Shruti Seth unplugged!

From TV serials like Shararat to Bollywood flicks like Ta Ra Rum Pum, Shruti Seth has come a long way. And now she's back with a bang with Rishta.com! If you haven't already tuned in, Shruti plays Isha Mirchandani, a matchmaker trying to find the right match for the right people in the newly launched TV show.

Snagging the lead role in a Yash Raj Film's TV show couldn't have been easy. We got talking to the gorgeous actress to find out just how she struck gold!

The success trail...

My success mantra: I strongly believe in "Ask and you shall receive."

I believe that if you want something bad enough the whole universe conspires to make it happen for you.

At work: You need to give it your 100 per cent and be sincere. You have to maintain a professional attitude and be the best at what you do. You can't afford to slack off or take your position for granted because there is always someone waiting round the corner to replace you.

The balancing act: Well, I work more than I party for sure. I put in long hours at work and can only meet my friends late in the night. But in the entertainment industry where looking good is an occupational hazard you have to refrain from late nights (laughs). So yeah, I would like to meet up with my friends, party and socialise a lot more.

Off work: I like to unwind with a relaxing massage!

Money talk...

Spending v/s saving: Spending, any day! It definitely comes easier than saving. Back in the day, I was quite the spendthrift. I have to admit I was a little foolish with money but now I'm a lot more responsible.

Money wise: I can definitely boast of being financially prudent. I know exactly where my money is and I know how to make my money work for me!

My investment portfolio: I think everyone needs a good life insurance policy. I haven't been lucky with mutual funds because when I invested the markets crashed. I also buy a lot of jewellery and diamonds though they aren't good as investments.

I believe the best time to save for your retirement is when your career is in full swing.

My biggest splurge: It would have to be my 2 BHK apartment in Four Bungalows (Mumbai) that I bought about three years ago.

My uncle, who is my financial planner for the most part, insisted that I invest in some property and I really wasn't keen on it because repaying a loan is a huge responsibility but now I'm glad I did. I had given the flat out on rent earlier. I took it back only recently and furnished it. It's absolutely lovely.

A waste of money: Big, expensive cars. Bigger cars mean more fuel consumption. So if we're not careful, we could be heading for a major fuel crisis. I'm very environmentally conscious and I'm very happy with my Maruti Swift.

Well, all we can say is that Shruti knows exactly what she wants and has a mind of her own all right!