And she took back a lot from her hero, as well, to her friends. “His beliefs, his principles, are something I am struck by and would carry to my friends. It’s important for youngsters like us to know what constitutes personal and professional success. Shah Rukh is truly a youth icon,” said the 19-year-old. She will never get over their first meeting. “It was on the sets, he was in his terrycot pants and spectacles as Surinder Suri. This was not the cool yuppie, the stylish Shah Rukh I was used to seeing on screen. I didn’t recognise him at first and then couldn’t take my eyes off him. But he sensed my discomfort and immediately put me at ease,” she revealed. She talked about her own sex appeal.

“It’s not standard, but I am comfortable with it,” she said. Which doesn’t mean she will get bold in Bollywood. “Everything is script centric today, I will consider the role, script, director and banner before I decide such things,” the debutante said. At 5 feet 9 inches, Anushka is aware that tall actresses don’t get far in Bollywood, so how does she hope to stand out among the new lot of gorgeous and talented actresses in the industry today? “Well, the current lot of actors are tall,” she said hopefully, “and for the rest, I can only be myself — honest, focussed and determined.”

Did you know you were being considered for an SRK-Aditya Chopra film?
My pictures were shortlisted by Yash Raj Films before hand, so I always knew I was auditioning for their production. But I wasn't told it was for an Aditya Chopra film opposite Shah Rukh. After my auditions I found out through a newspaper that I was being considered for this film.

What was your audition like?
I was given a few lines from DDLJ for my first audition. Then they called me again for another audition after which I was told I would be playing Taani. My parents were so proud; my Mom even shed a few tears.

What was your first reaction when you saw the film?
I was overwhelmed by the credits when I read 'Introducing Anushka Sharma'. Initially I was only concentrating on my scenes as I had decided to run out if I messed up. But once I got over my emotions, I was able to get involved in the film and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Which was your favourite scene from the film?
I think the first time when Taani tells Suri she can never love him. I thought it was a very pure scene…I found their interaction very sweet.

Were you dejected with the mixed reviews that the film got?
People have a right to their own opinions, so you can't expect everyone to like your film. The mixed reviews are completely justified. But I think by now it is quite clear that a majority of the responses have been 'for the film'.

Were you okay being under wraps for so long?
All this while I could comfortably hang out and chill at my house without media persons recognising me. Actually I was happy being under wraps. It helped me focus completely on the film. And now that the film is out, I think even you guys have a lot more to ask me. I am also less nervous about facing the media. You see I wasn't hiding anywhere. It's just that you guys didn't know me.

Weren't you tempted to ask your director to shoot a song with chiffon saris in the Swiss Alps?
It would be so weird to transport yourself from Amritsar to Switzerland. I think during the making of the film we were very clear we wanted to maintain a realistic look through the film. Most of the film was shot in Mumbai in a studio.