Los Angeles, Apr 4 (IANS): Hollywood actress Keira Knightley said she was in tears when she was first followed by paparazzi because she thought it was the end of her private life.

The 28-year-old actress still remembers her initial encounter with photographers after starring in 2004 film "King Arthur". She then realised that to be in the film industry, she will have to sacrifice the "mystery" of her private life.

"The first time I was stalked by cameras, I was in tears. It started after the premiere of "King Arthur." Ten people were outside my house," femalefirst.co.uk quoted Knightley as saying.

"The machine that allows you to make movies, the trade-off, requires you to sell it. Selling it means making yourself a public figure. You can't cultivate the mystery. My problem is I like mystery," she added.

While she enjoys being an actress, Knightley who is engaged to musician James Righton, 29, is aware of the insecurities around her career. So, she treasures each moment of success in all aspects of her life.

"It's a very insecure profession. So when I started getting work, it was like this tiny space opened up and I need to jump in and go with it. It could all go tomorrow," she said.