Do I look like a masochist or the sort who'd go through physical or verbal abuse? A year after my accident... when I fell of the stairs, I'm still being asked if I was physically abused. It saddens me that I'm being portrayed as this battered woman.

Right now, I'm following the Buddhist principle: Smile as abuse is hurled your way and this too shall pass.

Okay, let's take statistics. How many interviews have I given you in the last six years? Just five or six? Doesn't that say something? I hate to sound immodest, but this dates back to my personality since the age of 13. I've always got attention, which at times has been quite unwarranted.

I'm not the type who'll yell about my achievements from the rooftops.

I was studying to be an architect, I wasn't plotting to join the movies. Films were just another career option. I took acting up with the same schoolgirl enthusiasm I had for examinations. Acting is a job and I take it very seriously.

I was more excited than scared, at the opportunity to work in an English movie.