Mumbai: Bollywood starlet and gangster Abu Salems former girlfriend Monica Bedi reveals she is writing her autobiography through which she wants to clear many misconceptions about her past.

"Im working on my autobiography with the help of a ghost writer. I want to clear a lot of misconceptions about my past. I also want to tell the truth in the book. I dont want to hide anything," Monica said in an interview.

The actress, who calls herself "shy" by nature, said her stint in the reality TV show "Bigg Boss" also helped clear the air and make her presence felt in showbiz once again.

"It was my way of letting the world know Im back and ready to work. But the main reason I took up this show was to let people know the real Monica. Because of all that Ive gone through... I needed to let people see the real me. I got this opportunity at the right time to show the real me," said Monica, who recently got evicted from the "Bigg Boss" house.

Monica has acted in about a dozen films like Pyaar, Ishq Aur Mohabbat, Jaanam Samjha Karo, and Jodi No.1. She was extradited along with Abu Salem from Portugal in 2005 and lodged in jail in a fake passport case.

Excerpts from the interview:

Have you thought of writing a book on your experiences?
Yes, in fact Im working on my autobiography with the help of a ghost writer. I want to clear a lot of misconceptions about my past. I also want to tell the truth in the book. I dont want to hide anything about my past.

Publishers must be falling over each other to get the rights?
Negotiations are going on. Ill take up whatever offer seems the best. But Ill take a call on the publisher only after I finish writing.

Have you watched Anurag Basus "Gangster"? Was it a portrait of your life?
Yes I have. It had nothing of Monica Bedi in it. I dont think it was my story. At the time when film released, my extradition had happened. So everyone presumed it was Monica Bedis life in the film. But it had nothing to do with my life. When you read my biography youll know the truth.

It was said that Bollywood producers earlier gave you roles out of fear?
I disagree. Ive done more than 20 films in various languages. Surely all of them couldnt be given to me out of fear. I hope from now, on whatever work I get will be on merit alone.

Weve all been watching you on television. What took you back to the "Bigg Boss" experience?
The first time when I went into the House I really enjoyed myself.

But you seemed pretty sad the first time?
I wasnt sad. I was quiet. Im a very shy and quiet person by nature. When I went back, I tried to be more friendly and talkative. I think I spoke a little too much this time to make up for the last time ... In fact I was nominated the first time for eviction because the housemates said I wasnt friendly and didnt mix. The second time I tried to be as friendly as possible.

People say you went to "Bigg Boss" so that Bollywood would notice you and sign you?
I didn't go there for producers to notice me. Of course, it was my way of letting the world know Im back and ready to work. But the main reason I took up this show was to let people know the real Monica. Because of all that Ive gone through in the past I needed to let people see the real me. I got this opportunity at the right time to show the real me.

When I was evicted during the third week at "Bigg Boss", then itself I could see a major change in people as to how they looked at me. When I was at public places, people came up to talk to me. I liked that.

There was a a wall of fear surrounding you?
"Bigg Boss" gets the credit for breaking that barrier. If I didnt get a chance on this show itd have been very difficult for me to put forward the real me. Press interviews couldnt do that for me. On "Bigg Boss" I couldnt be artificial at all. Sooner or later the real me had to show up. And it did.

What next?
Im getting good work. Im happy for that. So Ill continue to be a part of this field (Bollywood).

Is Mumbai your home now?
Yes, I love Mumbai. And I'd love to continue in this field. I've my own home in Mumbai now.