'I like to be classy, elegant and sexy'

Priyamani is one of the few actors from down South who can pull off a traditional and contemporary look with ease.

When it comes to work wear, her onscreen character Suchi from The Family Man has inspired several working women to smartly mix comfort with style.

• 'I didn't expect much from Family Man'

Even when she is not playing strong characters, Priyamani knows how to rock an outfit with confidence and make it look trendy.

"I should particularly thank my stylist Mehek (Shetty)," the 37-year-old actor tells Divya Nair/Rediff.com as she discusses her natural love for fashion, fitness and food.

What does fashion mean to you?

For me fashion is all about comfort.

In fact, comfort comes before style.

And how would you define your personal style?

Personally I am very comfortable in denims and t-shirt or track pants and a sweat shirt.

But what I wear also depends on the occasion. Like, if am stepping out for a function, I prefer wearing a salwar-kameez, kurta or sari.

My style and makeup depends on what kind of event I am attending.

If I have to define my style, I'd like to be classy, elegant and sexy-looking.

By sexy, I don't mean wearing short clothes and exposing yourself. Ultimately, you have to be comfortable in what you wear.

Do you have a go-to designer or stylist?

I don’t have any favourites. So far I have loved all the designs and outfits I have worn.

I am thankful to all the fabulous designers who have been gracious and sweet enough to lend their clothes from their collection.

I should particularly thank my stylist Mehek (Shetty). She is Rohit Shetty's sister.

Mehek and I formed this bond since we started shooting for Chennai Express. She's my personal stylist now, and I really trust her.

She's the one who has been toiling every day finding the right clothes that suit me. She knows what I like and what will look good on me.

Every few days, she sends me pictures of outfits asking which ones I'd prefer to try.

We experiment with the look, accessories and makeup.

I've been working with Mehek for 8 years now. She is very good at what she does and I want this bond to continue till I work/retire.

How do you stay fit?

I work out six days a week. I am on the treadmill or I walk.

I try to be active. Sunday is my day off.

Do you follow a strict diet?

In my family everyone is fit. We don't over indulge in anything we eat.

I don't really follow a strict diet, but I do monitor the food I eat. I see to it that I maintain a healthy diet which is rich in proteins.

Personally I feel there is no need to completely restrict yourself in terms of food.

Nowadays there are lot of supplements and alternatives available. So if you want to have a sweet, instead of sugar, you can have it with Stevia sugar or something sugar-free or gluten free.

I agree it may not taste the same as the original, but there is a substitute for your cravings.

And if you really want to have a sweet or dessert, you can have a cheat day. And the next day you can work it out.

What's your favourite food?

I am mostly vegetarian, but I do eat non-veg occasionally.

For 37 years of my life I have been eating South Indian food.

When I am in Mumbai for work or shoot, I miss home cooked food.

I really miss eating dosas and idlis.

I mostly miss akki roti that we get in Bangalore where I grew up.