Twelve years ago, Nargis Fakhri made her Hindi movie debut with Imtiaz Ali’s Rockstar and witnessed overnight fame. But dealing with it wasn’t easy. She says, “I was overwhelmed by it. Imagine waking up one day and you are famous, you are just in a state of confusion.” A dozen years later, the actress, who is self-admittedly sensitive, has found a way to maintain a healthy relationship with the industry.

Talking about why she found it challenging to deal with the situation after the release of her debut films, she explains, “It was difficult to navigate my way in the Hindi film industry given my sensitivity. It was something people could not understand. Also, fame took me by surprise. From no one knowing you to everyone knowing you – people being intrusive didn’t make sense. Also, people rushing towards you to click pictures… all of this became overwhelming. You become anxious and insecure. Now, I am completely okay, because I have changed my perspective. I was fearful of everybody, even of those who loved me. I couldn’t believe that they loved me. Now I am just grateful.”

The actress, who recently made her digital debut with Tatlubaaz felt misunderstood at the early stage of her career. “I felt misunderstood because I didn’t do what everyone else did. I always followed my own path. People thought it was weird,” Nargis shares.

Ask her, given another chance, how differently would she do things, and the Housefull 3 actress says, “I was never prepared for this (acting career). I wish I had a better support system to show me the way and make me understand how this is supposed to work. I was a carefree person; I accidently landed in India and had no plans to be an actor. Every year, I would say I am leaving, but I would stay back because I enjoyed acting. I wish there was somebody to guide and teach me.”

On the personal front, Nargis is seeing Kashmir-born, LA-based businessman Tony Beig. Nargis who has never opened up about her relationship says, “I don’t want to go into the details, but yes, I have someone in my life. I am very happy,” she says.

She adds, “I am a very lucky person that I am loved by many. I am a partner person, so I love to do things with people I care about. And it doesn’t have to be just in a relationship. No, I am not an obsessed girlfriend. Everybody who is with me loves my company so much that they miss me when I am not around."

Ask her when would she make things official with Tony and she replies, “What is official (today)? Even married ones aren’t official. When you say you are in love, all the chemicals go in the wrong direction, but you are not functioning properly. That is the wrong (idea of) love. Good love is the stable; it is the one that makes you normal and home.”

Are you seeing Tony? “I am seeing him with my eyes?” she replies. Are you dating Tony, she again replies, “There are many dates in the calendar. In the future, we will send you a note (laughs).”