A visibly embarrassed Mahima Chaudhary, who was in the capital Wednesday to inaugurate a jewellery exhibition, neither refuted nor confirmed rumours of her secret marriage and pregnancy. Asked whether there was any truth in these reports, she said: "I do not read magazines neither do I lend my ears to rumours." The actress was clad in a brown and beige salwar-kurta and an extensively spread dupatta.

Mahima, who inaugurated MMTC's Festival of Gold, admitted that the presence of Bollywood celebrities at exhibitions proved to be a hit formula in attracting crowds. "India is a celebrity driven country and the presence of Bollywood stars in exhibitions proves a success in drawing more and quick attraction of people," Mahima told reporters here.

The former girlfriend of tennis player Leander Paes confessed that her heart melts for gold. "I like platinum but I love gold, especially yellow gold. When it comes to jewellery I love Indian ethnic designs. I am very fond of rings, bangles and earrings but I do not like chunky neckpieces hanging around my neck."

The actress, who gained immense popularity with her debut film "Pardes", is still waiting to prove her acting prowess. Talking about her upcoming projects, Mahima said, "I have done 'Hope and a Little Sugar' with director Tanuja Chandra, which is slated for worldwide release around September."

"The film is based on the 9/11 terrorist attack on the US which led to a lot of racism towards Asians living there. Travelling abroad during that period was so difficult. Anybody wearing a turban or having a beard was treated badly," the actress said.

In the film, Mahima plays a Sikh girl Saloni who marries a Muslim boy, played by Vikram Chatwal. "Anupam Kher plays the role of my father-in-law. The film is about the love story of Saloni, who loses her husband in this unfortunate incident," she added.