We are seeing a changed Mumbai, but having showcased Dharavi in 'Slum Dog Millionaire' brought shame and disgrace to our city. Whenever the firangs visit Mumbai, they must visit Dharavi; it has become a sightseeing spot. However, I feel saddened about it.
So many things make me come alive, like when I just finish meditating and I open my eyes and it's as if everything is much clearer. I feel like everything in my body has calmed down, and I feel this sense of joy because I am in touch with what's most important in my life. I also come most alive when I am with my family and closest friends who make me feel recharged just by being with them.
I feel more at home in Chennai and Hyderabad than in Mumbai since I spend so much time in these two cities.
I have the best friends in the world. I miss my friends, I miss my family but they always come out and visit me. I went to boarding school in the country so there's no real differentiation between family and friends. I went there from when I was 8 until I was 17 - it was insane.
I'm a loner, and I'm most comfortable living by myself, but Bengaluru is home for me, as my family is there. Having said that, once you come to Mumbai, you can't turn your back on it. I've grown close to Mumbai now.
All of Bengal knows about my differences with my father. He's based in Mumbai. I never visit him. He never visits me. We are not enemies. But neither are we friends.
Who needs a house? I'm talking about your heart. You have plenty of guest rooms there. And that's what you do. You open your heart to people. You keep lovely little rooms in there, just waiting for your friends to come visit. People feel as if they can come right in, just as they are. You don't entertain, you love. That's what lasts. That's why people like me feel as if I will always be your friend. You hold a special place for me in your heart.
During the initial two years in Mumbai, it was lonely and awkward for me, till I made some friends in South Mumbai.
Dear Heavenly Father, sometimes I feel like I’m not going to make it. Thank You for friends that come alongside me and cheer me on when I feel like I’m about to go under. Most of all, thank You for always being with me and cheering me on in the great race of life. I love You!
A lot of people come work with me because I keep an open set, and people can visit. Julia Roberts used to have friends visit on 'Pretty Woman.'
I feel I haven't quite settled in Mumbai. One, it is a cultural shock for me and two, I feel no one really has the time for others in Mumbai. For instance, if you need them, they wouldn't be there despite swearing allegiance to you.
Shopping is great in Hyderabad and is better than in Mumbai.
I love being in Hyderabad, as I never get bored like I do in Mumbai.
Portland has influenced me in that it is very much where I feel most "at home" in the world. I grew up there. My family is there, my closest friends are there; my favorite bookstore, record store and coffee joint are there. Portland changed a lot during the eight years I lived in Bellingham but, every time I went back, it always felt like home.
When I used to visit my relatives' places in Hyderabad, I would keep seeing the posters of Telugu films. It's not a different world for me.
I went to Mumbai thinking I will be away from media and fans, but right from the Governor of Maharashtra to aam janata, at least 60 people would come to visit me every day. There were calls, messages and I was so touched. I didn't know that people loved me so much and they want to see me back in action.