From an item girl to meaty roles and then cameos, Isha Koppikar's career is a roller coaster ride. TWF correspondent Vickey Lalwani chats up the sultry actor who is all set to return big time with two forthcoming films.

Q: Lately we have only seen you doing cameos in big movies. Comment.
A: You have to understand that I don't come from a film family, and it's essential to be seen continuously, otherwise in this business it's an 'out of sight and out of mind phenomenon'. But just watch, I'm coming back. I have two very good films- Ramu's D and Farhan Akhtar's Don.

Q: It seems like you are finally going to break away from your Khallas girl image now.
A: Khallas is something I am proud of, because it brought me fame much faster. But if you are referring to item numbers, that's something I didn't do either in 'Krishna Cottage', 'Girlfriend' or in 'Ek Se Badhkar Ek'.

I've had meaty roles in all of them, and I don't think there's anything to look down upon if you break into a song and dance in the middle of a film. Songs are important. After all, the promos of any film are kick-started by its songs.

Q: What do you think of actresses indulging in skin show as a shortcut to fame? You too are referred to as a sex symbol.
A: Skin show may make you famous faster, but it depends on what route you want to take. I firmly believe, there is space for everyone in the industry. I am called a sex symbol and I take it as a complement. If I've done an item number in one film, my acting in others has also been noticed. People know that I can act.

Q: How has your experience been in Bollywood so far?
A: It's been a great experience. I'd say every movie has its own Kundali. So, if the time is right you rock! Though my journey has been slow, I know I am moving ahead with each passing moment. There are writers who are now penning roles keeping me in mind, and I clearly see that as an achievement.

Q: We heard, you played volleyball with Shah Rukh Khan during the making of 'Don'?
A: I had a ball. It was great playing volleyball with SRK, an experience I will never forget. SRK was quite impressed with the way I played the game. He told me that I had the shoulders to make a basketball player.

I indeed played basketball at state level when I was in school! I loved throwball in particular. I was always a sportsperson, bursting with energy to run around and play outdoor games.

Q: Did Priyanka also play?
A: Priyanka Chopra did not join in. She simply saw the proceedings and cheered from the sidelines.

Q: So who won? King Khan or Khallas girl?
Honestly, it was an even contest. Some games were won by Shah Rukh's team, while some games we pulled in our favour.

Q: How is SRK on the professional front?
A: It is a delight to work with Shah Rukh. I learnt a lot from him. In fact, my first scene was with SRK. He was not in the frame though, and I had to get angry. That particular scene I had not been narrated in the script. It was a last minute addition. Farhan had emailed it to me, but I did not receive it. The weather was tremendously hot that time, and I got it right very soon.

Q: Did you get along with Priyanka?
A: Priyanka Chopra and I got along fabulously. We were both accompanied by our mothers and our mums became friendly. In turn, we also bonded more strongly.

Q: Do you have an important role in the remake, considering you play the old Amitabh's girlfriend who just pines for him?
A: I have seen the original 'Don' and I know what I am talking. Farhan has given me a full-length role, which has been fleshed out very well. Unlike Priyanka who has a tom-boyish character, I have a very glamorous portrayal- a girl who also is not bothered about anything in life. I am the only colourful element in the film.

I am like a diva or a rockstar in the film. I have been doubly compensated for not doing a role in 'Dil Chahta Hai' which eventually went to Sonali Kulkarni, as I was busy with Rajiv Rai's 'Pyar Ishq Aur Mohabbat'.

Q: Are you doing 'Shabri'?
A: Yes, that's Ramu's film and I am thrilled to be back with RGV.

Q: What else is in your kitty?
A: Not now. I will tell you later. There are a couple of new projects which I have, but the projects are in very nascent stages.