It's been eight years since Mohabbatein and you've had only 11 releases of which in three you have only done an item number. More choosey than even Aamir Khan, huh?
(Laughs) Honestly , it wasn't a conscious decision. I wish I could work every day .
Which film is closest to you?
Sonia Mehra, the fiesty from Zaher was a lot like me.. sincere, family-oriented, dedicated to her work.
So, why haven't you worked with Mohit Suri again?
Well, he hasn't asked again. He will, when he has something for me.
Meanwhile, you've decided to produce a film for yourself? Will it be a thriller, sob story or a prem kahani?
We haven't decided on a script yet. Right now, we are focused on the first film with Shilpa, another heroine and two heroes.
Apparently, you're in talks with Bipasha Basu.. and Akshay Kumar?
I can't give out any names till the actors sign on. Watching a movie take shape is exciting. Every day , I'm learning something new, with Shilpa as my boss.
Your last film was Cash. Anubhav Sinha is supposed to have released an incomplete film. True?
There were issues between the producer and director which affected the film. But having given two months of my life to it, I don't want to bitch.
Your last film was Cash. Anubhav Sinha is supposed to have released an incomplete film. True?
There were issues between the producer and director which affected the film. But having given two months of my life to it, I don't want to bitch.
So what's up next? I believe it's some film called Naan Aval Adhu or something as hard to pronounce?
(Laughs) Even I find the name difficult to remember. It's Naan Aval Adhu in Tamil and Adi Oka Idhi Le in Telugu. It was released in Hindi earlier as Darling. The language versions were supposed to release simultaneously . But we still have to dub for it.
Ah, Ram Gopal Varma's ghost story? So are you the
biwi or the
bhoot?
Madhavan's the married man I'm having an affair with. Mine is the role Esha (Deol) played in Darling. But down South expressions have to be far more exaggerated. I hope it's not an over the-top performance.
Do you believe in ghosts?
(Laughs) Since I believe in angels I have to believe in devilish spirits too.
Any more South films?
No, in fact, right now I'm not working on anything. I'm often asked what I'm looking for. I'll know only after I read some scripts. I want to be a part of a good film even if my character is secondary .
A song in Heyy Baby.. and now one in Hari Puttar.You're the next item queen or what?
I hate the word item. It's such a derogatory term with a certain amount of filth associated with it. Heyy Babyy was a 20-second special appearance. Sajid (Khan) is a friend, I couldn't say ‘no.' And the Hari Puttar song is a special promotional music video.. a peppy number with a lot of dancing.
So Hari Puttar is the desi Harry Potter?
No, Hari is a little boy whose mother affectionately calls him Hari Puttar. The only similarity is that both are children's films.
Shilpa's admitted to seeing Raj Kundhra. Why don't you also acknowledge your Londonbased businessman?
Which businessman? I wish there was one. Right now, my love life is zilch.
You mean you haven't been seeing anyone after you broke up with Aftab Shivdasani?
Was I seeing Aftab? So the rumour goes.
You have also been spotted with Rocky S on the party circuit ?
Rocky is a dear friend. That's another rumour which I can laugh off. Ha, ha!