"Dad was sailing constantly. So mostly, it was mum, brother and me". Even as a child, I was a dreamer. I conjured up my own dreams and created a world of my own. At the same time, I was a sensible kid. In the family, I always spent more time with my aunts and uncles than with my cousins. It was not like a kid trying to be grown up. It was a comfortable atmosphere. My parents had always encouraged open communication.

Between the four of us - Mum, Dad, my Brother and I, We were a veru closely-knit family unit. Grown up things were discussed; I don't mean the birds and bees; but family matters, relationships and friends.

My dad was on ship, sailing constantly. So, most of the, it was mum, brother and me. I always behaved more grown up than my brother. Even today, people are surprised that he is older than me. It's very funny. Even in school, my juniors, my classmates and some of my seniors would so naturally discuss their problems with me.

I was a very talkative child. I used to speak better than other kids my age. I was always ahead of my time. I got into these little conversations with people and I was convinced that I was putting my point across, even if they were perceived as arguments.

Personal life

Rai began dating Salman Khan, her co-star from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, after the filming of that movie. Their breakup a few years later generated a substantial amount of press attention; a police report from Rai's parents turned up alleging that Khan had smashed windows and furniture at their home, and an inebriated Khan subsequently assaulted Rai on the set of a movie she was working on, soon before he was arrested for drunk driving and vehicular homicide. Years later, at the premiere of her film Provoked, in which she plays the role of a real-life victim of domestic violence, Rai reported having personally suffered from domestic violence, a reference that was linked by the press with her past relationship with Khan.  After Salman, Rai dated Vivek Oberoi for some time. However, when questioned, she never admitted to the relationship. Currently, rumor has it that Rai later had a brief relationship with Abhishek Bachchan which begun during the filming of Umrao Jaan, with whom she had previously co-starred in Kuch Naa Kaho. She is currently dating Abhishek Bachchan, Dhoom 2. Bachchan and Rai have denied the relationship which has been carried by the press.

Rai has been described by others in the Bollywood film industry as having traditional values and being "a paragon of age-old, dutiful Indian femininity". As a practicing Hindu, she has described herself as having "immense faith in its gods",  and when at home she attends the Siddhivinayak Mandir, devoted to Lord Ganesh. When not on the road, Rai lives in Mumbai with her parents.

At the time she was an unknown in the glamour industry. It was at this point during her studies in college where her lecturer asked her to assist as a model for her designs. Ash was an instant success and graced India with her beauty. This promptly followed by modelling assignments for Prudent, Pepsi, Philips and Casio.

She entered the Miss World contest in 1994 where she showed the world her charisma, grace, beauty and character. Ash reached the finals and was crowned the title of Miss World 1994.

Bollywood was eventually the next step forward for Ash in her career. She starred in her first movie in 1997. Initially, there was no major success and many from the Bollywood movie world wrote her off as a symbol of Beauty devoid of talent. That did not deter Ash but deepened her desire to prove she had talent and abilities to become a recognised actress. It was only a couple of years later where she established herself as the most sought after actress in Bollywood. The enormous success of 'Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam' and 'Devdas' placed her at Bollywood's pinncale.

Rest of the story as the famous saying goes.. will be history...