Will there be anything for you to do in Apne, which top lines, the Deols?
Well, it’s a casting coup as you know and I’m glad to be part of it. When Neeraj Pathak, the writer of the movie, narrated the script to me, I had tears in my eyes it’s a very emotional story. Not that my role is earth shattering but sometimes it’s important to do a prestigious film.

You’ve worked with the Deols individually before. Was it any different this time?
Dharamji is lovable, I want to give him a hug he plays my father-in-law (laughs ) and really, he’d make an ideal father-in-law. When I started shooting for Apne, Dharamji wasn’t in Metro. It was the time I was working with him that’s why I wanted to do Apne.

Substantial hype was built around you during Metro, but Irrfan Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma and Sharman Joshi walked away with the praise.
Those who have seen the film have appreciated my performance. The characters played by the actors you’ve named have comic elements so it’s easier for the audience to like them instantly. My character had a strong undercurrent a woman striking a friendship with a man outside marriage it had to be kept subtle otherwise it could have gone totally black and dark.

So why’s Shiney Ahuja upset with you for praising Kay Kay Menon in Metro?
I must say the rumourmongers are working overtime. Shiney and Kay Kay are actors of a different temperament.

Overseas, the marketing strategy of Metro was changed to suit your newfound status after Big Brother win. Despite that, the film didn’t work abroad.
It’s not a conventional film. I got calls from friends, saying there were firangs sitting in the theatres to watch the film. I don’t know why, but I guess the audience expected it to be something that it wasn’t.

You’re planning to shift to the UK, if news about you acquiring property there is to be believed.
The day anything happens, I’ll let it be known. I appreciate that the media is working on several stories on me from conjectures that I’ll now be working abroad and that I’m even buying property.. (Laughs) I’m glad that there’s so much interest in me. My base will always be in Mumbai although I will try to do something in the U K as well.

Richard Gere kiss controversy has hit the headlines in various newspapers. What will be your final word on this issue?
A lot has been made out of it unnecessarily. I’ve been preoccupied with my work and dance. I haven’t even had time to watch television. In fact, I’m a bit wary of watching the news channels. I don’t want to flip a channel and see be some new controversy about me.

Apparently, you’re more than just good friends with Shiney Ahuja.
Shiney? Are you mad or what? He’s married. I can’t even call Shiney a friend he’s just a co-star for me.