A hit director and a superstar hero — you are making a dream debut in Om Shanti Om. How did director Farah Khan select you for the role?

I feel truly blessed to be a part of such a huge project, and have Shah Rukh as my hero and Farah as my director. I’m doing this film because I feel Farah is one director who knows what she wants. Maybe she saw that I have the charm and grace of the 70s heroines, which I think is evident in the film’s Ajab si song that is being aired in the promos right now. Farah didn’t have to emphasise my way of talking or my body language to suit the 70s — it came naturally to me.

The film is about to be released. Are you nervous?

I’m very nervous yet very excited too. I hope that everyone likes the film and has as much fun watching it as we had making it. So far, all of us have got loads of compliments — be it me for my look, Shah Rukh for his body, Farah for her direction or Vishal-Shekhar for their music.

What do you play in the film?

In the first half of the movie, I play the role of a superstar called Shantipriya and Shah Rukh plays a junior artiste. What happens next is something you will know only after watching the film.

Did it feel odd for a newcomer to play a superstar while real-life superstar Shah Rukh played a junior artiste?

I didn’t feel odd because Shah Rukh is so comfortable playing his role. But the fact is, I do feel he is the star and I’m his junior artiste.

You have been a leading model. But were you nervous about shooting with Shah Rukh?

Who would not be nervous about sharing the screen with Shah Rukh? I was very nervous when I started shooting but Shah Rukh and Farah made me very comfortable on the sets and otherwise as well. Whenever I got stuck in the scenes, Shah Rukh and Farah came to my aid.

What’s your reaction to Shah Rukh’s new body?

I think he has done a real great job. I remember we all would sit for lunch and relish our biryanis and ice creams while Shah Rukh would have his diet food. Getting a six-pack in a matter of three months is no joke — he has really worked hard for it.

Your 70s look in the film is drawing a lot of attention and admiration. How did your look come about?

Farah was very clear in her mind about what she wanted and how she wanted me to look. Before we began shooting, we had sessions with make-up and hair stylists Bharat and Doris about my look. We also had intensive costume sessions about what I would wear, etc.

Are you copying any yesteryear actress in particular?

No. We are not copying anyone in this film, but since this movie is set in the 70s we had to do a lot of referencing.

Which actresses were your reference points?

Hema Maliniji, Madhubalaji and Vyjayanthimalaji. I studied them and tried to do my bit.

Was it fun playing this retro role? In one song from the film, I have four different looks. At first, the song has a very different feel as it is set in the 70s. The fun part is that although I will be “shown” dancing with some senior actor on-screen, while shooting, there was just a pole and I had to interact with the pole.

lWhat is your most vivid recall of something memorable during the shoot?

I had to shoot a scene with Shah Rukh but I had high fever that day. I don’t know how Shah Rukh sensed that I was sick but the moment he did, he cancelled the shoot, called the doctor and didn’t let me resume work till I had got well. It was so sweet of him.

Which is your favourite track? Jag soona soona which has not yet released in the trailers is my favourite song, though Vishal-Shekhar have done amazing work in Ajab si, Dard-e-disco, Dastaan-e-Om shanti Om.

Are you a part of the song Deewangee which has 40 Bollywood stars?

The sad part is I’m not there in the song. But it’s really commendable for Shah Rukh and Farah to pull off something like this — something that hasn’t happened till date.

Finally, are you scared of the competition from Saawariya which is releasing on the same day?

No, I’m not. Their film is looking very good. I think Sanjay (Leela Bhansali) is a gifted director who has done a marvellous job. I wish them all the best for their film. I think there should be no comparisons as we all are here to make movies, we all enjoyed making our respective films. I think both films will do equally well.