Just back from shooting in France, Amisha Patel has returned to the storm over her legal case against her parents.

Amisha wants her money back from her father who allegedly owes her. Is the money refundable? What is Vikram Bhatt's role? We ask Amisha...

Q: Why have you taken legal action against your father?
A: I'm not allowed to say much. But there's a financial problem and it needed legal attention. This is exactly what I've done. Neither my secretary Rakesh Nath nor my friend Vikram Bhatt is involved with this.

They're just being made scapegoats. People are blaming Vikram Bhatt. I don't think any sensible court of law would admit a case based on instigation. There has to be more to this than meets the eye. They're definitely making Vikram the scapegoat.

Q: You must have taken this decision after a great deal of deliberation?
It's a long-standing problem. To have to resort to legal remedy means that it was a desperate situation. That should show the seriousness of the matter.

Q: Do you hope to recover your money from your parents?
A: I don't know what will happen but I trust God will be on the side of the wronged. I think I had to fight for justice — whatever the outcome.

Q: Is your career suffering because of these hassles?
A: Not in the least. Work is my balm. I've just finished Ketan Mehta's The Rising. It's one of the best films I've done with a fabulous line-up of technicians and artistes. I had the privilege of working with Aamir Khan. I also have Elaan, directed by Vikram Bhatt, in which I play a journalist, and Humko Tum Se Pyar Hai, again by Vikram.

Q: Are you planning to settle down with Vikram Bhatt?
A: No plans to settle down right now. We're not getting married right now. We're very focused on our careers. Marriage is a long way away. I'm very close to Vikram Bhatt. Beyond that there's nothing to be said now.

However speaking about his relationship with Amisha Patel and her case against her parents, director Vikram Bhatt says, "Yes I'm supporting Amisha in her fight to recover what's her due. What's wrong with that? Isn't a friend supposed to stand by you in your hour of need? Amisha is much more than a friend. But the fight is between her and her family.

I'm being made a whipping horse when her mother is being quoted as saying that I'm misguiding her.

Amisha is an intelligent girl. She doesn't need to be told what to do. I'm glad she has taken this stand. Lots of actresses are ripped off by their family.

They never speak out because they end up marrying rich guys and go from one level of affluence to another. It's very brave of Amisha to take a stand."

When asked if the their relationship beyond friendship Vikram said: "Yes, we're very serious about each other. But we've no immediate marriage plans."