Which is the best compliment you received for Kaminey and how do you handle all this adulation?
People have called me the best in this generation that I was the most natural actor of the decade – I got some great compliments from filmmakers and actors. All this praise scares me; I feel like - oh my God, I have to live up to it. I am trying not to let expectations get to my head.

Having had three hits in 2008 along with several awards... how do you look back at your past year?
I feel like I'm 20 years into my career because I've done so much work in such a short time. When I look back, it's been only five-six years since I've been here. I've never received any formal training in acting or cinema nor do I belong to a film family; so for me, the biggest achievement is that my hard work and my family's support have led me to the place I'm in today. I take great pride in that.

Your forthcoming movies "What's Your Rashee?" and "Pyaar Impossible". Which one are you more excited about and why?
I have different feelings for different films. I'm nervous and excited about "What's Your Rashee?" because it was a huge challenge for me. I play 12 different characters in it; "Pyaar Impossible" is a sweet, cool story where I have a glamorous look and contemporary character. As clichéd as it sounds... each one is special...

What’s the most challenging part about playing a dozen parts in What’s Your Raashee? (WYR?)?
WYR? is a different movie - a family entertainer and a rom-com with a twist to it. Playing 12 different parts in the age group of 15 to 24 was very intriguing for me, that’s the kind of cinema I pick up. The most challenging part about WYR? was not changing my clothes and hair, I do that all the time, I had 157 changes in Fashion. It was challenging to play 12 different people without the help of prosthetics or make-up. I haven’t used a fatter nose or shorter self in the film. Physically, I am one person; I have had to change my body language, voice and acting. And that didn’t come easy.

How would you review your performance in Bollywood ever since you made your debut with "Andaaz" in 2003? 
I think I was a terrible actress when I started off as compared to what I'm today. I still have a lot to learn, but I believe that I've grown as an actress and I evolve constantly. I always had the hunger to learn and become better at what I do - just like a sponge, trying to absorb as much knowledge as possible.

In "Kaminey" you play a de-glamorised role opposite Shahid. Were you sceptical about the look because you were seen in ultra-glam roles in "Fashion" and "Dostana"?
Let's put this into context. I chose the role not because she was de-glamourised. I chose it because of the way the character is etched out and not how she looks. That's incidental. With most of my films, especially the most recent ones... I have taken up roles that are interesting and different from what I've done before.

Does the numbers game affect you? How do you cope with the competition around you?
It does affect me, I like to know what the public perception is. But I won’t let it come in the field of my thinking. I am very honest to my work and I am fortunate that I get to pick some fantastic movies. I am popular, my films are successful at the box office, critics like my work, people like me as a person - God has given me everything. So I might as well focus on my work and on being a good human being.

Which co-stars are on your wish list now? Aamir?
I haven’t worked with Aamir, Saif Ali Khan and Imran Khan yet. I sure with so many films being made and with so few actors around, we will be paired together soon. But I never take up films because of my co-stars. I have always had a reason for doing a film and usually it’s never the co-star.

Okay so what does a girl who has everything wish for next?
I am so certain that I don’t have everything! I am looking for happiness and contentment ahead.

You have always been silent about controversies related to your personal and professional life - why?
Because I firmly believe that all aspects of my life are for public consumption. I learnt early in my career that speculation, rumours and gossip come with the job... a professional hazard. But I'd much rather approach it with dignified silence than to engage in ugly mud slinging.

What about your multiple link-ups and break-ups news - don't they disturb you?
They definitely do because eventually I'm a girl and have a family - a father, a mother, a brother. It does bother me, but I don't believe in clarifying the rumours. It just gives it undue importance. As long as my family knows what the truth is, that's all that matters. The rest doesn't!

Any plans of settling down in the near future? What sort of a guy would you want as a companion?
No plans of settling down at the moment. But when I do... Mr. Right has to match a lot of my parameters... He has to be someone who knows how to make me feel special... make me feel like I'm walking on air... He has to be somebody who loves me for who I am and takes pride in being with me. He also has to be honest and be able to speak well... make me laugh... all in all, somebody who really really loves me.