By Subhash K Jha

Barely has she landed in Mumbai after another longish stint abroad, when Preity is already immersed in doing an ad.

"And after this I immediately fly for the IIFA to Dubai for just one day. I'll be performing there to Shiamak Davar's choreography. I've yet to sit and finalize my item with him. The decision was taken overnight. Can you believe it, this is the first time that I'm performing at such a short notice. I haven't even started rehearsing. "

After IIFA Preity returns to Mumbai to complete Sajid Nadiadwala's delayed Jaan-e-Man and Karan Johar's Kabhi Alvidaa Na Kehna. Those who have seen her in Karan's film have declared Preity an outright winner in a role that entails her to do a complete makeover.

"Yes," Preity giggles happily. "Shah Rukh's wife Gauri and Jaya aunty whose opinion I value immensely seem to be think highly of me in the film. I must say it felt good to be wearing clothes that sometimes cost more than the location, ha ha.

But seriously all credit must go to Karan for being one of the best directors and Manish Malhotra for being one of the best stylists in the world. I couldn't have done it without them.

In my career of 22-23 films I've never been more unsure of how to approach a role. People are commenting on my look. But that was the least of my worries. I had to play a woman who didn't seem to airdrop into New York from Mumbai.

My character Rhea has to blend into the milieu, and not just in dress but demeanour. Yeah, it was tough. Thank God for my co-stars Shah Rukh, Rani, Abhishek (who I confess out-chatters me) and Mr Bachchan who's like the Mount Everest of acting..

By the way Rani has never looked more glamorous and in-character. There's one sequence of hers with Abhishek where I've cried. Normally I'm not much of a weeper at the movies.

I like to keep it all inside. Only my family and close friends have seen the vulnerable side of me. For others...sorry, I don't want to come across as a drama queen."

More makeover for Preity. The first Indian issue of the posh international women's magazine Marie Claire features Preity on the cover. "I guess the bubbly perky Preity has currently taken a backseat. KANK sees me like never before. And the Marie Claire cover didn't expect me to be the typical Preity either.

The magazine has undertaken the 'let-me-be-me' campaign for Indian women. The inaugural cover was supposed to represent the resolute no-nonsense but still fun and feisty face of the Indian woman. I like being in that slot. I'm glad if I'm being taken to be a woman of substance.

Isn't that what all woman crave to be? The picture was meant to be less stylish, more substantial more attuned to the rhythm of workaday womanhood. Yeah I do like to see myself as a woman with an opinion."

For now this woman with an opinion on life and art is all set to remain in India for one month after her trip to Dubai.

"This would be my longest stay at home in recent times. In July I go for an event to London, then probably attend the BAFTA awards and finally get a week off for myself before joining my friends Bobby Deol and Abhishek Bachchan for Shaad Ali's Jhoom Baraabar Jhoom. All in all, this is quite a hectic time for me. And I'm enjoying every bit of it."