By Subhash K Jha

Katrina who's currently basking in the success of Abbas-Mustan's Race in Dubai has plenty to be happy about. Her heroine-centric turn in Vipul Shah's Namaste London has elicited wah-wahs not just from critics but also from the masses.

"Yeah the film is a hit. And I think I've finally proved my critics wrong. Not that Namaste London is my first success. My first film Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya and then Sarkar were also successful. But it's good to be recognized in a film that revolves around you."

Next move forward...Katrina has signed on the dotted line for Subhash Ghai's new directorial venture Yuvraj where she's paired with Salman.

"It's a big move. Because banner-wise Subhashji is just the top-of-the-shelf and I love the way he presents heroines. Look at Mahima in Pardes and Meenakshi Sheshadri in Hero.

Even in a masculine films like Karma and Ram Lakhan Sridevi and Madhuri Dixit were no walk-overs. So yeah, I'm really looking forward to it."

People would presume Katrina pipped the role through Salman's recommendation "It's so stupid to think like that specially now when I have Namaste London to my credit.

Actually I met Subhash-ji long before. He had offered me a film. I think it was Kisna. Now for Yuvraj he asked Vipul Shah to show him my work in Namaste London. That's how I think he decided on me."

Trying to curb her annoyance at Salman-centric interpretations to her career progress Katrina says, "Do people think Subhash-ji is the kind of filmmaker who can be influenced by people into signing anyone? He has always gone by what is right for his film."

Katrina plays a musician in Yuvraj. "It's the role of a modern musician and I've had to learn to play a musical instrument for it. I didn't want to get into this role just anyhow. I wanted to be fully prepared.."