Ram Gopal Varma has found a new inspiration: Rukhsar.

Tall, fair and striking in her demeanour, Rukhsar was first seen in Deepak Anand's "Yaad Rakhegi Duniya" 13 years ago with Aditya Pancholi as her co-star.

The film flopped and virtually finished off Rukhsar's career.

That was until 2005 when she walked into Varma's office and was immediately signed for two prestigious films.

Varma's earlier inspirations include the fabulous Urmila Matondkar, not to mention other female head-turners Antara Mali, Isha Koppiker and Sameera Reddy (all groomed up in Varma's "Factory").

"Yes," admits Varma. "Rukhsar is doing two films 'D' and 'Sarkar' for me. When she came to meet me I wasn't aware of her past. I've cast her in 'Sarkar' opposite K.K. Menon. Vishram Sawant, my director for 'D', came to my sets and cast her in that film too.

"I knew nothing about her. I hadn't seen her ... ever. So I really didn't know her history ... I haven't seen 'Yaad Rakhegi Duniya'. Now anyone who sees portions of 'Sarkar' or 'D' seems to know her from the past."

The song "Dokha" for "D" filmed on Rajpal Yadav and Rukhsar has made Ramu's new discovery a much talked-about entity. "She has a very strong screen presence."

"Generally very beautiful women don't come across well on screen. Rukhsar is an exception. She was perfect for the part of KK's wife and Bachchan's 'Bahu'. She'll make audiences sit up and notice her," he said.

Varma seems quite excited about Rukhsar.

"I hardly see any competition for her. She's in a unique age-bracket (25-30). She'll be able to carry off a slightly more mature part than the teenybopper roles."

The film industry is already speaking of Varma and Rukhsar as a pair. Varma does a good imitation of a blush.

"How do I react to that? We're just good friends ... I just love that reply ... Seriously how does one answer something like this?"

"I've got my own harem, man. Thanks! I repeat, Rukshar and I are just good friends ... Okay, okay. I'm blushing ... I'm so busy with my work. I don't do anything but make films. I never-ever go by the market. I sign on gut feeling.

"If I see someone is good in a role I'd sign her regardless of what the industry or the media feel about her viability. I don't go by those yardsticks. For me it doesn't matter whether Rukhsar is in the news or not. If I feel she looks good and acts well, she's on.

"A lot of people believe I can pick up anyone and turn her or him into a star. That's untrue. I genuinely have to believe in a newcomer and then try to cast her in the right part."

What happened to Ayesha Takia who's out of the "Factory"? Varma explains: "The film 'Loot' which starred Takia has been postponed. Nothing else. For the time being I've dropped the project."

And will Rukhsar play the title role in "Chudail"? "No way! 'Chudail' is just a title I liked and registered. We'll make that when the script is ready."