Born in Prishtina, Kosovo, Rita Ora, 24, came to London with her family after war broke out. She attended the Sylvia Young Theatre School and in 2009 was signed to Jay Z’s Roc Nation. Her debut album went to no 1 in 2012. Her movies include Fifty Shades Of Grey and Southpaw, she is a new X Factor judge and the face of Tezenis, the Italian underwear brand.
Q&A:
What is your earliest memory?
Playing hide and seek in a cemetery in Earl’s Court when I was seven –no one found me and I thought I was going to get stolen by ghosts.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I block people out when they are talking to me. It comes across as rude but I can’t do two things at once.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Lying.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
My first “nip slip”, at Lovebox, 2009.
Property aside, what’s the most expensive thing you’ve bought?
A Rolex watch for my dad’s birthday.
What is your most treasured possession?
My new dog, Cher. She’s a maltipoo.
What is your screensaver?
An old Versace campaign with Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
My butt and my upper thighs.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
Julianne Moore. She is beautiful.
What is your favourite word?
“Major”.
Which book changed your life?
A Million Little Pieces by James Frey.
What is the worst thing anyone’s said to you?
“You can’t do that.”
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Cheese.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My first love. We started to date at 16, then it all went Pete Tong.
What does love feel like?
Like you’re flying.
What was the best kiss of your life?
When my mum kisses my forehead.
Have you ever said, “I love you” and not meant it?
Yes – I am not going to lie.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?
Blondie, Tina Turner, David Bowie and Michelle Obama.
What has been your biggest disappointment?
I got dropped from two record deals when I was 14 and 17.
If you could edit your past, what would you change?
That I didn’t think I knew everything.
If you could go back in time, where would you go?
To Kosovo and stop the war.
When did you last cry, and why?
Getting an honorary ambassadorship from the president of Kosovo in July.
How often do you have sex?
As much as I can.
What is the closest you’ve come to death?
Death is my biggest phobia. I used to have panic attacks when I was little, saying, “Mum, I don’t want to die.” I’ve been to therapy and still try to go every week.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
A garden of my own.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
Frank Sinatra singing My Way.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
To never give up.
