Q: Considering that Karam did not do so well for you, are you disappointed?

Not even remotely. Karam was beautifully made. Sanjay (Gupta) took a chance and experimented with a theme that others haven?t really dealt before. The film exuded a different kind of sensitivity. John?s character as well as mine was well appreciated by the audience.

Q: What is it that caught your interest in Waqt?

The moment I heard the script, I loved it. I decided then and there to go for it. Working with good actors and good production houses is always a pleasure. And on top of that, it was a chance for me to work with Mr Bachchan, someone whom I have idolised since I was a child. Also, Waqt is very different from all the other films about familial conflicts and as such, is really special to me.

Q: You seem mighty excited. What?s your role like?

I play this rich girl, Pooja, who is married to Aditya (Akshay Kumar), son of Ishwar (Amitabh Bachchan). She is a faithful wife who stands by her husband, in good times as well as bad ones.

Q: This role seems quite in contrast to the one in Aitraaz?

Yeah, in Aitraaz, I was the unfaithful wife. For that matter, my role in Waqt is also different from the one in Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, where I was the simple girl-next-door. See, I always attempt to do something different in each of my films. The character I am playing in Waqt is something that I am genuinely excited about. I haven?t played such a role before.

Q: Does working with Amitabh Bachchan add to the pressure on you to perform at your best?

Yes, there certainly was pressure on me to perform to the best of my abilities in front of him. He epitomises everything that one aspires to be in this profession. Acting with greats like Amitji and even Akshay, it makes you really involved with your work. And that is especially true when you are working with someone like Amitji who can carry a film on his own.

Q: Waqt is not the first time that you?re working with Akshay Kumar. Do you think that the Akshay-Priyanka pair will work at the box-office again?

You see, after just two films together, Akshay and I are such close friends that the rapport we have shows up onscreen. So, I think our pairing should work wonderfully this time around as well. He is a wonderful costar and a brilliant actor.

Q: In Aitraaz, you showed the sexy side of your personality. Will you do such roles in future as well?

I think the whole concept of ?sex sells? is being over-exploited these days. My role of Sonia was appreciated although there wasn?t any kind of skin show in the film. But I am glad to be approached by filmmakers for different kinds of characters after that. For now, Aitraaz is the last of the bold films for me.

Q: Lately, your performances are fetching you praise from everyone. Do you believe that now you have surpassed your contemporaries, such as Rani Mukherjee, Kareena Kapoor or Preity Zinta?

See, you cannot compare two actors or actresses. Each one has her own ground, their own style and their own fan following. One just cannot be compared to the other. So, how can one say I have surpassed anyone? On top of that, Rani and Preity are my seniors, too.

Q: Coming to your forthcoming assignments, you have another biggie ? Rakesh Roshan?s sequel to Koi Mil?Gaya ? coming up?

It is definitely an honour to be working with Rakeshji. Undoubtedly, it is a great banner to be part of. Apart from that, it really is an interesting script.

Also, this is the first time that I shall be working with Hrithik. And I feel sci-fi films have always had something interesting and exciting to offer. And when being made by such a brilliant director, the project is just brilliant.

Q: In such a short span, you?ve carved out a solid niche for yourself with the audience and producers alike. How has your career been, from your debut in Andaaz to your latest film?

The journey from Andaaz to Aitraaz has been a fruitful one for me. Out of the nine movies of mine that have been released, three have been hits. And each film has taught me something. When I watch my earlier films and compare them to the recent ones, I realise that I have grown as an actress. And credit definitely goes to my costars and the makers of the films. The drive to work that they instil in me keeps me going.

Q: Let?s get a bit candid; are you really in a relationship with Harry Baweja?s son, Harman?

No. Let me reiterate; we are just good friends. I know Harman because I am doing his dad?s film. He is a very sweet guy. Harman?s sister is a very dear friend of mine. So we hang out together. We have the same friends circle. We even had our dance classes together. I don?t have anything to do with either Akshay or Harman beyond a healthy friendship. Frankly, I am here to work, and not to flirt with co-actors.