'I despise Mao Zedong'

The Proust Questionnaire is a weekly feature which derives its name from the French writer Marcel Proust, whose personality-revealing responses to these questions went on to popularise this form of celebrity confession. This week, actor Dia Mirza takes the questionnaire.

What is your idea of happiness?

To be able to do what i love and love what i do.

What is your greatest fear?

Losing my mother.

What is your favourite virtue?

Honesty.

What is the principal aspect of your personality?

Seeking.

What is your main fault?

Finicky about detail. In the way i approach everything.

For what fault do you have the most tolerance?

Forgetfulness.

What do you hate the most?

Vengeance.

What would be your greatest misfortune?

The lack of gratitude.

What is your most treasured possession?

Memorabilia. Photographs taken by my father, old letters, cards...

What is your favourite colour?

White. All encompassing.

If not yourself, who would you be?

I picture myself in different places, jobs and identities but i still see me :) My core remains the same.

Who are your favourite poets?

E.E.Cummings, Keats, Neruda, Robert Frost, Faiz Anwar Faiz, Kaifi Azmi, Rabindranath Tagore, Harivanshrai Bachchan and many more...

What is the military event you admire the most?

I don't have a favourite event but what i admire most about the Indian army is the fact that it is the world's largest voluntary army. People opt for service.

What is the reform you admire the most?

Right To Information.

Which talent would you most like to have?

To be able to play a musical instrument.

Which character in world history do you most despise?

Mao Zedong and Idi Amin.

What is your favourite food and drink?

Water and Hyderabadi Biryani.

What is your present state of mind?

Contemplative

How would you like to die?

In my sleep.

What is your favourite motto?

Live each day as it were your last.