How did a philosophy student get into modelling and acting?
I don’t know, it just happened. I had completed my 12th standard and was in my first year of college when my sister sent my photos for the Miss India contest. It was just for fun and I never thought I’d get a call. In fact, when the organisers called, I thought it was a prank.

You went on to win the Miss World Tourism title…
After Miss India, I went straight for the Miss World Tourism pageant. I was only 19 and did not realise how much work actually went into preparing for a pageant. In fact, I hadn’t even prepared for the Miss India pageant. With the Miss World Tourism title, though, I can say everything fell into place.

How did Jannat happen?
After the pageants, I started modelling and often came to Mumbai. Soon, I shifted here and took up more modelling and ad assignments. Mohit Suri spotted me at a restaurant with a friend. Mohit took my number from her and called me to Vishesh Films. Before I knew it, I was chosen for Jannat.

What’s your daily beauty regime like?
I never sleep with my make-up on and I drink a lot of water. Every morning, I have a glass of vegetable juice and a glass of fruit juice. It’s important to be stress-free, as it shows on your face. If you’re happy, your face glows! For the T-zone, I use a moisturiser. I hate dry skin, so I moisturise at least 3-4 times a day with Chanel
Moisturizing Gel—it keeps my skin soft and glowing. I also use Estée Lauder’s face wash for normal skin.

Any natural products or homemade packs you use?
I use a pack that includes haldi, besan and multani mitti—it’s one of the beauty secrets of my mom and grandmom. Sometimes, I put honey on my skin and this really helps. Kesar mixed with milk is also useful; leave it on for about 20 minutes and it will revitalise your skin. To remove a tan, I often apply tomato juice on my body. Also, papaya pulp is great for the face; eating the fruit is good for your skin too.

What kind of attention do you pay towards your
physical fitness and diet?
I work out for an hour every day, and do cardio and weights. I truly believe in exercise. Never deprive yourself of food, as this often leads to bingeing later; watch what you’re eating but enjoy yourself and then burn it off!

What is a big no-no for you in terms of skincare?
Bleaching—I am completely against it. It makes hair turn golden, which looks tacky.

How do you take care of your hair when shooting— you’re under the arc lights and outdoors at times?
These are things you cannot avoid, so it is necessary to keep your hair clean. When I’m shooting, I shampoo every day to get rid of the sweat and products in my hair. These days, I mostly use Richfeel products.

What do you do on a bad hair day?
On bad hair days, I either wear a cap to hide it or go to a salon, shampoo my hair and get it sorted.

Any actress whose hair you really like?
Priyanka Chopra and Dimple Kapadia have lovely hair—the way it falls is beautiful. I don’t like poker-straight hair; wavy hair looks full of life and works perfectly for me.

What is your biggest asset?
My personality, I think, and the way I carry myself.

Do you believe that inner beauty reflects on the outside?
Oh, I completely believe in it. If you are a nice person, it just shows—I have seen such people. True beauty comes from the goodness of your heart.