Studied architecture in college but left it midway for a career in modelling.

Comes from a conservative middle class family from Bangalore.

Modelled for very distinctive campaigns like Garden Varelli, Lakme and Pepsi.

She entered the Miss India contest in 1994, with all odds in favor of her but lost to Sushmita Sen.

She proved that nothing could keep her down and her finesse, beauty and well-thought out answers won her the Miss World Crown in the same year.She also won the 'Most photogenic face' in the Miss world pageant.

She has cut down on her modelling assignments owing to her film career.

She swept all major movie awards for the year 2000 for her sterling performances in films like Taal and Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.