As all Aishwarya fans wait eagerly for 'Umrao Jaan', Ash herself remains calm and serene. One reason, perhaps, is that her performance in this JP Dutta film has already been lauded by those who've got a chance to see it.

"It was an absolute honour to play Umrao,: she confesses and adds, "I saw the earlier ‘Umrao Jaan' when I was very young, on television. I had never imagined I'd be playing that role. God has been kind to me."

Regarding the original version of Umrao Jaan performed by the veteran actress Rekha, Aishwarya Rai said that, ‘Whenever there are remakes being made, I am not given to the temptation of watching the original as there could be some visual impression that could influence my performance.'

She doesn't even want to think about it as a comparison with Rekha.

"Rekhaji and I share a different kind of bond. She has had the chance to play a mujrewali in other films too. But for me, in the current scenario when such films are not being made, to play a role like this is something else," tells Ash.

Acknowledging that she plays a totally different role in Dhoom 2 Rai says, "I have so far largely played Indian characters...this appearance, in the western mould is definitely new."

To play Sunehri in Dhoom 2, Ash had to get back into shape to play a glamorous seductress in the western mould. Throughout the film she is attired in skimpy western clothes that reveal her now stunning figure.

While excited about playing an altogether different role she also appears circumspect that she may get to be tagged with the dubious title of India's sex symbol at this stage in her career. Quite apparantly she does not want her fans to read too much from her attire.

But what about her association with Abhishek Bachchan?

"It's because you are seeing us together on screen more often that people think there is something more. Hrithik and Abhishek are the two actors with whom I'm paired in all my forthcoming releases," gushes Aishwarya.