Are you by any chance from Prithvi Raj Chauhan’s family?

Yes, I am. I am a Rajput, too. Our roots are in Rajasthan. But I never talk about these things.

Rajputs are known to be a bit conservative. Was your family fine with your decision to become an actress?

No, they weren’t fine. I refused the first modelling offer I got because I knew my parents were not going to accept it. When I got another offer, it was during my summer holidays so I asked my mom. The photographer told my mom she could accompany me to the shoot. So she felt a little comfortable and agreed. When I came back from Miss Tourism World, I got a huge response. They saw that I was getting respect. I think that is when their whole outlook changed.

I believe the Bhatts offered you Awarapan, Showbiz and Raaz 2 before Jannat. Why did you choose Jannat over these films?

I am glad I didn’t do Showbiz (laughs). I have seen Awarapan. It is a great film. I am sure Raaz 2 is going to be a fantastic film as well. But for some reason, I didn’t feel convinced enough to do these films. There was something stopping me. I was too young, too. I thought I should wait and give myself time before I sign a film. I got a couple of other offers, too.

When Jannat came my way, I thought it was a great script. I am sure that the movie is going to do really well.

Have you had any training in acting?

I didn’t get a chance to do an acting course. I asked Mr Mukesh Bhatt if I should join some acting classes. He said “Beta, you don’t need to join any acting classes because you are in an acting school now. You will learn everything from here.” But I am always open to doing an acting course.

Were you aware that Jannat had been offered to Esha Deol initially?

I was told that she had some date problems.

Jannat is about cricket. Do you like the game?

No, but I have grown up watching cricket because my brother and my mother love it. I remember we used to have fights at home about wanting to watch different channels. I couldn’t avoid cricket at those times.

Your character in the movie is pretty bold — she doesn’t mind living with a guy and getting pregnant before marriage...

This girl is not somebody who is changing lovers. She is absolutely sure about the man she is going to spend her life with. She does live with him before marriage.

Do you subscribe to the same views in real life?

I honestly don’t find anything wrong with that. It is wrong when you change your partner. But I wouldn’t do any such thing because I respect my family and my values. But I see this happening all the time.

Emraan’s films are synonymous with kissing. Were you prepared for it?

I was quite nervous. I didn’t know what it was going to be like. But a kiss is the last thing we should be talking about.

You were asked to wear a bikini in the film but you refused. True?

Yes, but it was not for the film. We were shooting for a promotional video for the film and I was asked to wear a bikini for that. I refused, not because I wasn’t comfortable with my body but because I wasn’t comfortable wearing the bikini.

How do you react to the rumours linking you with Emraan Hashmi?

It’s ridiculous. Why would I be interested in a married man when there are enough good looking bachelors around?

Are you single?

I am absolutely single.

What kind of a guy are you looking for?

I am somebody who doesn’t expect anything out of anybody; but when it comes to my boyfriend or my husband, I would expect the world. Not in terms of money — that I can take care of myself. I want all the attention in the world. I would want him to pamper me. I don’t know if men like that still exist or not. If they do, I am open to it (laughs).

What other films have you signed?

I have signed a film with Kumar Mangat and am also doing Mukesh Bhatt’s next.

The Bhatts have introduced a lot of newcomers. A few have made it big, like John Abraham and Kangana Ranaut… What are you hoping for yourself?

I am definitely hoping to make it big. I hope to get appreciation for my work. Of course, there is always scope for improvement and I am going to keep working hard.