Mumbai:
Not many people think too highly of Veena Malik, but the Pakistani actress loves India and the people here.
Often branded as a certified seductress, this lady says that she is also capable of being 'friends' with the opposite sex--Ashmit Patel, being one of her best buddies.
"I believe in commitments. So if I am committed to someone, there is no way out. For some reason, people who are best friends in the Bigg Boss house do not even recognize each other once they are out of it.
"I don't believe in double standards. Even today my relationship with Ashmit is as strong as it was inside the house. If you ask me whose number I have on my speed dial, it's Ashmit's.
"Probably because he is like a strong pillar in my life. He has been by my side from day one. He goes out of his way to help me and support me. We have a very strong, warm and a nice relationship.
"People in India are so warm and nice that it is difficult not to bond with them. I have realised that no matter which part of the world you are from, Indians will welcome you with warmth and open arms.
"That's what makes this nation what it is--a magnet for people from other nations. Recently I was shopping at a mall in Dubai where many Indians spotted me. I was really touched to see them come to me and chat up.
"Getting an entry in India was the hardest thing to do. But now that I am here, I can say that it's been worth it. India is a peace-loving country. It is very exuberant and lively. It gives everyone the opportunity to fulfill their dreams.
"I hardly feel homesick in India. You have the same traffic, similar culture and language, so I can't help but feel at home here. I am very attached to my family and the only thing I miss when I am in India is my loved ones. Barring that, it feels like home."
Often branded as a certified seductress, this lady says that she is also capable of being 'friends' with the opposite sex--Ashmit Patel, being one of her best buddies.
"I believe in commitments. So if I am committed to someone, there is no way out. For some reason, people who are best friends in the Bigg Boss house do not even recognize each other once they are out of it.
"I don't believe in double standards. Even today my relationship with Ashmit is as strong as it was inside the house. If you ask me whose number I have on my speed dial, it's Ashmit's.
"Probably because he is like a strong pillar in my life. He has been by my side from day one. He goes out of his way to help me and support me. We have a very strong, warm and a nice relationship.
"People in India are so warm and nice that it is difficult not to bond with them. I have realised that no matter which part of the world you are from, Indians will welcome you with warmth and open arms.
"That's what makes this nation what it is--a magnet for people from other nations. Recently I was shopping at a mall in Dubai where many Indians spotted me. I was really touched to see them come to me and chat up.
"Getting an entry in India was the hardest thing to do. But now that I am here, I can say that it's been worth it. India is a peace-loving country. It is very exuberant and lively. It gives everyone the opportunity to fulfill their dreams.
"I hardly feel homesick in India. You have the same traffic, similar culture and language, so I can't help but feel at home here. I am very attached to my family and the only thing I miss when I am in India is my loved ones. Barring that, it feels like home."
