Mumbai: Bipasha Basu believes that her life and career have been full of acid tests.
 
As she awaits the release of her next film Creature 3D, the actress knows that it is what will decide the fate of run in Bollywood.
 
She says, “I was never the conventional heroine in Bollywood — I did my debut by taking up a negative role. Back then models weren’t given a second chance, but I took that risk. I admitted to my relationships in public — something that wasn’t the norm then. In fact, it was taboo. But I am happy that I defied the rules and lived on my terms. I would also like to believe that I have played a small role in changing the conservative attitude of the film industry when it comes to relationships.”
 
About her relationship with Harman Baweja, Bipasha says that she wants to take it one step at a time. “I’m in a happy space right now. Harman’s films may not have done well but that doesn’t affect our relationship. He has been working on few things and I’m sure that’ll work out for him,” she says as she taps on wood. “Our relationship is not based on our respective careers or the bank balance. We both believe that respect, trust and love are the foundation of a successful relationship and marriage. Happiness is not based on what size of diamond you wear,” says Bipasha.
 
But Bipasha doesn’t want to rush into marriage so soon. Not after how things panned out after her last relationship. “I do want to settle down and have babies. I do believe in the institution of marriage. What I don’t believe in is the concept of engagement. There will be no engagement for sure. I’ll cut short the process and straight get married. My last relationship was supposed to culminate into marriage but that didn’t happen. This time, I’ll take one step at a time before Harman and I actually get married.”
 
The actress is all praise for her rival actress Rani Mukherji. “I’ve been hearing great reviews of Mardaani. Rani has always been one of my favorite actresses. Even today she has the clout to pull off a film on her shoulders. In early 70’s Hema Malini, Sharmila Tagore and Shabana Azmi did their best work after marriage. I wish the mentality and the trend changes. I wish the audience accepts and looks forward to their actresses in good films irrespective of their marital status.”