Intelligence, beauty, personality -- Sushmita Sen has it in heaps!

Instead of making her debut in a big budget love story with superstars, the former Miss Universe opted for Mahesh Bhatt's Dastak opposite rank newcomers.

Her performances in Biwi No 1, Sirf Tum, Filhaal and Samay: When Time Strikes, brought her critical and mass recognition, but Sush was never meant for the rat race.

An original all the way, Sushmita likes to tread an unconventional path, be it in her choice of films, men or lifestyle. She is a single mother to her adopted daughter, Renee, and makes sure her career and life choices do not hamper her role as a parent.

The actress is making waves again. This time it is for her new film, Main Hoon Na. Sushmita was debutant director Farah Khan's immediate choice for the role of the sexy chemistry teacher, Chandni.

After her no-nonsense cop in Samay: When Time Strikes, Sush flaunts her sex appeal in rich chiffon saris and low-cut sleeveless blouses.

Main Hoon Na pairs her with Shah Rukh Khan for the first time. And if the trailers are anything to go by, Sushmita promises to put up a hot show.

Her other assignments include Dharmesh Darshan's Bewafa, Aparna Sen's Gulel and Mahesh Manjrekar's It Was Raining That Night.