You don't have to be a phenomenon to do phenomenal things. You have to be someone genuine who wants to make a difference. But the debate over deciding who the most beautiful woman in Bollywood is, is downright weird. Isn't everyone beautiful in their own right, and haven't we all heard that beauty lies in the beholder's eyes? If yesterday it was Aishwarya Rai, today it is Priyanka Chopra, and tomorrow it will be someone else.
Nonetheless, we have our personal favourites, don't we? I am fascinated by gorgeous damsels, who walk the red carpet in red gowns. I envy them their glamorous lives.

Naturally, Priyanka Chopra, the girl from Bareily who made it big in Bollywood, has been on my list of favourite people. How does a young woman feel when she has over a million fans drooling over her, I wonder. I soon had the opportunity, though fleeting, to meet and greet the dazzling star who was in town to play brand ambassador for Tag Heuer.

"I'm the right fit for the brand," she gushed. "If I were to design a watch, it would be a combination of classy looks and sporty style." All eyes swiveled to the diamond-studded watch she sported, and following our collective gaze, she blithely announced that she had14 such watches in her collection. Lucky girl!

As we were on the subject of looks, particularly good looks, I asked if she was a size zero. Her little black dress encouraged me to hazard a guess. But the curvaceous girl was quick to retort, "I'm not aiming for a size zero though I'm rather overworked and underpaid, which helps me lose weight!"

And then, she went on to insist, "I love khana. I succumb to good food, especially desi Indian and Thai." Uh, huh… out trotted the rehearsed response just when I was beginning to believe that she was a beauty with wit!

Face-to-Face

MiD DAY: Your latest flick Drona has been labeled by some critics as The Rona, and by others as Droni?
Priyanka Chopra: Every film has its own destiny.

MD: Your dream holiday destination?
PC: Home.

MD: Any plans to do something for Bareily?
PC: I spent most of my childhood there. I would like to do something for the town. Holding on to your roots always helps in making a better individual.

MD: Your forthcoming films?
PC: Fashion, which releases on October 28, and Dostana, which hits the screens on November 14.

MD: Your style icon?
PC: Audrey Hepburn.