Kangna Ranaut is the latest name in town. Post the success of Mahesh Bhatt's 'Gangster', the 19-year old is being considered a hot property.

TWF correspondent Vickey Lalwani chats up the actor who is now all set to essay the role of late Bollywood siren Parveen Babi in a film based on the relationship between the glamour queen and Mahesh Bhatt

Q: After 'Gangster', you have arrived?
A: (Smiles) I think that I have a long way to go. I have just begun. Yes, people are talking about the film and appreciating my performance. But a lot of credit goes to Anurag Basu who directed the film and Mahesh Bhatt.

Q: Rewind and tell us how you landed up in the film industry...
A: I know it sounds filmi but I was discovered by chance. Anurag Basu discovered me in a coffee shop of all the places (smiles). He sent me a note. I went over and introduced myself. But it wasn't so easy. Although he liked my looks, he was not too sure if I could carry off the role. He took a month to make up his mind and I almost tore my hair in anxiety.

Q: Had you ever thought of entering Bollywood?
A: No. But destiny had other plans. Actually, I had signed up for Elite Modelling agency and even hired a coordinator to learn French.

Q: Your co-actor Ahuja hurt your lip, very badly?
A: I was a little naive. Basu called for a 'left reaction' and I turned my right cheek for the slap by Ahuja. Next moment, my lip was bleeding profusely.You can actually see the scar in some shots. Basu could not take close-ups on that day.

Q: How was Shiney Ahuja as a co-star?
A: Fantastic. We got along very well. Initially, I was withdrawn. I used to retire in a corner after every shot. Later, we chatted very often after a shot. Emraan Hashmi too was fab. I learnt a few things from Emraan.

Like Emraan would never interfere in someone else's work. He would never tell a camera to put the focus on him or anything to anybody. Hogging the limelight should never be the mantra of any actor.

Q: You look taller than Emraan?
A: I know that I look taller than Emraan... but I am not. I am 5 feet 8 inches, so is Emraan. But yes, I had to wear flats throughout the film, else the difference would have showed and caused an embarrassment.

Q: Do you remember your first shot?
A: Of course. I was wearing a lovely gown and done up my hair. And I was asked to jump into the water! As soon as I jumped, the sky exploded into several colours. We were in South Korea and some Korean festival had begun. Anurag had timed that scene with the beginning of the celebrations, but hadn't told me. I think that surprise was a great gift for me.

Q: Do you regret that you didn't have the usual song and dance routine in your debut film 'Gangster'?
A: I have no regrets when I see the songs of today or what the girls today dance! But if I get a beautiful number to dance then why not? I am a classical dancer and have learnt Kathak for four years. So my inclination is more towards that.

I think it's better to do what I am doing rather than a dance number in a disco or an item song. Moreover my character in the film was more serious and emotional so it isn't even very logical for me to break into a dance. Above all, my career has just started and there would be many more opportunities for naach-gaana!

Q: Your most difficult scene in 'Gangster'?
A: There was this particular scene where I and Shiney have to fight with each other which is very much a man-woman fight and the woman is in a dominating position. This was the fight where I am very harsh and the scene took me two days to finish. It was such a difficult scene.

You have to literally live like a woman who has gone through so much pain and is so desperate and is now fighting with the man she is so much in love with.

Q: And now you are working with Mohit Suri who had screen tested you for Zeher and did not select you?
A: Yes, I am doing a biographical on Parveen Babi. The film is titled "Woh Lamhe". I have no qualms working with Suri. His assistant had taken my screen test. So what if I was not chosen that time? The past is history.

Q: Rumours are rife that you are involved with Aditya Panscholi?
A: People should see me with Aditya's wife and daughter. I go shopping with them all the time. It is ridiculous to say that there is something going on between Aditya and me. Aditya is simply a dear friend.

Q: Any man in your life?
A: Not yet. This place is full of fragile relationships. I am happy to be single.