After Lagaan's Gracy Singh, director, Ashutosh Gowariker, introduces new find, Gayatri Joshi, in Swades.

Swades…: After three auditions, I was selected for Gita's role. Even though I had not acted before, I trusted the project and the director, Ashutosh Gowariker, completely. My scenes were shot predominantly in Wai, Maharashtra. I was required to do something more than look pretty on screen. The emotional scenes, where I had to cry, were challenging.

…Shah Rukh Khan: I had worked with him earlier for the Hyundai ad. Though I am not much of a movie watcher - no starry posters adorn the walls of my bedroom - I have seen all of Shah Rukh's films. The vibes you get from him are amazing, as is the intensity with which he discusses the film.

Schooling…: Born in Nagpur, we moved here about 18 years ago. My schooling and college education was completed in Mumbai. I later went to the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York and did a course in consumer and packaging design.

…Modelling: I have over 250 commercials under my belt. I started in my final year in college when I was approached for a toothpaste advertisement. Today, I have done scores of print and television ads like Colgate Palmolive, LG, Cadbury Perk, Ariel…. I had also participated in the Miss India competition in 1999, when I was voted viewers' choice Miss India and represented the country at the Miss International pageant in Tokyo - where I was among the final ten.

The age factor: Perhaps it would have been different if I had joined the movies when I was 20. But, honestly, your age is not really important. Your work counts and I will, by selecting the right roles, establish myself as an actress. Post Swades, I am open to signing on challenging roles, with good banners, good directors and good co-stars. Any two factors and I'll take it on!

Icons…and idols: As far as actors go, I simply adore Madhuri Dixit.

On screen romance…: It is integral to Hindi cinema. In Swades, in spite of no actual intimacy, you can feel the romance between the lead players - through long, lingering glances, the mood and their actions. I am not averse to the song 'n' dance routines and am aware that sometimes skin show is called for. But I have certain set rules beyond which I will not go.

…Real life passions: I am a foodie. I enjoy cooking and relish simple home-cooked meals the most. I love pastas and Continental food tossed with herbs and a dash of wine.

The future: I am basically a positive thinker… you can blame it on my sun sign, Pisces. I have received many offers, post Swades…I am still thinking them over.