Right now the most nervous woman in Mumbai is Priyanka Chopra. She admits some of the scenes she did in "Aitraaz" made her "squirm".
"It's nerve wracking because it's a very controversial subject - sexual harassment by a woman at the work place. I'm apprehensive because I don't identify with my man-eater character It's a role that goes all-out."
"What I've done in 'Aitraaz' has never been attempted by any other actress before. It's scary. Have I done it convincingly? In real life I'm a very conservative girl."
One thing is for sure. "Aitraaz" isn't a run-of-the-mill film. "And that's why I'm scared. Earlier this year 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi' took me to one level - the successful level. It was my first hit as a solo heroine. And it made a lot of difference to my career.
"Now 'Aitraaz' should get me recognition as an actress," tells Priyanka.
"And I've had to say and do things I never did before. There're a couple of scenes that made me squirm. But more than my actions or dialogues it's my attitude which is aggressive and bold."
Initially Priyanka was very reluctant to play the hotshot lustful executive in the film.
"I don't belong to a family where girls think and behave that way. I thought, what will everyone say? It took a lot of convincing. But my directors Abbas and Mustan finally brought me around. They assured me that I wouldn't be projected wrongly, and I trusted them."
Not too many people know, Priyanka was offered the unfaithful wife's role in Abbas-Mustan's "Humraaz" which she couldn't do. Amisha Patel did the role. Kareena plays Priyanka's arch-rival in "Aitraaz".
The mention of her female co-star brings a smile to Priyanka's face.
"Kareena and I got along very well. Believe me I've never had any problem with any of my female co-stars - Lara in 'Andaaz', Preity in 'The Hero' or now Kareena in 'Aitraaz'. As long as I'm comfortable with my role I've no problems... I still haven't had the guts to go and see 'Aitraaz'. But friends have told me great things about it."
Priyanka has her fingers crossed. "I've never built great expectations about any of my films. But with
'Aitraaz' I'm very hopeful. I'm wondering how people will react... I do play a negative character. And once I
took it on I gave it all my effort."
She talks about her new assignment with Rakesh Roshan. "He called me one day and narrated the role. I said great. Hrithik Roshan and I did a couple of photo sessions and we looked good together.
"It's got a fabulous story. And it'll be one of the most important films next year. Gudduji (Rakesh Roshan) is making sure it'll turn out fine. I'm sure it'll be yet another step ahead for me....I'm grateful my career is taking off in such a big way. Personal setbacks notwithstanding...." Her voice drops as she remembers her sordid run-in with her ex-secretary.
