Quotes

I am a Tamilian at heart, a Punjabi by default.

Her reaction when director Bharati Raja offered her the heroine role in her first film: "Well, I was so excited... what else will a 16-year-old girl be if she is approached by the topmost director of the time for his film? I was ecstatic! For me, it was a big picnic! The film became a blockbuster in 1979, one thing led to another and I worked in 32 films in three years!"

When asked what she did after she left films for 15 years: "When Tanuj was born, he occupied most of my time and attention. But I have always been active in something creative. All these candles you see all over the house are designed and created by me. I paint a lot and do stained glass. I look into the aesthetic aspects of [husband] Anil's constructions, like, after a building is ready, I help in designing the foyers and the landscaping. I have always been very fond of creating things -- I even do sculptures from rocks. I make my own dry flowers too."

I am very organised. I think it is a birth defect. I cannot be haphazard even if I try!

When asked which are her best Hindi films: "Starting with Ek Duje Ke Liye, which is more than apparent! Then Tawaif, Shubkamana, Mujhe Insaaf Chahiye and Shaukeen - which I really enjoyed doing and I think it was one of my better films as I have good memories of the same. Then Coolie, Mazdoor and perhaps a few more."

In 2005, she recalled the fame and glory that her first Hindi film brought her: "Ek Duje Ke Liye" (1981) was a historical film for me. It brought me so much appreciation and affection. I was the only Punjabi in an all-Tamil cast. And I loved the attention I got."