Pragya Jaiswal, who awaits the release of 'Gunturodu' on March 3, in this exclusive interview to IndiaGlitz talks about her upcoming movie, what are the qualities she loves in her dream man, about her openness for skin show, so on and so forth.

In 'Gunturodu', why are you falling in love with the hero?

It's a romantic action comedy. So yes, I do fall in love with the hero. But why I fall in love with him, that you will have to watch the movie to know.. That's the twist in the story. I can't tell you that. Initially I am not fond of him, but he does something which makes me fall in love with him.

This brings us to our next question. What traits do you like in your dream guy?

(Laughs) We girls always have a list of things. But eventually when we fall for somebody, these things don't matter. He has to be nice, sincere, honest, good at heart, and definitely good-looking. Good height would be a bonus. He should be who he actually is and should not try too hard to look cool. I don't like people who try to impress.

Pragya means wisdom. So that guy has to be wise as well, we suppose..

Yes, he should be wiser than I am. I always like people who I can respect and look up to. If he is wiser, it's nicer. (Smiles).

You have been a favourite pick of the likes of Krish, K Raghavendra Rao (KRR) and now Krishna Vamsi. They are deemed sensible directors. What do you think is ticking for you?

I don't know about that. I am fortunate to have got a big break with Krish sir's film. I totally loved and cherished playing Seetha Devi in 'Kanche'. When you work with one sensible director, people start looking at you that way. If you do a film like that, people will see you like that. Because of that one film, I attracted a lot of sensible directors.

'Kanche' was life-changing for me. It changed my perception amongst the audience. I got to learn a lot as a person and as an actor. It was emotionally exhausting to play that role because Seetha Devi is a strong girl who goes through ups and downs. I was emotionally into the character. When she is dying, I am going through it myself. I learnt a lot about myself as an actor.

How have you matured as an actress since 'Kanche'?

It's a gradual process. There is no sudden maturing. You learn every day. When you work with different directors, you learn everyday. You learn so much as an actor. KV sir (Krishna Vamsi) is a tough task master. Sathya sir (director of 'Gunturodu') has his own style. This film is more chilled, commercial, was slightly easy to do.

Do you plan your career moves or take things as they come?

Some times, even if you want to plan, it doesn't really work. Some things happen the way they have to. As much as I would like to plan, I take it like the way it comes to me.

Did you become an actress rather by accident?

Not really. I always wanted to be an actress. But I didn't know if I could take it as a serious career option. With no filmi background, nobody was there to support. Given this, you don't know if you can take the leap of faith, but I took it. I could never have told my parents about my desire to be an actress.

I studied Law because I just wanted to come to Pune and then come to Mumbai. I had to be where I could be exposed to more career options. I wanted to do modeling and then become an actress. I come from a small town in Madhya Pradesh. I was bright in studies. My parents always thought I will be a doc or an engineer. I didn't want to break their heart. That's why I thought let me at least graduate before I give them the shock. (Laughs). And since Law was already a choice of many, I went for it.

You scored 98 per cent in Biology in Intermediate. Is that why your parents expected you to become a doc?

I realized that it's not my passion. I wouldn't have made a good doc.

You have been quoted as saying that your parents still don't believe that you are an actress. How do you see yourself?

My parents never treat me as somebody extra important. I think that's how it's in families. They are slowly coming to terms with my status of being an actress. I am just Pragya. I have always been like this. I don't think of myself as a celeb. I am just who I am.

Having studied law, do you keep interest in current affairs? What's your take on the arbitrary censorship imposed by the CBFC?

I try to keep interest in current affairs, but I am not somebody who can espouse opinions. I am aware of what is going on, but I would never know too much. As for censorship, most definitely, we all feel very strongly about it. Censor board has been very unreasonable at times. With the passage of time, it's getting better, though.

Having trained in karate, do you see yourself doing a 'Mary Kom'?

I don't mind doing it if it's offered to me. I am already doing something like that in KV sir's film 'Nakshatram'. He has a different way of working with his actors. He wanted to put me in that situation where I was free of any conditioning.

After 'Gunturodu', 'Nakshatram' and Boyapati Sreenu's film, do you see yourself emerging as a full-fledged commercial actress. What kind of challenges do you think you are going to face once expectations from you go up?

I don't know what it is. As long as you are doing good work, it really doesn't matter. I think I will be one (commercial actress). As for facing challenges, you have to balance out with what you can give. You can't take the expectations too seriously. You just have to be very honest with your work, keep doing the best you can, and expect good to happen. Expectations at some point will be fulfilled.

Is your height helping you bag roles opposite tall actors?