MY mother is a Persian, and father a Greek, so I speak Greek, Arabic, English, and now, Hindi -- I've had releases in all these languages.Personally speaking, while competition with other people is fine as long as it's healthy, I think my competition is with myself.

I think so long as money is your servant, it's a fabulous thing to have. It's an important part of life -- buys just about everything. It doesn't buy friends, but it does buy a better class of enemy.

A lot of people say money can't buy happiness. I agree, but if you ever had someone who was very sick and you could buy his health, then only you will realise the importance of money. It makes life so much easier. It's important to constantly work and make money.

I like to travel -- that's what I spend on when I have money. I also spend a lot on clothes, my favorite designer is Valentino. And I'm particular about shoes. Greece is my favorite place because I shop for a lot of silverjewellery there. I also spend a lot on gifts; I love giving gifts, it gives me a lot of pleasure.

I used to be a big spendthrift. Money is to spend, as far as I'm concerned. It was turning into a sickness -- I used to shop and shop and shop, and give away all that I'd bought earlier, due to lack of space. But I'm more sensible now. My mom also made me feel guilty about this.

Personally, I'm content with just the comfortable basics (I wouldn't turn down a private jet though). I think, the more you get, the more you want. I like things when I've earned the money to buy them.

My childhood was full of studies. I have an insatiable appetite to learn. I was also obsessed with being perfect. That in itself is a huge imperfection -- trying to be perfect.

No, I am not money savvy. And I don't like accounts -- I wish I had a business lawyer. But I have a good sense on how to spend money, in the sense that I'm never over budget or going over credit. And I have lots of reservations about things that I wouldn't dojust to earn money.

I do extravagant things all the time. But little little ones -- not huge ones.

I think money is an instrument that sometimes brings out the inherent evil. It gives a lot of power. It brings out a person's true character far more than adversity.

Our whole concept of the world is so wrapped. I don't think like a communist, but I do think a certain amount of balance would have been good in the world. No, I don't envy anyone -- your never know what's going on in a person's life. I'm very happy being me.

If someone gave me a million dollars, I'd buy a house and a car, and then live off the interest.

--As told to PUNAM MOHANDAS