'Musharraf said I am popular in Pak'

The Pakistani President's wife, Sehba, too is said to be a great fan of Rani Mukherjee - particularly for her role in Veer-Zaara.

Q: How was the dinner with Musharraf?
A: It was like a dream come true! I had the most wonderful time of my life. To just be part of such an event made me feel that, yes, I've done something to achieve this. All the biggest dignitaries from both sides of the border were so cultured and down-to-earth. When I was invited I was disbelieving and overjoyed.

They want me and Latabai (Lata Mangeshkar) to come to Pakistan. I'm really looking forward to (this). Let's see where the invitation comes from. Maybe it will come directly from the begum (Musharraf's wife).

Q: The New Delhi invitation was quite an honour.
A: I guess Black and my character in Veer-Zaara have made a tremendous impact across the border. I felt completely honoured to be part of the guest list. All the Pakistani delegates were really sweet. They were taking pictures of me.

Our Foreign Minister (K Natwar Singh) introduced me to everybody. He was so sweet. He said he's a fan of my Fanta ad. He said he was a fan of mine. When he introduced me to his (Pakistani) counterpart (Khurshid Mehmood Kasuri), Singh insisted that I be invited to Pakistan. They said they'd love to have me in their country any time I want to.

Actually, I'd love to go. President Musharraf and all the other delegates said I'm very popular in Pakistan. The way they spoke and the kind of people they seem to be, I feel peace is around the corner. I hope the dinner made some kind of difference. Let's join hands at least in sports, cinema and other cultural events.