Q: How was the dinner with President Musharraf at Rashtrapati Bhawan?
A: It was like a dream come true! The last two days, I've had the most wonderful time. Rashtrapati Bhawan is so beautiful. To just be part of such an event made me feel that I've done something to achieve this. When I was invited to Pakistan, I was overjoyed.

I'm really looking forward to going there. Let's see where the invitation comes from. Maybe it will come directly from the Begum (President Musharraf's wife). They actually want Latabai (Lata Mangeshkar) and me to come to Pakistan.

Q: That's quite an honour.
A: I was the only one from the film industry present at the dinner. I guess my character in Veer-Zaara has made a tremendous impact across the border. I felt honoured to be part of the guest list. Our foreign minister, Mr Natwar Singh, introduced me to everybody.

When he introduced me to his counterpart from across the border, Mr Singh insisted that I be invited to Pakistan. They said they'd love to have me. President Musharraf said I'm very popular in Pakistan. The way they spoke and the kind of people they seem to be, I feel peace is around the corner. I hope the dinner made some kind of difference.

Q: So are you going to Pakistan?
A: I'd love to go. The leaders from both sides of the border are so down to earth. They make the peace problem seem so solvable.

And I really think highly of our prime minister. Manmohan Singhji struck me as a wonderful diplomat and a perfect host. I felt so proud to represent the film industry for such an important occasion.

Q: What do you think of getting all the best actress and best supporting actress awards for 2004?
A: It's quite an honour! I can understand people who question me getting both the awards. My only defense is that I've worked very hard to get where I am. Nothing came easily to me.

And if I was found to be good for two awards, it doesn't mean I should be given just one to make the awards look more democratic. I don't think I can repeat this feat again. Next year, I don't think it will happen.

Q: Now you've got Bunty Aur Babli coming up.
A: Bunty Aur Babli was a ball. After Saathiya, I was working again with Yashraj films and Shaad Ali. The masti that you'll see is one side of me that hasn't come across on screen before. Shaad knows me too well. He could get the madness out of me.

Abhishek, Amit uncle and I had a blast. The film is quite mad. I've never planned anything in my career. It's great to have Bunty Aur Babli. Then The Rising will come next and Paheli.

Q: You're a favourite with both the Bachchans.
A: That's great. I love Amit uncle. By chance, most of my new films have him as well. He is working with me in Bunty Aur Babli and Paheli. Then there's Ravi Chopra's Babul coming up too.

And Karan Johar's film will also have the two of us. So I'll be working with Amit uncle the entire year. What more can I hope for? I always enjoy working with like-minded people. Like I'm immensely happy working with Shah Rukh and Abhishek. Work has become a picnic.

Q: You're the undisputed No 1 today.
A: I don't want to think about that. For me, coming home after work to my down-to-earth family is very important. Everything I have is temporary.

Tomorrow, when it's all gone and I'm married, I need to be that simple Bengali girl — the one that I am at heart. I can't live in a bubble. Mom still screams at me. I'm never allowed to behave like a star.