Sushmita Sen's swanky new office on 21st Road in Bandra is a beehive of activity. Just back from Goa after bringing in the New Year, Sushmita exudes a characteristic radiance and candour about her career and life.

Sushmita's current passion is her pet project Rani Laxmibai. "There's no man in my life. But there's this woman who has lived within me for many years. And now I'm ready to play her in a movie.

This will be my Pakeezah. By far Rani Laxmibai will be the most important project of my life....so far. There's no telling about tomorrow."

The audacious diva confirms plans of directing Rani Laxmibai. "Yes, I've finally decided to direct Rani Laxmibai myself. For a very simple reason. Only I can translate my vision of the lady who's been my role-model and inspiration from childhood.

We tried to get other directors into the loop. International names were approached. But it just didn't work out. Finally I decided, it's my vision and therefore my responsibility."

Playing the historical character and directing the film could be a daunting task for the diva.

"And darling, you're forgetting I'm also producing the film. My dreams have always been daunting. I don't dream ordinary dreams.

Who said realizing my dreams could ever be easy? No I'm not scared, for the simple reason that the film will be totally worked out on paper and at pre-production before we go on the floors."

Sushmita wields the camera from the middle of 2008. The film in Urdu and Hindi will have music and cinematography by celebrated international names that are on the verge of finalization. The cast will comprise Indian and British actors.

Reveals the sensational Ms Sen, "Our release date for Rani Laxmibai is November 2009.We hope to have the answer print ready by August. And we're working with obsessive passion in getting to the deadline.

Fortunately I've a like-minded team. A very talented writer Srijaya Radhakrishnan from the Pune film institute is scripting my dream and yes, Mudassar Aziz who's directing me in Dulha Mil Gaya is also on board."

"In the past six months there has been only one man in my life. My 24-year old friend Rajiv Narayan who passed away after a long and brave struggle with lung cancer. I got to know him in hospital on Rose Day a year ago.

I had the privilege of having him die in my arms. What more could I ask for? Beyond the utterly pure relationship with Rajiv there's no love in my life right now."

And all those paparazzi pictures? "You see, when you don't issue clarifications about the mis-reportings the gossip begins to acquire the sanctity of truth.

But really I couldn't be discussing my phantom love-life when there's so much happening that's far more real and exciting."

Bunty Sachdeva? "He's my events manager, nothing more nothing less. Yes, cameras caught me holding his hand and the speculations started.

I can't curb my natural exuberance just to avoid gossip. I'm a demonstrative person. If I like a person it shows. Is that problem?"

Wasn't Mudassar one of the men Sushmita was linked with recently?

Deep sigh and throaty laughter follow. "Here we go again!What can I do if every man I smile at becomes food for idle gossip about my life? The only yummy man in my life last year was Rajiv Narayan.

Everytime I'd get depressed about a mistake, Rajiv would say, 'Partner, you've tomorrow to fix it.' I learnt so much from him in the one year that I knew him."

And then to lighten the feeling of life lost Sushmita drops a bomb. "Actually there's one other man whom I find delectably yummy. That's Ranbir Kapoor.

What beguiling charm he has, the sincerity just grabs you. Of course I'd love to do a movie with him. Difference of age? Hah! Nothing that a stubble can't take care of."