's where my heart is. But I'm open to exploring Bollywood.

Post 'Chennai Express,' I got several offers from Hindi cinema, but nothing substantial came my way.

'Chandi' was received well and my performance was particularly appreciated.

I'm always afraid to act when I don't know the language and it perturbs me during my dubbing sessions too.

I'm not willing to do heroine-centric films back-to-back.

Somewhere down the line, I want to do masala films too.

There's nothing wrong in sporting a bikini. If the director wants to shoot you in a pool, you cannot be wearing denims or a saree - you need to be dressed accordingly to the situation.

Sometimes in the mainstream movies, a character who is from the South is portrayed by a person who looks like a South Indian but speaks in fake accent.