Sushmita Sen's motto, 'Doing it my way' , has seen her through many ups and downs. Yet the former beauty queen continues to live life on her terms. LT recently cornered her and the usually outspoken Sush shared selective memories about her life, love and work.

Other that the fact that they're all Bengalis in the Hindi film world, Sushmita has little in common with Kajol, Bipasha, Rani, Riya and Rainma Sen. She's the only one among them to have won the coveted title of Miss Universe. And Sushmita is also the only one to have started a family before marriage. That's Sush for you, always taking her own direction.

Besides having worked with luminaries such as Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, Sush also enjoys a fat endorsement account. She promotes textiles franchise Carmichael House, Kiah Diamonds the jewelry line, Diva Jeans for Levi's, and timepiece line Tag Heuer.

The Bengali babe, has also had a string of male admirers, including them-married director Vikram Bhatt, Sanjay Narang, Randeep Hooda and now Manav Menon. Bhatt even made a film about their relationship and the actress subsequently told film glossies, "I don't know Vikram Bhatt".

Her adoption of daughter Renee raised eyebrows, but the tall actress didn't care. Even Hollywood stars would not be so candid! She always followed her own rules, unlike much of the industry.

The mantra of Sushmita Sen, "Doing it my way," has brought her through many highs and lows. Still the former pageant winner keeps maintaining her existence based on her principles.

When asked about how life is going, she answered "When you're talking to a lady, you know how pregnant the pause can be. I'm right now in a very relaxed state of mind. I'm very content with life."

In regards to her relationship with admaker Manav Menon, she says, "I'm in love with life."

Confronted about her vague reply, she responds with her famous sense of humor. "Let me tell you about Harry and Sally. They share a perfect relationship. They go out for dinner twice a week. Harry goes on Mondays and Fridays. Sally goes out on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Does that answer your question?"

Sushmita, who has just returned from the filming of Dul ha Mil Gaya in the West Indies, spoke about her experience.

”I'm so in love with my director Mudassar Aziz's work. I went to Trinidad 13 years ago, almost as a child, and now I went as a woman. It was one of the many countries I visited as Miss Universe. As a state guest of Trinidad I had signed in the log book along with Mrs. Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.” Did the fan hoopla get overwhelming? "The Caribbean is warm in every which way. The people are very friendly. At times like this, having my own space doesn't matter. The people just overwhelm you with their warmth."

And how was her Caribbean cruise? “My crew didn't give me a single day to cruise. We had Sundays off. But everything is shut on Sundays in Trinidad. I asked my unit to change the off-day. We shot so much on the beaches, they felt like home.”

Did the star don a swimsuit? "I'm sure you'd like the answer to be yes. And it is yes, but with a sarong. On the beach you've to wear suitable attire. I'm happy to tell you that I'm not wearing a gown on the beach. I feel Dul ha Mil Gaya retains a sense of humor while telling a story. After so many years, I finally have a film that I can watch as a member of the audience. I've never played a character like Shimmer. It's my first full-on comedy."

While it's not what you'd expect from the glamorous film star, Sushmita always lugs a portable stove, Assamese tea leaves, and bits of ginger for the perfect ginger tea. She knows how to make herself feel at home no matter where she is shooting.

Sush has faced a rivalry with Ash ever since entering the industry. The fact that both are pageant winners, ex-models, tall and glamorous didn't help matters. Yet Sushita with her outspokenness about things like her plastic surgery and relationships, contrasted with the demure and reserved Ash. Now that both are doing films based on Rani Laxmibai, the competition is renewed. The Sen babe will produce and star in Rani ki Jhansi while Ash will act in a film with a similar role. Only time will tell if the Pali Hill princess will emerge victorious, but with a spirit like hers, it's hard not to hope she does!