POONAM DHILLON

My teachers made me what I am today. I remember they used to instill confidence in me and stress on remaining focused.

I left Chandigarh more than 30 years ago. I studied at Carmel Convent and we used to live in Sector 9. My fondest memories are all centered around this city!

I was a bit hesitant in theatre initially, but ever since I jumped into it, I have been pretty enthusiastic.

I would love to do more reality shows.

I was studying in a school in Chandigarh when Yash Chopra discovered me and cast me for 'Trishul.'

I definitely feel that films and TV shows can bring about social change.

I count something as successful if it pleases the audience.

I was never in an acting school. But I learned everything on the job like memorising lines, all the technicalities of theatre, how to use your voice and eyes and more.

Who doesn't like having love, companionship, care and affection? I get plenty of that from my family and friends. But I'm not averse to marriage.

I feel very strongly that the country needs dedicated people who have passion... rather than those who are in politics only for a career.

I don't want to be in any rat race.

I was a science student and was aiming to be an IFS officer. But, fortunately, my destiny had some other plans for me.

After winning the Miss India title at the age of 16, I resumed my studies.

Women are given their due, and I think female-centric roles are also well-written. But it doesn't matter who is in the centre - a male or female. As long as it is an entertaining, gripping film, people just enjoy it.

I enjoyed working in films.

Anywhere in the world I have travelled to, people would tell me 'Yeh Vaada Raha' is one of their favourite songs. People would even convey the same on Insta and Twitter.

I value my friendships and go out of my way to commit time and energy to them.

For me, education is very important. It opens up vistas of life and makes it easy for you to deal with it, because if you learn from other people's experiences, it enhances your life.

Even the older generation are able to understand things when they see it on TV and identify with it. A lot of people are able to empathise with the characters. They can also distinguish between good and bad.

On stage, you have to hype yourself for two hours. It takes up a lot of energy, leaving me totally exhausted.

I am not someone who will bare my soul on Twitter. If I am angry with somebody, I will abuse them there, if I am happy, I will express it there.

It is very painful to talk about my dear friend Rishi Kapoor in 'past tense.'

It was a unique experience, living in 'Bigg Boss' house for 84 days. It would have been fantastic had I won but I am not sad that didn't.

People often ask me whether I plan to apply for a job after an MBA, but I tell them it is just to gain knowledge.

If your work is really successful, it should attract the audience to you beyond just the premier.