History depicts that the most intriguing, provocative and memorable women that the world has ever known have always been those who have danced to the beat of their own drum: Cleopatra, Queen of Sheba, Coco Chanel, Lena Horne, Marilyn Monroe, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Indira Gandhi, Benazir Bhutto, Princess Diana, Madonna, Oprah & Lady Gaga. These are women who have single-handedly changed the popular perspective of entire generations, so much so that their contributions to the world have created societal shifts in conventional wisdom.

Bollywood-turned-Hollywood actress Mallika Sherawat is a strong contender for making this list. This small-town girl from Haryana, India, refused to accept her fate, which in her words, was “a life of servitude.” Instead, she decided to take the road less travelled and set her sights on a career in acting, which led her to Mumbai to make her mark in Bollywood. And what an indelible mark that was. She bagged the leading role in the female-centric commercial film Murder (2004), where she set India’s mass traditional faction on fire by portraying an adulteress and confidently enacting erotic love scenes, the likes of which were unheard of in commercial Indian cinema at that time. Following a string of 16 films, she scored a role in a Jackie Chan movie before packing her bags and heading for the U.S. in 2008 — this time, to conquer Hollywood. And has she ever gotten a head start. She was honoured a year later with the ‘Renaissance Artist Award’ and was recognized by the mayor of Los Angeles as an honourary citizen. She also completed two films: Hisss, with Jennifer Lynch, the daughter of legendary director David Lynch; and Love Barack, opposite heavyweights, Oscar nominee, Ruby Dee and Loretta Devine. Both movies boast an interesting twist in the storytelling.

Having had the opportunity to chat with Mallika while in L.A., there was no doubt in my mind that this forthcoming actress is visionary, innovative and daring, yet gentle, appreciative and soulful. But above all, FEARLESS.

Read on to see why I believe she’s positively groundbreaking!

Your name is as beautiful and as glamorous as you are. Mallika means empress and Sherawat is your mother’s maiden name which you said you adopted due to the unflinching support your mother has given you over the years. I’m a real believer in symbolism and its connection to who we are as beings. What does your name symbolize to you?

When my producer and I decided to change the name, I felt an instant kind of connection to it. And I thought the name empress could mean ruling Bollywood, and then ultimately ruling the world!

Oh I love it.

It sounded perfect to me and then my producer actually went on and said let’s introduce her as Mallika, and I was fine with it.

And you look like a Mallika Sherawat!

You are so sweet Raj; I am really humbled.

It’s a really great name for a perfume. I hope that happens for you one day.

I know. The sound of the name is so important when you’re beginning your career. So many actors and actresses have changed their names, like Sanjeev Kumar — he was Jhunjhunwala and Akshay Kumar changed his name from Rajiv Bhatia. I think the way your name sounds on the screen is very important.

Absolutely and it needs to ‘look’ like you.

Exactly! And I like the sound of the name. It has a kind of a positive energy and vibration to it. So I decided to go along with it and sure enough, this name has brought me a lot of luck, a lot of success and a lot of fame.

Wow! And this is just the beginning for you!

Thank you!

So let’s go a bit backwards and more towards your early days because I want people to understand how you became who you are today. You completed a degree in philosophy before embarking on a career in entertainment.

That’s true.

How did this transition from one career path to the current one happen?

To be very honest, I always wanted to be an actress but I grew up in a very traditional kind of an environment — a very traditional household where women were just supposed to be in the kitchen, lead a life of servitude and just reproduce and get married. And for me, there was so much suppression. I mean, you can’t blame anybody because that’s just how the environment is. And for me, the only respite was the weekly visits to the theatre. I would go to the theatre and watch movies, and kind of start dreaming. Then I would come back home and start looking in the mirror to see myself as the lead actress of the movie I just watched. That’s how it all started — my love for cinema and my desire to become an actress. A lot of people say, “oh it just happened, I got discovered, blah blah blah,” but I would like to be honest and say that I always wanted to be an actress; It was my dream.

You started your entertainment career with notable appearances in commercials with huge stars like Amitabh Bachchan and Shahrukh Khan. Talk about starting at the top. How did these opportunities come about?

I got lucky when I came to Mumbai. I got a commercial with Amitabh Bachchan. I think it was for Éclairs, and another one with Shahrukh Khan for Santro. And that’s how I really got noticed. From then I went on to castings for movies and got called for auditions. You get called for so many auditions. Those were the struggling days. I was very confident because I had done these two commercials. But I must say, when I first landed in Mumbai, my self-confidence took such a beating because hundreds of beautiful and talented girls were also there for auditions and I kind of thought to myself, “when am I going to get a chance to land a part?” When you are alone in the city and away from your family, living in a small place, struggling and really trying hard, some things work and some don’t. As it is, your confidence is very low and on top of that, you go on auditions and you see lots of gorgeous, beautiful, talented women around you, and you feel even more insecure.

How did you overcome that?

I think my philosophy degree really helped me because one thing which is really (pause) you know, we had many different philosophers and one underlying philosophy of all is that you are purely responsible for what happens in your life.

Absolutely!

That is the underlying thought of every philosopher. And I stuck to that thought and I just went straight into it all.

This led to opportunities in Bollywood films, your most notable being Murder (2004) which became one of the year’s highest grossing films and bagged you a Best Actress nomination at the Zee Cine Awards shortly thereafter. This movie is a remake of the Hollywood blockbuster, Unfaithful starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane. Being that the story has a very controversial subject matter even for Hollywood standards, what was it about the script that secured your buy-in, knowing full well that there would potentially be a great deal of negative talk about the movie once it was released across India?

When I read the script and Mahesh Bhatt called me and gave me a narration, as I read the script, I was completely blown away. Where in Bollywood would you get a female-centric part where the whole movie revolves around you?

As already mentioned, even for Hollywood’s standards, this was a very controversial film in terms of the subject matter. Now you translate it into Bollywood with an Indian audience watching it, and I have to say, I have tremendous respect for the fact that you had the courage to do a role like this, which is so relevant in today’s society, what was it about this movie, this script, this role, that said to you “you know what? I’ve got to do this movie regardless of the obvious pending backlash that will follow the release?”

I really liked (director) Anurag Basu and sat and chatted with him about the movie. I also thought it was necessary to do this role as an actress because there is a moral code in Bollywood whereby ‘this’ is what a lady can and cannot do. But I thought it’s a challenge to challenge that code and break new ground and do something interesting at the same time. And of course I loved the story and the director so I went headlong into it. I mean, come on! In the very beginning of my career, to play a sympathetic adulteress was very exciting for me!

How did you go about getting into the psyche of this character? Is that where you went into your knowledge of philosophy and your experiences as a woman? Tell me because I have to tell you, you did a bang-up job in that role.

Raj, it’s so nice, after seven years, to talk about it. I wish to tell you the truth. At the time I was doing it and when the movie was released and became a blockbuster, everyone was very negative about it because, you know, there is this kind of hypocrisy that exists in our society. They would go and watch the movie but they would openly say, “oh my God” and condemn it too. This is the kind of hypocrisy that everyone lives with in India, which was very, very annoying for me.

But that’s their problem not yours. Look at where you are today because of these kinds of experiences.

That’s true. I watched movies with actresses like Bette Davis, Barbara Stanwyck and Joan Crawford, and they’ve taken my career in this direction where I do solo movies. I don’t want to just play a sidekick in a movie, you know. I want a role where you have something substantial to do. And I have a reverence for individuality. I don’t like the herd mentality. Everyone is going left so I’ll just have to go right.

And you are going right. It fits where you need to be and who you are. And it’s usually pioneering spirits that truly change the course of society, and how society thinks.

True, and the thing is, that the film got mainstream. At the time when I started, I used to get looked down at. People would say, “what is she doing, it’s degrading?” but I think that today, criticism is good because it keeps you on your toes and you want to be better and better — it’s a good thing.

You know how it is in Bollywood. For some reason, people who make Bollywood movies, think that the South Asian community don’t kiss or that the audience aren’t willing to accept that this is a natural part of loving someone. I really don’t get that. It’s so far removed from reality.

(Laughs) Everyone kisses, come on. It’s very common.

I hope so. There are going to be problems in many relationships if we don’t get a bit of kissing action.

(Laughs) That’s what I thought when I started because we were in a revolution with cable TV and we live in a global environment, so what are these (Bollywood) guys talking about? Instead of kissing they show thunderstorms and birds flying and flowers blooming. Hell no! I think if passion is done artistically, you can portray it on screen in a very artistic way which is very pleasing to the eye. At the end of the day, movies are an audio-visual experience.

Yes they are. You always choose movies that are centric in terms of the role that you have, even those movies where you make a cameo appearance, like the dance number at the beginning of the film Guru (should we date the movie like we always do?. When you’re on screen, you have a way of owning it, whether it’s a central character or item dance number.

Thanks a lot Raj! With Rahman composing that song and Mani Ratnam directing the movie, I HAD to do that song.

Yes, I think that also added to the mystique and provocative nature of the entire song. But it’s not only the magic of all of this but the fact that you have this fabulous sexual aura that you exude, combined with the underlying soul-fullness that resonates from your being, which I personally feel, is the reason why you are really able to encapsulate your audience, even in a small role like this one. Thoughts?

The fact that they come and watch my movies in this day and age is really more than enough for me. I am really blessed and grateful for that and to my fans who, on some level, relate to me and have been loyal to me, coming to watch my movies time after time. On Twitter, I have fans saying “I’ve watched this movie 25 times!” They show me a lot of love and not only in Bollywood but in Hollywood too; they’re showing me a lot of love! I am enjoying it completely.

That’s because of the fact that you are real. People don’t like to live in a fake society today, at least not in my experience.

Yeah, I walk with my feet firmly planted on the ground. My head might be high in the air but my feet are on the ground. (laughs).

(Laughs) I love that!

(Laughs)

Speaking of Twitter, you have garnered a lot of interest and buzz around the Twitter scenario. It’s obvious why Twitter was interested in you becoming a part of this, just because of your mass following in India, and they wanted to really get into India so what better way than with the power of celebrity?

From your perspective, what does social media in general, mean to you as an actress in terms of communicating to your audience and to the world?

I think in the global age we live in today, social media is a very important part of our lives. And what really excited me about Twitter was that it’s just 140 characters and you are in direct contact with your fans. You are directly communicating with them and there is direct contact between my fans and me, and that really excited me. There is no intermediary person and of course, on top of that, for an Indian actress to be invited there, that meant a lot to me. I went to San Francisco and they showed some Bollywood movies at the Twitter headquarters. It was great fun!

We haven’t seen that much going on with you from a Bollywood perspective. Are you working on anything currently?

Yes, we finished Hisss which is being edited right now and it was directed by David Lynch’s daughter (Jennifer Lynch). It’s an “ichcha-dhari nagin” ** story retold in a very contemporary way with a Lynchian twist.

Which is what is going to make it so interesting to watch!

It has shaped up so well. I am very proud of it. Shooting the movie was very tough, though because I played a snake in the movie where I had this tail in the costume and it was very difficult to walk, I had to be carried on to the set (laughs). And because the costume was pasted on, I couldn’t even go to the bathroom so I didn’t drink much to avoid it and ended up getting dehydrated.

This story has been told numerous times in numerous different manners. What is it about this particular version, other than Jennifer Lynch being involved? In other words, how is this version different and why should people want go watch it?

It’s the ultimate femme-fatale — the “ichcha-dari nagin” I mentioned. A lot of legendary actresses like Sridevi, Vijantimala and Rekha have portrayed this character. The only difference is that this version has its own weird contemporary twist to it where for the first time in Bollywood, I’m very proud to say that we incorporated this effect when I turn into a snake. The transformation from the snake form to the human form and back, is actually shown live on camera without any CG effects. That was very unique for me; very, very unique! Also, I would say that it’s very contemporary in the way they transformed Star Trek from the original version to the most recent version. And it’s a very slick thriller where my character’s mate gets abducted by an American villain and she is on this path to find him and there is a trail of bodies along the way. Irfan Khan is playing a cop who cannot understand what’s going on and doesn’t believe in all this ichcha-dari nagin stuff and all these myths, so it’s also about belief and non-belief. What’s so exciting is that they are taking this Indian mythology to the West, where the snakes are looked down upon as monsters here, whereas in the East, they are worshipped as gods. We revere them and we also have a festival called “naag-panchami.” That’s also very exciting for me. Additionally, this legend is not only very popular in India but also all over Asia wherever Buddhism travelled. Tsui Hark made a movie called Green Snake. In Hong Kong and China there is a soap opera about a snake goddess and in Japan it’s popular — the legend of the snake goddess is popular all over Asia. It is exciting to see how different countries will receive this movie considering all of this and what a challenge for an actress to play!

How did you take on the challenge? Did you rock it?

You know, to be quite honest Raj, I never imagined that it would be so tough physically. We filmed in the jungle with leaches crawling all over my body. It was really tough but it was worth it.

You caused quite a stir in Cannes this year with your fabulous costume accessories — snakes no less. What a genius idea! Tell me how this came about.

You know, I charmed a snake! (Laughs).

(Laughs). You were safe right?

Yes, I was very safe. Before it was brought to me, it was well fed! After spending so much time shooting a movie with snakes in the jungle, I really felt at home. In fact, I had so much fun with Rudy (the snake). I was playing around with him and guess what? We made it into Lifemagazine.com.

I think it’s a phenomenal marketing initiative because here you are at Cannes with so many movies premiering and so many huge stars being showcased. It’s a great way to get your moment in the sun.

I agree and in 2005, I was in Cannes with Jackie Chan. He was my arm candy then. But this time, a python was my arm candy. (laughs).

So which date was better – Jackie or Rudy?

(Laughs). These days I’m so into snakes that I prefer Rudy!

Well, you definitely got the attention of Salma Hayek. Apparently she was raving about your movie. And there are mumblings that there could potentially be a movie that you might be doing with her. Is there any truth to that?

You are going to have to wait and watch!

Ooh! So you’re not going to let the cat out of the bag yet?

You really have to wait and watch as there are some really interesting things that are taking place for me right now.

OK so I guess I’ll have to wait to find out. What from your perspective was the attraction between you and Salma at Cannes? Did it have anything to do with the similarities between you both? You are both beautiful, ethnic, daring, cross-over actresses.

Definitely! When I met Salma, she told me, “Mallika, where you are in your career right now, that’s where I was when I started in Hollywood.” She was a star in Mexico and then she came to America and conquered. She said that it’s a very brave thing to do. She was very encouraging.

And it’s good to have these kinds of people on your side!

Exactly and coming from her, whom I have always respected and admired, was great. We both come from ethnic backgrounds and speak English with a bit of an accent, so we do have a some similarities. And for her to pat me on the back and say you‘re doing great, meant a lot to me!

Especially since she has accomplished what you’re working towards accomplishing.

Exactly, yes!

You did a Chinese movie with Jackie Chan. Correct me if I‘m wrong — that was your first movie outside of India right?

You are correct, yes.

How did that come about and why did you decide to do it?

Jackie Chan! He is the James Bond of Asia. Why not?

(Laughs) You‘re absolutely right. How was the experience?

Fantastic! It was a great experience. Jackie is a great guy. Part of the reason why I am here in L.A. doing all of these international movies is because of Jackie. He always encouraged me and has been very open and fair, and has believed in me. And he really thinks that after doing seventeen movies in Bollywood, I should do something in Hollywood. He has been very, very encouraging.

So you thought, “what the hell, let’s do it!”

Yes! It was great to be associated with Jackie.

So here you are in Hollywood. We know that you have Hisss, a cross-over movie which we just talked about and you’ve just finished doing your first Hollywood movie, Love, Barack (also known as Politics of Love).

That’s true.

So let’s talk now about this movie. The plot is extremely interesting and very relevant for today’s audience. What was it about the movie that engaged your interest?

I loved the script! And the very fact that an Indian actress was being cast in a mainstream American movie to play the role of a Democrat which is so American! That was so exciting and challenging for me as an actress from India. And of course I got to work with the great Oscar-nominated actress, Ruby Dee who played my grandmother in the movie, as well as Loretta Devine who played my mother. I mean, how insane and how lucky is that?

Totally! What was the experience of working in this full-out Hollywood movie like for you? Did you feel that you were able to get into a different type of character then you had played in the past?

Completely! This was the most unique character I’ve played until now because the rhythm of American comedy is so different from our Indian comedy. I really have to do a lot of preparation. I have to reduce my accent and make it more neutral. That’s why I’ve tried, even while talking to you, to sound more neutral. Also the comedy improv. I took a lot of comedy improv classes. It was a lot of preparation and a lot of rehearsal with the cast and the crew but it paid off! We have got a really great movie here.

When can we look forward to it releasing on the theatre circuit?

I would assume early next year.

I have read some stuff about the potential of you doing a movie about domestic abuse. Is that true?

Not really, no!

Okay, that must just be gossip then.

Must be. That’s part of life as an actress. Lots of things are gossip. That’s how it is with the press. Some days are good days, some days are bad. It’s a love-hate relationship.

What other projects are coming down the pike for you in Hollywood that you would like people to know about?

I have a couple of projects. We will be making an announcement about those really soon. I can’t wait for the news to come out, but I think it’s the producer’s prerogative to announce it.

Understood so let’s move along then. I want to talk about your “it” factor. You are the “it” girl in Hollywood right now, at least from the Indian perspective.

You think so?

Yes, as do many others.

I‘m glad (pause). You really think so?

Absolutely! You are the Indian actress with the “it” factor in Hollywood! How do you feel about that?

I must admit to you Raj, that being here in L.A., I have met some interesting people. People who want to create change. I met and hung out with Salma Hayek and with Usher. He dedicated a song to me. People who are creating change in the world acknowledge me and respect my work and make me feel really special. Also, it makes me grow as a human being and as an actress. That is very important to me—to broaden my horizons, to learn more and constantly challenge myself. And media has a lot of names they give you. They call you the “it”girl, the glam-girl, etc. Maybe it’s me today but it’ll be someone else tomorrow. It really doesn’t matter. What really matters is good work.

You are very much into charity initiatives. Is there anything that you want people to know about in this regard?

I just came from New York where I shot the ‘End Polio’ campaign for the WHO (World Health Organization). That gave me a lot of satisfaction, giving back to society. That really means a lot to me — that I can, in some small way, contribute.

And that’s what gives meaning to life. It’s what life’s all about at the end of the day.

Yes. It’s very important to me. Before that, I was in the Caribbean for the Helping Hands Celebrity Gala. A lot of stars were there in the effort to raise money for kids. I must say, the Indian community in St. Thomas really came out and gave full support to me. Very frankly, I would like to get more involved with these types of initiatives. They really make me happy and make me feel that I have made my pledge.

Other than the two mentioned events that you were involved in, what kind of charity initiatives interest you?

I feel very strong about the girl child cause because I come from the state of Haryana (Punjab, India) which has a very high female infanticide and foeticide rate. There, before girls are born, they abort the baby if they find out that it’s a girl. Because of this, the male-to-female ratio is so messed up. It’s like 1100 males to some 800 women. Also, I feel very strongly about female education and would like to get more involved in this cause and bring attention to it.

How fabulous! Lots of positivity and good luck for you Mallika, and I just hope this continues on and on because you have such a wonderful soul. It emanates even in this interview. Looking back to 2008 when you first arrived, then in 2009 when you were awarded the ‘Renaissance Artist Award’, (as part of the 16th Annual Diversity Awards) and receiving the honorary citizen of Los Angeles recognition by the Mayor, all I can say is, “WOW! girl, way to go!”. This must all feel phenomenal for you as it all seems to be coming in leaps and bounds all this positivity and this fabulous destiny that is unfolding for you. How do you feel about all of these positives?

Very humbled Raj! I mean, when they told me they were going to honour me at City Hall (in L.A.), I couldn’t believe it. I was like “Me? Are you sure? Where did this come from?” I must have done something right, no? And it happened on the eve of India’s Independence Day which made it even more special for me! You know, they were crediting me for fostering U.S. relations with India. As you said, it’s all been very positive.

What was the ‘Renaissance Artist Award’ about?

It’s a Diversity Award. In the past, it has been given to Salma Hayek and Halle Berry as ethnic actresses. I guess they thought that I was the right person for it. At this time, I had done the movie with Jackie Chan and I had already started the shooting for Hisss — bringing Hollywood and Bollywood together, so they thought I was a perfect fit for it I guess.

What a stellar class of actresses to be lined up with. That’s phenomenal!

It’s great company. We can’t complain now can we?

We shouldn’t complain because every accolade is a time to reflect on all that we’ve been fortunate enough to receive.

I agree.

In your opinion, what do you believe is the reason why, as an Indian-born actress, you have captured and maintained such interest and attraction in Hollywood?

I must have really done something right for them to think this of me. Also, I think I came here at the right time because after Slumdog Millionaire, we have been noticed and they’ve noticed that there is a world outside of America. That there are actors and actresses outside of America. Funny thing is, that some people think I am Latina and some think I am a light-skinned African-American. Everything has become so global now. In India, we have pizzas and burgers, and it’s the age of the Internet. I think I have been really lucky by being in the right place at the right time. And of course I feel that actresses like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Frieda Pinto have opened doors for me.

Absolutely correct. So now that the door has been opened, you’re going to take it to the next level right?

I am going to try my best, but it won’t be easy because it’s really tough.

Well, you know what they say; anything worth happening or having, is always challenging—it makes the success that much more valuable.

I agree! I think you have to break some rules and you gotta break them now! You agree?

I absolutely agree! I am on your page lady! I have been breaking rules for years. And to hell with what the inside-the-box faction think!

I am so happy to hear that coming from you. I am so happy to hear a woman talk like that!

It’s about effecting positive and relevant and real changes that matter long-term, and not just those for today.

You’re so right.

I have to ask you…

Ask me.

There’s no secret that men love you and women secretly want to be you!

You think women want to be me, Raj? I don’t know about that.

I think there’s a faction of women, as there are in most societies and cultures, who are envious that another woman has the courage to be the kind of women that they, in their fantasies, can only be. Society and culture stops them from allowing themselves to feel that they can be whomever and whatever they choose to be.

From that perspective, I would say yes, that they can really identify with me. They like it when someone is breaking rules and breaking ground, even when they themselves would never initiate it.

There’s nothing more alluring then a woman who can say “to hell with what people think. I need to make a difference by provoking existing perspectives.”

I do agree with you. (Pause) Why do you think women envy me?

Because you are beautiful and have the courage to be confident in your sexuality. Also because it appears that you seem to get everything you desire and for some reason, in our culture, there seems to be this unwritten rule that we can’t just be happy for others’ successes.

That’s a very interesting point. I never gave it a thought but come to think of it – you’re absolutely right.

I have experienced it. But more from the men. It’s the typical story—bores me.

I can identify with that completely. There is real truth to what you are saying. It’s a very brave thing that you do.

Thank you! We have got to rock this planet because if we don’t at least try to make a difference, nothing that is wrought in ignorance is ever going to change. So that means we are going to be the butt of negativity intitally. But just think about the generations to come that are going to benefit from the kind of inroads women like us are going to make.

I agree! There are always two sides to the coin. There will always be one section of the society which will idolize women like us, and there will be another section like the older women and older population, who are very traditional, who cannot identify with what we do. I identify with that notion completely.

Other than acting Mallika, and your charitable initiatives, what else do you lend your time to?

Yoga!

Nice, what kind?

I mix and match. I do kundalini yoga, hatha yoga . . . I am a vegan! I love being fit physically. I love living a very disciplined life. I like some spirituality in my life, so when I am not shooting, I occupy myself with yoga. I love that! And reading all the biographies of the people I respect and admire.

Really? Funny because I do both of these things also and for the very same reason!

Really? You do yoga too?

Yes but I do hot yoga because it challenges me. I find the combination of yoga stances and heat quite difficult. The ‘me’ time centres my being.

I know what you mean. I feel completely alive after yoga!

It starts from the inside out but unfortunately, the first communication we have with the outside world is from the outside in. I wish everyone practiced yoga—I believe it would change the entire dynamic of energy in our world.

I agree!

You know, we have many roles in life that we have to fulfill — some by choice, some by default. Bearing this in mind, from your perspective, tell me how you would define yourself in the following roles:

Daughter?

Enfant terrible! (laughs). A loving daughter, though I’m sure difficult to comprehend sometimes to a parent. My parents have had to deal with a lot because of what I do and they’ve been supportive in some of the toughest times. For that, they forever have my admiration and gratitude.

Sister?

Well, put it this way, I absolutely love my brother. He is my life. He is the closest person in the world to me. He’s my support system. I am his protector, friend and cohort.

Friend?

A very loyal and very giving friend. I would do anything for a true friend. They are so hard to find and I have been blessed with a few.

Lover?

A giver. Someone who values very much the experience of true romance. I love to give love.

Actress?

I am very punctual and disciplined — never late. I am also very hardworking as I like to challenge myself by taking on innovative parts in movies. Bold, serious, playful, intense and not afraid to take chances, push boundaries, break new ground. I explore territories which haven’t been explored before by an Indian actress. I’m one of a kind (laughs).

Interesting?

If we have to break rules, we have to break them now. I love it! That is part of my personality — to do something ground-breaking, to be a pioneer in something. It gives me immense satisfaction and I have so much fun doing it!

As a human being, we are very blessed when fun is a component of what we do full-time as a job. Not many people can say they are blessed that way.

I take my profession very seriously, but I don’t take the strings attached to it very seriously. Today it’s here, tomorrow it’s gone. For me, it’s a part of life.

Nice!…Business woman?

Smart, savvy, intuitive, with my “finger on the pulse.” I can’t be fooled business-wise.

There’s a real sense of privacy in who you are outside of your public persona. Who is the woman in you? Describe her.

Although I’ve created a public persona as Mallika the actress and many qualities have since become a true part of me, I have another, more private side to myself that I keep out of the public eye because I think it’s healthy to maintain some kind of separation in my professional and personal lives. In private, I am spiritual, introverted, quiet and a bit of a geek.

Oprah once said, what you believe has more power than what you dream and wish and hope for. You become what you believe. What do you believe in?

I completely agree with this, and I can relate it to my childhood. I always wanted to become an actress and I really believed in this. I never for one day, allowed others to shake this believe; I never doubted it ever. And I have become what I wanted to become. It is so profound and true that I have lived it. And I feel any human being can achieve what they want to achieve. Their potential is immense.

As long as they believe, right?

As long as they believe. The leap of faith is so important.

In moments of weakness, where do you go to garner your strength?

I meditate and I go to my brother.

So he is your strength?

He is my strength, he is my life. I love him to death.

Who do you ultimately aspire to be?

I aspire to be myself! I feel each human being is very unique and we are constantly evolving human beings; constantly growing. We all have our own contradictions. But I love to be myself and to be better than what I was last year and the year before that.

How would you like to be remembered if you could only choose one thing?

As a woman who dared!

I love it! Thanks for such a lovely, open interview dear!

Thanks so much Raj! It was so lovely talking to you also. Until next time.

**Nagin is the classic story of a female serpent who watches helplessly as her mate is shot and killed by a man and their five friends. She uses her powers to change into any human form be it a wife, seductress, mistress in order to track them down and avenge the death of her mate.
First published in The Holiday Issue, November 2010, www.AnokhiMagazine.com

Crew Credits:
Photographer: Ash Gupta/838 Media Group
Stylist: Ivan Button/The Apartment, Margalette
Hair & Makeup: Jeffrey Paul/Exclusive Artists Management
Produced by: Alex Barakat
Assistant Photographers: Tim Rudolph, Matt Cramer, Jana Takeyama
Art Direction: Hilda Marquez
Assistant to Ash Gupta: Arishiya Parmar

Photo Credits:
Photo i: Robe Longue Noire Bustier Strass, Chantal Teman Pour Bain De Nuit, $1790 USD
Photos ii, iii: Dress By Ozlem Suer, $1789 USD;  Shoes By Barbara Bui, $520 USD;  Sowat Butterfly Rings, $98 USD
Photo iv, v: Indie Sari Strass Dress By Ozlem Suer, $2786 USD;  Shoes By Barbara Bui, $520 USD;
Photo vi: Robe Rouge Corne Du Diable (Red Dress With Devil’s Horns), John Galliano, $6250 USD; Earrings By Van Cleef & Arpels
Photo vii, viii: Dress By John Galliano, $21,000 USD

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