Lara Dutta speaks to Subhash K Jha.

Great appreciation for Partner although it was an out-and-out Salman-Govinda starrer?
Though earlier Jhoom Baraabar Jhoom didn't do well at the boxoffice it worked really well for me. It served as a wake-up call for me within the industry. As for Partner, I can't really take much credit for its success.

David Dhawan put everything he had into the product. He had to make another hit. Then since this was Salman's home production, so he too had to deliver. Also it was a kind of comeback for Govinda. And then Katrina was there. She was also like a part of the family.

So you were the outsider?
But it never felt that way. I felt so much at home. I ate the Khan's ghar ka khana throughout Partner. Since I 'm a vegetarian they sent vegetarian meals specially for me. I felt loved and pampered...Just like at Yashraj Films for Jhoom ... Aditya Chopra and Yash Uncle always make sure you're comfortable.

Partner has changed the course of your career?
Yes, absolutely. My career is on the right track now. And I do need to make the right choices and keep my head on my shoulder.

And now after being Salman's co-star in Partner, you're paired with Govinda in Ravi Choopra's film?
That's what I'm shooting for right now. I feel I'm stuck in a twilight zone between Jhoom Baraabar and Partner because I' ve got Rajpal Yadav, Govinda, etc as my co-stars in Raviji's film....I play Marisa Tomei's Oscar- winning role from My Cousin Vinny which they're adapting.

It's a great challenge to match comic timing with Govinda. I think it's a huge compliment to my abilities when they come to me with roles alongside stalwarts like Boman, Paresh, Govinda,etc.

You're a late bloomer in movies?
I'd go with that. When I came in I hadn't really done my homework. I came in knowing there was someone called Subhash Ghai and Yash Chopra...that's it. I went purely by gut instinct when I signed my first film Andaaz. I've been finding myself as an actor. And I love the process.After Jhoom Baraabar and Partner there's been lots of offers.

How do you react to stories, like the one about you being linked with a married man like Bobby Deol?
Of course it affected me. But two days earlier I was being accused of going out with my other co-star in the same film (Abhishek Bachchan) while his fiancée was with him. How much will I protest?

After writing about my link ups they' ve moved on others for now, and that's a relief. I realize the media persons are only doing their job. I'm not here to judge anybody. But with the job comes a certain amount of responsibility. That, I see is on the decline.

You've been through a painful breakup recently. Do you think you shouldn't be asked about it?
I won't smash anyone on the foot if they ask me. But I should be given the right to not respond. The only public persona I want to have is through my work. I sincerely feel you need to make those areas of your life public that you want to.

Your career is on the upswing. The latest rumour doing the rounds is that you' ve been offered a a role in Karan Johar's production featuring Abhishek Bachchan?
Not true. This offer never came to me. But Inshan Allah, I'm making the right career moves. I've taken the necessary steps. I realize people will perceive you the way your perceive yourself. I guess a sense of maturity has crept into my attitude to work..

Like avoiding walk-on parts for the sake of friends?
Yeah....you suddenly realize there are no friends out here. Everyone is here to do his or her work.

You will now play Paro in Sudhir Mishra's Devdas.
To re-interpret a character like Paro in a classic like Devdas is every actor's dream come true. What makes it even more interesting is that Sudhir is adapting Devdas, like Vishal Bhardwaj did Omkara.

I'm very fortunate to be playing Paro. My character will go from a child-woman to a mature love-challenged wife. Without her there's no romance and tragedy in Devdas' life.

So I am super-excited. I've always loved Sudhir's film. We start at the end of October. It's done in one massive schedule. I'm super-super excited.

There's a creative fire that burns in my belly. I need to get it out. However there is no point in giving an amazing Oscar-worthy performance in a film no one will see. That's where Pritish Nandy Communications scores.

This will be your first film with Pritish Nandy Communications?
There were talks for others films... Do you know, Mr Nandy was one of the judges when I won the Miss India crown.

Oh, and did he ask you the crucial question that clinched the crown for you?
No, Waheeda Rehmanji did. I think that's a sign. Though I'm perceived more as Zeenat Aman from the outside I am more Waheedaji from inside. But I'm not complaining. I'm very happy to be where I am.