Lara Dutta with Irrfan Khan in Billu Barber

You play quite a deglamourised character in Billu Barber. Was that tough for you?

My character in the film, Bindiya, is so different from what I have done till now — she is not glamourous nor does she perform an item song in the film. Since my character could not afford proper footwear, director Priyadarshan insisted that I walk barefoot around the village to get in character. It was tough, but that definitely helped.

Billu Barber has a lot of hot heroines like Deepika, Kareena and Priyanka — did that make you feel nervous and insecure?

I don’t feel nervous about the three beautiful ladies in Billu Barber. I’m sure you won’t miss me in the film because I look so different.

What is Billu Barber all about?

It is my first film after Partner (2007). It’s a very sweet film and I am tremendously excited about it. Today, when everyone is so opportunistic, we all feel that ‘If I become friends with this particular person how will I benefit from the friendship’. Please watch the film; it will make you feel special about the people who matter to you in life.

You have recently launched your own website. In the days of intensive media coverage, what’s the rationale behind it?

My website is called www. mylaradutta.com and it is a one-stop shop for everything that is authentic and real about Lara. For a long time, I have been wanting an interactive website wherein my fans can interact with me directly. Today, everyone is blogging, and my website has a blog as well where I will answer any questions that my fans want to ask me. It is very personal to me because a lot of things that the media has not been able to show will be available on the Net like my photographs, stories, anecdotes, etc. We also have a facility in which you can SMS on a particular number and download my snaps, wallpapers, ringtones, play games, win prizes and win my costumes and even get a chance to meet me.

Will it address rumours about you?

It has everything that you wanted to know about me and you will be able to cross check whether to believe rumours about me or not. This would be an apt place to clarify my stand.

And will the blog reproduce what is really in Lara’s heart?

Yes. The site is very personal so my audience will know where I went, and with whom I went.

Blogging seems to have become a trend amongst filmstars these days...

You never know where life is taking you. Yes, I love to write.

Finally, Billu Barber is releasing around Valentine’s Day. What are your plans for February 14?

On Valentine’s Day, I will be with the cast and crew of Billu Barber. I would want to spend my Valentine’s Day with my fans... So please post your comment on my website. In fact, if you want to watch a movie with your special someone, and get your money’s worth, please go and watch Billu Barber. You will have a smile on your face when you come out of the hall.