How is acting with Shah Rukh Khan after a long gap?
Our friendship and comfort levels are such that during the shoot I didn’t even realise I was acting with Shah Rukh after Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani. This thought hit me after the shoot got over. Towards the climax, we had a few scenes along with child artist Aman Siddique and Amitabh Bachchan. Shah Rukh entertained us between the shots as usual and there was a lot of fun. We ended up playing quiz on the sets. We are cast as the child’s parents in Bhoothnath.
How did you and Shah Rukh manage to become friends again, after your relationship turned sour after
Chalte Chalte?
There are some bonds that are meant to last forever. Friends have ups and downs in their relationships but that can’t drive them apart. Shah Rukh and I will always remain friends, no matter what happens. It’s also the same with Aziz Mirza.
But Aamir Khan and you have not sorted out your differences.
I would love to work with him again but unfortunately I don’t see that happening in the near future.
Do you plan to resume your production company Dreamz Unlimited that also had Shah Rukh and Mirza as owners.
The company has not been functioning since the three of us co-produced Chalte Chalte. There are no plans of re-starting the company till we get a good script. At present, the Kolkata Knight Riders is the only joint venture between Shah Rukh and me.
What made you invest in cricket?
The idea of investing in an IPL team (Indian Premier League) was suggested by a friend. I just wanted to make an investment, so I went ahead with it. The details were worked out by my husband (industrialist Jai Mehta) and Shah Rukh.
Do you understand cricket?
To be honest, before the IPL, I had no knowledge of cricket. My little daughter (Jhanvi) understood the game better than me. I followed the matches only when my family watched. But now things have changed. I am taking interest in the game and I can identify the players. But I am not too involved in the details of IPL. Shah Rukh is conducting the necessary research and also handling the promotional aspects, while Jai is taking care of the administrative work. And I am there to cheer our team Kolkata Knight Riders at each match.
Do you miss being a heroine?
Not at all. I have gone beyond those roles where I was supposed to dance around the trees and romance the hero. I can’t jump around in mini skirts any more. In fact, such roles make me cringe now. Earlier, films were my life and I spent hours in the studios. Now I have my family, my children to look after and my music lessons. Time just flies. I am happy playing meaningful characters.
When are you appearing before the public as a singer?
I am learning classical music but I don’t know whether I will be good enough to sing before the public. I have sung a few lines in Bhoothnath.
