Who would you be if you could swap places for a day?

My dog, Benzo, because he doesn't have to work, do any cleaning or keep up appearances. All he needs is food, love and a walk and he's content.

Who was your childhood hero?

Madonna. She taught me how to dance, sing and shake my hips. I used to love dancing around in front of the mirror pretending to be her.

What's the first thing you do in the morning?

Press the snooze button on my alarm and go back to sleep for another ten minutes.

What's the last thing you think about at night?

My nightly prayer. It's a yoga meditation thing I do to unwind at the end of the day. I think it's unhealthy to take stress to bed.

How often do you wash your hair?

Whenever it needs it. Usually every other day.

Would you ever have cosmetic surgery?

I would like to think no.

Which designer labels do you own?

I'm more into putting my own stuff together, but I do own a couple of Louis Vuitton and Prada bags. I do like a nice handbag.

Who are your favourite writers?

At the moment I'm reading A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth and absolutely loving it. I spend a lot of time in India and love reading books about Mumbai, which is where I'm originally from. I also enjoy management and business books, and I recently started Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser.

What is your favourite building?

My house in London. I'm very proud of it: every room is different. I designed it that way to reflect my personality - I have one room with wooden floors, one with granite and one with carpet. The major theme, though, is comfort: I have a six-foot bed and a massive television. It's great just to sit down in front of it and eat lots of nice food.

Arthouse or multiplex?

Arthouse. I don't get to go to the cinema as often as I'd like, though. I usually end up buying films on DVD ten years later. What's on my want-to-see list right now? Being John Malkovich, Leon and Kes.

Cats or dogs?

Dogs. They're a lot more fun. Someone once said to me that cats are like teenage girls - you know, ''leave me alone, I can look after myself''. Whereas dogs are like teenage boys - ''feed me, love me, look after me and I'll go out and play''.

Pyjamas or au naturel?

Au naturel. I like wearing pyjamas for lounging about when I'm at home, but when it comes to bed it's au naturel. I tend to have the heating on and it's nice and cosy in my big six-foot bed, with my big six-foot quilt.

Love is

The best thing in the world.

What do you believe in?

Life after death. It has quite an important influence on what I do: because I believe in reincarnation and that what you do and give in this life is reflected in your next, I believe you should be good.

If I were prime minister

I would

Abolish student tuition fees completely.

What have you loved and lost?

There isn't actually anything that springs to mind. I guess I've been lucky. Touch wood.

What makes you blush?

Compliments.

What would be the soundtrack to your life?

(I've Had) The Time of My Life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes, which was in the film Dirty Dancing.

What brings out the devil in you?

Cream cakes.

Sum yourself up in five words.

Happy-go-lucky. Laid-back.

Archie Panjabi plays Megan in Sea of Souls, BBC1, Monday and Tuesday

and February 16 and 17.