That Sushmita Sen is a talented actress was never in doubt. First in roles of the other woman in films such as Biwi No 1, Sirf Tum and Bas Itna Sa Kwaab Hai she made a point. Then came Meghna Gulzar`s Filhaal where she stole the thunder from the usual heavyweight Tabu.

Small wonder then all the happening directors in Bollywood want to sign her on; be it Mahesh Manjrekar for his English version of Astitva or even M. F. Husain for his second film before he decided on Tabu for the role.But what is this that we hear? Sush babe insists on playing second fiddle to the main heroines?

Nudge her further on this and she smiles, "A heroine is made here every Friday only to be dethroned the next Friday. I am here to make an impact. I want to make a place which no one can touch. Anyway, what is the life of a heroine here - ten years? I`ll be here for years to come." Well said, lady!