Bipasha Basu: Never say yes too easily

In an interview with rediff.com, Bollywood's Bong bombshell doles out career advice and tells us a little bit about her personal life.

From just another Indian model with starry aspirations, she's become one of the nation's leading actresses and her most recent release, Lamhaa, hit theatres last week.

The bold and beautiful Bipasha Basu has come a long way in her career and has always been one to speak her mind. Among other things, she tells us why she believes the movie industry is an uncertain place to be, considers expensive cars an indulgence and doesn't think her fans can ever shock her. Excerpts from an interview:

You've been in the movie industry a long time now and have a firmly established career. What would you say is the one golden rule of the entertainment business?

I don't follow rules. I have my own set of rules. Never say yes too easily.

You've never looked better. How you maintain your looks?

I am in my prime and a woman always looks good in her prime. All this while I was a girl and it is only now I have become a woman. Looking good, I don't so much focus on. I believe in being healthy. I think when you are healthy, you look good and if you are healthy every aspect of your life is good.

Can you share your diet regime with us?

You give me money and I will give you diet tips! (laughs)

Okay then, at least tell us a little about your workout regime...

I like to do something active everyday. My favourite is going to the gym for weight-training and cardio. But I also try to do a little yoga, I try new classes like pilates...at the moment I'm into some dance exercises. I try to get in some swimming in the middle of everything. So I do different things.

What is your personal sense of style like?

I love comfort. Anything that is comfortable on a daily basis is stylish. It's the fabrics I like, I have to say. Those that are stylish in India, like cotton and linen, are what I swear by. My personal style statement is dress according to the occasion.

In this line of work, you have to be at the top of your game at all times. What advice would you give youngsters who want to join film industry?

It is a very uncertain place to be. It's not only about talent, there is a lot of luck involved. Being in the right place at the right time counts and everybody's career cannot be the same.

You cannot idolise one person and want to be like that. You have to chart your own destiny.

First, you have to stand in front of the mirror and know whether you have it in you. You have to ask yourself very critically whether you can make it. What is the 'X' factor? You need to know that and then go for it.

When did you first time realise you were famous?

Someone asked to and at that time, I first realised I was famous. I don't remember exactly when that was, though.

Do your fans ever shock you?

No, never. They are very sweet.

Who do you think is Bollywood best-looking actor?

(Thinks hard) I cannot say.

What is your passion in life?

My passion in life is to drive health and fitness in a bigger way.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to go on drives, to dinners and to watch movies.

Quick take

My favourite cuisine: I love Thai, Parsi, Bengali, Chinese...I will go on and on!

My favourite drink: Real Active Juice, Beetroot flavour.

I love hanging out at: Pali Village Cafe, right now.

My favourite movie of all time: Godfather and Jaane Bhi Do Yaaron

My favourite travel destination: Paris

My favourite book: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Make up I cannot live without: Stainer -- lip stainer

My biggest indulgence: Banging my car -- that is indulgence only! Who needs such an expensive car?

My idea of a perfect day: I should have two hours to work out. Lot of time to play with my niece and nephew, I should get time to spend with my parents. And then in the evening I should get to spend time with John (Abraham) for a dinner or movie. And then I need eight hours of sleep. And I forgot food, nice food should also be had on such a day. And lots of mithai.

I cannot leave home without: My wallet, my mobile phone and my house keys

My future plans: To make my brand 'BB Love Yourself' grow.