Are men more liberated in the way they perceive women today?

Times have changed for the better. But even today there are men who believe that women are meant to sit at home and take care of household duties. Nowadays, women have become a lot more independent. She manages her work, home and relationships pretty well — I see my mother doing that.

An actress is always subjected to the male gaze. How do you deal with it?

All women enjoy it, regardless of what they may say. Unfortunately, I have a lot of men who only look at me but do nothing about it. I have been told that I am very intimidating. Sadly, I don’t remember the last time a guy came up to me and paid me a compliment. I am also known as a munhfat. But it is also good because it keeps the riffraff away.

So men don’t make passes at you?

They wouldn’t have the guts. If a man made a cheap pass he would have it. Mostly, I see guys talking amongst themselves and looking at me while smiling weakly. And mostly it’s the ugliest men who do this. It’s so irritating (laughs)! At least if the guy was cute, I would feel better.

Do you think it’s cool to check out good-looking guys at nightclubs?

It’s healthy, it’s fun. That’s where girlfriends come in. Unfortunately, I don’t party that much anymore. I party once in two-three weeks.

What is the first thing you notice in a man?

The physical appearance. The way he dresses up. His smile. There is so much you can tell with just a person’s smile. I have a thing for shoes. Of course, a guy has to have brains. I should be able to have an intelligent conversation with him. Otherwise it’s a complete turn-off.

And what is the first thing guys notice in you?

I have pretty eyes, so I have been told.

If a guy tells you that you are sexy, will you take it well?

I think it’s rude for a guy to go up to a woman and say, ‘Oh, you are hot!’ I feel he needs to be little more polished and word it right, especially if it’s the first conversation.

Professionally, are you comfortable being dubbed a sex symbol?

I am very comfortable because it’s very difficult to be sexy. If I am sexy then I am very thankful to God. But when you have a sexy image attached to you, it’s very difficult to get simple roles.

Do you feel men get intimidated by women in the glamour world?

Yes. Few men are comfortable in a relationship where the woman is doing better. It’s great if you can find a man like that.

What keeps you single?

Two years back, I consciously decided that I wouldn’t get into a relationship because I needed to understand what I wanted in a man. Every relationship was a disaster. But now I feel I am ready to get into a relationship. Unfortunately, every good-looking guy is gay or dumb. I have met lots of good-looking men but I am yet to meet a guy who has got the looks and the brains. It’s a killer combination and very hard to find. And most of those men are taken.

I have reached a stage where I want to know if the relationship is going somewhere. Those days are gone when I got into a relationship just for fun. Now I am looking for someone who respects me, my family and my work.

Are you friends with your ex-boyfriends?

Yes, but it has taken a lot of effort. It’s heartbreaking when a relationship doesn’t work, because you put so much into it. I have always believed that God has something better in store for me.

A lot of girls look for certain qualities of their dads in their partners. Do you?

I would want a man with my father’s temperament because he is one man amidst three dominating women in the house. He has always encouraged us to pursue our dreams.

Has your dad ever missed having a son?

When I was born, apparently my grandmother cried because she wanted a boy. My father snubbed her saying: “Don’t cry, this is my girl!”

Would you fall for a guy who is already taken and married?

No. I have certain dos and don’ts in life and I believe in karma. If he is divorced and has no excess baggage then it’s different.

If your man objects to a revealing dress you’ve worn on screen, what would you tell him?

Go fly a kite.