Q: Tell us something about Apna Sapna Money Money..?

It’s a film about everybody’s dreams and ambitions. The title too suggests that it’s about making it big and that happens with a lot of money. So I and my group — Shreyas [Talpade], Riya [Sen], Celina [Jaitly] and others are the bunch of people who try their best to make a name in the society. It’s releasing on November 10.

Q: What role are you playing in the film?

I’m portraying the character of a simple Catholic girl living with a dream of becoming the top pop-star of the country. She sings in a nightclub and saves every penny she makes for her debut album. Friends support her in this journey and become her strength. She is also a social person who tries to contribute in the making of a good society.

Q: There are so many costars in the film. How do you see your character standing out in the crowd?

Every character has been crafted beautifully and they all stand out individually. Even comedian Rajpal Yadav’s character is noticeable. In addition to that, I’m lucky to have shot a few songs with Riteish, which obviously boosts my character.

Q: Coming to songs, any plans for another hit item number after Saaqi saaqi?

Not at the moment. If I come across a good song, I’ll think about it.

Q: So how do you take the compliment of being called a hot babe and style icon?

It always feels good when people appreciate your work. In films you have to go along with the demands of the script and the character and get dressed according to that. Otherwise, in real life I am always dressed casually. I’m comfortable wearing sporty clothes.

Q: When shall we see Koena in a solo role again after Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena?

I was very fortunate with Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena. Nowadays it’s very hard to bag a solo role. Every other film is a multi-starrer. If you are offered one, then either the production house is weak or your costar isn’t that good. I want to be associated with good banners as they package the movie in a larger-than-life style and don’t compromise on any aspect of the film. If you portray your character with conviction then you can make your name in a multistarrer also.

Q: What are the other projects you are working on?

I’m doing a film called Anamika directed by Anant Mahadevan. I have also just signed a contract of two films with Subhash Ghai. But the films are yet unnamed and it’s too early to talk about them. I have always been fascinated by Subhashji’s films, where music plays an important role.

Q: Will you ever be seen in a Bengali film?

I would love to work with Rituparno Ghosh! Even some talks are going on with him. But we are waiting for the right kind of script where my character fits in perfectly. Anyhow, at this point in my career I don’t want to experiment with art or serious cinema. I’m not too experienced for it. I’m still in the learning process.

Q: Your name sounds sweet and beautiful. What does Koena mean?

Thanks for the compliment. My mother’s name is Krishna, which is a name of a river. Koena is the tributary, which is born out of that river when it meets with another river.

Q: You are a good makeup artiste yourself. Do you do your own makeup?

I have been groomed under top makeup artiste Bharatji [Bharat Godambe] and that has helped me to learn a lot about this art. Being into modelling has also been a factor as makeup plays a very important role. In some pageants like Miss Universe, there are no makeup artistes to assist you. You are on your own. Being a Bengali also helps as makeup plays an integral part of our culture. I love applying kaajal, which gives a glow to your eyes. But I still carry my makeup man to shoots as professional work matters.

Q: You have been in the news for your link-ups and enmity with costars. How do you take all that?

I like to read and forget. Even people have a short memory when it comes to gossip. My parents also understand that this is a part of the glamour world. The gossip affects one’s life more when one is married or having a relationship. Moreover if your partner isn’t from the same industry then it becomes very hard to make him understand the truth. I am lucky that I am still single and all these don’t matter to me. About my enmity with my costars, they were all rumours created by the media. Until now, I have never had any problems with any of my costars.

Q: Your voice was dubbed in Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena. What about your forthcoming films?

Yeah. Mona, who has dubbed for Bipasha [Basu] and others, had dubbed it. Pritish [Nandy] was never happy with this idea. But it was the director who had his vision. He wanted a character to be a strong person with a soft voice. He asked me to cooperate and I did. As long as it works for the film I don’t see any problem in it. Anyway, the other half of the film was dubbed in my own voice. Pritish, Fardeen and others were happy with my work. Dubbing in Musafir was the most difficult part. I had to dub six shairs. Anil [Kapoor] hated my dubbing. It was his advice that helped me to achieve my best. He taught me how to play with words while reading out a shair. You always learn from your seniors. But you will be hearing my voice onscreen in myforthcoming projects.