I did the item number in Khakee because I wanted to work with [Rajkumar] Santoshiji. Look at his track record of item numbers: Urmila Matondkar's song in China Gate or Mamta Kulkarni's song in Ghatak. Besides, he publicised me so much for it! Now, I am doing another film with him.

Where exposing is concerned, it depends on how comfortable you are with your skin. Yes, my midriff showed in Khakee and MSAMD. But I don't think I will be able to wear a bikini and run on the beach. I am not comfortable with it.

I have changed a lot since my first film. I was so nervous on the first day of shooting for Andaaz. But I have been able to stay true to my characters. I admire a lot of actresses like Madhuri Dixit and Kajol, but I never emulate them on screen. You must bring in your own expressions and reinvent yourself. If you see the promos of Masti and Bardaasht, you will see that my characters in both are radically different.

I have learnt a lot from the industry. I have never had a bad time. You eat, sleep and drink films but when I go home, I become Lara who wears her pajamas, ties her hair and still has to make her own dinner. You need to maintain that balance in your life.

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