Did you go scuba diving? What’s the biggest thrill about being in the sea?
I am a certified scuba diver now and a professional free diver too. So yes, I spent a lot of time in the sea. Diving with the sharks has been my biggest thrill so far.

You’ve been working out a lot for the role. We’re told you were put on a strict regimen of diet and exercise.
I work out six days a week. Zarina Watson, my fitness trainer, and I worked on a special muscle toning programme. The producers gave us five months to whip ourselves into shape and it was hard work.

Apparently you will be wearing a bikini in the film.
Why should I answer that and spoil the fun? Watch the film and you’ll know. The title Blue is going to invite a lot of puns. People have already started saying that you’re doing a blue film that a sequel of Saawariya is underway. People will perceive things the way their minds function. I see the colours of the sea, the calm of the water and its depths when I hear the word ‘blue’.

Deepika Padukone was the original choice for the role. It was only because she didn’t have the dates that you were confirmed.
I have no idea about that. But I’m pretty sure that there are very few actresses who could or would have done what was required. The film brings back the Andaaz team of Akshay Kumar, Priyanka Chopra and Lara Dutta.

How did it feel to be with the co-stars of your debut films and realise how far you’ve come in the years since?
Priyanka is no longer doing the film; it’s Katrina (Kaif) now. Akshay hasn’t changed one bit since Andaaz. On this schedule he was constantly egging me on to push myself physically.

The gossip mills have been buzzing that Sanjay Dutt was the one who had recommended you for the role. Didn’t that create problems with his wife Manyata who was on location too?
Sanjay Dutt is a fine actor and a very nice human being. But he certainly wasn’t the reason for me bagging the movie. No one except the director (Tony), and the producer (Dhilin Mehta of Ashtavinayak) recommended me for the role.

There was a fire on the sets of Banda Yeh Bindaas Hai recently. Did that throw the schedule into a tizzy?
No, Ravi Chopra and BR Films are a very organised. They had things quickly under control.

Your other co-star from Partner, Salman Khan, is also making a special appearance in Banda Yeh Bindaas Hai.
(Smiles) Yes.

Salman is hosting a TV show Dus ka Dum.Will you appear on it as one of the special guests?
Of course, I had one of the biggest hits of last year (Partner) with him.

You’ve said that you always had that comic streak in you. What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever done?
My family and friends call me the female Jim Carrey. Does that answer your question?

You’re playing Irrfan Khan’s wife in Billoo Barber, a role nixed by Tabu, Amisha Patel and Juhi Chawla. Amisha in fact, has gone on record to say that it’s an insubstantial role. Did you take it up only because it is a Shah Rukh Khan production?
Biloo Barber is a wonderful film. And sometimes a film in its totality is worth more than a role.

Without being diplomatic which of the two Khans do you prefer? Shah Rukh or Irrfan?
I know SRK better, so I prefer him.