The actress in a candid chat with TOI on her visit to Patna

The real Veena Malik

Well, Veena Malik is a simple girl. I'm like any other girl of my age because I eat simple and live simple. Well, except my dreams, which are probably bigger than anyone else's. I try doing everything in a straightforward and honest way and I am very sincere to anything I do.

I have sleeping and eating disorders and mood swings. I even forget to remove my makeup sometimes before sleeping. I am not particular about these things because I am very casual and simple in my personal life. If people think I'm beautiful, then the credit for it goes to my mom and dad. I think my siblings are much prettier than me! I guess in that way, I'm genetically blessed with good looks.

Her inspiration...?Myself. Experience has taught me that you're all alone and you don't have friends.

On her celebrity status

I am a celebrity since my childhood! Everything I do, like having a cup of coffee with someone in a public place, is news. Every smartphone is a camera these days.

Veena is a hit!

Well, my first movie Dal Main Kuch Kala was a flop, but Veena Malik is a hit. I am still getting offers from India to work in movies.

On working in the Kannada remake of The Dirty Picture

Working in a Kannada film was a very different experience for I am not familiar with the language. Apart from acting, I will also be singing in the film on the director's request.

The drama queen

I'm so excited to release my album Drama Queen, everyone is always tagging me like this, so I thought, why not make a song on it. The song is fun and cheeky at the same time and I hope everyone loves all the work we've put into it.

Controversy's favourite child?

No, I'm not controversial. My reputation is because of my line of work. Nowadays, every famous person is controversial. And if being bold and honest means being controversial, then of course, I am that!

On Ashmit Patel 

Ifind it surprising that people actually believed that I would fake my affection for someone on national television. What Ashmit and I had on Bigg Boss was genuine. He was a good friend and we both have respect and regard for each other. However we are not together anymore.

On sponsoring destitute children

I just realized I can make a difference in someone's life. If I can't help the whole world or satisfy it, I can help a few people and make a difference in their life instead. I sponsored two boys from Afghanistan and a girl from India named Payal. I have not adopted them; I am just sponsoring their education and life.

On settling in India

Honestly speaking, I am working in India till I have a working visa. And I will work here till the time I get offers to work. There is no plan to settle in India permanently.

What next?

This year, 2012, is my 'Bollywood with a bang' year with four movies and three special appearances. I'm doing an item number, Channo in Gali Gali Mein Chor Hai. Then there's? The Dirty Picture remake, apart from Super Model and Mumbai 125Km