It was a pleasant surprise to see you unwinding on the 10 Ka Dum show. What has brought this change, as you are a very reserved person otherwise. Is it a deliberate switch of gear?
I don’t think I was trying to be a certain way. Change and growth are a natural process, and if I’ve changed it’s just a natural process of growth.

Will Kites showcase your dancing skills, which have not been exploited in any film as yet?
I play a salsa dancer in the film, which is certainly different from any role I’ve essayed before.

What is that one thing you learnt from Hrithik in dancing?
I actually learnt a lot! Hrithik is a perfectionist and certainly one of the best dancers in the industry. Often when we were practising difficult steps, Hrithik would move on to evolving a variation before I could perfect the first step! It was great fun though.

Was researching your character for Once Upon A Time In Mumbai at the insistence of the producer, or was it your own initiative?
Certainly my own! I was intrigued by the character I had to essay, and to play it authentically in terms of look, style and body language required research.

How different is it playing a real-life character like the stunningly beautiful Madhubala in this film?
Quite different, and very difficult. The most difficult part was to portray her sparkling energy and the fact that she would light up the entire screen with her zest and spark. I am not sure whether I will be able to convince people that I am Madhubala!

How well are you taking to comedy in Anees Bazmee’s No Problem?
I have enjoyed it thoroughly. It’s been a real departure from anything I’ve done before, and it has been real fun. The people were great. Anees is a great director. Often I’d just ask him to show me how he wanted me to play the part, and would just copy him. I also had great fun on the sets with Sushmita Sen.

What inspired you to take up newbie director Aanand Rai’s Tanu Meets Manu?
The film’s subject. It’s very engaging as a plot, and I’m looking forward to it with enthusiasm.

In Farah Khan’s show Tere Mere Beach Mein you said that you considered your curly hair an obstacle. Why? You have the most beautiful hair!
I love my hair, so I’m not sure what context I said that...