She has an androgynously sensual appeal, and is liked universally, across the upper echelons of class and the masses. I think she can switch her charm on and off at will, the artificial filmi façade and the simple girl, depending on the situation.
She had a rather peculiar habit, which never stopped freaking me out. We used to shoot Polaroids of the shoots, and dozens and dozens would gather after the day. She'd collect all these Polaroids and make sure I signed them. Each and every single shot! It was crazy! And she'd never forget!
We'd have completed a long shoot, and she'd make me sign all the pictures! I still can't believe it, and she did it every time. It took me ages to just get through all the signing, with her looking on like an eager, but meticulous, little girl. Crazy!
One word to describe her would be `stunning'. She just is. Imagine, 50 years old. It's not like she hides her age, but she has just maintained herself so well. After 40, you see a face start to droop, but she is so unbelievably fit, has such immense energy. It's fascinating.
She's an icon, and the incredible thing is that she's been an icon for decades now, but is still as enchanting.
I applaud her, and wish her a very happy birthday.
As told to Raja Sen