“She was just Ma, and I didn't grow up in some kind of acting dynasty: ...” — Rachael Stirling Quote

She was just Ma, and I didn't grow up in some kind of acting dynasty: Orson Welles didn't come round and give me a piggyback; Vivien Leigh never read me a bedtime story. It was just my mum and our housekeeper, whom I adored, and after that, it was boarding school.

Scotland was home to me from when I was 12 up until I was 22. I decided to drop my English bit, and when anyone asked where I came from, I always said Scotland. It really shaped the fibres of my being.

I think if I'd been born ten years earlier when Ma was at the height of 'Avengers' fame, it would have been a different kettle of fish altogether, but she was very much a ma first and an actress second for my formative years.

My mum says I never had tantrums. I had elongated and very complicated tea parties in my cot, and I was sort of talking, I guess, quite young, and I would say, 'Oh, how lovely to see you, do come in!' I'd have these theatrical tea parties by myself with my imaginary friends.

I adored my father.

Alan King, a comedian I adored, was considered society, and I was considered the Jewish kid from the neighborhood.

I've always adored Sophia Loren.

I've always loved French music. My parents adored it; my father played it on the piano.

Though I adored Delhi, Mumbai was in my veins and I felt connected to this city and had to come back.