London, May 16 : Jessica Alba has revealed that she felt "objectified" as a young actress when she was typecast as a "sexy, tough action girl."

Alba's big breakthrough came after she landed the lead role in James Cameron's science fiction TV show `Dark Angel', and she donned a series of sexy outfits for the show, which ended in 2002.

The 31-year-old actress loved her years in the series, but admits it took her a long time to shed her image from sex icon to style queen.

"I had a show that premiered when I was 19. And right away, everyone formed a strong opinion about me because of the way I was marketed," the Daily Express quoted her as telling Marie Claire.

"I was supposed to be sexy, this tough action girl. That's what people expected... I felt like I was being objectified, and it made me uncomfortable.

"I wanted to be chic and elegant!" she said.

But the mum of two is now happy with her image.

"There are some women who dress for men. I dress for myself. It took me some time to get here.

"Being a mom and feeling grown-up have helped," she added. (ANI)