At 5 feet 10 inches, Yukta Mookhey stands tall. The former Miss World is now poised to take on tinseltown.

Yukta's debut vehicle is Pyaasa , directed by A Muthu (of Tera Jadoo Chal Gayaa fame). The director is best known for his sensitive touch.

Excerpts from an interview with the dazzling beauty:

Why did you opt for Pyaasa when you could have had a more conventional launch?

I was excited about Pyaasa from the word go. Sheetal Oberoi, the character I play, has a dual personality. She veers between extremes and reacts in two different ways. On the one hand, she is extremely egoistic. Her dignity and pride are of utmost importance.

But then, in the presence of her father, she becomes emotional and unpredictable.

It is a well-etched character and gives me the scope to exploit my acting abilities to the hilt.

Director A Muthu has been a tremendous help. He is so sweet, a thorough professional and a meticulous director. Aftab Shivdasani and Zulfi Syed are my costars in the film.

Every beauty queen, from Aishwarya Rai, Sushmita Sen, Celina Jaitley, Diya Mirza to Priyanka Chopra, has chosen to become an actress after relinquishing her crown...

It seems very natural. A prestigious title like Miss World brings with it a lot of fame. And with it, good acting offers which could change your life. Sometimes, it becomes impossible to say no.

Second, I happen to think acting comes naturally, instinctively. One needs to have a flair for it. It can't be taught. So I am glad I am debuting with a film like Pyaasa, which will showcase my acting abilities.

When did you decide to take up acting?

After winning the title, I was flooded with offers. But I took some time off to think about my future. I went to see what was taught at the acting academies.

I was fascinated by the medium, the understanding it requires and the versatility it demands. That's when I seriously began considering a career as an actress. I joined the Kishore Namit Kapoor Academy, where we were taught everything from voice modulation to film lighting.

Have you changed after you won the Miss World crown?

Everybody changes -- it's an ongoing process.

As a person. I am still what I was to all those who knew me well. But as a professional, I see things differently now. I know I have learnt a lot; I am still learning how to handle my affairs.

Have you signed any other films?

Yes, I've signed Ramesh Sharmaji's next, which will be directed by Tinnu Anand. I am also working on Harry Baweja's next film. There are also a few others that will soon be finalised.

Pyaasa is keeping me on my toes for now. I don't want to rush things. I would like to concentrate on one film at a time.

Will your height not prove to be a disadvantage, in the Hindi film industry?

I don't think so. There was a time when it did bother me a great deal. I was much taller than my classmates, and was very conscious of the way I looked. Because I was awkward, I slouched. Until I learnt to be proud of my height.

In Pyaasa, with Aftab and Zulfi, I've had no problems. I'm sure my directors will cast me opposite tall artistes.

Many newcomers feel they are at a disadvantage since star kids and international beauty queens, who have already had their share of limelight, gain an automatic entry. What do you think?

Well, fame can get you up to a certain point. Everything else depends on your talent. If you have acting in you, nothing and no one can take it away. You will make it big one day -- titles and relatives don't matter.

We might have the initial advantage. Ultimately, in the final analysis, only talent survives.

People who began with television are superstars today, while kids of top stars have flopped miserably.

We all need to have confidence in ourselves to do our job well. Success will come automatically.

India News Feature Service