A Robert Altman discovery has to be special. But that is not the only reason Sarah Shahi is hot property. The notorious Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader, who did bit roles in films like Old School and For Your Consideration, is now the toast of American television. And Indian viewers can get a taste of her from this Tuesday (STAR World, 9pm) as Sarah makes a splash as detective Dani Reese in the new action-drama series Life. Sexy Sarah spoke to t2 from Los Angeles...

You started out with films and then switched to TV. Do you find any difference in the two mediums?

The main difference that I find is that TV has a much quicker pace. You can shoot six to 10 pages in a day for television while you would be lucky if you can manage three pages in a day for a film. Also, television can be a lot more gratifying. But at the end of the day, whether it’s TV or films or radio, your job is to tell stories.

After a light show like The L Word, what made you do a hard-hitting drama like Life?

Life is a great script. I love the fact that my character has a dark side. She is trying to overcome her demons. There is a great deal of struggle within her. There is a lot of dynamics. Also, the producers are wonderful and well-respected. Good story, great people involved… what else can you ask for?

Life’s got great ratings in the US…

Yes, it’s very different from what’s coming on TV. There are lots of legal shows, lots of talk shows. Life works on two levels. One is the crime of the week which the detectives solve and the other is the big conspiracy in the backdrop which Detective Charlie Crews (Damian Lewis) is trying to crack with my help. It’s a bunch of great characters and very well written. Also, the fact that the show never takes itself too seriously.

Your character Dani Reese is an alcoholic on the mend who has also been into drugs. It must be difficult to get into the shoes of someone like that…

Despite all that there are similarities between my character and me. And the challenge is to tap that side of me. I also have a cheeky side and a dark side. I am really happy that NBC (National Broadcasting Corporation) took a chance on me. Dani is also a detective. I went gun training for three months before the start of shooting so that the gun becomes an extension of my arm.

You are a former cheerleader and have been featured in Maxim’s Hot 100 list for two years running. Does this sexy image stop you from getting serious roles?

Yes, it has kept me from getting serious roles. I have made my living as the ‘hot’ girlfriend. Life came and opened a lot of doors for me. Interestingly, people now don’t even recognise me as the same girl who did The L Word. So, yes, it’s been difficult in the past but hopefully Life will make life easier.

The big question then — life or money?

Life! You can take my money. I can make the money happen again. I am happy with whatever I have. I am in a wonderful relationship. My friends and family support me. And there’s my dog and a nice bottle of tequila!