What are you doing in an all-men film like Krazzy 4?
(Laughs) Fortunately, I am not one of the crazy ones in the film and this time I am not doing any comedy though Krazzy 4 is a humorous film. I play the role of a psychiatrist who believes in treating her patients in a very different way. She takes them out, gives them all the freedom outside of the hospital and when she falls into a deadly trap, it is her patients who come to her rescue. This role will touch all hearts.

Like all the character roles that you have been doing lately.
True. I am happy to be getting good work. Even if it is a cameo, it is always a pivotal role. In Krazzy 4 also, it is a very brief but a crucial character. I feel in today's scenario it is not all about screen time. What matters is the importance of the character and its relevance in the film.

Does Krazzy 4 give you that kind of footage?
I have tremendous respect for Guddu (Rakesh Roshan). You must see his commitment towards his work to believe it. Years back I had done Karobaar that was directed by him and was impressed with his planning, the execution of each scene and the way he crafted each shot, be it emotional, comic or tragic. He handled each very delicately. Since then I harboured a dream to work with him again. I took up this assignment right after the narration and I am happy to be back in his production as his Filmkraft banner is known for its quality products.

Didn't it matter to you that he had handed over the reins to new director Jaideep Sen?
Why should it? I have no qualms about working with talented people, new or veterans. As for Raja (Jaideep), he was one of the guys who started out around the time I did. After assisting directors like Raj Kanwar and Harry Baweja, he had joined Guddu. I was happy to be working with someone I have known over the years.

Of the four characters, who did you find the funniest in Krazzy 4?
Each one was different. But it was Suresh Menon who was constantly at his funniest best. He would be at it non-stop and many a times my mascara was running down. Arshad Warsi comes close to Suresh. Irrfan Khan was the serious one while Rajpal would narrate hilarious tales of his struggling days. It was such a joy as there were pranks and teasing galore on the sets. On the last day it was a very emotional moment for all of us when we bid each other good-bye. Of course, we meet on and off at functions but it's not the same anymore.

Do you miss being the leading lady?
(Laughs) I don't miss romancing the hero. Today filmmaking has reached a different level with experimental films being made by young makers, and the concept of the lead pair doesn't matter any more. I am happy that I can work at my own pace as I get time to devote to my kids, home, friends and yet satisfy my creative urge. Not that I am excellent at both but I try to balance everything. I am glad that I am around when people need me. Other things that keep me busy are my music riyaaz, exercise and yoga.

What made you take up music so late in your life?
Even as a kid, I wanted to be a singer. But my career took a different turn and I became an actor.

Your prayers have been answered as you have become a playback singer.
(Laughs) Yes, I have lent my voice for a song in Bhootnath. I have also sung in the TV serial Baa Bahoo Aur Baby on the insistence of the cast but it was just for fun. I took up music lessons thinking that I shall be a pro in six months. Soon I realised that it was a never-ending process.

Coming back to films, are you happy with the way your career is progressing today?
I have no reasons to complain. Today people come to me when they want a good performer and I enjoy working at my pace. Last year I had films like Swami and Salaam-E-Ishq.

How different do you find the scenario today from the time when you started out?
Nothing is the same. Technology has gone ahead by leaps and bounds and characters in films seem real unlike in earlier days. It is a refreshing change, I must say. I have also realised that it is not just one character or one role, but it is the film in entirety that matters at the box-office. Moreover the script and the production house also make a difference.

Is it true that your husband Jai Mehta and friend Shah Rukh Khan are the ones who are actually involved in the progress of IPL matches while you are a mere spectator?
You can say that. Both Jay and Shah Rukh are totally into it now since the matches begin on April 18. I am involved just at the periphery. Shah Rukh is working the hardest and he will see to it that he makes it a special event.

Unlike most friendships in the industry, you and Shah Rukh go a long way.
True. We bonded when I lost my mother while shooting for Duplicate abroad. Since he too had lost his parents, he understood what I was going through and was very helpful. Since then we became the best of friends. We may not ‘phone each other every day but we know that we are there for each other at all times, in happiness and crisis. The same goes with Aziz Mirza.

What else is in the pipeline?
I have Bhootnath where I play the mother to a 7-8 year old boy. In Luck By Chance, I am doing something new. I also have a cameo, that of a gypsy, in Aziz Mirza's Kismet Konnection starring Shahid Kapoor and Vidya Balan.