Having debuted in Yash Chopra's 'Mohabattein', Preeti Jhangiani could not create a big name for herself even after the success of 'Awara Pagal Deewana'.

Her recent films- 'Sukh' with Govinda and 'Chahat Ek Nasha' bombed. With Sahib, a debutante, she will now be seen in 'Chand Ke Paar Chalo'. Excerpts from an interview by TWF correspondent Vickey Lalwani.

Q: You have virtually disappeared. What's the real mystery?
A: (Laughs) There's no mystery at all. I am not getting the right kind of films.

Q: Are you particularly selective about the films that you would be doing?
A: Yes. I feel it's extremely important to be selective. It is important to be identified with good films. I've refused so many offers because I felt they were not right for me. I'm trying to do as many different roles as I can because the one I played in 'Mohabbatein' was very Indian and traditional. I'm trying to change it.

Q: Do you think that your next release 'Chand Ke Paar Chalo' is the right choice?
A: I stand by it. I know it's not a blockbuster. But I would rather do something where I don't get lost in a crowd. ‘Chand Ke Paar Chalo' is a totally woman-oriented film.

Q: What do you play in 'Chand Ke Paar Chalo'?
A: I play a banjaran who earns her bread and butter through dancing. It is the story of her journey where she forays from a street dancer to a Bollywood actress. I meet a guy called Chander who is a photographer; he influences me to become an actress.

Q: How did you feel working with a new actor and director?
A: I signed this film because I loved the script. If I shun new directors and actors, I will be doing unfair to them. We all must get together and encourage new writers, actors, producers and directors as and when we find that they are sincere and dedicated to their profession.

Q: Talking about your character Garima in Chand Ke Paar Chalo, does it relate to you in personal life?
A: It's wrong to compare the character of the film with present life. It's totally the director's imagination and nothing else.

Q: Are you satisfied with your character in the film?
A: To be frank, this is for the first time that I am fully satisfied. I play the protagonist and the makers have been fair at the editing table.

Q: While signing a film, which things do you take into consideration?
A: First, I consider the script; I think that's the backbone of a film. Then I look at the banner and director.

Q: Still, big makers have refrained from signing you on?
A: I have completed many years in the industry but am still waiting for Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Karan Johar, Mani Ratnam, Rakesh Roshan, Ram Gopal Varma,- but I tell you, it's a matter of time.

Q: You disappeared for a long time after 'Mohabattein'?
A: After 'Mohabbatein' I signed no less than 10 films. It was sheer bad luck that many of these didn't work out. There was a Venus film with Aftab, one with Mohan Chhabria, one with Vijay Galani, all of which fell through.

Besides I fell ill after 'Mohabbatein', so I opted out of the other films too. I had to take medication that caused my face to swell. I had developed some blood infection. It was not serious, but I did lose out on precious time.

Q: You are busy with South projects?
A: Yes. I have completed seven films in South- four in Telegu and one each in Kannada, Tamil and Malyalam. The South industry is the best industry to learn punctuality and discipline.

Q: What are your forthcoming assignments?
A: I have a film opposite Aftab Shivdasani 'Jaane Hoga Kya'. The next is 'Tum Bewafa Ho' made in dual languages and then there's 'Hasina' with Esha Deol.