The most defining turning point came in my life when I won the first season of the model talent search reality show, Get Gorgeous, on Channel V in 2004. Suddenly, my life took a U-turn and from being a simple Calcutta girl, I found myself walking the ramp at the Rome Fashion Week.

What followed was modelling for top designers like Tarun Tahiliani, Rohit Bal, Sabyasachi Mukherjee and others. Taking part in the Singapore Fashion Week and the Milan Fashion Week were almost unbelievable experiences. I also did ad campaigns for global brands like L’Oreal, Toyota and Nike.

In 2005, I became a VJ for Channel V and hosted shows like Get Gorgeous Season 2, Freedom Express and Agent Love.

My life took another turn in 2007, when I decided to present cricket shows on television. This was at a time, when I was doing really well as a VJ. But, I was always interested in sports and the decision was very instinctive.

What catapulted me to fame was hosting DLF IPL Extraaa Innings T20 in 2011 and 2012. The show’s popularity gave me a boost and turned me into a household name.

The last nine years have been like a fairy tale. I did not have any backing in the modelling or television industry. What paid off were hard work, determination and self-belief.

Currently, I am taking part in the fifth season of the dance reality show, Jhalak Dikhla Jaa — again something offbeat for me. I have always believed in doing things that my heart dictates, and luckily, it has turned out to be a success every time.

(As told to Yashodeep Sengupta)