The Murder franchise did wonders to the heroines of the earlier two films - Mallika Sherawat and Jacqueline Fernandez. Do you expect something similar to happen to your career as well?
My career had a weak start, but with every film, I have taken one baby step forward. I am keeping my fingers crossed for Murder 3. My instinct says that it will help me.
Mahesh Bhatt compares you to the legendary actress Nutan!
Goldie Behl had said the same to me when we were shooting for his production, London Paris New York. For Mahesh Bhatt to reiterate that is like a big encouragement that I am on the right path.
Nutanji was a complete actress; and I think I have already proven that I am cut out to be a heroine.
Are you getting used to compliments?
I met Vaibhavi Merchant a few days ago, who had choreographed the song Sasural genda phool in my first film, Delhi 6.
She said she was very proud of me. Mr Amitabh Bachchan also complimented me at an award show recently, and said, `You are becoming more and more beautiful every day and your work is becoming better and better.`
You seem to be upping the ante as regards the sex quotient in your films (you kissed Ranbir Kapoor in Rockstar, kissed Arunoday Singh 22 times in Yeh Saali Zindagi and now have intimate scenes with Randeep Hooda in Murder 3). Do you treat this as part of an actresses' job?
We are not hypocrites anymore. The boundaries are blurring. Good girls also have sex; that is a part of life. Otherwise, how are kids born?
While shooting the intimate scenes in Murder 3, did you set boundaries for yourself?
I gave in to Vishesh's vision completely, but it is important to set boundaries for yourself. Having said that, I also assert that I won't work with people I don't trust and who might misuse my body.
Your co-star Sara has claimed that Randeep made her comfortable during the intimate scenes. Do you share her opinion?
In an intimate scene, it is essential that you are comfortable around your co-star. From day one, Randeep tried his best to make me comfortable.
Did you make any special preparations for the intimate scenes?
An intimate scene is intense; you have to project a palpable chemistry. The most important preparation I do is to make sure I don't have any mosquito bites on my body.
From playing a bua in Delhi 6, to bagging lead roles, it has been quite a journey for you.
There's no point in whining about something you don't have control over. I was offered certain films earlier in my career. I didn't know that an actor was slotted into images. But I told myself that if I work hard, I will shine.
And it has worked for me. Everyone doesn't get a launch like Deepika Padukone or Parineeti Chopra, but it has been a beautiful journey for me. And people have seen my versatility in different films. My directors tell me that with every film, audiences have got to see more of me. I take that as a compliment.
Aamir Khan's wife Kiran Rao happens to be your cousin sister. Being in the same industry, do you help each other?
She is very fond of me. But I have not taken any help from Kiran or Aamir Khan. When I meet her, I meet her as family.
They have not helped me get any project and I have never asked them to. Of course, I would love to work with Aamir. If I were informed that I am cast opposite him, I might just pass out. He was my first crush.
Does that make you envious of Kiran?
Not at all. I am excited that Aamir is now family.