Mumbai, Aug 12 (IANS) Twelve years ago Seema Biswas stunned the world with her performance as Phoolan Devi in Shekhar Kapoor's "Bandit Queen". Now she is the toast of international audience with her subtle, layered and pained performance as the progressive widow Shakuntala in Deepa Mehta's "Water".

Seema has just won the 2006 Annual Genie Award -- the Canadian equivalent of an Oscar -- for her performance in "Water". However, she is quite surprised.

"I'm truly surprised by the Genie award. I didn't expect to be honoured when 'Water' was in competition with so many outstanding films from the world over, like Jean-Marc Vallee's 'C.R.A.Z.Y', which was the clear favourite," said Seema.

She is truly overwhelmed by this honour and told IANS: " 'Bandit Queen' was entirely on my shoulders. But here in 'Water', I'm one of the characters. I feel I've a supporting role. Still they gave me the Genie award for best actress."

Excerpts from an interview:

It is an amazing performance.

Do you really think so? I'm truly surprised by the Genie award. I didn't expect to be honoured when "Water" was in competition with so many outstanding films from the world over, like Jean-Marc Vallee's "C.R.A.Z.Y", which was the clear favourite.

I've seen how people in Canada reacted to "Water" and my performance. People wouldn't stand up after the show was over! I was surprised. Whenever I finish a role I look at the performance and feel dissatisfied.

Deepa was so agitated with me. She kept insisting I was doing very well, and why didn't I believe her? We had a long chat after the Genie award. 'Now you believe me?' Deepa asked. I told her I had full faith in her. Not in my own abilities.