Personally and professionally, Preity Zinta couldn't be better positioned. The ultra-picky actress has decided to take on three new assignments in 2005 - with Yashraj Films, Karan Johar and Sajid Nadiadwala.

"That's right," she said on the eve of a prolonged stint abroad. "I'm off to Australia for a three month start-to-finish schedule of Siddharth Anand's 'Salaam Namaste' with Saif. I'm very excited about this one.

"It's another Yashraj experience for me after 'Veer-Zaara'. And when Aditya Chopra is producer it's an entirely different experience. When Siddharth narrated the script I knew I was listening to something out of the ordinary. I've a hunch he's going to make something very special."

How can he not with you in it, I joke. Preity chuckles appreciatively: "Thanks... 2004 has been a rewarding year. Now this year looks even more promising. Besides Aditya's film I've signed Karan Johar's new film with Shah Rukh, another 'second' for me that I'm very excited about. 'Kal Ho Na Ho', I have this film, ha ha.

"I've also just said yes to Shirish Kunder's film for Sajid Nadiadwala with Salman and Akshay. Since I've enjoyed working with both in the past, I know I'm going to have blast on this one."

Pausing for breath she continues: "That's my quota for 2005. What really excites me is that all three films belong to different genres and offer me a chance to play different characters, and also to go beyond what I've already attempted."

Indeed life is beautiful for Preity Zinta.

On the personal front, Preity sounds a cautionary note about her prematurely publicised friendship with Ness Wadia. "It's much too early to shout about it from rooftops. We're still discovering each other. And now I'm off for three months. We'll take it up from there."