Kangana Ranaut opens up about Salman Khan, Anurag Basu and the new mystery man in her life, reports The Times of India. Excerpts

How was the experience of being a film student in New York?
Actually, I had finished one part of the course before Queen. As a creative person, I felt that I had reached a point where I needed to do some thing new. Besides, I have wanted to experience campus life in a big institute since childhood. The experience was lovely. I was not escorted by nannies, unlike others (read actors) who take their entourage along even for holidays. The first few days of staying alone in a new coun try were difficult. But slowly I got used to it.

Has life changed after Queen?
I was written off. People had given up on me. I was not get ting opportunities, until Krrish 3 happened.

But you had cut off ties with the Roshans after Kites...
Intitally, I had refused Krrish 3. Still the Roshans kept inviting me to their parties. They explained to me that I couldn't hold the grudge for too long because Kites was a learning experience for every one. I am a very emotional person. I get hurt easily and behave like a kid. But I under stood they valued me as a person. Slowly, I am changing.

How did the change begin?
Bobby Singh's (Queen cinematographer and friend ) death hit me hard. He died on the spot in 10 minutes. I under stood our time here is limited and it was time I started behaving like a woman.

Aren't filmmakers going to get intimidated because you want to write dialogues for your films? Says who? Sirf Queen mein kiya tha. Vikas Bahl (director) told me that he needs a girl's perspective. I am not going to write for every film, just for the heck of it.

And you have jacked up your acting fee...
Yes, I have hiked my fee by 50 per cent.

So, why don't we see you in big films like a Dabangg?
That's rude. Wasn't Krrish 3 a biggie? And pray, would you like to see me in Dabangg? Why should I get into a space where everybody else is? Working with big heroes, big films and doing as many movies as possible, is not on my agenda. I don't want to live a superficial life where I am unhappy from within.

Post Queen, it was believed that Revolver Rani would do well...
Yes, mujhe bhi laga tha. But it's okay. I didn't let it affect me. That film got polarised reactions.

You haven't fallen in love after your breakup with Nicholas Lafferty. It's been a long time...
I have someone I am emotionally connected to, but we are not physically involved yet.

You opted out of Sujoy Ghosh's film? You can do it now that it's delayed...
I am starting Katti Batti with Imran Khan very soon. Then Tanu Weds Manu 2, followed by Reema Kagti's film with Saif (Ali Khan). I also have Sai Kabir's Divine Lovers.

Imran got a fair amount of criticism for his last film Gori Tere Pyar Mein...
That is very mean. Was the film riding on his shoulders alone? I was tagged as the biggest failure. How can I be judgmental? I am sure he is going to bounce back.

Are you in touch with Anurag Basu?
Off and on, our relationship has healed a lot. It was my fault too that we drifted apart. I was living under the notion that he wasn't there for me when some of my films failed. I am ready to be friends with him like before, I don't know if he is. When people treated me badly, he and his wife let me stay with them. Maybe some day, we can go back to our old days.

You lost other friends too in the last few years. Salman for one...
(Cuts in) No, Salman is very much around. In fact, he called me to say that Nikhil Advani has a lovely script for me in Katti Batti. He even introduced me to Nikhil.