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One day, I will tell my story... where I came from and where I am now and how I remained positive.
Nargis Fakhri
I would like to be more fit, but I don't think I will put on fat or gain weight for movie roles. I am not going to do that.
I come from a culture where we wear white for weddings. In India, it's different. But I really feel that there should be no set notions, and a bride should only wear something when she's comfortable in it.
Courtship is like simmering mutton. You cook for hours and hours to taste the soft meat. It doesn't happen in two seconds!
I don't eat white breads, and I'm off dairy due to an allergic reaction and because of what it does to the body. I've learnt a lot about different foods and how the body breaks it down and what happens when we eliminate or incorporate certain foods, and it's pretty fascinating!
I don't think anyone could play me. It would have to be me.
I was tall and skinny, and at 15, I was approached to model. I figured that models got to travel, and it became my ticket to travel so much so that if an agency could not fly me to another country, I would fly on my cost so that I could see that country and also make some money.
You learn to be comfortable with your body. It's fine and not a big deal.
I think I am feeling comfortable in Bollywood more than in Hollywood because I have spent more time here now and I am understanding a lot of things. I am feeling pretty good here. I really don't plan on running off anywhere.
When you are sick, you are sick. Period.
I shake hands on the first date.
I have this board in my house that lists out all the things that I love about myself. It's a board of affirmations, and it serves me well.
People will still give me attention: even when my teeth are gone, I'll have some good stories to tell.
I don't consider myself as a glamour diva. If you get to know me, you will see that I am so dorky and weird.
I'm a little weird that way. I don't really know how to express my happiness.
I don't really know what the prerequisites are for Bollywood, but I do believe I can be successful in anything I choose to do.
I use coconut oil every single day. I apply coconut oil on my whole body for moisturising. The oil can also be used as make-up remover, as it is light-based and is not sticky.
It has been a tumultuous journey, no doubt. But I feel blessed to have got work.
In Bollywood, they like to put us in short clothes. And I am very shy; I don't like wearing revealing stuff, though my image is such. Unfortunately, it's a body-obsessed industry.
I just do my job and go home. There's just one or two people I can say are friends that I can call.
I grew up in the projects in Queens, and we were really poor.
I know I'm not the consummate Bollywood heroine. But I'm working hard on it.
I think massage is a very important part of life, which is present from centuries as an imminent part of India's tradition.
I've learnt some important lessons: I never rely on the opinion of one doctor alone. I do my own research; I read up and am ready with questions I need answered.
With Pakistan being in my blood, I would certainly look at opportunities to travel there.
When I was 12, my mum put us in a summer camp meant for children from low-income families. It was in upstate New York where we had to live in tents, fetch water, cook our meals, and even dig our own toilet bowls.
You should never go on diet and must follow a healthy lifestyle.
It took me just three months to pick up Hindi. I guess I'm a fast learner when it comes to languages.
If you feel like snacking, stock up on almonds, walnuts and cranberries.
I always wanted to do a bit of Bollywood and a bit of Hollywood.
I have vowed never to take antibiotics again unless I really need them. I also learned to pay attention to my body, know the difference between indigestion, an allergic reaction to food, a parasitic infection or worms. It's incredible how well I know my body. I really love that.
I did a B.A. with a major in fine arts and a minor in psychology. I wanted to become a teacher or do art therapy for the elderly. But then I realised I wanted to travel instead.
My mother is happy with whatever I choose to do in life as long as I'm happy, healthy, and safe.
I don't have to be a size zero anymore. But I still want to feel and look good.
As a child, I did watch some Hindi movies at home with Dad, but I didn't know who anyone was. I wasn't interested, honestly.
I'm intrigued by traditional Indian designs. They are so beautifully handcrafted, and the designs are so intricate and beautiful. I really prefer the Indian designs.
No, I don't have a plan. Whatever happens happens. There's never a plan.
I knew that all South Indian language films were first made in Chennai and that Tamil Nadu is one of the biggest film-producing centres in the country. I wanted to be part of films here.
I am a romantic, and I think dates are wonderful. I like quirky and fun things. Like going for a bike ride or for a pedicure together.
I like to take my own time, and I don't like to rush. I do take time, and I have patience.
My motto is never to hold on to anything. I accept and then let go: not just the negatives, but the praise, too. Or it'll get to my head.
Even though my parents separated, my mother was in love with my father and never re-married.
I'm tired of the speculation about my personal life.
It's something I am confident about. It gives me an adrenaline rush - who wouldn't want want to wear beautiful clothes and jewellery and look wonderful - it's a dream job for many.
My life and my happiness is most important to me than any job or anything in the world.
In this hectic life, we have no time to take care of ourselves, hence massage is needed for rejuvenation and stress reduction. A lot of people are looking for quick fixes: like, they are taking medications, and they are doing other things which are not healthy. But massage is very holistic and natural.
I am an independent, educated woman, I make my own money, take care of my mom, and I am single, so I can do whatever I want, taking no one's permission, and that is the best part.
I don't want to be known as an item dancer. I want to be known as an actress only.
You need to train your brain to be positive.
Don't be surprised if you find me doing some charity work in another country.