A full circle: I actually came into this industry to be a director - that's why I started out by assisting Mansoor Khan. Somewhere along the way, I became a choreographer but 12 years ago it wasn't a popular career choice; of course now every Tom, Dick and Harry wants to be one! If not a choreographer, I would have been a teacher. I love kids, but I'd probably end up spanking them every five minutes.

'Main Hoon Naa' was not different: Though one might deduce it was because a) It wasn't a chick-flick b) It wasn't the usual Shah Rukh Khan love story, and c) 'Cause it was a totally commercial Hindi formula '70s film done 2000 style.

Cheesiness and being over-the-top : We shouldn't be ashamed about it in Bollywood. I've seen how people abroad viewed 'Bombay Dreams' - they loved our songs and dance and bright colours and the over-the-top feel that we have. It didn't come naturally to the cast of 'Bombay Dreams', whereas it comes naturally to us in Bollywood. We should be proud of it instead of trying to downplay it and being pseudo and arty in the process.

Woman on the sets: In this film industry, as long as you do your job well, nobody cares about your religion or sex - whether you're a man, a woman or a eunuch. They will respect you and call you back if you're doing your job well. It's the most liberal industry in the whole world.

Shah Rukh Khan - my guardian angel: I always tell him that when my dad died, he sent Shah Rukh to look after me. Because if my dad were alive, he would probably have launched me. SRK and I met 12 years ago and hit it off in two minutes, and have been inseparable since.

Sushmita Sen is my diva: If there ever was to be an opera in India, she'd star in it. I can just see her rising from the floor, in a large flowing cape... She's just wonderful!

On winning awards : What can I say? It's like the more often you do it, the easier it gets. I don't know if they increasingly matter less, but the year you don't get one, yes it matters.

No criticism, please : I'm quite defensive. So, film critics, you have been warned!I probably think, 'I know more than the critics. What do they know anyway' - which 99 per cent of the time is true. Frankly, I don't know anyone who takes criticism well.

My desolate and arid love life : Actually, I've had no inclination or time over the last two years - and Shah Rukh had also put me on this vow of chastity while the movie was on. Actually, I think men are intimidated by me. Maybe I should have a casting couch for my next movie, no?

I chill out by : Cooking, listening to music and entertaining friends. Of course, I cook only two dishes, so my friends are forced to eat only those.

As a director, ego played a backseat : The overall film was more important. As a choreographer, I could behave the way I wanted because I'm on the sets for only five days. But as a director, I had to be selfish and tactful and pamper the actors. If I wanted someone really bad, I was willing to lie down and let them walk over me.

Honest to goodness : My greatest strength is my honesty and that I'm not afraid of hard work! I go and get the job done. That's what has seen me through. A lot of people are more talented than I am, there's no denying that - maybe I just work harder.

The male hotties on my list: I like Dino [Morea]. He's cute, and a well-behaved boy. And that guy from 'Meenaxi', Kunal Kapoor. He has a nice sex appeal about him.

I listen to RD Burman : When I want to unwind. Nothing else is worth my while! That's why I long for 'desi' nights at clubs.

I value loyalty: Because I'm a loyal friend. That's why you have friends - they stand by you, tell you the truth, and they don't judge you. I know most of my friends since I was three years old - when I was nobody. They're the best 'cause they have no ulterior motive to be with me. I also have some really good friends from the industry - Karan Johar, Shah Rukh Khan and Sajid Nadiadwala.

Not in awe of anyone: The only two things that mattered to me are (a) that Shah Rukh should be proud of me after this film and (b) if Steven Spielberg came to see my movie. I've worked with some of the best directors in India. I know their flaws - I've even helped cover them up. So, I respect them and their work, but I'm not in awe of them.

If I could be reborn : I'd like to come back as a hot woman with a sexy body who has lots of sex in her life!

Farah in a nutshell : Too big to be in a nutshell!