After a very long time you were back on stage doing what you love the most. How was the experience?
It was wonderful. Though I was performing live after a very long time, the stage is not new to me. I have been performing Kathak on stage since I was three years old. But yes, every time I dance, it gives me a high. This time too the feeling was not different. And it was more fun and exciting as I was performing in my sasural (US) for the first time (laughs).

What were the songs that you performed to?
A medley of many of my popular film numbers over the years till the recent Aaja Nachle. There were songs like Que sera sera, Ek do teen, Dhak dhak, Dance of envy from Dil To Paagal Hai and Aaja Nachle. Then there was also Dola re dola from Devdas with Aishwarya Rai.

Did the song bring back memories for the two of you?
It was wonderful. Even when we did the film together, we had bonded well. And I believe dance brings people closer. Aishwarya is a very sweet person. And doing Dola re with her did bring back some pleasant memories of the days when we shot for Devdas together. Dola re is a very beautiful song for which a lot of energy and movements are needed. Shiamak Davar has choreographed it all over again and it was a pleasure doing the number with the same energy that was required the first time around. There were a lot of dancers and several new movements. People loved it.

In all how many shows did you perform during this tour?
A total of five shows in the US, at places like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Atlantic City and New York. I would see people enjoying a lot. That gave me a thrill and encouragement to give my best. It was also an opportunity for me to react as well as interact with them. I am happy with the response.

When you were approached to perform for the World Tour, what was the reaction from your family?
I was thrilled and my family has had no problems whenever I wanted to work. Since this tour was being handled by Amitabh Bachchan, I had no apprehension about doing it since he is very good at planning. He likes everything to be systematic and perfectly planned. And when he says it is going to be very good, it surely will be very good. That was one reason I decided to dance at the show but not before discussing the project with my family. It had to be feasible for me as my kids come first. And since it was in the US, things were more in my control.

Expect for a song in Bade Miyan Chhote Miyan, you never had the chance to do a film with Amitabh Bachchan earlier. So how was it being a part of his tour?
Unfortunately even on this show I did not have an “item” with him but just by observing him you get to learn a lot. Amitji is an icon. Just by being around him and watching his dedication and enthusiasm, one gets charged up and wants to do well too. It was a great experience.

Was your family present at the venue to support you?
For my first show is Los Angeles, everyone was present. My husband Shriram Nene, my in-laws, mom and kids were there in the audience watching me eagerly. Since Ram has grown up in the US, he has a lot of friends there and many were present to encourage me as well.

Did you get any reaction from your kids?
My younger one, Ryan said “Mom, you danced on stage!” with a surprised look on his chubby face. But the older one, Arin, was very shy. He would not even come to me as I was in heavy make-up and costumes that he has never seen me in before. He kept looking at me out of the corner of his eye. It was another side of his mom that he was seeing.

What were the costumes that you wore?
Reza, my favourite designer, has made my costumes. Most of it was Indo-Western wear while for Dola re it was almost similar to what I wore in the film.